cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automated species-level identification of planktic foraminifera using convolutional neural networks, with comparison to human performance

Abstract Picking foraminifera from sediment samples is an essential, but repetitive and low-reward task that is well-suited for automation. The first step toward building a picking robot is the development of an automated identification system. We use machine learning techniques to train convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to identify six species of extant planktic foraminifera that are widely used by paleoceanographers, and to distinguish the six species from other taxa. We employ CNNs that were previously built and trained for image classification. Foraminiferal training and identification use reflected light microscope digital images taken at 16 different illumination angles using a light-emitting diode (LED) ring. Overall machine accuracy, as a combination of precision and recall, is better than 80% even with limited training. We compare machine performance to that of human pickers (six experts and five novices) by tasking each with the identification of 540 specimens based on images. Experts achieved comparable precision but poorer recall relative to the machine, with an average accuracy of 63%. Novices scored lower than experts on both precision and recall, for an overall accuracy of 53%. The machine achieved fairly uniform performance across the six species, while participants' scores were strongly species-dependent, commensurate with their past experience and expertise. The machine was also less sensitive to specimen orientation (umbilical versus spiral views) than the humans. These results demonstrate that our approach can provide a versatile ‘brain’ for an eventual automated robotic picking system.
Sub-THz Tunable Push-Push Oscillators with FinFETs for Wireless NoCs

This paper investigates the properties of sub-THz compact tunable push-push oscillator in 45 nm FinFET technology. The push-push oscillator is designed to operate at 250 GHz in a modified cross-coupled LC topology. Commanding the FinFET gates separately in independent-mode bestows the push-push oscillator with a simple and efficient means for ~ 5 GHz tunable performance without external varactors. Moreover, due to the increased transconductance, the stability criteria of oscillation is much relaxed in FinFET based design compared to that of an identical design in single gate MOSFET. No external capacitors are used to realize the LC tank unlike in conventional LC oscillator design. The higher gate-source capacitance of the FinFET is conveniently utilized to substitute for the external capacitor thus reducing parasitics and raising the resonant frequency. The phase noise of the oscillator varies from -82 to -76 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset between 0 V and 1 V back gate bias. The compact and tunable characteristics of the proposed sub- THz oscillator, make it ideally suitable for applications such as on-chip wireless interconnects required for kilo-core computing that have hard limits on area and power but requires precision tuning and high bandwidth for extremely fast data rates.
Development of solitary chemosensory cells in the distal lung after severe influenza injury.

H1N1 influenza virus infection induces dramatic and permanent alveolar remodeling mediated by p63+ progenitor cell expansion in both mice and some patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome....
Free Energies and Entropies of Binding Sites Identified by MixMD Cosolvent Simulations.

In our recent efforts to map protein surfaces using mixed-solvent molecular dynamics (MixMD) (Ghanakota, P.; Carlson, H. A. Moving Beyond Active-Site Detection: MixMD Applied to Allosteric Systems. J. Phys. Chem. B 2016, 120, 8685–8695), we were able to successfully capture active sites and allosteric sites within the top-four most occupied hotspots. In this study, we describe our approach for estimating the thermodynamic profile of the binding sites identified by MixMD. First, we establish a framework for calculating free energies from MixMD simulations, and we compare our approach to alternative methods. Second, we present a means to obtain a relative ranking of the binding sites by their configurational entropy. The theoretical maximum and minimum free energy and entropy values achievable under such a framework along with the limitations of the techniques are discussed. Using this approach, the free energy and relative entropy ranking of the top-four MixMD binding sites were computed and analyzed acros...
Arx expansion mutation perturbs cortical development by augmenting apoptosis without activating innate immunity in a mouse model of X-linked infantile spasms syndrome.

X-linked infantile spasms syndrome (ISSX) is a clinically devastating developmental epileptic encephalopathy with life-long impact. Arx(GCG)10+7 , a mouse model of the most common triplet-repeat expansion mutation of ARX, exhibits neonatal spasms, electrographic phenotypes and abnormal migration of GABAergic interneuron subtypes. Neonatal presymptomatic treatment with 17β-estradiol (E2) in Arx(GCG)10+7 reduces spasms and modifies progression of epilepsy. Cortical pathology during this period, a crucial point for clinical intervention in ISSX, has largely been unexplored, and the pathogenic cellular defects that are targeted by early interventions are unknown. In the first postnatal week, we identified a transient wave of elevated apoptosis in Arx(GCG)10+7 mouse cortex that is non-Arx cell autonomous, since mutant Arx-immunoreactive (Arx+) cells are not preferentially impacted by cell death. NeuN+ (also known as Rbfox3) survival was also not impacted, suggesting a vulnerable subpopulation in the immature Arx(GCG)10+7 cortex. Inflammatory processes during this period might explain this transient elevation in apoptosis; however, transcriptomic and immunohistochemical profiling of several markers of inflammation revealed no innate immune activation in Arx(GCG)10+7 cortex. Neither neonatal E2 hormone therapy, nor ACTH(1-24), the frontline clinical therapy for ISSX, diminished the augmented apoptosis in Arx(GCG)10+7 , but both rescued neocortical Arx+ cell density. Since early E2 treatment effectively prevents seizures in this model, enhanced apoptosis does not solely account for the seizure phenotype, but may contribute to other aberrant brain function in ISSX. However, since both hormone therapies, E2 and ACTH(1-24), elevate the density of cortical Arx+-interneurons, their early therapeutic role in other neurological disorders hallmarked by interneuronopathy should be explored.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Coupled Chaotic Systems and Extreme Ecologic-Economic Outcomes

