cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Linking search space structure, run-time dynamics, and problem difficulty: a step toward demystifying tabu search

Tabu search is one of the most effective heuristics for locating high-quality solutions to a diverse array of NP-hard combinatorial optimization problems. Despite the widespread success of tabu search, researchers have a poor understanding of many key theoretical aspects of this algorithm, including models of the high-level run-time dynamics and identification of those search space features that influence problem difficulty. We consider these questions in the context of the job-shop scheduling problem (JSP), a domain where tabu search algorithms have been shown to be remarkably effective. Previously, we demonstrated that the mean distance between random local optima and the nearest optimal solution is highly correlated with problem difficulty for a well-known tabu search algorithm for the JSP introduced by Taillard. In this paper, we discuss various shortcomings of this measure and develop a new model of problem difficulty that corrects these deficiencies. We show that Taillard's algorithm can be modeled with high fidelity as a simple variant of a straightforward random walk. The random walk model accounts for nearly all of the variability in the cost required to locate both optimal and sub-optimal solutions to random JSPs, and provides an explanation for differences in the difficulty of random versus structured JSPs. Finally, we discuss and empirically substantiate two novel predictions regarding tabu search algorithm behavior. First, the method for constructing the initial solution is highly unlikely to impact the performance of tabu search. Second, tabu tenure should be selected to be as small as possible while simultaneously avoiding search stagnation; values larger than necessary lead to significant degradations in performance.
Cisplatin inhibits bone healing during distraction osteogenesis.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor affecting children and adolescents. Many patients are treated with a combination of chemotherapy, resection, and limb salvage protocols. Surgical reconstructions after tumor resection include structural allografts, non-cemented endoprostheses, and distraction osteogenesis (DO), which require direct bone formation. Although cisplatin (CDP) is extensively used for OS chemotherapy, the effects on bone regeneration are not well studied. The effects of CDP on direct bone formation in DO were compared using two dosing regimens and both C57BL/6 (B6) and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 knockout (TNFR1KO) mice, as CDP toxicity is associated with elevated TNF levels. Detailed evaluation of the five-dose CDP regimen (2 mg/kg/day), demonstrated significant decreases in new bone formation in the DO gaps of CDP treated versus vehicle treated mice (p < 0.001). Further, no significant inhibitory effects from the five-dose CDP regimen were observed in TNFR1KO mice. The two-dose regimen significantly inhibited new bone formation in B6 mice. These results demonstrate that CDP has profound short term negative effects on the process of bone repair in DO. These data provide the mechanistic basis for modeling peri-operative chemotherapy doses and schedules and may provide new opportunities to identify molecules that spare normal cells from the inhibitory effects of CDP. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:464–470, 2014.
Multicenter study of chronic asthma severity among emergency department patients with acute asthma.

Objective. The initiation of controller therapy for asthma depends on chronic asthma severity. To facilitate initiation of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), the preferred controller therapy, in the emergency department (ED), the objective of the study was to describe chronic asthma severity, as defined by the national asthma guidelines, among children presenting to the ED with acute asthma. Methods. Investigators at 14 U.S. sites prospectively enrolled consecutive children 2–17 years presenting to the ED with acute asthma. Three factors (daytime symptoms, nighttime symptoms, and medication usage) were used to categorize children into four chronic asthma severity groups: intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent or severe persistent. Results. This multistate cohort of 311 children had a mean age of 7.7 years, was 51% Black, and 89% had a primary care provider (PCP). Regarding chronic severity, 18% were intermittent and 82% persistent: 37% mild persistent, 24% moderate persistent, and 20% severe pers...
Synthesis and antiinflammatory activity of the sulfoxides of 4-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl] - 3,4- dihydro- 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzothiazine

Oxidation of 4-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzothiazine, hydrochloride (I) with hydrogen peroxide yielded a mixture of two sulfoxides (II). Since this mixture exhibited antiinflammatory activity, the two components (Isomers A and B) were prepared in purified form by oxidation of I with N-chlorosuccinimide and hydrogen peroxide, respectively. Isomer A was more potent than Isomer B in the carrageenin-induced edema test.
Responsive survey design, demographic data collection, and models of demographic behavior.

To address declining response rates and rising data-collection costs, survey methodologists have devised new techniques for using process data (“paradata”) to address nonresponse by altering the survey design dynamically during data collection. We investigate the substantive consequences of responsive survey design—tools that use paradata to improve the representative qualities of surveys and control costs. By improving representation of reluctant respondents, responsive design can change our understanding of the topic being studied. Using the National Survey of Family Growth Cycle 6, we illustrate how responsive survey design can shape both demographic estimates and models of demographic behaviors based on survey data. By juxtaposing measures from regular and responsive data collection phases, we document how special efforts to interview reluctant respondents may affect demographic estimates. Results demonstrate the potential of responsive survey design to change the quality of demographic research based on survey data.
Communication of the significant but not urgent finding.

