cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
S2-PM: s emi- s upervised learning for efficient p erformance m odeling of analog and mixed signal circuits

As integrated circuit technologies continue to scale, variability modeling is becoming more crucial yet, more challenging. In this paper, we propose a novel performance modeling method based on semi-supervised co-learning. We exploit the multiple representations of process variation in any analog and mixed signal circuit to establish a co-learning framework where unlabeled samples are leveraged to improve the model accuracy without enduring any simulation cost. Practically, our proposed method relies on a small set of labeled data, and the availability of no-cost unlabeled data to efficiently build accurate performance model for any analog and mixed signals circuit design. Our numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed approach achieves up to 30% reduction in simulation cost compared to the state-of-the-art modeling technique without surrendering any accuracy.
On ineffable predicates: Bilingual Greek–English code-switching under ellipsis☆

Abstract In Greek–English code-switching contexts, Greek verb phrases can antecede apparent verb phrase ellipsis after English auxiliaries, even when a non-elliptical code-switched continuation with a Greek verb would not be well-formed. These facts, together with others from the previous literature, are compatible with a theory of ellipsis that posits an identity relation stated over abstract syntactic structures: mere semantic identity is too generous and fails to block sentences which are judged unacceptable.
The Professional Responsibility Case for Valid and Nondiscriminatory Bar Exams

Title VII protects against workplace discrimination in part through the scrutiny of employment tests whose results differ based on race, gender, or ethnicity. Such tests are said to have a disparate impact, and their use is illegal unless their validity can be established. Validity means that the test is job-related and measures what it purports to measure. Further, under Title VII, even a valid employment test with a disparate impact could be struck down if less discriminatory alternatives exist. Licensing tests, including bar exams, have been found to be outside these Title VII protections. But the nondiscrimination values that animate Title VII disparate impact analysis for employers apply just as fundamentally to attorney licensing through principles of professional responsibility and legal ethics. This Article examines the civil rights cases from the 1970s that established bar examiners’ immunity from Title VII. It then analyzes our professional duties of public protection, competence, and nondiscrimination that require valid, nondiscriminatory attorney licensing tests, suggesting that the Title VII framework be borrowed for this purpose. The Article then undertakes that scrutiny, presenting evidence of the disparate impact of bar exams and their unproven validity, and suggesting feasible, less discriminatory modifications and alternatives. In other words, core professional responsibilities require consideration and adoption of valid licensing mechanisms that can reduce any disparate impact in who we permit to enter our profession, and who we exclude.
Preliminary discussion of laparoscopic surgery for urachal cysts in pediatric age

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and approach of the laparoscopic excision of urachal cysts. Methods The clinical data of 15 patients with urachal cysts, from Mar.2011 to Sep.2017 in Qilu Children′s Hospital of Shandong Univercity were analyzed retrospectively.All of the 15 patients underwent laparoscopic resection.Included that 3 cases at the proximal end of the urachus, 9 cases at the distal end of the urachus, 3 cases at the middle of the urachus .1 case with urachal-umbilical sinus, 1 case with umbilical enteric fistula. Different surgical methods are adopted according to location of the cyst. Results Each case was successfully completed, no intraoperative complications were noted. There were 2 postoperative complications, 1 cases occurred umbilical infection, 1 cases occurred remnant cyst tissue which was cured by second laparoscopic surgery. Conclusions Laparoscopic technique can be used safely and effectively to remove urachal cysts. The operator needs to closely integrate preoperative imaging data, arrange the location of the trocars according to the location of the cyst, complete resection is the key to the operation. Key words: Urachal cyst; Laparoscopy; Child
An Automated and Cost-Effective System for Early Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing

We present a cost-effective, automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing system that delivers results after as little as 4 hours of sample incubation, as opposed to manual readings performed by professionals after ≥18 hours of incubation.
Servo-aero-gravo-elastic (SAGE) scaling and its application to a 13-MW downwind turbine

Reduced scale wind turbines can be extremely cost-effective to test new rotor concepts since prototype costs are heavily dependent on the rotor diameter. Ideally, the scaled model would have the same non-dimensional deflections, dynamics, and control behavior as the full-scale model. This would provide a high-fidelity demonstration of the full-scale performance, which is ideal if the full-scale turbine has significant aeroelastic interactions. To this end, servo-aero-gravo-elastic (SAGE) scaling is developed and applied to a 13-MW turbine that is scaled to a 20% scale model. The scaling preserves the tip-speed ratio, the rotor speed normalized by the flapping frequency, and the tip deflections normalized by the blade length. In addition, the controller employs the same control structure (gain-scheduled pitch control and variable speed torque control) and is scaled dynamically (e.g., matching non-dimensional time constant of the pitch angle, etc.). Furthermore, the thrust, gravity, and centrifugal moments are scaled such that the load angles are preserved as a function of a non-dimensional wind speed. However, the environmental scaling must consider differences in Reynolds number (since this parameter cannot be held constant) and subsequent changes in the axial induction factor. While the presented results showcase these differences during operational conditions, the non-dimensional tip deflections remain comparable through all wind speed ranges, indicating the viability of the SAGE scaling method in matching full-scale aeroelastic responses.
Racial differences in incidence, outcomes, and genomic alterations in small cell lung cancer.

