cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abundant SAR11 viruses in the ocean

Several reports proposed that the extraordinary dominance of the SAR11 bacterial clade in ocean ecosystems could be a consequence of unusual mechanisms of resistance to bacteriophage infection, including 'cryptic escape' through reduced cell size and/or K-strategist defence specialism. Alternatively, the evolution of high surface-to-volume ratios coupled with minimal genomes containing high-affinity transporters enables unusually efficient metabolism for oxidizing dissolved organic matter in the world's oceans that could support vast population sizes despite phage susceptibility. These ideas are important for understanding plankton ecology because they emphasize the potentially important role of top-down mechanisms in predation, thus determining the size of SAR11 populations and their concomitant role in biogeochemical cycling. Here we report the isolation of diverse SAR11 viruses belonging to two virus families in culture, for which we propose the name 'pelagiphage', after their host. Notably, the pelagiphage genomes were highly represented in marine viral metagenomes, demonstrating their importance in nature. One of the new phages, HTVC010P, represents a new podovirus subfamily more abundant than any seen previously, in all data sets tested, and may represent one of the most abundant virus subfamilies in the biosphere. This discovery disproves the theory that SAR11 cells are immune to viral predation and is consistent with the interpretation that the success of this highly abundant microbial clade is the result of successfully evolved adaptation to resource competition.
Biventricular pacing improves left ventricular function by 2-D strain in right ventricular failure

Abstract Background We used speckle-tracking echocardiography to test the hypothesis that regional left ventricular (LV) strain would improve during optimized biventricular pacing (BiVP) in acute right ventricular (RV) pressure overload (PO). Materials and methods Complete heart block and RVPO were induced in five open-chest fully anesthetized pigs. BiVP was optimized by adjusting atrioventricular and interventricular delays to maximize cardiac output derived from an aortic flow probe. LV short axis views were obtained during atrio-RV pacing (RVP), atrio-LV pacing (LVP), and BiVP. Intraventricular synchrony was assessed by comparing speckle-tracking echocardiography–derived time to peak (TTP) strain in the anterior septal (AS) and posterior wall segments. Segmental function was assessed using radial strain. Results Cardiac output was higher with optimized (RV first) BiVP than with LVP (0.96 ± 0.26 L/min versus 0.89 ± 0.27 L/min; P = 0.05). AS TTP strain (502 ± 19 ms) during LVP was prolonged versus BiVP (392 ± 58 ms) and versus RVP (390 ± 53 ms) ( P = 0.0018). AS TTP strain during LVP was prolonged versus posterior (502 ± 19 ms versus 396 ± 72 ms, P = 0.0011). No significant difference in TTP strain in these segments was seen with BiVP or RVP. Posterior strain (20% ± 5%) increased 66% versus AS strain (12% ± 6%) during BiVP ( P = 0.0029). A similar increase occurred during RVP (posterior 20% ± 3% versus AS 12% ± 7%, P = 0.0002). Posterior strain did not increase during LVP. Conclusions BiVP and RVP restore intraventricular LV synchrony and increase regional function versus LVP during RVPO. RV pre-excitation unloads the RV and reduces the duration of AS contraction, facilitating synchrony of all LV segments and increasing free wall LV contraction.
Xenopus borealis misidentified as Xenopus mulleri.

Abstract A species of frogs described in publications from our laboratory between 1971 and 1976 as Xenopus mulleri is in fact Xenopus borealis.
Electron impact ionization in helium nanodroplets: controlling fragmentation by active cooling of molecular ions.

