cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immune response to infection by Leishmania: A mathematical model.

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by the Leishmania parasites. The injection of the parasites into the host occurs when a sand fly, which is the vector, bites the skin of the host. The parasites, which are obligate, take advantage of the immune system response and invade both the classically activated macrophages (M1) and the alternatively activated macrophages (M2). In this paper, we develop a mathematical model to explain the evolution of the disease. Simulations of the model show that, M2 macrophages steadily increase and M1 macrophages steadily decrease, while M1+M2 reach a steady state which is approximately the same as at healthy state of the host. Furthermore, the ratio of Leishmania parasites to macrophages depends homogeneously on their ratio at the time of the initial infection, in agreement with in vitro experimental data. The model is used to simulate treatment by existing or potential new drugs, and to compare the efficacy of different schedules of drug delivery.
Strategic orientalism: racial capitalism and the problem of ‘Asianness’

This article engages Cedric Robinson's articulations of racial capitalism and Blackness as an important set of intellectual provocations not only for Black and African diaspora studies, but also for anyone interested in understanding the relationship between racial identity, capitalism, and the development of oppositional consciousness. Specifically, I argue that by following the analytical terms of racial capitalism, we can better consider the global and historical placements of ‘Asians’ – a racial category constituted by and entangled with European imperialism – in terms of class, labor, and more. Is it possible to conceive of ‘Asianness,’ like Blackness, as an ontological totality (a kind of collective racial ‘being’ that is both defined by and subsumes a particular relation to capitalism)? The answer will likely be an uneasy and ambivalent one, since one Asian group after another has functioned as an intermediary labor class between Black and White. Putting together racial capitalism and Edward Said's...
The Probability That (a, b) = 1

(1992). The Probability That (a, b) = 1. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 47-47.
Intradermal Response to Egg Antigen in Humans with Active and Treated (Fuadin) Schistosoma mansoni Infections

Summary104 Puerto Rican individuals known to be infected with Schistosoma man-soni were skin tested with antigen prepared from lyophilized eggs and cercariae. 35.6% reacted to egg antigen while 95....
Multidimensional Forward Contracts Under Uncertainty for Electricity Markets

We consider mechanism design problems for strategic agents with multi-dimensional private information and uncertainty in their utility/cost function. We show that the optimal mechanism with firm allocation can be implemented as a nonlinear pricing scheme, and the optimal mechanism with random allocation can be implemented as a menu of nonlinear pricing schemes. We provide two examples to demonstrate the results: 1) an optimal energy procurement mechanism from a strategic seller with renewable (random) generation, and 2) the design of an optimal demand response program for a network of heterogeneous loads.
Unicyclic graphs with given matching number that have minmum general Randic index

The general Randic index Rα(G)is the sum of the weights(dudv)αover all edges uv of a graph G,where α is a real number and du is the degree of the vertex u of G.In this paper,for-1.39 ≤α ≤-1,the minimum general Randic index Rα(G)among all the conjugated unicyclic graphs is determined and the corresponding extremal conjugated uinicyclic graphs are characterized.
The marketization of private higher education and characteristics of organization and management of private universities and colleges——By taking the private higher education of Shanxi province as example

The development of Chinese private universities and colleges is the product of the marketizaitno of higher education. Some obviously different characteristics of its organizational structure and management behaviors from those of public universities and colleges have appeared because of the influence of the market. From the situation of the private universities and colleges in Shanxi province, the marketization of private higher education forces the development of private universities and colleges to follow the great\|leap\|forward developmental way of software first and scale enlargement, which has great effect on the leader system, organization management and running mode of private universities and colleges.
The effect of spironolactone on the elemental composition of the intraluminal fluids of the seminiferous tubules, rete testis and epididymis of the rat.

AbstractEmbryologically, the epididymis and renal collecting tubules develop from the mesonephric duct. Aldosterone enhances the reabsorption of sodium from the collecting tubule, and there is evidence that sodium is removed from the epididymal lumen against a concentration gradient. Rats were treated with spironolactone, an aldosterone antagonist, and the concentrations of seven elements, including sodium, were measured in intraluminal fluids from the testis and epididymis. The sodium concentration in caput epididymidal fluid rose (102.5 ± 4.4 to 128.0 ± 6.8mmol./l, p <0.01) after 14 days of spironolactone treatment. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that aldosterone acts on the caput epididymidis, like the collecting tubule, to augment the removal of sodium from luminal fluid.
A MATHEMATICAL REVIEW OF RESILIENCE IN ECOLOGY

