cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preferential Digestion of (A + T)‐Rich Stretches of Yeast Mitochondrial DNA in Isolated Mitochondria

Yeast mitochondrial DNA labelled in vitro by incubation of isolated mitochondria with DNA precursors exhibits skewed profiles on isopycnic CsCl gradients. The skew is not due to nuclear DNA nor to single-stranded mitochondrial DNA in the product labelled in vitro. Simultaneous labelling with [3H]dTTP and [14C]dCTP in vitro indicates a gradient of base composition in the DNA labelled in vitro. Thus, selective degradation of mitochondrial DNA occurs during incubation, converting large molecules having the mean density of mitochondrial DNA into smaller molecules of higher mean density and with higher G:T ratio. Similarly skewed distributions can also be produced by incubation of mitochondrial DNA labelled in vivo with the yeast mitochondrial fraction or with micrococcal endonuclease, an enzyme known to selectively hydrolyse (A + T)-rich regions of DNA.
Village Elections and Their Impact: An Investigative Report on a Northern Chinese Village

This article examines a series of four direct elections and their impact in a poorly governed Chinese village near Beijing. Based on the problems exposed in the elections and governance, it identif...
Racial Differences in the Effects of Significant Others on Students' Educational Expectations.

This study compares the impact of the educational aspirations of parents, teachers, close relatives, and peers on students' educational expectations across various racial groups. Using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study, the authors found that both the levels of significant others' aspirations and the effects of these aspirations vary by students' racial statuses and types of significant others. First, Asian, Hispanic, and African American parents tend to hold higher educational aspirations for their children than do white parents, but the relative influences of Asian and Hispanic mothers and African American fathers on students' educational expectations are smaller than those of their white counterparts. Second, the aspirations of close relatives have greater effects on African American and Hispanic American students' educational expectations. Third, although teachers and friends vary in their aspirations for students, depending on their race, the effects of these aspirations are similar for all racial groups. The results suggest different processes through which familial significant others and other socializing agents influence the educational attitudes of students across racial groups.
A sensitive and specific binding assay for cyclic GMP-dependent and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases in rat liver

Abstract 1. 1. Sensitive and specific binding assays for cyclic GMP-dependent and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases have been developed for use in rat liver. 2. 2. The addition of mixed histone to the binding mixture and the inclusion of ammonium sulfate in the termination and wash buffer enhanced the observed cyclic GMP- and cyclic AMP-binding activities markedly. 3. 3. The principal effect of histone is to increase the binding of cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP to their respective protein kinases. 4. 4. During filtration ammonium sulfate markedly increased the retention of the protein-bound cyclic nucleotides and markedly decreased the rapid dissociation component of cyclic GMP-binding.
Serum α1-antichymotrypsin level as a marker for Alzheimer-type dementia

Abstract Excessive α1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) in brain has been postulated to play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We measured serum ACT by radial immunodiffusion in 57 patients with presumed AD, 110 healthy controls (24 children; 86 adults), 67 non-AD patients from a geriatric private practice and a VA nursing home, and 136 asthmatics (56 adults; 80 children) as an inflammatory disease control group. Serum ACT was significantly higher in AD (73.1 ± 22 mg/dl) than in healthy controls (47.9 ± 8.1 mg/dl) or non-AD patients (61.8 ± 23.9 mg/dl). A level of 60 mg/dl best separated AD patients from controls or non-AD patients. Serial measurements served to distinguish elevations of ACT level in AD from non-AD inflammatory conditions; the ACT level in the latter returned to normal with therapy or time, but the levels in AD remained elevated. A measure of serum ACT by radial immunodiffusion can be used to support a diagnosis of AD disease but not necessarily as a screening test due to the potentially large number of false positives (26% in the population studied) should malignancy or inflammatory disease be concurrent.
Integrated Control of Potato Pathogens Through Seed Potato Certification and Provision of Clean Seed Potatoes

Abstract Long-term data sets are rare in agriculture, and the impact of plant diseases on food production is challenging to measure, which makes it difficult to assess the impact of policy changes or research-based disease control efforts. Despite this challenge, it is clear that one of the largest impacts of biological research on food security over the past century has been in production of vegetatively propagated fruit and vegetable crops such as potato. The yield and quality of these crops is higher in countries that have effective plant propagation and certification systems. Of these systems, seed potato production and certification is among the most developed. We analyzed a dataset from a century-old seed potato certification program in Wisconsin to assess the efficacy for potato disease control and the cost of this program compared to other disease control and potato production costs. We found that over the past century, certification has gradually reduced the incidence of mechanically transmitted ...
Instructional methods and cognitive and learning styles in web‐based learning: report of two randomised trials