Reported here is a study of the effects of liquid helium cooling on the fragmentation of ions formed by electron impact mass ionization. The molecules of interest are picked up by the helium nanodroplets as they pass through a low pressure oven. Electron impact ionization of a helium atom in the droplet is followed by resonant charge transfer to neighboring helium atoms. When the charge is transferred to the target molecule, the difference in the ionization potentials between helium and the molecule results in the formation of a vibrationally hot ion. In isolation, the hot parent ion would undergo subsequent fragmentation. On the other hand, if the cooling due to the helium is fast enough, the parent ion will be actively cooled before fragmentation occurs. The target molecule used in the present study is triphenylmethanol (TPM), an important species in synthetic chemistry, used to sterically protect hydroxyl groups. Threshold PhotoElectron PhotoIon COincidence (TPEPICO) experiments are also reported for g...
Binding of monovalent anions to human serum transferrin

Abstract Serum transferrin is the protein whose primary function is to bind iron and transport it through the blood. Apotransferrin has two specific metal-binding sites that bind a variety of metal ions in addition to the ferric ion. The distinguishing feature of the transferrins is that a “synergistic” bicarbonate anion is bound along with the metal ion to form a stable Fe 3+ –CO 3 –Tf ternary complex. Previous research has shown that apotransferrin will also bind divalent anions such as phosphate and sulfate. Difference UV spectroscopy has now been used to show that a series of monovalent anions bind weakly to apotransferrin. Equilibrium constants for the binding of chloride, perchlorate, bromide, fluoride and Hepes have been calculated. A reaction scheme for the binding of anions is proposed which predicts that the binding of nonsynergistic anions to apotransferrin will interfere with metal binding by competing directly with the binding of the synergistic bicarbonate anion. Difference UV data are presented which demonstrate this type of competition between nonsynergistic anions and Tb 3+ . Competition from the nonsynergistic anions follows the order HPO 2− 4 >SO 2− 4 ≈F − >ClO − 4 ≈Cl − ≈Br − . Speciation calculations have been performed to determine the concentrations of anion-apotransferrin complexes in Hepes and Tris buffers and in human serum and to estimate the extent to which competition from anions in the buffer will interfere with metal-binding to apotransferrin.
Instrument Changes During Sterilization

Four types of steel were tested, using dental instruments, for changes in hardness as a function of sterilization or disinfection. Steam autoclave, dry heat sterilization, and chemical disinfection were used. Knoop hardness was determined at intervals and data were statistically analyzed. Significant loss of hardness was observed in specific instances.
Chromosome structure in Escherichia coli

Abstract 1. 1. Bacteria have been fragmented with sonic vibrations and the fragments separated into two fractions one containing the larger, the other the smaller particles. 2. 2. Because of an obscuring black pigment, the large particles cannot be stained, but where they are embedded in a matrix of unknown origin and in the intact bacterium, they give a positive Feulgen reaction. 3. 3. The large particle fraction has a lower adenine, guanine, and uracil content, and a higher thymine content, a result which is expected from previous investigations, if the nuclear material of the cells is concentrated in this fraction. 4. 4. The average particle size in this fraction is approximately the same as that of the Feulgen- and Geimsa-staining bodies of E. coli which have been called nuclei. 5. 5. Electron micrographs of the large particles show that they contain helical structures exactly analogous in number and morphology to the chromonemata of higher plants.
Actuation enhancement of PZT thin-film membrane actuators via stress relief grooves

Lead Zirconate Titanate Oxide (PbZrx Ti1−x O3 or PZT) is a piezoelectric material widely used as sensors and actuators. For microactuators, PZT often appears in the form of thin films to maintain proper aspect ratios. A common design is PZT membrane microactuator, whose actuation portion takes a form of a thin diaphragm driven by a PZT thin film. To maximize actuation displacements, finite element analyses are conducted to identify critical design parameters of the PZT film. In the simulation, a constant driving electric field is maintained and boundary conditions of the PZT film are varied. The finite element analyses lead to two important results. First, the actuator displacement increases as the PZT film thickness increases, but saturates at a critical PZT film thickness. Second, when stress relief grooves are introduced and the PZT film surrounding the membrane area is removed, the actuator displacement increases substantially by at least a factor of 5.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
An Experimental Natural History of Some Terrestrial Vertebrates