In sympathy with work of Akio Matsumoto, this essay reviews models that consider how the coupling of systems within ecologic-economic contexts can generate not only chaotic dynamics, but lead to outcomes that exhibit kurototic outcomes rather than reflecting Gaussian distributions. This aligns with arguments made by Martin Weitzmann regarding the global climate system. The models considered included one where climate and economic systems are separately non-chaotic but chaotic when combined and another where the economic system is chaotic and when combined with climate generates kurtotic outcomes through flare attractors. Likewise, similarly coupled models involving fisheries and forestry dynamics are considered where coupling leads to chaotic dynamics. Multi-level systems with such dynamics are then considered with the governance issues involved with such systems are examined.
Extracellular Vesicles in the Tumor Microenvironment: Various Implications in Tumor Progression

Extracellular vesicle (EV) shedding is a biologically conserved cellular process across virtually every cell type. In cancer, EVs shed from tumor and stromal cells to the tumor microenvironment play a major role in determining tumor fate, which to a large extent is dictated by the biologically active cargo contained in EVs. Current understanding of various cancer-associated EVs has enabled the outlining of mechanistic connections between cargo and tumor-promoting functions. In this chapter, we describe examples of EV-mediated communication between tumor cells and stromal cells, highlighting the molecular constituents responsible for pro-tumorigenic effects. Furthermore, we discuss the roles of matrix-degrading EVs in cell invasion. Finally, we summarize research on the potential use of EVs as a novel approach to cancer therapeutics.
A Tale of Two Hydrogeology Problems in Coastal North Carolina

This chapter highlights two tales describing the techniques scientists use to investigate how groundwater and surface water in coastal regions are threatened by saltwater intrusion. Crop production and water supply to communities are being increasingly affected. In the first tale, researchers document how they use computer models to determine the mechanisms by which saltwater intrusion is happening beneath a barrier island in North Carolina, USA, that is popular with tourists. The second tale, also from North Carolina, details the extent to which scientists will go to understand saltwater intrusion occurring in natural and artificial channels that traverse low-lying coastal regions.
Neurotoxic astrocytic glypican-4 drives APOE4-dependent tau pathology

Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) is the crucial genetic risk factor of late-onset Alzheimer disease (AD). Aggregation of tau proteins into insoluble filaments and their spreading across the brain regions are major drivers of neurodegeneration in tauopathies, including in AD. However, the exact mechanisms through which APOE4 induces tau pathology remains unknown. Here, we report that the astrocyte-secreted protein glypican-4 (GPC-4), a novel binding partner of APOE4, drives tau pathology. GPC-4 preferentially interacts with APOE4 in comparison to other APOE isoforms and post-mortem APOE4-carrying AD brains highly express GPC-4 in neurotoxic astrocytes. The astrocyte-secreted GPC-4 induced both tau accumulation and propagation in vitro. CRISPR/dCas9 mediated activation of GPC-4 in a tauopathy animal model robustly induced tau pathology. Further, APOE4-induced tau pathology was greatly diminished in the absence of GPC-4. We found that GPC-4 promoted the stabilization of the APOE receptor low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) on the cellular surface, which effectively facilitates endocytosis of tau protein. Together, our data comprehensively demonstrate that one of the key APOE4-induced tau pathologies is directly mediated by GPC-4.
The Tribute System and the World Imagined in Early Modern East Asia

