cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solving constraint satisfaction problems using the loihi spiking neuromorphic processor

In many cases, low power autonomous systems need to make decisions extremely efficiently. However, as a potential solution space becomes more complex, finding a solution quickly becomes nearly impossible using traditional computing methods. Thus, in this work we present a constraint satisfaction algorithm based on the principles of spiking neural networks. To demonstrate the validity of this algorithm, we have shown successful execution of the Boolean satisfiability problem (SAT) on the Intel Loihi spiking neuromorphic research processor. Power consumption in this spiking processor is due primarily to the propagation of spikes, which are the key drivers of data movement and processing. Thus, this system is inherently efficient for many types of problems. However, algorithms must be redesigned in a spiking neural network format to achieve the greatest efficiency gains. To the best of our knowledge, the work in this paper exhibits the first implementation of constraint satisfaction on a low power embedded neuromorphic processor. With this result, we aim to show that embedded spiking neuromorphic hardware is capable of executing general problem solving algorithms with great areal and computational efficiency.
Males deploy multifaceted strategies and hijack longevity pathways to induce premature demise of the opposite sex

Interactions between the sexes negatively impact health in many species, including mammals1-9. In mice, sexual interactions induce weight gain and shorten lifespan in females, independent of fertilization6,9. In Caenorhabditis, males shorten the lifespan of the opposite sex (females or hermaphrodites)1-3,8. However, the mechanisms underlying the negative influence of males on lifespan--and their overlap with known longevity pathways--are still largely unknown. Here, we use transcriptomic profiling and targeted screens to systematically uncover new conserved genes involved in male-induced demise. Interestingly, deficiency of these genes individually, and especially in combination, induces strong protection, highlighting the benefit of combining interventions to extend lifespan. Some genes (e.g. acbp-3, col-43) only extend hermaphrodite lifespan when knocked-down in the presence of males, suggesting specific protective mechanisms against male-induced demise. However, we also uncover two previously unknown longevity genes (sri-40 and delm-2) that, when knocked-down, extend hermaphrodite lifespan both with and without males, which points to new broad mechanisms of resistance. In sharp contrast, many classical long-lived mutants are actually short-lived in the presence of males, suggesting that males hijack and suppress known longevity pathways. This systematic analysis reveals striking differences in longevity in single sex versus mixed sex environments and uncovers the elaborate network of functional regulation elicited by sexual interactions, which could extend to other species.
Editorial Comment on “Imaging Findings in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated With Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)”

This Editorial Comment discusses the following AJR article: Imaging Findings in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with COVID-19.
Overdoped end of the cuprate phase diagram

This work explores the disappearance of superconductivity at the end of the cuprate high-${T}_{c}$ dome. The authors find that the vanishing of ${T}_{c}$ arises from the combined effects of a decrease in the strength of the pairing interaction and an increase in the impurity scattering as the doping increases.
An 800-V High-Density Traction Inverter – Electro-Thermal Characterization and Low-Inductance PCB Bussing Design

The need to increase the power density of traction inverters for the electrified transportation systems offers an opportunity to adopt silicon carbide (SiC) devices. To ensure the system reliability, it is critical to select a SiC power module that can dissipate a sufficient amount of power to avoid operating beyond the maximum allowed junction temperature. In this work, a comprehensive electro-thermal characterization procedure based on the virtual junction temperature concept is proposed to characterize the module’s maximum power dissipation as a function of coolant temperature. Using the characterization results, it is feasible to determine the module’s safe operating area for a traction application in terms of the switching frequency and the coolant temperature. The proposed characterization method is demonstrated on a custom 1200-V SiC module to validate its feasibility for an 800-V, 150-kVA traction inverter system. In addition, the design approach for a low-inductance bussing structure using heavy copper printed circuit board (PCB) is presented in this work, which leads to a snubberless, compact and low-cost system design. Measurements and experimental studies have been performed to validate the effectiveness of PCB bussing design. The overall volume of the inverter system is around 1.75 L, which leads to a volumetric power density of 86 kVA/L.
Hierarchical Analysis of Halo Center in Cosmology.

Ever-increasing data size raises many challenges for scientific data analysis. Particularly in cosmological N-body simulation, finding the center of a dark matter halo suffers heavily from the large computational cost associated with the large number of particles (up to 20 million). In this work, we exploit the latent structure embed in a halo, and we propose a hierarchical approach to approximate the exact gravitational potential calculation for each particle in order to more efficiently find the halo center. Tests of our method on data from N-body simulations show that in many cases the hierarchical algorithm performs significantly faster than existing methods with a desirable accuracy.
Effects of nanoconfinement and surface charge on iron adsorption on mesoporous silica

