cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leafcutting Ant Diet Selection: The Role of Nutrients, Water, and Secondary Chemistry

The relationship of plant secondary chemistry, water content, and nutrient content to the palatability of leaves to the leafcutting ant Atta cephalotes was determined in a study of individuals from 50 woody plant species in tropical dry forest of Costa Rica. The study took place during the yearly period of maximum leaf harvest, in the early rainy season. The palatability of plants was determined by presenting leaf disks to ants on active foraging trails of three ant colonies. The distribution of several classes of polar secondary compounds in leaf samples was determined using chemical spot tests, and that of ant—deterrent nonpolar compounds using laboratory bioassays of plant nonpolar extracts. Nitrogen, energy, and water availability in leaves were assessed using quantitative analyses. Plants of high relative palatability generally lacked deterrent nonpolar extracts but did contain hydrolyzable tannins; the opposite was true for plants of low palatability. Little or no relationship was found to exist between plant palatability and measures of leaf nitrogen, energy content, and moisture content, or the presence of alkaloids and condensed tannins in leaves. No statistically significant interactions among leaf characteristics were found. The number of leaf disks harvested by ant colonies decreased during the study period. This decrease was unrelated to nutrient and moisture availability in leaves, but may be related to changes in secondary chemistry over the course of the season. Although plants were not equally palatable to all colonies tested, there was no evidence that colony—to—colony differences in plant preferences were related to the plant characteristic studied. Overall, the results suggest that plant secondary chemistry is the best predictor of plant species utilization by leafcutting ants.
Molecular view of copper deposition chemistry: (Hexafluoroacetylacetonate)Cu(vinyltrimethylsilane) on a Si(1 0 0)-2 × 1 surface

Abstract The chemistry of a common copper deposition precursor, (hexafluoroacetylacetonate)Cu(vinyltrimethylsilane), ( hfac )Cu(VTMS), on a single crystal Si(1 0 0)-2 × 1 surface is described at the molecular level using a combination of experimental surface analytical techniques under ultra-high vacuum conditions with computational analysis. At a cryogenic temperature of 100 K, ( hfac )Cu(VTMS) adsorbs on this surface molecularly, without noticeable decomposition. Upon surface annealing, VTMS is easily released into the gas phase below the room temperature, while the hfac ligand is bound to the surface through the copper atom. When ( hfac )Cu(VTMS) is adsorbed at room temperature, VTMS is released into the gas phase immediately, leaving surface adsorbate analogous in structure to the one formed by adsorption at cryogenic temperature and a brief annealing to room temperature. Upon surface annealing, the hfac ligand decomposes and constitutes the main source of impurities in copper deposition process.
Ultrasonography to evaluate adults for appendicitis: decision making based on meta-analysis and probabilistic reasoning.

Objectives: To review ultrasonography (US) test performance and to develop recommendations for the use of US to aid in the evaluation of potential appendicitis. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted using all English-language articles published since 1986 (17 studies; 3,358 patients) to ascertain sensitivity and specificity of US for diagnosing appendicitis in adults and teenagers. Calculation of the predictive value of US was performed for three groups of patients: group I—usually operated on (prevalence of appendicitis = 80%); group II—usually observed in hospital (prevalence = 40%); and group III—usually released home (prevalence 2%). Results: Overall sensitivity was 84.7% (95% CI: 81.0–87.8%), and specificity 92.1% (88.0–95.2). The accuracy and usefulness of US were related to the likelihood of appendicitis. In group I, a positive test was accurate [positive predictive value (PPV) = 97.6%], but a negative study could not rule out appendicitis [negative predictive value (NPV) = 59.5%]. The converse was true for group III patients (PPV = 19.5%, NPV = 99.7%). Test performance accuracy was balanced only for group II patients (PPV = 87.3%, NPV = 89.9%). Conclusions: 1) US should not be used to exclude appendicitis for patients who have “classic” signs/symptoms, due to the underlying high false-negative rate. 2) US is most useful for patients who have an indeterminate probability of disease after the initial evaluation—if US is positive, the patient should have an operation; otherwise, he or she should be observed. 3) US is not recommended for screening patients who have a low probability of appendicitis, due to the low prevalence of disease and high false-positive rate in this group.
Monotic and dichotic presentation of phonemic elements in a backward recognition-masking paradigm

Auditory processing was examined in eight normal subjects using monotic and dichotic presentations of phonemic elements in an auditory backward recognition-masking paradigm. Experimental trials consisted of the presentation of one of three equiprobable consonant-vowel targets (/ba/,/da/,/ga/) followed by a vowel masker (/a/), separated by a variable silent interstimulus interval (ISI). For the dichotic condition, the mean percentage of correct recognition scores for target identification improved systematically with increases in ISIs, reaching an asymptote followed by an apparent plateau. In contrast, mean performance accuracy for the monotic condition revealed a U-shaped function for signal pairs having short temporal offsets. Although the dichotic presentations resulted in overall lower mean recognition scores, comparability between listening conditions was observed at prolonged ISIs. Observed differences in performance between the monotic and dichotic conditions at short-duration ISIs suggested the existence of different processing mechanisms, correlated with integration and interruption of phonemic pairs, for target-mask interactions occurring in close temporal succession.
Classification and enumeration of minimum (d, 3, 3)-graphs for odd d