The field of international relations has long treated the Westphalian system and states in the territorial sovereign sense as the standard or ‘normal’ in IR. The World Imagined by Hendrik Spruyt bo...
All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) and Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are chronic inflammatory diseases associated with a higher risk of cardio-metabolic comorbidities compared to the general population. Individual studies examining mortality in these patients have produced conflicting results. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the all-cause and cause-specific mortality in PsA and AS from the available literature. Methods A comprehensive database search was performed for studies reporting all-cause or cause-specific mortality in patients with PsA and AS compared with the general population. Pooled relative risks (RRs) were calculated using random-effects model. Results We included 19 studies (11 of PsA, 7 of AS, 1 of both). In PsA studies, there was no increased mortality compared to the general population (RR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.96-1.30, 10 studies). We found a higher all-cause mortality in females (RR= 1.19, 95% CI: 1.04-1.36) but not in male (RR: 1.02, 95% CI 0.66-1.59) PsA patients. Cardiovascular, respiratory, and infection specific mortality risks were significantly higher for PsA patients (RR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.06-1.38; RR: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.30-8.72; and 2.43, 95% CI: 1.01-5.84, respectively), but not cancer-related mortality (RR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.91-1.11). In AS, we found a higher risk of death from all causes (RR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.49-1.80, 6 studies) and cardiovascular causes (RR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.01-1.81, 3 studies) compared to the general population. All-cause mortality was high in both males (RR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.43-1.71) and female (RR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.56-2.18) AS patients. The included AS studies did not report mortality data for non-cardiovascular causes. Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis showed a significantly increased risk of overall mortality in AS, but not PsA. Cardiovascular-specific mortality was higher for both PsA and AS, which emphasizes the importance of early screening and management of cardiovascular risk factors. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Analysts Forecast Accuracy And The Presentation Of A Mandated Accounting Change

This paper examines whether the presentation method of a mandated accounting change affects financial analysts forecasts. SFAS 96, Accounting for Income Taxes (FASB, 1987), allowed companies to use either the cumulative effect or the retroactive restatement method to account for the adoption of the change. In addition to the comparison of the two presentation methods, a regression model was developed to include the number of analysts making forecasts, the dispersion of their man forecast, prior disclosure of the accounting change, and the relative year of adoption. Analysts forecasts for companies using the two different methods were compared over several periods to determine if the alternative presentations enhanced forecast accuracy and if that was dependent on the forecast horizon. While some of the covariates were significantly correlated, the results indicate that analysis gained no forecast accuracy advantage from having the increased disclosure.
Molecular Basis of Heredity

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is one of the most famous molecules in the world. The molecule is composed of deoxyribose sugar, four different nitrogenous bases (thymine, adenine, cytosine, and guanine), and phosphate groups. Watson and Crick published their interpretation of the three-dimensional structure of DNA in 1953. This work revolutionized all of biology. The repeating units in DNA are nucleotides. These units contain one of the nitrogenous bases, the deoxyribose sugar, and a phosphoric acid group. Chemically, the nucleotides are called deoxyadenylic, deoxyguanylic, deoxycytidylie, and deoxythymidylic acids. The nucleotides are bonded together to form a polynucleotide strand. The phosphate group bonds between the 5′ carbon atom of one nucleotide and the 3′ carbon atom of the adjacent nucleotide. The phosphate linkage is covalent, and it is called a 3′-5′ diester bond. Figure 9.1 shows a short segment of a single polynucleotide strand.
Relationships Between Sex-Role Attitudes, Division of Household Tasks, and Marital Adjustment

Relationships between sex-role attitudes, household tasks, and marital adjustment were explored. Eighty-five married couples completed the Osmond-Martin Sex Role Attitude Scale (Osmond & Martin, 1975), the Krausz Household Task scale (Krausz, 1986) and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (Spanier, 1976). Modern husbands reported greater marital adjustment than traditional husbands. Traditional spouses reported more traditionally male household tasks being completed by husbands and traditionally female tasks being completed by wives. Spouses reported greater marital adjustment when husbands completed male tasks. Sex-role attitudes and household tasks related independently to marital adjustment. The results support assessing husbands and wives separately. Clinicians are advised to assess couples' sex-role attitudes while maintaining neutral attitudes themselves. Several clinical techniques are offered.
Ideologues of Martyrdom in Postwar Iran and the Culture of Mourning the Dead

ferred by the Maya, accounting for only 25% of the landscape but more than 80% of their settlements (Ford, Clarke, and Raines 2009:511). When these results were compared with those for arable lands of the Green Revolution model (Jenkin et al. 1976), they reveal the difference: the cultivable land of the Maya is not the arable land of Europeans (Ford, Clarke, and Raines 2009:512). So as we seek our ultimate answers, we must be cautious of our most basic assumptions. The archeology of environmental change is a knotty problem. A decade ago, a new nonprofit named Exploring Solutions Past (http://espmaya.org/) was formed with the explicit design of educating future generations on the remarkable legacies of our heritage. This volume shows the potential breadth of this innovative concept. Traditional knowledge palpably shaped North Atlantic development, African human-wildlife experience, Near Eastern neutrality of degradation, and Maya interactions with the climate, providing comparative histories that explore solutions past. By demonstrating our cocreative role in socionatural systems now and in ancient times, we gain the opportunity to apply this important knowledge to the future. While not wholly unified in approach and variably using the new vocabulary introduced at the outset, the authors of this collected volume successfully establish the interactive qualities of socionatural systems. The diversity of environmental contexts and the themes that link the discussions will provoke debate and encourage negotiations across disciplines. These authors have opened an important path to bring archaeology into the current environmental debate, as germane today as it was throughout prehistory. What we need now is our entree into the decision-making arena to share the news.
Analysis of K‐Ras Phosphorylation, Translocation, and Induction of Apoptosis

