cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A single-cell atlas of adult Drosophila ovary identifies transcriptional programs and somatic cell lineage regulating oogenesis

Oogenesis is a complex developmental process that involves spatiotemporally regulated coordination between the germline and supporting, somatic cell populations. This process has been modeled extensively using the Drosophila ovary. Although different ovarian cell types have been identified through traditional means, the large-scale expression profiles underlying each cell type remain unknown. Using single-cell RNA sequencing technology, we have built a transcriptomic data set for the adult Drosophila ovary and connected tissues. Using this data set, we identified the transcriptional trajectory of the entire follicle-cell population over the course of their development from stem cells to the oogenesis-to-ovulation transition. We further identify expression patterns during essential developmental events that take place in somatic and germline cell types such as differentiation, cell-cycle switching, migration, symmetry breaking, nurse-cell engulfment, egg-shell formation, and corpus luteum signaling. Extensive experimental validation of unique expression patterns in both ovarian and nearby, nonovarian cells also led to the identification of many new cell type-and stage-specific markers. The inclusion of several nearby tissue types in this data set also led to our identification of functional convergence in expression between distantly related cell types such as the immune-related genes that were similarly expressed in immune cells (hemocytes) and ovarian somatic cells (stretched cells) during their brief phagocytic role in nurse-cell engulfment. Taken together, these findings provide new insight into the temporal regulation of genes in a cell-type specific manner during oogenesis and begin to reveal the relatedness in expression between cell and tissues types.
Chapter 5 – Orbital Mechanics

The equations of orbital motion with particular reference to characteristics of earth orbits are developed and the manner of altering those orbits is discussed. The basic ideas of conservation of energy and angular momentum for closed and open orbits are used to illustrate the maintenance of orbits and the achievement of escape from orbit for interplanetary missions. The ground track of orbits, effects of earth’s rotation and precession, determination of longitude, the spacecraft horizon and effects on communication are analyzed. Interplanetary trajectories are discussed and the orbital transfer process for atmospheric entry is presented.
Metaphor as Lexis: Ricoeur on Derrida on Aristotle

Both Derrida and Ricœur address philosophy’s relation to metaphor, and both take Aristotle as their starting points. However, though Ricœur’s The Rule of Metaphor is largely a response to Derrida’s “White Mythology,” Ricœur seems to pass right over Derrida’s critically important interpretation of Aristotle. In this essay, I dispel concerns that Ricœur may have been intellectually irresponsible in his engagement with Derrida on this point, and I demonstrate how Study 1 makes better sense as a detailed response to Derrida.
Pathogenicity and immune response against porcine circovirus type 3 infection in caesarean-derived, colostrum-deprived pigs

Recently, a novel PCV species (PCV3) has been detected in cases associated with sow mortality, lesions consistent with porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome, reproductive failure and multisystemic inflammation. The pathogenesis and clinical significance of PCV3 is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the immunopathogenesis of PCV3 in CD/CD pigs. Four treatment groups, PCV3 (n=6), PCV3-KLH (n=6), control (n=3) and control-KLH (n=3), were included with PCV3-positive tissue homogenate (gc=3.38×1012 ml-1 and gc=1.04×1011 ml-1), confirmed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and next-generation sequencing. Clinical signs, viremia, viral shedding, systemic cytokines, humoral (IgG) and T-cellular response were evaluated for 42 days. At necropsy, tissues were collected for histological evaluation and PCV3 detection by qPCR and in situ hybridization. No significant clinical signs were observed through the study. Viremia was detected in both PCV3-inoculated groups from 3 days post-inoculation (p.i.) until the end of the study. Nasal shedding was detected from 3 to 28 days p.i. and faecal shedding was transient. PCV3 induced an early (7 days p.i.) and sustained (42 days p.i.) IgG response. No significant T-cell response was observed. Histological evaluation demonstrated lesions consistent with multisystemic inflammation and perivasculitis. All tissues evaluated were positive by qPCR and virus replication was confirmed by positive in situ hybridization. This study demonstrated the potential role of PCV3 in subclinical infection, producing a mild, multisystemic inflammatory response, prolonged viremia detectable for 42 days p.i., presence of IgG humoral response and viral shedding in nasal secretions. More research is required to understand and elucidate potential co-factors necessary in the manifestation and severity of clinical disease.
GNSS Integrity and Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM)

This chapter describes the concept of integrity for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) applications. It defines integrity in the context of other navigation system parameters and explains the trade‐off between integrity on one hand and continuity and availability on the other. The chapter also explains the key variables used to quantify integrity and discusses the context in which integrity risk probabilities are estimated. It explores how and why integrity is evaluated by users in real time by computing protection levels for the position, velocity, and time outputs that matter to particular applications. The chapter examines the building blocks of protection level calculations: rare‐event bounds under nominal conditions and bounds under faulted conditions. It shows how these principles are applied to the design and analysis of receiver autonomous integrity monitoring, which is a monitoring technique that exploits redundancy in user measurements and is applied by both stand‐alone and augmented GNSS users.
Symbolic determinant identity testing (SDIT) is not a null cone problem; and the symmetries of algebraic varieties