We present a combined molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopic investigation of aqueous iron adsorption on nanoconfined amorphous silica surfaces. The simulation models examine the effects of pore size, pH (surface charge), iron valency, and counter-ion (chloride or hydroxide). The simulation methods were validated by comparing the coordination environment of adsorbed iron with coordination numbers and bond lengths derived from XAFS. In the MD models, nanoconfinement effects on local iron coordination were investigated by comparing results for unconfined silica surfaces and in confined domains within 2 nm, 4 nm, and 8 nm pores. Experimentally, coordination environments of iron adsorbed onto mesoporous silica with 4 nm and 8 nm pores at pH 7.5 were investigated. The effect of pH in the MD models was included by simulating Fe(II) adsorption onto negatively charged SiO2 surfaces and Fe(III) adsorption on neutral surfaces. The simulation results show that iron adsorption depends significantly on silica surface charge, as expected based on electrostatic interactions. Adsorption on a negatively charged surface is an order of magnitude greater than on the neutral surface, and simulated surface coverages are consistent with experimental results. Pore size effects from the MD simulations were most notable in the adsorption of Fe(II) at deprotonated surface sites (SiO−), but adsorption trends varied with concentration and aqueous Fe speciation. The coordination environment of adsorbed iron varied significantly with the type of anion. Considerable ion pairing with hydroxide anions led to the formation of oligomeric surface complexes and aqueous species, resulting in larger iron hydroxide clusters at higher surface loadings.
Mitoxantrone modulates a glycosaminoglycan-spike complex to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection

Spike-mediated entry of SARS-CoV-2 into human airway epithelial cells is an attractive therapeutic target for COVID-19. In addition to protein receptors, the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein also interacts with heparan sulfate, a negatively charged glycosaminoglycan (GAG) attached to certain membrane proteins on the cell surface. This interaction facilitates the engagement of spike with a downstream receptor to promote viral entry. Here, we show that Mitoxantrone, an FDA-approved topoisomerase inhibitor, targets a spike-GAG complex to compromise the fusogenic function of spike in viral entry. As a single agent, Mitoxantrone inhibits the infection of an authentic SARS-CoV-2 strain in a cell-based model and in human lung EpiAirway 3D tissues. Gene expression profiling supports the plasma membrane as a major target of Mitoxantrone but also underscores an undesired activity targeting nucleosome dynamics. We propose that Mitoxantrone analogs bearing similar GAG-binding activities but with reduced affinity for DNA topoisomerase may offer an alternative therapy to overcome breakthrough infections in the post-vaccine era.
Congenital defect of the gastric musculature with spontaneous perforation; report of five cases.

Summary 1. Five cases of spontaneous neonatalrupture of the stomach are reported. four of these were demonstrated at autopsy, one on surgical exploration. 2. The four autopsied cases revealed histologic evidence of defect in the gastric musculature at the rupture sites, and frequently elsewhere in the stomach. No etiological factor was obvious in the case observed at laparotomy. 3. The cases present a uniform clinicalpicture and constant pathologic findings. 4. Immediate recognition, surgical exploration, and repair offer the only chance for survival.
Inductive Completion by Ground Proof Transformation

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the example of Prolog that has shown the possible success of high-level programming with some powerful mathematical notation as language and an automated theorem-prover as an interpreter for its execution. One of the few serious challenges to this combination of first-order predicate logic and resolution theorem proving is provided to date by the language of term-equations together with rewrite-rule machines and the Knuth–Bendix completion procedure. The latter approach has important applications in the area of data-type specification, where term equations provide a natural specification language, whose expressive power and usefulness is well known from modern Algebra and the theory of recursive functions. Software specification through term-equations has the advantage that, by interpreting the equations as directed rewrite-rules, an easy to implement rewrite-rule machine allows their efficient application and, therefore, some means of rapid prototyping. The category of all models forms an equational variety, for which the usual equational reasoning is a complete proof procedure. In the variety, there are also certain initial or standard models that are important in practice because they capture some standard intuition; all data items in these models are denoted by terms without variables formed from the operators in the equations and, hence, they are finitely constructible.
Pulmonary Edema in Organ Donors and Lung Transplant Recipients: Is there a Role for Beta-adrenergic Agonists?

Lung transplantation is a therapeutic option for patients with end-stage lung or pulmonary vascular disease with an average of 1700 bilateral and single lung transplants performed each year in the United States. Since the 1980s, survival rates for lung transplantation have improved due to advances in surgical techniques, availability of newer immunosuppressive regimens, and enhanced post-operative management. Despite better outcomes, low donor lung utilization rates and a high incidence of primary graft failure are challenges that limit the availability of donor lungs and lung transplant recipient survival, respectively. The objectives of this review are as follows: to summarize the condition of lungs that are rejected for transplantation using current donor lung selection criteria, to outline the mechanisms of pulmonary edema in the brain dead organ donor, to outline the mechanisms of primary graft failure in lung transplant recipients, to explain the importance of alveolar fluid clearance in resolution of pulmonary edema, and to discuss potential therapeutic interventions, specifically β-agonists, for attenuating pulmonary edema in organ donor and lung recipients.
FIAT MONEY AND COORDINATION: A "PERVERSE" COEXISTENCE OF PRIVATE NOTES AND FIAT MONEY