8514Background: While the incidence of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has been decreasing in recent years, an increasing proportion of our patients are younger African American (AA) women. There hav...
Abstract B24: Targeting pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma acidic microenvironment

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the USA, accounting for ~40,000 deaths annually. The dismal prognosis for PDAC is largely due to its late diagnosis. Currently, the most sensitive diagnosis of PDAC requires invasive procedures, such as endoscopic ultrasonography, which has inherent risks and accuracy that is highly operator dependent. Here we took advantage of a general characteristic of solid tumors, the acidic microenvironment that is generated as a by-product of metabolism, to develop a novel approach of using pH (Low) Insertion Peptides (pHLIPs) for imaging of PDAC. We show that fluorescently labeled pHLIPs can localize and specifically detect PDAC in human xenografts as well as PDAC and PanIN lesions in genetically engineered mouse models. This novel approach may improve detection, differential diagnosis and staging of PDAC Citation Format: Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate, Christina L. Roland, Defeng Deng, Thiruvengadam Arumugam, Anna Moshnikova, Oleg A. Andreev, Yana Reshetnyak, Craig D. Logsdon. Targeting pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma acidic microenvironment. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Innovations in Research and Treatment; May 18-21, 2014; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(13 Suppl):Abstract nr B24.
Cell segmentation using coupled level sets and graph-vertex coloring

Current level-set based approaches for segmenting a large number of objects are computationally expensive since they require a unique level set per object (the N-level set paradigm), or $\lceil\text{log}_2 N\rceil$ level sets when using a multiphase interface tracking formulation. Incorporating energy-based coupling constraints to control the topological interactions between level sets further increases the computational cost to O(N2). We propose a new approach, with dramatic computational savings, that requires only four, or fewer, level sets for an arbitrary number of similar objects (like cells) using the Delaunay graph to capture spatial relationships. Even more significantly, the coupling constraints (energy-based and topological) are incorporated using just constant O(1) complexity. The explicit topological coupling constraint, based on predicting contour collisions between adjacent level sets, is developed to further prevent false merging or absorption of neighboring cells, and also reduce fragmentation during level set evolution. The proposed four-color level set algorithm is used to efficiently and accurately segment hundreds of individual epithelial cells within a moving monolayer sheet from time-lapse images of in vitro wound healing without any false merging of cells.
Neurotrophic factors and sleep

Abstract Well known for their ability to promote the survival and outgrowth of neurons during development of the brain, neurotrophic factors also serve multiple functions in the adult brain. For example, the modulation of neurotransmitter signaling and neurogenesis by neurotrophic factors may play a role in learning and memory. Important roles for neurotrophic factors in sleep regulation and sleep disorders are suggested by circadian variations in their expression and alterations in their expression in animal models of phase shift and sleep deprivation. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may play particularly important roles in sleep regulation and sleep disorders because of its reciprocal interactions with serotonin, and its involvement in depression and anxiety disorders. Perturbed neurotrophic factor signaling occurs in neurodegenerative disorders in which sleep disturbance is prominent including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. A better understanding of the roles of neurotrophic factor signaling in sleep regulation may lead to novel approaches for preventing and treating sleep disorders.
Physically motivated scale interaction parameterization in reduced rank quadratic nonlinear dynamic spatio-temporal models†

Many environmental spatio-temporal processes are best characterized by nonlinear dynamical evolution. Recently, it has been shown that general quadratic nonlinear models provide a very flexible class of parametric models for such processes. However, such models have a very large potential parameter space that must be reduced for most practical applications, even when one considers a reduced rank state process. We provide a parameterization for such models, which is motivated by physical arguments of wave mode interactions in which medium scales influence the evolution of large-scale modes. This parameterization has the potential to improve forecasts in addition to reducing the parameter space. The methodology is illustrated on real-world forecasting problems associated with Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies and mid-latitude sea level pressure. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AIM for Allostery: Using the Ising Model to Understand Information Processing and Transmission in Allosteric Biomolecular Systems