T he Case A 41-year-old man was admitted to the hospital and underwent a routine radiographic examination of the chest before a minor urologic procedure. The radiologist interpreted the radiograph as disclosing a “possible small tumor in the right mid-lung field, suspicious for carcinoma” (Fig. 1A) and recommended that a CT scan be done for further evaluation. Personnel in the radiology department entered the wrong referring physician’s name on the report and sent it to the incorrectly listed doctor. The doctor ignored the report. The urologist who actually ordered the original chest radiograph never received a copy of the radiologist’s report, did not notice it in the patient’s chart, and discharged the patient the next day. Twenty-one months later, because the patient complained of weight loss and cough, a new chest radiograph was obtained. It disclosed a marked increase in the size of the tumor (Fig. IB). Biopsy revealed carcinoma. Despite surgery and chemotherapy, the patient died 8 months later.
High yielding culture conditions for the biosynthesis of D-amino acid oxidase byTrigonopsis variabilis

A process was developed for the production ofTrigonopsis variabilis and D-amino acid oxidase. Yields for the yeast were in excess of 220 g/l wet weight and 62 g/l dry weight. Using cephalosporin C as a substrate the enzyme concentration was 7000 units per liter.
88 Racial and ethnic differences among three enteric agents

Abstract PURPOSE: To examine differences in the presence of antibody to three enteric pathogens (Toxoplasma gondii, Helicobacter pylori, and Hepatitis A virus) among adults age 20 years and older in a representative sample of the U.S. to determine if racial/ethnic differences remain after accounting for socio-demographic factors through adjustment and stratification. METHODS: Sera from participants in NHANES III, conducted from 1988–1994, were tested for the presence of antibody to Toxoplasma gondii (n = 14332), Helicobacter pylori (Phase 1 1988–1991 only, n = 7225), and Hepatitis A virus (n = 14960). RESULTS: Multivariate logistic modeling adjusting for all significant socio-demographic cofactors as compared to adjustment for age alone reduced the race/ethnic odds of being infected for both non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican Americans (as compared to non-Hispanic whites). Variables that had a differential effect on the race/ethnic odds (age, gender, education, foreign birth, metropolitan residence, poverty, and household crowding) were grouped in various combinations (depending on the enteric pathogen) to form subgroups at high and low risk for infection. In general, after adjustment for the remaining cofactors, the effect of race/ethnicity was strongest among those within the lowest risk (more socially advantaged) subgroup. Race/ethnicity had less impact on individuals who were in the highest risk category. CONCLUSION: Racial/ethnic differences are almost always evident in looking at national infectious disease prevalence. Stratification by risk categories demonstrates that the effect of race/ethnicity continues to remain important for most pathogens among the more socially advantaged subgroups, but is diminished among those less socially advantaged.
Isostatic models of the February 1969 east rift eruption of Kilauea

Isostatic models of a well-documented eruption of Kilauea are used to estimate values of h , the excess hydraulic head apparently required to initiate and maintain the eruption. All plausible h values are substantially larger than were heights of observed fountains, which confirms that viscous and frictional losses in the magma column during eruption were important. This conclusion is insensitive to changes in features of the assumed volcanic substructure. Effects of vesiculation cannot be satisfactorily taken into account, but it seems likely that the hydraulic head required to initiate the eruption was about 300 m. Further studies of effects of vesiculation and of characteristics of the clastic unit located below sea level in the Kilauea substructure would be advantageous.
Temperature-dependent kinetics studies of aqueous phase reactions of SO4− radicals with dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylsulfone, and methanesulfonate

A laser flash photolysis – long path UV-visible absorption – competitive kinetics technique has been employed to investigate the kinetics of the aqueous phase reactions between the hydroxyl radical (OH) and three organic sulfur species of atmospheric interest, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO; CH3S(O)CH3), dimethylsulfone (DMSO2; CH3(O)S(O)CH3), and methanesulfonate (MS; CH3(O)S(O)O–). Thiocyanate anion (SCN–) has been employed as the competitor. Temperature dependent rate coefficients for the reactions of interest are reported for the first time. The following Arrhenius expressions adequately summarize the kinetic data obtained over the temperature range 275 – 310 K (units are M–1 s–1): ln kDMSO = (26.88 ± 0.14) – {(1270 ± 40)/T}; ln kDMSO2 ≤ (22.36 ± 0.17) – {(1690 ± 50)/T}; ln kMS = (25.20 ± 0.13) – {(2630 ± 40)/T}. Uncertainties in the Arrhenius parameters are 2σ and represent precision only. The accuracies of individual measured rate coefficient ratios, kX(T)/kSCN–(T) (X = DMSO, DMSO2, or MS), are estimated to be ±5% independent of T and the identity of X. Taking uncertainties in kSCN–(T) into account, we estimate the absolute accuracy of reported rate coefficients to be 16% at 275 K, 9% at 295 K, and 12% at 310 K. The implications of the new kinetics results for understanding the atmospheric sulfur cycle are discussed.
Detection and discrimination of pure gases and binary mixtures using a dual-modality microcantilever sensor

