cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
State Factor Climate

To begin with a historical note, the documented recognition of climate as a molder of soil is but a century old, though earlier de Saussure had suggested in his Voyages dans les Alpes (1796) that climate is responsible for variations in contents of soil organic matter.
Let's talk numbers: a qualitative study of community-dwelling US adults to understand the role of numeracy in the management of heart failure.

Objective To examine the perspectives of adults with heart failure (HF) about numerical concepts integral to HF self-care. Setting This qualitative study took place at an urban academic primary care practice. Participants Thirty men and women aged 47–89 years with a history of HF were recruited to participate. Eligibility criteria included: a history of HF (≥1 year), seen at the clinic within the last year, and a HF hospitalisation within the last 6 months. Non-English speakers and those with severe cognitive impairment were excluded. Methods In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted. Participants were interviewed about numeracy across three domains of HF self-care: (1) monitoring weight,(2) maintaining a diet low in salt and (3) monitoring blood pressure. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using grounded theory and word cloud techniques. Results Five key themes reflecting participants’ attitudes towards numerical concepts pertaining to weight, diet and blood pressure were identified: (1) Communication between healthcare providers and patients is a complex, multistage process; (2) Patients possess a wide range of knowledge and understanding; (3) Social and caregiver support is critical for the application of numerical concepts; (4) Prior health experiences shape outlook towards numerical concepts and instructions and (5) Fear serves as a barrier and a facilitator to carrying out HF self-care tasks that involve numbers. The findings informed a theoretical framework of health numeracy in HF. Conclusion Effective communication of numerical concepts which pertain to HF self-care is highly variable. Many patients with HF lack basic understanding and numeracy skills required for adequate self-care. As such, patients rely on caregivers who may lack HF training. HF-specific training of caregivers and research that seeks to elucidate the intricacies of the patient–caregiver relationship in the context of health numeracy and HF self-care are warranted.
Epidural cerebrospinal fluid collection following lumbar puncture in an adult patient: A case report and literature review.

Background Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage into the epidural space following lumbar puncture (LP) has been documented in pediatric patients, but there have been no reported cases in adults. Case description We report an epidural CSF leak in an adult who presented with back pain, positional headache, urinary retention, and constipation following an LP performed as a part of a research study. The patient's magnetic resonance (MR) scan showed an extensive epidural CSF collection. Following placement in a recumbent position for 72 h, the collection fully resolved along with his neurological complaints. Conclusion Symptomatic epidural CSF collections rarely occur in adults following LPs. Nevertheless, the management remains the same as for pediatric patients; bed rest for 72 h results typically in full resolution of symptoms/signs and regression of the collection on MR studies.
Coding and Billing for Speech-Language Pathologists

When health care providers bill a 3rd-party payer, they must be able to communicate information to that payer regarding the service they provided (and for which they are seeking reimbursement) and ...
Plant Synthetic Biology: Quantifying the Known Unknowns and Discovering the Unknown Unknowns

Biosensors, advanced microscopy, and single-cell transcriptomics are advancing plant synthetic biology.
A Rare Case of Steroid Cell Tumor, Not Otherwise Specified (NOS), of the Ovary in a Young Woman

Steroid cell tumour is a rare sex cord-stromal tumor of the ovary. It may produce steroids and is associated with testosterone secretion which causes symptoms like hair loss, hirsutism, and oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea due to hormonal activity and virilizing properties of tumor. In this article, we reported a 27-year-old woman who presented with hirsutism, hoarseness of voice, scalp hair fall, and amenorrhea for 8 years. Clinical and diagnostic evaluation revealed a left adnexal mass and elevated serum levels of testosterone and she was diagnosed as having a Sertoli Leydig cell tumour of ovary. She underwent left salpingooophorectomy and both histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis. Her serum testosterone levels normalized 3 days after the surgery and her menses resumed spontaneously a few months after the operation. In addition, we reviewed the literature on the epidemiology, clinical presentations, imaging and histological findings, and the treatment options on this disease.
Root metaxylem and architecture phenotypes integrate to regulate water use under drought stress

At the genus and species level, variation in root anatomy and architecture may interact to affect strategies of drought avoidance. To investigate this idea, root anatomy and architecture of the drought-sensitive common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and drought-adapted tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) were analyzed in relation to water use under terminal drought. Intraspecific variation for metaxylem anatomy and axial conductance was found in the roots of both species. Genotypes with high-conductance root metaxylem phenotypes acquired and transpired more water per unit leaf area, shoot mass, and root mass than genotypes with low-conductance metaxylem phenotypes. Interspecific variation in root architecture and root depth was observed where P. acutifolius has a deeper distribution of root length than P. vulgaris. In the deeper-rooted P. acutifolius, genotypes with high root conductance were better able to exploit deep soil water than genotypes with low root axial conductance. Contrastingly, in the shallower-rooted P. vulgaris, genotypes with low root axial conductance had improved water status through conservation of soil moisture for sustained water capture later in the season. These results indicate that metaxylem morphology interacts with root system depth to determine a strategy of drought avoidance and illustrate synergism among architectural and anatomical phenotypes for root function.
Sedentary behaviour and physical activity across pregnancy and birth outcomes