Abstract : A (d,c,v)-graph is a c-connected graph of diameter d in which each node is of valence v. A minimum (d,c,v)-graph is one with the minimum number of nodes. Each minimum (d,c,v)-graph corresponds to an efficient way of arranging the stations of a communication network so that if any c-1 stations are incapacitated, the rest of the network is still connected, and so that in case of breakdown or other difficulty each station can rely for assistance on precisely v others. Here the minimum (d,3,3)-graphs are classified and counted for odd d. (Author)
The clinical neuro-ophthalmologic spectrum of temporal arteritis

The range of neuro-ophthalmologic signs in temporal arteritis is broad and includes diverse presentations of ischemic optic neuropathy, retinal infarction, transient ischemic phenomena, ophthalmoparesis, pupillary autonomic and anterior ocular segment dysfunction, cortical blindness and associated post-chiasmal field defects, and complex visual hallucinations. Neurovascular compromise can follow arteritic lesions at multiple neuroanatomic sites, and reflects different pathogenetic mechanisms and displays distinctive clinical features. A variety of temporal clinical profiles and differential responses to corticosteroids occur. This article reviews the broad range of neuroanatomic pathways affected by diverse and potentially interactive etiologic factors in this systemic arteritis.
Electromechanical modeling, characterization, and optimization design of the postcomplementary metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitive microarrayed ultrasonic transducer

In this study, an electromechanical modeling technique for characterization and optimization design of the postcomplementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (pCMOS) capacitive microarrayed ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) is presented. A two-dimensional, axisymmetric finite element model is developed using the ANSYS parametric design language. Electromechanical simulations are performed to investigate the fundamental characteristics of the CMUT, such as collapse voltage, resonant frequency, capacitance, and electromechanical coupling coefficient. Both the numerical and analytical (experimental) results agree well to show the validity of the proposed approach. The study of the influence of each defined parameter on the collapse voltage and resonant frequency is also presented. An integrated design approach that couples the genetic algorithm (GA) with the commercial finite element method (FEM) software ANSYS is developed to obtain the best design parameters. The optimal results show that the design objective with the equality constraint, which are to minimize the collapse voltage while simultaneously achieving the customized resonant frequency, are satisfied. From the presented results, it is concluded that the GA/FEM coupling approach provides another useful numerical tool for multiobjective design of the pCMOS-CMUT.
Thermal Desorption of Large Molecules from Solid Surfaces

We use molecular-dynamics simulations and importance sampling to obtain transition-state-theory rate constants for thermal desorption of an n-alkane series from Au(111). We find that the binding of a large molecule to a solid surface involves different types of local minima. The preexponential factors increase with increasing chain length and can be substantially larger than typical estimates for small molecules. Our results match recent experimental studies and indicate that a proper treatment of conformational isomerism and entropy, heretofore not found in coarse-grained models, is essential to quantitatively describe the thermal desorption of large molecules from solid surfaces.
Analytic proof of chaos in Leggett's equations for3He

The Leggett equations, assumed to govern the magnetization for superfluid3He, are proved to exhibit “deterministic chaos.” As a corollary, this explains why Maki and Ebisawa (1976) were unable to find a complete set of integrals of the motion for the B phase in the presence of a constant magnetic field.
Svein G Dahl

Svein Dahl, Professor and Chair of Pharmacology at the University of Tromso, and an ACNP Fellow, succumbed to cancer on 8 December 2012. He died at his home near Tromso, Norway, the city where he was born in 1942. Svein spent his entire professional life in the faculty at the University of Tromso, having been appointed in 1976 immediately after obtaining his PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Oslo. Besides creating and maintaining a highly productive psychopharmacology research group in Norway, Svein expanded his capabilities and network of collaborators through a series of sabbaticals. These included stays at Synthelabo in Paris, the University of California, San Francisco, the Universite Rene Descartes, the Universite de Creteil, and at the C.N.R.S. in Montpellier. From 1994 to 1997 he was Research Director at the Institut de Recherche Jouveinal/Parke Davis while maintaining his faculty position. The breadth of his scientific interests and skills are evidenced by his substantive contributions to basic and clinical psychopharmacology. He was an early pioneer in combining computational and molecular graphics techniques to generate three-dimensional models of drug targets and to simulate drug–receptor interactions. Using this approach, he was the first to construct a complete model of a G protein-coupled receptor. His work provided important insights into the molecular dynamics of the interaction of antipsychotics with the dopamine D2 receptor, drug attachment to monoamine transporters, and the actions of antidepressants. In recent years he expanded his work to create pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models to explain and predict therapeutic and toxic responses to drugs. Svein's work is described in seven patents, eight books, and scores of research and review articles. Among the honors he received were appointments to the Governing Board of the International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility, the Council of Scientists of the Human Frontier Science Program, and the Steering Group of the Norwegian Research Council's NevroNor Initiative. Besides his scientific interests, Svein was an accomplished saxophonist and an avid fan of jazz history and music. Until the very end he continued performing with his jazz group in Tromso. His enthusiasm for science and music, as well as his creativity, self-effacing personality, and dry wit endeared him to legions of students, co-workers and colleagues across the globe. An ACNP member since 1990, Svein contributed significantly to the College and the discipline, and enriched the lives of all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Janet and their three children.
Thermal stresses in a circular cylinder with temperature dependent properties