A new method for detecting and discriminating pure gases and binary mixtures has been investigated. This approach is based on two distinct physical mechanisms which can be simultaneously employed within a single microcantilever: heat dissipation and resonant damping in the viscous regime. An experimental study of the heat dissipation mechanism indicates that the sensor response is directly correlated to the thermal conductivity of the gaseous analyte. A theoretical data set of resonant damping was generated corresponding to the gas mixtures examined in the thermal response experiments. The combination of the thermal and resonant response data yields more distinct analyte signatures that cannot otherwise be obtained from the detection modes individually.
The cellular 107K protein that binds to adenovirus E1A also associates with the large T antigens of SV40 and JC virus

The association between the retinoblastoma protein (p105-RB) and either the large T antigen of SV40 or the E1A proteins of adenovirus is thought to be an important step in transformation by these viral oncogenes. E1A and large T antigen share a small region of amino acid homology that is necessary for high affinity binding with p105-RB. Mutations of this homology region were shown to reduce drastically the frequency of transformation mediated by the E1A or large T oncogenes. Previously, this small region in E1A was shown to be sufficient for interaction with a second cellular protein of 107,000 daltons (107K). Here we show that in human cells, the large T antigens of SV40 or JC virus also form complexes with 107K. Demonstration of complexes between 107K and the large T antigens of SV40 and JC virus suggests that these associations may represent another component of a common mechanism for transformation between adenoviruses and polyoma viruses.
Study of bicycle lanes versus wide curb lanes

A comparative analysis of bicycle lanes (BLs) versus wide curb lanes (WCLs) was done. The primary analysis was based on videotapes of almost 4,600 bicyclists from 48 sites in Santa Barbara, California; Gainesville, Florida; and Austin, Texas. The videotapes were coded to evaluate operational characteristics and conflicts with motorists, other bicyclists, or pedestrians. Significant differences in both operational behaviors and conflicts were associated with BLs and WCLs, but they varied depending on the behavior being analyzed. Wrong-way riding and sidewalk riding were much more prevalent at WCL sites compared to BL sites. The aggregated data showed that significantly more motor vehicles passing bicycles on the left encroached into the adjacent traffic lane from WCL situations compared to BL situations. Proportionally more bicyclists obeyed stop signs at BL sites; however, when a stop sign was disobeyed, the proportion of bicyclists with both "somewhat unsafe" and "definitely unsafe" movements was higher ...
Comparison of the antiviral activities of 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (AZT) and gossylic iminolactone (GIL) against clinical isolates of HIV-1

Abstract 3′-Azido-3′-deoxythymidine (AZT) and gossylic iminolactone (GIL) were compared for antiviral activities in vitro against fresh clinical isolates of HIV-1 obtained from 19 subjects on AZT therapy. IC 50 values for AZT ranged from 0.015 to 6.7 μ M (447-fold range) while IC 50 values for GIL ranged from 0.40 to 6.6 μ M (16-fold range). There was no correlation between IC 50 values for AZT and GIL, suggesting that the anti-HIV activity of GIL does not involve inhibition of reverse transcriptase.
A New Bench for Testing Photographic Lenses

In planning the equipment for the recently established Institute of Applied Optics at the University of Rochester, it was decided to build a photographic lens testing bench, which should be suitable both for instruction to students and for research work. A description of the construction, adjustment, and use of the bench is given in the present paper.In designing the bench, it was decided to use a distant point source of light or other suitable test object, and to mount the lens so that it can be rotated about a vertical axis through its second nodal point, and set at any desired obliquity up to 60°. The image formed by the lens is then examined with a microscope in the usual way. It was also decided to incorporate an automatic mechanism to ensure that the focusing point of the microscope is always in the ideal flat field which the lens should have; and further, to provide such auxiliary motions as are necessary to test telephoto lenses.Scales are provided for the direct measurement of astigmatism, curvature of field, distortion, and oblique color; and by suitable means it is also possible to determine the amount of spherical and chromatic aberration should this be required. The range of focal lengths is from 5 to 60 cms with a provision for the direct measurement of the equivalent focal length and the back focus of the lens.The bench contains within itself adequate means for making complete adjustments of all its parts, and for correctly setting the zeros of all scales.The paper is divided into four sections:ITheoretical considerationsIIMechanical construction of the benchIIIAdjustments of the various partsIVCriticisms of the design.
Arthropods and Medicine

ABSTRACT Arthropods, including insects, spiders, mites, ticks, and scorpions, may affect human health by direct exposure, e.g., bites or stings, or indirectly by disease transmission and allergic reactions. Pathologies resulting from arthropod exposure may often be reliably described and treated. Most treatments for direct exposure or allergic reactions involve counteracting immune responses to venoms, salivary secretions, or body parts. The identification of arthropods, a requirement for determining appropriate treatment, is aided by becoming familiar with each arthropod group's morphologic characteristics. Clinicians are often asked to identify arthropods involved in cases of stings, bites, myiasis, or food product infestations. Some arthropod groups require specialists in their field for specific identification. However, preliminary ID can often be made by the clinician. If more specific ID is required, then specimens should be sent to appropriate specialists. Good paperwork is important, especially si...
A comparison of temperature fluctuations measured by a microbead thermistor and a fine wire thermocouple over a crop surface