SYNOPSIS. A case is advanced for an experimental approach to natural history in which methods adapted from more reductionist biological disciplines are used to supplement traditional approaches in moving beyond mere description and cataloging to analysis of the diverse and complex means by which organisms deal with their environments This amalgamation of experimental and observational approaches makes desirable the maintenance of firm linkages between orgamsmally oriented and reductionist disciplines, a circumstance with implications concerning the appropriate future structure of academic biology.
Study on Power Characteristics of Hybrid Wind, Photovoltaic Generation and Energy Storage

In this paper, power characteristics of hybrid wind, photovoltaic generation and energy storage device is studied. Two-stage Smooth Energy Storage Control Strategy is designed in order to effectively inhabit both high frequency and low frequency section of wind and photovoltaic power. A topology of demonstration project of hybrid wind power, photovoltaic, energy storage and power transmission in north China is considered for simulation. Power characteristic of different hybrid generation mode is studied, and the simulation results show reliability and effectiveness of the control strategy. The results studied have the important significance for grid planning and operation.
Optical resonances in topological defect structures

We study numerically optical resonances in 2D topological defect structures with wavelength-scale anisotropic scattering units. Both spatially extended and localized modes exhibit vortex-like energy flow due to breaking of chiral symmetry of the underlying structure.
Bipolar Angle Averages and Two‐Center, Two‐Particle Integrals Involving r12

Bipolar angle averages and two-center two- particle integrals involving separation between two particles
Divalent europium compounds in the systems EuMoO and EuWO

Abstract A study was made of compound formation in the systems EuMoO and EuWO with the objective of preparing the Eu2+ analogues of the known Sr2+ compounds EuMoO4, EuWO4 and EuMoO3. The scheelite-type compounds EuMoO4 and EuWO4 were easily prepared. No EuMoO3 compound could be prepared over the temperature range 1200° – 1400°C. In the course of the study three new compounds containing trivalent rare earths were encountered, Eu2Mo2O7, Sm2Mo2O7 and Eu6WO12. The first two have cubic pyrochlore-type structures while Eu6WO12 has a defect cubic fluorite structure. The necessity of considering thermodynamic parameters as well as size, charge and polarizability in systematic crystal chemistry is discussed.
Interception storage of rainfall by corn plants

The processes resulting in interception and interception storage of rainfall by corn plants are discussed and terms defined. Values for two components of interception storage on mature corn plants have been determined under several conditions. The dominant factor affecting the value for residual interception storage on mature corn is the plant population. The amount and rate of rainfall have little effect on residual storage after sufficient rain has fallen to fill the storage pockets. Maximum residual interception storage on mature corn was found to be about 0.02 inch for a corn plant population of 15,000 plants per acre. This amount of storage is much smaller than has generally been accepted on the basis of earlier studies.
Kinship resources for the elderly

As population ageing strains social insurance systems, cohorts whose own fertility was low will be reaching elderly status, leaving close biological kin in short supply. However, there is a countervailing trend, inasmuch as burgeoning divorce, remarriage and family blending have expanded the numbers and varieties of step-kin and other non-standard kinship ties. Methods of computer microsimulation in conjunction with richer sample surveys can help us to foresee the contours of kin numbers and kinship relations in the future. Prime areas include the likely frequency of kin-deprived elderly, the overlap with economic deprivation and the interaction between kin frequency and intensity of contact. Step-ties may be weaker but nonetheless critical in raising the probability of at least one compatible member with whom one can choose to maintain contact and rely on. Kinship networks extended through half- and step-links, by stretching across racial and economic lines, may promote social cohesion.
Exact theory of electromagnetic scattering by a heterogeneous multilayer sphere in the infinite-layer limit: effective-media approach

An exact theory is presented for calculating electromagnetic scattering by a model heterogeneous particle. The model is a multilayer sphere composed of alternating layers of different dielectric constants in the limit where the number of layers approaches infinity and the layer thickness approaches zero. The scattering analysis for this limiting case is based on a formulation of scattering theory known as the variable-phase method (VPM). A derivation of the VPM formulation is presented. Analytic formulas are derived for the scattering coefficients of the heterogeneous sphere that are generalizations of similar Mie theory formulas for scattering by a homogeneous sphere. The optical properties of the layered heterogeneous mixture are exactly described in this theory by the two effective-media parameters. The solution in the long-wavelength limit is used to derive a new formula for the effective dielectric constant for heterogeneous mixtures.
A cross layer scheme for adaptive antenna array based wireless ad hoc networks in multipath environments

