cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parallel Graph Algorithms

One area in which a great deal of work has been done in the development of parallel algorithms is that of graph algorithms. An undirected graph G is a pair of (V, E), where V is a finite set of points called vertices and E is a finite set of arcs called edges. An edge e∈E is an unordered pair (v,u) where v,u∈V and vertices v and u are connected. Similarly, a directed graph G is a pair of (V,E) where V is a finite set of points called vertices and e = (v,u)∈ E is an ordered pair of vertices, meaning that there is a connection from v to u. Throughout this chapter the term graph refer to both directed and undirected graphs. Figure 6.1 illustrates a directed and an undirected graph. Many definitions are common to directed and undirected graphs, and in the following some of these definitions are presented. In addition, there are many introductory texts, for example [Sahni 85], which may be consulted.
Paratope Duality and Gullying are Among the Atypical Recognition Mechanisms Used by a Trio of Nanobodies to Differentiate Ebolavirus Nucleoproteins.

Abstract We had previously shown that three anti–Marburg virus nanobodies (VHH or single-domain antibody [sdAb]) targeted a cryptotope within an alpha-helical assembly at the nucleoprotein (NP) C-terminus that was conserved through half a century of viral evolution. Here, we wished to determine whether an anti–Ebola virus sdAb, that was cross-reactive within the Ebolavirus genus, recognized a similar structural feature upstream of the ebolavirus NP C-terminus. In addition, we sought to determine whether the specificities of a less cross-reactive anti–Zaire ebolavirus sdAb and a totally specific anti–Sudan ebolavirus sdAb were the result of exclusion from this region. Binding and X-ray crystallographic studies revealed that the primary determinant of cross-reactivity did indeed appear to be a preference for the helical feature. Specificity, in the case of the Zaire ebolavirus–specific sdAb, arose from the footprint shifting away from the helices to engage more variable residues. While both sdAbs used CDRs, they also had atypical side-on approaches, with framework 2 helping to accommodate parts of the epitope in sizeable paratope gullies. The Sudan ebolavirus–specific sdAb was more remarkable and appeared to bind two C-terminal domains simultaneously via nonoverlapping epitopes—“paratope duality.” One mode involved paratope gullying, whereas the other involved only CDRs, with CDR3 restructuring to wedge in between opposing walls of an interdomain crevice. The varied routes used by sdAbs to engage antigens discovered here deepen our appreciation of the small scaffold's architectural versatility and also reveal lucrative opportunities within the ebolavirus NP C-termini that might be leveraged for diagnostics and novel therapeutic targeting.
Data-driven Physics-based Solution for False Data Injection Diagnosis in Smart Grids

This paper presents a data-driven and physics-based method for detection of false data injection (FDI) in Smart Grids (SG). As the power grid transitions to the use of SG technology, it becomes more vulnerable to cyber-attacks like FDI. Current strategies for the detection of bad data in the grid rely on the physics based State Estimation (SE) process and statistical tests. This strategy is naturally vulnerable to undetected bad data as well as false positive scenarios, which means it can be exploited by an intelligent FDI attack. In order to enhance the robustness of bad data detection, the paper proposes the use of data-driven Machine Intelligence (MI) working together with current bad data detection via a combined Chi-squared test. Since MI learns over time and uses past data, it provides a different perspective on the data than the SE, which analyzes only the current data and relies on the physics based model of the system. This combined bad data detection strategy is tested on the IEEE 118 bus system.
Enhancing Scientifically-Based Research for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners

This article presents a brief overview of the No Child Left Behind Act (2001) requirement that schools use instructional strategies based on scientifically-based research (SBR) to improve the academic performance of students. Controversies resulting from the definition of SBR, complexities encountered in conducting research in schools, and the dearth of research specific to culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students in general and special education are discussed. Recommendations follow for enhancing the availability and the quality of SBR for CLD students, including those with disabilities.
Postoperative Clinical Course and Opioid Consumption Following Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Open Versus Thoracoscopic Techniques.

Introduction: Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approaches for thoracic procedures in adults result in an improved postoperative course with less pain, but there are limited data on similar procedu...
Deep Groin (Iliac/Obturator Node) Dissection

This chapter will summarize the indications, surgical technique, and anatomic considerations, and morbidity and outcomes for an iliac/obturator node dissection. While the focus will be on melanoma, certainly cutaneous malignancies of other histologies (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma) can affect the nodes in the deep pelvis. Decision and timing for surgery will ultimately be influenced by the availability of other effective therapeutic modalities and by patient factors, but the principles of surgical technique for the dissection are generally applicable. In most situations, the deep groin dissection is performed in the context of a superficial node dissection, in which case the authors favor a single skin incision to be used to perform the combined (radical) groin dissection (see Chap. 26). Less commonly, for metachronous disease or from metastatic disease from certain truncal anatomic sites (whose lymphatic drainage can occur directly to the pelvis), the deep groin dissection is performed in isolation.
Sodium Butyrate Reduces Salmonella Enteritidis Infection of Chicken Enterocytes and Expression of Inflammatory Host Genes in vitro.

Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) is a facultative intracellular pathogen that colonizes the chicken gut leading to contamination of carcasses during processing. A reduction in intestinal colonization by SE could result in reduced carcass contamination thereby reducing the risk of illnesses in humans. Short chain fatty acids such as butyrate are microbial metabolites produced in the gut that exert various beneficial effects. However, its effect on SE colonization is not well known. The present study investigated the effect of sub-inhibitory concentrations (SICs) of sodium butyrate on the adhesion and invasion of SE in primary chicken enterocytes and chicken macrophages. In addition, the effect of sodium butyrate on the expression of SE virulence genes and selected inflammatory genes in chicken macrophages challenged with SE were investigated. Based on the growth curve analysis, the two SICs of sodium butyrate that did not reduce SE growth were 22 and 45 mM, respectively. The SICs of sodium butyrate did not affect the viability and proliferation of chicken enterocytes and macrophage cells. The SICs of sodium butyrate reduced SE adhesion by ∼1.7 and 1.8 Log CFU/mL, respectively. The SE invasion was reduced by ∼2 and 2.93 Log CFU/mL, respectively in chicken enterocytes (P 0.05). However, a few genes contributing to type-3 secretion system (ssaV, sipA), adherence (sopB), macrophage survival (sodC) and oxidative stress (rpoS) were upregulated by at least twofold. The expression of inflammatory genes (Il1β, Il8, and Mmp9) that are triggered by SE for host colonization was significantly downregulated (at least 25-fold) by sodium butyrate as compared to SE (P < 0.05). The results suggest that sodium butyrate has an anti-inflammatory potential to reduce SE colonization in chickens.
CD10 (neprilysin) expression: a potential adjunct in the distinction of hibernoma from morphologic mimics.

Summary Although the morphologic diagnosis of hibernoma is usually straightforward, some hibernomas have atypical morphologic features, mimicking atypical lipomatous tumors/well-differentiated liposarcomas (ALT/WDLs). In addition, the multivacuolated brown fat cells may be mistaken for lipoblasts by pathologists, especially those without significant soft tissue tumor exposure. Thus, we continue to receive in consultation cases of hibernoma sent for MDM2 fluorescence in situ hybridization testing to exclude ALT/WDL. Testing hibernomas for MDM2 amplification, however, adds cost and delays the final diagnosis. Recently, we have noted expression of neprilysin (CD10, CALLA), a zinc-dependent metalloproteinase involved in the inactivation of various peptide hormones, in brown fat cells, and wished to explore the potential utility of this widely available, inexpensive ancillary test in the differential diagnosis of hibernoma. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections from well-characterized cases of hibernoma (n = 48), brown fat (n = 21), ALTs/WDLs (n = 17), pleomorphic liposarcomas (PLPSs) (n = 6), lipomas (n = 5), and fat necrosis (n = 5) were immunostained for CD10, using a commercially available antibody and routine laboratory protocols. CD10 expression was evaluated in both adipocytes and in surrounding stromal cells. The hibernomas occurred in 28 men and 20 women, ranging from 11 to 76 years of age and involved the extremities (n = 25), pelvis (n = 7), abdomen/pelvis/retroperitoneum (n = 7), head and neck region (n = 6), back (n = 2), and chest (n = 1). All showed diffuse, strong CD10 expression in multivacuolated brown fat cells and in the majority of adjacent univacuolated fat cells. Brown adipose tissue from various anatomic structures showed an identical pattern of immunoreactivity. In contrast, CD10 expression was present in the adipocytes of only 3 of 17 (18%) ALTs/WDLs and was absent in lipomas and fat necrosis. Lipoblasts expressed CD10 in 3 PLPSs. Expression of CD10 by surrounding fibroblastic stromal cells was more widespread, present in 13 hibernomas, 10 ALTs/WDLs, 1 instance of fat necrosis, 6 PLPSs, and 4 examples of brown fat. We conclude that immunohistochemistry for CD10 may represent a useful, rapid and inexpensive ancillary test in the differential diagnosis of hibernoma from potential morphologic mimics, especially when morphologic features favor hibernoma. CD10 expression in adipocytes, however, should be rigorously distinguished from fibroblastic stromal cell CD10 expression, a nonspecific finding.
An Interactive IoT-based framework for Resource Management in Assisted living during pandemic

With a steady rise in the aging population, researchers predict that one out of every six people will be over the age of 65 by 2020. Seniors need to monitor their health consistently as chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, dementia, are highly prevalent among them. This has lead to an increase in the use of devices such as sensors, cameras, and robots, with technologies such as artificial intelligence and the internet of medical things. These can help in designing innovative solutions for improving the daily life of seniors and helping them to be more independent. Though the recent advancements in technology can help in developing a better assisted living, the key challenge is to make a reliable framework that can help the consumer in using those product at ease. In challenging times, such as the current pandemic, the need for a framework that can help in reducing social interaction is particularly significant. In this paper, we discuss an interactive framework with the help of a smart camera and smart speakers that can help seniors to manage their essential resources at ease. This Internet of Things based framework can help seniors in having an organized inventory without ever needing to leave their home.
Apparent body density and variability during underwater weighing.

