cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Orbital Solutions and Absolute Elements of the Short-Period Eclipsing Binary ES Librae

We have obtained new differential UBV photoelectric photometry and radial velocities of both components of the short-period eclipsing binary ES Lib. The system has a circular orbit with a period of 0.883040928 days and is seen at an inclination of 70.1°. With the Wilson-Devinney analysis program, we obtained a simultaneous solution of our photometric and spectroscopic observations that resulted in masses of M1 = 2.30 ± 0.03 M⊙ and M2 = 0.97 ± 0.01 M⊙ and the equal-volume radii of R1 = 2.69 ± 0.02 R⊙ and R2 = 1.83 ± 0.01 R⊙ for the primary and secondary, respectively. The secondary is oversized and overluminous for its mass. The effective temperatures of the primary and secondary are 8500 K (fixed) and 5774 ± 57 K, respectively. Despite the very large temperature difference, our photometric and spectroscopic data indicate that ES Lib is not semidetached but rather require it to be in an overcontact state, where both components exceed their critical Roche lobes. Given its nonthermal equilibrium state, if the overcontact solution correctly characterizes the system, the change from being semidetached to overcontact may have occurred recently. While the asymmetry of the light curves can be modeled well with a large, hot starspot or a large, cool one on the secondary component, we prefer the latter interpretation because cool spots are a typical feature on many contact binaries.
Bipolar disorder with comorbid substance abuse: diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Alcohol and drug abuse occur frequently in individuals with bipolar disorder, but clinicians may often feel ill-prepared to identify such multi-diagnosis syndromes, to contextualize drug abuse alongside affective symptoms, and to formulate appropriate treatment strategies. Plausible explanations for
On risk aversion in risk acceptance criteria

Abstract The risk averse attitude that is included in some proposed risk acceptance criteria is examined. It is shown that it is a weaker attitude than risk aversion, as is commonly defined in decision theory. Consequently, the boundary curve separating acceptable and unacceptable regions does not have, to be a straight line on the logarithmic frequency-consequence spacr. A curve of variable slope would express the same attitude as long as the slope is less than — 1.
AutoGate: automating analysis of flow cytometry data

Nowadays, one can hardly imagine biology and medicine without flow cytometry to measure CD4 T cell counts in HIV, follow bone marrow transplant patients, characterize leukemias, etc. Similarly, without flow cytometry, there would be a bleak future for stem cell deployment, HIV drug development and full characterization of the cells and cell interactions in the immune system. But while flow instruments have improved markedly, the development of automated tools for processing and analyzing flow data has lagged sorely behind. To address this deficit, we have developed automated flow analysis software technology, provisionally named AutoComp and AutoGate. AutoComp acquires sample and reagent labels from users or flow data files, and uses this information to complete the flow data compensation task. AutoGate replaces the manual subsetting capabilities provided by current analysis packages with newly defined statistical algorithms that automatically and accurately detect, display and delineate subsets in well-labeled and well-recognized formats (histograms, contour and dot plots). Users guide analyses by successively specifying axes (flow parameters) for data subset displays and selecting statistically defined subsets to be used for the next analysis round. Ultimately, this process generates analysis “trees” that can be applied to automatically guide analyses for similar samples. The first AutoComp/AutoGate version is currently in the hands of a small group of users at Stanford, Emory and NIH. When this “early adopter” phase is complete, the authors expect to distribute the software free of charge to .edu, .org and .gov users.
Twenty-two years of ozonesonde measurements at the South Pole

Since 1986, the Earth System Research Laboratory and its predecessors have been making weekly balloon ozone soundings at the South Pole Station in Antarctica. During the springtime ozone hole period, the sounding frequency is increased to 2–3 per week. The 2007 springtime minimum total column ozone at South Pole was 125 Dobson units, with the layer between 14 and 21 km showing a typical 95% loss of ozone. In contrast, the 2006 minimum total column ozone was 93 Dobson units and showed 99% ozone destruction in the 14–21 km layer. Owing to variations in meteorology and stability of the polar vortex, year to year variations in the severity of the ozone hole of this magnitude are expected. Analysis of the ozone loss rate in September indicates large interannual variability suggesting a dynamic component. Detailed analysis of the 22-year record is used to search for early signs of the beginning of ozone hole recovery. The conclusion is that up to the year 2007, no definitive signs of the beginning of ozone hole...
Effect of Summer Cyclic Temperatures Versus Moderate Temperature on Laying Hen Performance