A medium access control (MAC) protocol (NULLHOC) for ad hoc networks of nodes with antenna arrays is presented. The antenna array is used for transmit and receive beamforming with the purpose of increasing spatial reuse by directing nulls at active transmitters and receivers in the neighborhood. In contrast to previous work with directional antennas, our approach is applicable to multipath channels, such as occur indoors or in other rich scattering environments. The MAC protocol is designed to support the control information exchange needed to direct nulls toward other users involved in existing communication sessions. Knowledge of the channel coefficients between a transmitter or receiver and its neighbors is used to design transmit or receive beamformer weights that implement the requisite nulling. Simulations are used to demonstrate the improvements in throughput and transmit powers that are obtained in this approach relative to the IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol. We also analyze the effects of channel estimation errors on our protocol and propose a simple modification of the basic NULLHOC protocol to minimize their impact.
The oncoplastic breast surgery challenge to the local radiation boost.

The local tumor bed radiation boost used with whole breast radiation therapy (WBRT) in conservation breast cancer treatment has been controversial. Two decades ago, I wrote that patients with early-stage breast cancer resected with negative inked surgical margins could be well-treated with 50 Gy WBRT without a local boost. This was based on retrospective review of patients treated at our institution and the results of the NSABP B-06 study (1, 2). The local boost could be reserved for those patients with positive or unknown surgical margins. In an editorial in this journal in 1994, I concluded that radiation fibrosis was related to the use of the local boost (3). These recommendations proved to be controversial. Subsequently, the value of the local boost was studied in the major European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) 22881-10882 trial (4). In this landmark study of more than 5,000 patients, those who received WBRT with a local boost had statistically significantly fewer ipsilateral breast recurrences compared with those who only received 50 Gy WBRT. The magnitude of the absolute reduction was inversely related to patient age. Although patients over the age of 50 years had an absolute reduction of 3–4%, those 41–50 years of age had an absolute reduction of nearly 5% and those 40 years old or younger had an absolute risk reduction greater than 10%. Determination of the area to be treated by the local boost is usually based on a combination of factors including initial location of tumor within the breast based on physical exam and radiology studies, location of the surgical scar when the surgeon places it over the tumor site, site of a seroma pocket if visible on computed tomography simulation films, and location of surgical clips that may or may not have been placed at the time of lumpectomy. The local boost field size and dose may also depend on the pathologist’s assessment of cancer at the inked margin, distance between cancer and the closest
Viscoelastic Analysis of Thick-Walled Filament-Wound Composite Cylinders with Elevated Temperatures

The formulation accounts for ply-by-ply variations of material properties and temperature changes. The matrix form numerical solution with parallel computing techniques resolved the complexity and time consuming calculation procedures in the Laplace transform of a multilayered composite cylinder. The developed analysis will be very useful to study the viscoelastic behavior of cylinders under thermal loads and thermal residual stresses due to the manufacturing processes of thermoplastic composites
Managing Your Workforce on a Computational Grid

The Master-Worker distributed computing paradigm has proven to be a very effective means for harnessing the power of computational grids. At any given time, the master of the application controls a collection of CPUs that has been allocated to the application by the resource manager of the grid. Effective management of this dynamic "workforce" of CPUs holds the key to ability of the application to meet its computational objectives. Like in similar real-life situations, the master has to decide on a target size and composition for the workforce, a recruiting strategy and a dismissal policy. It has to decide on who does what and how to deal with workers that do not complete their assigned task on time.
Detecting genetic variation in developmental instability by artificial selection on fluctuating asymmetry