This paper attempts to combine important insights on matching models of money with insights from the macroeconomic coordination game-technological complementarity literature. One important old insight, but which has been refined lately, is that money is imperfect information. Further, one simple specification of incomplete information in particular, which has proven fruitful in motivating outside fiat money in matching environments, is to assume that agents are unidentifiable. This paper adopts this approach. In earlier work, it has also been argued that outside money has a direct role to play in production coordination itself. On the other hand, this paper considers another, and very different, possible aspect of the relationship between outside money and production coordination, in a matching model of incomplete information. Outside fiat money can actually have its very demand induced by the anticipation and realization of a production coordination failure that, in self-fulfilling fashion, its own existence facilitates. Moreover, this perverse demand for outside fiat money coexists with private notes.
Conduction of pEC22, a plasmid coding for MR.EcoT22I, mediated by a resident Tn3-like transposon, Tn5396.

pEC22 is a small plasmid that encodes the restriction-modification system MR.EcoT22I. Restriction and functional analysis of the plasmid identified the positions of genes encoding that system. The plasmid is able to be conducted by conjugal plasmids, a process mediated by a transposon contained within pEC22. This cryptic transposon, called Tn5396, was isolated from pEC22 and partially sequenced. The sequence of Tn5396 is for the most part typical of transposons of the Tn3 family and is most similar to that of Tn1000. The transposon differs from closely related transposons in that it lacks well-conserved sequences in the inverted-repeat region and has an unusually long terminal inverted repeat. Consideration of regions of internal sequence similarity in this and other transposons in the Tn3 family supports a theory of the mechanism by which the ends of Tn3-like transposons may maintain substantial identity between their inverted repeats over the course of evolutionary time.
Humanist Principles Underlying Philosophy of Argument

This discussion reviews the thinking of some prominent philosophers of argument to extract principles common to their thinking. It shows that a growing concern with dialogical pragmatics is better appreciated as a part of applied ethics than of applied epistemology. The discussion concludes by indicating a possible consequence for philosophy of argument and invites further discussion by asking whether argumentation philosophy has an implicit, underlying moral, or even political, posture.
Utility of Inferior Turbinoplasty for the Treatment of Nasal Obstruction in Children A 10-Year Review

Importance Inferior turbinoplasty (IT) in pediatric patients is a common procedure used to treat childhood nasal obstruction. Most of the published IT studies in this population did not control for concurrent airway procedures. Objective To assess postoperative outcomes in pediatric patients undergoing isolated IT. Design, Setting, and Participants Ten-year retrospective review of the medical records of 1770 children (aged Main Outcomes and Measures Demographics, complications, postoperative outcomes, the need for revision surgery and continued use of medication, and overall parent satisfaction with the procedure. Outcomes were assessed with a 5-point Likert scale of parental perception of their child’s ability to breathe through the nose (nasal patency) preoperatively and currently (1 indicates extremely poor; 5, extremely well) and their overall satisfaction rating for the procedure (1 indicates extremely dissatisfied; 5, extremely satisfied). Results Of the 1770 children, 107 underwent isolated IT. The mean age of the cohort was 10.5 (range, 1.2-17.9) years. The IT procedures included radiofrequency ablation (72 [67.3%]), microdebridement (19 [17.8%]), and partial turbinate resection (21 [19.6%]). No major complications were observed. Eight revision ITs for persistent nasal symptoms were performed independently of the initial surgical procedure, including 4 of 72 radiofrequency ablations (5.6%), 1 of 19 microdebridements (5.3%), and 3 of 21 partial turbinate resections (14.3%), with no difference among the 3 techniques ( P = .10). The parents of 63 patients completed the telephone questionnaire with a mean follow-up of 4.55 (range, 0.63-10.68) years. The combined parental satisfaction on a 5-point Likert scale for the extremely satisfied and satisfied categories was 44 (69.8%), and the nasal patency score improved significantly from 2.0 to 3.4 (95% CI, 1.03-1.65; P P = .02) and a higher postoperative use of medical therapy (13 of 34 patients [38.2%] vs 21 of 73 [28.8%]; P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance Inferior turbinoplasty showed overall utility and was safe and effective in the treatment of nasal obstruction in children for whom medical management had failed. No differences between surgical techniques were found in patient satisfaction, improvement of nasal patency, and recurrence, likely related to sample size. More than half of the patients continued to use medical therapy postoperatively, suggesting that inferior turbinate hypertrophy should not be considered solely as a surgical disease. Allergic rhinitis was identified as a significant comorbidity.
Molecular GAS Images of Proto-Planetary Nebulae

We present preliminary results from a 12C0 J=1−0 imaging survey of evolved stars which includes the PPNe: IRAS 22272+5435, HD 161796 and AFGL 2343. This survey complements the low excitation atomic gas study presented here by Fong et al. and Castro-Carrizo et al. The CO emission images of these three PPNe reveal round and detached ring structures that are expanding. These simple structures contrast with the bipolar outflows embedded in the larger envelopes of the two best studied PPNe, AFGL 618 and AFGL 2688.
Multivariable cochain operations and little -cubes