K-Ras is a member of a family of proteins that associate with the plasma membrane by virtue of a lipid modification that inserts into the membrane and a polybasic region that associates with the anionic head groups of inner leaflet phospholipids. In the case of K-Ras, the lipid is a C-terminal farnesyl isoprenoid adjacent to a polylysine sequence. The affinity of K-Ras for the plasma membrane can be modulated by diminishing the net charge of the polybasic region. Among the ways this can be accomplished is phosphorylation by protein kinase C (PKC) of serine 181 within the polybasic region. Phosphorylation at this site regulates a farnesyl-electrostatic switch that controls association of K-Ras with the plasma membrane. Surprisingly, engagement of the farnesyl-electrostatic switch promotes apoptosis. This chapter describes methods for directly analyzing the phosphorylation status of K-Ras using metabolic labeling with (32)P, for indirectly assessing the farnesyl-electrostatic switch by following GFP-tagged K-Ras in live cells, for artificially activating the farnesyl-electrostatic switch by directing the kinase domain of a PKC to activated K-Ras using a Ras-binding domain, and for assessing apoptosis of individual cells using a YFP-tagged caspase 3 biosensor.
Crafting a Social Context for Medical Informatics Networks

Effective healthcare delivery is increasingly predicated upon the availability, accuracy, and integrity of personal health information. Tracking and analysis of medical information throughout its lifeeycle may be viewed through the lenses of both physical network architecture and the broader social context in which such information is gathered and applied. As information technology and evidence-based practice models evolve in tandem, the development of interlinked multimodal and multidimensional databases has shown great promise for improving public health. To this end. providers, regulators, payers, and individual patients each share rights and responsibilities in creating a milieu which both, fosters and protects the practice and promise of medical information.
Force-Directed lombardi-style graph drawing

A Lombardi drawing of a graph is one in which vertices are represented as points, edges are represented as circular arcs between their endpoints, and every vertex has perfect angular resolution (equal angles between consecutive edges, as measured by the tangents to the circular arcs at the vertex). We describe two algorithms that create "Lombardi-style" drawings (which we also call near-Lombardi drawings), in which all edges are still circular arcs, but some vertices may not have perfect angular resolution. Both of these algorithms take a force-directed, spring-embedding approach, with one using forces at edge tangents to produce curved edges and the other using dummy vertices on edges for this purpose. As we show, these approaches produce near-Lombardi drawings, with one being slightly better at achieving near-perfect angular resolution and the other being slightly better at balancing edge placements.
Orthopedic Approach to the Early Management of Pelvic Injuries

High-energy pelvic fractures in trauma patients cause significant morbidity and mortality. A systematic approach to the early evaluation and management of these patients leads to improved outcomes. The initial care of patients with a displaced pelvic fracture and hemodynamic instability should focus upon three areas: 1) resuscitation, 2) bony stability, and 3) hemorrhage control. Aggressive resuscitation with blood products and clotting factors is paramount. The initial reduction of the pelvic ring and temporary stabilization can be achieved through the use of pelvic sheeting or binder placed in the field or trauma bay. Urgent surgical stabilization with external or internal fixation is often required. Hemorrhage control can be achieved through pelvic packing and/or angioembolization. The initial management of displaced pelvic fractures is multidisciplinary and should involve close collaboration between trauma surgery, orthopedic surgery, anesthesia, and interventional radiology.
Fantasy Bodies, Imagined Pasts: A Critical Analysis of the “Rubenesque” Fat Body in Contemporary Culture

This article engages with the use of the term “Rubenesque” in contemporary mass culture to affirm the aesthetic viability of living fat individuals by association with the Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640) and the fat nudes that he produced. Though a popular means to acknowledge fat beauty and promote size diversity, the “Rubenesque” is also a nostalgic construct that privileges normative fantasies about the value of fat women in previous centuries over contemporary and historical reality, and thus precludes nuanced discussions of how fat intersects with issues such as race, gender, and ability. Ultimately, a brief investigation of the term’s genesis within art historical rhetoric demonstrates that Rubens’ fat nudes, the very standard of comparison, are less depictions that reflect the bodies of actual fat women (past or present) than products of an unattainable beauty myth born in fidelity to the idea of male artistic prowess and a centuries-old conflation of artistic and erotic maste...
A comparison of pulsed and steady-state tokamak reactor burn cycles. Part II: Magnet fatigue, power supplies, and cost analysis