In performing their biological functions, molecular machines must process and transmit information with high fidelity. Information transmission requires dynamic coupling between the conformations of discrete structural components within the protein positioned far from one another on the molecular scale. This type of biomolecular "action at a distance" is termed allostery. Although allostery is ubiquitous in biological regulation and signal transduction, its treatment in theoretical models has mostly eschewed quantitative descriptions involving the system's underlying structural components and their interactions. Here, we show how Ising models can be used to formulate an approach to allostery in a structural context of interactions between the constitutive components by building simple allosteric constructs we termed Allosteric Ising Models (AIMs). We introduce the use of AIMs in analytical and numerical calculations that relate thermodynamic descriptions of allostery to the structural context, and then show that many fundamental properties of allostery, such as the multiplicative property of parallel allosteric channels, are revealed from the analysis of such models. The power of exploring mechanistic structural models of allosteric function in more complex systems by using AIMs is demonstrated by building a model of allosteric signaling for an experimentally well-characterized asymmetric homodimer of the dopamine D2 receptor.
Modeling Missing Binary Outcome Data in a Successful Web-based Smokeless Tobacco Cessation Program

Aim To examine various methods to impute missing binary outcome from a web-based tobacco cessation intervention. Design The ChewFree randomized controlled trial used a two-arm design to compare tobacco abstinence at both the 3- and 6-month follow-up for participants randomized to either an enhanced web-based intervention condition or a basic information-only control condition. Setting Internet in the United States and Canada. Participants Secondary analyses focused upon 2523 participants in the ChewFree trial. Measurements Point-prevalence tobacco abstinence measured at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Findings The results of this study confirmed the findings for the original ChewFree trial and highlighted the use of different missing-data approaches to achieve intent-to-treat analyses when confronted with substantial attrition. The use of different imputation methods yielded results that differed in both the size of the estimated treatment effect and the standard errors. Conclusions The choice of imputation model used to analyze missing binary outcome data can affect substantially the size and statistical significance of the treatment effect. Without additional information about the missing cases, they can overestimate the effect of treatment. Multiple imputation methods are recommended, especially those that permit a sensitivity analysis of their impact.
Overexpression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK1) enhances T- cell cytokine gene expression: role of AP1, NF-AT, and NF-KB

Transfected Jurkat cells overexpressing extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1), also referred to as mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, were selected by Western blotting assay using anti-ERK1 and antiphosphotyrosine antibodies in combination with a functional MAP kinase assay. We then asked whether enhanced ERK1 expression had any effect on induction of T-cell cytokine genes. The results show that overexpression of ERK1 enhances expression of T-cell interleukin-2 (IL- 2), IL-3, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor mRNA; no change was seen in expression of the alpha-actin gene. DNA-binding activities of the transcription factors AP1, NF-AT, and NF-kB were specifically increased twofold to fourfold in ERK1-overexpressing clones relative to nontransformed or vector-transformed cells, whereas no enhancement of CK1-CK2 protein DNA binding activity was detected after ERK1 overexpression. Additionally, increased NF-AT DNA binding activity was associated with functional enhancement of NF-AT transactivating activity in ERK1-overexpressing cells. These results provide direct evidence for the role of MAP kinase in the regulation of cytokine gene expression and indicate that such regulation is likely mediated through the enhanced DNA binding activity of specific nuclear transcription factors.
Alternative regimes for harvesting the seabed

Scott Allen and John P. Craven, editors, Alternatives in Deepsea Mining, Proceedings, Law of the Sea Institute Workshop, December 11–14, 1978, Ka'u Hawaii (Honolulu: Law of the Sea Institute, University of Hawaii, 1979), vii + 110 pp., $12.50. Jack N. Barkenbus, Deep Seabed Resources: Politics and Technology (New York: The Free Press, 1979), xiv + 191 pp., $14.95. Ross D. Eckert, The Enclosure of Ocean Resources: Economics and the Law of the Sea (Stanford: Hoover Institution Press, Stanford University, 1979), xiv + 390 pp., $16.95. I. G. Bulkley, Who Gains From Deep Ocean Mining? Simulating the Impact of Regimes for Regulating Nodule Exploitation, Research Series No. 40 (Berkeley: Institute of International Studies, University of California, 1979), vii + 117 pp., $3.50 (paper). Judith T. Kildow, editor, Deepsea Mining (Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, 1980), vii + 110 pp., $2.50.
pH Jump Studies of Glutamate Decarboxylase EVIDENCE FOR A pH-DEPENDENT CONFORMATION CHANGE