Abstract A study was conducted to determine the minimum number of trials necessary to establish “true” underwater weight during body density measurements on 86 college females. Nine to 10 trials of underwater weight were recorded for each subject. The results showed a significant upward trend of a curved nature during successive trials of weighing. As subjects became accustomed to making a maximum expiration while submerged underwater, the amount of air expired increased progressively between trials 1 and 10. Thus underwater weight increased during consecutive trials which affected body density values by .001–.003 density units. Similar changes have been reported by others and attributed to physical training and conditioning programs. In 42% of the subjects highest underwater weights were observed during the first five trials. The magnitude of error associated with these trials was considerably higher than for the last several trials. This was due to an 85% reduction in within-individual variability (i.e....
Random-phase approximation approach to rotational symmetry restoration in a three-level Lipkin model

We study an extended Lipkin-Meshkov-Glick model that permits a transition to a deformed phase with a broken continuous symmetry. Unlike simpler models, one sees a persistent zero-frequency Goldstone mode past the transition point into the deformed phase. We found that the RPA formula for the correlation energy provides a useful correction to the Hartree-Fock energy when the number of particle N satisfies N>3, and becomes accurate for large N. We conclude that the RPA correlation energy formula offers a promising way to improve the Hartree-Fock energy in a systematic theory of nuclear binding energies. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Characterization of an endosymbiont infecting wood ticks, Dermacentor andersoni, as a member of the genus Francisella.

A microorganism (Dermacantor andersoni symbiont [DAS]) infecting Rocky Mountain wood ticks (D. andersoni) collected in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana was characterized as an endosymbiont belonging to the genus Francisella. Previously described as Wolbachia like, the organism's DNA was amplified from both naturally infected tick ovarial tissues and Vero cell cultures by PCR assay with primer sets derived from eubacterial 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and Francisella membrane protein genes. The 16S rDNA gene sequence of the DAS was most similar (95.4%) to that of Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis. Through a combination of Gimenez staining, PCR assay, and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, 102 of 108 female ticks collected from 1992 to 1996 were infected. Transovarial transmission to female progeny was 95.6%, but we found no evidence of horizontal transmission.
EFFICIENCY OF EXCHANGE TRANSFUSION DETERMINED BY PRE- AND POSTEXCHANGE FETAL HEMOGLOBIN CONCENTRATION.

Abstract A method for determination of the efficiency of exchange transfusion using pre-and postexchange fetal hemoglobin concentration is described. Pre-exchange fetal hemoglobin concentrations for 8 subjects with hyperbilirubinemia ranged from 62 to 93 with a mean of 79.9 per cent. Postexchange fetal hemoglobin concentrations ranged from 7 to 15 with a mean of 10.6 per cent. Residual fetal blood ranged from 8.1 to 15.2 with a mean of 11.6 per cent. These values correspond very well with theoretical calculations and clinical experience.
Comparative physiogenomic analyses of weight loss in response to 2 modes of bariatric surgery: demonstration with candidate neuropsychiatric and cardiometabolic genes.

Abstract Background Surgical weight loss response is variable, with suboptimal outcomes in some patients. We hypothesized that genetic biomarkers may be related to weight change. Methods We tested 330 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes relevant to metabolic regulation in 161 patients whose decrease in body mass index (BMI), 1 year after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), was small (lowest quartile response) or large (highest quartile response). LAGB patients whose BMI decreased≤4.7 or≥10.2 units comprised groups I (n = 43) and II (n = 40), respectively. RYGB patients whose BMI decreased≤13.6 or≥19.8 units comprised groups III (n = 39) and IV (n = 39), respectively. Within each surgery, SNPs with large differences in reference allele frequency (z score>2, corresponding to values displaced 2 standard deviations [SD] from the mean for all SNPs) in low versus high quartiles, were identified. We compared reference allele frequencies, within surgical procedure, using the χ 2 test (using Bonferroni correction for multiple testing). Results The mean percent excess weight losses (±SD) corresponding to groups I, II, III, and IV were: 16 (±12), 64 (±30), 55 (±16), and 75 (±17), respectively. SNPs with z score>2 were identified in genes involved in LAGB response, lipid metabolic regulation ( APOE , rs439401; APOC4 , rs2288911), neural processes ( DRD3 , rs167771; HTR3 B , rs3758987), and xeno- or endobiotic metabolism ( CYP3 A4, rs12333983); and for RYGB response, in lipid transport ( SCARB1, rs10846744), folate metabolism ( MTHFR, rs2066470), regulation of glycolysis in immune cells ( HIF1 A, rs1951795), vitamin K cycling ( VKORC1, rs2359612), and xeno- or endobiotic metabolism ( CYP3 A4, rs2242480). For LAGB response, APOE SNP frequencies were significantly different. Conclusions With further validation, information derived from patient DNA may be useful to predict surgical weight loss outcomes and guide selection of surgical approach.
Nanoparticles: Recovery of Drug Delivery Nanoparticles from Human Plasma Using an Electrokinetic Platform Technology (Small 38/2015)