The object of study of this paper is the following multi-determinantal algebraic variety, $\text{SING}_{n, m}$ , which captures the symbolic determinant identity testing (SDIT) problem (a canonical version of the polynomial identity testing (PIT) problem), and plays a central role in algebra, algebraic geometry and computational complexity theory. $\text{SING}_{n, m}$ is the set of all $m$ -tuples of $n\times n$ complex matrices which span only singular matrices. In other words, the determinant of any linear combination of the matrices in such a tuple vanishes. The algorithmic complexity of testing membership in $\text{SING}_{n, m}$ is a central question in computational complexity. Having almost a trivial probabilistic algorithm, finding an efficient deterministic algorithm is a holy grail of derandomization, and to top it, will imply super-polynomial circuit lower bounds! A sequence of recent works suggests efficient deterministic “geodesic descent” algorithms for memberships in a general class of algebraic varieties, namely the null cones of (reductive) linear group actions. Can such algorithms be used for the problem above? Our main result is negative: $\text{SING}_{n, m}$ is not the null cone of any such group action! This stands in stark contrast to a non-commutative analog of this variety (for which such algorithms work), and points to an inherent structural difficulty of $\text{SING}_{n, m}$ . In other words, we provide a barrier for the attempts of derandomizing SDIT via these algorithms. To prove this result we identify precisely the group of symmetries of $\text{SING}_{n, m}$ . We find this characterization, and the tools we introduce to prove it, of independent interest. Our characterization significantly generalizes a result of Frobenius for the special case $m=1$ (namely, computing the symmetries of the determinant). Our proof suggests a general method for determining the symmetries of general algebraic varieties, an algorithmic problem that was hardly studied and we believe is central to algebraic complexity.
50 years ago in the Journal of Pediatrics: breast-feeding, weaning, and acculturation.

This ethnographic study characterized breastfeeding practices across distinct communities in Guatemala to better understand the contributors to “protein malnutrition in infancy.” The study was conducted in an era of concern over the pervasiveness of infant malnutrition in the developing world. At the same time the developing world was rapidly transitioning from near-universal breastfeeding to increasing use of breast milk substitutes and public health advocates were beginning to sound the alarm with regard to these parallel trends. Solien de Gonz_ales found that the “Traditional Indian” mother of Guatemala typically initiated breastfeeding within hours of giving birth and did not wean until sometime between the second and third year. In contrast she observed dramatically less breastfeeding among the “Modified Indian” “rural lower-class Ladino” and “urban lower-class Ladino” mothers. All 3 of the latter groups reported discarding the colostrum and delaying the first breastfeed until the “real” milk came in. Although the rationale mothers gave for avoiding colostrum and weaning during infancy differed by community Solien de Gonz_ales traced the roots of these practices back to the “traditional Ladino culture largely imported from Europe during the conquest and colonial periods” and specifically the propagation of medical advice popularized by a 19th-century British pediatrician by the name of Peddie. It is estimated that 1 of every 4 neonatal deaths in the developing world today can be attributed to delayed breastfeeding initiation and lack of exclusive breastfeeding in the neonatal period. In other words 25% of all neonatal deaths could be prevented if the traditional infant-feeding practices of the indigenous Guatemalan community described here 50 years ago were the norm throughout the developing world today. Indeed we are now in an era of widespread recognition of the public health importance of early and exclusive breastfeeding. Our challenge is identifying and bringing to scale effective public health interventions that will lead us back to the infant-feeding style of the Guatemalan “Traditional Indian” of 50 years ago. (full text)
Environmentalism and natural aggregate mining

Sustaining a developed economy and expanding a developing one require the use of large volumes of natural aggregate. Almost all human activity (commercial, recreational, or leisure) is transacted in or on facilities constructed from natural aggregate. In our urban and suburban worlds, we are almost totally dependent on supplies of water collected behind dams and transported through aqueducts made from concrete. Natural aggregate is essential to the facilities that produce energy—hydroelectric dams and coal-fired powerplants. Ironically, the utility created for mankind by the use of natural aggregate is rarely compared favorably with the environmental impacts of mining it. Instead, the empty quarries and pits are seen as large negative environmental consequences. At the root of this disassociation is the philosophy of environmentalism, which flavors our perceptions of the excavation, processing, and distribution of natural aggregate. The two end-member ideas in this philosophy are ecocentrism and anthropocentrism. Ecocentrism takes the position that the natural world is a organism whose arteries are the rivers—their flow must not be altered. The soil is another vital organ and must not be covered with concrete and asphalt. The motto of the ecocentrist is “man must live more lightly on the land.” The anthropocentrist wants clean water and air and an uncluttered landscape for human use. Mining is allowed and even encouraged, but dust and noise from quarry and pit operations must be minimized. The large volume of truck traffic is viewed as a real menace to human life and should be regulated and isolated. The environmental problems that the producers of natural aggregate (crushed stone and sand and gravel) face today are mostly difficult social and political concerns associated with the large holes dug in the ground and the large volume of heavy truck traffic associated with quarry and pit operations. These concerns have increased in recent years as society's demand for living space has encroached on the sites of production; in other words, the act of production has engendered condemnation. Many other environmental problems that are associated with dust and noise and blasting from quarry and pit operations have been reduced through the efficient use of technology. Recycling concrete in buildings, bridges, and roads and asphaltic pavements will ultimately reduce the demand for virgin natural aggregate. The impact created by the large holes in the ground required for the mining of natural aggregate can be greatly reduced by planning their reclamation before mining begins.
The effects of epistaxis on health-related quality of life in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

