cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic approaches in comparative and evolutionary physiology

Whole animal physiological performance is highly polygenic and highly plastic, and the same is generally true for the many subordinate traits that underlie performance capacities. Quantitative genetics, therefore, provides an appropriate framework for the analysis of physiological phenotypes and can be used to infer the microevolutionary processes that have shaped patterns of trait variation within and among species. In cases where specific genes are known to contribute to variation in physiological traits, analyses of intraspecific polymorphism and interspecific divergence can reveal molecular mechanisms of functional evolution and can provide insights into the possible adaptive significance of observed sequence changes. In this review, we explain how the tools and theory of quantitative genetics, population genetics, and molecular evolution can inform our understanding of mechanism and process in physiological evolution. For example, lab-based studies of polygenic inheritance can be integrated with field-based studies of trait variation and survivorship to measure selection in the wild, thereby providing direct insights into the adaptive significance of physiological variation. Analyses of quantitative genetic variation in selection experiments can be used to probe interrelationships among traits and the genetic basis of physiological trade-offs and constraints. We review approaches for characterizing the genetic architecture of physiological traits, including linkage mapping and association mapping, and systems approaches for dissecting intermediary steps in the chain of causation between genotype and phenotype. We also discuss the promise and limitations of population genomic approaches for inferring adaptation at specific loci. We end by highlighting the role of organismal physiology in the functional synthesis of evolutionary biology.
Parse fitting and prose fixing: getting a hold on ill-formedness

Processing syntactically ill-formed language is an important mission of the EPISTLE system, Ill-formed input is treated by this system in various ways. Misspellings are highlighted by a standard spelling checker; syntactic errors are detected and corrections are suggested; and stylistic infelicities are called to the user's attention.Central to the EPISTLE processing strategy is its technique of fitted parsing. When the rules of a conventional syntactic grammar are unable to produce a parse for an input string, this technique can be used to produce a reasonable approximate parse that can serve as input to the remaining stages of processing.This paper first describes the fitting process and gives examples of ill-formed language situations where it is called into play. We then show how a fitted parse allows EPISTLE to carry on its text-critiquing mission where conventional grammars would fail either because of input problems or because of limitations in the grammars themselves. Some inherent difficulties of the fitting technique are also discussed. In addition, we explore how style critiquing relates to the handling of ill-formed input, and how a fitted parse can be used in style checking.
Indian famines and peasant victims: the case of Bengal in 1943-44.

What, in detail, do Indian peasants do when famine looms? How do they defend themselves, who succumbs and who survives? Recently several talented economic historians have given these questions a vigorous airing. Morris D. Morris in particular set off the discussion by suggesting that South Asian peasants are well prepared for periodic drought famines. He argues (I compress him almost to parody) that long experience with the monsoon's periodic failures has taught the Indian cultivator prudence: when crops begin to fail the cultivator draws upon previously stored substances—his wife's jewelry, grain, cattle, etc.—and sells them or barters them to keep up his usual level of food consumption. Thus, while his assets are cyclically depleted and replenished, he can usually stave off the most feared effect of drought, which is starvation. N. S. Jodha, however, has partially contradicted Morris by adducing evidence from Rajasthan and elsewhere which shows the peasant cultivator to be more likely to cut back his current food intake rather than risk a loss of future production by depleting his capital assets. Like Morris, Jodha sees that farmers are rational and plan for the future, the disagreement being whether they plan for crop failures in the midst of good harvests or plan for good harvests in the midst of crop failures In fact these two views, suitably softened, are not incompatible, and one can imagine both operating at different phases of a worsening episode of drought.
Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Reproduction

: Antiphospholipid antibodies (APAs) may be identified in the laboratory by using either coagulation studies or solid-phase immunologic assays (ELISA; RIA). These methodologies do not necessarily evaluate the same antibody; consequently, it is appropriate to screen a patient's plasma by utilizing both assays. APAs have been associated with a variety of obstetrical complications including recurrent spontaneous abortion, intrauterine fetal death, early onset preeclampsia, deep vein thrombosis, and postpartum serositis syndrome. The Kaolin Clotting Time appears to be the most sensitive coagulation test for identifying the lupus anticoagulant. However, preliminary studies would suggest the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies as detected by solid-phase assays are more sensitive and predictive of the clinical course. Although there are no prospective trials to analyze treatment of patients with APA, preliminary data suggest the use of prednisone in combination with aspirin significantly improves the probability of delivery of a viable infant. In addition, heparin, intravenous gammaglobulin, and exchange plasmapheresis have all been tried with varying degrees of success in individual patients in small series.
Lateral diffusion of the total polar lipids from Thermoplasma acidophilum in multilamellar liposomes