Abstract M. J. Heller and co-workers describe the use of electrode arrays to collect select nanoparticles from a complex mixture. On page 5088, they explain how their dielectrophoresis collection chip pulls the desired nanoparticles down to the electrode surface, allowing them to be collected from complex fluid mixtures such as biological blood samples. Recovering nanoparticles is a major challenge in many fields, so this technique is expected to find broad interest across the nanoparticle community.
Energy–Vorticity Turbulence Model with Application to Flow Near Rough Surfaces

Based on a more direct analogy between turbulent and molecular transport, a foundation is presented for an energy–vorticity turbulence model. Whereas traditional k-e, k-ω, and k-ζ models relate the eddy viscosity to a dissipation length scale associated with the smaller eddies having the highest strain rates, the proposed model relates the eddy viscosity to a mean vortex wavelength associated with the larger eddies primarily responsible for turbulent transport. A rigorous development of the turbulent-energy-transport equation from the Navier–Stokes equations includes exact relations for the viscous dissipation and molecular transport of turbulent kinetic energy. Application of Boussinesq’s analogy between turbulent and molecular transport leads to a transport equation, which shows neither molecular nor turbulent transport of turbulent energy to be simple gradient diffusion. The new turbulent-energy-transport equation contains two closure coefficients: a viscous-dissipation coefficient and a turbulent-tran...
Transitional cloacogenic carcinoma of the anus.

Transitional cloacogenic carcinomas are a distinct group of anal neoplasms, arising from the embryologic cloacogenic membrane. Many previously described anal tumors may be placed in this category. Abdominoperineal resection with posterior vaginectomy in the female is indicated for invasive lesions. Wide local exicision may be adequate in small, well-differentiated lesions. Groin dissection should be an interval procedure or deferred until clinical evidence of inguinal metastases is present. Careful pathologic examination of all tissue excised for benign anorectal disease should be performed, since unsuspected neoplasia may be found. Patients who have tumors of the anorectal area must be followed diligently, because of the potential development of a second primary neoplasm in the region.
Multi-class feature selection for texture classification

In this paper, a multi-class feature selection scheme based on recursive feature elimination (RFE) is proposed for texture classifications. The feature selection scheme is performed in the context of one-against-all least squares support vector machine classifiers (LS-SVM). The margin difference between binary classifiers with and without an associated feature is used to characterize the discriminating power of features for the binary classification. A new criterion of min-max is used to mix the ranked lists of binary classifiers for multi-class feature selection. When compared to the traditional multi-class feature selection methods, the proposed method produces better classification accuracy with fewer features, especially in the case of small training sets.
Richard Rorty, Liberalism and the Politics of Redescription

In recent years Richard Rorty has sought to develop an alternative to the familiar rationalist and natural rights “vocabularies” of liberalism. Unlike most critics of classical liberalism, however, Rorty eschews attempts to argue against these vocabularies, and instead seeks to persuade his readers by redescribing the aspirations of a liberal society in a more “attractive” way. I assess Rorty's redescriptive practice through an analysis of his ideal liberal polity. I contend that although Rorty defends redescription as an alternative to “normal” philosophical and theoretical argument, his redescriptive efforts fail on their own terms: not only does it appear that there is no redescription in his descriptions, but he proves incapable of offering any insights into or exits from pressing problems in contemporary liberal societies. This, I submit, can be traced back to his unwillingness to investigate and redescribe power and power relations.
Isolation and culture of epithelial cells from rat ductuli efferentes and initial segment epididymidis

Abstract To improve the study of epithelial function in rat ductuli efferentes (efferent ductules) and initial segment epididymis, we developed a primary cell culture system with modifications of the Klinefelter method (1992) . The cultured efferent ductal epithelium was grown to confluence and the cells maintained many of the organelles characteristic of these cells in vivo, including dense-staining granules, indented nuclei and apical cilia. Ciliary beat was observed for up to 10 days in culture. Cultured initial segment epithelial cells were elongated and characterized by apical branched microvilli. Electron microscopy revealed intact cell junctions, an endocytotic apparatus and lysosomal granules. Ultrastructurally, the initial segment epithelium contained a well developed Golgi apparatus. For both epithelia, cell characteristics were also confirmed by indirect immunofluorescent staining for cytokeratins 8, 18. Endocytotic activity was detected by the uptake of cationic ferritin at the apical surface and within vesicles. Estrogen receptor and clusterin mRNAs were expressed in the cultured epithelia and no difference was found in their expressions when cultured with or without 10 −9 17-β estradiol. Indirect immunofluorescent staining for clusterin further indicated that this protein was present in the cultures. In conclusion, these in vitro methods will be useful for the investigation of epithelial function in the head of the epididymis.
Observations on mice infected congenitally or neonatally with lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus

Normal mice, mice infected neonatally with LCM virus, and mice from an LCM virus carrier colony have been observed and weighed regularly for up to 600 days. All infected mice were runted. Mice infected neonatally with the WE3 strain of LCM virus showed increased mortality after one year when compared with normal mice, and mice from the LCM virus carrier colony showed increased mortality at all stages of life. Miscellaneous observations in LCM virus carrier mice are reported, including the occurrence of a muscular dystrophy of unknown aetiology. The effect of microbial status on the runting, reproduction and mortality of infected mice is discussed, and the need for further study of LCM virus carrier mice is emphasized.
A SYSTEM REPORT ON THE EVALUATION OF RESIDENTS BY FACULTY

A comprehensive system of resident evaluation was developed to provide a comparable system of evaluation across training sites by providing data on the clinical performance of residents for feedback and decision making, by providing data for feedback to faculty on their rating techniques, and producing an organizational model and packaged program for application in other settings.
A high resolution on-chip beat frequency detection system for measuring BTI, HCI, and TDDB

We present an on-chip reliability monitor capable of separating the aging effects of Hot Carrier Injection (HCI), Bias Temperature Instability (BTI), and Time Dependent Dielectric Breakdown (TDDB) with high frequency resolution. Sub-µs measurements are controlled by on-chip logic in order to avoid excessive unwanted BTI recovery during stress interruptions. Frequency shift measurement resolution of down to the error floor of 0.07% is achieved during these short interruptions using a beat frequency detection system, and we automate the experiments through a simple digital interface. Measurement results are presented from a 65 nm test chip.
Effect of superoxide and superoxide-generating systems on the prooxidant effect of iron in oil emulsion and raw turkey homogenates

Mechanisms of superoxide.O2--generating systems on the pro-oxidant effect of iron from various sources were studied. Reaction mixtures were prepared with distilled water, oil emulsion, or meat homogenates. Free ionic iron (ferrous and ferric), ferritin and hemoglobin (Hb) were used as iron sources, and KO2 and xanthine oxidase (XOD) systems were used to produce .O2-. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values and iron contents of the reaction mixtures were determined. Ferric iron and ferritin, in the presence or absence of superoxide-generating systems, had no catalytic effect on the oxidation of oil emulsion but became pro-oxidants when reducing agent (ascorbate) was present. Ferrous iron and Hb had strong catalytic effects on the oxidation of oil emulsion as shown by TBARS values. Superoxide and H2O2, generated from superoxide-generating systems, oxidized ferrous iron and ascorbate, and lowered the pro-oxidant effect of ferrous iron in oil emulsion. Addition of ferric or ferrous iron increased but Hb did not have any effect on the TBARS values of raw meat homogenates. The reaction mechanisms of superoxide and the superoxide-generating systems on the prooxidant effect of various iron sources indicated that .O2- was a strong oxidizer rather than a reducing agent, and the antioxidant effect of XOD system in oil was caused by the oxidation of ferrous iron to the ferric form by .O2- and/or H2O2.
Characteristics of extreme rainfall events in northwestern Peru during the 1982–1983 El Niño period

Histograms and contour maps describing the daily rainfall characteristics of a northwestern Peru area most severely affected by the 1982-1983 El Nino event were prepared from daily rainfall data obtained from 66 stations in this area during the El Nino event, and during the same 8-month intervals for the two years preceding and following the event. These data were analyzed, in conjunction with the anlysis of visible and IR satellite images, for cloud characteristics and structure. The results present a comparison of the rainfall characteristics as a function of elevation, geographic location, and the time of year for the El Nino and non-El Nino periods.
Diagnostic Classification. of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Autoantibody-Associated Vasculitides

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) are in the circulation of patients with a variety of clinically and pathologically distinctive forms of necrotizing vasculitis. Some patients have classic manifestations of well-recognized clinicopathologic syndromes, such as Wegener's granulomatosis, microscopic polyarteritis nodosa, and Churg-Strauss syndrome, but many patients are difficult to assign to a diagnostic category. The Ad Hoc Nomenclature Committee of The Third International Workshop on ANCA is attempting to identify a working classification system for ANCA-associated vasculitides. This system takes into account the many shared clinical and pathologic features, and relies on prerequisite positive and negative findings for diagnostic categorization.
Enzyme Activity and Organ Development in Newly Hatched Chicks Selected for High or Low Eight-Week Body Weight