Rising interest in the resilience of ecological systems has spawned diverse interpretations of the term's precise meaning, particularly in the context of resilience quantification. The purpose of this paper is twofold. The first aim is to use the language of dynamical systems to organize and scrutinize existing resilience definitions within a unified framework. The second aim is to provide an introduction for mathematicians to the ecological concept of resilience, a potential area for expanded quantitative research. To frame the discussion of resilience in dynamical systems terms, a model consisting of ordinary differential equations is assumed to represent the ecological system. The question “resilience of what to what?” posed by Carpenter et al. [2001] informs two broad categories of definitions, based on resilience to state variable perturbations and to parameter changes, respectively. Definitions of resilience to state variable perturbations include measures of basin size (relevant to one-time perturbations) and basin steepness (relevant to repeated perturbations). Resilience to parameter changes has been quantified by viewing parameters as state variables but has also considered the reversibility of parameter shifts. Quantifying this reversibility and fully describing how recovery rates determine resilience to repeated state-space perturbations emerge as two opportunities for mathematics research.
Empirical approach to the complexity of hard problems

Traditionally, computer scientists have considered computational problems and algorithms as artificial formal objects that can be studied theoretically. In this work we propose a different view of algorithms as natural phenomena that can be studied using empirical methods. In the first part, we propose a methodology for using machine learning techniques to create accurate statistical models of running times of a given algorithm on particular problem instances. Rather than focus on the traditional aggregate notions of hardness, such as worst-case or average-case complexity, these models provide a much more comprehensive picture of algorithms' performance. We demonstrate that such models can indeed be constructed for two notoriously hard domains: winner determination problem for combinatorial auctions and satisfiability of Boolean formulae. In both cases the models can be analyzed to shed light on the characteristics of these problems that make them hard. We also demonstrate two concrete applications of empirical hardness models. First, these models can be used to construct efficient algorithm portfolios that select correct algorithm on a per-instance basis. Second, the models can be used to induce harder benchmarks. In the second part of this work we take a more traditional view of an algorithm as a tool for studying the underlying problem. We consider a very challenging problem of finding a sample Nash equilibrium (NE) of a normal-form game. For this domain, we first present a novel benchmark suite that is more representative of the problem than traditionally-used random games. We also present a very simple search algorithm for finding NEs. The simplicity of that algorithm allows us to draw interesting conclusions about the underlying nature of the problem based on its empirical performance. In particular, we conclude that most structured games of interest have either pure-strategy equilibria or equilibria with very small supports.
Reflections on the Macquarie Experience

Because higher education institutions have inertia against significant and rapid change, it is noteworthy that new models for community engagement are emerging at all, but even more worthy of attention when the models seek to transform the whole institution and the learning outcomes of all graduates. The Macquarie University PACE project claims nothing less than being “the engine for institutional transformation.” As such, it fits distinctively within a larger movement to draw upon community engagement as a defining element of institutional identity and educational mission. In the context of the Macquarie experience, the extent and scope of change—as well as the ambition for institutional transformation through community engagement—has been anything but short-sighted even as much more remains to be done. Drawing on the observations of all contributors, the purpose of this chapter is to provide an analysis of the Macquarie experience and the PACE program through an international scholarly lens, drawing on the framework of the highly influential Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement.
Making Legal Information Retrieval Smarter

INTRODUCTION If computational models of legal reasoning and argument are to have a greater impact on law practice, say by enabling legal apps in the mode of cognitive computing, they will likely need to do so in conjunction with existing commercial and institutional approaches to full-text legal information retrieval and e-discovery. While the contribution of AI & Law could be substantial, the techniques may best be applied at the margins of existing commercial tools, whose processes for corpus management, indexing and index maintenance, and search are well-established, reliable, and efficient. Thus, before one anticipates the “value-added” of legal apps and cognitive computing, it is well to understand the existing technology for legal information retrieval. This chapter explains current techniques for full-text legal information retrieval of case decisions, statutes, and other documents. These are the current tools of legal research that law students and legal professionals employ in constructing legal arguments and writing briefs. The chapter illustrates a role of legal ontologies in improving full-text legal information retrieval through query expansion and explains how some AI & Law techniques have already been harnessed to help legal information retrieval take semantic information into account for assessing relevance. The chapter discusses the following questions: What is an inverted index? How is relevance measured in a full-text legal IR system and how does that compare with relevance measures of AI & Law models? How is the probability of a document's relevance to a query computed? What is query expansion? How can AI & Law approaches be integrated with legal IR without requiring changes to the way IR systems represent and index legal texts? CURRENT LEGAL INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SERVICES A viable route for realizing practical legal apps is by developing cognitive computing modules to add on to full-text legal information retrieval services. In order to understand how this might be accomplished, it is useful to understand current legal information retrieval techniques. Full-text legal information retrieval services are well-established in certain legal markets such as in the United States. Legal practitioners know how to use the services, employ them routinely, and express confidence in them. In American law schools, students have access to Westlaw and LexisNexis as part of their legal education and tend to rely on them habitually.
Usefulness of orthogonal basis sets for predicting optical performance of wavefronts with mid-spatial frequency error

