cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing Atmospheric Variability using Kernel Principal Component Analysis

Abstract A popular methodology to filter seemingly chaotic atmospheric flow into an ordered set of modes of variability is to identify those patterns of geopotential height that occur often. Historically, understanding of the leading patterns or modes of variability was determined through linear statistical methods. Recently, nonlinear methods, such as kernel principal component analysis (KPCA), have been developed that allow for assessing the degree of nonlinearity inherent in the atmospheric flow. By applying KPCA, new modes of variability may be revealed, or current modes may be refined. This study will apply KPCA to filter the atmospheric flow into dominant patterns of 500 hPa Northern Hemisphere geopotential height patterns. Geopotential heights at 500 hPa were drawn from the monthly NCEP/NCAR reanalysis (NNRP) from 1948- present. This research examines the sensitivity of KPCA derived geopotential height patterns drawn from different kernel functions. The research compares the KPCA results of different kernel functions through cross-validation, assessing physical depictions and the generalization of the KPCA for each kernel. Pattern similarity of the cross- validated analyses is assessed, since the magnitude of the height patterns in high-dimensional Hilbert space will be highly dependent on the selected kernel function. The optimal kernel functions are selected using cross-correlations between the cross-validated sets, providing a baseline for future variability studies.
Wavelength Conversion Based on Copolarized Pumps Generated by Optical Carrier Suppression

Polarization-insensitive wavelength conversion based on four-wave mixing for 112-Gb/s polarization- multiplexed return-to-zero quadrature phase-shift keying signals (PolMux-RZ-QPSK) with digital coherent detection is experimentally demonstrated. The dual-pumps always have the same polarization direction and fixed frequency spacing because they are generated by the optical carrier suppression technique. The conversion efficiency at different pumping powers and signal wavelengths has also been investigated. A tuning range of a signal wavelength of wider than 18 nm is realized with the same conversion efficiency in this proposed architecture. There is no obvious optical signal-to-noise ratio penalty for the converted 112-Gb/s PolMux-RZ-QPSK signals.
Helium-oxygen mixture does not improve gas exchange in mechanically ventilated children with bronchiolitis.

Varying concentrations of helium-oxygen (heliox) mixtures were evaluated in mechanically ventilated children with bronchiolitis. We hypothesized that, with an increase in the helium:oxygen ratio, and therefore a decrease in gas density, ventilation and oxygenation would improve in children with bronchiolitis. Ten patients, aged 1-9 months, were mechanically ventilated in synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) mode with the following gas mixtures delivered at 15-min intervals: 50%/50% nitrogen/oxygen, 50%/50% heliox, 60%/40% heliox, 70%/30% heliox, and return to 50%/50% nitrogen/oxygen. The use of different heliox mixtures compared with 50%/50% nitrogen/oxygen in mechanically ventilated children with bronchiolitis did not result in a significant or noticeable decrease in ventilation or oxygenation.
Event selection in bubble chamber data analysis

Abstract A method for establishing event selection criteria in bubble chamber experiments is described. Each event is represented by a point ( P n , W n ) where P n and W n are the missing energy and momentum for a given reaction hypothesis. The acceptable values of ( P n , W n ) for different reactions can be defined and the distribution of events studied to resolve ambiguities between reactions and to establish selection criteria.
The Elusive Embryo: How Women and Men Approach New Reproductive Technologies

The Elusive Embryo: How Women and Men Approach New Reproductive Technologies. Gay Becker. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2000. 320 pp.
Combining behavior and data modeling in automated test case generation

Software testing plays a critical role in the process of creating and delivering high-quality software products. Manual software testing can be an expensive, tedious and error-prone process, therefore testing is often automated in an attempt to reduce its cost and improve its defect detection capability. Model-based testing, a technique used in automated test case generation, is an important topic because it addresses the need for test suites that are of high-quality and yet, maintainable. Current model-based techniques often use a single model to represent system behavior. Using a single model may restrict the number and type of test cases that may be generated. In this paper, system-level test case generation is accomplished using two models to represent system behavior. The results of case studies used to evaluate this technique indicate that for the systems studied a larger percentage of the required test cases can be generated using the combined modeling approach.
The earth's core: Speculations on its chemical equilibrium with the mantle

Abstract A review of the literature indicates that a reasonable estimate of the composition of the earth's core is iron with Ni0–5, Si10–25 (wt.%). Thermodynamic calculations and comparison of chondritic with terrestrial abundances indicate that 1 wt.% each of Mn, P, and Cr might also be present. A core of this composition was probably in chemical equilibrium with the mantle at the time of core formation because: 1. (1) The reactions 2Fe + SiO2 = 2FeO + Si and Fe2SiO4 + 2Ni = Ni2SiO4 + 2Fe proceed further to the right at the T and P values prevailing at the core-mantle boundary than at lower temperatures, thus supporting the presence of Si in the core and the relatively high Ni concentration of the mantle; 2. (2) the Fe 3+ Fe 2+ ratios in mantle materials indicate oxygen fugacity values close to that of the Fe-Fe1−xO buffer; and 3. (3) the apparent partitioning of Au and similar elements between the core and the mantle is close to that of pallasites. The anomalously high abundance of Cu in the upper mantle can be explained by enrichment through partial melting. Volcanic gases are not likely to represent the composition of volatile elements at the core-mantle boundary, and hence cannot be regarded as valid criteria of disequilibrium at the boundary. Available data on reaction kinetics suggest that a disequilibrium state would be unlikely during core formation.
Interaction contrast disease rates for assessing synergism (or antagonism) in multifactor-multilevel disease risks