This paper has two goals. The first (see Theorem 2.15 and Remark 2.16(a)) is to construct a small Em chain operad S which acts naturally on the normalized cochains S*X of a topological space X. This is of interest in view of a theorem of Mandell [15, page 44] which states that if (9 is any E, chain operad over F, (the algebraic closure of the field with p elements) which acts naturally on S*X 0 F,, then the homotopy category of connected p-complete nilpotent spaces of finite type
Age differences in patient recovery patterns following coronary artery bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine whether physical, psychological and social recovery within the first 6 weeks following coronary artery bypass surgery varied by age. METHODS A repeated measures design was used for this study. Data were collected from a convenience sample of three age groups of patients at the following times: prior to hospital discharge and at 1, 3 and 6 weeks after discharge. The three age groups studied were less than 60 years, 60 to 70 years and more than 70 years. Data were collected by interview and mail questionnaires. The initial sample consisted of 258 patients, of whom 184 completed the study. Eleven instruments were used to measure recovery including the Sickness Impact Profile, Beck Depression Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale and the Symptom Inventory. RESULTS No significant differences were found among the age groups for any of the physical, psychological or social recovery measures. Within each age group physical, psychological and social recovery improved significantly over time. Although patients more than 70 years of age remained in the hospital significantly longer, once discharged, they did not have more difficulty with recovery than the other age groups. DISCUSSION As expected, all age groups experienced significant improvement in recovery over time. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to what past research about cardiac surgery and the elderly might lead one to expect, in this study, the oldest patients did not have the poorest recovery patterns. Persons more than 70 years had recovery patterns similar to those of younger age groups.
Electro-rheological fluidic actuators for haptic vehicular instrument controls

Force-feedback mechanisms have been designed to simplify and enhance the human-vehicle interface. The increase in secondary controls within vehicle cockpits has created a desire for a simpler, more efficient human-vehicle interface. By consolidating various controls into a single, haptic feedback control device, information can be transmitted to the operator, without requiring the driver's visual attention. In this paper Electro-Rheological Fluids (ERF) based actuated mechanisms are presented that provide haptic feedback ERFs are liquids that respond mechanically to electric fields by changing their properties, such as viscosity and shear stress electroactively. Using the electrically controlled rheological properties of ERFs, we developed haptic devices that can resist human operator forces in a controlled and tunable fashion. The design of two types of ERF-based actuators and joystick is presented in detail. Their analytical model is derived, parametric analysis is performed, and experimental systems and data are presented.
A Locus Influencing Total Serum Cholesterol on Chromosome 19p Results From an Autosomal Genomic Scan of Serum Lipid Concentrations in Pima Indians

A genome-wide linkage study was analyzed to identify loci that influence serum lipid concentrations in Pima Indians. Linkage analyses were conducted for total cholesterol measured in 998 siblings from 292 nuclear families, for total triglycerides in 547 siblings from 188 families, and for high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in 590 siblings from 201 families. Genotypes were generated for 516 autosomal microsatellite markers. Multipoint variance components methods were used to assess linkage. The strongest evidence for linkage with total cholesterol was on chromosome 19p (lod score 3.89), in the vicinity of the marker D19S1034, which is near the low density lipoprotein receptor gene. The strongest evidence for linkage with HDL cholesterol was on chromosome 3q (lod score 2.64) near D3S3053. For triglycerides, the strongest evidence for linkage was on chromosome 2p near D2S1788 (lod score 1.70) and on chromosome 3p near D3S2406 (lod score 1.77). This genomic scan provides evidence for a locus influencing total cholesterol concentration on chromosome 19p. It also suggests a locus influencing HDL cholesterol on chromosome 3q.
Medical Malpractice Crisis Florida’s Recent Experience

As summarized in several previous Circulation Mini-Reviews1–3 and elsewhere,4 the United States is experiencing a growing deficit in cardiovascular physicians that is made worse as cardiovascular diseases become more prevalent. Important contributors to this deficit in the cardiovascular workforce and other specialty workforces are the high and rising costs of malpractice premiums in the majority of our states.5 As cardiovascular specialists in Florida (cardiothoracic surgery and cardiology), we are at the center of this crisis. In the present review, we will examine the problem along with recent activities related to this crisis in Florida and discuss their implications. The American Medical Association stated in June 2002, that the majority (>40) of our states had major problems in that members of high-risk specialties were leaving or considering leaving their practices. Then–AMA President, Richard F. Corlin, MD, stated, “doctors are disappearing from American communities on a regular basis because of skyrocketing medical liability insurance premiums and an out-of-control legal system. As insurance becomes unaffordable or unavailable, and the legal system produces multi-million dollar jury awards on a regular basis, physicians are forced to limit services, leave practices, or relocate—all of which seriously impede patient access to high quality health care.” Florida (along with Georgia, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia) was among the 12 states considered to be at crisis level. According to the Department of Insurance in Florida, in 1975, total indemnity payments for professional liability cases were $10 271 090. By 2001, this had increased 3074% to a total indemnity payout of $326 052 228. A survey of comparative 2002 malpractice insurance premiums revealed that an invasive cardiologist in Los Angeles paid $16 148 for $1 000 000 coverage, whereas the same specialist in Miami paid $106 497, highest …
Propensity to Trust and the Impact on Social Exchange An Empirical Investigation