Abstract Three trials were conducted to determine the effects of seasonal temperature extremes on laying hen performance. The temperatures used were a constant 21 C vs. a 24-hr linear temperature cycle that ranged from 24 to 35 to 24 C. Results show that percent hen-day production and eggshell breaking strength did not differ significantly between the temperature regimens. The laying hens exposed to the 24- to 35- to 24-C regimen gained significantly less body weight, consumed significantly less feed, and laid eggs that were significantly smaller than the hens exposed to a constant 21-C temperature.
Control of Autonomous Robots Using Principles of Neuromodulation in ROS Environment

Decision making of a vertebrate in response to the sensory signals from the environment is regulated by the neuromodulatory systems in its brain. A vertebrate’s behaviors like focusing attention, cautious risk-aversion and curiosity-seeking exploration are influenced by these neuromodulators. The paper presents an autonomous robotic control approach based on vertebrate neuromodulation and its implementation on multiple open-source hardware platforms. A simple neural network is used to model the neuromodulatory functions for generating context based behavioral responses to sensory signals. The neural network incorporates three types of neurons — attention focusing cholinergic and noradrenergic (ACh/NE), curiosity-seeking dopaminergic (DA), and risk aversive serotonergic (5-HT) neurons. The implementation of the neuronal model on multiple relatively simple autonomous robots is illustrated through the interesting behavior of the robots adapting to changes in the environment. The implementation is done in open-source, open-access robotics software framework of Robot Operating System (ROS).Copyright © 2014 by ASME
In situ hybridizations of Eperythrozoon suis visualized by electron microscopy

Abstract Eperythrozoon suis is an extracellular red blood cell parasite that causes icteroanemia and poor growth performance in feeder pigs and has been associated with anemias in baby pigs and reproductive failures in sows. At present, few efficient tests are available for the diagnosis and study of E. suis infection in swine. This report discusses how a recently developed recombinant DNA probe (KSU-2) specific to E. suis DNA was utilized in in situ DNA hybridizations that couple biotinylated Tag I digested products of KSU-2 DNA with an immunogold detection system allowing the visualization by transmission electron microscopy of the gold particles within eperythrozoon organisms. Specific labelling by the probe of eperythrozoon organisms demonstrated a pattern that changed with the various stages of the eperythrozoon life cycle.
Correspondence analysis of two-mode network data

Abstract Recently, Borgatti and Everett [Borgatti, S.P., Everett, M.G., 1997. Network analysis of 2-mode data. Social Networks 19, 243–269.] criticized correspondence analysis as a technique for analyzing two-mode network data. This paper argues that these criticisms are not justified and that correspondence analysis of such data can in fact yield considerable substantive insight. As in Borgatti and Everett, the familiar Davis et al. [Davis, A., Gardner, B.B., Gardner, M.R., 1941. Deep South: An Anthropological Study of Caste and Class, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL] Southern women data set is used to illustrate the technique.
Monte Carlo simulation of solute extraction via supercritical carbon dioxide from poly(ethylene glycol)

Abstract The partitioning of ethylbenzene between poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and supercritical carbon dioxide was studied at 308.15, 328.15 and 348.15 K and 10, 15.5 and 20 MPa with PEG-400, 600 and 900 using Monte Carlo molecular simulation. The effect of a cosolvent was also studied with either 5% ethane or 5% n -octane added. Ethylbenzene favored the supercritical phase most when the density was highest, and while ethane had little effect, the addition of n -octane increased the amount of solute dissolved in carbon dioxide. Increasing polymer molecular weight led to more solute in the PEG-rich phase. This coincides with a higher amount of dissolved carbon dioxide that preferentially solvates ethylbenzene.
Inequalities for bin packing-III

Consider the minimum number of unit size bins needed to pack Items that are independently distributed according to a given distribution μ concentrated on [0,1]. We prove that for some universal constant $i;K$ei;. we have
Synchronization of unknown nonlinear networked systems via cooperative adaptive control

Traditional research on cooperative networked systems has focused on analysis of given protocols for simple linear systems, mainly the integrator or double integrator dynamics. Pinning control has been developed for nonlinear systems, generally using either a Jacobian linearization method or a Lipschitz assumption. Work has also progressed on nonlinear coupling protocols. In this paper we present a design method for adaptive controllers for distributed systems having non-identical unknown nonlinear dynamics, and for a target dynamics to be tracked that is also nonlinear and unknown. The development is for general digraph communication structures. A Lyapunov technique is presented for designing a robust synchronization control protocol. The proper selection of the Lyapunov function is the key to ensuring that the resulting control laws thus found are implementable in a distributed fashion. Lyapunov functions are defined in terms of a local neighborhood tracking synchronization error and the Frobenius norm. The resulting protocol consists of a linear protocol and a nonlinear control term with adaptive update law at each node. Connections are made between the convergence rate/convergence residual set and graph structural properties such as the sum of the in-degrees and out-degrees, and the difference between the in-degrees and out-degrees. Singular value analysis is used. It is shown that the singular values of certain key matrices are intimately related to structural properties of the graph.
In vitro thermal therapy of AT-1 Dunning prostate tumours.