In the present paper, the two-factor-two-level disease risk case is briefly reviewed. We have defined, what we call, the marginal effect of an agent. This is the effect of an agent in the presence of a second agent. It is noted that the two agents are synergistic (or that synergism is present) if the marginal effect of an agent exceeds its individual effect. The difference ME(A) — E(A alone) is called the effect SA of an agent. A simple relationship has been established between the effects SA and SB of the two agents and the HOGAN et al. (1978) measure D (also called the Interaction Contrast Disease Rate (ICDR) by HAMILTON (1979)). This relationship shows that there can be no assymmetries at the two dichotomous risk level. This discussion is extended to two disease risks each at several levels and to several disease risks each at several levels. In each case, a simple relationship has been established between the ICDR and the effects SAi (i = 1, 2,…, k) of these disease risks. Several numerical examples are worked out to illustrate the result.
Template method to improve brain segmentation from inhomogeneous brain magnetic resonance images at high fields

Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain at high fields (e.g. 3T) provides high resolution and high signal to noise ratio images suitable for a wide range of clinical applications. However, radiofrequency (or B 1 ) inhomogeneity increases with the magnetic field and produces undesired intensity variations responsible for inaccuracies in quantitative analyses. A method to perform brain segmentation using T 1 maps whose inhomogeneity was corrected using previously acquired B 1 maps is described. A library of B 1 maps was created and a method to compensate the T 1 inhomogeneity using a B 1 map from another subject (template) was developed. The performance of the template-based method was evaluated in 19 healthy volunteers. Our method produced significantly better segmentations than the retrospective N3 method and the one without B 1 inhomogeneity correction.
The p110γ isoform of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulates migration of effector CD4 T lymphocytes into peripheral inflammatory sites

The role of PI-3K in leukocyte function has been studied extensively. However, the specific role of the p110γ isoform of PI- 3K in CD4 T lymphocyte function has yet to be defined explicitly. In this study, we report that although p110γ does not regulate antigen-dependent CD4 T cell activation and proliferation, it plays a crucial role in regulating CD4 effector T cell migration. Naive p110γ−/− CD4 lymphocytes are phenotypically identical to their wild-type (WT) counterparts and do not exhibit any defects in TCR-mediated calcium mobilization or Erk activation. In addition, p110γ-deficient CD4 OT.II T cells become activated and proliferate comparably with WT cells in response to antigen in vivo. Interestingly, however, antigen-experienced, p110γ-deficient CD4 OT.II lymphocytes exhibit dramatic defects in their ability to traffic to peripheral inflammatory sites in vivo. Although antigen-activated, p110γ-deficient CD4 T cells express P-selectin ligand, β2 integrin, β1 integrin, CCR4, CXCR5, and CCR7 comparably with WT cells, they exhibit impaired F-actin polarization and migration in response to stimulation ex vivo with the CCR4 ligand CCL22. These findings suggest that p110γ regulates the migration of antigen-experienced effector CD4 T lymphocytes into inflammatory sites during adaptive immune responses in vivo.
A semi-analytic technique to speed up successive order of scattering model for optically thick media

Abstract A semi-analytic technique has been developed to speed up the integration of radiative transfer over optically thick media for the successive order of scattering (SOS) method. Based on the characteristics of the internal distribution of scattering intensity, this technique uses piecewise analytic eigenfunctions to fit internal scattering intensities and integrates them analytically over optical depth. This semi-analytic approach greatly reduces the number of sub-layers required for accurate radiative transfer calculation based on the SOS method. Results show that an accuracy of 1% for both flux and radiance (polar angle less than 67 ∘ ) can be achieved with a significantly small number of layers. This technique is accurate and efficient and makes the SOS method applicable for optically thick scattering media.
Optimization of Simultaneous Chemical and Biological Mineralization of Perchloroethylene