This study investigated the influence of individuals' propensity to trust on the relationship between supervisors and their subordinates. Specifically, the authors tested both the direct and interactional effects of supervisors' and employees' propensity to trust and perceptions of social exchange quality. Results indicated that managerial propensity to trust did not have a direct influence on perceptions of social exchange, but employees' propensity to trust was positively related to their perceived social exchange quality. Additionally, the interaction between managerial and employee propensity to trust indicated that the most positive exchange relationships were perceived to exist when both managers and employees were high in propensity to trust.
The General Data Dissemination System (GDDS) - A Reflection on its First 12 Years and Plans for Taking it Forward

The paper reviews the developments in the last 12 years that have influenced the evolution of the IMF's General Data Dissemination System, leading to reforms to enhance its role. The GDDS itself is part of a broader IMF Data Standards Initiative launched in 1996 to help address macroeconomic data deficiencies, which contributed to the emerging economies' financial crisis during the early 1990s. The review takes stock of the experience with statistical technical assistance provided to member countries and the ongoing reforms, within and outside the IMF, to strengthen the GDDS. Such reforms are particularly relevant in the context of the ongoing economic and financial crisis, which once again underscores the role of statistics in guiding policymakers to strengthen defenses against future crises.
CUE with many weak instruments and nearly singular design

Abstract This paper analyzes many weak moment asymptotics under the possibility of similar moments. The possibility of highly related moments arises when there are many of them. Knight and Fu (2000) designate the issue of similar regressors as the “nearly singular” design in the least squares case. In the nearly singular design, the sample variance converges to a singular limit term. However, Knight and Fu (2000) assume that on the nullspace of the limit term, the difference between the sample variance and the singular matrix converges in probability to a positive definite matrix when multiplied by an appropriate rate. We consider specifically Continuous Updating Estimator (CUE) with many weak moments under nearly singular design. We show that the nearly singular design affects the form of the limit of the many weak moment asymptotics that is introduced by Newey and Windmeijer (2009a). However, the estimator is still consistent and the Wald test has the standard χ 2 limit.
In vivo localization of liposomes in skeletal and cardiac muscle following experimental coronary ligation in guinea pigs.

Abstract Liposomes containing the dye, IAEDANS, targeted to the ischemic myocardium of the guinea pig and mediated intracellular transport of the dye. This resulted in approximately 0.1% of the entrapped dye being covalently complexed to actomyosin in the infarcted region following experimental coronary ligation.
Arterial amino acid concentrations in sheep consuming forage diets

Arterial blood collected from sheep was analyzed for various amino acids to evaluate effects of dietary forage characteristics on adequacy of amino acid availability for protein synthesis. In three experiments with grass diets consumed ad libitum or in limited quantities by nearly mature wethers, differences in grass source and(or) quality generally did not markedly affect arterial concentrations of essential amino acids. In the fourth experiment, wethers (7.5 months of age and 31±0.8 kg BW) consumed ad libitum bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon; BG) and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)–wheat (Triticum aestivum; RW) hay mixtures in percentages of 0, 33, 67 and 100%. As DE intake decreased with increasing dietary level of BG, arterial lysine concentration increased linearly (P=0.02; 116, 137, 144 and 157 μM for 0, 33, 67 and 100% BG, respectively); whereas, concentrations of other essential amino acids did not differ among treatments. In the fifth experiment, wethers (8.5 months of age and 33±0.9 kg BW) consumed ad libitum BG or RW either coarsely chopped or finely ground and pelleted; DE intake was greater for RW vs. BG and for pelleted than for chopped grass. Lysine concentration was greater (P=0.01) for BG than for RW and was decreased (P=0.03) by pelleting (133, 118, 114 and 78 μM for chopped BG, pelleted BG, chopped RW and pelleted RW, respectively). Conversely, concentrations of tryptophan, valine, phenylalanine, isoleucine and leucine were greater (P<0.03) for RW than for BG, and grinding and pelleting increased concentrations of valine (P=0.07) and phenylalanine (P=0.06). In conclusion, DE intake with grass diets may influence particular amino acids most limiting to protein synthesis by growing ruminants, with lysine availability being of relatively greater concern with forages yielding high vs. low DE intake.
Interaction between the Plasma of the Loggerhead Turtle and Toxin of the Portuguese Man-of-War