Background Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disease mainly characterized by epistaxis in more than 96% of patients. Recently, a validated questionnaire known as the HHT Epistaxis Severity Score (ESS) was developed. However, little is known about the relationship between epistaxis and quality of life. We hypothesize that epistaxis severity is a major factor predicting health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in HHT patients. Methods This is a cross-sectional study. The ESS questionnaire and Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short form (SF-36) were administered to subjects through an Internet survey. All participants had a definitive diagnosis of HHT through Curacao criteria or genetic testing. Demographic information, genetics, and extensive histories were also collected. Descriptive analyses were performed with calculations of means and standard deviations (SDs) for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables. Linear regressions were then performed to assess the association between HR-QoL and ESS. Results A total of 604 subjects participated between April and August 2008. All patients reported epistaxis, 285 (47.2%) had telangiectasias, and 545 (90.2%) had a family history of HHT; 167 (27.6%) patients had mild epistaxis (ESS <4), 285 (47.2%) reported moderate epistaxis (≥4 ESS <7), and 152 (25.2%) reported severe epistaxis (ESS ≥7). Patients with severe epistaxis had lower scores for both the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and the Mental Component Summary (MCS) of HR-QoL when compared to those with mild epistaxis (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Conclusion The ESS is a major determinant of HR-QoL and should be considered as a measurement of treatment efficacy in HHT-related epistaxis.
A theory of nested speculative execution

Implementing distributed applications is a challenging task. Developers are confronted with issues like fault-tolerance, efficient synchronization mechanisms, and the correctness of the distributed code. Transactions are a simple and powerful mechanism for establishing fault-tolerance. To allow multiple processes to cooperate in a transaction we relax the isolation property. We call the new abstraction a speculation. This paper introduces a new programming model based on speculative execution. Speculations provide distributed coordinated rollback and enable optimistic execution of synchronization points. We present an operational semantics for nested speculative execution that specifies distributed speculations precisely. We also discuss two approaches to implementing support for speculations.
An activation-collision mechanism for cholesterol transfer between membranes

We report the results of experiments which show that cholesterol transfer between membranes cannot proceed by aqueous diffusion, as widely held, but must involve a more complex mechanism. (a) The rate of transfer of [3H]cholesterol from red blood cells was found to vary inversely with the size of the acceptor particle (ghosts, vesicles of ghosts, liposomes, and plasma lipoproteins). (b) The transfer of [3H]cholesterol from red blood cells to ghosts was accelerated by the presence of plasma, even though the plasma competed with the ghosts as an acceptor. (c) The rate of transfer of [3H]cholesterol from red blood cells to ghosts decreased to zero with increasing dilution but was not simply second-order. (d) The cholesterol in retinal rod disc membranes is not at equilibrium with plasma lipoproteins in that disc cholesterol increased when the homogenates were incubated in vitro with plasma. (e) The kinetics of cholesterol transfer cannot be limited by unstirred layer effects since the transfer of lysolecithin in the same system was faster than that of cholesterol by 3 orders of magnitude. The simplest model compatible with all the data suggests a two-step pathway involving a first-order followed by a second-order process. The first step could be a unimolecular activation event, perhaps the movement of the sterol in the donor particle to a more exposed (hydrated) position. In the second step, the activated sterol would be transferred during transient collisions between donor and acceptor particles. When collision is not rate-limiting, the overall process would appear to be simply first-order, hence kinetically indistinguishable from the aqueous diffusion mechanism. The activation-collision model thus not only rationalizes our data but is also consistent with the simpler kinetics previously reported for the transfer of both membrane phospholipids and sterols.
Molecular Mechanisms of Pyrimidine Dimer Excision in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Incision of Ultraviolet-Irradiated Deoxyribonucleic Acid In Vivo