Context Adapting web-based (WB) instruction to learners' individual differences may enhance learning. Objectives This study aimed to investigate aptitude–treatment interactions between learning and cognitive styles and WB instructional methods. Methods We carried out a factorial, randomised, controlled, crossover, post-test-only trial involving 89 internal medicine residents, family practice residents and medical students at 2 US medical schools. Parallel versions of a WB course in complementary medicine used either active or reflective questions and different end-of-module review activities (‘create and study a summary table’ or ‘study an instructor-created table’). Participants were matched or mismatched to question type based on active or reflective learning style. Participants used each review activity for 1 course module (crossover design). Outcome measurements included the Index of Learning Styles, the Cognitive Styles Analysis test, knowledge post-test, course rating and preference. Results Post-test scores were similar for matched (mean ± standard error of the mean 77.4 ± 1.7) and mismatched (76.9 ± 1.7) learners (95% confidence interval [CI] for difference − 4.3 to 5.2l, P = 0.84), as were course ratings (P = 0.16). Post-test scores did not differ between active-type questions (77.1 ± 2.1) and reflective-type questions (77.2 ± 1.4; P = 0.97). Post-test scores correlated with course ratings (r = 0.45). There was no difference in post-test subscores for modules completed using the ‘construct table’ format (78.1 ± 1.4) or the ‘table provided’ format (76.1 ± 1.4; CI − 1.1 to 5.0, P = 0.21), and wholist and analytic styles had no interaction (P = 0.75) or main effect (P = 0.18). There was no association between activity preference and wholist or analytic scores (P = 0.37). Conclusions Cognitive and learning styles had no apparent influence on learning outcomes. There were no differences in outcome between these instructional methods.
The risks! and benefits? of risk-benefit analysis

Abstract Careful observation of the skill acquisition process in management, policy analysis and elsewhere shows a progression from analytical understanding in terms of decomposed parts towards holistic understanding based on intuitively perceived similarity with previously experienced situations. Since experts rarely think in terms of decomposed elements of problems, experienced decision-makers represent poor sources for the non-objective components of risk—benefit analyses such as probabilities, utilities and trade-offs. But without quality input from the expert practitioner, such analyses, carried out in the name of rationality and scientific clarity, may well sacrifice what is much more precious: experience-based intuitive understanding, wisdom and good judgment.
Kinesin-5 Seems to Step to its Own Unique Tune, but Really it’s a Cover

Molecular motors are fascinating enzymes whose basic function is to convert ATP energy into mechanical force along a partner cytoskeletal filament. For kinesin motors, the head domain is both necessary and sufficient to accomplish this task, using merely ∼350 amino acids. The kinesin field is data-rich. Clever researchers have designed physical assays that describe these motors’ conformational changes on microtubules in terms of rates, forces, and free energies (see, for example, Schnitzer et al. (1)). There are >100 kinesin head domain structures in the Protein Data Bank (Worldwide Protein Data Bank, http://www.wwpdb.org/). Correlating physical data with structural data has been a tricky problem in general in biophysics, even in the kinesin field where these data have been available for many years. For example, we know the velocity and stall force that dimers of kinesin-1 heads can generate and we know where all the residues and polar contacts are within the head domains, but we don’t yet know which structural contacts are formed and broken to generate those forces.
X-ray Analysis of Textile Fibres Part IV. A Suggested Secondary Structure for Cellulose

A concept concerning the secondary structure of cellulose, paralleling that proposed by Zwicky for inorganic orystals, is suggested in the hope that the present conflicting theories regarding the f...
Strategic human resource practice implementation: The critical role of line management

Abstract The implementation of effective human resource (HR) practices typically rests with line managers. This paper uses social context theory to propose that line manager HR implementation is influenced by organizational culture, climate, and political considerations. Subsequently, HR implementation is anticipated to drive employee outcomes. This model's implications and future research directions also are discussed.
Random Packing of Equal and Unequal Spheres in Two and Three Dimensions

A new computer simulation of random packing of spheres is applied to two- and three-dimensional problems with a uni-directional gravitational force.
Effect of water management as a control strategy for rice water weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Water management (removal of water to alter the habitat necessary for larval survival) is a pest management tactic that might have potential as a substitute for the use of insecticides to control the rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, effectively on rice, Oryza sativa L. Field research was conducted during 1989 and 1990 to compare the use of water management and carbofuran as rice water weevil control tactics and to assess subsequent impact on rice yield components. These data were used to determine the economic analysis of costs and net returns of carbofuran use relative to the use of water management as a potential substitute for control of the rice water weevil. Rice water weevil larval populations in water management and carbofuran treatments were lower than populations in the untreated check during critical vegetative plant growth periods both years. The delayed water management treatment and the continuous flood with two applications of carbofuran treatment provided more effective late-season control than the other treatments. Plant heights and yield components in the water management treatments were greater than the untreated check. The water management treatments had higher grain yield and grain/straw ratio than the other treatments. The water management treatments on a per-hectare basis resulted in the highest yield in both years and highest net returns in 1989, followed by the carbofuran treatments. The data indicated that water management has potential as an economical pest management tool for control of the rice water weevil.
Fringe Benefits In Testing

This paper is a summary of some remarks made at the 1973 Seminar on Geometrical Optics, regarding the state-of-the-art and the benefits and problems associated with the interferometric testing of optical systems.
Pythagorean triples and sums of triangular numbers