Abstract Cockerels from lines of White Plymouth Rock chickens selected for 33 generations for high (HW) or low (LW) 8-wk BW were used in this experiment. Either Diet A (a diet similar to that under which selection had been conducted) or Diet B (containing 20% more CP and 20% more ME) were consumed ad libitum for the entire experiment (hatch to 6 wk of age). Body weights, organ weights, and enzymes present in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) contents and pancreas were measured. There were differences between lines and between diets for BW and relative breast weight. Several organs (heart, lung, liver, and pancreas) generally remained a constant proportion of BW in both lines. Relative weight of the GIT was greater in HW cockerels from hatch to 10 d of age, after which relative GIT weight was greater in LW cockerels. Relative weight of the GIT was also affected after 10 d of age by density of feed. Interactions between line and diet were present for many digestive enzyme measurements, necessitating analyses within each main effect. All pancreatic enzymes except relative trypsin were higher in HW than LW cockerels. Although small intestine enzyme activities were higher in Line HW than LW, on a relative basis the difference was present only for trypsin activity. Cockerels fed Diet B had higher levels of pancreatic chymotrypsin activity and of total and relative lipase activities than those fed Diet A.
Experimental characterization of two-dimensional spot profiles for two proton pencil beam scanning nozzles

Dose calculation for pencil beam scanning proton therapy requires accurate measurement of the broad tails of the proton spot profiles for every nozzle in clinical use. By applying a pair/magnification method and merging film data, 200 mm × 240 mm dose kernels extending to 10(-4) of the central spot dose are generated for six selected energies of the IBA dedicated and universal nozzles (DN and UN). One-dimensional, circular profiles up to 100 mm in radius are generated from the asymmetric profiles to facilitate spot profile comparison. For the highest energy, 225 MeV, the output of both the DN and the UN for field sizes from 40 to 200 mm increases in parallel, slowest at the surface (∼1%) and fastest at a depth of 150 mm (∼9%). In contrast, at the lowest energy, 100 MeV, the output of the DN across the same range of field sizes increases 3-4% versus 6-7% for the UN throughout all the depths. The charge deficits in the measured depth-dose of Bragg peaks are similar between the UN and the DN. At 100 MeV, the field size factor difference at the surface between two orientations of a rectangular 40 mm × 200 mm field is 1.4% at isocentre for the DN versus 2% for the UN. Though the one-dimensional distributions are similar for the primary and tail components at different positions, the primary components of the DN spots are more elliptical 270 mm upstream than at isocentre.
Structure of 4‐cyclohexyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐2H,5H‐pyrano[3,2‐c][1]benzopyran‐5‐one

0• The structure was solved by direct ietJiods. The cyclohexyl group is pseudo-equatorial nil trans to the axial hydroxyl; the dihydropyran ring ; 1 half-chair distorted towards the d,e-diplanar con­ )(lllation . Hydrogen bonding between the coumarin arbonyl and the hydroxyl groups at an 0 · · · 0 istance of 2·834 (4) A is found. In CDC13 solution, Jis compound exists predominantly in the open-chain ; t:tofonn. itroduction. Michael-type addition of 4-alkyl- or 4rylbut-3-en-2-ones to 4-hydroxycoumarin produces 3ubstituted 4-hydroxycoumarins that may exist as yclic hemiketals (Ikawa, Stahmann & Link, 1944). ~h isomers are diastereomeric, and the configuration 1 {the. molecule in the crystal will depend on the steric mactions between the substituents on the dihydro­ lffan (hemiketal) ring. Substituents at the 2 and 4 llSitions have the largest interactions. The 2-hydroxyl r alkoxyl group normally prefers the axial con­ Imation, related to the anomeric effect. The 4..:udo-axial substituent will therefore have a short ia.ual contact while a 4-pseudo-equatorial substituent 1 1close to the coumarin carbonyl oxygen. Previously, 1 .l) was found to induce distortions in the dihydro­ IJ!an ring relative to (2) in both 4 placements (Valente, \ !&atarsiero & Schomaker, 1979). The present contri­ ltion extends this series to R = cyclohexyl, (3), a sub­ liluent envisioned to be larger than methyl, and bcribes the conformation of the distorted dihydro­ riran ring obtained in the crystal, and the structure in tlution revealed by nuclear magnetic resonance.
Identification of critical locations across multiple infrastructures for terrorist actions

Abstract This paper presents a possible approach to ranking geographic regions that can influence multiple infrastructures. Once ranked, decision makers can determine whether these regions are critical locations based on their susceptibility to terrorist acts. We identify these locations by calculating a value for a geographic region that represents the combined values to the decision makers of all the infrastructures crossing through that region. These values, as well as the size of the geographic region, are conditional on an assumed destructive threat of a given size. In our case study, the threat is assumed to be minor, e.g., a bomb that can affect objects within 7 m of it. This approach first requires an assessment of the users of the system. During this assessment, each user is assigned a performance index (PI) based on the disutility of the loss of each infrastructure's resource via multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT). A Monte Carlo network analysis is then performed to develop importance measures (IM) for the elements of each infrastructure for their ability to service each user. We combine the IMs with the user PIs to a value that we call valued worth (VW) for each infrastructure's elements independently. Then we use spatial analysis techniques within a geographic information system (GIS) to combine the VWs of each infrastructure's elements in a geographic area, conditional on the threat, into a total value we call geographic valued worth (GVW). The GVW is displayed graphically in the GIS system in a color scheme that shows the numerical ranking of these geographic areas. The map and rankings are then submitted to the decision makers to better allocate anti-terrorism resources. A case study of this methodology is performed on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) campus. The results of the study show how the methodology can bring attention to areas that are important when several infrastructures are considered, but may be ignored when infrastructures are analyzed individually.
Confronting the chronically anticoagulated, acute care surgery patient as we evolve into the post-warfarin era