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) is frequently used as a measure of developmental instability (DI). Assuming a genetic basis to DI, many have argued that FA may be a good indicator of genetic quality to potential mates and to human managers of populations. Unfortunately FA is a poor indicator of DI, making it very difficult to verify this assertion. A recent review of the literature suggests that previous studies of the inheritance of FA and DI using half-sib covariances and parent‐offspring regression have been unable to put meaningful limits on the heritability of FA and DI because of the extremely low power of the experiments performed. In this study, we consider the power of artificial selection on FA as an alternative approach to studying the inheritance of FA and DI. Using simulations, we investigate the efficacy of selection for both increased and decreased FA for detecting genetic variation. We find that selection for increased FA has much more power to detect the presence of genetic variation than does selection for decreased FA. These results hold when realistic sample sizes are employed. Artificial selection for increased FA is currently the most powerful approach for the detection of genetic variation in DI.
Viscosity and Density of Boron Trioxide

Extensive and accurate viscosity values for molten B2O3 are reported over the continuous range from 20 poises (at 1400°C) to 1010 poises (at 318°C). The measurements were made with a wide-range rotating-cylinder viscometer. The melts were pretreated by bubbling superdry nitrogen through them to ensure a minimum water content. Above 800°C the temperature dependence of the viscosity curve obeyed the Arrhenius equation; below 800°C the curvature was smooth showing no breaks. At the low temperatures, although its curvature decreased, the viscosity curve did not obey the Arrhenius equation. Densities were determined between 411° and 1400°C. Over this range the volume expansion coefficient changed by 1 order of magnitude from 3.35 × 10−4/°C to 3.34 × 10−5/°C. The liquid volume expansion coefficient above 1200°C was smaller than that of the glass below the glass transition temperature, indicating some type of structural rearrangement in B2O3.
A new paradigm for the design of dependable systems

A new general strategy for dependability procurement in digital systems that allows highly selective use of redundancy with low overhead is described. The proposed approach is based on attaching a dependability tag (d-tag) to each data object and updating pertinent d-tag values as the computation progresses. Normal operations on data objects tend to lower d-tag values, while comparisons and voting on redundant copies of the same result, possibly obtained by different resources and/or algorithms, work in the opposite direction. Judicious intermixing of dependability-lowering and dependability-raising operations (driven dynamically by the dependability requirements for various results) can lead to desired dependabilities for computation results with minimal cost. Following an exposition of basic concepts of the proposed method with the assumption of perfect (error-free) d-tags and operations, a program of research is outlined for dealing with erroneous d-tags, imperfect operations, and other extensions. Some benefits and applications of the proposed approach are discussed. >
Distributional Ecology and Behavioral Thermoregulation of Fishes in Relation to Heated Effluent from a Power Plant at Lake Monona, Wisconsin

Abstract Cooling water for a 220-megawatt power plant is pumped from 5 m beneath Lake Monona's surface, heated about 10 C, and discharged into the littoral zone. Maximum temperatures in the effluent-outfall area approach 35 C in summer and 14 C in winter; unheated parts of the littoral zone rarely exceed 29 C. To assess distributional responses of fishes to operation of the power plant, the outfall area and two reference areas were electrofished on 30 dates between 8 August 1968 and 21 August 1969. Some fishes avoided the outfall area; these were Perca flavescens, Cottus bairdi, subadult Morone mississippiensis, and subadult Ictalurus melas. Others were occasionally or usually concentrated in the outfall area relative to reference areas—Lepisosteus osseus, adult Cyprinus carpio, adult M. mississippiensis, young Lepomis gibbosus, L. macrochirus, and Micropterus salmoides. The tendency for fish of a given species and size to concentrate in or avoid the outfall area generally did not reverse from season to s...
Patterns of ecomorphological variation in the bats of western Madagascar: Comparisons among and between communities along a latitudinal gradient