Each primitive Pythagorean triple of positive integers leads, with the aid of an algebraic identity, to a family of triples of integers. Each triple in this family provides three triangular numbers, one for each component, such that the sum of two of them is equal to the third one.
Role of mediators in late-phase allergic symptoms including congestion

Summary Chronic nasal congestion is a common symptom of persistent allergic rhinitis and is less easy to resolve than the neurally mediated symptoms of nasal itch and sneeze. It is considered to be a result of inflammatory processes, in particular the persistent inflammatory response linked to the late phase after allergen exposure. Current understanding of the involvement of the various late-phase mediators in the development of nasal congestion is derived from the measurement of inflammatory mediators in nasal lavage fluid of allergic rhinitis sufferers, nasal biopsy and nasal challenge studies. Studies of this type have highlighted the importance of the various late-phase inflammatory mediators, including histamine. This review focuses on the complex late-response inflammatory processes thought to underlie the pathogenesis of chronic nasal congestion, and discusses the recent evidence for the action of some antihistamines at various stages of the late-phase allergic cascade.
Numerical signatures of vacuum instability in a one-dimensional Wick-Cutkosky model on the light cone.

We extend a previous numerical study of a one-dimensional generalized Wick-Cutkosky model in which complex scalars interact via the exchange of real scalars. The numerical techniques are based on discretized light-cone quantization and the Lanczos diagonalization algorithm. Contrary to previous results, we find that the vacuum instability of a cubic theory can be detected numerically, given adequate resolution. For comparison with the unstable case, we also consider two stable cases: one where a Tamm-Dancoff truncation is applied and another where a quartic interaction of sufficient strength is added. In each case we compute the mass gap and the critical coupling where the gap disappears.
Nonclassical 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

Context: Nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) owing to steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency (NC21OHD) is the most frequent of all autosomal recessive genetic diseases, occurring in one in 100 persons in the heterogeneous New York City population. NC21OHD occurs with increased frequency in certain ethnic groups, such as Ashkenazi Jews, in whom one in 27 express the disease. NC21OHD is underdiagnosed in both male and female patients with hyperandrogenic symptoms because hormonal abnormalities in NC21OHD are only mild to moderate, not severe as in the classical form of CAH. Unlike classical CAH, NC21OHD is not associated with ambiguous genitalia of the newborn female. Main Outcome Measures: The hyperandrogenic symptoms include advanced bone age, early pubic hair, precocious puberty, tall stature, and early arrest of growth in children; infertility, cystic acne, and short stature in both adult males and females; hirsutism, frontal balding, polycystic ovaries, and irregular menstrual periods in femal...
A Syndetic Approach to Identification of the Historic Mission Site of San Cayetano del Tumacácori

This article explores the methodological considerations of a syndetic approach to archaeological inquiry. This multi-evidential approach involves crossing interdisciplinary boundaries to exploit data that reside with other specialists. The material evidence of a historically referenced place is sought in the archaeological record and evaluated using historical documentary data, ethnographic information, as well as data from other sources including assessment of occupational duration, intensity of residence, erosional patterns, and chronological placement. The case study involves location and verification of the 1690s through 1750s Sobaipuri-O’odham village of San Cayetano del Tumacacori in southern Arizona.
Inhibition of α2/α3 sodium pump isoforms potentiates glutamate neurotoxicity

Abstract Excessive stimulation of neurons by glutamic acid initiates a destructive cascade of ion fluxes, cellular swelling, and death. Homeostatic mechanisms which rectify these disturbances depend largely upon transmembrane ion gradients maintained by Na+, K+-ATPase (NaP). We proposed that the neurotoxicity of glutamate is enhanced when the NaP capacity is exceeded, and therefore, that the degree of neuronal death varies inversely with endogenous NaP activity. To test this concept, we directly reduced NaP activity in cultured rat telencephalic cells using either the specific inhibitor ouabain, or dcAMP, and assessed whether these treatments increased glutamate-induced neuronal death. Since rodent NaP catalytic subunits possess both low (α1) and high (α2/α3) affinity for ouabain, we were able to inhibit selectively the α2 (principally glial) and α3 (neuronal) catalytic subunits without affecting the α1 isoform. Brief exposures (5–60 min) to high ouabain concentrations (1–10 mM), which blocks the activity of all three catalytic subunits, killed differentiated neurons but spared glia. In contrast, differential inhibition of the α2/α3 isoforms (by 1 μM ouabain) was not of itself toxic, but produced a supersensitivity to glutamate. [3H]Ouabain binding studies confirmed that the glutamate neurotoxicity observed varied inversely with the degree of NaP inhibition. Further, this relationship was not absolutely dependent upon ouabain, since reduction in α2/α3 pump activity induced by dcAMP also amplified glutamate toxicity. We conclude glutamate excitotoxicity. Since the distribution of NaP is highly heterogenous in the nervous system, with similar cell types varying greatly in isoform expression, constitutive levels of this isoenzyme could constitute a major factor in the survival of stimulated neurons. Further, factors which directly affect pump activity, such as activation of protein kinase A, may modulate excitotoxicity.
Quadratic Coriolis zeta sum rules