P NMR lineshapes of multilamellar liposomes composed mostly of a bilayer-spanning tetraether lipid are consistent with rapid axially symmetric motion about the bilayer normal. The residual chemical shift anisotropy of 36 ppm is comparable to that seen for diacylphosphatidylglycerol systems and suggests comparable headgroup motion. The lateral diffusion rates for Thermoplasma acidophilum total polar lipids in mutilamellar liposomes was measured by two dimensional exchange 31 P NMR as a function of temperature. At 558C, near the growth temperature, the rate of lateral diffusion, D , is comparable to that of diester phospholipids in the L liquid crystalline phase, having a value of L a 2 = 10 y8 cm 2 rs. D decreases with temperature reaching a value of 8 y 6 = 10 y9 cm 2 r sa t 308C. The activation energy E L a . for lateral diffusion is estimated to be 10 kcal rmol ; 42 kJrmol . The lateral diffusion rates indicate that the tetraether liposomes have a membrane viscosity at 308C which is considerably higher than that of diester phospholipids in the liquid crystalline phase. q 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.
Is the cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) an appropriate model for human inflammatory bowel disease?

Study of an animal model for inflammatory bowel disease would greatly facilitate our understanding of this disease in man for which neither the exact pathogenesis nor specific treatment has been elucidated. The cotton-top tamarin is such a potential spontaneously occurring model in which the colitis has similarities to that of man. To justify the use of this model, sufficient similarity must be shown to exist. Using a battery of antibodies to assess binding in material from both tamarins and humans, we show that sufficient overlap of expression exists to justify continued study of the tamarin as the definitive model for human inflammatory bowel disease.
Effect of gradients in multi-axial stress states on residual stress measurements with x-rays

The assumption, that stress components in the direction of the surface normal are negligible in traditional residual stress determination methods by X-rays, has been recently disproved. In this paper we investigate the effect of normal stresses on the accuracy of these traditional methods. It is shown that appreciable error can exist in surface stresses determined by such methods, if normal stresses are present. New procedures are proposed to minimize these errors.
Structural characteristics and development of sea ice in the western Ross Sea

The internal structure of ice cores from western Ross Sea pack ice floes showed considerable diversity. Snow-ice formation made a small, but significant contribution to ice growth. Frazil ice was common and its growth clearly occurred during both the pancake cycle and deformation events. Congelation ice was also common, in both its crystallographically aligned and non-aligned varieties. Platelet ice was found in only one core next to the Drygalski Ice Tongue, an observation adding to the increasing evidence that this unusual ice type occurs primarily in coastal pack ice near ice tongues and ice shelves. The diverse internal structure of the floes indicates that sea ice development in the Ross Sea is as complex as that in the Weddell Sea and more complex than in the Arctic. The mean ice thickness at the ice core sites varied between 0.71 m and 1.52 m. The thinnest ice generally occurred in the outer pack ice zone. Regardless of latitude, the ice thickness data are further evidence that Antarctic sea ice is thinner than Arctic sea ice.
The impacts of scanner modeling parameters for OPC model of sub-40nm memory device

It is necessary to apply extreme illumination condition on real device as minimum feature size of the device shrinks. As k1 decrease, ultra extreme illumination has to be used. However, in case of using this illumination, CD and process windows dramatically fluctuate as pupil shapes slightly changes. For past several years, Pupil Fit Modeling (PFM) was developed in order to analyze pupil shape parameters which are independent from each others. The first object in this work is to distinguish pupil shape of different scanner by separating more parameters. According to pupil parameter analysis, the major factors of CD or process window difference between two scanner systems obviously appear. Due to correlation between pupil parameter and scanner knob, pupil parameter analysis would be clearly identified which scanner knob should be compensated. The second object is to define specification of each parameter by using analysis of CD budget for each pupil parameters. Using periodic monitoring of pupil parameter which is controlled by previous specification, scanner system in product lines can be maintained at ideal state. Additionally, OPC model accuracy enhancement should be obtained by using highly accurate fitted pupil model. Recently, other application of pupil model is reported for improvement of OPC and model based verification model accuracy. Such as modeling using average optics and hot spot detection of scanner specific model are easily adopted by using pupil fit model. Therefore, applications of pupil fit parameter for process model are very useful for improvement of model accuracy. In our study, the quantity of model accuracy enhancement using PFM is investigated and analyzed. OPC and hotspot point detection capability results with pupil fit model would be shown. Also, in this paper, trends of CD and process window for each scanner parameter are evaluated by using pupil fit model. As of results, we were able to find which pupil parameter has influence in critical layer CD and application of this result resulted in better accuracy in detecting hotspot for model based verification.
SOFT BREAKING IN SUSY, STRING AND INTERSECTING D BRANE MODELS

A brief review of recent developments on soft breaking in SUSY, string and intersecting D brane models is given. The constraints on soft breaking parameters from WMAP data are discussed. A discussion of the constraints of modular invariance on soft breaking within heterotic string models is given. It is shown that the radiative electroweak symmetry breaking leads to a more stringent constraint on soft parameters here than in SUGRA models. Finally, a brief review of recent developments on soft breaking in the framework of intersecting D brane models is given. The issue of gauge coupling unification within intersecting D brane models is briefly discussed.
A learning theoretic approach to perceptual geometry in natural scenes