To advance the utility of prostate thermal therapy, this study investigated the thermal thresholds (temperature-time) for prostate tissue destructionin vitro. The AT-1 Dunning prostate tumour model was chosen for the study. Three hundred micron thick sections were subjected to controlled temperature-time heating, which ranged from low (40°C, 15 min) to high thermal exposures (70°C, 2 min) (n = 6). After subsequent tissue culture at 37°C, the sections were evaluated for tissue injury at 3, 24 and 72 h by two independent methods: histology and dye uptake. A graded increase in injury was identified between the low and high thermal exposures. Maximum histologic injury occurred above 70°C, 1 min with >95% of the tissue area undergoing significant cell injury and coagulative necrosis. The control and 40°C, 15 min sections showed histologic evidence of apoptosis following 24 and 72 h in culture. Similar signs of apoptosis were minimal or absent at higher thermal histories. Vital-dye uptake quantitatively confirm...
9.3.1 A Knowledge Management System Life Cycle Description Using the ISO/IEC 15288 Standard

Development of a Knowledge Management (KM) system is often considered to be a technical challenge of incorporating the proper system building blocks that provide the mechanism for information transfer from a knowledge source to a potential user. These building blocks include tangible elements such as databases, servers, networks, search engines, web portals and even extend to expert networks and artificial intelligence algorithms. This paper provides a life cycle description of a KM system that includes both tangible and intangible elements. These intangible elements include interfacing the human-in-the-loop, human motivation to contribute to (and to search) the KM system, and establishing a community of practice that includes policies, procedures and guides that encourage a learning organization. Peter Senge (Senge 1994) defines a learning organization as requiring an environment for individual and organizational growth to facilitate continual improvement and maintain a leadership position. The KM system is a tool that, when properly implemented in a business, can indeed facilitate the environment of a learning organization. This paper uses the recently released ISO/IEC 15288 standard (ISO/IEC 2002) and provides a detailed system description model for the life cycle Technical Processes implemented for a KM system. ISO/IEC 15288 also provides descriptions of Enterprise, Agreement and Program Management processes which are summarized for the KM system as a part of Appendix A.
Graph-connected components for filtering urban LiDAR data

A graph-based approach for modeling and solving the LiDAR filtering problem in urban areas is established. Our method consists of three steps. In the first step, we construct a graph-based representation of the LiDAR data, where either the Delaunay triangulation or the K -nearest neighbors graph is used. Given a set of features extracted from LiDAR data, we introduce an algorithm to label the edges of this graph. In this second step, we define criteria to eliminate some of the graph edges and then use a connected components algorithm to detect the different components in the graph representation. Finally, these components are classified into terrain or objects. Different datasets with different characteristics have been used to analyze the performance of our method. We compared our method against two other methods, and results show that our method outperforms the other methods in most tests cases.
An updated list of rabies-infected bats in North America.

Rabies infection has been reported in 30 of the 39 species of bat that live in North America north of Mexico.
Expression of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in sickle cell retina and choroid.

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) has been shown to be an inhibitor of angiogenesis as well as a multipotent neurotrophic factor in the mammalian eye. Changes in PEDF levels have been correlated with development of retinal neovascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy. The purpose of this study was to determine the localization and relative level of PEDF in human retinas and choroids using immunohistochemistry and evaluate the changes in PEDF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) localization and their relation to the progression of proliferative sickle cell retinopathy. Cryopreserved tissues from eyes of normal subjects and subjects with non-proliferative or proliferative sickle cell retinopathy were used with streptavidin peroxidase immunohistochemistry. A rabbit polyclonal antibody was made against recombinant human PEDF. Binding of the antibody was blocked by preincubation of the antibody with excess human recombinant PEDF. Relative levels of immunoreactivity were scored with a seven-point grading system and by microdensitometric analysis.The most prominent sites of PEDF localization in the normal eye were the vitreous condensed at the internal limiting membrane and RPE-Bruch's membrane-choriocapillaris complex. PEDF was also prominent in choroidal stroma. There was limited immunoreactivity in some cells of the neural retinas, in blood vessels and in the interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM). There was no difference in ratio (1.47 vs. 1.44) of PEDF/VEGF or the relative levels of either growth factor in the retinal vasculatures of the control subjects and perfused area of non-proliferative sickle cell retinas. The ratio was increased in the non-perfused area of the non-proliferative sickle cell retinas (2.24). In eyes with proliferative sickle cell retinopathy, elevated PEDF and VEGF immunostaining was present in viable vessels of sea fan neovascular formations as well as feeder vessels of sea fans. The PEDF/VEGF ratio in sea fans was 1.0. Immunoreactivity for PEDF was prominent in retinal vessels in non-perfused regions and in atrophic sea fans, while VEGF immunoreactivity was weak or absent in these structures. In conclusion, PEDF and VEGF were both significantly elevated in viable sea fan formations in sickle cell disease (p<0.05) but only PEDF was present in non-viable sea fans. The highest levels of PEDF in all eyes were associated with extracellular matrices (vitreous, choroidal stroma, IPM, and walls of blood vessels). PEDF might play an important role in inhibiting angiogenesis and inducing the regression of sea fans. Progression of angiogenesis may be dependent on the ratio of PEDF/VEGF.
A fluorescence polarization assay for the identification of inhibitors of the p53-DM2 protein-protein interaction.