The thermal stresses in a long circular cylinder are analyzed by two approximate methods. An interpolation formula is then used to develop a semi-empirical solution for thermal stresses which is then validated by a test case of a nondimensional temperature profile with temperature dependent modulus of elasticity, coefficient of thermal expansion and Poisson's ratio. The interpolation formula is compared with the numerical solution by a finite element code (ABAQUS). It is shown that the interpolated approximation compares well with the finite element solution for a range of parameters that are typical for processing of billets.
Drosophila Embryonic Cell-Cycle Mutants

Nearly all cell division mutants in Drosophila were recovered in late larval/pupal lethal screens, with less than 10 embryonic lethal mutants identified, because larval development occurs without a requirement for cell division. Only cells in the nervous system and the imaginal cells that generate the adult body divide during larval stages, with larval tissues growing by increasing ploidy rather than cell number. Thus, most mutants perturbing mitosis or the cell cycle do not manifest a phenotype until the adult body differentiates in late larval and pupal stages. To identify cell-cycle components whose maternal pools are depleted in embryogenesis or that have specific functions in embryogenesis, we screened for mutants defective in cell division during embryogenesis. Five new alleles of Cyclin E were recovered, ranging from a missense mutation that is viable to stop codons causing embryonic lethality. These permitted us to investigate the requirements for Cyclin E function in neuroblast cell fate determination, a role previously shown for a null Cyclin E allele. The mutations causing truncation of the protein affect cell fate of the NB6-4 neuroblast, whereas the weak missense mutation has no effect. We identified mutations in the pavarotti (pav) and tumbleweed (tum) genes needed for cytokinesis by a phenotype of large and multinucleate cells in the embryonic epidermis and nervous system. Other mutations affecting the centromere protein CAL1 and the kinetochore protein Spc105R caused mitotic defects in the nervous system.
Identification of bursts in spike trains.

Abstract A computer algorithm to identify ‘bursts’ in trains of spikes is described. The algorithm works by constructing a histogram of interspike intervals, then analyzing the histogram to detect the critical interval value in the distribution that represents the break between short intervals within a burst and the longer intervals between bursts. When such a value is found, it is used as the ‘threshold’ to determine those intervals in the spike train that lie within a burst and those that lie between bursts and, thereby, to identify the beginning and end of each burst in the train. The validity of the bursts is evaluated with a chi-square test. The performance of the algorithm and how it can be assessed is discussed.
Relativistic photoionization cross sections for C II

The first measurement of highly resolved photoionization cross sections of the ground state of C II was reported recently by Kjeldsen et al. [Astrophys. J. 524, L143 (1999)]. The observed resonance features showed good agreement with the theoretical calculations in the close-coupling approximation [S. Nahar, Astrophys. J. Suppl. Ser. 101, 423 (1995)]. However, there were several observed resonances that were missing in the theoretical predictions. The earlier theoretical calculation was carried out in LS coupling where the relativistic effects were not included. Present paper reports photoionization cross sections including relativistic effects in the Breit-Pauli R-matrix (BPRM) approximation. The configuration interaction eigenfunction expansion for the core ion C III consists of 20 fine-structure levels dominated by the configurations from 1s 2 2s 2 to 1s 2 2s3d. Detailed features in the calculated cross sections exhibit the missing resonances due to fine structure. The results provide a benchmark for the accuracy of BPRM photoionization cross sections, as needed for the recent and ongoing experiments for high-resolution photoionization cross sections at synchrotron-radiation sources.
Fluorescence study of secondary structure of DNA within bacteriophage λ

Bromoacetaldehyde (BAA) was used to study the secondary structure of DNA in λ-phage particles. It was determined that about 1% of the adenines in the intraphage λ-DNA reacts readily with BAA, thus, they are placed in DNA sites with disturbed complementary interactions. These adenines are close to the tryptophan residues of the phage protein. Fluorescence emission of ϵA in the intraphage DNA is dramatically quenched. This, apparently, indicates the interaction between ϵA and Trp- and/or Tyr- and/or Met-residues of phage protein.
Synchronization dynamics of two different dynamical systems