The ecomorphology of 10 insectivorous bat species at three study zones in western Madagascar was examined using 567 specimens and based on 6 external, 11 cranial, 12 dental, and 11 wing measurements. The three study sites are located along a cline representing 11.6° of latitude. The southern most site has notable differences in vegetational and climatic regimes than the two more northern sites. Principal component analyses were conducted for each of the four datasets to examine the morphological space occupied by each species at the three sites. Most taxa showed clear intra-site separation and little inter-site variation. The exceptions included extensive morphological overlap in two taxa of Triaenops (cranial, dental, and wing), that have allopatric distributions, and between the sympatric Miniopterus manavi and Myotis goudoti (external, cranial, and dental). In the latter case, there was distinct separation in wing shape between these two taxa, which would allow them to exploit local habitats and prey in different manners. The only species that showed considerable inter-site variation was Hipposideros commersoni, which is sexually dimorphic, with individuals from the south being smaller than those in the north.
Studies of epoxy resin systems: Part B: Effect of crosslinking on the physical properties of an epoxy resin

An epoxy system consisting of diglycidyl ether of butanediol, DGEB, cured with 4-4′ diaminodiphenyl sulfone, DDS, has been used for a study of the effect of crosslinking density on the properties of the epoxy resin. Because of the low curing rate at room temperature and the low glass-transition temperature, this system was amenable to a wide range of controlled cross-linking density. The crosslinking density was monitored by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), which followed the change in concentration of the epoxy groups during the curing reaction. The bulk density was found to increase linearly with the crosslinking density. The modulus, the upper yield point, the lower yield point, and the degree of retraction of a deformed sample all increased with the degree of crosslinking. The thermally stimulated depolarization (TSD) β-peak was found to vary with crosslinking density, but the γ-peak was not changed. The TSD a peak was found to decrease in strength, but increased in temperature as the crosslinking density increased. This observation suggests that TSD measurements arc a good monitor of crosslinking density of epoxy resins, particularly near the final stage of the crosslinking reaction.
Right ventricular dilatation: an often neglected component in the electrocardiographic assessment of patients with heart failure

When assessing patients with heart failure (HF) using the electrocardiogram (ECG), the primary focus is on the left ventricle and left atrium. Clinicians look for left ventricular hypertrophy, evidence of previous or current myocardial infarction, ST/T changes suggestive of left ventricular strain, or myocardial injury or ischaemia, perturbations of the QRS complex amplitude, depending on the patients' oedematous state,1 and left atrial hypertrophy, dilatation, or hypertension, since the last three cannot be differentiated by the ECG. However, major changes in the size and function of the right ventricle and right atrium take place in patients with HF, depending on the degree of compensation consequent to the natural course and the impact of co-morbidities, and therapeutic modalities. Such changes are reflected in the ECG as additional to the changes signifying left ventricular/atrial involvement, or cause partial or complete cancellation of the features attributed to the left ventricular/atrial pathology. Although right ventricular …
Performance and complexity analysis of adaptive particle filtering for tracking applications

This paper provides a performance and complexity analysis of particle filtering as applied to real-time object tracking. The number of particles and the sampling rate influences the performance of particle filters, but more importantly, they affect very much their complexity. In this paper, we propose a particle filter that changes the number of used particles during filtering, where the number of particles is employed for making decisions about performing resampling. The performance of the proposed particle filters is demonstrated on the bearings-only tracking problem.
The Blackness of Ethiopians: Classical Ethnography and Eusebius's Commentary on the Psalms

The copious works of Eusebius of Caesarea are rarely investigated for their importance as testimonials to ancient knowledge of racial groups or to classical conceptions of ethnicity. Ancient ethnographical literature is not, however, an unimportant background for reading the bishop's works; nor are conceptions of race and ethnicity absent from his prolific literary output. In fact, racial assumptions are integral features in the development of various aspects—especially ecclesiological—of Eusebius's thought. Eusebius's prominent characterization of Christianity, which remains consistent throughout his entire literary career, is “the Church from the nations.” Such an appellation carried within itself the impulse to describe and define further the “nations” from which members of the Church were drawn. Persians, Scythians, Phoenicians, Egyptians and other “barbarian” nations, as well as Greeks, left behind the identities of their former lives when they adopted the new way of life and the new identity offered by Christ.
Surgical Strategies in the Treatment of Complex Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Children