Abstract A method is presented for the evaluation of the sums of squares of Coriolis zeta coupling constants Σ k Σ l [ ζ kl ( α ) ] 2 , where each sum extends over vibrations of one species only. These sums are independent of the force constants. By considering the general molecules belonging to various point groups, it is shown that the values of these quadratic zeta sums are closely related to the numbers of vibrations of the species involved. Results are tabulated for the point groups D 2 h , D 6 h , D 4 h and O h . The quadratic sums for subgroups of these point groups can be easily deduced by coalescing two or more of the sums for the parent group. In this way, the sums for C 2 v , C 3 v and T d are derived.
Conservation challenges for small-scale fisheries: Bycatch and habitat impacts of traps and gillnets

Small-scale fisheries provide over half the world’s wild-caught seafood, employ over 99% of its fishers, and are frequently promoted as a sustainable alternative to large-scale industrial fisheries. However, few studies have quantitatively examined how possible habitat impacts and non-target species composition vary across gears used in small-scale fisheries, as data are sparse and conservation efforts are largely focused on more iconic species. Here, we quantify and compare the ecosystem impacts of four fishing gears (lobster traps, fish traps, set gillnets, drift gillnets) used in small-scale fisheries of Baja California, Mexico, using at-sea observations and field experiments. Set gillnets had the highest overall impact on both non-target species and habitat, with discard rates higher than most industrial fisheries (34.3% by weight), and an estimated 19.2% of Eisenia arborea kelp and 16.8% of gorgonian corals damaged or removed within 1 m of the net path. Fish traps had the lowest discard rates (0.11%) while lobster traps and drift gillnets had intermediate discard rates (15.1% and 18.5% respectively). In contrast with gillnets, traps caused minimal immediate damage to gorgonian corals and rarely interacted with kelp. Results indicate that ecological impacts depend more on fishing gear type and habitat characteristics than the size of fishing vessels, calling into question broad generalizations that small-scale fisheries are inherently more sustainable than industrial fisheries. Our findings highlight the ecological impacts of artisanal gillnet fisheries as priorities for research, management, and conservation efforts in Baja California and other coastal areas.
Accessing the recesses of the fourth ventricle: comparison of tonsillar retraction and resection in the telovelar approach.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of the telovelar approach with tonsillar manipulation for approaching the recesses of the fourth ventricle. METHODS A telovelar approach was performed in 8 injected cadaveric heads. Areas of exposure were measured for the superolateral and lateral recesses. Horizontal angles were evaluated by targeting the cerebral aqueduct and medial margin of the lateral recess. Quantitative comparisons were made between the telovelar dissections and various tonsillar manipulations. RESULTS Tonsillar retraction provided a comparable exposure of the superolateral recess with tonsillar resection (26.4 +/- 17.6 vs 25.2 +/- 12.5 mm2, respectively; P = .825). Tonsillar resection significantly increased exposure of the lateral recess compared with tonsillar retraction (31.1 +/- 13.3 vs 20.2 +/- 11.5 mm2, respectively; P = .002). Compared with tonsillar retraction, the horizontal angle to the lateral recess increased after either contralateral tonsillar retraction (22.7 +/- 4.8 vs 36.7 +/- 6.5 degrees) or tonsillar resection (22.7 +/- 4.8 vs 31.5 +/- 7.6 degrees; all adjusted P < .01). The horizontal angle to the cerebral aqueduct increased significantly with tonsillar resection compared with tonsillar retraction (17.6 +/- 2.3 vs 13.2 +/- 2.8 degrees; P < .001) CONCLUSION Compared with tonsillar retraction, tonsillar resection provides a wider corridor to, and a larger area of exposure of, the cerebral aqueduct and lateral recess. Contralateral tonsillar retraction improves access to the lateral recess by widening the surgical view from the contralateral side.
The influence of siblings on wild infant chimpanzee social interaction

The presence or absence of older siblings influenced the social interactions of 17 wild infant chimpanzees between the ages of 6 and 24 months living at the Gombe National Park, Tanzania. The total amount of time spent in social interaction (contact, grooming and play) was similar for infants with and without siblings, as was the overall level of social interaction with the mother. However, subjects with siblings spent more time with their siblings, while subjects with no siblings interacted with other group members. These results indicate a possible set-point for infant chimpanzee social interaction. Developmental changes were also similar in both groups, but the infants with siblings had lower levels of interaction with the mother and higher levels of interaction with other group members during the age period of 12-18 months. The levels of social behaviors were not related to the sex of the infant.
Increasing prevalence of Type II diabetes in American Indian children