Background Shorter gestation or smaller birth size are indicators of a suboptimal fetal environment and negatively impact short- and long-term offspring health. Understanding how modifiable maternal behaviours, such as moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) or sedentary behaviour (SED), improve fetal outcomes could inform strategies to improve health across the lifespan. Objectives The objective of this study was to examine the association of MVPA and SED across pregnancy trimesters on gestational age at delivery and newborn anthropometrics. Methods The MoM Health Study measured SED (thigh-mounted activPAL3 micro) and MVPA (waist-worn Actigraph GTX3) in each trimester of pregnancy. Birth outcomes (gestational age at delivery, birthweight, birth length, and head circumference) were abstracted from medical records and used to calculate ponderal index (grams*100/cm3 ) and size-for-gestational age percentiles. Associations of group-based trajectories and trimester-specific SED and MVPA with birth outcomes were analysed using regression models. Results Low, medium, and high trajectory groups were generated SED and MVPA in 103 and 99 pregnant women, respectively. High vs low SED trajectory was associated with earlier gestational age at delivery (β -1.03 weeks, 95% CI -2.01, -0.06), larger head circumference (β 0.83 cm, 95% CI 0.24, 1.63), longer birth length (β 1.37 cm, 95% CI 0.09, 2.64), and lower ponderal index (β -0.24 g*100/cm3 , 95% CI -0.42, -0.06), after adjustment for demographics, pre-pregnancy BMI, and (for newborn anthropometric outcomes) gestational age. The association of high SED with lower ponderal index was the most robust across progressively adjusted models (β -0.25 g*100/cm3 , 95% CI -0.44, -0.07). SED trajectory was not associated with birthweight or size-for-gestational age. High vs low MVPA trajectory was only associated with smaller head circumference (β -0.86 cm, 95% CI -1.70, -0.02). Conclusions Higher SED during pregnancy may result in shorter gestation and inhibited fetal growth. Further research evaluating the effect of reducing SED during pregnancy on birth outcomes is warranted.
Fresnel Models for Gravitational Wave Effects on Pulsar Timing

Merging supermassive black hole binaries produce low frequency gravitational waves which pulsar timing experiments are searching for. Much of the current theory is developed within the plane-wave formalism, and here we develop the more general Fresnel formalism. We show that Fresnel corrections to gravitational wave timing residual models allow novel new measurements to be made, such as direct measurements of the source distance from the timing residual phase and frequency, as well as direct measurements of chirp mass from a monochromatic source. Probing the Fresnel corrections in these models will require that future pulsar timing arrays include more distant pulsars across our galaxy, and greatly decrease the uncertainty on these pulsar distances (to within the order of the gravitational wavelength). However, we find that with these conditions met the measured source distance uncertainty can be made less than 10 per cent of the distance to the source for sources out to $\sim 100$ Mpc, source sky localization can be reduced to sub-arcminute precision, and source volume localization can be made to less than $1 \ \text{Mpc}^3$ for sources out to $1$ Gpc distances.
Deep learning neural network analysis of human blastocyst expansion from time-lapse image files.

Abstract Research question Can artificial intelligence (AI) discriminate a blastocyst's cellular area from unedited time-lapse image files using semantic segmentation and a deep learning optimized U-Net architecture for use in selecting single blastocysts for transfer? Design This platform was retrospectively applied to time-lapse files from 101 sequentially transferred single blastocysts that were prospectively selected for transfer by their highest expansion ranking within cohorts using a 10 h expansion assay rather than standard grading. Results The AI platform provides expansion curves and raw data files to classify and compare blastocyst phenotypes within both cohorts and populations. Of 35 sequential unbiopsied single blastocyst transfers, 23 (65.7%) resulted in a live birth. Of 66 sequential single euploid blastocyst transfers, also selected for their most robust expansion, 49 (74.2%) resulted in live birth. The AI platform revealed that the averaged expansion rate was significantly (P = 0.007) greater in euploid blastocysts that resulted in live births compared with those resulting in failure to give a live birth. The platform further provides a framework to analyse fragmentation phenotypes that can test new hypotheses for developmental regulation during the preimplantation period. Conclusions AI can be used to quantitatively describe blastocyst expansion from unedited time-lapse image files and can be used to quantitatively rank-order blastocysts for transfer. Early clinical results from such single blastocyst selection suggests that live birth rates without biopsy may be comparable to those found using single euploid blastocysts in younger, good responder patients.
Linguistic justice: black language, literacy, identity, and pedagogy

In Linguistic Justice: Black Language, Literacy, Identity, and Pedagogy, April Baker-Bell offers a transformative, critical-cultural approach to the teaching and learning of Black Language, literac...
Thermal Boundary Resistance Between Solid 3He and Cerium Magnesium Nitrate

We have measured the thermal boundary resistance between powdered cerium magnesium nitrate (CMN), (average particle diameter ~50μ) and solid He3 (23.9 cm3/mole, ~15ppm He4) and liquid He3 (S.V.P.) at several different applied magnetic field strengths in the temperature range between 45 mK and 250 mK. At temperatures below 70 mK and fields greater than ~55G, the observed measurements of the magnetic Kapitza resistance are consistent with the T2 dependence of that resistance predicted by R. A. Guyer1 for the solid He and the T dependence for the liquid observed by others at lower temperatures2,3 and theoretically predicted.1,4,5
Vasoactive intestinal peptide, a singlet oxygen quencher.

The neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a highly basic 28-amino acid peptide, has a widespread distribution in the body. The functional specificity of this peptide not only includes its potent vasodilatory activity, but also its role in protecting lungs against acute injury, in preventing T-lymphocyte proliferation and in modulating immune function. We have investigated the possible antioxidant properties of VIP and found that VIP does not have significant O2-, OH., or H2O2 scavenging ability. However, VIP was found to inhibit, in a dose-dependent manner, the 1O2-dependent 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine N-oxyl (TEMPO) formation. 1O2 was produced in photosensitizing systems using rose bengal or methylene blue as sensitizers and was detected as TEMP-1O2 product (TEMPO) by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic techniques. The formation of TEMPO signal was strongly inhibited by known singlet quenchers, e.g. beta-carotene, histidine as well as azide, but not by catalase (20 micrograms/ml) which removes H2O2 and mannitol (6 mM) or ethanol (5.9 mM) which remove OH.. Superoxide dismutase (2.5 micrograms/ml) inhibited the photoreaction up to 20% by removing O2- and most probably by blocking the secondary charge transfer pathway of 1O2 formation. These results suggest that the formation of nitroxide radical by 1O2 attack on TEMP may be used as a simple and specific assay for 1O2, and VIP can serve as an effective 1O2 scavenger/quencher, thus it may modulate the oxidative tissue injury caused by this reactive species of oxygen.
SiC devices offer improved reliability for T&D applications

The purpose of this paper is to identify and describe the key enabling roles that SiC power semiconductor devices will play in future envisaged electricity networks. Prospective SiC devices have higher voltage rating, are faster switching and can operate at higher temperature than their Si counterparts. Hence power electronic (PE) equipment using SiC devices will have, not only much lower dissipation, but also a lower component count and thus be more compact and reliable.
Negative Regulation of Oligodendrocyte Differentiation by Galactosphingolipids

Galactocerebroside and sulfatide, major galactosphingolipid components of oligodendrocyte plasma membranes and myelin, are first expressed at a critical point, when progenitors cease to proliferate and commence terminal differentiation. We showed previously that an antibody to galactocerebroside/sulfatide arrested terminal differentiation, suggesting a role for these galactolipids in oligodendrocyte differentiation. We have now investigated the differentiation of oligodendrocytes (1) in response to other anti-galactolipid antibodies, showing that anti-sulfatide O4 but not anti-galactocerebroside O1 blocks terminal differentiation, perhaps by mimicking an endogenous ligand, and (2) in a transgenic mouse unable to synthesize these lipids because of mutation of the gene for ceramide galactosyltransferase, a key enzyme for galactosphingolipid synthesis. We find that galactosyltransferase mRNA expression begins at the late progenitor [pro-oligodendroblast (Pro-OL)] stage of the lineage and that the late progenitor marker pro-oligodendroblast antigen is not synthesized in the absence of galactosyltransferase. The principal outcome of the elimination of these galactolipids is a two- to threefold enhancement in the number of terminally differentiated oligodendrocytes both in culture and in vivo. Because the general pattern of differentiation and the level of progenitor proliferation and survival appear to be unaltered in the mutant cultures, we conclude that the increased number of oligodendrocytes is caused by an increased rate and probability of differentiation. In agreement with these two experimental approaches, we present a model in which galactosphingolipids (in particular galactocerebroside and/or sulfatide) act as sensors and/or transmitters of environmental information, interacting with endogenous ligands to function as negative regulators of oligodendrocyte differentiation, monitoring the timely progress of Pro-OLs into terminally differentiating, myelin-producing oligodendrocytes.
The composition of dental calculus—III

Abstract 4192 individual samples of supragingival calculus from the molar and lingual areas were analysed both chemically and chromatographically for the amino acid and saccharide composition. The nitrogen content of upper molar was consistently higher than that of lower anterior calculus. The amino acid concentration in the lower lingual was correspondingly lower but differed from upper molar calculus. Lower lingual contained serine, alanine, glycine, glutamic acid and almost always arginine and lysine. These acids were not always found, and when found, were in lower concentrations in upper molar calculus. Histidine, ornithine, taurine, methionine, homoserine, homocysteine-thio-lactone and hydroxyproline were not found in any of the calculus. Limited quantities of hydroxylysine, tyrosine and tryptophane were found inconsistently. The saccharide amounted to about 20 per cent of the matrix and consisted of galactose, glucose, rhamnose, mannose, glucuronic acid, galactosamine and sometimes arabinose, galacturonic acid and glucosamine. Fucose, xylose, desoxyribose, raffinose, glucuronolactone and sialic acid were not found. No difference in saccharide content, chemically or chromatographically, was found between areas of the same or different mouths. It was concluded that the calculus matrix is a reflection of plaque origin, plus residues of the microflora, and not of salivary mucoid precipitation.
An update on the solar neutrino problem and the three-family MSW effect allowing for astrophysical uncertainties