Complex OSA in children is a challenging problem that requires careful team management. Evaluation includes history, physical examination and appropriate radiological and endoscopic studies. Twelve-channel polysomnography, with or without a pH probe, is mandatory in children with OSA to determine the severity and to document the efficacy of treatment. A variety of individual problems and nuances arise and will continue to do so. Clinical experience and a high degree of suspicion in the craniofacial population is necessary to rule out the existence of OSA in a given patient. Newer treatment modalities, such as distraction osteogenesis of the mandible and midface, have revolutionised treatment of OSA during childhood. Although still the gold standard of care, tracheostomy is not a benign procedure and the toll on both the patient and family can be devastating.
The Generalized Power Production Function

The generalized power production function includes as special cases the Cobb-Douglas, the Transcendental, and the Cobb-Douglas with variable returns to scale. It can be estimated by ordinary least squares without simultaneous equation bias under the behavioral assumption of maximization of expected profits.
A Note on Reflexivity

Abstract We prove some new results on Hadwin's general version of reflexivity that reduce the study of E - reflexivity (or E - hyperreflexivity ) of a linear subspace to a smaller linear subspace. By applying our abstract results, we present a simple proof of D. Hadwin's theorem, which states that every C ∗ -algebra is approximately hyperreflexive . We also prove that the image of any C ∗ -algebra under any bounded unital homomorphism into the operators on a Banach space is approximately reflexive. We introduce a new version of reflexivity, called approximate algebraic reflexivity , and study its properties.
Focus issue: endocrine signaling from clinic to cell.

Disrupted or aberrant endocrine signaling has profound effects on the health of both children and adults. This issue focuses attention on endocrine signaling mediated by G protein–coupled receptor and receptor tyrosine kinase pathways involved in endocrine signaling, especially those critical in child development and health. Research in this issue highlights gender-specific differences in glucocorticoid signaling, which have implications for gender-specific treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Lessons learned from teaching computer architecture to computer science students

Computer science students require more detail about computer architecture than a black box approach can provide. Teaching the appropriate level of detail and assuring that students understand why the subject is taught are nontrivial tasks. In the Computer Science Department at the University of Illinois at Chicago the approach taken is to present the material from the typical three course computer architecture sequence as a two course sequence. In addition, a variety of simulators are utilized to strengthen the material and help control the topic flow. The simulators used include a programmable logic array software package, a MIPS assembly simulator, and a locally created control code simulator. Teaching the two course sequence has been proven to be challenging. This paper presents lessons learned concerning: (1) the level of coverage required; (2) the simulators used, (3) how to maintain topic flow; and (4) future plans for improving the sequence.
System Z: A Natural Ordering of Defaults with Tractable Applications to Nonmonotonic Reasoning

Recent progress towards unifying the probabilistic and preferential models semantics for non-monotonic reasoning has led to a remarkable observation: Any consistent system of default rules imposes an unambiguous and natural ordering on these rules which, to emphasize its simple and basic character, we term "Z-ordering." This ordering can be used with various levels of refinement, to prioritize conflicting arguments, to rank the degree of abnormality of states of the world, and to define plausible consequence relationships. This paper defines the Z-ordering, briefly mentions its semantical origins, and illustrates two simple entailment relationships induced by the ordering. Two extensions are then described, maximum-entropy and conditional entailment, which trade in computational simplicity for semantic refinements.
Immediate Postsession Feeding Reduces Operant Responding in Rats

Three experiments investigated the effects of immediate and delayed postsession feeding on progressive-ratio and variable-interval schedule performance in rats. During Experiments 1 and 2, immediate postsession feeding decreased the breakpoint, or largest completed ratio, under progressive-ratio schedules. Experiment 3 was conducted to extend the results of the first two experiments to responding maintained by variable-interval schedules with different session lengths (15 and 60 min). Response rates decreased in all 4 subjects when postsession feeding immediately followed a 15-min session and in 3 of 4 subjects when postsession feeding immediately followed a 60-min session. The implications of this research are twofold: (1) The functional context in which within-session reinforcers are embedded extends outside the experimental chamber, and (2) supplemental postsession feedings should be sufficiently delayed from the end of a session to avoid weakening operant behavior in the experimental sessions.
Second somatic sensory area in the cerebral cortex of cats: Somatotopic organization and cytoarchitecture