Abstract Pulsed operation of a tokamak reactor imposes cost penalties due to such problems as mechanical fatigue and the need to periodically transfer large amounts of energy to various reactor components. This study focuses on lifetime limitations and capital costs of reactor subsystems in an attempt to quantify sensitivity to pulsed operation. Major problem areas include: fatigue in pulsed poloidal field coils; out-of-plane bending fatigue in toroidal field coils; electric power supply costs; and noninductive current driver costs. A capital cost comparison is made for tokamak reactors operating under the four distinct operating cycles which have been proposed. Since high availability and a low cost of energy will be mandatory for a commercial fusion reactor, we can characterize improvements in physics and technology which will help achieve these goals for different burn cycles. A key conclusion is that steady-state operation is likely to result in the least expensive tokamak reactor (perhaps 20% cheaper than the best pulsed reactor), provided noninductive current drive efficiency can be increased roughly four-fold over present-day experimental results.
Čerenkov excited fluorescence tomography using external beam radiation.

Radiation treatment of cancer induces an optical Cerenkov emission throughout the treated volume, which could be used to excite molecular reporters in vivo, allowing molecular sensing of tissue response during fractionated therapy. In this Letter, the idea that spatial mapping of this signal can be achieved with tomographic recovery of the fluorophore distribution is tested for the first time using 6 MV photons from a linear accelerator in a heterogeneous tissue phantom. Cerenkov light excited fluorophores throughout the tissue phantom, and diffuse tomography was used to recover images. Measurements from 13 locations were used, with spectrometer detection and spectral fitting, to separate the fluorophore emission from the Cerenkov continuum. Fluorescent diffuse tomographic images showed a linear response between the concentration and the reconstructed values. The potential to apply this molecular imaging in treatment with molecular reporters appears promising.
Mini-laparoscopic splenectomy.

ABSTRACT Background and Purpose: Since the introduction of mini-laparoscopic instruments (2- to 3-mm diameter), their utility and safety have been questioned. Their application in cholecystectomy has recently been documented. This study determined the adequacy and safety of these minimally invasive instruments in laparoscopic splenectomy. Methods: Retrospective review of all 16 mini-laparoscopic splenectomies performed by the authors was carried out. Diagnoses included immune thrombocytopenia (5), spherocytosis (6), and β-thalassemia, sickle-cell disease, splenic mass, cyst, and splenomegaly in 1 case each. The average age of the patients was 20.1 years (range 4–70 years); seven patients were adults. Ten of the patients were female. The patients' body mass index ranged from 17 to 25 kg/m2. Splenomegaly (at least two times normal size: 100–200 g for children, 400–600 g for adults) was present in each case. A three-trocar technique was used in 15 patients, and a fourth trocar was required in only one case. ...
Lymphocyte beta-adrenergic refractoriness induced by theophylline or metaproterenol in healthy and asthmatic subjects.

Abstract Beta-adrenergic refractoriness was assessed in human lymphocytes following in vivo administration of the beta-adrenergic agonist, metaproterenol, the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, theophylline, or both concomitantly, to normal and asthmatic subjects. In normal subjects both beta-adrenergic receptor number and isoproterenol stimulated cAMP response decreases during therapy with metaproterenol (59±3; 51±16% of control, respectively), theophylline (76±6; 78±16), or concommitant metaproterenol and theophylline (47±4; 69±13). The asthmatic subjects were of two types; one type responding to metaproterenol or theophylline therapy by down regulation of receptor number to zero or near zero values, and a second group of asthmatics insensitive to down regulation of receptor number. The results suggest that the induction of the refractory state is different between asthmatics and non-asthmatics, and that there may be a role for cAMP in the development of beta-adrenergic refractoriness, in vivo.
PHYSIOLOGICAL ANXIETY RESPONSES IN TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATORS AND NONMEDITATORS

In Exp. I, the spontaneous GSR of seven Transcendental Meditators and seven nonmeditators was measured in a sequence of five conditions: stress (shock avoidance)--rest--meditation (meditators) or rest/eyes closed (nonmeditators)--stress (shock avoidance)--rest. In Exp. II, the spontaneous GSR of a similar group of subjects was measured in a sequence of three conditions: rest--meditation or rest/eyes closed--rest. Analysis of variance did not yield significant differences between meditators and nonmeditators although analysis did verify that the shock-avoidance task effectively produced anxiety. It was concluded that Transcendental Meditation is not an effective means of reducing autonomic responses to stress under the present testing conditions.
Lorentz-Covariant Position Operators for Spinning Particles

An examination is made of the consequences for the quantum mechanics of spinning particles of equations characteristic of Lorentz-covariant position variables. These equations are commutator analogs of the Poisson bracket equations that express the familiar transformation properties of space-time events in classical mechanics. For a particle of zero spin it is found that the usual canonical coordinate is the unique solution of these equations. For a particle with positive spin there is no position operator which satisfies these equations and has commuting components. For a particle and antiparticle there is a unique solution with commuting components which is valid for all values of the spin and reduces for zero spin to the canonical coordinate. For spin \textonehalf{} this is the Foldy-Wouthuysen transform of the position operator of the Dirac equation. A generalization of the inverse Foldy-Wouthuysen transformation, valid for any value of the spin, appears as a unique unitary transformation which takes this generalized Dirac position to the canonical coordinate. The application of this transformation to the canonical form of the Hamiltonian gives a generalization of the Dirac equation Hamiltonian. This is developed and compared with the literature for spin 1. It gives a nonlocal equation as the spin 1 analog of the Dirac equation.
Improved rapid prototyping methodology for MPEG-4 IC development