Researchers considered three-neutrino Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein (MSW) mixing, assuming m sub 3 is much greater than m sub 2 is greater than m sub 1 as expected from theoretical consideration if neutrinos have mass. They calculated the corresponding mixing parameter space allowed by the Cl-37 and Kamiokande 2 experiments. They also calculated the expected depletion for the Ga-71 experiment. They explored a range of theoretical uncertainty due to possible astrophysical effects by varying the B-8 neutrino flux and redoing the MSW mixing calculation.
Oxidation of levulinic acid for the production of maleic anhydride: breathing new life into biochemicals

Levulinic acid (LA) is a biomass-derived platform chemical that could play a central role in emerging industries as an intermediate that facilitates production of bio-based commodities. In this context, we present a novel, catalytic pathway for the synthesis of maleic anhydride (MA) via oxidative cleavage of the methyl carbon in LA over supported vanadates. The approach is demonstrated in a continuous flow, packed bed reactor, and we have observed that VOx supported on SiO2 achieves single-pass MA yields as high as 71%. Preliminary analysis suggests that LA might compete with butane as an industrial MA feedstock. Finally, bifunctional LA and monofunctional 2-pentanone display contrasting oxidative cleavage selectivities, indicating that methyl carbon cleavage during vapor phase oxidation over supported vanadates is unique to LA.
Colchicine in Treatment of Intractable Postpericardiotomy Syndrome in an Elderly Patient

Summary Postpericardiotomy syndrome is a specific type of acute pericarditis because of a delayed pericardial and/or pleural reaction after thoracic surgery. Relapse after aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and/or steroid treatment or intractable to this conventional therapy causes a troublesome situation. Colchicine was first proposed for treatment of recurrent pericarditis in 1987. A number of investigators have reported the efficacy and safety of colchicine in combination therapy for recurrent pericarditis. Recently, Colchicine for Recurrent Pericarditis and Colchicine for Acute Pericarditis studies suggested that colchicine is useful in the first attack of acute pericarditis, and corticosteroid therapy given in the first attack favors the recurrence of pericarditis. In this report, we present an 82-year-old woman with severe tricuspid regurgitation and moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation because of rheumatic heart disease, postpericardiotomy syndrome with severe pleural and pericardial effusion developed after the open-heart surgery. Both pleural and pericardial effusion was intractable to steroid therapy. Colchicine and steroid combination therapy made the syndrome remission rapidly. The total course of colchicines therapy was 2.5 months. There was no recurrence after 1 year of clinic follow-up.
Electronic control of exchange coupling in copper(II) halide dimers

Abstract A theoretical study of the exchange coupling in a series of copper(II) halide compounds containing quasi-planar bi-bridged dimers is reported. The exchange, antiferromagnetic for the parent Cu 2 X 6 2− (X = Cl, Br), becomes less antiferromagnetic as terminal halide ions are replaced by more electronegative O- or N-based ligands. The trend is attributed to the reduction in electron density on the bridging halide ions induced by these more electronegative ligands. Theoretical calculations of the exchange coupling are presented to compare with the experimental results.
Parasites And Male Ornaments In Free-Ranging And Captive Red Jungle Fowl

The morphology and parasite burdens of culled free-ranging red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus) from the San Diego Zoo were compared with those of captive roosters used previously in sexual selection experiments, to determine if results obtained with the captive birds were relevant to more natural situations. Zoo roosters had three helminth gut parasites: Ascaridia galli, tapeworms, and Heterakis. Parasite distribution was generally over-dispersed, with most individuals having none or few worms and some having heavy parasite burdens. These levels were comparable to those artificially induced in test roosters. The appearance of the zoo birds was similar to test roosters as well. Higher parasite burdens in the zoo birds was negatively related to hackle feather redness, comb length, and especially testis volume. The latter finding is discussed in light of information about the relationship between testosterone levels, sexual selection, and the immune system. A new analysis of female choice of uninfected controls versus experimentally infected roosters suggests that females prefer a multivariate array of traits perceived as a continuous, rather than categorical, variable.
Anomalous diffusion in a high magnetic field and the quasiparticle density of states.

We consider a disordered two-dimensional electronic system in the limit of high magnetic field at the metal-insulator transition. Density of states close to the Fermi level acquires a divergent correction to the lowest order in electron-electron interaction and shows a power-law dependence on the energy, with the power given by the anomalous diffusion exponent \ensuremath{\eta}. This should be observable in the tunneling experiment with double-well GaAs heterostructure of the mobility \ensuremath{\sim}${10}^{4}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ V/s, at fields of \ensuremath{\sim}10 T at temperatures of \ensuremath{\sim}10 mK and voltages of \ensuremath{\sim}1 \ensuremath{\mu}V.
The derivative of a continuous nonconstant function

Using elementary ideas and techniques, we prove (Theorem 2) that for a nonconstant differentiable function , a < b, the set S(f) = {x ϵ [a, b] : f'(x) ≠ 0} cannot be negligible. This result remains valid if f fails to be differentiable on a countable subset of [a, b].
Marital exogamy in the Aland Islands Finland 1750-1949.