Mid-spatial frequency (MSF) texture on optical elements degrade their performance. A Zernike polynomial representation of the wavefront can be used to characterize the mid-spatial frequency and predict the optical performance. The ability to generate very large orders of Zernike polynomials enables fitting and describing optical wavefronts all the way from low order form errors to mid-spatial frequencies. Based on a filtering aspect of Zernike polynomials, we show how different fabrication signatures affect optical performance differently. We investigate the Strehl ratio and Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) as optical performance metrics for mid-spatial frequency. We then present how the orthogonality properties of Zernike polynomials along with linear systems theory of MTF can provide an effective tool in separating the optical performance degradation due to different mid-spatial frequency texture. We present an example of real mid-spatial frequency texture to examine the error in the approximation of MTF when using linear systems formulation.
Oropharynx-directed ipsilateral irradiation for p16-positive squamous cell carcinoma involving the cervical lymph nodes of unknown primary origin.

Background The purpose of this study was to present our findings on the use of limited-field, oropharynx-directed ipsilateral irradiation for p16-positive squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin. Methods Between April 2011 and January 2016, 25 patients with a histological diagnosis of p16-positive squamous cell carcinoma were selectively irradiated to the ipsilateral oropharynx and cervical neck for tumors of unknown primary origin. The dose to the oropharynx ranged from 54-60 Gy (median 60 Gy) in 30-33 fractions. Concurrent cisplatin-based chemotherapy was administered to 8 patients (32%). Results The actuarial 2-year estimates of locoregional control, progression-free survival, and overall survival were 91%, 87%, and 92%, respectively. One patient failed in the contralateral neck. There was no grade 3 + toxicity in either the acute or late setting. Conclusion Oropharynx-directed, ipsilateral radiation results in disease control that compares favorably with historical controls treated by comprehensive mucosal and bilateral neck radiation.
Chapter 8 – Functional Genomics Screens in Drosophila Cells

Large-scale screening in Drosophila cultured or primary cells facilitates rapid genome-scale interrogation of gene function. Many factors influence screen outcomes, including cell line selection, screen format, type of reagent, coverage of genes by the reagent library, cell assay, and screen data analysis. Approaches to the design and analysis of screens are discussed. Protocols for small- or large-scale production of a common screening reagent, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), as well as for immunostaining of cells in microwell format are also presented.
On the fungibility of economic power: China’s economic rise and the East Asian security order

China is now second only to the US as a world economic power. Its economic rise has challenged US ability to fundamentally shape the world trade order. However, the importance of the rise of the Ch...
A Psychometric Investigation of the Short Grit Scale with a Sample of School Counselors.

We examined the psychometric properties of the Short Grit Scale with a sample of school counselors. The confirmatory factor analysis resulted in a modified 2-factor solution and internal reliabilit...
Retroviral insertional mutagenesis in murine promonocytic leukemias: c-myb and Mml1.

Studies have focused on two genetic loci, c-myb and Mml1, whose activation by retroviral insertional mutagenesis contribute to promonocytic leukemia in our acute monocytic leukemia (AMoL) model. Multiple mechanisms of activation of c-myb by retroviral insertional mutagenesis implicate both transcriptional deregulation and protein truncation in conversion of this proto-oncogene to an oncogene. Because transformation by c-Myb can be viewed as a block to differentiation our studies moved into two in vitro systems to evaluate effects of truncated forms of c-Myb on cytokine induced maturation of myeloid progenitors to the granulocyte and macrophage lineages. Deregulated expression of truncated and full length c-Myb did not result in maintenance of the myelomonocytic progenitor state but rather a block in differentiation at intermediate to late steps in the maturation processes of myelomonocytic cells. Our results argue that inhibition of differentiation is due to c-Myb’s ability to maintain the proliferative state of cells. Interestingly, the phenotype of continuously proliferating monocytic cells resembles that of the tumor cell phenotype. Recently we identified a new target of integration, Mml1, which is rearranged in ten promonocytic leukemias that do not have c-myb rearrangements. This locus which was mapped to chromosome 10 is presently being characterized.
The Spectral Properties of Molecular Propellers, with Applications to Werner-Type Complexes