One important factor in deciding the success of a new consumer product or integrated circuit is minimized time-to- market. A rapid prototyping methodology that encompasses algorithm development in the hardware design phase will have great impact on reducing time-to-market. In this paper, a proven hardware design methodology and a novel top-down design methodology based on Frontier Design's DSP Station tool are described. The proven methodology was used during development of the MC149570 H.261/H.263 video codec manufactured by Motorola. This paper discusses an improvement to this method to create an integrated environment for both system and hardware development, thereby further reducing the time-to-market. The software tool chosen is DSP Station tool by Frontier Design. The rich features of DSP Station tool will be described and then it will be shown how these features may be useful in designing from algorithm to silicon. How this methodology may be used in the development of a new MPEG4 Video Communication ASIC will be outlined. A brief comparison with a popular tool, Signal Processing WorkSystem tool by Cadence, will also be given.
Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) attraction to volatiles produced by Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and Bombus impatiens (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies

In this study, small hive beetle (SHB) attraction to whole honey bee and bumble bee colony volatiles as well as volatiles from individual colony components was investigated using four-way olfactometer choice tests. This was done to determine the role olfactory cues play in SHB host location and differentiation. Results from the bumble bee bioassays suggest that SHBs are attracted to adult bumble bees, stored pollen, brood, wax, and whole colony volatiles though not to honey volatiles. The honey bee bioassay results suggest that SHBs are attracted to adult honey bees, brood, honey, stored pollen, wax, and whole colony volatiles. SHBs did not exhibit a preference for honey bee or bumble bee component volatiles in the honey bee vs. bumble bee bioassays. Collectively, the data suggest that SHB attraction to bumble and honey bee colony volatiles is mediated chemically.
Complex empirical orthogonal function analysis of thermistor chain data near a shelf-slope front

Abstract A complex empirical orthogonal function analysis (i.e. in the frequency domain) is used to examine the thermistor chain data acquired near the New England shelf-slope front during SEEP—I. The analysis is carried out for both the winter and summer period over five frequency bands, designated as low frequency, synoptic, diurnal, inertial and semidiurnal. Statistically significant modes are isolated and subjected to physical interpretations. More notable results include the suggestion of baroclinic instability for the low-frequency signal and the generation of standing frontal waves at semidiurnal frequency during the winter period.
High performance liquid chromatographic determination of serum UV profiles of normal subjects and patients with breast cancer and benign fibrocystic changes

Abstract High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the UV profiles of serum samples taken postoperatively from 22 patients with histologically documented breast cancer, 8 patients with benign breast fibrocystic changes and 10 normal subjects. The analyses were performed on coded serum samples and after they were completed, the code was broken and the results correlated with the clinical data. Only one ml of serum was required for the HPLC analysis and identification. Detection limits for the nucleosides and bases were in the 10–20 pmol range and the injection volume of the deproteinated serum was 75 μl. The UV profiles of the normal subjects were very reproducible and similar to those of the patients with benign fibrocystic changes. The profiles of some of the cancer patients were distinctly different from the two other groups, 1-methylinosine and N 2 -methylguanosine, which were not detected in sera from normal subjects and patients with benign fibrocystic changes, were found in 45.5% and 22.7% of the cancer patients, respectively. Patients with the metastatic disease also showed elevated levels of guanosine and uridine. Only one false positive was found in the normal population. At present, it is not clear whether this indicates a subclinical manifestation of the disease and it must await further follow-up.
Chain conditions in commutative semigroup rings

Let R be a commutative ring, let S be a commutative semigroup, and let T = R[S] be the semigroup ring of S over R. We determine conditions under which T is Noetherian or Artinian. If R is unitary and S is a monoid, such conditions are known. To wit, T is Noetherian if and only if R is Noetherian and S is finitely generated [6, Theorem 7.71, and T is Artinian if and only if R is Artinian and S is finite [6, Theorem 20.61. The main results of this paper are contained in Theorems 2.3, 2.4, and 3.3. To indicate the flavor of these resuls, we note that Theorem 2.3 states that if R is unitary and S is not idempotent, then R[S] is Noetherian if and only if S and (R, + ), the additive group of R, are finitely generated, while Theorem 3.3 states that if S is idempotent, then R[S] is Artinian if and only if R is Artinian and S is finite. All rings and semigroups considered in this paper are assumed to be commutative. We write the semigroup operation as addition, and elements of R[S] are written in the form CT= I riX”‘, where ri E R and si E S. If S is a semigroup without identity, we denote by So the monoid obtained by adjoining a zero element to S; if R is a ring without identity, then R* denotes the unital extension of R obtained by canonically adjoining an identity element of characteristic 0 to R [S, p. S]. We assume throughout that R and S are nonzero.
HIGHLY PURIFIED DETERGENT-SOLUBILIZED NADPH-CYTOCHROME P-450 REDUCTASE FROM PHENOBARBITAL-INDUCED RAT LIVER MICROSOMES"