Abstract In this paper, synchronization dynamics of two different dynamical systems is investigated through the theory of discontinuous dynamical systems. The necessary and sufficient conditions for the synchronization, de-synchronization and instantaneous synchronization (penetration or grazing) are presented. Using such a synchronization theory, the synchronization of a controlled pendulum with the Duffing oscillator is systematically discussed as a sampled problem, and the corresponding analytical conditions for the synchronization are presented. The synchronization parameter study is carried out for a better understanding of synchronization characteristics of the controlled pendulum and the Duffing oscillator. Finally, the partial and full synchronizations of the controlled pendulum with periodic and chaotic motions are presented to illustrate the analytical conditions. The synchronization of the Duffing oscillator and pendulum are investigated in order to show the usefulness and efficiency of the methodology in this paper. The synchronization invariant domain is obtained. The technique presented in this paper should have a wide spectrum of applications in engineering. For example, this technique can be applied to the maneuvering target tracking, and the others.
Observing contingencies: taxonomy and methods

Abstract The DSM series has been extremely popular despite the fact that it is largely an atheoretical descriptive system devoid of etiological significance and therapeutic implication. A diagnostic system based on causal variables is preferred because it carries treatment implications. Reinforcement contingencies have long been known to exert large clinically important behavioral effects. Neural network learning theory augments behavioral explanations of normal and disordered behavior and behavior modification therapies based on reinforcement contingencies. The first part of this article presents an expanded version of a contingency taxonomy, first published by Woods in 1974, capable of organizing information about reinforcement contingencies obtained from clinical interview, direct behavioral observation, and/or audio or videotaped behavioral samples. Behavioral diagnoses made in terms of this taxonomy have etiological implications and lead to clear behavioral prescriptions. The second portion of this article discusses efficient methods for observing contingencies, thereby increasing the clinical accessibility of this approach.
The littleneck clam, Protothaca staminea, as a tool for potential oil pollution assessment: Part 1—density of stock

Abstract Littleneck clams, Protothaca staminea , were sampled on two plots in the north Puget Sound region to evaluate the effects of sampling strategy on costs for measuring plot density in an hypothesis-testing framework. The general approach involved quadrat sampling on permanently marked plots. Results indicated that detection of differences in density as small as 10% with 80% probability would: (1) exceed in cost the economic value of 10% of the stock and (2) decimate more than 10% of the stock unless provision were made to allow survival of sampled clams. Restriction of sampling to the marketable cohort, restriction of sampling to parts of plots covered by vegetation, increasing the probability for a Type I error and use of a smaller quadrat size all served to substantially reduce sampling costs. The projections of sampling requirements were made using estimates of variance obtained from sampling in differing manners and at different seasons. The estimates so obtained did not give good uniformity. This has an important ramification for pollutant studies because a common variance for control and ‘polluted’ means is an assumption central to the use of probability models.
Uranus at equinox: Cloud morphology and dynamics

Abstract As the 7 December 2007 equinox of Uranus approached, collaboration between ring and atmosphere observers in the summer and fall of 2007 produced a substantial collection of ground-based observations using the 10-m Keck telescope with adaptive optics and space-based observations with the Hubble Space Telescope. Both near-infrared and visible-wavelength imaging and spatially resolved near-infrared spectroscopic observations were obtained. We used observations spanning the period from 7 June 2007 through 9 September 2007 to identify and track cloud features, determine atmospheric motions, characterize cloud morphology and dynamics, and define changes in atmospheric band structure. Atmospheric motions were obtained over a wider range of latitudes than previously was possible, extending to 73°N, and for 28 cloud features we obtained extremely high wind-speed accuracy through extended tracking times. We confirmed the existence of the suspected northern hemisphere prograde jet, locating its peak near 58°N. The new results confirm a small N–S asymmetry in the zonal wind profile, and the lack of any change in the southern hemisphere between 1986 (near solstice) and 2007 (near equinox) suggests that the asymmetry may be permanent rather than seasonally reversing. In the 2007 images, we found two prominent groups of discrete cloud features with very long lifetimes. The one near 30°S has departed from its previous oscillatory motion and started a significant northward drift, accompanied by substantial morphological changes. The complex of features near 30°N remained at a nearly fixed latitude, while exhibiting some characteristics of a dark spot accompanied by bright companion features. Smaller and less stable features were used to track cloud motions at other latitudes, some of which lasted over many planet rotations, though many could not be tracked beyond a single transit. A bright band has developed near 45°N, while the bright band near 45°S has begun to decline, both events in agreement with the idea that the asymmetric band structure of Uranus is a delayed response to solar forcing, but with a surprisingly short delay of only a few years.
Classification of three-family grand unification in string theory. II. The SU(5) and SU(6) models