Abstract This paper proposes a theoretical and computational framework to investigate the mathematical foundations supporting computational models, and to reconcile the biological bottom–up approach and cognitive top–down view of visual perception of form and space. We introduce the concept of the Gestalt of a surface that leads to perceptual estimation of geometric invariants of natural surfaces. The Gestalt of a surface is the earliest stage of representation in the brain that retains the geometrical properties of the surface encoded by optics, but adapted to the individual observer's specific perceptual parameters.
Computing with Novel Floating-Gate Devices

The authors report on the design, operation, and architectural implications of single and double floating-gate devices for nontraditional applications enabling low-power FPGAs and analog-to-digital converters, and propose a unified nonvolatile/volatile memory device.
A toolbox for APL programmers

A set of programming tools for APL programmers is described. One group of tools helps the reader understand APL by taking advantage of special features of communication terminals, as well as using nontraditional approaches toward program listings, and nonverbal communication methods. Another group of tools rewrites portions of APL programs in order to eliminate stumbling blocks to effective communication.
Practical recursive solution of degenerate Rayleigh-Schrödinger perturbation theory and application to high-order calculations of the Zeeman effect in hydrogen

With the aim of high-order calculations, a new recursive solution for the degenerate Rayleigh-Schr\"odinger perturbation-theory wave function and energy has been derived. The final formulas, ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{(N)}={R}^{(\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\sigma})}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{k=0}^{N\ensuremath{-}1}{\overline{\mathcal{H}}}_{\ensuremath{\sigma}+1}^{(\ensuremath{\sigma}+1+k)}{\ensuremath{\chi}}^{(N\ensuremath{-}1\ensuremath{-}k)}$ ${E}^{(N+\ensuremath{\sigma})}=〈0|{\mathcal{H}}_{\ensuremath{\sigma}+1}^{(N+\ensuremath{\sigma})}|0〉+〈0|{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{k=0}^{N\ensuremath{-}2}{\mathcal{H}}_{\ensuremath{\sigma}+1}^{(\ensuremath{\sigma}+1+k)}|{\ensuremath{\chi}}^{(N\ensuremath{-}1\ensuremath{-}k)}〉$ which involve new Hamiltonian-related operators ${\mathcal{H}}_{\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{(\ensuremath{\sigma}+k)}$ and ${\overline{\mathcal{H}}}_{\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{(\ensuremath{\sigma}+k)}$, strongly resemble the standard nondegenerate recursive formulas. As an illustration, the perturbed energy coefficients for the $3s\ensuremath{-}3{d}_{0}$ states of hydrogen in the Zeeman effect have been calculated recursively through 87th order in the square of the magnetic field. Our treatment is compared with that of Hirschfelder and Certain [J. Chem. Phys. 60, 1118 (1974)], and some relative advantages of each are pointed out.
Selecting Drug Combinations for Treatment of Drug-Resistant Mycobacterial Diseases

: Mixtures of antituberculosis drugs were evaluated for their in vitro effects on drug-resistant isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. avium-intracellulare. The response of individual isolates to representative drug combinations was not always predictable from the results of single-drug sensitivity assays. For the case of M. tuberculosis, combinations of drugs were often bactericidal even under conditions where two or more drugs were without effect when tested singly. The more widely drug-resistant M. avium-intracellulare demonstrated increased growth inhibition when subcultured in the presence of single drugs, particularly rifampin and streptomycin. However, these conditions favored the selection of highly resistant strains. Alternatively, multiple drugs were often bacteriostatic; and under conditions where isolates demonstrated growth inhibition, the selection of highly drug-resistant strains was delayed. These results suggest a role for multiple-drug sensitivity assays in selecting drug combinations to be used in the treatment of drug-resistant mycobacterioses.
Visible Changes in Macro Mica Particles That Occur with Potassium Depletion

Mica particles approximately 10 or 25 mm square and 0.5 mm thick were placed in NaCl-NaTPB solutions to make visual observations of the changes that occur in micas when the interlayer K is replaced by Na. Samples of muscovite, biotite, phlogopite, lepidolite, and lepidomelane were used, and the effects of different degradation periods were photographed. An increase in the thickness of the particles due to basal planes splitting apart was observed with all micas. This exfoliation released interlayer K and in some cases caused the particles to cleave into separate flakes. Lepidomelane particles remained intact despite a 20-fold increase in thickness in 7 days. Even muscovite and lepidolite exfoliated and cleaved, but much longer degradation periods were needed. There was a distinct change in the color of the dark biotite, phlogopite and lepidomelane particles when K was removed. Therefore, the initial stages of K depletion at holes, scratches, and edges of the particles were easily followed. As the degradation of the mica particles progressed, however, the color of the mica became a less reliable index of the stage of K depletion. Visual evidence of K depletion at the edges of particles was also obtained with muscovite, but not with lepidolite. Transverse sections of 25-mm particles of K-depleted biotite were photographed to show the edge expansion that occurred when interlayer K was replaced by Na.
Buckling of Risers in Tension due to Internal Pressure: Nonmovable Boundaries

Open-ended tubular columns may buckle globally as Euler columns due to the action of internal fluid pressure even while they are in tension along their entire length. Hydraulic columns, marine drilling, and production risers are prone to such static instability. This work explains this phenomenon, defines the critical riser length for which this instability may occur, and provides graphs with values of the critical length which can readily be used for design purposes. Risers with nonmovable boundaries are considered. 17 references.
Measuring Physicians' Performances and Marketing the RESULTS: A Breast Cancer Model.