Abstract NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase was highly purified from liver microsomes of phenobarbital-induced rats by column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, DEAE-Sephadex A-50, and hydroxylapatite in the presence of deoxycholate or Renex 690, a nonionic detergent. The purified enzyme gave a single major band with a molecular weight of 79,000 daltons on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. FMN and FAD were present in about equal amounts. The most active reductase preparation catalyzed the reduction of 40.9 μmoles of cytochrome c per min per mg of protein and, as an indirect measure of cytochrome P-450 reduction, the oxidation of 2.0 μmoles of NADPH per min per mg of protein in a reconstituted hydroxylation system containing benzphetamine as the substrate.
Winter and early spring CO2 efflux from tundra communities of northern Alaska

Carbon dioxide concentrations through snow were measured in different arctic tundra communities on the North Slope of Alaska during winter and early spring of 1996. Subnivean CO 2 concentrations were always higher than atmospheric CO 2 . A steady state diffusion model was used to generate conservative estimates of CO 2 flux to the atmosphere. The magnitude of CO 2 efflux differed with tundra community type, and rates of carbon release increased from March to May. Winter CO 2 efflux was highest in riparian and snow bed communities and lowest in dry heath, upland tussock, and wet sedge communities. Snow generally accrues earlier in winter and is deeper in riparian and snow bed communities compared with other tundra communities, which are typically windswept and do not accumulate much snow during the winter. These results support the hypothesis that early and deep snow accumulation may insulate microbial populations from very cold temperatures, allowing sites with earlier snow cover to sustain higher levels of activity throughout winter compared to communities that have later developing snow cover. Extrapolating our estimates of CO 2 efflux to the entire snow-covered season indicates that total carbon flux during winter in the Arctic is 13-109 kg CO 2 -C ha -1 , depending on the vegetation community type. Wintertime CO 2 flux is a potentially important, yet largely overlooked, part of the annual carbon cycle of tundra, and carbon release during winter should be accounted for in estimates of annual carbon balance in arctic ecosystems.
Fuzzy Assessor Using Type 1 and Type 2 Fuzzy Sets

Abstract This paper provides a fuzzy assessor that can be used to evaluate system architectures. The fuzzy assessor includes a method of assigning system architecture attribute values to the lower level subsystems using type 1 fuzzy sets and type 2 fuzzy sets. Each architecture attribute is evaluated at the lowest subsystem level and then mathematically rolled-up to provide the system level value for each architecture attribute. Then the value for each architecture attribute is combined into an overall system architecture performance value. This provides a mathematical method of qualitatively assessing a system architecture based on key architecture attributes. The fuzzy assessor uses the architecture attributes of reliability, robustness, affordability, flexibility, adaptability, and survivability as the key architecture attributes. The fuzzy assessor is implemented using MATLAB and is incorporated into a genetic algorithm. The Infantry Immersion Training Facility (IITF) is the domain for the architecture assessment using the Fuzzy Assessor with Type-2 Fuzzy Systems.
Molecular characterization and immunological roles of avian IL-22 and its soluble receptor IL-22 binding protein

As a member of the interleukin (IL)-10 family, IL-22 is an important mediator in modulating tissue responses during inflammation. Through activation of STAT3-signaling cascades, IL-22 induces proliferative and anti-apoptotic pathways, as well as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), that help prevent tissue damage and aid in its repair. This study reports the cloning and expression of recombinant chicken IL-22 (rChIL-22) and its soluble receptor, rChIL22BP, and characterization of biological effects of rChIL-22 during inflammatory responses. Similar to observations with mammalian IL-22, purified rChIL-22 had no effect on either peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or lymphocytes. This was due to the low expression of the receptor ChIL22RA1 chain compared to ChIL10RB chain. rChIL-22 alone did not affect chicken embryo kidney cells (CEKCs); however, co-stimulation of CEKCs with LPS and rChIL-22 enhanced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and AMPs. Furthermore, rChIL-22 alone stimulated and induced acute phase reactants in chicken embryo liver cells (CELCs). These effects of rChIL-22 were abolished by pre-incubation of rChIL-22 with rChIL22BP. Together, this study indicates an important role of ChIL-22 on epithelial cells and hepatocytes during inflammation.
Excretion and ecotoxicity of pharmaceutical and personal care products in the environment.