We give a classification of three-family SO(10) and E{sub 6} grand unification in string theory within the framework of conformal (free) field theory and asymmetric orbifolds. We argue that the construction of such models in heterotic string theory requires certain {bold Z}{sub 6} asymmetric orbifolds that include a {bold Z}{sub 3} outerautomorphism, the latter yielding a level-three current algebra for the grand unification gauge group SO(10) or E{sub 6}. We then classify all such {bold Z}{sub 6} asymmetric orbifolds that result in models with a non-Abelian hidden sector. All models classified in this paper have only one adjoint (but no other higher representation) Higgs field in the grand unified gauge group. In addition, all of them are completely anomaly-free. There are two types of such three-family models. The first type consists of the unique SO(10) model with SU(2) {circle_times} SU(2) {circle_times} SU(2) as its hidden sector (which is not asymptotically free at the string scale). This SO(10) model has four left-handed and one right-handed {bold 16}{close_quote}s. The second type is described by a moduli space containing 17 models (distinguished by their massless spectra). All these models have an SU(2) hidden sector, and five left-handed and two right-handed families in themore » grand unified gauge group. One of these models is the unique E{sub 6} model with an asymptotically free SU(2) hidden sector. The others are SO(10) models, eight of them with an asymptotically free hidden sector at the string scale. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}« less
Treatment of symptomatic choledocholithiasis during pregnancy

1. Clemendor A, Sanford S, Harbilas E. Achalasia and nutritional deficiency during pregnancy. Obstet GynecoI1969;33:106-13. 2. Karjalainen AO. Achalasia of the esophagus in association with pregnancy. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 1964;43:19-26. 3. Roques F. Pregnancy associated with cardiospasm. J Obstet Gynaecol Br Emp 1932;39:550-7. 4. Lindert MCF. Cardiospasm in association with pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1956;72:1137-42. 5. Stroup PE. Achalasia of the esophagus during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 1961;18:236-8.
10-Methoxyharmalan, a Potent Serotonin Antagonist Which Affects Conditioned Behavior

10-Methoxyharmalan, an alkaloid obtained by the cyclodehydration of melatonin, itself a derivative of serotonin, is a more potent serotonin antagonist than harmaline and is only slightly less active than lysergic acid diethylamide. It has a similar, yet slightly greater, effect on behavior as that of harmaline and is the most potent serotonin derivative, so far tested, that affects the avoidance-escape behavioral reflex
Abundance of Iron in the Solar Photosphere

Recent measurements of iron f-values indicate that the iron abundance derived from neutral iron lines formed in the solar photosphere based on older f-values should be increased by a factor of ∼5. This increase is partially offset if the damping constant is taken into account.
Shadow corrosion or crevice corrosion

Local corrosion phenomena in proximity to other components may have different reasons. In narrow gaps, crevice corrosion can be formed under BWR and to a lesser degree under PWR conditions independent of the counter material. At positions, where dissimilar metals are close to Zry under oxidizing conditions, shadow corrosion, driven by large potential differences, can occur.
Multifaceted physics of edge plasma in magnetic fusion devices

Recent developments in different areas of edge plasma physics, including plasma transport, atomic physics effects, plasma–wall interactions and other wall-related issues, are highlighted and reviewed.
Primary pericardial mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos.

An increased incidence of malignancies after exposure to asbestos has been well established. Mesothelioma of pleura (2, 3, 7, 17, 18, 22, 25, 26), peritoneum (2), carcinoma of lung (2, 3, 7, 25, 26), larynx (3), gastrointestinal tract (2, 3), and possibly of the ovary have been described, as well as cases with multiple primary tumors (2). On the other hand, an association of asbestos exposure with primary pericardial mesothelioma has not been reported (2, 17, 18, 21). This paper describes the first case in which such a relationship existed.
Evaluating how electronic charting affects resident productivity

Electronic medical records (EMRs) are becoming standard to improve the communication of information and longevity of patient records. Using an EMR in the emergency department (ED) could potentially slow residents evaluating patients. We evaluated how introducing an EMR affected resident productivity in an academic ED. We retrospectively studied first year emergency medicine residents from a large, academic, tertiary care center before-and-after the institution of an EMR on July 1st, 2010. No residents from the 2009–2010 class used the EMR, while all of the 2010–2011 residents used the EMR. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses using productivity, measured in patients per hour (pt/hr), as the primary outcome. A mixed-model multivariate regression, stratified by acuity zone, was created incorporating EMR and other possible confounders: admissions, signouts, daily ED volume, and days after July 1st for each shift. The study was granted IRB waiver of informed. We reviewed 2,405 shifts: 1,259 shifts before and 1,146 shifts after EMR implementation. When using the EMR, the univariate analysis estimated a 0.084 pt/hr increase in the high acuity zone (p = 0.1317) and 0.029 pt/hr decrease (p = 0.7085) in the low acuity zone. The multivariate regression estimated a 0.038 pt/hr increase (p = 0.3413) in the high acuity zone and a 0.009 pt/hr increase (p = 0.9049) in the low acuity zone with the EMR. Despite the expectation that electronic charting is detrimental to resident productivity, our analyses do not suggest a significant relationship between resident productivity and using the EMR.
Effect of blood withdrawal and angiotensin II on prolactin release in the tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus.