Molecules belonging to the point groups C and D partake of many of the geometrical characteristics we associate with macroscopic propellers. That is, they are comprised of like monomers or subunits (blades) arranged sufficiently symmetrically that there is an n-fold rotational axis C in the molecule. In addition, each subunit has a twist about its central line such that the molecular propeller, like the macroscopic propeller, has an angle of pitch. It follows at once that these molecular propellers are chiral. Many examples of such molecules exist, e.g., transition metal complexes with three identical bidentate ligands, such as tris-(1,10-phenanthroline) iron (II), or twisted triaryl methanes of appropriate conformation.
Pluralism and “Bad” Mathematical Theories: Challenging our Prejudices

Here, pluralism is introduced as a new and independent philosophy of mathematics in its own right. One of the marks of independence from more main-stream philosophical positions is that pluralists take seriously “bad” mathematics. Under “bad mathematics” I include: inconsistent theories, trivial theories, not yet completed theories and intensional theories. Bad mathematical theories are ignored by main-steam philosophers of mathematics because they take it as read that the philosopher’s task is to give a philosophy of successful mathematics. In contrast, the pluralist contends that bad mathematical theories are as much a part of “mathematics” as are the successful parts. Moreover, they are philosophically important. Who is this pluralist? A pluralist in the philosophy of mathematics is someone who places pluralism as the chief virtue in her philosophy of mathematics. She brings the attitude to bear on: conflicting mathematical theories, including different foundations of mathematics, on different philosophies of mathematics and uses (what are usually dismissed as) “bad mathematical theories” to inform her philosophy.
Elucidating the Effects of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Arsenic Uptake and Speciation in Rice ( Oryza sativa) in a Hydroponic System.

The accumulation of arsenic (As) in rice grains depends greatly on the redox chemistry in rice rhizosphere. Intentional or accidental introduction of strong oxidizing or reducing agents, such as metallic engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) into the plant–soil ecosystem, can change As speciation and plant uptake. However, investigation on the effects of ENPs on plant uptake of co-occurring redox sensitive heavy metals and their speciation in plant tissues is scarce. We investigated the mutual effects of two commonly encountered ENPs, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), and two inorganic species of As on their uptake and accumulation in rice seedlings in a hydroponic system. Rice seedlings were exposed to different combinations of 1 mg/L of As(III) or As(V) and 100 mg/L of CeO2 NPs and ZnO NPs for 6 days about 40 days after germination. ZnO NPs significantly reduced the accumulation of As(III) in rice roots by 88.1 and 96.7% and in rice shoots by 71.4 and 77.4% when the...
Explaining Differences in Men and Women's Use of Unethical Tactics in Negotiations

Emerging evidence suggests that competitiveness and empathy explain men's greater willingness to use unethical tactics in negotiations. We tested whether and how robustly they do with three distinct studies, run with three distinct populations. Simultaneous mediation analyses generally, but not completely, confirmed our expectations. In Study 1, only competitiveness mediated sex differences in unethical negotiation tactics among Chilean business students. Although empathy also explained willingness to use unethical negotiation tactics, the Chilean men and women did not differ in this regard. In Study 2, competitiveness and empathy both mediated sex differences in American business students’ intentions to lie to a client, but competitiveness explained greater variance. In Study 3, both factors explained sex differences in lying to bargaining partners for real stakes by working-age Americans. Our findings suggest that competitiveness and empathy each explain sex differences in willingness to use unethical tactics, but the former does so more consistently.
Metformin improves survival in lung cancer patients receiving EGFR-TKIs therapy>

Background: Metformin use has been reported to reduce cancer risk, and improve survival in lung cancer patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of metformin use among patients with lung cancer receiving epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKIs) therapy. Patients and Methods: A nationwide, population-based case-control study was conducted using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. From January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2012, a total of 373 metformin and 1,260 non-metformin lung cancer cohorts with diabetes mellitus and EGFR-TKIs treatment were studied. Results: Metformin use was significantly associated with a reduced risk of death (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.62-0.85, p Conclusion: In conclusion, metformin might potentially enhance the therapeutic effect and increase survival in patients with lung cancer receiving EGFR-TKI therapy.
Metaphysics Dethroned: Hume, Kant, and the “Self-Limitation of Reason”

One of the most radical features of modern intellectual history has been the dethronement of metaphysics. In the Greek and medieval world, metaphysics was the Master or Queen of all the sciences and the principal occupation of Aristotle’s theoretic life. While this project of a universal science which would provide the ground or foundation of all the others continued to inspire early modern thinkers like Descartes, by the eighteenth century the very possibility of metaphysics came under sustained attack from the leaving philosophical luminaries of the era. David Hume with his radical empiricism rejected the science of super-sensible reality. The problem was that his critique of traditional metaphysics was so radical it threatened the modern foundations of science itself by questioning causality. The modern critique of metaphysics culminates in Kant’s critical philosophy which saved causality while carrying forward the modern turn of restricting science to the empirical realm. For all its brilliance, the Kantian system is problematic. This is both due to internal philosophical inconsistencies and to the fact that this system canonized as a priori and necessary aspects of the Newtonian world system which were superseded by subsequent developments in physics. Nonetheless, the import of the perceived victory of the empirical over the metaphysical have been formative of the modern intellectual climate.
Integrative taxonomy reveals a new species of freshwater mussel, Potamilus streckersoni sp. nov. (Bivalvia: Unionidae): implications for conservation and management