The catalytically active form of bacterial glutamate decarboxylase has an absorption maximum at 420 nm due to the presence of the enzyme—pyridoxal 5′-phosphate Schiff base. Above pH 5.5 the absorption maximum is at 340 nm, and the enzyme is inactive. If the pH of a solution of the enzyme is rapidly changed from 6.5 to 4.0 in a stopped flow apparatus, the change in absorption spectrum occurs over a period of several seconds. The change is general acid catalyzed and occurs in two steps. The first is a rapid conformation change of the enzyme induced by the addition of 3 protons to the enzyme. The second is general acid catalyzed formation of the catalytically active form of the enzyme. If the pH of a solution of the enzyme is rapidly increased from 4.0 to 7.0, the rate of the change in absorption spectrum can also be measured. The change is not buffer catalyzed, but its rate increases rapidly with increasing pH. The mechanism of this change involves an initial rate-determining conformation change of the enzyme induced by dissociation of 3 protons, followed by rapid formation of the equilibrium high pH form of the enzyme. The rate of the conformation change can also be measured on enzyme which has been reduced by sodium cyanoborohydride. From the kinetics of the pH jump reactions and other factors we conclude that the high pH form and the low pH form of glutamate decarboxylase differ by a protein conformation change and by a change in the covalent structure of the bound coenzyme. At low pH the coenzyme is bound in the usual ketoenamine form. At high pH a sulfhydryl group of the enzyme adds to the aldehyde carbon forming an aldamine. Many anions affect the properties of glutamate decarboxylase. Chloride ion increases the rate of transformation of the high pH form of the enzyme into the low pH form and decreases the rate of transformation of the low pH form into the high pH form. These effects occur because anions are able to bind to the low pH conformation of the enzyme but not to the high pH conformation.
Abstract W P20: Acute Stroke Following Carotid Endarterectomy: Time for a Paradigm Shift?

Introduction: Stroke in the immediate post operative period following carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is usually due to carotid thrombosis. Many centers have begun incorporating angiography before re-exploration, which has the advantage of confirming carotid occlusion and treating tandem intracranial lesions. The aim of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of this strategy. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all cases undergoing stenting of the carotid artery following carotid endarterectomy from November 2009 to June 2013 at four tertiary care centers. Charts and angiographic images were reviewed. 11 cases of carotid thrombosis within 72 hours of CEA and subsequent stent reconstruction are summarized. Results: Five patients had greater than 70% carotid stenosis prior to carotid endarterectomy. One patient had intraoperative occlusion and dissection of the ICA which was noted on intraoperative carotid duplex ultrasound. All patients underwent post operative computer tomography (CT) or computer tomography perfusion (CTP) scans with subsequent cerebral angiography and stent reconstruction within 11 hours of symptom onset. Two patients had tandem middle cerebral artery M3 branch occlusion which was successfully recannalized. In all cases, recanalization was successfully completed between 40 to 160 minutes. There were no procedural complications. Conclusion: Emergent endovascular evaluation in the setting of acute post CEA thrombosis is a safe and timely treatment option, with the benefit of detecting and treating embolic intracranial lesions. More investigation is necessary to define the role of immediate angiography and intervention in this rare surgical complication.
Axonal activation-induced calcium transients in myelinating Schwann cells, sources, and mechanisms

We have investigated the role of myelinating glia in events associated with propagation of the action potential at nodes of Ranvier using combinations of optical and electrophysiological recording methods. Calcium transients were observed in Schwann cells by fluorescent imaging of the nodal complex of fibers loaded with the calcium-sensitive dye fluo3-AM. To follow [Ca2+]i changes associated with neuronal activity at the node of Ranvier, nerves loaded with fluo3 were imaged during axonal activation using laser-scanning confocal microscopy. To elucidate sources of [Ca2+]i transients, we tested the effects of drugs known to alter [Ca2+]i. [Ca2+]i transients in Schwann cells were observed in response to axonal activation and these were subsequently blocked by ryanodine if ryanodine was present during a previous [Ca2+]i transient. Bath applications of caffeine induced [Ca2+]i transients which could be blocked by ryanodine. These findings indicate that calcium-activated calcium release occurs in Schwann cells in response to impulse activity.
Bayesian adaptive management of ecosystems

Frequentist statistics is not well adapted to handling uncertainties inherent in managing natural resources. A frequentist approach typically involves estimating unknown parameters of ecosystem relationships and testing their statistical significance. While such information is useful, natural resource managers have a greater need to know the most likely current state of an ecosystem and whether particular management actions improve that state in cases where it is not sustainable. Bayesian inference overcomes many of the deficiencies of frequentist statistics and is particularly well suited for implementing adaptive management (AM). Passive and active AM are distinguished and a Bayesian approach to active AM in static and dynamic settings is described for a hypothetical decision problem. The problem is deciding whether or not imposing restrictions on road density and use (referred to as road policy) in northwest Montana's Flathead National Forest improves habitat for the threatened grizzly bear. The proposed Bayesian approach to this decision problem specifies competing hypotheses about the effects of road policy on habitat suitability and evaluates those hypotheses using Bayes theorem and Bayes action.
Double Jeopardy: Interaction Effects of Marital and Poverty Status on the Risk of Mortality*