Abstract Repeated blood withdrawal (5% of estimated blood volume at 0, 1, 4, 8, 24, 48 and 76 h) from tilapia acclimated to fresh water (FW) resulted in a marked increase in plasma levels of prolactin (PRL) during the first 8 h, reaching a peak above 300 ng/ml after 4 h. The increase in plasma PRL levels was significant except for the level after 72 h. A slight but significant decrease in plasma osmolality was observed at all time points after the blood withdrawal. Repeated blood withdrawal from fish acclimated to seawater (SW) resulted in a marked increase in plasma osmolality after 4 and 8 h. A significant increase was observed in plasma growth hormone (GH) in the fish in SW until the end of the experiment, but there was no change in plasma PRL. Plasma levels of cortisol were significantly higher in the fish in SW than in those in FW during the first 24 h. Blood withdrawal resulted in a significant reduction in hematocrit values in both FW- and SW-adapted fish, suggesting hemodilution. In a separate experiment, a single blood withdrawal (20% of total blood) stimulated drinking after 5 h, regardless of whether the fish were held in FW or SW. Plasma PRL level was also elevated following a single blood withdrawal in the fish acclimated to FW, but not in the fish in SW. Intraperitoneal injection of ANG II (1.0 μg/g) into the fish in FW significantly increased plasma PRL levels after 1 h. Activation of the renin–angiotensin system after blood withdrawal and the dipsogenic action of angiotensin II (ANG II) are well established in fish. The reduction in plasma osmolality after repeated blood withdrawal in FW and the increased osmolality in SW suggest that blood volume is restored, at least in part, by drinking environmental water. These results suggest that the marked increase in PRL concentration after blood withdrawal from the fish in FW is due, at least in part, to a facilitative effect between ANG II and reduced plasma osmolality.
SK-UT-1B, a human tumorigenic diploid cell line.

Abstract SK-UT-1B (ATCC HTB 115) produced tumors 2 weeks after subcutaneous injection of 10 million cells into athymic nude mice. Karyotypic analysis at the 500–600 subband level, however, did not reveal any noticeable aberrations. This cell line therefore may represent the first example of experimentally proven human tumorigenic cells of solid tumor origin that retains the diploid karyotype in vitro indefinitely.
“What Am I Fighting For?”: Creating a Controlled Vocabulary for Video Game Plot Metadata

A video game's plot is one of its defining features, and prior research confirms the importance of plot metadata to users through persona analysis, interviews, and surveys. However, existing organizational systems, including library catalogs, game-related websites, and traditional plot classification systems, do not adequately describe the plot information of video games, in other words, what the game is really about. We attempt to address the issue by creating a controlled vocabulary based on a domain analysis involving a review of relevant literature and existing data structures. The controlled vocabulary is constructed in a pair structure for maximizing flexibility and extensibility. Adopting this controlled vocabulary for describing plot information of games will allow for useful search and collocation of video games.
Abstract B57: Continuous exposure to epidermal growth factor in ovarian cancer cells causes a persistent increase in N-cadherin expression which then results in multicellular aggregate compaction

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death arising from gynecological malignancies. Overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or its ligands is associated with poor prognosis. The presence of EGFR activators in patient ascites fluid may lead to constitutive activation of the EGFR and thereby contribute to metastasis and/or resistance to therapy. Acquired chemoresistance following initial chemotherapeutic treatment prevents clinical effectiveness and occurs in a large majority of patients. Thus, our studies evaluated the cellular consequences to prolonged EGF exposure/EGFR activation and how this could contribute to metastasis or chemoresistance. We found that extended exposure to EGF (10 nM, ~40 days) resulted in a change in cell phenotype that was retained even when the EGF ligand was removed for at least 7 days (removal). There was a persistent increase in N-cadherin and vimentin levels in EGF treated and removal cells. This increase in mesenchymal markers in EGF treated cells is associated with a significant increase in multicellular aggregate (MCA) compaction. Furthermore, EGF treated MCAs displayed a significant increase in cell spreading when allowed to adhere to collagen. MCA compaction and enhanced spreading were largely due to elevated N-cadherin levels as we found that knock down of N-cadherin resulted in less compact MCAs and reduced spreading on collagen. MCAs have been shown to be chemoresistant and the compact MCA structure due to prolonged EGF treatment conferred resistance to cisplatin treatment. Our results indicate that prolonged EGFR activation causes a persistent change in mesenchymal marker expression, which regulates MCA compaction and sensitivity to chemotherapeutics. This finding suggests that activators of the EGFR in the tumor environment may drive changes in ovarian cancer cells that contribute to the low patient survival rates. Citation Format: Sabrina L. Samudio-Ruiz, Laurie G. Hudson. Continuous exposure to epidermal growth factor in ovarian cancer cells causes a persistent increase in N-cadherin expression which then results in multicellular aggregate compaction. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research: From Concept to Clinic; Sep 18-21, 2013; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2013;19(19 Suppl):Abstract nr B57.
Plugging the leaks