A group of genetically related ultraviolet (UV)-sensitive mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been examined in terms of their survival after exposure to UV radiation, their ability to carry out excision repair of pyrimidine dimers as measured by the loss of sites (pyrimidine dimers) sensitive to a dimer-specific enzyme probe, and in terms of their ability to effect incision of their deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) during post-UV incubation in vivo (as measured by the detection of single-strand breaks in nuclear DNA). In addition to a haploid RAD+ strain (S288C), 11 different mutants representing six RAD loci (RAD1, RAD2, RAD3, RAD4, RAD14, and RAD18) were examined. Quantitative analysis of excision repair capacity, as determined by the loss of sites in DNA sensitive to an enzyme preparation from M. luteus which is specific for pyrimidine dimers, revealed a profound defect in this parameter in all but three of the strains examined. The rad14-1 mutant showed reduced but significant residual capacity to remove enzyme-sensitive sites as did the rad2-4 mutant. The latter was the only one of three different rad2 alleles examined which was leaky in this respect. The UV-sensitive strain carrying the mutant allele rad18-1 exhibited normal loss of enzyme-sensitive sites consistent with its assignment to the RAD6 rather than the RAD3 epistatic group. All strains having mutant alleles of the RAD1, RAD2, RAD3, RAD4, and RAD14 loci showed no detectable incubation-dependent strand breaks in nuclear DNA after exposure to UV radiation. These experiments suggest that the RAD1, RAD2, RAD3, RAD4 (and probably RAD14) genes are all required for the incision of UV-irradiated DNA during pyrimidine dimer excision in vivo.
Federal Policy Making for Biotechnology, Executive Branch, ELSI

Introduction Organizational Structure Origins of ELSI Form and Function ELSI in Action: Projects and Policy Topics and Questions Projects ELSI's Critics and Federal Science Policy Policy or Research? Restructuring ELSI A New Role for Government? Ethics and the Role of History Keywords: federal policy; biotechnology
Experiences using minos as a tool for capturing and analyzing novel worms for unknown vulnerabilities

We present a honeypot technique based on an emulated environment of the Minos architecture [1] and describe our experiences and observations capturing and analyzing attacks. The main advantage of a Minos-enabled honeypot is that exploits based on corrupting control data can be stopped at the critical point where control flow is hijacked from the legitimate program, facilitating a detailed analysis of the exploit. Although Minos hardware has not yet been implemented, we are able to deploy Minos systems with the Bochs full system Pentium emulator. We discuss complexities of the exploits Minos has caught that are not accounted for in the simple model of “buffer overflow exploits” prevalent in the literature. We then propose the Epsilon-Gamma-Pi model to describe control data attacks in a way that is useful towards understanding polymorphic techniques. This model can not only aim at the centers of the concepts of exploit vector (e), bogus control data (γ), and payload (π) but also give them shape. This paper will quantify the polymorphism available to an attacker for γ and π, while so characterizing e is left for future work.
Radar Remote Sensing

In this article, we present the basic principles of how remote sensing radars work. These include SARs (synthetic aperture radar), scatterometers, altimeters, sounders, cloud radars, and rain radars. Radars are active sensors; they provide their own illumination and therefore can be operated during day or night. An additional advantage of particularly lower-frequency radars is their ability to penetrate clouds, rain, tree canopies, and even dry soil surfaces. We start the discussion by defining the basic concepts of resolution, the radar equation, signal fading, and the geometric distortions associated with the radar imaging geometry. We also include a description of advanced SAR techniques (polarimetry, interferometry, and polarimetric interferometry) and their applications. We complete the chapter by briefly examining nonimaging radars such as scatterometers, altimeters, radar sounders, and meteorological radars. An extensive list of references is provided for each radar for readers who need an in-depth description of a particular radar. Keywords: remote sensing; radar; SAR; polarimetric SAR; interferometric SAR; polarimetric interferometry; scatterometer; altimeter; sounder; cloud radar; rain radar
Morphological and Molecular Characteristics of Host-Conditioned Ineffective Root Nodules in Cowpea

In cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) a recessive allele, designated cpi, elicits the formation of non-N2-fixing nodules with all bacterial isolates tested. Comparisons of mutant and wild-type nodules demonstrated that the ineffective nodules were anatomically similar to the wild type and contained both infection threads and bacteroids. Ineffective nodules were smaller, however, largely because of the reduced size of the infected cells. Additionally, the number of bacteroids was reduced and senescence occurred prematurely in the infected cells. Grafting studies demonstrated that the defect in nodule development was controlled by the root rather than the shoot. Northern analysis of four nodulin genes indicated that in the ineffective nodules transcript levels of the early nodulin VuENOD2 were initially reduced but were equivalent to wild-type nodules by 21 d. In contrast, transcript levels of the early nodulin VuB were initially similar in both genotypes but as the nodules matured the mRNA levels declined more slowly in the ineffective nodules. The late nodulins leghemoglobin and uricase were expressed in the ineffective nodules but at greatly reduced levels. Thus, the cpi-conditioned defect in nodulation is associated with impaired bacteroid maturation and maintenance, altered nodulin expression, and accelerated senescence.
Matching conditions and geometric invariants for second-order control systems