SummaryMarriage records from 1750 through 1949 were used to examine effects of population size, geographic distance, and temporal change on rates of marital exogamy in the Aland Islands, Finland. Exogamy rates for individuals (not couples) were computed for 15 Aland parishes in each of four 50-year time periods, giving a total of 60 observations. These rates were analysed with respect to population size using a quadratic regression model. Regression analyses were also used to examine the relationship of marital exogamy with two measures of geographic distance—average distance to all other parishes and nearest-neighbour distance. Analysis of variance was used to examine temporal trends. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine all of these factors simultaneously. Marital exogamy is highest in smaller and larger populations, and less in medium-sized populations. Higher exogamy rates in small populations are related to the lack of available mates in small groups. Higher exogamy rates in larger popul...
Strategies for high-precision Global Positioning System orbit determination

Various strategies for the high-precision orbit determination of the GPS satellites are explored using data from the 1985 GPS field test. Several refinements to the orbit determination strategies were found to be crucial for achieving high levels of repeatability and accuracy. These include the fine tuning of the GPS solar radiation coefficients and the ground station zenith tropospheric delays. Multiday arcs of 3-6 days provided better orbits and baselines than the 8-hr arcs from single-day passes. Highest-quality orbits and baselines were obtained with combined carrier phase and pseudorange solutions.
Differences in migration determinants for linguistic groups in Canada.

This study utilizes linguistically disaggregated region-to-region migration data between 1981 and 1986 to demonstrate that French and English speaking Canadians react differently to place attributes. A series of log transformed linear regression models suggest that the two populations differ very little in their response to traditional labor market variables but that they diverge dramatically in their response to the linguistic composition of each region. Each group prefers regions with a greater percentage of their own co-linguists, but Francophones are less sensitive than Anglophones to linguistic composition.
1248 NEURODEVELOPMENTAL(ND) AND CARDIORESPIRATORY(CR) FOLLOWUP OF INFANTS WITH PERSISTENT PULMONARY HYPERTENSION OF THE NEWBORN (PPHN)

PPHN is a syndrome associated with high morbidity and mortality. Therapy often aims at maintaining pCO2 7.5 until pulmonary hypertension resolves. To assess whether the disease or its therapy adversely affects ND or CR outcome,12 infants were evaluated with long-term followup. All were male with mean (M) birth wt.=3.23kg(range2.4-4.2), M gest. age=38wks(35-40), M Apgars 6.6(1-9)lmin/8(4-9)5min and M initial pO2=37mmHg(17-63). During therapy, pCO2 was 7.5 for a M of 62 hrs(36-96). M duration of ventilation was 9.5 days(¼-36) with peak inflating press.(PIP)>30cmH2O for a M of 102 hrs(12-228). M age of followup evaluation was 29 mo(6-48). 9/12 are entirely normal neurologically. 2/12 have slightly increased lower extremity tone and 1 has mod. unilateral hypertonia. 11/12 children are normal or mildly delayed. 9/11 have developmental quotients(DQ) or IQ=87-105. 2/11 have mildly delayed DQ's(70-80). Only 1 is mod-sev delayed(DQ=50); however, he has a strong family history of retardation. All cardiac exams, electrocardiograms, & echocardiograms are normal. 4/12 have chronic lung disease (CLD) requiring bronchodilators. The presence of CLD is apparent only in those exposed to prolonged high PIP (M cmH2O=50 for M=34 hrs). The exact etiology of the CLD in these patients, however, is not clear. Conclusion:Survivors of PPHN have a low incidence of severe ND or CR problems resulting from either the disease or its therapy.
Complexity of networks I: The set-complexity of binary graphs

The balance between symmetry and randomness as a property of networks can be viewed as a kind of “complexity.” We use here our previously defined “set complexity” measure (Galas et al., IEEE Trans Inf Theory 2010, 56), which was used to approach the problem of defining biological information, in the mathematical analysis of networks. This information theoretic measure is used to explore the complexity of binary, undirected graphs. The complexities, Ψ, of some specific classes of graphs can be calculated in closed form. Some simple graphs have a complexity value of zero, but graphs with significant values of Ψ are rare. We find that the most complex of the simple graphs are the complete bipartite graphs (CBGs). In this simple case, the complexity, Ψ, is a strong function of the size of the two node sets in these graphs. We find the maximum Ψ binary graphs as well. These graphs are distinct from, but similar to CBGs. Finally, we explore directed and stochastic processes for growing graphs (hill-climbing and random duplication, respectively) and find that node duplication and partial node duplication conserve interesting graph properties. Partial duplication can grow extremely complex graphs, while full node duplication cannot do so. By examining the eigenvalue spectrum of the graph Laplacian we characterize the symmetry of the graphs and demonstrate that, in general, breaking specific symmetries of the binary graphs increases the set-based complexity, Ψ. The implications of these results for more complex, multiparameter graphs, and for physical and biological networks and the processes of network evolution are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 17,51–64, 2011 © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptive Numerical Modeling of Natural Convection, Conduction, and Solidification within Mold Cavities