Optimization of the simultaneous chemical and biological mineralization of perchloroethylene (PCE) by modified Fenton’s reagent and Xanthobacter flavus was investigated by using a central composite rotatable experimental design. Concentrations of PCE, hydrogen peroxide, and ferrous iron and the microbial cell number were set as variables. Percent mineralization of PCE to CO2 was investigated as a response. A second-order, quadratic response surface model was generated and fit the data adequately, with a correlation coefficient of 0.72. Analysis of the results showed that the PCE concentration had no significant effect within the tested boundaries of the model, while the other variables, hydrogen peroxide and iron concentrations and cell number, were significant at α = 0.05 for the mineralization of PCE. The 14C radiotracer studies showed that the simultaneous chemical and biological reactions increased the extent of mineralization of PCE by more than 10% over stand-alone Fenton reactions.
Relationship of Serum HER-2/neu and Serum CA 15-3 in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer

Background: Serum HER-2/neu antigen concentrations have been reported to correlate with increased tumor volume in patients with breast cancer. We measured serum CA 15-3, a surrogate marker of disease burden, and correlated serum CA 15-3 with serum HER-2/neu and analyzed the association of both markers with clinical outcomes. Methods: Pretreatment serum samples from 566 patients were retrospectively analyzed from 2 phase III clinical trials of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), ER−/progesterone receptor-positive, or ER status unknown metastatic breast cancer patients randomized in two similar studies to receive second-line hormone therapy with either megestrol acetate or an aromatase inhibitor (fadrozole). The extracellular domain of the HER-2/neu (c- erbB -2) oncogene and serum CA 15-3 were measured by ELISA on the Bayer Immuno 1. Results: Serum HER-2/neu protein was increased in 168 patients (30%), and CA 15-3 was increased in 337 (60%) patients. Serum CA 15-3 and HER-2/neu were weakly correlated ( r = 0.39; P <0.0001). The clinical benefit (complete responses plus partial responses plus stable disease) of endocrine therapy was significantly lower in patients with increased serum HER-2/neu. When adjusted for serum HER-2/neu, serum CA 15-3 was not predictive of response rates. The median time to progression was shorter in patients with increased serum HER-2/neu (89 days) compared with patients with normal serum HER-2/neu (176 days). Survival was significantly shorter in patients with increased serum HER-2/neu (513 vs 869 days; P <0.0001) or increased serum CA 15-3 (689 vs 939 days; P <0.0001). This observation was confirmed by multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Serum HER-2/neu is a significant independent predictive and prognostic factor in hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer, even when adjusted for tumor burden as measured by CA 15-3. The combination of increased serum HER-2/neu and increased serum CA 15-3 predicts a worse prognosis than does increased CA 15-3 alone.
Strategic Choices in the Development of Interorganizational Information Systems

This paper discusses two critical strategic choices that a firm must make in developing interorganizational information systems IOISs---what kinds of IOISs to develop, and how to develop the IOISs. With respect to the kinds of IOISs, it proposes a typology of three different types of IOISs: electronic monopolies, electronic dyads, and multilateral IOISs. With respect to development approach, a firm can develop an IOIS competitively or cooperatively. Based on a case study of the development of IOISs in the aircraft parts industry, two sets of transaction characteristics---demand uncertainty and market variability---were found to influence the choice of IOISs. Two factors---strategic significance of the IOIS, and size and bargaining power of the firm---were found to influence the choice of development approach. The observations from the case study are used to develop a set of propositions about when a firm will choose a particular IOIS and whether a cooperative or a competitive approach will be used.
“Pain Can’t Stop Me”: Examining Pain Self-Efficacy and Acceptance as Resilience Processes Among Youth With Chronic Headache

Objective To examine pain self-efficacy and pain acceptance in relation to functioning in pediatric patients with chronic headache. Methods Participants were 209 youth aged 8–17 years who presented for a multidisciplinary pediatric headache clinic evaluation. They completed measures of pain self-efficacy and pain acceptance and a standard battery of clinical measures including indicators of emotional functioning. Results Pain self-efficacy and acceptance were associated with less disability, better school functioning, and fewer depressive symptoms. While taking into account several demographic and pain-related variables, pain self-efficacy had a greater association with less functional disability, while pain acceptance had a greater association with less depressive symptoms and better school functioning. Conclusions These findings indicate that both resilience processes can serve to positively interact with functioning and symptoms of depression. Ultimately, this study suggests that higher levels of pain self-efficacy and pain acceptance in an individual experiencing pain are associated with more positive outcomes.
Sonographically estimated fetal weight percentile as a predictor of preterm delivery.

Objective : To evaluate the association between relative growth restriction and preterm birth. Study methods : Pregnant women referred for sonographic fetal weight assessments between 24 and 34 wee...
Semiparametric variance components models for genetic studies with longitudinal phenotypes

In a family-based genetic study such as the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), longitudinal trait measurements are recorded on subjects collected from families. Observations on subjects from the same family are correlated due to shared genetic composition or environmental factors such as diet. The data have a 3-level structure with measurements nested in subjects and subjects nested in families. We propose a semiparametric variance components model to describe phenotype observed at a time point as the sum of a nonparametric population mean function, a nonparametric random quantitative trait locus (QTL) effect, a shared environmental effect, a residual random polygenic effect and measurement error. One feature of the model is that we do not assume a parametric functional form of the age-dependent QTL effect, and we use penalized spline-based method to fit the model. We obtain nonparametric estimation of the QTL heritability defined as the ratio of the QTL variance to the total phenotypic variance. We use simulation studies to investigate performance of the proposed methods and apply these methods to the FHS systolic blood pressure data to estimate age-specific QTL effect at 62cM on chromosome 17.
Dictionary Look-Up within Small Edit Distance