The purpose of this paper is to examine the hypothesis that marital and poverty status interact in their effects on mortality risks beyond their main effects. This study examines the epidemiological bases for applying an additive rather than a multiplicative specification when testing for interaction between two discrete risk factors. We specifically predict that risks associated with being nonmarried and with being poor interact to produce mortality risks that are greater than each risk acting independently. The analysis is based on men and women who were ages 25-74 during the 1971-1975 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I (NHANES I) and who were traced successfully in the NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-Up Study in 1982-1984. Overall, being both poor and nonmarried places nonelderly (ages 25-64) men, but not women, at risk of mortality greater than that expected from the main effects. This study shows that for all-cause mortality, marital and poverty status interact for men but less so for women; these findings exist when interaction is assessed with either a multiplicative or an additive standard. This difference is most pronounced for poor, widowed men and (to a lesser degree) poor, divorced men. For violent/accidental deaths among men, the interaction effects are large on the basis of an additive model. Weak main and interaction effects were detected for the elderly (age 65+).
Genetic Components of Resistance to Stalk Tunneling by the European Corn Borer in Maize

Identification of the genes conferring resistance to European corn borer (ECB) [Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner)] is an important step in understanding how resistance is expressed and whether different sources of maize (Zea mays L.) germplasm can be combined to enhance protection. The locations of genes for resistance to ECB tunneling have been reported but are inconsistent across studies. The objectives of this study were to map and characterize quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to tunneling in De811 and compare these with related studies and with QTL for anthesis and ear height. Inbred De811 (resistant) was crossed to susceptible inbred B73 to produce a population of 147 F 3 lines. The population was artificially infested and evaluated in three environments. The F 3 lines were genotyped at 88 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) loci to facilitate QTL mapping with composite interval mapping (CIM). Seven QTL for ECB tunneling were detected on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 5, and 8, associated with 42% of the phenotypic variation. The F, exhibits partial dominance for resistance but only one QTL with dominant gene action was observed. An F 3 population of B73 x B52 that was evaluated in the same environments facilitated comparisons of genetic heterogeneity between inbreds De811 and B52. Only one QTL for tunneling was common between the populations, indicating that the two inbreds may contribute different genes for resistance in crosses with B73. This information could be useful for combining the favorable alleles of De811 and B52.
Sources of variability as linguistically relevant aspects of speech

Recent research has suggested that only linguistically relevant sources of variability, or those which affect the perception of spoken words, are retained in long‐term memory. The present study sought to determine if the linguistic relevance of surface characteristics such as speaking rate, overall amplitude, and vocal effort would differentially affect memory retention. For each source of variability, a continuous recognition memory task was used in which listeners were presented with a list of spoken words and asked to judge whether each word in the list was ‘‘old’’ (had occurred previously on the list) or ‘‘new.’’ Results showed that listeners were better able to identify a word as ‘‘old’’ if the word was repeated at the same speaking rate (condition 1), overall amplitude (condition 2), or vocal effort (condition 3), suggesting that the individual surface characteristics which comprise each type of variability were encoded into memory. However, speaking rate and vocal effort produced a greater effect on recognition memory than overall amplitude, indicating that all sources of variability may not be processed and encoded to the same extent. Rather, memory for surface characteristics may be related to the amount of linguistically relevant information each source of variability contains.
Amylase/proteinase ratios in larval midguts of ten stored‐product insects

Amylase/proteinase ratios in homogenates of isolated midguts of 4 granivorous beetles, Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Sitophilus granarius (L.), Tenebrio molitor L., and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), which feed primarily on cereals or cereal products, were extremely high relative to those of Dermestes maculatus DeGeer, Attagenus unicolor (Brahm) (= A. megatoma (F.)), Anthrenus flavipes LeConte, and Tineola bisselliella (Hummel). The latter 4 species, which can feed and develop on diets of animal products or foods with relatively high protein content, had higher general proteinase (caseinolytic activity) and aminopeptidase activity and much higher proteinase/amylase ratios than the granivorous coleopterans. Larvae of the moths Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) and Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) had much lower amylase levels and higher proteinase levels than S. oryzae, S. granarius, T. molitor, or T. castaneum. These moth larvae also feed on cereals and cereal products but have more varied feeding habits than the Coleoptera. The enzymology related to initial stages of digestion of large food polymers reflects the biochemical adaptation of these stored-product insects to their preferred foods. RESUME Rapports entre amylase et proteinase dans les intestins de dix insectes de denrees stockees Le rapport amylase sur proteinase d'homogenats de tube digestif moyen de 4 coleopteres granivores: Sitophilus oryzae (L.), S. granarius (L.), Tenebrio molitor L. et Tribolium castaneum Herbst, qui s'alimentent surtout sur cereales ou derives de cereales, est extremement eleve par rapport a ceux de Dermestes maculatus DeGeer, Attagenus unicolor Brahm, Anthrenus flavipes LeConte et Tineola bisselliella Hummel. Les 4 dernieres especes, qui peuvent consommer et se developper sur des produits animaux ou des aliments avec une teneur en proteines relativement elevee, ont en general des activites proteinase (activite caseinolytique) et aminopeptidase plus elevees et un rapport proteinase sur amylase bien superieur a celles des coleopteres granivores Les chenilles d'Anagasta kuehniella Zeller et Plodia interpunctella Hubner ont des teneurs en amylase beaucoup plus faibles et, en proteinases plus elevees que S. oryzae, S. granarius, T. molitor ou T. castaneum. Ces chenilles consomment aussi les cereales et leurs derives, mais ont un regime alimentaire plus varie que les coleopteres. L'enzymologie en relation avec les stades initiaux de digestion des gros polymeres des aliments reflete l'adaptation biochimique de ces insectes des denrees a leurs aliments preferes.
Bilateral symmetry of biomechanical properties in rat femora.