Working independently, a number of researchers studying Lagrangian control systems have proposed control designs for which the motion of the controlled system is itself characterized by a system of Euler-Lagrange equations. Of particular interest are the structured feedback designs proposed by Bloch, Leonard, and Marsden and the oscillatory open-loop designs proposed by Baillieul. In this paper, we discuss a certain condition, which we have called the input symmetry condition and which plays a role in both these designs. In the case of structured feedback, the condition ensures that the closed-loop system will remain a Lagrangian system, and that the corresponding Euler-Lagrange equations will be consistent with the dynamics of the original uncontrolled Lagrangian system. For the open-loop designs, the condition plays a role in proving stability of critical points of an energy-like function called the averaged potential. The condition also appears in a third context-namely in establishing conditions for reducing so-called acceleration controlled Lagrangian systems to velocity controlled Lagrangian systems. A major contribution of this note is a simple low-dimensional physical example for which the symmetry condition is not satisfied. A detailed analysis is provided.
One grammar or two? Sign Languages and the Nature of Human Language

Linguistic research has identified abstract properties that seem to be shared by all languages-such properties may be considered defining characteristics. In recent decades, the recognition that human language is found not only in the spoken modality but also in the form of sign languages has led to a reconsideration of some of these potential linguistic universals. In large part, the linguistic analysis of sign languages has led to the conclusion that universal characteristics of language can be stated at an abstract enough level to include languages in both spoken and signed modalities. For example, languages in both modalities display hierarchical structure at sub-lexical and phrasal level, and recursive rule application. However, this does not mean that modality-based differences between signed and spoken languages are trivial. In this article, we consider several candidate domains for modality effects, in light of the overarching question: are signed and spoken languages subject to the same abstract grammatical constraints, or is a substantially different conception of grammar needed for the sign language case? We look at differences between language types based on the use of space, iconicity, and the possibility for simultaneity in linguistic expression. The inclusion of sign languages does support some broadening of the conception of human language-in ways that are applicable for spoken languages as well. Still, the overall conclusion is that one grammar applies for human language, no matter the modality of expression. WIREs Cogn Sci 2014, 5:387-401. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1297 This article is categorized under: Linguistics > Linguistic Theory.
In Situ Mechanical Testing Techniques for Real-Time Materials Deformation Characterization

In situ mechanical property testing has the ability to enhance quantitative characterization of materials by revealing the occurring deformation behavior in real time. This article will summarize select recent testing performed inside a scanning electron microscope on various materials including metals, ceramics, composites, coatings, and 3-Dimensional graphene foam. Tensile and indentation testing methods are outlined with case studies and preliminary data. The benefits of performing a novel double-torsion testing technique in situ are also proposed.
Digital compensation of high-performance silicon pressure transducers

Abstract Calibration and compensation have been performed on two silicon piezoresistive pressure transducers and a silicon capacitive pressure sensor, using a semi-automated, computer-based system. Stepwise regression using polynomial functions is shown to be a useful technique for the calibration and compensation of these devices.
Study of white matter anatomy and 3D tract reconstruction by diffusion tensor imaging

“Diffusion Tensor Imaging” (DTI) has the unique capability to represent the macroscopic white matter architecture. Based on DTI, tractography is able to render 3D trajectories of tracts. There are no other technique that can produce equivalent anatomical information, and, thus, tractography is a powerful method to investigate human brain anatomy. Here, we present an overview of the principles, advantages, shortcomings and possibilities of these methods. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 20, 51–56, 2010
A Case Of Utilization Behavior and Hyperorality Following Bilateral Anterior Cerebral Artery Infarct Partially Responsive to Carbamazepine: Can Both Behaviors Be Attributed To Lesions In Different Frontal Lobe Circuits?

Lhermitte (1983) coined the term “utilization behavior” (UB) to define a neurobehavioral syndrome in which the visuo-tactile presentation of objects compels patients to grasp and use them, despite the fact that they have not been instructed to do so. The author suggested that UB was the consequence of frontal lobe damage. There are various interpretations as to the pathophysiology that brings about UB. Authors have described UB as an executive function deficit, intimating impairment in dorsolateral frontal-subcortical circuits. Yet, others have proposed disconnection between frontal and parietal lobe circuits or intra-frontal lobe pathology. Hyperorality and “bulimic type eating” (BTE) are symptoms of Kluver-Bucy Syndrome (KBS). While typically occurring after bilateral amygdala lesions/removal, others have suggested that symptoms of KBS may develop due to selective neurotoxicity in the basolateral amygdala and its cortical connections. Furthermore, the circuit between amygdala and cortex are reciprocal. Thus, disruption of a frontal-amygdalar circuit, with the latter projecting to the hypothalamus, may result in the production of Kluver-Bucy symptoms. We present a case of a woman with a bifrontal craniotomy and subsequent anterior cerebral artery cerebrovascular accident who developed manifestations of UB and Kluver-Bucy symptoms of hyperorality and BTE. We treated this patient with carbamazepine (CBZ), with the latter symptoms significantly improving, but the former essentially unchanged. We suggest that it is possible that this result may have occurred because while UB may not improve with CBZ, both bulimic type eating and symptoms of KBS have been reported to respond to treatment with CBZ.
Increased immunoreactive dynorphin and leu-enkephalin in posterior pituitary of obese mice (ob/ob) and super-sensitivity to drugs that act at kappa receptors.