Abstract A microbead thermistor and a fine wire thermocouple were tested for rapid response air temperature measurements over an alfalfa crop. The turbulent statistics (the standard deviations of temperature fluctuations, and the covariances of temperature and vertical velocity fluctuations) and spectra measured with the two sensors under different thermal stratification conditions compared reasonably well. Coherence computations also indicated a fairly high degree of agreement between the time series measured with the microbead thermistor and the fine wire thermocouple.
An AIN switchable memory resistor capable of a 20-MHz cycling rate and 500-picosecond switching time

We report here the operational characteristics of multistable resistance switching devices made from thin sputtered layers of AIN. These devices exhibit switching between high and low resistance states when proper electrical signals are applied. Repetitive switching at 20-MHz rates has been achieved, and switching times in the best units have been observed to be less than 500 picoseconds. These are believed to be the first active electronic switching devices to be reported utilizing AIN.
Comparison of Particle Swarm Optimization and Genetic Algorithm in the design of permanent magnet motors

The complexity of the electric machine structure makes an optimal design a difficult and challenging task. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) are two popular methods for their advantages such as gradient-free and ability to find global optima. Due to the fact that the machine design models are sometimes computationally intense, it is important for the optimization algorithms used in the design practice to have high computational efficiency. This paper uses the design of a Surface Mount Permanent Magnet (SMPM) machine with an analytical model as a benchmark and compares the performance of PSO and GA in terms of their accuracy, the robustness to population size and algorithm coefficients. The results show that PSO has advantages over GA on those aspects and is preferred over GA when time is a limiting factor. Similarities in the machine design problems make the comparison result also applicable to the design of other types of machines and with other modeling methods
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE CHANCE OF POPULATION ESTABLISHMENT: IMPLICATIONS FOR RELEASE STRATEGIES IN BIOCONTROL

Successful establishment of biological control agents is hampered by factors that put small populations at risk of extinction; among these are demographic stochasticity, environmental variability, and Allee effects. I used a stochastic simulation model to tease apart the influences of these three factors on the relationship between release size and the probability of population establishment. The fates of simulated colonies indicated that demographic stochasticity alone is not likely to be important in the establishment of biological control agents, but both environmental variability and Allee effects are crucial. These two factors are distinct in the way they interact with the initial colony size. The presence of an Allee effect results in a threshold response; below a critical colony size a population is doomed, and above that size establishment is likely. In contrast, environmental variability reduces the likelihood of establishment over the entire range of colony sizes. In combination, these factors have an intermediate effect, that is, a gradual increase in establishment rate with initial colony size. These results can be used to design release strategies that will maximize the probability of successful establishment given the inherent trade-off between the size of each release and the number of releases. In a variable environment, a large number of very small-sized releases will maximize the chance of overall establishment. When an Allee effect is present (in a constant environment), a single large release is optimal. For some combinations of both factors, there will be an intermediate optimum release size (and corresponding number of releases). This study provides an avenue for improving the rate of successful biological control through wisely designed releases. The results of this study have important implications for the conservation and reintroduction of threatened populations as well.
Scandal and governance: inside and outside the IOC 2000 Commission

This article offers an ethnographically based analysis of the work of the IOC 2000 Commission, the official body commissioned to propose reforms in the wake of the IOC bribery scandals. The composition and modus operandi of the reform commission, its main debates and recommendations, the actions taken upon them by the IOC Session and the record of these reforms over the ensuing decade are characterized and evaluated. Special attention is paid to the impact of the reform process on IOC governance, the Olympic Games bidding process, and the growing tensions between the Olympic Movement and the Olympic Sports Industry.
Comprehensive characterization of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus COL secretome by two-dimensional liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry

Two-dimensional LC combined with whole protein and peptide mass spectrometry is used to characterize proteins secreted by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus COL. Protein identifications were accomplished via off-line protein fractionation followed by digestion and subsequent peptide analysis by reverse phase LC-ESI-LTQ-FT-MS/MS. Peptide MS/MS analysis identified 127 proteins comprising 59 secreted proteins, seven cell wall-anchored proteins, four lipoproteins, four membrane proteins, and 53 cytoplasmic proteins. The identified secreted proteins included various virulence factors of known functions (cytotoxins, enterotoxins, proteases, lipolytic enzymes, peptidoglycan hydrolases, etc.). Accurate whole protein mass measurement (±1.5 Da) of the secreted proteins combined with peptide analysis enabled identification of signal peptide cleavage sites and various post-translational modifications. In addition, new observations were possible using the present approach. Although signal peptide cleavage is highly specific, signal peptide processing can occur at more than one site. Surprisingly, cleaved signal peptides and their fragments can be observed in the extracellular medium. The prediction accuracies of several signal peptide prediction programs were also evaluated.
Traitement des expressions figées avec INTEX