Let W be a dictionary consisting of n binary strings of length m each, represented as a trie. The usual d-query asks if there exists a string in W within Hamming distance d of a given binary query string q. We present an algorithm to determine if there is a member in W within edit distance d of a given query string q of length m. The method takes time O(dmd+1) in the RAM model, independent of n, and requires O(dm) additional space.
Active Silicon Uptake by Wheat

The absorption of Si by wheat, Triticum aestivum L. ‘Yecora Rojo,’ followed Michaelis–Menten kinetics over a concentration range of 0.004–1.0 mM. Km and Vmax were determined using linear transformations and the calculated curve fitted the data closely. The absorption resulted in accumulation ratios of 200/1 or more. In keeping with that finding, this study also demonstrated that Si uptake by wheat is under metabolic control, being severely restricted by dinitrophenol (DNP) and potassium cyanide (KCN). Silicon uptake by wheat was not significantly affected by phosphate ions, but the chemical analog Ge exerted a direct competitive effect on Si uptake, and vice versa.
Lack of endotoxin in Borrelia hispanica and Treponema pallidum.

AbstractBorrelia hispanica from infected guinea pigs and Treponema pallidum from testicular syphilomas of rabbits were assayed for the presence of endotoxin with the Limulus lysate test. A suspension of Borrelia, containing 1.3 × 108 spirochetes/ml, was nonreactive both when it was tested as intact organisms, and when tested after disruption of the spirochetes by sonication. Eight different suspensions of treponemes, ranging from 0.6 × 109 to 3 × 109 treponemes/ml, were negative at a 1:10 dilution and were no more active than control suspensions of normal rabbit testes. Therefore, it was concluded that T. pallidum, as well as the Borrelia, possessed no endotoxin.
Renal parenchyma thickness: a rapid estimation of renal function on computed tomography

ABSTRACT Purpose: To define the relationship between renal parenchyma thickness (RPT) on computed tomography and renal func-tion on nuclear renography in chronically obstructed renal units (ORUs) and to define a minimal thickness ratio associated with adequate function. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight consecutive patients undergoing both nuclear renography and CT during a six-month period between 2004 and 2006 were included. All patients that had a diagnosis of unilateral obstruction were included for analysis. RPT was measured in the following manner: The parenchyma thickness at three discrete levels of each kidney was measured using calipers on a CT workstation. The mean of these three measurements was defined as RPT. The renal parenchyma thickness ratio of the ORUs and non-obstructed renal unit (NORUs) was calculated and this was compared to the observed function on Mag-3 lasix Renogram. Results: A total of 28 patients were evaluated. Mean parenchyma thickness was 1.82 cm and 2.25 cm in the ORUs and NORUs, respectively. The mean relative renal function of ORUs was 39%. Linear regression analysis comparing renogram function to RPT ratio revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.48 (p < 0.001). The linear regression equation was computed as Renal Function = 0.48 + 0.80 * RPT ratio. A thickness ratio of 0.68 correlated with 20% renal function.
Secreted intestinal surfactant-like particles interact with cell membranes and extracellular matrix proteins in rats

Surfactant-like particles (SLP) are secreted from enterocytes basolaterally into the lamina propria, and reach the apical surface through the intercellular tight junctions. Interactions of SLP with apical and basolateral membranes and with extracellular matrix proteins were measured using a solid-phase binding assay and gel overlays. Small-intestinal SLP bound to basolateral membranes much more than to apical membranes, and more tightly to fibronectin than to laminin (affinity constant K(a) = 1.23 x 10(-2) microg vs. 0.67 x 10(-2) microg; maximal number of binding sites 4.1 microg x ml(-1) vs. 0.32 microg x ml(-1)), but did not bind to collagen types I or IV. Small-intestinal SLP bound fibronectin more than colonic or gastric SLP. Binding to fibronectin was inhibited only partially by RGD peptide and gelatin, but not by heparin. An antibody against alpha(v) integrin also identified the fibronectin-binding component in SLP at approximately 220 kDa, which is the expected size for integrin heterodimers. SLP binding to apical microvillous membranes was weaker and was inhibited by heparin. SLP bound more strongly to heparin itself, and this binding was inhibited by glucuronic acid and chondroitin sulfate. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that the time spent by secreted SLP in the lamina propria is prolonged by strong interactions with proteins in the basolateral membranes, and in the intestinal lumen by weaker interactions with apical membrane components, including heparin. These interactions may allow SLP the time to exert their functions in each tissue compartment.
Late Holocene fire and vegetation reconstruction from the western Klamath Mountains, California, USA: A multi-disciplinary approach for examining potential human land-use impacts