In many studies, bone healing and remodeling have been examined in various animal models using one femur as a control for the contralateral femur based on the assumption that they are bilaterally symmetrical. Symmetry studies have been limited mainly to geometrical properties. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not there is symmetry in the mechanical properties of rat femora. Two strain gauges were attached to the anterior surface parallel to the long axis of explanted femora of retired female breeder and 120-day-old male Sprague Dawley rats. Femora were mechanically tested in cantilever bending and the strain values were recorded. Moments of inertia, cortical areas, and moduli of elasticity were determined from strains and cross-sectional properties. Female femora showed a bilateral strain difference of less than 2.2% and an elastic modulus difference of less than 8.7%. Males had less than 2.0% and 7.9% differences for strain and elastic moduli, respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between left and right femoral strain values for the females, but modulus differences were significantly different at the p = 0.05 level. There was no significant difference in strain and modulus values for the males, indicating mechanical and geometrical symmetry of their femora. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Measurements of Electrostatic Interactions between Charged Membranes

Neighboring lipid membranes experience attractive and repulsive forces. The attractive (van der Waals) force is due to induced change fluctuations and it acts even between neutral membranes. Repulsive forces arise from the tendency of lipids to stay hydrated and can include electrostatic interactions due to accumulation of membrane surface charge. When the attractive vdW force is balanced by repulsive forces, an equilibrium spacing between lamellae is established, as measured by X-ray scattering. This is often the case for neutral membranes. By contrast, lipid bilayers made entirely of charged lipid species such as the negatively charge phosphatidylserine (PS) swell indefinitely (“unbind”) in the absence of salt indicating the dominance of electrostatic repulsion. To measure the strength of electrostatic interactions in solution, we manipulate membrane charge in two simple ways: by adsorbing “sticky” ions such as bromide onto neutral phosphatidylcholine lipids, and by mixing-in charged lipid species. We will present results and discuss in what conditions membrane electrostatics can lead to unbinding.
Fast Placement Optimization of Power Supply Pads

Power grid networks in VLSI circuits are required to provide adequate input supply to ensure reliable performance. In this paper, we propose algorithms to find the placement of power pads that minimize not only the worst voltage drop but also the voltage deviation across the power grid. Our algorithm uses simulated annealing to minimize the total cost of voltage drops. The key enabler for efficient optimization is a fast localized node-based iterative method to compute the voltages after each movement of pads. Experimental results show that our algorithm demonstrates good runtime characteristics for power grids with large numbers of pad candidates in multi-million-size circuits. For a 16-million-node power grid with 646 thousand pad candidates, our algorithm took 72 minutes to improve the worst voltage drop from 0.398V to 0.196V and reduce the deviation of voltages on the power grid from 0.134V to 0.0241V.
Djurleite (Cu1.94S) and Low Chalcocite (Cu2S): New Crystal Structure Studies

Additional x-ray structure studies on low chalcocite generally confirm the previously reported structure but show that either disorder is present or the true space group is not P21/c but Pc, four of the 96 copper atoms in the monoclinic unit cell taking on twofold (linear) coordination. The crystal structure of djurleite has been solved in space group P21/n, the monoclinic cell having parameters a = 26.897, b = 15.745, and c = 13.565 angstroms; β = 90.13°; and a content of 248 copper and 128 sulfur atoms. Of the 62 different copper atoms in the structure, 52 are in threefold, triangular coordination with sulfur, nine in tetrahedral, and one in linear coordination.
Polymer solar cells

This Review summarizes recent progress in the development of polymer solar cells. It covers the scientific origins and basic properties of polymer solar cell technology, material requirements and device operation mechanisms, while also providing a synopsis of major achievements in the field over the past few years. Potential future developments and the applications of this technology are also briefly discussed.
Performance Comparison Between Static and Dynamic Cardiac CT on Perfusion Quantitation and Patient Classification Tasks