There are a growing number of new anticoagulants used as an alternative to warfarin. Surgeons will be confronted with an increasing number of patients who may be on these outpatient medications and must be familiar with their management strategies. The purpose of this review is to examine the mechanisms, monitoring and therapeutic reversal of the non-warfarin antithrombotic agents now so frequently confronting the acute care surgeon.
Distance Learning and Clinical Simulation in Senior Baccalaureate Nursing Education

Abstract Background This study evaluates the effectiveness of combining distance education, point-to-point video teleconferencing (P2PVTC), and remote operation of a human patient simulator to connect a simulator technology specialist and instructors with the human patient simulator and distant trainees. Methods Didactic material was delivered via an online course management system. Simulation at a distance was carried out using a Laerdal SimMan, P2PVTC, and remote desktop control. Data were collected and included health care knowledge gained (via pre- and posttest scores) and measures of participant satisfaction. Results Participants evaluated the course favorably (p Conclusions Combining distance learning with high-fidelity human patient simulation at a distance is feasible. Participants acknowledged the value of simulation at a distance, but the low sample size prevented the generalizability of results.
Measures representing valuation maps on functions of bounded variation over idempotent semigroups

Abstract Let S denote an idempotent semigroup, let W denote a Banach space. The space BV (S, W), which is the space of functions of bounded variation from S into W, is considered. It is shown that if f is in BV (S, W) and if W∗∗ contains no copy of l∞ then the value of f at every point is ∫Γγ(s) dμf(γ), where Γ is the structure space of S and μf is an appropriate W valued measure. The hypothesis that W ∗∗ has no copy of l∞ is then dropped and necessary and sufficient conditions are given for μf to still have values in W. An application is made to Lipschitz functions and conditions are derived for μff to be a Gelfand or a Pettis indefinite integral. Another application is made to product measures.
ABIOLOGICAL SYNTHESIS OF SOME NUCLEIC ACID CONSTITUENTS

Nucleic acid constituents synthesis from methane- ammonia-water mixture, hydrogen cyanide and formaldehyde in thermal-radiation environment
Functional and molecular analysis of liver arginase promoter sequences from man and Macaca fascicularis

Functional and DNA binding analyses were used to investigate transcriptional regulation of liver arginase, a mammalian urea cycle enzyme with marked tissue specificity. Reporter constructs containing the proximal 111 bp of the gene from man and Macaca fascicularis showed over sixfold background activity in HepG2 hepatoma cells, which express significant levels of liver arginase, and 12-fold background activity in minimally expressing HEK cells. Longer constructs, active in both cell lines, showed greater activity in the liver cell line. The constructs showed no activity in arginase-negative NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. A 54-bp dyad insert present in the human sequence and absent in M. fascicularis did not affect function. DNA binding analyses localized multiple liver-specific complexes as well as complexes shared among cell types. Little binding was evident in fibroblast extracts. Despite liver-specific binding, there was no evidence of a strong liver-specific enhancer. HEK and NIH 3T3 nuclear extracts showed strikingly different patterns of DNA binding. These studies demonstrate that molecular regulation of liver arginase transcription is complex and that control mechanisms differ among tissue types.
A Computationally Efficient Planar Rigid Body Distance Metric

A means of assessing the quality of a given rigid body configuration relative to a desired position and orientation is developed. Here, the assessment is based on the desired positions of all particles that constitute the body. This measure of quality has previously been shown to meet the mathematical requirements of a metric. This metric, however, has been largely dismissed in practical application due to the difficulty in performing its calculation. This paper describes procedures to efficiently calculate this metric for planar positioning problems. A method of obtaining an analytical formulation for planar displacement for any polygonal body is presented. An approximation function for the metric is also presented. This approximation function is very easily calculated and provides an intuitive appreciation of the metric values. Calculation times for the metric for standard polygonal body geometries is on the order of 100 microseconds on a laptop computer. Calculation times for the approximation function for standard polygonal bodies is on the order of microseconds.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Insulin secretion and action.

Abstract Recent advances in insulin secretion indicate that pertussis toxin abolishes the inhibition by α 2 adrenoceptor activation of insulin release by the pancreas. Pertussis toxin adenosine diphosphate (ADP) ribosylates an inhibitory guanine nucleotide-binding protein (N i ) involved in inhibition of adenylate cyclase. The decrease in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) by epinephrine may account for its inhibition of insulin release. Insulin interaction with its receptor results in an increase in the tyrosine protein kinase activity of the receptor. Second messengers for insulin are generated, hexose transport is accelerated, and a cyclic AMP-independent protein kinase is activated that phosphorylates at serinethreonine residues. The activity of membrane-bound enzymes such as adenylate cyclase and Ca 2+ -Mg 2+ -ATPase is affected. The relative importance of these effects of insulin in its regulation of cellular metabolism remains to be established.
Biocompatible benzocyclobutene (BCB)-based neural implants with micro-fluidic channel.