The intex lexical parser processes linguistic units of four formal types: morphemes, simple words, compound words and frozen expressions. Frozen expressions are units spelled in the form of non-contiguous sequences of tokens (eg. take ... into account), and their recognition requires computation traditionally performed by syntactic parsers. Over 30,000 French frozen expressions have been described in the tables Cxx of the lexicon-grammar. We show how to use these tables to automatically construct FSTs that are capable of recognizing and tagging frozen expressions in texts. Representing the result as tags poses some formal problems that we discuss.
Thymidine Incorporation by Lactating Mammary Epithelium During Compensatory Mammary Growth in Beef Cattle

Abstract Ten Hereford cows, 100 d into first lactation, were assigned to treatment or control groups to study compensatory growth of mammary glands. The right udder half of treatment cows was covered to prevent suckling by the calf, whereas control cows were suckled on all quarters. Milk production was estimated the day treatment began and 4 d later by machine milking following removal of calves for 12h and i.v. injection of oxytocin. Five to 7 d after beginning treatment, cows were killed and mammary tissue was obtained from three regions within left and right glands for in vitro incubation with [ 3 H]thymidine. Deoxyribonucleic acid of lactating udder halves did not increase in response to treatment although RNA: DNA ratio and milk production tended to increase. Incorporation of 3 Hthymidine was greater in lactating quarters of treated cows than control cows (35,000 vs. 19,000 cpm/mg of DNA) with greatest incorporation in the basal regions of each gland. Furthermore, greatest incorporation of [ 3 H]thymidine occurred in nonsuckled glands. Autoradiographic analyses confirmed incorporation data and indicated that 81% of proliferating cells were epithelial. Data suggest that proliferation of mammary epithelial cells, within both the lactating and nonlactating glands, occurred in response to milk stasis.
Spectral differences in /ai/ offsets conditioned by voicing of the following consonant

Abstract Two experiments were designed to investigate the observation that offsets of pre-/t/ /ai/ (e.g., tight) show lower F1and higher F2than those of pre-/d/ /ai/ (e.g. tide) in some dialects. The first experiment examined production of /ai/ in minimal pairs like tide... tight by non-Hispanic whites from two central Ohio communities and Mexican Americans from southern Texas. Results confirmed that the spectral difference occurs in the speech of the central Ohioans. Although it was anticipated that the south Texas subjects would not exhibit the spectral difference, they did produce it, but to a lesser degree than the central Ohioans. The second experiment examined perception of stimuli as tight, tide, or tie by non-Hispanic whites from central Ohio and Mexican Americans from southern Texas to investigate whether the observed patterns in production are reflected in perception. It was confirmed that speakers of the two dialects under study can access the offset spectral difference as a perceptual cue. Moreover, it was found that speakers of the two dialects differ in perception of the spectral difference. The cross-dialectal discrepancies show that the spectral difference is part of a speaker's grammar, even though it is not contrastive.
Comparative analysis of conditional reporter alleles in the developing embryo and embryonic nervous system.

A long-standing problem in development is understanding how progenitor cells transiently expressing genes contribute to complex anatomical and functional structures. In the developing nervous system an additional level of complexity arises when considering how cells of distinct lineages relate to newly established neural circuits. To address these problems, we used both cumulative marking with Cre/ loxP and G enetic I nducible F ate M apping (GIFM), which permanently and heritably marks small populations of progenitors and their descendants with fine temporal control using CreER/loxP . A key component used in both approaches is a conditional phenotyping allele that has the potential to be expressed in all cell types, but is quiescent because of a loxP flanked Stop sequence, which precedes a reporter allele. Upon recombination, the resulting phenotyping allele is ‘turned on’ and then constitutively expressed. Thus, the reporter functions as a high fidelity genetic lineage tracer in vivo . Currently there is an array of reporter alleles that can be used in marking strategies, but their recombination efficiency and applicability to a wide array of tissues has not been thoroughly described. To assess the recombination/marking potential of the reporters, we utilized CreER T under the control of a Wnt1 transgene ( Wnt1-CreER T ) as well as a cumulative, non-inducible En1 Cre knock-in line in combination with three different reporters: R26R (LacZ reporter), Z/EG (EGFP reporter), and Tau-Lox-STOP-Lox-mGFP-IRES-NLS-LacZ (membrane-targeted GFP/nuclear LacZ reporter). We marked the Wnt1 lineage using each of the three reporters at embryonic day (E) 8.5 followed by analysis at E10.0, E12.5, and in the adult. We also compared cumulative marking of cells with a history of En1 expression at the same stages. We evaluated the reporters by whole-mount and section analysis and ascertained the strengths and weaknesses of each of the reporters. Comparative analysis with the reporters elucidated complexities of how the Wnt1 and En1 lineages contribute to developing embryos and to axonal projection patterns of neurons derived from these lineages.
The interaction of small oxygenated fluorocarbons and hydrocarbons with the Ru(001) surface