The presence and fate of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in the environment is undergoing increasing scrutiny. The existing clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics data for 81 common compounds were examined for cues of ecotoxicity. Of these the proportions excreted were available for 60 compounds (i.e., 74%). The compounds had a low ( or =70%) proportion of the parent compound excreted. More than half of the compounds evaluated have low or moderately low proportions of the parent compound excreted. However, the proportions excreted were negatively but moderately correlated (r = -0.50; n = 13; P = 0.08) with the concentrations of the compounds in the aquatic environment, suggesting that the compounds that have low proportions excreted may also have inherently low degradability in the environment. Solubility, logK(ow), and pKa work well in predicting the behavior of PPCPs under clinical conditions and have been used in the environmental assessment of PPCPs prior to approval. However, these parameters did not correlate with the proportion of PPCPs excreted in the environment or their concentration in the environment, underscoring the need for research into the behavior of PPCPs in the environment. PPCPs occur in low concentrations in the environment and are unlikely to elicit acute toxicity. An ecotoxicity potential that is based on chronic toxicity, bioavailability, and duration of exposure to nontarget organisms is described as a guide in assessing the potency of these compounds in the environment.
In vitro assessment of MRI issues at 3-Tesla for a breast tissue expander with a remote port.

Abstract Objectives A patient with a breast tissue expander may require a diagnostic assessment using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To ensure patient safety, this type of implant must undergo in vitro MRI testing using proper techniques. Therefore, this investigation evaluated MRI issues (i.e., magnetic field interactions, heating, and artifacts) at 3-Tesla for a breast tissue expander with a remote port. Methods A breast tissue expander with a remote port (Integra Breast Tissue Expander, Model 3612-06 with Standard Remote Port, PMT Corporation, Chanhassen, MN) underwent evaluation for magnetic field interactions (translational attraction and torque), MRI-related heating, and artifacts using standardized techniques. Heating was evaluated by placing the implant in a gelled-saline-filled phantom and MRI was performed using a transmit/receive RF body coil at an MR system reported, whole body averaged specific absorption rate of 2.9-W/kg. Artifacts were characterized using T1-weighted and GRE pulse sequences. Results Magnetic field interactions were not substantial and, thus, will not pose a hazard to a patient in a 3-Tesla or less MRI environment. The highest temperature rise was 1.7 °C, which is physiologically inconsequential. Artifacts were large in relation to the remote port and metal connector of the implant but will only present problems if the MR imaging area of interest is where these components are located. Conclusions A patient with this breast tissue expander with a remote port may safely undergo MRI at 3-Tesla or less under the conditions used for this investigation. These findings are the first reported at 3-Tesla for a tissue expander.
Teaching Writing in the Disciplines: Student Perspectives on Learning Genre

Writing in the Disciplines curricula can both challenge and reinforce assumptions that writing is a general skill that students will already have learned prior to doing the specialized writing in their chosen field of study. Rhetorical genre studies, however, tends to emphasize the situated nature of writing expertise, and thus supports the exploration of more sustained and varied forms of writing instruction in higher education. This article reports on a qualitative study that gave priority to a rich source of pedagogical insight: student writers themselves. In-depth interviews and surveys were used to examine the pedagogical practices and curricular experiences identified by students as being most helpful in developing undergraduate expertise in their discipline’s research genre. These student-centered descriptions of successful genre learning point the way toward curricular and instructional models that emphasize the intellectual, affective, and relational nature of writing.
Signs of herniosis in women with vaginal prolapse and/or stress incontinence

Gynecological literature pertaining to prolapse or stress urinary incontinence published over the past four decades was reviewed to determine whether signs of herniosis, the systemic connective tissue co-morbidity known to play a significant role in abdominal herniation, were present and differed from controls. A total of eight indications were reported: (1) Genetic factors, i.e., family history and race, were predictive. (2) An increase in the incidence was observed in association with heritable diseases of collagen and their formes frustes (e.g., joint laxity). (3) Recurrence rate after repair was high (30%). (4) Fragmentation and degeneration of smooth muscle and collagen fibers were observed histologically. (5) Biochemistry demonstrated a decline of 24–40% in collagen content of skin, round ligament, cardinal ligament, periurethral vaginal wall, cervix, pubocervical, cervicococcygeal, and vesicovaginal fasciae. (6) In patients with stress urinary incontinence, collagen content decreased 60%. This change was independent of age, parity, menopausal status, and weight. (7) Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2 and MMP-9) activity increased fourfold and that of their inhibitor TIMP-1 decreased. (8) Cigarette smoking, an acquired factor, increased the incidence of stress urinary incontinence. This commonality with the etiology of abdominal herniae explains why gynecologists have decreased their emphasis on childbirth injury and, like herniologists, have moved to discard the dogma “prolapse” as a designate for extraperitoneal herniation in the pelvis.