Abstract Poly-benzocyclobutene (BCB)-based intracortical neural implant was fabricated, in which micro-fluidic channel was embedded to deliver drug solutions. BCB presents several attractive features for chronic applications: flexibility, biocompatibility, desirable chemical and electrical properties, and can be easily manufactured using existing batch micro-fabrication technology. The fabricated implants have single shank with three recording sites ( 20 μm ×20 μm) and two reserviors (inlet and outlet). The channel had large volume (40 μm width and 10 μm height), and hydrophobic surface to provide a high degree of chemical inertness. All the recording sites were positioned near the end of the shank in order to increase the probability of recording neural signals from a target volume of tissue. In vitro cytotoxicity tests of prototype implants revealed no adverse toxic effects on cultured cells. The implant with a silicon backbone layer of 5–10 μm was robust enough to penetrate rat’s pia without buckling, a major drawback of polymer alone. The averaged impedance value at 1 KHz was ∼1.2 MΩ. Simultaneous recordings of neural signals from barrel cortex of a rat were successfully demonstrated.
Surgical wound irrigation

Abstract One hundred patients were treated with 0.25 per cent kanamycin sulfate as an operative irrigant and were compared with 100 patients in whom saline was used as an irrigant. Serum and urine kanamycin levels and tests of renal function were obtained following the use of kanamycin sulfate in various urologic operations. Peak serum level occurred when intraperitoneal lavage was performed following ureteroileal diversion. Lowest levels were obtained in surgery of the bladder. Excellent results manifested by low incidence of wound infections and complications due to the drug warrant its application in urologic surgery, expecially when urinary contamination may be expected.
Age-related changes in the renin-aldosterone system. Physiological effects and clinical implications.

Age-related changes in the renin-aldosterone system in normal humans are well documented. The most pronounced changes are observed at the extremes of life: plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone levels are highest in the newborn, and lowest in the elderly population. There is a close temporal and directional relationship between the age-related decrease in plasma renin activity and the age-related decrease in plasma aldosterone. The renin-aldosterone system is also influenced by sex and race. The activation of the renin-aldosterone system in newborns and infants probably represents an important physiological mechanism designed to maintain positive sodium balance. The decreases in plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone levels observed in elderly persons are usually only modest, and are not associated with clinical alterations in fluid or electrolyte metabolism. The superimposition of a disease process, or the injudicious prescription of a drug, inhibiting renin release or angiotensin II production, could theoretically facilitate sodium wasting in newborns or infants, or precipitate hyporeninaemic hypoaldosteronism in older adults. The primary clinical importance of age-related changes in the renin-aldosterone system relates to its impact on the proper classification of an individual’s renin-aldosterone profile when attempting to diagnose a clinical condition (e.g. low, normal or high renin hypertension). This is particularly true for newborns, infants and children to age 4, and for adults entering the sixth decade of life.
Direction repulsion in unfiltered and ring-filtered Julesz textures.

Perceived directions of motion were measured for each of two superposed two-dimensional dynamic random patterns consisting of unfiltered or ring-filtered dense random-check (Julesz) textures. One pattern always moved in a cardinal direction (up, down, left, or right), and the other texture always moved in an oblique direction separated from the cardinal component by 20°–80°. Several cardinal/oblique speed ratios were tested. In Experiment 1, the textures were unfiltered. In Experiment 2, the textures were ring filtered and had the same center frequency (1, 2, or 4 cpd). In Experiment 3, a 1-cpd ring-filtered texture was paired with a 2-, 4-, or 8-cpd texture. Subjects consistently misperceived the directions of component motion in these experiments; the angular separation of movement of the two textures was perceptually exaggerated, a phenomenon referred to asdirection repulsion (Marshak & Sekuler, 1979). The results show that (1) direction repulsion occurs across at least a fourfold range of spatial frequencies and a sixfold range of speed ratios, (2) direction repulsion varies systematically with speed ratio, and (3) across most conditions, direction repulsion is anisotropic—direction repulsion is more evident in the oblique directions than in the cardinal directions. These findings suggest that the spatiotemporal range of inhibitory interactions involved in motion transparency is much greater than previously appreciated.
An Intelligent Treatise on Human Intelligence IQ and Human Intelligence, by N.J. Mackintosh. 1998. New York: Oxford University Press. 419 pp.; $35.00 (PB), $98.00 (HB).

This is a very good book, perhaps even an excellent book. Professor Mackintosh is, interestingly, a well respected experimental psychologist who practices in the field of animal learning. His text, The Psychology of Animal Learning, is somewhat of a classic in the field. Thus, one wonders why Professor Mackintosh would take on the behemoth of the IQ ideology given his background. Indeed, the study of human intelligence is a subspecialty of psychology in its own right. I suspect Professor Mackintosh's motivation lies in the intellectual and academic challenge of this pursuit, and his resultant product reflects a true scholarly effort.