Until recently, Type II diabetes was considered rare in children. The disease is, however, increasing among children in populations with high rates of Type II diabetes in adults. The prevalence of Type II diabetes was determined in 5274 Pima Indian children between 1967 and 1996 in three 10-year time periods, for age groups 5-9, 10-14 and 15-19 years. Diabetes was diagnosed using World Health Organisation criteria, based on an oral glucose tolerance test. The prevalence of diabetes increased over time in children aged 10 years and over: in boys from 0 % in 1967-1976 to 1.4% in 1987-1996 in the 10-14 year old age group, and from 2.43% to 3.78% for age group 15-19 and in girls from 0.72 % in 1967-1976 to 2.88 % in 1987-1996 in the 10-14 year old age group, and from 2.73 % to 5.31 % for age group 15-19 years. Along with the increase in the prevalence of Type II diabetes (p < 0.0001), there was an increase in weight (calculated as percentage of relative weight, p < 0.0001), and in frequency of exposure to diabetes in utero (p < 0.0001). The increasing weight and increasing frequency of exposure to diabetes in utero accounted for most of the increase in diabetes prevalence in Pima Indian children over the past 30 years. Type II diabetes is now a common disease in American Indian children aged 10 or more years and has increased dramatically over time, along with increasing weight. A vicious cycle related to an increase in the frequency of exposure to diabetes in utero appears to be an important feature of this epidemic.
Optimal Mining and Processing Decisions in Stratiform Phosphate Deposits

International Minerals & Chemical Corporation IMC is the world's largest privately-owned producer of phosphate rock, a bulk mineral used primarily in the production of agricultural fertilizers. The company operates several mines and processing plants in central Florida, and controls extensive phosphate resources in central and southern Florida. Like other firms engaged in the extraction of natural resources, IMC faces a general decision problem of determining the subset of resources in the ground that can be mined and processed economically. Land acquisition and plant expansion decisions, as well as tactical and strategic mining and processing plans, are all based in large measure on the company's a priori evaluation of resource data and its estimate of economic reserves. The facts that known phosphate resources are finite, that marketing conditions are highly variable, and that hundreds of millions of dollars are at stake all prompted IMC to assure itself that its mining and processing decisions constitute a financially optimal policy. This paper describes a new algorithm, developed by the authors and implemented by IMC, for making optimal mining and processing decisions.
In Honor of Matthew Rabin: Winner of the John Bates Clark Medal

Although there is some evidence that Matthew Rabin existed before 1990, we had the pleasure of discovering him for ourselves when, in the early 1990s, he sent each of us a copy of his manuscript "Incorporating Fairness into Game Theory and Economics" [2]. Matthew was, at this time, an assistant professor in Berkeley's economics department, having recently finished his graduate training at MIT. The paper was remarkable in many ways, and it induced us both to call around and ask: "Who is this guy Rabin?" Now, just a decade later, we find ourselves writing an article in honor of his winning the John Bates Clark award. So, who is this guy?
2008 Special Issue: Training neural network classifiers for medical decision making: The effects of imbalanced datasets on classification performance

This study investigates the effect of class imbalance in training data when developing neural network classifiers for computer-aided medical diagnosis. The investigation is performed in the presence of other characteristics that are typical among medical data, namely small training sample size, large number of features, and correlations between features. Two methods of neural network training are explored: classical backpropagation (BP) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) with clinically relevant training criteria. An experimental study is performed using simulated data and the conclusions are further validated on real clinical data for breast cancer diagnosis. The results show that classifier performance deteriorates with even modest class imbalance in the training data. Further, it is shown that BP is generally preferable over PSO for imbalanced training data especially with small data sample and large number of features. Finally, it is shown that there is no clear preference between oversampling and no compensation approach and some guidance is provided regarding a proper selection.
Expression of class III β tubulin in cervical cancer patients administered preoperative radiochemotherapy: Correlation with response to treatment and clinical outcome

Abstract Objectives. Alterations of the β subunit of tubulin have been reported to be predictive of resistance to radiation and antitubulin agents in several solid tumors. The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical role of β III tubulin expression as prognostic factor for survival and as a predictive parameter of response to preoperative radiochemotherapy in a single institutional series of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients. Methods. The study included 98 LACC patients admitted to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Catholic University of Rome and Campobasso between January 1998 and January 2005. Immunohistochemistry was performed by using the polyclonal rabbit anti-β III tubulin antibody (Covance, Princeton, NJ, USA). The value of 10% immunostained tumor cells was arbitrarily chosen as cut-off value to distinguish cases with high versus low β III tubulin content. Results. In the whole series, β III tubulin immunoreaction was detectable in 66/98 cases (67.3%), and the percentage of positively stained cells ranged from 0 to 100% (median=10%). The percentages of cases with high β III tubulin expression were shown not to be differently distributed according to clinico-pathological characteristics. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of cases with high β III tubulin expression according to clinical and pathological response to treatment. During the follow-up period, recurrence and death of disease occurred in 15 and 13 cases, respectively. There was no difference in disease-free and overall survival in cases with high versus low β III tubulin expression. Conclusions. The assessment of class III β tubulin status seems of little usefulness in order to identify LACC patients with poor chance of response to concomitant radiochemotherapy and unfavorable prognosis.
Optical parallel selectionist systems