Inaccurate systematics confound our ability to determine evolutionary processes that have led to the diversification of many taxa. The North American freshwater mussel tribe Lampsilini is one of th...
Analysis of Judge Domenick L. Gabrielli's Uniform Commercial Code Opinions

This article, which was written as one of a series of articles reflecting on the judicial career of the Honorable Judge Dominick L. Gabrielli of the New York Court of Appeals, focuses on his contribution to the evolution of commercial law. Within its scope the Uniform Commercial Code is the principal law governing the relative rights of the parties to commercial transactions. Applying the Code, however, can be difficult for a variety of reasons. For example, the Code's scope is not always clear. Even when it clearly applies, it does not always neatly provide the answer. When it does provide the answer, it often does so impressionistically; and even when the answer is reasonably clear, the result does not always seem sensible. Consequently, much is left to be filled in by the courts. In his U.C.C. opinions Judge Gabrielli demonstrated that he was very good at analyzing commercial transactions. Indeed, he sometimes saw the problems at issue more clearly than the parties, his colleagues, and the drafters of the Code; and, many of his opinions clarified important points of commercial practice.
Stress and gambling

Gambling is a multi-billion-dollar industry that many people engage with on a regular basis with no adverse effects. For many, gambling is a fun hobby that does not negatively impact their lives. There is, however, a significant minority whose gambling is maladaptive and causes significant adverse consequences, which may lead to personal and financial devastation. Stress and how one responds to stress may be a significant factor in determining who may gamble with impunity versus those who lose control and develop gambling disorder. In this paper, we outline three points at which stress and gambling intersect: 1) gambling to escape stress, 2) gambling as a stressor, and 3) altered stress physiology as a predisposing factor for gambling disorder. Below we describe these intersections and how they may influence the development and maintenance of gambling disorder.
Landscape‐level environmental stressors contributing to the decline of Poweshiek skipperling (Oarisma poweshiek)

1. The Poweshiek skipperling [Oarisma poweshiek (Parker, 1870; Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)] is a federally endangered butterfly that was historically common in prairies of the upper Midwestern United States and Southern Manitoba, Canada. Rapid declines over the last 20 years have reduced the population numbers to four verified extant sites. The causes of Poweshiek skipperling decline are unknown. 2. We aggregated all known Poweshiek skipperling occurrence records to examine the spatiotemporal patterns of Poweshiek skipperling decline. Ecological niche models were developed for five time frames (1985, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005) and three spatial extents (eastern occupied range, western occupied range and total occupied range). We used a backward elimination method to investigate the effects of climate and land use on the ecological niche of Poweshiek skipperling. 3. Predictors of occurrence changed over time and across the geographical extent of Poweshiek skipperling. Land use covariates were retained in east models. In the west and total extent, climate variables contributed the most to model predictive power for the 1985, 1990 and 1995 models; land use variables contributed the most to model predictive power in the 2000 and 2005 models. 4. During the rapid decline in Poweshiek skipperling population numbers occurring at the turn of the century, probability of Poweshiek skipperling presence was being driven by proportion of natural land cover and distance to nearest grassland/wetland. Our results suggest that these land use variables are important landscape‐level variables to consider when developing risk assessments of extant populations and potential reintroduction sites.
On the Design of Novel Biofoams Using Lignin, Wheat Straw, and Sugar Beet Pulp as Precursor Material.

In this paper, we report the synthesis and characterization of pyrolyzed lignin compacts reinforced with 50 wt % wheat straw (WS) or sugar beet pulp (SBP) fibers. The compacts were pyrolyzed at 300...
deepManReg: a deep manifold-regularized learning model for improving phenotype prediction from multi-modal data