THE loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta, is reported to eat the Portuguese man-of-war, Physalia physalis 1–3. Where Physalia are assembled in windrows, loggerheads are often seen at the surface with eyes closed, eating this siphonophore. Velella, an allied species, has also been identified from stomach contents of a turtle which was identified as a loggerhead4. Physalia is equipped with a singularly potent toxin5. This is contained in nematocysts which can penetrate a rubber glove and presumably even the chitinous exoskeleton of a crab's leg. As Barbour pointed out, the dense impenetrable skin of the face and jaws might protect a turtle from some of the obvious hazards of such a feast. However, since tentacles of active colonies have been observed to cling tightly to the skin, gloves, glass containers and even to the polished steel surface of a pair of scissors, it is difficult to explain the ability of the turtle to swallow, much less to digest and survive this meal. We believe that the acid of the stomach contents would inactivate the nematocyst and its contained venom virtually upon contact. The unconcern of the adult turtle with the toxic effects of the nematocysts might be due to the presence of protective antibodies in the blood acquired by contact with Physalia early in life. It is the object of this communication to report the results of experiments designed to test this hypothesis.
FEN1 stimulation of DNA polymerase beta mediates an excision step in mammalian long patch base excision repair.

Abstract In mammalian cells, single-base lesions, such as uracil and abasic sites, appear to be repaired by at least two base excision repair (BER) subpathways: “single-nucleotide BER” requiring DNA synthesis of just one nucleotide and “long patch BER” requiring multi-nucleotide DNA synthesis. In single-nucleotide BER, DNA polymerase β (β-pol) accounts for both gap filling DNA synthesis and removal of the 5′-deoxyribose phosphate (dRP) of the abasic site, whereas the involvement of various DNA polymerases in long patch BER is less well understood. Recently, we found that β-pol plays a role in mammalian cell extract-mediated long patch BER, in that formation of a key excision product, 5′-dRP-trinucleotide (5′-dRP-N3), is dependent upon β-pol (Dianov, G. L., Prasad, R., Wilson, S. H., and Bohr, V.A. (1999)J. Biol. Chem. 274, 13741–13743). The structure-specific endonuclease flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) has also been suggested to be involved in long patch BER excision. Here, we demonstrate by immunodepletion experiments that 5′-dRP-N3excision in long patch BER of uracil-DNA in a human lymphoid cell extract is, indeed, dependent upon FEN1. Next, we reconstituted the excision step of long patch BER using purified human proteins and an oligonucleotide substrate with 5′-dRP at the margin of a one-nucleotide gap. Formation of the excision product 5′-dRP-N3 was dependent upon both strand displacement DNA synthesis by β-pol and FEN1 excision. FEN1 stimulated strand displacement DNA synthesis of β-pol. FEN1 acting either alone, or without DNA synthesis by β-pol, produced a two-nucleotide excision product, 5′-dRP-N1, but not 5′-dRP-N3. These results demonstrate that human FEN1 and β-pol can cooperate in long patch BER excision and specify the predominant excision product seen with a cell extract.
A radiation pulse interrupts IMPATT diode oscillation

An IMPATT diode was observed while being irradiated by neutron and gamma pulses. The diode ceased to oscillate upon initiation of each pulse and then recovered slowly. Frequency of oscillation increased with neutron fluence.
Hippocampal neuronal loss and regional hypometabolism in temporal lobe epilepsy.

The pathophysiology of widespread interictal hypometabolism in temporal lobe epilepsy is unknown but might reflect neuronal loss and diaschisis. We found no significant correlation between any cortical region's metabolism on preoperative { 18 F}fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and neuronal density of resected hippocampi in 40 patients. We conclude that hippocampal neuronal loss and diaschisis cannot account for the regional interictal hypometabolism of temporal lobe epilepsy
Evaluation of a novel, hand-held, acoustic emissions detector to monitor termites (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae) in wood.

A hand-held, battery-powered acoustic emissions (AE) detector designed to locate and monitor wood-feeding insects was evaluated for its ability to detect termites in wood. It was possible to detect 20 Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, Incisitermes snyderi (Light), and Neotermes jouteli (Banks) pseudergates in small wooden blocks 100% of the time during an experimental 5-min interval. If undisturbed, 20 Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) pseudergates could be detected at a 98% frequency. AE production was governed largely by termite species and density. In detection tests along longitudinally oriented wood grain, termites could be detected up to 80 cm from the AE sensor, although detection at progressively shorter distances from termites was increasingly more likely. Detection of termites in wood in a tangential orientation (against grain) was unlikely beyond 8 cm. Although counts were high (up to 299 per min), there was a poor relationship between I. snyderi numbers and AE event counts in naturally infested logs. The only termite behavior observed to elicit detection by the AE units was wood feeding. Most ambient noises were not registered by the detector. It was concluded that this device offers a reliable method for localized, nondestructive detection of termites in wood.
Estimating the accuracy of anal cytology in the presence of an imperfect reference standard.