Time-dependent solidification of an aluminum alloy within a graphite mold cavity is adaptively modeled, including effects of latent heat convection, temperature-dependent variation in viscosity during phase change, and mold wall conduction. Three other simpler (but related) applications are also examined. The coupled, nonlinear conservation equations, written using the vorticity–velocity formulation, are solved simultaneously using Newton's method within the context of the local rectangular refinement (LRR) solution-adaptive gridding method. The LRR method automatically generates orthogonal unstructured adaptive grids and incorporates multiple-scale finite differences, producing considerable computational savings without loss of accuracy, compared to similar solution methods on structured grids. For the two (steady) applications for which published results exist, excellent agreement with published computational and experimental results is observed.
Surgery: selective bladder-preserving therapy for muscle-invasive cancer.

Transurethral resection of the bladder and adjuvant chemoradiation can permit eradication of the tumor and micrometastases. Close monitoring by sequential cystoscopy and biopsy can achieve similar survival outcomes to radical cystectomy, and could avoid invasive treatment.
On the wavelength of convective motions

It has been found experimentally that under a lid of excellent heat conductivity the wavelength of convective motions on a uniformly heated plane increases with increasing supercritical Rayleigh numbers. Under an insulating lid, the wavelength at the critical Rayleigh number is larger than under a well conducting lid. When heating from below is applied rapidly the wavelength is less than in the corresponding stationary case.
Designing Nanoscale Logic Circuits Based on Markov Random Fields

As devices and operating voltages are scaled down, future circuits will be plagued by higher soft error rates, reduced noise margins and defective devices. A key challenge for the future is retaining high reliability in the presence of faulty devices and noise. Probabilistic computing offers one possible approach. In this paper we describe our approach for mapping circuits onto CMOS using principles of probabilistic computation. In particular, we demonstrate how Markov random field elements may be built in CMOS and used to design combinational circuits running at ultra low supply voltages. We show that with our new design strategy, circuits can operate in highly noisy conditions and provide superior noise immunity, at reduced power dissipation. If extended to more complex circuits, our approach could lead to a paradigm shift in computing architecture without abandoning the dominant silicon CMOS technology.
Improving the accuracy of the calculation of fusion rates and sticking fractions in muon-catalyzed fusion

Two critical quantities in muon-catalyzed d-t fusion are the d-t fusion rate 〈\ensuremath{\psi}\ensuremath{\Vert}${\ensuremath{\delta}}^{(3)}$${(\mathrm{r}}_{\mathrm{dt}}$)\ensuremath{\Vert}\ensuremath{\psi}〉 and the \ensuremath{\alpha}-\ensuremath{\mu} sticking fraction mU〈cphi(r)${\mathrm{e}}^{\mathrm{i}}$q\ensuremath{\cdot}r\ensuremath{\Vert}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}^{(3)}$(r $_{\mathit{d}\mathit{t}}$)\ensuremath{\Vert}\ensuremath{\psi}(${\mathrm{r}}_{\mathit{t}}$,r)〉${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Vert}}}^{2}$/ 〈\ensuremath{\psi}\ensuremath{\Vert}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}^{(3)}$(${\mathrm{r}}_{\mathit{t}}$)\ensuremath{\Vert}\ensuremath{\psi}〉, where \ensuremath{\psi} is a (dt\ensuremath{\mu}${)}^{+}$ wave function and cphi is a hydrogenic \ensuremath{\alpha}-\ensuremath{\mu} wave function. It is explained why conventional approaches to calculate these quantities directly are slowly convergent. It is suggested that the use of a basis that explicitly includes terms that appear in the Fock expansion will lead to more rapid convergence. Furthermore, an identity relating 〈\ensuremath{\psi}\ensuremath{\Vert}${\ensuremath{\delta}}^{(3)}$(r)\ensuremath{\Vert}\ensuremath{\psi}〉 to expectation values of more diffuse operators, which was first derived by Hiller, Sucher, and Feinberg [Phys. Rev. A 18, 2399 (1978)] and then extended by Drake [Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. B 31, 7 (1988)] in the context of atomic calculations, is generalized to the calculation of fusion rates and sticking fractions. It is anticipated that these relations will facilitate the accurate calculation of fusion rates and of sticking fractions.
Inhibition of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells by protoporphyrins through a heme oxygenase-independent mechanism