The biological processes from genotype to phenotype are complex involving multi-scale mechanisms. Increasing multi-modal data enables a deeper understanding of underlying complex mechanisms in various phenotypes. However, integrating and interpreting such large-scale multi-modal data remains challenging, especially given highly heterogeneous, nonlinear relationships across modalities. To address this, we developed an interpretable regularized learning model, deepManReg to predict phenotypes from multi-modal data. First, deepManReg employs deep neural networks to learn cross-modal manifolds and then align multi-modal features onto a common latent space. This space aims to preserve both global consistency and local smoothness across modalities and to reveal higher-order nonlinear cross-modal relationships. Second, deepManReg uses cross-modal manifolds as a feature graph to regularize the classifiers for improving phenotype predictions and also prioritizing the multi-modal features and cross-modal interactions for the phenotypes. We applied deepManReg to recent single-cell multi-modal data such as Patch-seq data including transcriptomics and electrophysiology for neuronal cells in the mouse brain. We show that deepManReg significantly improves predicting cellular phenotypes and also prioritizing genes and electrophysiological features for the phenotypes. Finally, deepManReg is open-source and general for phenotype prediction from multi-modal data
A deep learning framework for inference of single-trial neural population activity from calcium imaging with sub-frame temporal resolution

In many brain areas, neural populations act as a coordinated network whose state is tied to behavior on a moment-by-moment basis and millisecond timescale. Two-photon (2p) calcium imaging is a powerful tool to probe network-scale computation, as it can measure the activity of many individual neurons, monitor multiple layers simultaneously, and sample from identified cell types. However, estimating network states and dynamics from 2p measurements has proven challenging because of noise, inherent nonlinearities, and limitations on temporal resolution. Here we describe RADICaL, a deep learning method to overcome these limitations at the population level. RADICaL extends methods that exploit dynamics in spiking activity for application to deconvolved calcium signals, whose statistics and temporal dynamics are quite distinct from electrophysiologically-recorded spikes. It incorporates a novel network training strategy that exploits the timing of 2p sampling to recover network dynamics with high temporal precision. In synthetic tests, RADICaL infers network states more accurately than previous methods, particularly for high-frequency components. In real 2p recordings from sensorimotor areas in mice performing a "water grab" task, RADICaL infers network states with close correspondence to single-trial variations in behavior, and maintains high-quality inference even when neuronal populations are substantially reduced.
Prey-catching and predator avoidance 2: modeling the medullary hemifield deficit

We provide a biological and behavioral analysis of our schema-theoretic model of prey-catching and predator-avoidance. Based on lesion data, our model is structured on the principles of segregation of coordinate systems and participation of maps intermediate between sensory and motor schemas: The motor schemas are driven by specific internal maps which between them constitute a distributed internal representation of the world. These maps collectively provide the transition from topographically-coded sensory information to frequency-coded inputs to the diverse motor schemas that drive muscle activity. We simulate data on approach and avoidance behavior of the frog or toad under normal conditions and under lesion of different brain centers. The model postulates the construction of motor actions through the interaction of different motor schemas via a process of competition and cooperation wherein there is no need for a unique schema to win the competition (although that might well be the result) since two or more schemas may simultaneously be active and cooperate to yield a more complicated motor pattern. The model generates different motor zones for prey-catching behavior which match those observed experimentally in normal conditions and in the medullary hemifield deficit, and offers predictions for new experiments on both approach and avoidance behaviors.
Cholate-independent retinyl ester hydrolysis. Stimulation by Apo-cellular retinol-binding protein.

Apo-cellular retinol-binding protein (apoCRBP) activated the hydrolysis of endogenous retinyl esters in rat liver microsomes by a cholate independent retinyl ester hydrolase. A Michaelis-Menten relationship was observed between the apoCRBP concentration and the rate of retinol formation, with half-maximum stimulation at 2.6 +/- 0.6 microM (mean +/- S.D., n = 5). Two other retinol-binding proteins, bovine serum albumin and beta-lactoglobulin, acceptors for the rapid and spontaneous hydration of retinol from membranes, had no effect up to 90 microM. These data suggest activation of the hydrolase by apoCRBP directly, rather than by facilitating removal of retinol from membranes. The hydrolase responding was the cholate-independent/cholate-inhibited retinyl ester hydrolase as shown by: 60% inhibition of the apoCRBP effect by 3 mM cholate; apoCRBP enhancement of retinyl ester hydrolysis in liver microsomes that had no detectable cholate-enhanced activity; inhibition of cholate-dependent, but not apoCRBP-stimulated retinyl ester hydrolysis by rabbit anti-rat cholesteryl esterase. Compared to the rate (mean +/- S.D. of [n] different preparations) supported by 5 microM apoCRBP in liver microsomes of 6.7 +/- 3.7 pmol/min/mg protein [10], microsomes from rat lung, kidney, and testes had endogenous retinyl ester hydrolysis rates of 1.8 +/- 0.3 [5], 0.5 +/- 0.2 [3], and 0.3 +/- 0.2 [5] pmol/min/mg protein, respectively. N-Ethylmaleimide and N-tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone were potent inhibitors of apoCRBP-stimulated hydrolysis with IC50 values of 0.25 and 0.15 mM, respectively, but phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and diisopropyl-fluorophosphate were less effective with IC50 values of 1 mM, indicating the importance of imidazole and sulfhydryl groups to the activity. These data provide evidence of a physiological role for the cholate-independent hydrolase in retinoid metabolism and suggest that apoCRBP is a signal for retinyl ester mobilization.
Professional training as a strategy for staff development: A study in training transfer in the Lebanese context