The influence of Native American land-use practices on vegetation composition and structure has long been a subject of significant debate. This is particularly true in portions of the western Unite...
NITROGEN TRANSFORMATIONS IN FALLEN TREE BOLES AND MINERAL SOIL OF AN OLD-GROWTH FOREST

I measured net N transformation rates of well-decayed boles and adjacent mineral soil under field conditions in an old-growth Douglas-fir/western hemlock/western red cedar stand in the central Oregon Cascades. Additionally, laboratory assays and in- cubations were used to elucidate the controls on net N transformations in these materials. Net N mineralization under field conditions was similar for well-decayed boles and mineral soils (0.83 and 0.61 g N m-2 material-yr-1, respectively). Laboratory rates of net N min- eralization per mass of total N were similar or higher in well-decayed boles compared to mineral soil. These results are surprising, given that the C:N ratio of well-decayed boles was much greater than that of mineral soil (117 vs. 26, respectively), and given the vastly different physical structure of these materials. Higher field and laboratory rates of net N mineralization relative to total N in boles compared to mineral soil suggest either that organically bound N contained in boles is in a more readily mineralizable form or that C compounds in well-decayed bole material are less readily metabolized by microbial het- erotrophs (i.e., C availability is lower) than in mineral soil, resulting in a higher ratio of net-to-gross N mineralization because of reduced N demand by a C-limited microflora. A lower microbial respiration rate and smaller microbial biomass C relative to the total C pool in well-decayed boles than in mineral soil support the latter hypothesis. Furthermore, bole material exhibited a higher specific respiration rate (respired C per unit microbial biomass C), suggesting either a lower C-use efficiency of bole microflora or a lower C availability in boles compared to mineral soil. Both well-decayed bole and mineral soil materials showed low annual rates of net nitrification under field conditions. Using an estimate of the mass of class 4 and 5 boles in similar forest stands in the Pacific Northwest, I estimate that well-decayed boles contribute about 0.16-0.25 g N.m-2 yr-I of plant-available N. This N flux is lower than other internal N fluxes within this forest, as well as lower than the rate of N input from the atmosphere. Total plant uptake in a nearby old-growth Douglas-fir forest has been estimated at about 4.0 g Nm-2_yr- 1, suggesting that well-decayed boles may contribute about 4-6% of plant N uptake. Results from this study indicate that the C:N ratio is a poor predictor of net N release from contrasting forest detrital pools.
Glucose and acute exercise influence factors secreted by circulating angiogenic cells in vitro

Circulating angiogenic cells (CAC) influence vascular repair through the secretion of proangiogenic factors and cytokines. While CAC are deficient in patients with diabetes and exercise has a beneficial effect on CACs, the impact of these factors on paracrine secretion from CAC is unknown. We aimed to determine whether the in vitro secretion of selected cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) from CAC is influenced by hyperglycemia and acute exercise. Colony-forming unit CAC (CFU-CAC) were cultured from young active men (n = 9, 24 ± 2 years) at rest and after exercise under normal (5 mmol/L) and elevated (15 mmol/L) glucose. Preliminary relative multiplex cytokine analysis revealed that CAC conditioned culture media contained three of six measured cytokines: transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGFβ1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). Single quantitative cytokine analysis was used to determine the concentration of each cytokine from the four conditions. NO was measured via Griess assay. There was a significant effect of CAC exposure to in vivo exercise on in vitro TGFβ1 secretion (P = 0.024) that was independent of glucose concentration. There was no effect of glucose or acute exercise on TNFα or MCP-1 concentration (both P > 0.05). The concentration of NO from CFU-CAC cultured in elevated glucose was lower following acute exercise (P = 0.002) suggesting that exercise did not maintain NO secretion under hyperglycemic conditions. Our results identify paracrine signaling factors that may be responsible for the proangiogenic function of CFU-CAC and an influence of acute exercise and elevated glucose on CFU-CAC soluble factor secretion.
Water Reuse Systems Analysis

Quantity-quality availabilities and requirements are part of the system description to be considered in the solution based upon an origin-destination matrix. When tertiary treatment and desalting plants and blending are included in the matrix, plant capacities can be obtained for any year of projected demand. Entries in the matrix must include the unit cost of delivering water having a specified quality from each origin to each destination; these costs include both transport and treatment costs. Least cost allocation solution is obtained by the transportation problem algorithm. The procedure was demonstrated by a cursory case study of the Salt Lake City region, an agro-urban-industrial area. Least cost results for 1965, 19890, 2000, and 2020 levels of demand showed a changing pattern of allocation. For 1965 demand levels surface and groundwater supplies were sent directly to municipal and agricultural uses, with effluents to system outflow. By 1980 tertiary treatment enters the picture and by 2020 desalting becomes important. For 2020 all surface and groundwater goes to blending to combine with output from tertiary treatment and desalting plants.
Aggregating Data Sampling with Feature Subset Selection to Address Skewed Software Defect Data