▪Abstract: The recent transition to managed care has intensified the public’s concerns about the quality of medical care. In response, payers, who until recently seemed preoccupied with costs, are demonstrating a renewed interest in value, which in turn could lead to an expansion of negotiations with physicians to include the tracking of such issues as physician performance, patient satisfaction, and patient outcomes. As a response to public concern and demand for accountability, the medical establishment must develop methods to assist payers in estimating relative value of competing medical services. In anticipation of a values transition in their specialty, breast care, the authors established a performance-oriented database which facilitated assessments of their performance in relation to community standards, and enhanced efforts to identify and correct performance deficiencies. Year-end results were summarized in a report-card format that improved marketability. The author’s experiences should be of interest to physicians who are attempting to respond to changes in the rapidly evolving medical marketplace. ▪
Teratogenic effects of methylazoxymethanol.

SummaryMethylazoxymethanol (MAM), the aglycone of cycasin, a naturally occurring glucoside of cycad plants, causes retardation of growth and a variety of malformations in embryos of the golden hamster. This same substance was previously shown to be carcinogenic, hepatotoxic and to cause mutations, methylation of nucleic acids and chromosome breakage.
Tests for a new type of calorimeter, the SPED☆

Abstract A new type of sampling calorimeter is described, in which the readout system would use large area vacuum photodiodes. Tests are reported which indicate that satisfactory signal to noise ratios can be obtained for sampling hadron calorimeters of typical size.
Style based robotic motion

In this paper, we present an approach to motion sequencing and generation in which “style of motion” is taken into account in a systematic manner. In particular, we present a method for injecting so-called dynamic efforts into a discrete motion sequencing framework that utilizes existing theory of stylistic human movement to inform a principled approach to generating trajectories. Namely, choosing weights in a linear-quadratic cost function leads to trajectories corresponding to the eight basic effort qualities found in dance theory; each weight scales a different motion factor that describes an element of style perceived by an audience. Combined with a stylesensitive motion sequencing scheme, we can fully describe stylistic system behavior. Thus, this paper also reports on the application of this general framework to the problem of generating motion sequences for a humanoid robot that exhibit distinctly different stylistic behaviors though they are composed from the same underlying building blocks.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 59

Experimental nuclear structure information available through September 1975 is compiled, and adopted properties are presented. The present compilation represents an update of the previous work by J. Vervier (Nuclear Data B2-5-1, 1968), cited as 68Ve15, and was directly produced from the Evaluated Nuclear Structure Data File (ENSDF).
Acute nicotine reduces and repeated nicotine increases spontaneous activity in male and female Lewis rats

The Lewis (LEW) strain of rat appears more sensitive to nicotine than other strains in self-administration, conditioned place preference, and drug discrimination behavioral studies. The present study sought to further evaluate the behavioral effects of chronic nicotine treatment in the LEW strain by assessing spontaneous activity, which has consistently revealed sensitization to chronic nicotine administration in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. High active and low active male and female LEW rats (N=8 per group) were treated twice daily with either nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, sc) or vehicle for 14 consecutive days. Regardless of baseline activity level or sex, spontaneous activity was significantly decreased, compared to saline-treated rats, after a single nicotine injection. However, spontaneous activity increased in both low- and high-activity rats (both sexes) over the two weeks of nicotine administration to levels that were significantly higher than saline-treated rats. Based on these findings, acute and chronic nicotine administration had greater suppressive and enhancing effects on spontaneous activity in LEW rats compared to other strains of rats previously studied. These results further clarify the behavioral sensitivity of the LEW strain of rat to nicotine exposure and lend credence to the role of genetics in the individual susceptibility to nicotine dependence.
Accounting for inherent variability of growth in microbial risk assessment

Risk assessments of pathogens need to account for the growth of small number of cells under varying conditions. In order to determine the possible risks that occur when there are small numbers of cells, stochastic models of growth are needed that would capture the distribution of the number of cells over replicate trials of the same scenario or environmental conditions. This paper provides a simple stochastic growth model, accounting only for inherent cell-growth variability, assuming constant growth kinetic parameters, for an initial, small, numbers of cells assumed to be transforming from a stationary to an exponential phase. Two, basic, microbial sets of assumptions are considered: serial, where it is assume that cells transform through a lag phase before entering the exponential phase of growth; and parallel, where it is assumed that lag and exponential phases develop in parallel. The model is based on, first determining the distribution of the time when growth commences, and then modelling the conditional distribution of the number of cells. For the latter distribution, it is found that a Weibull distribution provides a simple approximation to the conditional distribution of the relative growth, so that the model developed in this paper can be easily implemented in risk assessments using commercial software packages.
Phonon - mediated particle detection : An overview