Abstract Improper function of the tumor suppressor protein p53 is a contributing factor in many human cancers. In normal cells, p53 acts to arrest the cell cycle in response to DNA damage or nucleotide depletion. One mechanism of regulating the amount of p53 in the cell is through the action of the Double Minute 2 protein, DM2 (also known as MDM2), which ubiquitinates p53 and targets it for proteosomal degradation. In a number of human cancers, the DM2 gene is amplified or overexpressed, leading to inadequate levels of p53 for cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. With the goal of restoring p53 function in cancers that overexpress DM2, we are developing inhibitors of the p53–DM2 protein–protein interaction that structurally mimic the N-terminal segment of p53 that binds to DM2. To assist this effort, we have devised a fluorescence polarization assay that quantifies the interaction between the N-terminal regions of both proteins in 384-well microtiter plates. Using this assay, we have demonstrated that a peptide with a nonhydrolyzable β-amino acid substitution binds DM2 with an affinity comparable to a p53 peptide that is composed of only α-amino acids.
Hepatic expression of the woodchuck hepatitis virus X-antigen during acute and chronic infection and detection of a woodchuck hepatitis virus X-antigen antibody response

The expression and localization of the woodchuck hepatitis virus X-antigen (WHxAg) was examined and compared with other markers of a woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) infection using rabbit antisera generated against recombinant WHxAg produced in bacteria. Cellular fractionation studies showed that WHxAg was localized to the soluble and cytoskeletal fractions of the cell when assayed by immunoprecipitation of [35S]-met-cys labeled extracts derived from primary cultures of acute WHV-infected hepatocytes. Immunohistochemical examination of liver from chronic WHV-infected animals showed WHV core antigen (WHcAg) and WHxAg expression in non-neoplastic tissue. The WHxAg was found localized to the cytoplasm of infected cells, similar to WHcAg. WHxAg expression was diminished in the foci of altered hepatocytes and in hepatocellular adenomas but was found in only 1 of 11 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). Hepatic biopsies from woodchucks experimentally inoculated with WHV were examined during the acute phase of infection and during convalescence for WHcAg and WHxAg expression by immunohistochemistry. Concurrent expression of WHcAg and WHxAg was observed during the viremic phase of infection. The two antigens exhibited similar localization to the cell cytoplasm, similar distribution within the liver lobule, and similar patterns of clearance during convalescence. An immune response to WHxAg was documented in some woodchucks following acute WHV infection. These studies further define the woodchuck model of HBV infection and should allow for the investigation of the role of hepadnaviral X-antigen expression in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis and HCC.
Structural characteristics and canopy dynamics of Tsuga canadensis in forests of the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA

Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr. forests of the southern Appalachian Mountains are currently facing imminent decline induced by a nonnative insect pest, the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand). To effectively manage these forest systems now and in the future, land managers need baseline data on forest structure and dynamics prior to large-scale Tsuga canadensis mortality. Most of our knowledge concerning the dynamics of Tsuga canadensis forests comes from more northern locations such as the Great Lakes region and New England and, therefore, may not pertain to the ecological systems found within the southern Appalachian Mountains. We examined the structure and canopy dynamics of four Tsuga canadensis forest stands within the Cataloochee watershed, in the far eastern part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). We characterized the environmental settings and vertical forest layers, as well as the diameter and age-structures of each Tsuga canadensis forest stand. These environmental and structural data showed that there were indeed differences between forest stands with and without successful Tsuga canadensis regeneration. The two forest stands exhibiting successful Tsuga canadensis regeneration were located above 1,000 m in elevation on well-drained, moderately steep slopes and had the greatest canopy openness. Structural data from these two forest stands indicated a history of more continuous Tsuga canadensis regeneration. We also constructed disturbance chronologies detailing the history of canopy response to disturbance events and related these to Tsuga canadensis regeneration within each forest stand. Student t-tests adjusted for unequal variances indicated significant differences in the number of release events per tree between forest stands with and without successful Tsuga canadensis regeneration. While forest stands with successful Tsuga canadensis regeneration were more frequently disturbed by minor to major canopy disturbances, events of moderate intensity were found to be most significant in terms of regeneration. These data will be of value to land managers maintaining stands of Tsuga canadensis where treatment for hemlock woolly adelgid infestation has been successful. In areas where treatment is impractical or unsuccessful, land managers will be able to use these data to restore Tsuga canadensis forests after the wave of hemlock woolly adelgid induced mortality has passed.
Plastic shaping of aqueous alumina suspensions with sucrose and maltodextrin additives