Defect prediction is an important process activity frequently used for improving the quality and reliability of software products. Defect prediction results provide a list of fault-prone modules which are necessary in helping project managers better utilize valuable project resources. In the software quality modeling process, high dimensionality and class imbalance are the two potential problems that may exist in data repositories. In this study, we investigate three data preprocessing approaches, in which feature selection is combined with data sampling, to overcome these problems in the context of software quality estimation. These three approaches are: Approach 1 — sampling performed prior to feature selection, but retaining the unsampled data instances; Approach 2 — sampling performed prior to feature selection, retaining the sampled data instances; and Approach 3 — sampling performed after feature selection. A comparative investigation is presented for evaluating the three approaches. In the experiments, we employed three sampling methods (random undersampling, random oversampling, and synthetic minority oversampling), each combined with a filter-based feature subset selection technique called correlation-based feature selection. We built the defect prediction models using five common classification algorithms. The case study was based on software metrics and defect data collected from multiple releases of a real-world software system. The results demonstrated that the type of sampling methods used in data preprocessing significantly affected the performance of the combination approaches. It was found that when the random undersampling technique was used, Approach 1 performed better than the other two approaches. However, when the feature selection technique was used in conjunction with an oversampling method (random oversampling or synthetic minority oversampling), we strongly recommended Approach 3.
Network properties of memory trace formation in the hippocampus.

Based on the experimental evidence from his laboratory and the relevant literature the Author outlines a formal model of memory trace formation. During exploratory (theta) behaviors the neocortical information is transmitted to the hippocampus via the fast-firing granule cells which may induce a weak and transient heterosynaptic potentiation in a subgroup of CA3 pyramidal cells. The weakly potentiated CA3 neurons will then initiate population bursts upon the termination of exploratory activity (sharp wave state). It is assumed that recurrent excitation during the population burst is strongest on those cells which initiated the population event. It is suggested that the strong excitatory drive brought about by the sharp wave-concurrent population bursts during consummatory behaviors, immobility, and slow wave sleep may be sufficient for the induction of long-term synaptic modification in the initiator neurons of the CA3 region and in their targets in CA1. In this two-stage model both exploratory (theta) and sharp wave states of the hippocampus are essential and any interference that might modify the structure of the population bursts (e.g., epileptic spikes) are detrimental to memory trace formation.
Assessment of antibiotic efficacy in acute bacterial meningitis.

Currently, antibiotic efficacy in acute bacterial meningitis is evaluated in several stages. First, animals are used to assess antibiotic penetration into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the absence and presence of an inflammatory stimulus. Second, concentrations of drug are correlated to in vitro killing studies. Third, clinical evaluations compare the new drugs to currently available antimicrobic--but drug failures nevertheless occur, e.g. the experiences with cephalosporins and aminoglycosides. We propose that brain tissue levels of antibiotics are an additional parameter to be monitored. Drugs that penetrate the brain substance should yield higher ventricular concentrations than drugs that penetrate the choroid plexus alone. A protective benefit may also be afforded to brain tissue per se. Experience with chloramphenicol, which penetrates the blood-brain barrier, supports these concepts; so also, do the failures with cephalosporins and aminoglycosides which, despite high CSF concentrations of these agents, afford evidence that currently monitored parameters are inadequate predictors of therapeutic efficacy.
Morphological evolution of subterranean mammals: integrating structural, functional, and ecological perspectives

The widely recognized convergence of subterranean mammals offers unique opportunities for the study of patterns, causes and consequences of morphological integration. For example, behavioral and biomechanical observations have revealed a diversity of digging modes among subterranean mammals. In rodents, scratch-digging and chisel-tooth digging, alone or combined, are widespread. This dual nature of the digging apparatus must be understood to avoid erroneous assessments of specializations based on forelimb modifications only. Additionally, bulldozing and disposal of loose soil is performed by head-lifting, by means of the forelimbs, or with the hindlimbs. Insectivores are known to resort to scratch-digging, sand-swimming, or to a unique system known as humeral rotation. Semi-fossorial species among rodents and insectivores are scratch-diggers. In contrast, fully subterranean taxa show further specializations for scratch-digging and/or resort to some of the other digging modes. The ecological correlates of these morphological trends are still poorly known; work in geomyids suggests that scratch-digging specializations are efficient in friable soils, whereas tooth-digging allows the utilization of a much broader spectrum of soil types. This indicates that alternative pathways of morphological specialization are not equivalent in their ecological potentialities. Important morphological features, such as incisor procumbency among tooth-diggers, are shown to be constrained by structural, allometric, and mechanical factors. In geomyids, the same procumbent morphologies may be acquired as a byproduct of size increases, by means of adaptive shifts independent from size, or by a combination of both. Thus, geometric similarity may not be indicative of functional similarity. Further constraints result from the integration of different functions. For instance, it is suggested that mastication imposes limitations upon potential modifications of jaw morphology for tooth-digging. Scratch-digging appears to be less constrained by locomotion, but the effects of integration of various functions in fore- and hind-limbs are largely unexplored. Multiple approaches, combining behavioral, functional, ecological, structural, and phylogenetic data, are necessary for the study of morphological evolution among subterranean mammals.
The Arts of the Hidden: An Essay for the Left Hand