We review the current status of various programs developing phonon-mediated particle detectors for primary applications in particle and astrophysics. We begin with a brief summary and description of the general techniques employed by several of these groups. Experimental results on the detection of thermal phonons (e.g. using calorimeters) and athermal/ballistic phonons (e.g. using transition edge sensors or tunnel junctions) will be presented. Finally, we describe the design and operation of novel “hybrid” devices, and present results obtained with a cryogenic germanium hybrid detector which senses both phonons and ionization.
Continuous Production of Glucose Syrup in an Ultrafiltration Reactor

An ultrafiltration reactor was developed for the continuous saccharification of liquefied corn starch using glucoamylase. At an enzyme concentration of 1 g/L and a substrate concentration of 300 g/L, maltose and maltotriose were still detected in the reactor permeate after 4 hr of operation. At higher enzyme concentrations (6 and 12 g/L), the reactor achieved steady-state operation within 1–3 hr at all substrate concentrations studied. At an enzyme concentration of 12 g/L, residence time did not affect the final conversion of liquefied starch to glucose. The ultrafiltration reactor produced glucose syrups at residence times of 2–3 hr and substrate concentrations up to 30% w/v.
Measurement of renal volumes with contrast-enhanced MRI.

Purpose To determine the accuracy of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurement of total renal parenchymal volume and medullary fraction. Materials and Methods Sixteen kidneys in eight pigs were imaged with a multiphasic contrast-enhanced fast three-dimensional sequence on a 1.5-T imager. Kidney segmentation, followed by a process of signal intensity thresholding for cortical and nephrographic phase datasets, allowed for MRI measurements of parenchymal volume and medullary fraction. Autopsy provided reference standards of renal volume, weight, and medullary fraction. Results An excellent correlation was found between MRI measurement of total renal parenchymal volume and autopsy volume (R2 = 0.86) and weight (R2 = 0.90). Medullary fraction (mean ± SD) measured with MRI was 0.120 ± 0.067, and with autopsy was 0.116 ± 0.025 (t-test P = 0.84, F-test P = 0.001). Conclusion MRI measurements of total renal volume are accurate. MRI measurements of medullary fraction show promise, but precision is limited when using a simple signal intensity thresholding algorithm. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;15:174–179. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Avermectin-Milbemycin Studies. 3. Synthesis of a Milbemycin-Avermectin Hybrid

Abstract An efficient synthesis of a milbemycin-avermectin hybrid ( i.e. 1) has been achieved.
Two consequences of Minkowski's 2 n theorem

Abstract Consider the inequalities (a) ||⩽b,A∈ R r × n r , r positive vector (here |y| denotes the vector of absolute values of components of the vector y ) and x T Ax⩽λ,A positive semi-definite ∈ R n × n r , r 0 Both inequalities are guaranteed a nonzero integer solution x for every positive right-hand side ( b , α respectively). Such solutions will generally have a nonzero orthogonal projection X N ( A ) on the null space of A . We prove that a nonzero integer solution x exists with | x N ( A ) | bounded, for (a): ‖X N(A) ‖⩽ n−r volA b 1 …b r 1 (n−r) for (b): ‖X N(A) ‖⩽ 2 n volA λ r 2 K n 1 (n−r) where vol A= ϵ det 2 A IJ summing over all r × r submatrices A IJ , and K n is the volume of the Euclidean unit ball in R n .
The visible bands of ammonia - Band strengths, curves of growth, and the spatial distribution of ammonia on Jupiter

We report room-temperature laboratory studies of the 5520 A (6..nu../sub 1/) and 6475 A (5..nu../sub 1/) bands of self-broadened ammonia at column densities ranging from 1.7--435.7 meter-amagats (m-am). Detailed equivalent-width measurements at 24 different pressure-pathlength combinations corresponding to four pressures between 44 and 689 torr and pathlengths between 32 and 512 m are used to determin curves of growth and integrated band strengths. The band strengths for the 6..nu../sub 1/ and 5..nu../sub 1/ overtones are 5520 A: S=0.096 +- 0.005 cm/sup -1/(m-am)/sup -1/ and 6475 A: S=0.63 +- 0.03 cm/sup -1/(m-am)/sup -1/, respectively.Using these band strengths and curves of growth, we analyze new spatially resolved spectra of Jupiter showing a nonhomogeneous distribution of ammonia in the Jovian atmosphere. The observed variations in the CH/sub 4//NH/sub 3/ mixing ratio are interpreted as evidence of altitude-dependent depletion of ammonia in the atmosphere.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: An Evolutionary Perspective