Purpose – Research studies on training‐job relevance continuously discuss the extent of transfer being found limited. This study aims to focus on exploring trainees' perceptions about the effects of a “Western” professional training program on their skill development and how cultural factors specific to Lebanon influence the learning.Design/methodology/approach – This research adopted a mixed method study design. It was conducted in the context of a training services program offered by an HRD department in a large Lebanese financial institution. The sample frame consisted of service employees who were conveniently selected after enrolling in the professional training program. The sample was composed of 120 participants. A total number of 107 questionnaires were completed and 101 questionnaires were usable (82.5 percent response rate). Analysis of the quantitative data was through descriptive statistics. Qualitative data collection was included to corroborate the quantitative data in answering the research...
Natural resource limitations to terawatt-scale solar photovoltaics

The deployment of solar photovoltaics has to expand to a scale of tens of peak terawatts in order to become a noticeable source of energy in the future. All the current commercial solar cell technologies suffer from natural resource limitations that prevent them from reaching terawatt scales. These limitations include high energy input for wafer-Si cells and material scarcity for CdTe, CIGS, wafer-Si and amorphous Si cells. We examine these resource limitations under the best scenarios, i.e. the maximum possible power from each of the cell technologies. Without significant technological breakthroughs, these technologies combined would meet only 1-2% of our energy demands in 2100. Without significant increase in raw material production, the deployment of these technologies combined would likely plateau at 100-200 GWp/yr. This analysis identifies several high-impact research directions for amorphous Si cells including substitution of Ag and ITO with earth-abundant Al and ZnO or TiO2-based TCO.
Equation of State of Reacting Strongly Coupled Plasmas

The equation of state of complex reacting mixtures of partially ionized gases is almost always obtained from a free energy model. Typically this is a pseudo ideal gas free energy minimization calculation in which a particular aspect of the interaction of an atom (or ion) with its surroundings is invoked to cut off the divergence of the atomic partition function [Mchesney, 1964]. This results in some uncertainty in the equation of state even in the zero coupling limit. The Debye Huckel electrostatic free energy is often added to the ideal gas free energy to account for ionic coupling. In more sophisticated calculations additional additive free energy terms to account for the finite size of the atoms (and ions) and other effects are also included [Graboske, Harwood and DeWitt, 1971]. These model approaches grew out of a need to obtain the equation of state of astrophysical mixtures at a time when a consistent fundamental theory was not available. Considerable progress on the theory has been made in recent years. But even now most of the work is concerned with hydrogen plasmas. The recent monograph of Ebeling, Kraeft and Kremp [1977] gives an excellent review of this literature. In the present paper we give a brief review of the theory for plasmas having Z > 1. A more detailed description of most of the material can be found in Rogers and DeWitt [1973] and Rogers [1974].
Recent Fossil Track Studies Bearing on Extinct Pu 244 in Meteorites

Certain meteorites contain stored fission track densities that are in excess of those that can be attributed to the spontaneous fission of uranium. Previous work has shown that the most likely source of these tracks is the spontaneous fission of extinct Pu244. In this paper we present new results of two meteorites of particular interest. Preliminary measurements in Campo del Cielo (El Taco) and in Kodaikanal have been interpreted previously as giving evidence for a relatively high Pu/U ratio at the end of nucleosynthesis. The measurements reported here were made using improved techniques and are of much higher statistical weight. They do not confirm the earlier, preliminary work. The ratio of Pu to U fission tracks in Campo del Cielo (El Taco) is found to be 61 ± 14. This is consistent with eithere a sudden synthesis model or a continuous galactic synthesis model of heavy element production. The stored tracks in Kodaikanal appear to be due to heavy cosmic rays and are irrelevant to the Pu problem.
Role of Muscle Relaxants in the Treatment of Pain

This chapter is about drugs approved to treat both spastic upper motor neuron conditions like cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis and drugs that are used to relieve muscle spasm associated with musculoskeletal conditions such as acute non-radicular cervical or low back pain. Unlike other analgesic classes such as opioids and NSAIDS, the muscle relaxant drugs as a group share neither chemical structure nor mechanism of action. For example, two drugs approved to treat spasm, baclofen, and tizanidine work by different mechanisms. The former blocks GABA-B receptors and the latter is an alpha-2 agonist. Cyclobenzaprine, a drug approved for treating spasm-type pain in the low back, except for one double bond, is chemically identical to the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline.
Integration Methods for Galerkin Radiosity Couplings