Posterior pituitaries of obese mice (ob/ob) contained significantly more immunoreactive dynorphin (P less than .01) and leu-enkephalin (P less than .01) than their lean littermates. Drinking in obese mice was stimulated by 0.3%, and feeding by 10%, of the dose of ethylketocyclazocine, a kappa receptor agonist, needed to produce extra feeding and drinking in lean mice. Obese mice also showed greater and longer lasting suppression of ingestion after MR-2266, a kappa antagonist, than did lean mice. MR-2266 was much more effective than naloxone in suppressing schedule-induced polydipsia in rats. These results indicate that kappa receptors are involved in feeding and drinking and that obesity is associated with changes in these receptors and their ligands.
Growth inhibition of plant pathogenic fungi by hydroxy fatty acids

Hydroxy fatty acids are plant self-defense substances (Masui et al, Phytochemistry1989). Three types of hydroxy fatty acids: 10-hydroxystearic acid (HSA), 7S,10S-dihydroxy-8(E)-octadecenoic acid (DOD), and 12,13,17-trihydroxy-9(Z)-octadecenoic acid (THOA) were tested against the following plant pathogenic fungi: Erysiphe graminis f sp tritici (common disease name, wheat powdery mildew); Puccinia recondita (wheat leaf rust); Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides (wheat foot rot); Septoria nodorum (wheat glume blotch); Pyricularia grisea (rice blast); Rhizoctonia solani (rice sheath blight); Phytophthora infestans (potato late blight); and Botrytis cinerea (cucumber botrytis). At a concentration of 200 ppm, both HSA and DOD showed no fungal disease control activity. However, THOA at the same concentration showed weak activity and provided disease control (percent) of the following plant pathogenic fungi: Erysiphe graminis 77%; Puccinia recondita 86%; Phytophthora infestans 56%; and Botrytis cinerea 63%. The position of the hydroxy groups on the fatty acids seems to play an important role in activity against specific fungi. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2000) 24, 275–276.
Solid-state ozone synthesis by energetic ions

Abstract We have synthesized ozone by irradiating thin solid films of oxygen and oxygen–water mixtures with 100 keV protons, motivated by recent reports of condensed O3 on icy satellites in the outer Solar system. We measured the depth of the Hartley absorption band in the ultraviolet by reflectance spectroscopy and used it to quantify the column density of ozone. We analyzed the results using a three-component (O, O2 and O3) model that successfully explains the fluence dependence of ozone production.
Property-directed incremental invariant generation

A fundamental method of analyzing a system such as a program or a circuit is invariance analysis, in which one proves that an assertion holds on all reachable states. Typically, the proof is performed via induction; however, an assertion, while invariant, may not be inductive (provable via induction). Invariant generation procedures construct auxiliary inductive assertions for strengthening the assertion to be inductive. We describe a general method of generating invariants that is incremental and property-directed. Rather than generating one large auxiliary inductive assertion, our method generates many simple assertions, each of which is inductive relative to those generated before it. Incremental generation is amenable to parallelization. Our method is also property-directed in that it generates inductive assertions that are relevant for strengthening the given assertion. We describe two instances of our method: a procedure for generating clausal invariants of finite-state systems and a procedure for generating affine inequalities of numerical infinite-state systems. We provide evidence that our method scales to checking safety properties of some large finite-state systems.
An automatic nuclear-emulsion scanner☆

Abstract A scanning machine has been built to process nuclear track plates exposed in a broad-range magnetic spectrograph. The scanner, which has been in use for almost two years, uses a PDP-9 digital computer to do pattern recognition and to control the scanning head. A hig-resolution image-dissector tube scans the emulsion with a resolution width of about 5 μm. Many technical problems were solved to obtain good, stable signals of high resolution from typical tracks in nuclear emulsions. The computer identifies objects as tracks if they have the proper length, width, and orientation. The machine scans 30–40 times faster than the typical human scanner. Counting accuracy is found to be influenced by brightness of tracks, length of tracks, number of tracks in a given area, fog level in the emulsion, and dirt. For the majority of plates exposed in the magnetic spectrograph, good counting accuracy is achieved except in regions of high track density. The high speed and large capacity of the machine make it a valuable addition to our facilities.
Control of PHAS-I phosphorylation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes: effects of inhibiting protein phosphatases and the p70S6K signalling pathway.