In multicellular organisms, exchange between the cytoplasm of cells and the environment is facilitated by the vascular system in combination with the infolding of the surface epithelium to form the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and excretory (urinary) systems. These internalized, branching tubular pathways into the body of an organism are lined by continuous layers of cells, called epithelia, which preserve the boundary between the environment and the extracellular connective tissues and blood spaces. The epithelia lining these tubes are selectively permeable to molecules destined to be absorbed or secreted, by virtue of cellular transport systems that move these molecules through the cells between the inside and outside of the body. This route of transport of molecules through the epithelial cell cytoplasm is called the transcellular pathway. In addition to this route, molecules can move across epithelia by diffusing in between the cells [the so-called paracellular pathway (1)] (Fig. 1). Although the spaces between epithelial cells are very narrow, typically 20–30 nm, the paracellular pathway nonetheless represents a significant leak between the environment and the connective tissues that must be regulated for the epithelium to remain selectively permeable. Organisms also subdivide their internal spaces into separate physiological compartments that do not communicate with the external environment. These internal compartments include the blood and lymphatic systems, the thoracic, pericardial, and abdominal cavities, and the specialized matrix that accompanies peripheral nerves. These compartments are likewise delimited by epithelioid layers of cells, termed endothelium, mesothelium, and perineurium.
Climatic Warming and the Decline of Zooplankton in the California Current

Since 1951, the biomass of macrozooplankton in waters off southern California has decreased by 80 percent. During the same period, the surface layer warmed—by more than 1.5°C in some places—and the temperature difference across the thermocline increased. Increased stratification resulted in less lifting of the thermocline by wind-driven upwelling. A shallower source of upwelled waters provided less inorganic nutrient for new biological production and hence supported a smaller zooplankton population. Continued warming could lead to further decline of zooplankton.
The Voiced/Voiceless Phonation Time in Children With and Without Laryngeal Pathology

Eleven children with vocal pathology were matched to 11 normal speaking children. All subjects produced maximum duration of phonation for /s/and /z/from detailed instructions and clinician models. The s/z ratio also was calculated. Results showed no difference in /s/durations between groups, but /z/durations and s/z ratios were significantly different. The /z/durations and s/z ratio results differ from those of previous research. Possible reasons for these differences are task construction and instructional variables. Results are discussed in relationship to these variables, as well as in relationship to reduced glottal efficiency.
A prospective randomized placebo-controlled double-blinded pilot study of misoprostol rectal suppositories in the prevention of acute and chronic radiation proctitis symptoms in prostate cancer patients

A prospective randomized placebo-controlled double-blinded pilot study of misoprostol rectal suppositories in the prevention of acute and chronic radiation proctitis symptoms in prostate cancer patients
Ion-assisted laser processing of CNx films

We have produced CNx thin films with x = 0–0.70 by using an ion-assisted pulsed laser deposition method. In this method a graphite target was ablated while simultaneously bombarding the substrate with nitrogen ions. The deposition rate, ion current, substrate temperature and substrate bias were varied to enhance nitrogen incorporation and to optimize the properties of the thin films. The films were characterized using Rutherford backscattering-channelling. Auger electron spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and nano-indentation hardness measurements. The average nitrogen concentration was found to vary (N/C atomic ratio) in the range 0–0.70. The transmission electron microscopy studies showed that these films were polycrystalline with a fine-grain equiaxed structure (average size 10 nm) above a substrate temperature of 200°C. The sp3/sp2 ratio was determined to be 25%–30% using electron energy loss spectroscopy. The Raman studies showed two peaks at 1285 and 1575 cm−1 corresponding to sp3 and sp2 bonding respectively. The films exhibited qualitatively very high hardness and thermal annealing resistance.
Multistage Machining Process Design and Optimization Using Error Equivalence Method

In design of a multistage machining process, process tolerance allocation at each stage and design of process layouts, in particular, the fixture layouts, should be optimized considering dimensional tolerance stackup or variation propagation. When multiple error sources contribute to the tolerance stackup, the dimensionality of the design space could be large and design solution may not be unique. One strategy is to prioritize the allocation of tolerances to different error sources at each stage through proper selection of cost functions. Considering the fact that the cost function selection can be very subjective and the knowledge regarding cost structures is very limited, we propose a hierarchical process design method using error equivalence concept to aggregate multiple error sources together. The main idea is to allocate tolerances to the aggregated error sources at each stage and then further distribute the tolerance to individual error sources through cost analysis. The advantage is two-fold: (1) limiting the impact of cost function selection within individual stages to avoid overhaul of process design caused by subtle change in cost functions, and (2) enabling the optimization of fixture layouts to reduce the overall tolerance stackup due to multiple error sources. To reduce computational load in optimizing process layouts, a computer experiment model is developed to explore a large number of process design alternatives. The robustness of the optimal tolerance is evaluated through sensitivity analysis, which provides guidance for process design. We illustrate the error-equivalence-based process design method by a multistage machining process. The results have shown that the proposed method could significantly reduce the design space and increase the design efficiency.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Influence of root zone oxygen stress on potassium and ammonium absorption by Myrobalan plum rootstock

Growth chamber experiments were conducted with ‘French’ prune (Prunus domestica L.) scions grafted on Myrobalan 29C (P. cerasifera Ehrh.) rootstocks grown in nutrient solution to characterize K and NH4 uptake before, during, and after anaerobiosis. Conditions of oxygen stress were imposed by removing the source of aeration and bubbling solutions with nitrogen gas.
Brain regulation of energy balance and body weight.