There are at least two major classes of computers in nature and technology: connectionist and selectionist. A subset of connectionist systems (Turing Machines) dominates modern computing, although another subset (Neural Networks) is growing rapidly. Selectionist machines have unique capabilities which should allow them to do truly creative operations. It is possible to make a parallel optical selectionist system using methods describes in this paper.
Relationship between Intracellular Phosphate, Proton Motive Force, and Rate of Nongrowth Energy Dissipation (Energy Spilling) in Streptococcus bovis JB1

When the rate of glucose addition to nongrowing Streptococcus bovis cell suspensions was increased, the fermentation was homolactic, fructose-1,6-diphosphate (FDP) increased, intracellular inorganic phosphate (P(i)) declined, and the energy-spilling rate increased. ATP and ADP were not significantly affected by glucose consumption rate, but the decrease in P(i) was sufficient to cause an increase in the free energy of ATP hydrolysis (delta G'p). The increase in delta G'p was correlated with an increase in proton motive force (delta p). S. bovis continuous cultures (dilution rate of 0.65 h-1) that were provided with ammonia as the sole nitrogen source also had high rates of lactate production and energy spilling. When Trypticase was added as a source of amino acids, lactate production decreased; a greater fraction of the glucose was converted to acetate, formate, and ethanol; and the energy-spilling rate decreased. Trypticase also caused a decrease in FDP, an increase in P(i), and a decrease in delta p. The change in delta p could be explained by P(i)-dependent changes in the delta G'p. When P(i) declined, delta G'p and delta p increased. The ratio of delta G'p to delta p (millivolt per millivolt) was always high (> 4) at low rates of energy spilling but declined when the energy-spilling rate increased. Based on these results, it appears that delta p and the energy-spilling rate are responsive to fluctuations in the intracellular P(i) concentration.
The shut-down Gene of Drosophila melanogaster Encodes a Novel FK506-Binding Protein Essential for the Formation of Germline Cysts During Oogenesis

In Drosophila melanogaster, the process of oogenesis is initiated with the asymmetric division of a germline stem cell. This division results in the self-renewal of the stem cell and the generation of a daughter cell that undergoes four successive mitotic divisions to produce a germline cyst of 16 cells. Here, we show that shut-down is essential for the normal function of the germline stem cells. Analysis of weak loss-of-function alleles confirms that shut-down is also required at later stages of oogenesis. Clonal analysis indicates that shut-down functions autonomously in the germline. Using a positional cloning approach, we have isolated the shut-down gene. Consistent with its function, the RNA and protein are strongly expressed in the germline stem cells and in 16-cell cysts. The RNA is also present in the germ cells throughout embryogenesis. shut-down encodes a novel Drosophila protein similar to the heat-shock protein-binding immunophilins. Like immunophilins, Shut-down contains an FK506-binding protein domain and a tetratricopeptide repeat. In plants, high-molecular-weight immunophilins have been shown to regulate cell divisions in the root meristem in response to extracellular signals. Our results suggest that shut-down may regulate germ cell divisions in the germarium.
Estimated GFR and risk of hip fracture in older men: Comparison of associations using cystatin C and creatinine

Background Higher serum cystatin C level is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture in postmenopausal white women, but there is a paucity of data for men. Whether estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on cystatin C (eGFR cys ) is superior in predicting hip fracture risk to eGFR based on creatinine (eGFR cr ) or the combination (eGFR cr-cys ) also is uncertain. Study Design Nested case-cohort. Setting & Participants Participants enrolled in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study (5,994 men aged ≥65 years from 6 US centers) including a random subcohort of 1,602 men and 168 men with incident hip fractures (51 of whom were in the subcohort). Predictor eGFR cys , eGFR cr , and eGFR cr-cys computed using the CKD-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) equations and expressed in categories of 2 (referent group). Outcome Incident hip fracture ascertained by participant contacts every 4 months and confirmed with radiographic reports. Results Median eGFR cys was 72.9 (IQR, 60.5-85.7) mL/min/1.73 m 2 . In unadjusted models, all measures of eGFR were associated with increased hip fracture risk. However, after adjustment for age, race, site, and body mass index, the association of lower eGFR cys (but not lower eGFR cr or lower eGFR cr-cys ) with higher hip fracture risk remained: for 2 , HRs were 1.96 [95% CI, 1.25-3.09], 0.84 [95% CI, 0.52-1.37], and 1.08 [95% CI, 0.66-1.77] for eGFR cys , eGFR cr , and eGFR cr-cys , respectively. Similarly, after adjustment for age, race, site, and body mass index, eGFR 2 defined by eGFR cys , but not eGFR cr or eGFR cr-cys , was associated with higher hip fracture risk. The association between eGFR cys and hip fracture was not explained by levels of calciotropic hormones or inflammatory markers, but the relationship was attenuated and no longer reached significance (for 2 : HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.88-2.34) after consideration of additional clinical risk factors and bone mineral density. Limitations Findings not generalizable to other populations; residual confounding may exist. Conclusions Older community-dwelling men with lower eGFR cys have an increased risk of hip fracture that is explained in large part by greater burden of risk factors among men with lower eGFR cys . In contrast, lower eGFR cr or lower eGFR cr-cys was not associated with a higher age-adjusted hip fracture risk.
FLOW CYTOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF LECTIN BINDING TO IN VITRO–CULTURED PERKINSUS MARINUS SURFACE CARBOHYDRATES