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects a significant portion of the population--some 5% of all school-aged children--and approximately half of these individuals continue to show the full disorder in adulthood. Recent studies point to a strong genetic component in the etiology of this disorder. Questions have been raised as to the relatively high prevalence of this condition in the population, given its apparent maladaptive nature in present-day society. In this article, we review and discuss three theories regarding the possible adaptive function of ADHD: the hunter, fighter, and wader theories. Although no theory entirely explains the occurrence of ADHD, it is worthwhile to note that, at least historically, ADHD may have served an adaptive function and may have been selected by the environment for survival.
Structural reliability methodology — application at the system level☆

Abstract This paper discusses the use of structural reliability methodology for general systems reliability analyses. It briefly discusses previous applications of this approach to several different types of systems. A description of the basic methodology is given followed by a discussion of the computational processes that are available for arriving at solutions. The basic structural reliability approach involves defining first the “requirements” (or stresses) to which a structure will be subjected in terms of the static and dynamic loadings and other environments, such as temperature and pressure. Secondly, the “capability” (or strength) of the structure to withstand the requirements (stresses) must be defined in terms of the appropriate structural parameters, such as static and dynamic material properties, and structural dimensions and configuration. Since, in general, the structural dimensions, configuration, loadings, and other environments are random variables, the capability and requirements are also random variables. Therefore, the reliability of the structure is the probability that the requirements imposed upon the structure do not exceed the capability of the structure to withstand them within a time period of interest. There are basically three computational procedures for generating solutions of this type of problem: (1) closed form solution, (2) Monte Carlo simulation, and (3) numerical techniques. This paper suggests that the optimal procedure is a combination of these three, depending upon the particular problem.
A unified approach to monotone iterative technique for quasilinear elliptic problems

A unified approach Tor the miinatone Itera!ive technique is discussed relative to quasilinear elliptic boundary value problems when the nonlinear term involved admits a splitting of the difference of two monotone functions. This setting includes several results in one framework and is applicable to a variety of nonlinear problems.
Protein tyrosine kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation contribute to KATP and Kca channel impairment after brain injury

Abstract Previous studies have observed that pial artery dilation to activators of the ATP sensitive K (K ATP ) and calcium sensitive K (K ca ) channel was blunted following fluid percussion brain injury (FPI) in the piglet. In recent studies in the rat, protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activation was observed to contribute to K ATP channel impairment after FPI, but such a role in K ca channel impairment was unclear. This study investigated the role of PTK and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in blunted pial dilation to K ATP and K ca channel agonists following FPI in piglets equipped with a closed cranial window. Cromakalim and NS1619 (10 −8 , 10 −6 M) induced pial artery dilation was blunted after FPI, but partially restored by the PTK inhibitors genistein (10 −6 M) and tyrphostin A23 (10 −5 M) (10±1 and 19±1%, sham control; 2±1 and 4±1%, FPI; and 7±1 and 11±1% FPI-genistein pretreated for NS1619 10 −8 , 10 −6 M, respectively). Cromakalim- and NS1619-induced pial dilation was also partially restored after FPI by pretreatment with the MAPK inhibitors U0126 (10 −6 M) and PD98059 (10 −5 M) (12±1 and 21±1%, sham control; 2±1 and 4±1%, FPI; and 6±1 and 10±2%, FPI-U0126 pretreated for NS1619 10 −8 , 10 −6 M, respectively). These data suggest that PTK and MAPK activation contribute to K ATP and K ca channel impairment following FPI.
Multiperiod migration patterns: the timing and frequency of household responses.

The structure of intertemporal patterns of household migration responses is empirically examined. The findings indicate that migration decisions are often related to changes in household conditions in both prior as well as following periods are dependent on the duration of household status characteristics (e.g. marital status) and not just their presence at any point in time and finally that migration response in any particular period very often differs among households as a result of differences in the underlying structure of migration frequency behavior. These findings suggest that inferences based on comparisons of household migration responses over only a single period of time are incomplete possibly to the point of being misleading. The study is based on a calculation of "the distribution of migration patterns between 1976 and 1979 for a sample of 4739 households in the [U.S.] Michigan Panel Survey on Income Dynamics (PSIC)." (EXCERPT)
Biosynthesis of the earthy odorant geosmin by a bifunctional Streptomyces coelicolor enzyme