Cardiac CT acquisitions for perfusion assessment can be performed in a dynamic or static mode. In this simulation study, we evaluate the relative classification and quantification performance of these modes for assessing myocardial blood flow (MBF). In the dynamic method, a series of low dose cardiac CT acquisitions yields data on contrast bolus dynamics over time; these data are fit with a model to give a quantitative MBF estimate. In the static method, a single CT acquisition is obtained, and the relative CT numbers in the myocardium are used to infer perfusion states. The static method does not directly yield a quantitative estimate of MBF, but these estimates can be roughly approximated by introducing assumed linear relationships between CT number and MBF, consistent with the ways such images are typically visually interpreted. Data obtained by either method may be used for a variety of clinical tasks, including 1) stratifying patients into differing categories of ischemia and 2) using the quantitative MBF estimate directly to evaluate ischemic disease severity. Through simulations, we evaluate the performance on each of these tasks. The dynamic method has very low bias in MBF estimates, making it particularly suitable for quantitative estimation. At matched radiation dose levels, ROC analysis demonstrated that the static method, with its high bias but generally lower variance, has superior performance in stratifying patients, especially for larger patients.
Inflammatory monocytes regulate pathologic responses to commensals during acute gastrointestinal infection

The commensal flora can promote both immunity to pathogens and mucosal inflammation. How commensal-driven inflammation is regulated in the context of infection remains poorly understood. Here, we show that during acute mucosal infection of mice with Toxoplasma gondii, inflammatory monocytes acquire a tissue-specific regulatory phenotype associated with production of the lipid mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Notably, in response to commensals, inflammatory monocytes can directly inhibit neutrophil activation in a PGE2-dependent manner. Further, in the absence of inflammatory monocytes, mice develop severe neutrophil-mediated pathology in response to pathogen challenge that can be controlled by PGE2 analog treatment. Complementing these findings, inhibition of PGE2 led to enhanced neutrophil activation and host mortality after infection. These data demonstrate a previously unappreciated dual action of inflammatory monocytes in controlling pathogen expansion while limiting commensal-mediated damage to the gut. Collectively, our results place inflammatory monocyte-derived PGE2 at the center of a commensal-driven regulatory loop required to control host-commensal dialog during pathogen-induced inflammation.
Brownian thermal noise in multilayer coated mirrors

We analyze the Brownian thermal noise of a multilayer dielectric coating used in high-precision optical measurements, including interferometric gravitational-wave detectors. We assume the coating material to be isotropic, and therefore study thermal noises arising from shear and bulk losses of the coating materials. We show that coating noise arises not only from layer thickness fluctuations, but also from fluctuations of the interface between the coating and substrate, driven by fluctuating shear stresses of the coating. Although thickness fluctuations of different layers are statistically independent, there exists a finite coherence between the layers and the substrate-coating interface. In addition, photoelastic coefficients of the thin layers (so far not accurately measured) further influence the thermal noise, although at a relatively low level. Taking into account uncertainties in material parameters, we show that significant uncertainties still exist in estimating coating Brownian noise.
Sovereign Debt Restructuring Proposals: A Comparative Look

A range of different solutions, as the contributions to this roundtable show, has been proposed regarding the problem of sovereign borrower insolvency. Two prominent factors need to be taken into account in assessing the merits of each proposal: its impact on economic efficiency, in particular on the supply and price of credit for developing countries, and its regard for considerations of justice and procedural fairness.
Detection of substance P and its receptor in human fetal microglia

Substance P, the most abundant neurokinin in the CNS, is a major modulator of the immune system. We have examined the gene expression of substance P and its receptor in human fetal brain microglia. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Southern blotting assay, the four isoforms of preprotachykinin-A gene transcripts (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) were detected in the microglia. The human fetal microglia produced significantly higher levels of endogenous substance P protein (640-850 pg/10(6) cells) than did human peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages (25-50 pg/10(6) cells), as determined by an enzyme immunoassay. Using immunohistochemical staining with an anti-substance P antibody, cell membrane substance P immunoreactivity was observed. In addition, we identified the presence of messenger RNA for neurokinin-1 receptor, a primary receptor for substance P in human fetal microglia.From these data, we propose that substance P and its receptor are biologically involved in regulating the functions of microglia, and potentially play an important role in host defense of the central nervous system.
Approximating infinite horizon stochastic optimal control in discrete time with constraints

Traditional approaches to solving stochastic optimal control problems involve dynamic programming, and solving certain optimality equations. When recast as stochastic programming problems, structural aspects such as convexity are retained, and numerical solution procedures based on decomposition and duality may be exploited. This paper explores a class of stationary, infinite-horizon stochastic optimization problems with discounted cost criterion. Constraints on both states and controls are permitted, and modeled in the objective function by allowing it to take infinite values. Approximating techniques are developed using variational analysis, and intuitive lower bounds are obtained via averaging the future. These bounds could be used in a finite-time horizon stochastic programming setting to find solutions numerically.
The Literacy Development of Kindergarten English-Language Learners