Parasite surface glycoconjugates are frequently involved in cellular recognition and colonization of the host. This study reports on the identification of Perkinsus marinus surface carbohydrates by flow cytometric analyses of fluorescein isothiocyanate–conjugated lectin binding. Lectin-binding specificity was confirmed by sugar inhibition and Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistics. Clear, measurable fluorescence peaks were discriminated, and no parasite autofluorescence was observed. Parasites (GTLA-5 and Perkinsus-1 strains) harvested during log and stationary phases of growth in a protein-free medium reacted strongly with concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin, which bind to glucose–mannose and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc) moieties, respectively. Both P. marinus strains bound with lower intensity to Maclura pomifera agglutinin, Bauhinia purpurea agglutinin, soybean agglutinin (N-acetyl-d-galactosamine–specific lectins), peanut agglutinin (PNA) (terminal galactose specific), and Griffonia simplicifolia II (G...
Generic Advertising in an Asymmetric Cournot Oligopoly

We examine how benefits of mandated generic advertising vary with firm size in an asymmetric Cournot oligopoly market. Generic advertising, funded through a mandatory assessment, changes demand but also increases firms' costs. The effect on a firm's profits depends upon the nature of the change in demand and the company's market share. Situations are identified in which generic advertising: (1) disproportionately favors large (small) firms; (2) decreases profits; and (3) increases (decreases) social welfare. Our findings explain the concerns that are often raised on small firms being disadvantaged by generic advertising. We discuss implications for policy and for firms' advertising strategies. Copyright 2010, Oxford University Press.
Employing user feedback for fast, accurate, low-maintenance geolocationing

One way to improve inferences on sensor data is to tune the algorithms through a time-consuming offline procedure. A less expensive and potentially more accurate method is to use an online procedure based on feedback from users, who often know best what the data means to them. We present a method for user-assisted location inference based on 802.11b wireless signal strengths. A user 'corrects' system geolocations by clicking on a map, recording a 'virtual access point' (VAP) at the selected point for future inferences. A best VAP is selected using simple criteria, including the VAP's creator. This permit using other's VAPs while getting their own if one exists, capturing user-specific behavior. The system is also self-maintaining with respect to changing access point deployments. Indoor experiments show very good accuracy for this simple method.
Advantages of respiratory monitoring during video-EEG evaluation to differentiate epileptic seizures from other events

Differentiating between epileptic seizures (ES) and seizure-like nonepileptic events (SLNE) is often difficult using descriptions of seizure semiology. Cardiopulmonary dysfunction is frequent in ES but has not been objectively examined in relation to SLNE. Our purpose was to compare cardiopulmonary dysfunction between ES and SLNE. We prospectively recorded cardiopulmonary function using pulse oximetry, EKG, and respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) in 52 ES and 22 SLNE. Comparison of cardiopulmonary complications between ES and SLNE was done using two-sample T-tests and logistic regression. Ictal bradypnea and preictal bradycardia were more frequent in ES than SLNE (p 1.0). Cardiorespiratory dysfunction, specifically bradypnea, apnea, preictal bradycardia, and oxygen desaturation, is more frequently seen in ES than in SLNE. Tachycardia was not discriminant between ES and SLNE.
Hydrodynamic Theory of Multicomponent Diffusion and Thermal Diffusion in Multitemperature Gas Mixtures

A phenomenological theory is developed for multicomponent diffusion, including thermal diffusion, in gas mixtures in which the components may have different temperatures. The theory is based on the hydrodynamic approach of Maxwell and Stefan, as extended and elaborated by Furry [1] and Williams [2]. The present development further extends these earlier treatments to multiple temperatures and multicomponent thermal diffusion. The resulting diffusion fluxes obey generalized Stefan-Maxwell relations which include the effects of ordinary, forced, pressure, and thermal diffusion. When thermal diffusion is neglected, these relations have the same form as the usual single-temperature ones, except that mole fractions are replaced by pressure fractions (i.e., ratios of partial pressures to total pressure). The binary ap.d thermal diffusion coefficients are given in terms of collision integrals. Single-temperature systems and binary systems are treated as special cases of the general theory. A self-consistent effective binary diffusion approximation for multitemperature systems is presented.
Maximum likelihood decoding of trellis codes in fading channels with no receiver CSI is a polynomial-complexity problem