Background The study aim is to estimate sensitivity and specificity of anal cytology for histologic HSIL in analyses adjusted for the imperfect biopsy reference standard. Methods and Principal Findings Retrospective cohort study of an anal dysplasia screening program for HIV infected adults. We estimated the prevalence of histologic HSIL by concurrent cytology category and the associated cytology ROC area. Cytology operating characteristics for HSIL were estimated and adjusted for the imperfect reference standard by 3 methodologies. The study cohort included 261 patients with 3 available measures: (1) referral cytology; (2) HRA cytology; and (3) HRA directed biopsy. The prevalence of biopsy HSIL varied according to the concurrent HRA cytology result: 64.5% for HSIL or ASC-H, 12.6% for LSIL, 10.9% for ASCUS, and 6.3% for no abnormality. The cytology ROC area was 0.78. The observed prevalence of HSIL was 37% (referral cytology), 24% (HRA cytology), and 24% (HRA biopsy). Unadjusted estimates of sensitivity and specificity of cytology were 0.66 and 0.90, respectively. Adjusted estimates varied from 0.47–0.89 (sensitivity) and 0.89—1.0 (specificity). Conclusions Analysis of a single dataset yields widely different estimates of anal cytology operating characteristics that depend on difficult to verify assumptions regarding the accuracy of the imperfect reference standard.
Analysis of specimen-fixture interaction for slow crack-growth studies

Abstract The self-loading procedures used in stress-corrosion tests have important effects on the associated stress intensities. This study examines those effects and uses finite element calculations to generate curves of stress intensity as a function of flaw size for several specimen types in common use. By means of a procedure based on compliance, the resulting data are recombined into a form suitable for crack-growth studies. A reliable method that uses these results is suggested here for measuring flaw size during long-term tests. A testing method of considerable versatility based on commonly used fracture specimens is discussed, and experimental experience with the method is described.
Pooled testing for HIV prevalence estimation: exploiting the dilution effect

We study pooled (or group) testing as a method for estimating the prevalence of HIV; rather than testing each sample individually, this method combines various samples into a pool and then tests the pool. Existing pooled testing procedures estimate the prevalence using dichotomous test outcomes. However, HIV test outcomes are inherently continuous, and their dichotomization may eliminate useful information. To overcome this problem, we develop a parametric procedure that utilizes the continuous outcomes. This procedure employs a hierarchical pooling model and estimates the prevalence using the likelihood equation. The likelihood equation is solved using an iterative algorithm, and a simulation study shows that our procedure yields very accurate estimates at a fraction of the cost of existing procedures.
Reentry in a morphologically realistic atrial model.

Reentry in Morphologically Realistic Atria.Introduction: Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In ablation procedures, identification of the reentrant pathways is vital. This has proven difficult because of the complex morphology of the atria. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the role of specific anatomic structures on reentry induction and maintenance. Method and Results: A computationally efficient, morphologically realistic, computer model of the atria was developed that incorporates its major structural features, including discrete electrical connections between the right and left atria, physiologic fiber orientation in three dimensions, muscle structures representing the crista terminalis (CT) and pectinate muscles, and openings for the veins and AV valves. Reentries were induced near the venous openings in the left and right atria, the mouth of the coronary sinus, and the free wall of the right atrium. The roles of certain muscular structures were ascertained by selectively removing the structures and observing how the propagation of activity was affected. Conclusion: (1) The muscular sheath of the coronary sinus acts as a pathway for a reentrant circuit and stabilizes any circuits that utilize the isthmus near the inferior vena cava. (2) Poor trans-CT coupling serves to stabilize flutter circuits. (3) Wall thickness is an important factor in the propagation of electrical activity, especially in the left atrium. (4) The openings of the inferior and superior venae cavae form natural anatomic anchors that make reentry easier to initiate by allowing for smaller ectopic beats to induce reentry.
Elastic-viscoplastic anisotropic modeling of textured metals and validation using the Taylor cylinder impact test

Abstract An elastic-viscoplastic model for describing the anisotropic high-strain rate behavior of both low-symmetry and high-symmetry textured materials is proposed. Yielding is described using a recently developed criterion which can capture simultaneously anisotropy and compression–tension asymmetry associated with deformation twinning. The anisotropy coefficients as well as the size of the elastic domain are considered to be functions of the accumulated plastic strain. The specific expressions for the evolution laws are determined using a multi-scale methodology, i.e. experimental measurements of crystallographic texture and uniaxial stress–strain curves, polycrystalline calculations, and macroscopic scale interpolation techniques. An overstress approach is used to incorporate rate effects in the formulation. Applications of the model to the description of the high strain-rate response of low-symmetry (hexagonal-close-packed zirconium) and high-symmetry (body-centered-cubic tantalum) pre-textured metals are presented. The very good agreement between the simulated and experimental post-test geometries of the Taylor impact specimens in terms of major and minor side profiles and impact-interface footprints shows the ability of the model to describe with fidelity the differences in the evolution of anisotropy between zirconium and tantalum.
Anxiety Sensitivity as an Amplifier of Subjective and Behavioral Tobacco Abstinence Effects