We report studies of the adsorption bond strengths and decomposition of perfluorodiethyl ether and hexafluoroacetone on clean and oxygen-dosed Ru{001). Perfluorodiethyl ether bonds weakly to Ru(OOl) (42-43 kJ/mol) without decomposing. This binding energy is typical for a metaladsorbate interaction in which the adsorbate donates electrons to the metal from the oxygen lone pair. Hexafluoroacetone bonds to the surface in both a weakly bonded configuration (37-38 kJ/mol) and a strongly bonded configuration (57-87 kJ/mol), and there is insignificant decomposition. We compare the chemistry of these oxygenated fluorocarbons to analogous oxygenated hydrocarbons. We propose that the net effect of fluorination is to weaken those chemisorption bonds which rely upon electron donation from the oxygen lone pairs to the metal, but to strengthen the chemisorption bonds which rely primarily upon electron donation from the metal into antibonding C-0 orbitals. Both phenomena can be explained by electronic effects resulting from fluorination.
Unbounded Motion Optimization by Developmental Learning

An algorithm is presented for autonomous motion development with unbounded waveform resolution. Rather than a single optimization in a very large space, memory is built to support incremental improvements; therefore, complexity is balanced by experience. Analogously, human development manages complexity by limiting it during initial learning stages. Motions are represented by cubic spline interpolation; therefore, the development technique applies broadly to function optimization. Adding a node to the splines allows all previous memory samples to transfer to the higher dimension space exactly. The memory-based model, which is a locally weighted regression (LWR), predicts the expected outcome for a motion and provides gradient information for optimizing the motion. Results are compared against bootstrapping a direct optimization (DO) on a mathematical problem. Additionally, the method has been implemented to learn voltage profiles with the lowest peak current for starting a motor. This method shows practical accuracy and scalability.
Class II MHC/Peptide Complexes on T Cell Antigen-Presenting Cells: Agonistic Antigen Recognition Inhibits Subsequent Antigen Presentation☆

Abstract Previous studies have shown that tolerogenic anti-CD4 (W3/25) and anti-LFA-1 mAb (LRTC1) which block T cell activation paradoxically enhance T cell-mediated antigen presentation. Lasting T cell APC (T-APC) activity requires an initial exposure of T cells to these mAb in the presence of professional APC and antigen. This study revealed a central mechanism regulating the duration of T-APC activity. T cell recognition of class II MHC complexes on T-APC catalyzed a rapid decay in the presentation of agonistic antigens, whereas partial agonistic signals decayed at a slower rate. Likewise, blockade of agonistic T–T cell autorecognition by these mAb led to the persistence of agonistic MHC/antigen on T-APC. The best predictor of T-APC activity was related to the ability of clonal T cells to respond to antigen presented by neighboring T cells. Strong responders were inefficient T-APC, whereas inefficient responders were strong T-APC. Addition of irradiated myelin basic protein (MBP)-specific responders to T-APC cultures specifically inhibited the subsequent presentation of MBP but not conalbumin, and vice versa. T-APC presentation of antigen to responder T cells also resulted in reduced surface expression of class II MHC I-A glycoproteins on T-APC. These findings indicate that agonistic recognition of antigen on T-APC specifically inhibits subsequent presentation of that antigen, whereas antagonistic MHC/antigen complexes are preserved for an enduring T-APC activity.
Overview 12: Fundamentals of dendritic solidification—I. Steady-state tip growth

Abstract Systematic measurements of dendrite tip radius and growth velocity in succinonitrile reveal that consideration of dendrite tip stability should be incorporated into the heat transfer theory to determine the steady-state dendritic growth condition. The dendritic stability criterion measured is 2 αd 0 / VR 2 = 0.0195, where V is the dendritic growth velocity, R is the dendritic tip radius, a is the liquid thermal diffusivity, and d 0 is a capillary length defined in the text. Several dendritic stability models are reviewed and discussed in comparison to the present experimental results.
DNA Sequences That Activate Isocitrate Lyase Gene Expression during Late Embryogenesis and during Postgerminative Growth

We analyzed DNA sequences that regulate the expression of an isocitrate lyase gene from Brassica napus L. during late embryogenesis and during postgerminative growth to determine whether glyoxysomal function is induced by a common mechanism at different developmental stages. beta-Glucuronidase constructs were used both in transient expression assays in B. napus and in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana to identify the segments of the isocitrate lyase 5' flanking region that influence promoter activity. DNA sequences that play the principal role in activating the promoter during post-germinative growth are located more than 1,200 bp upstream of the gene. Distinct DNA sequences that were sufficient for high-level expression during late embryogenesis but only low-level expression during postgerminative growth were also identified. Other parts of the 5' flanking region increased promoter activity both in developing seed and in seedlings. We conclude that a combination of elements is involved in regulating the isocitrate lyase gene and that distinct DNA sequences play primary roles in activating the gene in embryos and in seedlings. These findings suggest that different signals contribute to the induction of glyoxysomal function during these two developmental stages. We also showed that some of the constructs were expressed differently in transient expression assays and in transgenic plants.
Early Trends in Cystatin C and Outcomes in Patients with Cirrhosis and Acute Kidney Injury