PHAS-I is a recently discovered regulator of translation initiation. Non-phosphorylated PHAS-I binds and inhibits eukaryotic initiation factor-4E, the mRNA cap-binding protein that mediates a rate-limiting step in translation initiation. When PHAS-I is phosphorylated in response to insulin, the PHAS-I/eukaryotic initiation factor-4E complex dissociates. The present study was conducted to investigate mechanisms involved in the control of PHAS-I. Phosphorylation of PHAS-I was monitored by immunoblotting after subjecting extracts to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate. This was possible because phosphorylation markedly decreases the electrophoretic mobility of PHAS-I. Incubating 3T3-L1 adipocytes with rapamycin and wortmannin inhibited insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of PHAS-I at concentrations similar to those that inhibited activation of p70S6K. Both agents increased the amount of PHAS-I that co-purified with eukaryotic initiation factor-4E when extracts were fractionated using a cap affinity resin, indicating that PHAS-I binding to the initiation factor was increased. Incubating adipocytes with the protein phosphatase inhibitors, calyculin A and okadaic acid, increased PHAS-I phosphorylation and opposed the effects of rapamycin on decreasing PHAS-I phosphorylation. However, neither okadaic acid nor calyculin A abolished the effects of rapamycin on PHAS-I. These results suggest that the phosphorylation of PHAS-I in response to insulin occurs via the p70S6K signalling pathway. By regulating eukaryotic initiation factor-4E, PHAS-I may have important roles in the control of both protein synthesis and mitogenesis. [Diabetologia (1997) 40: S 18–S 24]
The amino acid composition of hemoglobin VI. Separation of the tryptic peptides of hemoglobin knoxville No. 1 on Dowex-1 X-2 and Sephadex

Abstract Hemoglobin Knoxville No. 1 has been characterized electrophoretically on paper, agar and starch gel, and chromatographically on carboxymethyl-cellulose and diethyl-aminoethyl-cellulose. Study of the peptide chains indicated that the abnormality in hemoglobin Knoxville No. 1 was due to a substitution in the α-chain. Separation of the α-chain tryptic peptides was carried out by a combination of chromatographic techniques utilizing Dowex-1 X-2 and Sephadex G-25. It was found that peptide αTIX of hemoglobin A was replaced by two major fragments, αTIXa and αTIXb, in hemoglobin Knoxville No. 1 due to the substitution of a lysine residue for asparagine at the 68th position of the α-chain. The appearance of two additional fragments was explained by quantitative amino acid analyses which indicated one had the composition αTVIII plus IXa, the other αTIXb-ox. Hemoglobin Knoxville No. 1 is, therefore, identical to hemoglobin GPhiladelphia ( α 2 68 Lys β 2 ).
Treatment predictors of extrapyramidal side effects in patients with tardive dyskinesia: Results from Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study 394

Predictors for the development of tardive dyskinesia (TD) have been studied extensively over the years, yet there are few studies of predictors of the course of TD after it has developed. Moreover, few studies have examined predictors of the course of other extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) in patients maintained on neuroleptics. The purpose of this study was to determine which modifiable variables are important in the prediction of EPS in patients with persistent TD over a period of as long as 2 years. One hundred fifty-eight patients enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study 394 were included in this study. A linear mixed-effects (LME) analysis to estimate the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale score (for TD severity), Simpson-Angus Scale (for parkinsonism severity), and Barnes Akathisia Scale at any given time after intake assessment was performed. The severity of each of the TD and EPS outcomes at any given visit was predicted by their respective baseline severity scores. Additional predictors of a favorable course of TD included lower doses of antipsychotic medications and use of anticholinergic medications. Other predictors of a favorable course of EPS included younger age and the use of atypical antipsychotic medication (for rigidity) and the use of anticholinergic medication (for tremor). These findings indicate that clinician-modifiable factors related to medication usage can influence the outcome of TD and EPS in patients with persistent TD.
Integrated execution framework for catastrophe modeling

Home insurance is a critical issue in the state of Florida, considering that residential properties are exposed to hurricane risk each year. To assess hurricane risk and project insured losses, the Florida Public Hurricane Loss Model (FPHLM) funded by the states insurance regulatory agency was developed. The FPHLM is an open and public model that offers an integrated complex computing framework that can be described in two phases: execution and validation. In the execution phase, all major components of FPHLM (i.e., data pre-processing, Wind Speed Correction (WSC), and Insurance Loss Model (ILM)) are seamlessly integrated and sequentially carried out by following a coordination workflow, where each component is modeled as an execution element governed by the centralized data-transfer element. In the validation phase, semantic rules provided by domain experts for individual component are applied to verify the validity of model output. This paper presents how the model efficiently incorporates the various components from multiple disciplines in an integrated execution framework to address the challenges that make the FPHLM unique.
The integrated computer engineering design (ICED) curriculum