Traditional methods for the shape-forming of engineering ceramics entail plastic deformation of powder slurries containing hazardous organic liquids as suspending media. Replacing these organic with aqueous media requires the development of environmentally benign, water-soluble additives which serve as plasticizers and binders. Fundamental studies were performed with aqueous suspensions of colloidalα-Al2O3 to evaluate the role of sucrose and maltodextrin on viscosity, sedimentation, and filtration characteristics, plastic flow behavior of filter cakes, and sinterability. Maltodextrin systems exhibited superior results, including filtration to high packing densities and clay-like plasticity with minimal cracking.
Emergency department presentation and misdiagnosis of imported falciparum malaria

Abstract Study objective: To review the travel history, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, diagnostic accuracy, management, and outcome of the largest reported series of emergency department patients with imported falciparum malaria in the United States. Methods: This is a retrospective case series at a large, inner-city medical center in Los Angeles. Twenty cases of falciparum malaria with initial medical evaluation in the ED were identified from the period 1979 through 1993. Results: Fifteen male and 5 female patients were identified, with an age range of 5 to 55 years. All had a recent history (within 2 months) of international travel in regions endemic for malaria. Most (85%) were recent immigrants or expatriates returning from a recent visit to their native country. The most common documented symptoms were fever (100%), chills (65%), vomiting (60%), anorexia (45%), and headache (45%). Tachycardia (85%) and hyperpyrexia (>39°C) (65%) were the most common presenting signs. Malaria was considered in the ED diagnoses in only 12 cases (60%). The specification of falciparum (malignant) malaria was established in only 2 cases (10%). Hepatitis and gastroenteritis were the most common misdiagnoses. Only four patients received antimalarial medication in the ED. There were no deaths, and complications were limited to thrombocytopenia and anemia. Two patients required transfusion. Conclusion: Imported falciparum malaria presenting to EDs in the United States is frequently misdiagnosed. Emergency physicians improve their ability to diagnose falciparum malaria by obtaining a thorough travel history on all patients with clinical features suggesting an infectious origin and considering this diagnosis in any patient with a history of travel to or migration from malaria-endemic areas. [Kyriacou DN, Spira AM, Talan DA, Mabey DCW: Emergency department presentation and misdiagnosis of imported falciparum malaria. Ann Emerg Med June 1996;27:696-699.]
Numerical Simulations of Buoyant Ekman Layers in the Presence of Variable Stratification. Part I: Constant Interior Forcing

Abstract Two-dimensional numerical simulations of the turbulent buoyant Ekman layer in the presence of variable stratification help explain a transport mechanism for the detachment of the boundary layer flow around the front. Initially, a constant, spatially uniform, along-the-isobaths interior current and constant interior stratification are assumed. Buoyant inhibition of the boundary layer Ekman flow in the stratified region leads to shut down processes that are absent in the unstratified region. Depending on the direction of the interior flow, two dynamically distinct possibilities exist: (i) convergence around the front and subsequent export (detrainment) of boundary fluid toward the interior (southward forcing current, i.e., with shallow water on the right), and (ii) divergence around the front and subsequent import (entrainment) of interior fluid (northward interior forcing, i.e., with shallow water on the left or y positive). The position and strength of the convergence/divergence are controlled by...
Examples of basis pursuit

The Time-Frequency and Time-Scale communities have recently developed a large number of overcomplete waveform dictionaries. Decomposition into overcomplete systems is not unique, and several methods for decomposition have been proposed--including the Method of Frames, Matching Pursuit, and, for special dictionaries, the Best Orthogonal Basis. Basis Pursuit is a principle for decomposing a signal into an `optimal' superposition of dictionary elements-- where optimal means having the smallest l1 norm of coefficients among all such decompositions. We give examples exhibiting several advantages over the Method of Frames, Matching Pursuit and Best Ortho Basis, including better sparsity, and super-resolution. Basis Pursuit in highly overcomplete dictionaries leads to large-scale optimization problems. We obtain reasonable success with a primal-dual logarithmic barrier method and conjugate gradient solver.
Continuous nondestructive monitoring of microbial biofilms: a review of analytical techniques