The problem of optimal decoding of a trellis coded sequence transmitted over a frequency nonselective, time-selective fading channel is considered in this paper. In particular, the case where the channel state information (CSI) is unknown to the receiver, thus Viterbi's algorithm (VA) can not be employed to find the maximum a posteriori probability sequence detection (MAPSqD) solution with linear complexity in sequence length N. It is proved that for two-state trellis, the exact solution can indeed be obtained with only polynomial complexity in N for any signal-to-noise ratio.
Early Human Predation

From a phylogenetic perspective, human predatory behavior is an isolated phenomenon in which the propensity to capture and digest food from large vertebrate prey evolved in a minor clade of primates. From an ecological perspective, this phenomenon has had enormous repercussions for the present structure of terrestrial food webs and animal biological diversity.
Whole genome transcriptome polymorphisms in Arabidopsis thaliana

Whole genome tiling arrays are a key tool for profiling global genetic and expression variation. In this study we present our methods for detecting transcript level variation, splicing variation and allele specific expression in Arabidopsis thaliana. We also developed a generalized hidden Markov model for profiling transcribed fragment variation de novo. Our study demonstrates that whole genome tiling arrays are a powerful platform for dissecting natural transcriptome variation at multi-dimension and high resolution.
A tutorial on sum of squares techniques for systems analysis

This tutorial is about new system analysis techniques that were developed in the past few years based on the sum of squares decomposition. We present stability and robust stability analysis tools for different classes of systems: systems described by nonlinear ordinary differential equations or differential algebraic equations, hybrid systems with nonlinear subsystems and/or nonlinear switching surfaces, and time-delay systems described by nonlinear functional differential equations. We also discuss how different analysis questions such as model validation and safety verification can be answered for uncertain nonlinear and hybrid systems.
Risk-benefit assessment of the combined oral contraceptive pill in women with a family history of female cancer.

Introduction: Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are the most frequently used form of effective, reversible contraception among women of childbearing potential. In the average risk population, OCPs may offer a protective benefit against ovarian, endometrial and colorectal malignancies. In women at high risk for breast, ovarian, endometrial or colorectal malignancies, the risk–benefit profile is less well studied.Areas covered: In this article, we review pertinent literature on the use of OCPs in patients with genetic susceptibilities due to mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2 or mismatch repair genes implicated in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer as well as those with a strong family history of malignancies associated with these syndromes.Expert opinion: For women at high risk for ovarian, endometrial and/or colorectal malignancies due to genetic susceptibilities or a strong family history, the possibility of chemoprevention with OCPs may be an attractive option; however, the potential increase in breast canc...
Advanced Modeling of the Dynamics of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries

In this paper, a multi-dimensional dynamic model of vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (RFB) is employed to predict battery performance and internal operating condition during charge and discharge. The model consists of a set of partial differential equations of mass, momentum, species, charges, and energy conservation, in conjunction with the electrode’s electrochemical reaction kinetics. After validated against experimental data for a vanadium RFB, flow field, temperature distribution, and reactant evolution are presented. The developed numerical tool is extremely useful in optimizing RFB design and control.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The Heat Treatment Influence of 1.3343 High Speed Steel on Content of Residual Austenite

Abstract The heat treatment applied to high speed steel is in large measure dictated by the necessity of decreasing the residual austenite content. After hardening, a large amount of residual austenite it is found in the structure; this is unwanted because it is less hard than practical necessities and also unstable in time. As a result, the heat treatment has the purpose to conferee to tools mechanical properties that are required in exploitation, and in the same time, stable from structural point of view and of mechanical characteristics. In this purpose there are known several processes, as for example multiple tempering and treatment below zero degrees. In this paper, it is proposed the analysis of residual austenite from 1.3343 high steel speeds subject to multiple heat treatment operations, by determining after each, the quantity of residual austenite; this was made with X ray diffraction using a software package program. Research has revealed the decrease of residual austenite content with the number of tempering as well as with the treatment below zero degrees.
Analysis and Control of Halbach Linear Motor for Nanopositioning

This paper presents control of a Halbach linear motor for nano-precision positioning. Using an FPGA based decoding scheme and sensor signal processing, a 0.23nm root-mean-square (RMS) sensor noise level has been obtained from a 4 micrometer period sinusoidal quadrature encoder. Disturbances to the linear motor are studied at nanometer scale. When the motor is supported by the air bearing without feedback control, the mechanical motion measured by the sensor shows substantial low frequency oscillation around 10Hz. Under a PID digital servo feedback control, the stage can be brought to a regulated state of 11.14nm RMS error at 10kHz sampling rate, otherwise not achieved by lower sampling rate. Although PID servo loop substantially reduces the 10Hz motion, a 60Hz vibration and its harmonics begin to dominate at nanometer level. It is suspected and confirmed by experiments to be due to the coupling of the DC power supply/amplifier and control computer to the AC power source. A robust repetitive control scheme is employed to reject the 60Hz disturbance and its harmonics and bring the regulated state to 1.78nm RMS value.Copyright © 2009 by ASME