Body weight is determined by a balance between food intake and energy expenditure. Multiple neural circuits in the brain have evolved to process information about food, food-related cues and food consumption to control feeding behavior. Numerous gastrointestinal endocrine cells produce and secrete satiety hormones in response to food consumption and digestion. These hormones suppress hunger and promote satiation and satiety mainly through hindbrain circuits, thus governing meal-by-meal eating behavior. In contrast, the hypothalamus integrates adiposity signals to regulate long-term energy balance and body weight. Distinct hypothalamic areas and various orexigenic and anorexigenic neurons have been identified to homeostatically regulate food intake. The hypothalamic circuits regulate food intake in part by modulating the sensitivity of the hindbrain to short-term satiety hormones. The hedonic and incentive properties of foods and food-related cues are processed by the corticolimbic reward circuits. The mesolimbic dopamine system encodes subjective “liking” and “wanting” of palatable foods, which is subjected to modulation by the hindbrain and the hypothalamic homeostatic circuits and by satiety and adiposity hormones. Satiety and adiposity hormones also promote energy expenditure by stimulating brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity. They stimulate BAT thermogenesis mainly by increasing the sympathetic outflow to BAT. Many defects in satiety and/or adiposity hormone signaling and in the hindbrain and the hypothalamic circuits have been described and are believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of energy imbalance and obesity.
Mitochondrial DNA depletion in children.

The first girl of an unrelated couple was noted to have failure to thrive since age 3 months, generalized hypotonia and weakness, hepatomegaly, hypoglycemia, and lactic acidosis at 4 months. She wa...
Feedback Realization of a Continuous-Time Optimal Filter

Another derivation of a continuous-time optimal linear filter is presented. Using this result as a point of departure, a feedback version of this continuous filter is postulated and shown to be optimal in the limit as the ``feedback gain'' becomes infinite. It is then demonstrated that the need for this infinite feedback gain can frequently be eliminated. This feedback realization of the continuous optimal filter has application to the problem of optimally mixing two or more redundant signals, each contaminated by random noise. The feedback configuration has the advantages of simplicity and the bounding of otherwise troublesome very large errors. A simple example is given of the mixing of two (velocity) references each having exponentially correlated error.
SIFT: Low-Complexity Energy-Efficient Information Flow Tracking on SMT Processors

Dynamic information flow tracking (DIFT) is a powerful technique that can protect unmodified binaries from a broad range of vulnerabilities including buffer overflow and format string attacks. Software DIFT implementations suffer from very high performance overheads, while comprehensive hardware implementations add substantial complexity to the microarchitecture, making it unlikely for chip manufacturers to adopt them. In this paper, we propose SIFT (SMT-based DIFT), where a separate thread performing taint propagation and policy checking is executed in a spare context of an SMT processor. The instructions for the checking thread are generated in hardware using self-contained off-the-critical path logic at the commit stage of the pipeline. We investigate several performance optimizations to the base design including: 1) Prefetching of the taint data from shadow memory when the corresponding data is accessed by the primary thread; 2) Optimizing the generation of the taint code to remove unneeded security instructions; and 3) The use of aggregated instructions for collapsing the frequently used groups of security instructions into a single new instruction. Together, these optimizations reduce the performance penalty of SIFT to under 20 percent on SPEC CPU 2006 benchmarks-much lower than the overhead of previously proposed software-based DIFT schemes. We also analyze the energy overhead of SIFT and show it to be very high - 113 percent for SPEC 2006 benchmarks. We then propose several techniques that reduce this overhead to only 23 percent, making SIFT design practical from the energy standpoint. To demonstrate the feasibility of SIFT, we design and synthesize a core with SIFT logic and show that the area overhead of SIFT is only 4.5 percent and that instruction generation can be performed in one additional cycle at commit time.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT

Recent analyses of organizational change suggest a growing concern with the tempo of change, understood as the characteristic rate, rhythm, or pattern of work or activity. Episodic change is contrasted with continuous change on the basis of implied metaphors of organizing, analytic frameworks, ideal organizations, intervention theories, and roles for change agents. Episodic change follows the sequence unfreeze-transition-refreeze, whereas continuous change follows the sequence freeze-rebalance-unfreeze. Conceptualizations of inertia are seen to underlie the choice to view change as episodic or continuous.