A fundamental requirement for the understanding and control of biofilms is the continuous nondestructive monitoring of biofilm processes. This paper reviews research analytical techniques that monitor biofilm processes in a continuous nondestructive manner and that could also be modified for industrial applications. To be considered ‘continuous’ and ‘nondestructive’ for the purpose of this review a technique must: (a) function in an aqueous system; (b) not require sample removal; (c) minimize signal from organisms or contaminants in the bulk phase; and (d) provide real-time data. Various microscopic, spectrochemical, electrochemical, and piezoelectrical analysis methods fulfill these criteria. These techniques monitor the formation of biofilms, the physiology of the microorganisms within biofilms, and/or the interaction of the biofilms with their environment. It is hoped that this review will stimulate development and use of biofilm monitoring techniques in industrial and environmental settings.
Tests of the effects of adolescent early alcohol exposures on adult outcomes

Aims To determine whether early adolescent alcohol use contributes to adult alcohol use, misuse and other adult substance-related and social outcomes. Design In a longitudinal study of twins assessed at target ages 11, 14 and 24 years, two techniques adjusted for confounding factors: a propensity score (PS) adjusting for the effects of measured background covariates and co-twin control (CTC) adjusting for confounding by unmeasured (including genetic) factors shared within early alcohol exposure-discordant pairs. Setting The community-based Minnesota Twin Family Study. Participants A total of 1512 (50.3% female) twins. Measurements Early adolescent alcohol exposures, adult substance-related and social outcomes and background variables reflecting behavioral, familial and environmental characteristics. Findings Background covariates unbalanced between those with and without early alcohol exposure were balanced through PS-based weighting, leaving several adult outcomes related to substance use or social functioning remaining significantly associated with early alcohol exposure. Similarly, the within-pair individual-level component of a CTC indicated that early alcohol-exposed twins had higher risk than their non-exposed co-twins for several, but not all, of the same adult outcomes. For example, early alcohol use was associated with an adult index of alcohol use in both PS-weighted (β = 0.57, P < 0.001) and CTC (β = 0.21, P = 0.031) analyses. Conclusions Early alcohol exposures predict adult alcohol problems and related outcomes, despite stringent adjustment for measured and non-measured sources of potential confounding using propensity score and co-twin control. Contrasting the methods indicated that exposure effect estimates from PS application were likely biased by unmeasured confounding factors.
Modeling human knowledge of routes: partial knowledge and individual variation

Commonsense knowledge of large-scale space (the cognitive map) includes several different types of knowledge: of sensorimotor, topological, and metrical spatial relationships. Sensorimotor knowledge is defined as that knowledge which is necessary to reconstruct a route from memory after travel along that route in a large-scale environment. A representation for route knowledge is proposed with sufficiently robust performance properties to be useful as commonsense knowledge. Its states of partial knowledge are shown to correspond to those observed in humans. We also define and explore the space of all possible variants of this representation, to derive empirical predictions about the nature of individual variation.
Protein kinase C and preconditioning: role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) is cardioprotective, but the mechanism(s) by which PKC mediates protection is not fully understood. Inasmuch as PKC has been well documented to modulate sarcopl...
A phylogenetic analysis of the Enchenopa binotata species complex (Homoptera : Membracidae) using nymphal characters

. Nymphal characters which distinguish the nine species of the Enchenopa binotata complex (key included) are delineated for future formal species descriptions. A phylogenetic tree using these characters is presented and compared to a tree derived from allozyme data. Three pairs of sister species are defined, two of these pairs meeting strict phylogenetic and biological criteria which suggest sympatric speciation through host shifts.
A coupled anisotropic damage model for the inelastic response of composite materials

A coupled incremental damage and plasticity theory for rate-independent and rate-dependent composite materials is introduced here. This allows damage to be path-dependent either on the stress history or thermodynamic force conjugate to damage. This is achieved through the use of an incremental damage tensor. Damage and inelastic deformations are incorporated in the proposed model that is used for the analysis of fiber-reinforced metal‐matrix composite materials. The damage is described kinematically in both the elastic and inelastic domains using the fourth-order damage eAect tensor which is a function of the second-order damage tensor. A physical interpretation of the second-order damage tensor is given in this work which relates to the microcrack porosity within the unit cell. The inelastic deformation behavior with damage is viewed here within the framework of thermodynamics with internal state variables. Computational aspects of both the rate-independent and rate-dependent models are discussed in this work. The Newton‐Rapson iterative scheme is used for the overall laminate system. The constitute equations of both the rate-independent and the rate-dependent plasticity coupled with damage models are additively decomposed into the elastic, inelastic and damage deformations by using the three-step split operator algorithm [J.W. Ju, Internat. J. Solids Struc. 25 (1989) 803‐833]. The main framework return maping algorithm [M. Ortiz, C. Simo, Internat. J. Numer. Meth. Eng. 23 (1986) 353‐366] is used for the correction of the elasto-plastic and viscoplastic states. However, for the case of the damage model these algorithms are redefined according to the governed damage constitutive relations. In order to test the validity of the model, a series of laminated systemsO0O8sUU; O90O8sUU; O0=90U O4sU ; Oˇ45=45U O2sU are investigated at both room and elevated temperatures of 538∞C and 649∞C. The results obtained from the special purpose developed computer program, DVP-CALSET (Damage and Viscoplastic Coupled Analysis of Laminate Systems at Elevated Temperatures), are then compared with the available experimental results and other existing theoretical material models obtained from the work of B.S. Majumdar,
A molecular dynamics study of self-diffusion in the cores of screw and edge dislocations in aluminum