Background. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and severe complication in patients with cirrhosis. Progression of AKI to a higher stage associates with increased mortality. Intervening early in AKI when renal dysfunction is worsening may improve outcomes. However, serum creatinine correlates poorly with glomerular filtration in patients with cirrhosis and fluctuations may mask progression early in the course of AKI. Cystatin C, a low-molecular-weight cysteine proteinase inhibitor, is a potentially more accurate marker of glomerular filtration. Methods. We conducted a prospective multicenter study in patients with cirrhosis comparing changes in cystatin and creatinine immediately following onset of AKI as predictors of a composite endpoint of dialysis or mortality. Results. Of 106 patients, 37 (35%) met the endpoint. Cystatin demonstrated less variability between samples than creatinine. Patients were stratified into four groups reflecting changes in creatinine and cystatin: both unchanged or decreased 38 (36%) (Scr-/CysC-); only cystatin increased 25 (24%) (Scr-/CysC+); only creatinine increased 15 (14%) (Scr+/CysC-); and both increased 28 (26%) (Scr+/CysC+). With Scr-/CysC- as the reference, in both instances where cystatin rose, Scr-/CysC+ and Scr+/CysC+, the primary outcome was significantly more frequent in multivariate analysis, P = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively. However, when only creatinine rose, outcomes were similar to the reference group. Conclusions. Changes in cystatin levels early in AKI are more closely associated with eventual dialysis or mortality than creatinine and may allow more rapid identification of patients at risk for adverse outcomes.
Human chorionic gonadotropin stimulates iodide uptake, adenylate cyclase, and deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in cultured rat thyroid cells.

hCG stimulates thyroid function, but it has been suggested that it is impurities in commercial hCG preparations or a variant of hCG that are responsible for the thyrotropic activity. In this study, we tested the thyrotropic activity of purified and commercial hCG and compared its action with that of bovine TSH (bTSH) in cultured rat FRTL-5 cells in regard to stimulation of iodide uptake, activation of adenylate cyclase, and synthesis of DNA. Iodide uptake was measured after incubation of the cells for 48–72 h with the test hormones, followed by a 40-min incubation with 0.1 μCi Na125I and 10 μmol/L carrier Nal; the 125I in the washed cells was counted. Adenylate cyclase was measured after incubation of the cells with the test stimulators for 3 h in hypotonic medium by RIA of cAMP in the medium. DNA synthesis was measured after incubation of the cells with the test substances for 24 h, followed by addition of [3H]thymidine for 3 h and then measuring the incorporation of [3H]thymidine into the cells. Both pu...
Infectious complications after the Nuss repair in a series of 863 patients

Abstract Purpose A nemesis of surgical implants is infection. We evaluated the various infectious complications after Nuss repair of pectus excavatum in 863 patients over 18 years. Methods After institutional review board approval, a retrospective review of a prospectively gathered database of patients was performed who underwent minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum and developed an infection. All patients received intravenous antibiotics before surgery continuing until discharge. Patients with a persistent fever after operation were discharged with oral antibiotics. Results From January 1987 to September 2005, 863 patients underwent a minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair and 13 (1.5%) developed postoperative infections. These included 6 bar infections, 4 cases of cellulitis, and 3 stitch abscesses. Cellulitis was defined as erythema and warmth which responded to a single course of antibiotics. Bar infections were defined as an abscess in contact with the bar. Surgical drainage and long-term antibiotics resolved 3 of these abscesses, whereas 3 patients required early bar removal (1 after 3 months and 2 after 18 months). Cultures identified a single organism in each case and Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism (83%) identified, and all being methicillin sensitive. All infections occurred on the side of the stabilizer if a stabilizer had been placed. Conclusions Infectious complications after Nuss repair are uncommon and occurred in 1.5% of our patients. Published rates of postoperative infection range from 1.0% to 6.8%. Superficial infections responded to antibiotics alone. Bar infection occurred in only 0.7% and required surgical drainage and long-term antibiotics. Only 3 of these (50% of bar infections and 0.34% overall) required early bar removal at 3 and 18 months because of recurring infections. Early bar removal should be a rare morbidity with the Nuss repair.
Daring to Presume

This article asks whether it is presumptuous for afeminist writer to create characters quite different from herself. Using the particular example of heterosexual novelists' representations of lesbians, it argues that such presumption-although fraught with difficulties-is essential to feminist truth-telling.
Atmospheric deposition of carbon and nutrients across an arid metropolitan area.