Abstract This yearlong qualitative study explored how a literature-based literacy curriculum supported the literacy growth of ESL kindergartners participating in a full-day Portuguese-English bilingual program. The investigation centered on describing the interrelationships between oral language, reading, and writing development, and on tracing the children's literacy development in the context of instruction received. Literacy learning was embedded in three focal literacy events: circle/reading, journal writing, and phonics/handwriting. Findings indicate that an emphasis on phonics and on constructing meaning from texts supported the children's construction of literacy understandings. In addition, the findings support the notion that limited oral language proficiency does not constrain children's emergent writing and reading development. Children were capable of exploring sound-letter correspondences and building knowledge of high-frequency words. Exposure to word learning through contextualized and holi...
Two-terminal reliability of a mobile ad hoc network under the asymptotic spatial distribution of the random waypoint model

Abstract The random waypoint (RWP) mobility model is frequently used in describing the movement pattern of mobile users in a mobile ad hoc network (MANET). As the asymptotic spatial distribution of nodes under a RWP model exhibits central tendency, the two-terminal reliability of the MANET is investigated as a function of the source node location. In particular, analytical expressions for one and two hop connectivities are developed as well as an efficient simulation methodology for two-terminal reliability. A study is then performed to assess the effect of nodal density and network topology on network reliability.
Luminescence decay of broadband emission from CdS quantum dots

Abstract The stretched exponential photoluminescence decay of the energy-resolved broadband emission of purified and unpurified CdS quantum dots (QDs) made in reverse micelles is characterized as a function of photolysis time and thiol addition. Photolysis is found to proportionately increase both the lifetime and quantum yield of these QDs. This proportionality is consistent with a simple parallel channel model of the decay of the excited states. The ultimate QY of the purified sample is found to be as high as 24%, which is twice that previously reported for this preparation. At −70 °C both the QY and the lifetime increase by more than a factor of two, indicating that thermal quenching limits the QY at room temperature. Finally, the addition of alkanethiols is shown to red-shift and quench the emission while only modestly altering the lifetime. These thiolated QDs show an extremely large temperature dependence of QY, demonstrating stronger thermal quenching than the unfunctionalized QDs.
Radiation enhances tumor necrosis factor α production by murine brain cells

Abstract Astrocytes and microglial cells cultured from murine brain were stimulated to produce tumor necrosis α (TNF) by exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). TNF α production began within 2 h with maximum production between 4 and 8 h after atimulation. Clinically relevant low (2 Gy), but not high (8 Gy), doses of radiation significantly increased TNF production by astrocytes and microglial cells in response to LPS. The radiation effect was even more marked with multiple 2 Gy doses. TNF is cytotoxic for oligodendrocytes and for certain tumor cells. It increases vascular permeability and enhances immune responses as well as having biological effects. It is conceivable that production of TNF by astrocytes and microglial cells during clinical radiation theraphy might influence the responses of tumor and/or normal CNS tissues.
The cytologic diagnosis of gangliocytic paraganglioma: A case report

Gangliocytic paragangliomas are rare tumors primarily found in the duodenum. We report a case of a woman who presented with a retroperitoneal lymph node involved by metastatic gangliocytic paraganglioma. Subsequently, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology was used to identify the primary duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma. The smears of the aspirate material were highly cellular and contained a dominant population of epithelioid cells, a second population of ganglion cells and a third population of small, bland spindled cells. To our knowledge, the cytologic features of gangliocytic paraganglioma have not previously been documented. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The pathobiology of vascular dementia

Vascular cognitive impairment defines alterations in cognition, ranging from subtle deficits to full-blown dementia, attributable to cerebrovascular causes. Often coexisting with Alzheimer's disease, mixed vascular and neurodegenerative dementia has emerged as the leading cause of age-related cognitive impairment. Central to the disease mechanism is the crucial role that cerebral blood vessels play in brain health, not only for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, but also for the trophic signaling that inextricably links the well-being of neurons and glia to that of cerebrovascular cells. This review will examine how vascular damage disrupts these vital homeostatic interactions, focusing on the hemispheric white matter, a region at heightened risk for vascular damage, and on the interplay between vascular factors and Alzheimer's disease. Finally, preventative and therapeutic prospects will be examined, highlighting the importance of midlife vascular risk factor control in the prevention of late-life dementia.
Who Is My Client? Maintaining Paperwork When the Client Changes

The ethical codes of American Counseling Association (ACA) and International Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC) both address the importance of defining who the client is. It becomes very critical when more than one person is involved in the therapeutic process because it dictates therapeutic interventions and several other issues such as confidentiality, file maintenance, and informed consent. When the initial therapeutic relationship is altered by the addition of either the spouse or a couple being separated into individual counseling for a limited number of sessions, counselors must address their philosophical belief about keeping secrets. These issues will be addressed through two case scenarios using the ACA and IAMFC ethical codes. One suggestion of linking clients and their multiple files is given.