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a rate-limiting enzyme in heme catabolism, has been shown to play a regulatory role in the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a risk factor for vascular disease. Accordingly, we examined the effect of protoporphyrins, both HO inhibitors and activators, on PAI-1 expression in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Tin-protoporphyrin (SnPP) markedly inhibited the transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1)-induced expression of PAI-1 protein. Protoporphyrins, whether they are inhibitors or activators of HO, produced a similar inhibitory effect. However, SnPP had no effect on the level of PAI-1 mRNA transcripts. Knockdown of human HO-1 with a specific siRNA did not reduce the PAI-1 protein level in TGFbeta1-treated cells. In addition, the proteasome inhibitor lactacystin reversed the inhibitory effect of SnPP on PAI-1 protein expression. Both cobalt-protoporphyrin (CoPP) and CoCl2 markedly induced HO-1 expression. However, CoPP did not affect PAI-1 gene expression, whereas CoCl2 upregulated PAI-1 mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. Our results demonstrate that protoporphyrins can block the TGFbeta1-mediated induction of PAI-1 protein in VSMCs and that this inhibitory effect is independent of HO activity.
Robert Rosen: the well‐posed question and its answer ‐ why are organisms different from machines?

The question ‘What is life?’ has been asked by many over the years. Robert Rosen realized that this was a poorly posed question and that when rephrased the question had an earthshaking answer. This is the subject of this review. We will examine the entire epistemological basis for modern science and its grounding in reductionism and the machine metaphor. The role of the machine metaphor in science goes back to Descartes. Newton and those who followed built it into what has become modern science. The success of this worldview was so great that it became as strong as any of the other belief structures we might identify as religions. Physics is said to deal with the fundamental laws of nature. Chemistry and biology were to use these laws to deal with specific applications of the general laws of physics. This world of the machine is a ‘simple’ world inhabited by simple machines or mechanisms. What if the objects in chemistry and biology are not that simple? Then we must reduce them to subunits that are. Robert Rosen discovered that when the reduction is performed something real and necessary is lost in a way that made it unrecoverable. It isn't the atoms and molecules that are at the hard core of reality, it is the relations between them and the relations between them and things called processes which are at the core of the real world. From this perspective the answer is a very easy one to obtain. When the causal relations are examined, the organism stands apart from the machine by being closed to efficient cause. It is its own ‘builder’. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Convergence of fish communities from the littoral zone of reservoirs

SUMMARY 1. Understanding factors that regulate the assembly of communities is a main focus of ecology. Human-engineered habitats, such as reservoirs, may provide insight into these assembly processes because they represent novel habitats that are subjected to colonization by fishes from the surrounding river basin or transported by humans. By contrasting community similarity within and among reservoirs from different drainage basins to nearby stream communities, we can test the relative constraints of reservoir habitats and regional species pools in determining species composition of reservoirs. 2. We used a large spatial database that included intensive collections from 143 stream and 28 reservoir sites within three major river basins in the Great Plains, U.S.A., to compare patterns of species diversity and community structure between streams and reservoirs and to characterize variation in fish community structure within and among major drainage basins. We expected reservoir fish faunas to reflect the regional species pool, but would be more homogeneous that stream communities because similar species are stocked and thrive in reservoirs (e.g. planktivores and piscivores), and they lack obligate stream organisms that are not shared among regional species pools. 3. We found that fish communities from reservoirs were a subset of fishes collected from streams and dominant taxa had ecological traits that would be favoured in lentic environments. Although there were regional differences in reservoir fish communities, species richness, patterns of rank abundance and community structure in reservoir communities were more homogonous across three major drainage basins than for stream communities. 4. The general pattern of convergence of reservoir fish community structure suggests their assembly is constrained by local factors such as habitat and biotic interactions, and facilitated by the introduction of species among basins. Because there is a reciprocal transfer of biota between reservoirs and streams, understanding factors structuring both habitats is necessary to evaluate the long-term dynamics of impounded river networks.
Fast multiplication of large permutations for disk, flash memory and RAM

Permutation multiplication (or permutation composition) is perhaps the simplest of all algorithms in computer science. Yet for large permutations, the standard algorithm is not the fastest for disk or for flash, and surprisingly, it is not even the fastest algorithm for RAM on recent multi-core CPUs. On a recent commodity eight-core machine we demonstrate a novel algorithm that is 50% faster than the traditional algorithm. For larger permutations on flash or disk, the novel algorithm is orders of magnitude faster. A disk-parallel algorithm is demonstrated that can multiply two permutations with 12.8 billion points using 16 parallel local disks of a cluster in under one hour. Such large permutations are important in computational group theory, where they arise as the result of the well-known Todd-Coxeter coset enumeration algorithm. The novel algorithm emphasizes several passes of streaming access to the data instead of the traditional single pass using random access to the data. Similar novel algorithms are presented for permutation inverse and permutation multiplication by an inverse, thus providing a complete library of the underlying permutation operations needed for computations with permutation groups.
Exploration of a new procedure for sterilization by intrauterine instillation of a methylcellulose gel.