Self-diffusion along screw and edge dislocations in Al is studied by molecular dynamics simulations. Three types of simulations are performed: with pre-existing vacancies in the dislocation core, with pre-existing interstitials, and without any pre-existing defects (intrinsic diffusion). We find that diffusion along the screw dislocation is dominated by the intrinsic mechanism, whereas diffusion along the edge dislocation is dominated by the vacancy mechanism. Diffusion along the screw dislocation is found to be significantly faster than diffusion along the edge dislocation, and both diffusivities are in reasonable agreement with experimental data. The intrinsic diffusion mechanism can be associated with the formation of dynamic Frenkel pairs, possibly activated by thermal jogs and/or kinks. The simulations show that at high temperatures the dislocation core becomes an effective source/sink of point defects and the effect of pre-existing defects on the core diffusivity diminishes.
Determination of complex refractive index of polystyrene microspheres from 370 to 1610 nm

We introduce an inverse method for determining simultaneously the real and imaginary refractive indices of microspheres based on integrating sphere measurements of diffuse reflectance and transmittance, and Monte Carlo modelling in conjunction with the Mie theory. The results for polystyrene microspheres suspended in water are presented.
GABA Is an Endogenous Ligand for Synaptic Glycine Receptors

Experimental evidence refuting Dale's principle, the notion that each neuron synthesizes and releases only one neurotransmitter, has accumulated in the past four decades, and cotransmission by multiple neurotransmitters from the same axon terminal (and even from the same vesicle) now is well documented. Heretofore, in all examples of cotransmission, each released neurotransmitter acted on a different receptor. Lu, Rubio, and Trussell, however, demonstrate in this issue of Neuron the first instance of cotransmission in which two neurotransmitters act on the same postsynaptic receptor.
Phase response characteristics of model neurons determine which patterns are expressed in a ring circuit model of gait generation

In order to assess the relative contributions to pattern-generation of the intrinsic properties of individual neurons and of their connectivity, we examined a ring circuit composed of four complex physiologically based oscillators. This circuit produced patterns that correspond to several quadrupedal gaits, including the walk, the bound, and the gallop. An analysis using the phase response curve (PRC) of an uncoupled oscillator accurately predicted all modes exhibited by this circuit and their phasic relationships – with the caveat that in certain parameter ranges, bistability in the individual oscillators added nongait patterns that were not amenable to PRC analysis, but further enriched the pattern-generating repertoire of the circuit. The key insights in the PRC analysis were that in a gait pattern, since all oscillators are entrained at the same frequency, the phase advance or delay caused by the action of each oscillator on its postsynaptic oscillator must be the same, and the sum of the normalized phase differences around the ring must equal to an integer. As suggested by several previous studies, our analysis showed that the capacity to exhibit a large number of patterns is inherent in the ring circuit configuration. In addition, our analysis revealed that the shape of the PRC for the individual oscillators determines which of the theoretically possible modes can be generated using these oscillators as circuit elements. PRCs that have a complex shape enable a circuit to produce a wider variety of patterns, and since complex neurons tend to have complex PRCs, enriching the repertoire of patterns exhibited by a circuit may be the function of some intrinsic neuronal complexity. Our analysis showed that gait transitions, or more generally, pattern transitions, in a ring circuit do not require rewiring the circuit or any changes in the strength of the connections. Instead, transitions can be achieved by using a control parameter, such as stimulus intensity, to sculpt the PRC so that it has the appropriate shape for the desired pattern(s). A transition can then be achieved simply by changing the value of the control parameter so that the first pattern either ceases to exist or loses stability, while a second pattern either comes into existence or gains stability. Our analysis illustrates the predictive value of PRCs in circuit analysis and can be extended to provide a design method for pattern-generating circuits.
Intraoperative stereoscopic 3D video imaging: pushing the boundaries of surgical visualisation and applications for neurosurgical education