A new undergraduate computer engineering curriculum, ICED, is being introduced at the University of Rhode Island. The main feature of the curriculum is a design project spanning the last three years of the major. This gives continuity to a student's studies: they will always know why they are learning a particular topic, and how it fits into the big picture. It also introduces them to long-term projects, and the requisite good documentation and communication habits necessary for its completion.The project to be undertaken is the design, simulation and construction of a computer and its compiler, including the design of its instruction set. Further, the various students' computers will be networked together during the final integration phase of the project. Thus, several aspects of computer architecture are treated in depth. Students will learn to make hardware/software design tradeoffs, as well as get hands-on experience with hardware.A key element of the design experience is the use of modern CAD tools. The Mentor Graphics CAD tool suite will be used throughout the curriculum. By standardizing on one set of tools, the time for the students to learn the tools is amortized over the entire curriculum.The curriculum has received funding from the National Science Foundation, and has been formally approved by the University. Students began the curriculum in Fall, 1997.This paper gives the rationale of ICED in depth, and describes the core courses, their activities and use of CAD tools, and how they interrelate to achieve the goals. The current status of ICED is also reviewed.
Black water and two peculiar types of stratification in an organically loaded strip-mine lake

Abstract During summer stratification a strip-mine lake in which fish were cultured in floating cages developed black water in its anoxic zone. The blackness was evidently produced by ferrous sulfide. Two types of black water stratification were observed. In one the blackness occurred throughout the anoxic zone but was more intense in the upper part, while iron and alkalinity were high throughout this zone. In the second the black water was confined to a meter-thick stratum within the anoxic zone, and iron and alkalinity were remarkably low except in two strata: the one with black water, and the one at the top of the anoxic zone. It is suggested that both types of stratification were caused by a high rate of sulfide production in the metalimnion. The relatively high temperature there (as compared to the hypolimnion) and the presumably higher concentrations of organic matter and ammonia, resulting from fish food and fish wastes, would account for this high rate of sulfide production. Because of sharp oxygen stratification two carbonate-forming processes, photosynthesis and sulfate reduction, occurred in close proximity to each other. In especially calm weather vertical density currents could be initiated by the calcium carbonate crystals and produce the second type of stratification. If the second type of stratification could be produced at will it might be used to improve the quality of strip-mine lake water.
Precursors to melanoma and their mimics: nevi of special sites

Melanocytic nevi, which are benign tumors of melanocytes, may have occasional cosmetic significance but, for the most part, they are important only in relation to melanoma. Nevi are the most important simulants of melanoma, both clinically and histologically, and can usually be reliably distinguished from melanomas using published criteria. Some lesions are characterized by greater degrees of atypia and may be more difficult to diagnose. Dysplastic nevi are among the most important simulants of melanoma. Nevi may also be important as potential precursors of melanoma; however, most nevi are stable and will not progress to malignancy. Nevi are vastly more common than melanomas and the rate of progression of individual lesions is very low. Therefore, nevi are not as a rule managed by wholesale excision to prevent melanoma. Nevi are also important as risk markers, identifying individuals at greater risk of developing melanoma in the future. Dysplastic nevi and, to a lesser extent, common acquired and congenital nevi are among the most important melanoma risk markers. Nevi of special sites have been identified as nevi that may show atypical features suggestive of a dysplastic nevus or of a melanoma. However, they are not risk markers and they are not malignancies. Nevi of genital skin, acral skin, and flexural skin are among the most important 'nevi of special sites'. It is important, in considering the differential diagnosis of a lesion in a special site, to avoid overcalling such a lesion as a melanoma or a dysplastic nevus because this could lead to excessive treatment. Conversely, it is important to avoid undercalling a lesion that is a dysplastic nevus or a melanoma as a nevus of special sites, because in this circumstance a patient could lose the opportunity either for surveillance to recognize a developing melanoma at an early, curable stage, or for definitive treatment of an established malignancy. In this monograph, dysplastic nevi and nevi of special sites are compared and contrasted in relation to melanoma.
Effects of psychoactive drugs on the metabolism of intracisternally administered serotonin in rat brain.

The effects of various psychoactive drugs on the metabolism of radioactive serotonin administered intracistemally were examined in rat brain. More radioactive serotonin was retained in the brains of rats anesthetized with pentobarbital during the intracisternal injection than in rats anesthetized with ether. Prior treatment with pargyline increased levels of intracistemally administered serotonin-3H and decreased its deaminated metabolites, whereas reserpine decreased levels of serotonin-3H. Imipramine, but not desmethylimipramine, slowed the disappearance of radioactive serotonin from brain. Chlorpromazine increased, whereas LSD decreased, the levels of radioactive deaminated metabolites of previously injected serotonin-14C in brain. When lithium chloride was administered after the intracistemal injection of serotonin-14C, levels of radioactive serotonin and deaminated metabolites in brain were increased above control values. The findings are discussed in relation to studies of the actions of these drugs on the metabolism of endogenous serotonin in brain, and to previous studies of the effects of these drugs on the metabolism of intracistemally administered norepinephrine.