Background Anxiety sensitivity, a transdiagnostic cognitive vulnerability factor described as an amplifier of negative emotional states, is implicated in the maintenance of cigarette smoking and cessation difficulties. The current study aimed to examine the role of anxiety sensitivity in predicting abstinence-induced changes in nicotine withdrawal, smoking urges and smoking behavior during an experimental relapse analogue task (RAT).
Determination of specific activity of isotopic materials by thin layer chromatography

A modified method for determination of specific activity by thin layer chromatography (TLC) is described. Based on in situ spectrodensitometry after separation by TLC, the method is rapid and requires amounts of reference material in the microgram range.
Effects of optimism/pessimism and locus of control on disability and quality of life in Parkinson's disease

Abstract Purpose To assess optimism/pessimism and locus of control in a sample of Parkinson's disease patients and to evaluate their impact on disability and health-related quality of life. Methods 99 patients with Parkinson's disease completed the Life Orientation Test, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control, Older Americans Resource and Services Activities of Daily Living Subscale, and Short Form-12 Health Status Survey. Disease stage and severity measures were completed by movement disorder specialists. Correlations and multivariate regressions compared optimism/pessimism and locus of control with disability and health-related quality of life. Results Higher optimism and less pessimism were associated with better mental health quality of life. Greater internal locus of control was associated with less disability. These results remained significant when controlling for disease severity. Conclusions Low optimism or high pessimism is associated with reduced quality of life in Parkinson's disease. Patients with less internal locus of control have greater disability. Interventions that promote personal control and positive attitudes may assist in reducing disability and improving quality of life in Parkinson's disease.
Monensin can transport calcium across cell membranes in a sodium independent fashion in the crayfish Procambarus clarkii

Abstract Monensin, a Na + -selective ionophore, enhances transmitter release when applied to crustacean and frog neuromuscular junctions. Monensin is believed to raise intracellular sodium ([Na + ] i ) which in turn elevates intracellular calcium ([Ca 2+ ] i ). Using the fluorescent indicator fura-2, we measured [Ca 2+ ] i in crayfish Procambarus clarkii presynaptic terminals during monensin application in normal Ringer, zero-calcium Ringer and zero-sodium Ringer to determine if [Ca 2+ ] i increases with monensin application and if so by what mechanism. In normal Ringer, monensin, 10 μM and 100 μM, elevated [Ca 2+ ] i by 440 nM and 7 μM respectively. This rise in [Ca 2+ ] i was dependent on external calcium, as [Ca 2+ ] i did not increase in zero-calcium Ringer. However, in a zero-sodium Ringer, monensin (10 μM) elevated [Ca 2+ ] i by 370 nM. It is important to recognize that monensin, thought to be a sodium-selective ionophore, can transport calcium across the cytoplasmic membrane in a sodium-independent manner.
Subsequent Births in Families of Children With Disabilities: Using Demographic Data to Examine Parents' Reproductive Patterns

Abstract The authors determined family reproductive patterns after the birth of a child with (vs. without) a disability. Using Tennessee birth records, the authors examined families of children with Down syndrome (N = 1,123), spina bifida (N = 368), and population group (N = 734,189). Families of children with Down syndrome and with spina bifida were more likely to have subsequent children and larger family sizes than the population group. When a 1st-born target child was born, 28.8% of families had a 2nd child in the population group compared with 37.1% and 45.7% when the child had spina bifida or Down syndrome, respectively. Families of children with disabilities were more likely to have subsequent children regardless of maternal race, marital status, and educational level.
Purification of porcine liver pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and characterization of its catalytic and regulatory properties

Abstract Procedures are described for isolating highly purified porcine liver pyruvate and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complexes. Rabbit serum stabilized these enzyme complexes in mitochondrial extracts, apparently by inhibiting lysosomal proteases. The complexes were purified by a three-step procedure involving fractionation with polyethylene glycol, pelleting through 12.5% sucrose, and a second fractionation under altered conditions with polyethylene glycol. Sedimentation equilibrium studies gave a molecular weight of 7.2 × 10 6 for the liver pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. Kinetic parameters are presented for the reaction catalyzed by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and for the regulatory reactions catalyzed by the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase and pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase. For the overall catalytic reaction, the competitive K i to K m ratio for NADH versus NAD + and acetyl CoA versus CoA were 4.7 and 5.2, respectively. Near maximal stimulations of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase by NADH and acetyl CoA were observed at NADH:NAD + and acetyl CoA:CoA ratios of 0.15 and 0.5, respectively. The much lower ratios required for enhanced inactivation of the complex by pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase than for product inhibition indicate that the level of activity of the regulatory enzyme is not directly determined by the relative affinity of substrates and products of catalytic sites in the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. In the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase reaction, K + and NH + 4 decreased the K m for ATP and the competitive inhibition constants for ADP and (β,γ-methylene)adenosine triphosphate. Thiamine pyrophosphate strongly inhibited kinase activity. A high concentration of ADP did not alter the degree of inhibition by thiamine pyrophosphate nor did it increase the concentration of thiamine pyrophosphate required for half-maximal inhibition.