Abstract Urbanization is increasing rapidly in semi-arid environments and is predicted to alter atmospheric deposition of nutrients and pollutants to cities as well as to ecosystems downwind. We examined patterns of wet and coarse dry deposition chemistry over a five-year period at 7 sites across the Central Arizona-Phoenix (CAP) study area, one of two urban sites within the National Science Foundation's Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) program. Wet and dry deposition of organic carbon (oC) were significantly elevated in the urban core; in contrast, mean annual wet and dry fluxes of nitrogen (N) were low (
Partisn calculations of 3D radiation transport benchmarks for simple geometries with void regions

Abstract We have solved the 3D radiation transport benachmark problems proposed by Prof Kobayashi using the transport code PARTISN. We have used different angular discretizations represented by the Sn method of various orders of n to investigate the resultant sensitivity of the solution. In addition, we have employed our first collision source method as incorporated in the code to mitigate the substantial ray effects present. We also include the computation time needed for these problems on our SGI Origin/2000 platform.
Incorporating the effects of fabric in the dilatant double shearing model for planar deformation of granular materials

Abstract The objective of this paper is to incorporate the effects of fabric and its evolution into the Dilatant Double Shearing Model [Mehrabadi, M.M., Cowin, S.C., 1978. Initial planar deformation of dilatant granular materials. J. Mech. Phys. Solids 26, 269–284] for granular materials in order to capture the anisotropic behavior and the complex response of granular materials in cyclic shear loading. An important consequence of considering the fabric is that one can have unequal shearing rates along the two slip directions. This property leads to the non-coaxiality of the principal axes of stress and strain rate, which is more appropriate for a material that exhibits initial and induced anisotropy. In addition, we employ a fabric-dependent elasticity tensor with orthotropic symmetry. The model developed in this paper also predicts one of the experimentally observed characteristics of granular materials: the gradual concentration of the contact normals towards the maximum principal stress direction. We implement the constitutive equations into ABAQUS/Explicit by writing a user material subroutine in order to predict the strength anisotropy of granular materials in a plane strain biaxial compression test and investigate the mechanical behavior of granular materials under the cyclic shear loading conditions. The predictions from this model show good quantitative agreement with the experiments of [Park, C.S., 1990. Anisotropy in deformation and strength properties of sands in plane strain compression, Masters Thesis, University of Tokyo; Park, C.S., Tatsuoka, F., 1994. Anisotropic strength and deformation of sands in plane strain compression. In: XIII ICSMFE, New Delhi, India; Okada, N., 1992. Energy dissipation in inelastic flow of cohesionless granular media. Ph.D. Thesis, University of California, San Diego].
Specialized ribosomes: a new frontier in gene regulation and organismal biology

Historically, the ribosome has been viewed as a complex ribozyme with constitutive rather than intrinsic regulatory capacity in mRNA translation. However, emerging studies reveal that ribosome activity may be highly regulated. Heterogeneity in ribosome composition resulting from differential expression and post-translational modifications of ribosomal proteins, ribosomal RNA (rRNA) diversity and the activity of ribosome-associated factors may generate 'specialized ribosomes' that have a substantial impact on how the genomic template is translated into functional proteins. Moreover, constitutive components of the ribosome may also exert more specialized activities by virtue of their interactions with specific mRNA regulatory elements such as internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) or upstream open reading frames (uORFs). Here we discuss the hypothesis that intrinsic regulation by the ribosome acts to selectively translate subsets of mRNAs harbouring unique cis-regulatory elements, thereby introducing an additional level of regulation in gene expression and the life of an organism.
Effects of warm water intrusions on populations of macrozooplankton on Georges Bank, Northwest Atlantic

Abstract As part of the Georges Bank/North West Atlantic GLOBEC (Global Ocean Ecosystems Dynamics) Program, macrozooplankton and micronekton were collected on 30 Broad Scale Survey Cruises between January–June, 1995–1999, using a 10 m 2 MOCNESS (3 mm mesh). The objective of this study is to examine the effects of warm water intrusions on populations of macrozooplankton, namely Salpa spp., Phronima spp., Neomysis americana , and Crangon septemspinosa , on Georges Bank. Salpa spp. and Phronima spp. showed a large degree of horizontal co-occurrence, being found predominantly in Upper Slope/Gulf Stream Water and Georges Bank/Gulf of Maine Water. Abundances of these taxa showed striking interannual variability, and were only abundant on the southern flank and in the Northeast Channel in late spring/early summer of 1995 and 1999, periods during which AVHRR imagery and hydrographic data showed the presence of warm water intrusions. These intrusions seemed to have little effect on the distribution of other macrozooplankton (e.g., N. americana and C. septemspinosa ). Warm water intrusions can directly affect Salpa spp. and Phronima spp. populations by advecting them onto Georges Bank, although other, more resident populations, especially those inside the 100 m isobath, seem to be little affected by such intrusions.
Energy efficient virtual machine allocation in the cloud

Reducing energy consumption is a critical step in lowering data center operating costs for various institutions. As such, with the growing popularity of cloud computing, it is necessary to examine various methods by which energy consumption in cloud environments can be reduced. We analyze the effects of virtual machine allocation on energy consumption, using a variety of real-world policies and a realistic testing scenario. We found that by using an allocation policy designed to minimize energy, total energy consumption could be reduced by up to 14%, and total monetary energy costs could be reduced by up to 26%.