Computing energy transfer between objects is the most expensive operation in radiosity systems. This energy transfer operation, known as the irradiance operator, is an integral that, in general, must be calculated numerically. We perform a study of numerical integration techniques to increase the speed of this computation without severely compromising fidelity. A theoretical discussion of numerical integration is presented followed by details of the studied methods. The results of our study give us insight into greatly reducing the cost of the irradiance operator while maintaining accuracy. An adaptive method for choosing Gauss quadrature rules is presented, and our performance analysis of the new adaptive algorithm shows that it can be up to 10 times faster than previous methods.
Sources of nitrogen and methane in Central American geothermal settings: Noble gas and 129I evidence for crustal and magmatic volatile components

[1] Gases and fluids from four geothermal fields of Central America were analyzed for nitrogen, methane, and helium concentrations, isotopic composition, and 129I/I ratios in order to determine the sources of volatiles in these systems. Results for gas ratios and isotopic compositions for three of the fields are consistent with observations from other subduction zones. Ratios of N2/3He are only slightly higher than average arc values of 1 × 108 and the volcanic flux of N2 for the Central American systems is estimated to be between 1.6 × 108 and 3.2 × 108 mol/yr. Analysis of 129I/I ratios indicates the presence of a subducted organic component (25–30 Ma) as well as of a much older crustal component (40–65 Ma) throughout the study area. The magmatic flux of nitrogen and noble gases in Central America was then extrapolated to determine the degree of nitrogen recycling in island arc systems. Global N2 flux is estimated at 2.7 × 109 to 5.4 × 109 mol/yr, which is comparable to the global mid-ocean ridge flux, and represents 29–58% of the subducted sediment flux. This flux estimate is consistent across the N2–CO2–He systems and suggests that nearly all of the nitrogen supplied to the mantle wedge is devolatilized beneath the volcanic front. The Momotombo geothermal field of Nicaragua is characterized by exceptionally high excess nitrogen and methane values, and the close correlation of these two gases indicates a common source. While it is not uncommon for sedimentary basins with high heat flow to have excess nitrogen, the Momotombo geothermal field is unique in that the high N2/3He gases have essentially magmatic 3He/4He ratios. The high excess nitrogen component of Nicaragua is related to the older iodine end-member, pointing to a crustal origin. The crustal nitrogen contributions along the Nicaraguan portion of the arc are on the order of 2.2 × 108 mol N2/yr or roughly equal to the magmatic contribution along the entire Central American volcanic arc. The results for Momotombo indicate that the release of nitrogen during reorganization of island arc systems may have a significant impact on the global flux of volcanic nitrogen.
Structure and function of φ29 hexameric RNA that drives the viral DNA packaging motor: Review

One notable feature of linear dsDNA viruses is that, during replication, their lengthy genome is squeezed with remarkable velocity into a preformed procapsid and packed into near crystalline density. A molecular motor using ATP as energy accomplishes this energetically unfavorable motion tack. In bacterial virus phi29, an RNA (pRNA) molecule is a vital component of this motor. This 120-base RNA has many novel and distinctive features. It contains strong secondary structure, is tightly folded, and unusually stable. Upon interaction with ion and proteins, it has a knack to adapt numerous conformations to perform versatile function. It can be easily manipulated to form stable homologous monomers, dimers, trimers and hexamers. As a result, many unknown properties of RNA have been and will be unfolded by the study of this extraordinary molecule. This article reviews the structure and function of this pRNA and focuses on novel methods and unique approaches that lead to the illumination of its structure and function.
Using internal sensors and embedded detectors for intrusion detection

We introduce the concept of using internal sensors to perform intrusion detection in computer systems. We show its practical feasibility and discuss its characteristics, related design and implementation issues.We introduce a classification of data collection mechanisms for intrusion detection systems. At a conceptual level, these mechanisms are classified as direct and indirect monitoring. At a practical level, direct monitoring can be implemented using external or internal sensors. Internal sensors provide advantages with respect to reliability, completeness, timeliness and volume of data, in addition to efficiency and resistance against attacks.We introduce an architecture called ESP as a framework for building intrusion detection systems based on internal sensors. We describe in detail a prototype implementation based on the ESP architecture and introduce the concept of embedded detectors as a mechanism for localized data reduction. Our implementation shows that it is possible to build both specific (specialized for a certain intrusion) and generic (able to detect different types of intrusions) detectors.Performance testing of the ESP implementation shows the impact that embedded detectors can have on a computer system. Detection testing shows that embedded detectors have the capability of detecting a significant percentage of new attacks.