Geosmin (1) is responsible for the characteristic odor of moist soil, as well as off-flavors in drinking water and foodstuffs1,2. Geosmin is generated from farnesyl diphosphate (FPP, 2) by an enzyme that is encoded by the SCO6073 gene in the soil organism Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) (ref. 3). We have now shown that the recombinant N-terminal half of this protein catalyzes the Mg2+-dependent cyclization of FPP to germacradienol (3) and germacrene D (4), while the highly homologous C-terminal domain, previously thought to be catalytically silent, catalyzes the Mg2+-dependent conversion of germacradienol to geosmin. Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed that the N- and C-terminal domains each harbor a distinct, independently functioning active site. A mutation in the N-terminal domain of germacradienol-geosmin synthase of a catalytically essential serine to alanine results in the conversion of FPP to a mixture of sesquiterpenes that includes an aberrant product identified as isolepidozene (6), which was previously suggested to be an enzyme-bound intermediate in the cyclization of FPP to germacradienol.
Site-specific characteristics of infants developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Site-specific variables that contribute to the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) can be identified. To evaluate the demographic, nutrition and growth characteristics of infants at risk for developing BPD at two neonatal intensive care units (NICUs: sites A and O). Records of 306 infants of <30 weeks gestational age (GA) who survived to at least 36 weeks postmenstrual age were retrospectively reviewed. Data were obtained for maternal and neonatal demographics, weights, total fluids, calories, carbohydrate, protein and fat intake at birth, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of life. BPD rates were not different at the two sites. No statistical differences were noted in the incidence of maternal chorioamnionitis, pregnancy-induced hypertension or use of antenatal steroids among infants who developed BPD (n=169) and those who did not (n=137). White race, birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome requiring surfactant, sepsis and patent ductus arteriosus were significantly associated (all P⩽0.03) with BPD. After controlling for significant confounding variables, infants who developed BPD had significantly (P<0.001) less weight gain, received less calories and fat in the first postnatal month. In the 26 to 28 weeks GA group, the odds of getting BPD were 5.4 (95%CI: 1.4 to 21.3) times greater for site A than site O (P=0.017). Our analysis suggests that while some decrease in BPD can be achieved by focusing on ventilation/oxygen use, this approach is unlikely to impact on the youngest infants.
Photoresponse at 1.55 μm in GeSn epitaxial films grown on Si

In summary, epitaxial Ge1-xSnx films with hole mobilities as high as 600 cm2V-1s-1 were deposited on Si(100) substrates by UHV-CVD and used to fabricate photoconductor devices employing standard semiconductor processing steps. Performance measurements of the produced device provided feedback for improvement of the Ge1-xSnx material quality during the growth. Photoconductor devices showed maximum 0.5% decrease of the resistance upon irradiation by 1.55 μm laser light with 5 mW power.
Using Time-limited trials to improve surgical care for frail older adults

An 85-year-old male nursing home resident who is frail but enjoys his current quality of life is admitted with an acute high-grade small bowel obstruction potentially due to adhesions from prior abdominal surgery. The patient has significant tenderness on abdominal exam with involuntary guarding and signs of pneumatosis on the CT scan that are concerning for bowel ischemia. After discussing potential options for management, including surgical intervention and palliative care, the patient and his family express a desire to proceed with surgery because there is a small chance that he could return to his preoperative quality of life. The surgeon believes that his problem is potentially reversible but worries that the patient is at high risk for complications, which could lead to a prolonged ICU stay and subsequent death. How should the possibility of surgical complications be introduced? What plans, if any, should be made at this point for how to deal with complications if one or more occur?
Determination of prednisolone in the presence of hydroxyzine and in formulations containing analgesics.

A colorimetric method for the determination of prednisolone in the presence of hydroxyzine [1-(p-chlorobenzhydryl)-4-2-(2-hydroxyethoxy) ethyl piperazine], acetylsalicylic acid, caffeine, and acetophenetidin is proposed. Samples of tablet formulations containing prednisolone and the above mentioned compounds were assayed by the addition of sulfuric acid and ferric chloride to alcoholic solutions of the active ingredient and subsequent measurement of the absorbance of the resulting colored solutions.
Wolff’s proof of the Corona Theorem

An expository account is given of T. Wolff’s recent elementary proof of Carleson’s Corona Theorem (1962). The Corona Theorem answers affirmatively a question raised by S. Kakatani (1957) as to whether the open unit disc in the complex plane is dense in the maximal ideal space of the Banach algebra of bounded analytic functions thereon.
eQTL Mapping Using RNA-seq Data

As RNA-seq is replacing gene expression microarrays to assess genome-wide transcription abundance, gene expression Quantitative Trait Locus (eQTL) studies using RNA-seq have emerged. RNA-seq delivers two novel features that are important for eQTL studies. First, it provides information on allele-specific expression (ASE), which is not available from gene expression microarrays. Second, it generates unprecedentedly rich data to study RNA-isoform expression. In this paper, we review current methods for eQTL mapping using ASE and discuss some future directions. We also review existing works that use RNA-seq data to study RNA-isoform expression and we discuss the gaps between these works and isoform-specific eQTL mapping.
Percutaneous extracorporeal arteriovenous CO2 removal for severe respiratory failure