AbstractObjective. In the past decades, we have witnessed waves of interest in three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic imaging. Previously, the complexity associated with 3D technology led to its absence in the operating room. But recently, the public's resurrection of interest in this imaging modality has revived its exploration in surgery. Technological advances have also paved the way for incorporation of 3D stereoscopic imaging in neurosurgical education. Methods. Herein, the authors discuss the advantages of intraoperative 3D recording and display for neurosurgical learning and contemplate its future directions based on their experience with 3D technology and a review of the literature. Results. Potential benefits of stereoscopic displays include an enhancement of subjective image quality, proper identification of the structure of interest from surrounding tissues and improved surface detection and depth judgment. Such benefits are critical during the intraoperative decision-making process and proper han...
Recurrence quantification analysis reveals eye-movement behavior differences between experts and novices

Understanding and characterizing perceptual expertise is a major bottleneck in developing intelligent systems. In knowledge-rich domains such as dermatology, perceptual expertise influences the diagnostic inferences made based on the visual input. This study uses eye movement data from 12 dermatology experts and 12 undergraduate novices while they inspected 34 dermatological images. This work investigates the differences in global and local temporal fixation patterns between the two groups using recurrence quantification analysis (RQA). The RQA measures reveal significant differences in both global and local temporal patterns between the two groups. Results show that experts tended to refixate previously inspected areas less often than did novices, and their refixations were more widely separated in time. Experts were also less likely to follow extended scan paths repeatedly than were novices. These results suggest the potential value of RQA measures in characterizing perceptual expertise. We also discuss potential use of the RQA method in understanding the interactions between experts' visual and linguistic behavior.
Outstanding Research Problems in NoC Design: System, Microarchitecture, and Circuit Perspectives

To alleviate the complex communication problems that arise as the number of on-chip components increases, network-on-chip (NoC) architectures have been recently proposed to replace global interconnects. In this paper, we first provide a general description of NoC architectures and applications. Then, we enumerate several related research problems organized under five main categories: Application characterization, communication paradigm, communication infrastructure, analysis, and solution evaluation. Motivation, problem description, proposed approaches, and open issues are discussed for each problem from system, microarchitecture, and circuit perspectives. Finally, we address the interactions among these research problems and put the NoC design process into perspective.
Evidence for motoneuron lineage-specific regulation of Olig2 in the vertebrate neural tube

Within the motoneuron precursor (pMN) domain of the developing spinal cord, the bHLH transcription factor, Olig2, plays critical roles in pattern formation and the generation of motor neuron and oligodendrocyte precursors. How are the multiple functions of Olig2 regulated? We have isolated a large BAC clone encompassing the human OLIG2 locus that rescues motor neuron and oligodendrocyte development but not normal pattern formation in Olig2 �/� embryos. Within the BAC clone, we identified a conserved 3.6 kb enhancer sub-region that directs reporter expression specifically in the motor neuron lineage but not oligodendrocyte lineage in vivo. Our findings indicate complex regulation of Olig2 by stage- and lineage-specific regulatory elements. They further suggest that transcriptional regulation of Olig2 is involved in segregation of pMN neuroblasts.
Bridging the Gap Between Host Immune Response and Intestinal Dysbiosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Does Immunoglobulin A Mark the Spot?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, debilitating condition characterized by relapsing and remitting episodes of gastrointestinal inflammation. As the incidence and prevalence have increased, so has our understanding of the pathophysiology of this complex, immunologically mediated disease. With advances in bacterial and human gene sequencing technologies, a significant amount of work has focused on how alterations in the intestinal microbiome affect disease onset and progression. A recent study in Cell suggests that it may be possible to identify specific bacteria responsible for promoting a proinflammatory state by assessing the degree to which they are coated by the immunoglobulin (Ig) A. A combination of antibody-based bacterial cell sorting, flow cytometry, and 16s ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was used to identify IgA-coated bacteria from stool of specific pathogen-free mice. This technique was used to demonstrate that IgA-coated bacteria were indeed detectable and increased in a mouse model of colitis. Stool from patients with IBD was then used to generate 2 groups of IgA+ and IgA- bacterial consortia. When transplanted into specific pathogen-free mice, no initial clinical differences were noted. However, when mice with dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis were transplanted with the IgA+ bacterial strains, they exhibited severe exacerbation of intestinal inflammation, whereas the IgA- group developed minimal symptoms. These findings suggest that bacteria highly coated with IgA are potentially responsible for driving gut inflammation in patients with IBD. These results may represent a critical advance in our understanding of the complex interactions between the host immune system and commensal microorganisms as it relates to the development and disease course of IBD. Future work will focus on how these findings can be translated into the development of individualized, microbiota-specific therapies.