Jerome Bruner wrote essays both to put forth his ideas, and as a vehicle for thinking. Many of the best ideas for cognitive psychology in the 20th century, and especially for education, came from these thought pieces, and they greatly influenced the present author. Jerry’s “essays for the left hand” were about the arts, less formal and more speculative. To celebrate Jerry, we attempt a “left handed” peek at the “hidden arts” inspired by his approaches and perspectives. To avoid trying to define “Art”, we look instead at emotional reactions when we transition from the mental context we think is “reality” to another point of view, and especially when and how we are helped to make the transition by something in the world around us. This can be easy to deal with if the new point of view was one we already had but was blocked by our limitations for simultaneous attention, or it can be quite shattering—and often resisted—if the new point of view was not anywhere in our previous “reality”.Most of the traditional Arts are “in our senses”, i.e. sensual, sensical, etc.: touch, taste, visual, auditory. Einstein’s world view was changed by a compass he was given as a child where he realized: “… something deeply hidden had to be behind things”. Much of the important content of Science, Mathematics, and even Engineering—are relationships, often in terms of dynamic systems—are quite hidden in this sense, yet fluent practitioners report the same kinds of “aesthetic emotions” as for the traditional Arts: it is likely that how one gets at and expresses “what is deeply hidden” constitute new great Art forms at least equal in depth to the traditional forms of the past. Since our form of government was set up as a systems design backed by a democracy— and much of what is powerful and dangerous in the world is in the form of systems whose properties, and sometimes existence, are hidden—it is as vital for all citizens to get fluent in the “Arts of the Hidden” as it is for them to learn to read and write. Questions are asked about whether and how the “Arts of the Hidden” can be learned and taught generally to society, and several examples are given to motivate further explorations.
Enhanced cellular infiltration of human adipose-derived stem cells in allograft menisci using a needle-punch method.

Background The meniscus plays a crucial role in knee joint stability, load transmission, and stress distribution. Meniscal tears are the most common reported knee injuries, and the current standard treatment for meniscal deficiency is meniscal allograft transplantation. A major limitation of this approach is that meniscal allografts do not have the capacity to remodel and maintain tissue homeostasis due to a lack of cellular infiltration. The purpose of this study was to provide a new method for enhanced cellular infiltration in meniscal allografts.
Implications of estimating coronary heart disease risk in the U.S. population

Given the profound impact of coronary heart disease (CHD) on the health of the adult population of the U.S. as well as on health care costs, it is important to estimate the national burden of CHD. In this issue of the Journal , Ford et al. [(1)][1]have nicely described the extent of the population
Adenovirus transduction: More complicated than receptor expression

The abundance and accessibility of a primary virus receptor are critical factors that impact the susceptibility of a host cell to virus infection. The Coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) has two transmembrane isoforms that occur due to alternative splicing and differ in localization and function in polarized epithelia. To determine the relevance of isoform-specific expression across cell types, the abundance and localization of both isoforms were determined in ten common cell lines, and correlated with susceptibility to adenovirus transduction relative to polarized primary human airway epithelia. Data show that the gene and protein expression for each isoform of CAR varies significantly between cell lines and polarization, as indicated by high transepithelial resistance, is inversely related to adenovirus transduction. In summary, the variability of polarity and isoform-specific expression among model cells are critical parameters that must be considered when evaluating the clinical relevance of potential adenovirus-mediated gene therapy and anti-adenovirus strategies.
Object Lesson(s)

This article reconstructs up an impromptu dance performed by Lavinia Baker, a survivor of mob violence and star of an anti-lynching performance revue, and reads it as the occasion for rethinking the performative dimensions of a seemingly familiar spectacle: lynching. As opposed to the familiar scene of the black corpse captured and circulated in photographs, the author argues that Lavinia's 1899 dance and the liveness of her performance – that is, its excess, disruptions, and improvisation – is instantiation of racial violence that strains against the putative framing of mob violence as a finite event that is amenable to documentation, capture, or narrativization. By pivoting a discussion of lynching on Lavinia Baker’s protean performance, this essay not only challenges the shape and structure of nineteenth-century anti-black terror, but also demands that we (re) turn to a deceptively simple question that animates Scenes of Subjection: what does racial violence look like?
Sum and Functions of Random Variables