Background: Our goal was to evaluate a new gel and procedure for non-surgical sterilization. Study Design: We injected a methylcellulose-based gel containing a radiographic contrast agent into the uteri of 15 women, varying the gel viscosity, volume injected, injection speed and continuity and duration of cervical blockage. We monitored gel distribution with fluoroscopy and spot imaging, and subjects' condition by interview and examination. Results: The gel and procedure were safe and acceptable. The low-viscosity gel reached at least the ampullae of all tubes, but retention in the isthmuses was shorter than 5 min in more than 25% of tubes studied. The high-viscosity gel did not consistently pass into and through the fallopian tubes. Conclusions: This study did not identify a gel and insertion procedure that would reliably provide exposure of both fallopian tubes to a sclerosing agent for more than a brief period of time.
Multicystic nephroma: Report of a case with fine‐needle aspiration findings

This report presents the fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) findings of a multicystic renal tumor in a 52-yr-old woman. The aspirate smears contained clusters of cells with large, irregular nuclei and cytoplasmic vacuoles. Subsequent nephrectomy revealed a multicystic nephroma (MCN). Although most common in childhood, MCN should always be considered in the FNAB differential diagnosis of a multicystic renal mass in adult patients. Even in cases where the diagnosis of MCN is considered, it may be difficult to distinguish from cystic renal cell carcinoma on the basis of radiographic and FNAB findings.
Hydrogen diffusion in Nb1−y Vy alloys

Abstract Tracer diffusion coefficients Dt of hydrogen in niobium and some Nb1−y VyHx alloys have been measured and are compared with chemical diffusion coefficients Dc from the literature. Nuclear magnetic resonance pulsed field gradient techniques were used to measure Dt. Comparison of the two diffusion coefficients is made taking into consideration the thermodynamic factor (k B T) −1 [ ∂μ ∂(ln x )] which is obtained from pressure-composition isotherms for the alloys. The comparisons indicate satisfactory agreement between the two measures of the diffusion coefficient.
Logic design and implementation in a pumped tunnel diode-transistor logic system

The logic design technique and the method of implementing logic design with a 200-mc (megacycle) logic module are described. The logic design technique results in a design which conforms to the constraints on fan-in, fan-out, and timing which are required for satisfactory module operation. The implementation method takes account of the transmission time delay between modules. The design and construction constraints required for this system are typical for a wide variety of high-speed logic systems.
Decline, in aging mice, of the anti-2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP) cytotoxic T cell response attributable to loss of Lyt-2-, interleukin 2-producing helper cell function.

The in vitro generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) specific for 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenyl (TNP)-modified syngeneic spleen cells is found to be almost invariably depressed in apparently healthy 18-month-old mice of the long-lived (BALB/c × C57BL/6)F1 hybrid strain. Studies of CTL production from Lyt-2+ thymus cells have suggested that pre-killer cells may require, for maturation into effectors, the presence of a soluble helper factor, interleukin 2 (IL2), produced by Lyt-2− cells which are themselves devoid of pre-CTL activity. We have therefore developed a petri-dish adherence technique for separating spleen cells into Lyt-2+ and Lyt-2− populations in order to test for helper and pre-killer activity independently. Pre-CTL function is measured by stimulating Lyt-2+ cells in the presence of exogenous IL2. Helper cell activity is tested by adding Lyt-2− cells to “indicator” populations of Lyt-2+ pre-CTL. Estimation of IL2 levels in medium conditioned by unfractionated, TNP-self-stimulated splenocytes provides a second measurement of helper cell function. Mice 18 months of age, when compared to 4 month-old controls, are found to retain nearly all of their pre-CTL activity, but to have lost sufficient helper cell activity to account for the decline in unseparated spleen cell cultures. Older mice also produce lower IL2 levels.
Response of Field Crickets to Monochromatic Radiation

Adult Gryllus spp. exposed to wavebands of radiation between 275 and 800 nm showed the greatest positive response to the near ultraviolet (350 nm) region of the spectrum, especially when they were 4 weeks old or older. The least attractive wavebands were those between 550 and 600 nm. However, some data suggested that crickets might respond more positively to the relatively unattractive wavebands if they were exposed simultaneously to both attractive and unattractive radiation. This preference for the near ultraviolet may be the reason crickets are attracted to mercury vapor lamps, used widely for outdoor lighting. Also, older crickets are apparently the more likely to be involved in the periodic invasions of desert communities.
Kinetochore fibre dynamics outside the context of the spindle during anaphase

Chromosomes move polewards as kinetochore fibres shorten during anaphase. Fibre dynamics and force production have been studied extensively1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10, but little is known about these processes in the absence of the spindle matrix. Here we show that laser-microbeam-severed kinetochore fibres in the cytoplasm of grasshopper spermatocytes maintain a constant length while turning over in a polarized manner. Tubulin incorporates at or near the kinetochore and translocates towards severed ends without shortening the fibre. Consequently, the chromosome cannot move polewards unless the severed fibre reattaches to the pole through microtubules. A potential seclusion artefact has been ruled out, as fibres severed inside spindles behave identically despite being surrounded by the spindle matrix. Our data suggest that kinetochore microtubules constantly treadmill11 during anaphase in insect cells. Treadmilling is an intrinsic property of microtubules in the kinetochore fibre, independent of the context and attachment of the spindle. The machinery that depolymerizes minus ends of kinetochore microtubules is functional in a non-spindle context. Attachment to the pole, however, is required to cause net kinetochore fibre shortening to generate polewards forces during anaphase.