Abstract Background . In previous animal studies, arteriovenous CO 2 removal (AVCO 2 R) achieved significant reduction in ventilator pressures and improvement in the Pao 2 to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio during severe respiratory failure. For our initial clinical experience, 5 patients were approved for treatment of severe respiratory failure and CO 2 retention to evaluate the feasibility and safety of percutaneous AVCO 2 R. Methods . Patients were anticoagulated with heparin (activated clotting time, 260 to 300 seconds), underwent percutaneous femoral cannulation (10F to 12F arterial and 12F to 15F venous catheters), and then were connected to a low-resistance, 2.5-m 2 hollow-fiber oxygenator for 72 hours. Results . Mean AVCO 2 R flow at 24, 48, and 72 hours was 837.4 ± 73.9, 873 ± 83.6, and 750 ± 104.5 mL/min, respectively, with no vascular complications and no significant change in heart rate or mean arterial pressure. Removal of CO 2 plateaued at an AVCO 2 R flow of 1086 mL/min with 208 mL/min CO 2 removed. Average CO 2 transfer at 24 and 48 hours was 142 ± 17 and 129 ± 16 mL/min. Use of AVCO 2 R allowed a significant decrease in minute ventilation from 7.2 ± 2.3 L/min at baseline to 3.4 ± 0.8 L/min at 24 hours. Conclusions . All patients survived the experimental period without adverse sequelae. Percutaneous AVCO 2 R can achieve approximately 70% CO 2 removal in adults with severe respiratory failure and CO 2 retention without hemodynamic compromise or instability.
Exact joint distributions of any few ordered roots of a class of random matrices

Abstract In this paper, the authors derived exact expressions for the joint marginal densities of any few consecutive ordered roots of a class of random matrices which includes Wishart matrix, MANOVA matrix, and canonical correlation matrix. In addition, the authors obtained an exact expression for the probability integral associated with the joint distribution of any two ordered roots as well as an expression for the c.d.f. of a single intermediate root. All the above expressions are linear combinations of the products of certain double integrals which can be evaluated without any difficulty.
An improved iterative Extended Hückel method for conjugated molecules

The deficiencies of iterative extended Huckel theory as applied to conjugated molecules are discussed. An improved treatment is suggested which sacrifices complete rotational invariance but which is capable of a better representation of the πt-electron energy levels and molecular ionization potentials.
Can Radiographic Morphometric Parameters for the Hip Be Assessed on MRI

Background Although morphometric hip parameters measured on radiographs are valuable tools guiding diagnosis and therapy in patients with hip disorders, some clinicians use MRI for such measurements, although it is unclear whether the parameters assessed on MRI differ from those assessed on radiographs.
Alteration of disk-shedding patterns by light-onset of higher than normal intensity

Abstract Rod outer segment (ROS) disk-shedding patterns were determined in the albino rat eye. All of the animals had the same, low-intensity-light histories, but on the day that shedding patterns were to be measured the rats were divided into three groups: (i) one which did not have any lights turned on at 0700 hr (‘continued dark’ group); (ii) one which had normal, 3-lx light turned on (‘colony’ group); (iii) one which had a brighter-than-normal light turned on (‘80-lx’ group). The ‘continued dark’ group displayed a broad profile of shedding over time which persisted because phagosomes disappeared so slowly. The ‘colony’ group showed the same initial rate of phagosome production as did the ‘continued dark’ group but a much accelerated rate of phagosome disappearance. The ‘80-lx’ group showed no rate of phagosome production; rather there was a simple, rapid exponential disappearance of those phagosomes which existed just prior to light onset. The kinetics of these phenomena are described in a model, rate constants for which were obtained from our data and simulated on an analog computer. The analysis of the three shedding patterns indicates the existence of an intensity-dependent disappearance rate and suggests an inhibition of shedding and/or phagocytosis by intensity greater than that of the usual environment.
Prenatal counseling for myelomeningocele: prognoses, decisions and outcomes

Background In 2007, we reported the outcomes of 238 patients counseled by pediatricians following ultrasound (US) diagnosis of a nervous system defect (Avellino et al.). Here, we compare a subset of these patients diagnosed with myelomeningocele (MM) to a group of patients not counselled by a pediatrician. We have gathered data regarding prenatal prognoses and outcomes for these two groups.
Genre, media, and communicating to learn in the disciplines: Vygotsky developmental theory and North American genre theory

What is the relationship between medium and genre in learning and develop- ment? North American genre theory suggests following Miller (1984, 1994) that genre is social action. Genres evoke expectations, direct attention, guide action and suggest 'what motives we may have.' Yet the relationship between media and genres, as Miller suggested at SIGET IV (1997), is complex. The blog, for example, quickly evolved from being one genre to many genres and, today, might be said to be a medium more than a genre. Bazerman at SIGET IV (2007) argued, following Vygotsky (1997), that genres −particularly written genres− 'provide highly differentiated, scaffolded communicative spaces in which we learn the cognitive practices of specialized domains.' This paper provides some evidence for Bazerman's theory from a case study of students in en- gineering. It shows how genres may scaffold development by directing attention and focusing motivation to ensembles of genres in a range of media, and repay greater study.
Construction and estimation of bases in function fields

Abstract We construct bases of the Riemann-Roch space of a divisor D of the function field of a plane curve given by an equation F ( x , y ) = 0. When F has coefficients in an algebraic number field and D is defined over this field, we give bounds (depending on the height and the degree of F ) for the archimedean as well as the non-archimedean absolute values of the coefficients of the Puiseux series of the constructed bases. These bounds supersede estimates given by Coates in 1970.