Sometimes experiments do not directly measure the quantity of interest, but rather associated variables that can be related to the one of interest by an analytic function. It is therefore necessary to establish how we can infer properties of the interesting variable based on properties of the variables that have been measured directly. This chapter explains how to determine the probability distribution function of a variable that is function of other variables of known distribution, and how to measure its mean and variance, the latter usually referred to as error propagation formulas. We also establish two fundamental results of the theory of probability, the central limit theorem and the law of large numbers.
Indications for Opioid Antagonists

As opioids have become more common in clinical practice for the treatment of both acute and chronic pain, so too has the need for a deeper understanding of the clinical applications of opioid antagonists. The purpose of this review is to present both the longstanding and potential new indications for the use of drugs that block the effects of opioid receptors. There is a growing body of data demonstrating the modulation of pain by opioid antagonists. Additional clinical studies that show their direct antinociceptive effects and/or enhancement of the analgesic potency of opioid agonists are warranted. We briefly discuss the well-established role that these agents play in the reversal of life-threatening opioid toxicity and explore both existing and expanding clinical applications, including their apparent paradox that they may themselves be associated with analgesia.
Epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical outcomes for heart failure patients with a mid-range ejection fraction

Aims Heart failure (HF) patients with a mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) are not well characterized. Accordingly, we examined the epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical outcomes of HF patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 40–50%. Methods and results We identified 168 patients with an LVEF between 40–50% at enrollment into a HF registry, and determined whether LVEF was improved, worsened, or the same compared to a prior LVEF. Three subgroups of HFmrEF patients were identified: HFmrEF improved (prior LVEF 50%); HFmrEF unchanged (prior LVEF 40–50%). The majority of patients (73%) were HFmrEF improved, 17% were HFmrEF deteriorated, and 10% were HFmrEF unchanged. The demographics of the HFmrEF cohort were heterogeneous, with more coronary artery disease in the HFmrEF improved group and more hypertension and diastolic dysfunction in the HFmrEF deteriorated group. HFmrEF improved patients had significantly (P<0.001) better clinical outcomes relative to matched patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction, and significantly (P<0.01) improved clinical outcomes relative to HFmrEF deteriorated patients, whereas clinical outcomes of the HFmrEF deteriorated subgroup of patients were not significantly different from matched HF patients with preserved ejection fraction. Conclusions Patients with a mid-range LVEF are heterogeneous. Obtaining historical information with regard to prior LVEF allows one to identify a distinct pathophysiological substrate and clinical course for HFmrEF patients. Viewed together, these results suggest that in the modern era of HF therapeutics, the use of LVEF to categorize the pathophysiology of HF may be misleading, and argue for establishing a new taxonomy for classifying HF patients.
Gendered representations through speech: The case of the Harry Potter series:

This study considers the text of the Harry Potter novels to understand the way in which gender is represented. The analysis centers on the two sidekick characters, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley,...
An Extraordinary Italian Imprisonment: The Brutal Truth of Campo 21, 1942–1943. By Brian Lett. (Barnsley, United Kingdom: Pen & Sword, 2015. Pp. x, 251. $44.95.)

The author of this book is the son of a British prisoner of war who spent time in “Camp 21” near Chieti, Italy, during World War II. He describes his father's captivity in a book that is mostly abo...
Introduction to Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography—Theory and Practice

Abstract Two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) is becoming more widely adopted across a variety of industries to solve difficult separation problems. Increased availability and improvements in commercially available instruments in recent years are lowering the barrier to wider use. Users are increasingly focused on the development of powerful methods that can be deployed in both research and regulated laboratory environments. This chapter first establishes a framework for discussion by reviewing the major guiding principles for developing effective 2D-LC methods, and then goes on to discuss the most important advances in instrumentation, method development and optimization principles, and software over the past decade. Both new users and experts should find the chapter informative.
Self and Identity

1 Emergence of the “Neo-Jamesian” Self 2 Self as a Mental Representation 3 Origins of Self-Representations 4 Motivational Properties of the Self 5 Self in Relationship to Others 6 Identity Negotiation and Change 7 Summary
Noninvasive ovarian cancer biomarker detection via an optical nanosensor implant

Patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) exhibit poor 5-year survival rates, which may be significantly improved by early-stage detection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved biomarkers for HGSC-CA-125 (cancer antigen 125) and HE4 (human epididymis protein 4)-do not generally appear at detectable levels in the serum until advanced stages of the disease. An implantable device placed proximal to disease sites, such as in or near the fallopian tube, ovary, uterine cavity, or peritoneal cavity, may constitute a feasible strategy to improve detection of HGSC. We engineered a prototype optical sensor composed of an antibody-functionalized carbon nanotube complex, which responds quantitatively to HE4 via modulation of the nanotube optical bandgap. The complexes measured HE4 with nanomolar sensitivity to differentiate disease from benign patient biofluids. The sensors were implanted into four models of ovarian cancer, within a semipermeable membrane, enabling the optical detection of HE4 within the live animals. We present the first in vivo optical nanosensor capable of noninvasive cancer biomarker detection in orthotopic models of disease.