The cortex of the anterior ectosylvian gyrus and adjoining ectosylvian and suprasylvian sulci was explored with tungsten microelectrodes to determine the distribution of responses to light cutaneous stimulation in barbiturate-anesthetized cats. Recordings were spaced between 125 and 250 micrometers and, in several cases, nearly all of the somatic areas in this cortex were explored in the same brain. Four somatic sensory areas were identified on the basis of responses properties, sequences of receptive fields, and cytoarchitecture. The largest area, which occupied the rostral and medial two-thirds to three-fourths of the exposed, relatively flat portion of the anterior ectosylvian gyrus, was called the second somatic sensory area (SII). Receptive fields in SII were primarily from the contralateral side of the body; they were well defined and somatotopically organized into an erect representation of the body. The top of the head was located next to a similar representation of the periphery in a portion of the first somatic sensory area (SI). Individual distal digits and toes occupied discrete components of the SII map. Another representation for the distal forelimb and hindlimb was noted medially along the lateral bank of the anterior suprasylvian sulcus. Receptive fields and response properties in this region were equivalent to those seen in SII proper. However, only a crude anteroposterior, fore- to hindlimb topographical organization was noted, but with more distal parts of the limbs generally located closer to the fundus of the sulcus in this medial representation. As the cytoarchitecture in this medial region was similar to the rest of SII it was considered a medial subdivision of SII. A third, topographically organized zone was located lateral to SII largely within the upper bank of the anterior ectosylvian sulcus and adjoining lateral crest of the anterior ectosylvian gyrus. Large, stockinglike, contralateral receptive fields were common; ipsilateral components to the receptive fields were present. Some individual digit receptive fields were located in the rostral part of the forelimb zone within the anterior ectosylvian sulcus. This lateral somatic area is probably equivalent to a fourth somatic sensory area (SIV) recently identified by Clemo and Stein ('82). Posterior to the hindlimb zones of SII and medial to SIV was another region that responded to cutaneous plus auditory stimulation. There was no detectable topography in this area; nearly all of the receptive fields were large, frequently bilateral, and often involved the whole body or all four extremities. This area's cytoarchitecture was comparable to previous descriptions of the suprasylvian fringe (Rose, '49). The location and physiology of these four areas were discussed in reference to previous controversies regarding the topography of the body representation in SII and the location of an acallosal zone in this region of cortex.
A Case Study of Radioactive Fallout

Abstract During September 1961 a series of balloon ascents made from Flin Flon, Canada, carrying scintillation counters sensitive to gamma radiation, revealed the existence of shallow stable atmospheric layers carrying radioactive debris, presumably from the Russian test series during the same month. The debris layers encountered on 14 and 15 September have been studied in particular. The debris detected over Flin Flon on 14 September, 2221 GCT, at 650 mb had undergone strong sinking motion. One may conclude that it came from the region immediately underneath the tropopause shortly prior to 13 September, 12 GCT, entering the middle troposphere through the stable layer underneath the jet core, sometimes referred to as a “jet-stream front.” Beginning with 17 September a distinct area of radioactive fallout begins to appear at the surface over the eastern United States. Some of this debris seems to be identical with the one detected over Flin Flon, and it apparently was transported by the same jet stream. Pa...
Population Differences in Transcript-Regulator Expression Quantitative Trait Loci

Gene expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) are useful for identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with diseases. At times, a genetic variant may be associated with a master regulator involved in the manifestation of a disease. The downstream target genes of the master regulator are typically co-expressed and share biological function. Therefore, it is practical to screen for eQTLs by identifying SNPs associated with the targets of a transcript-regulator (TR). We used a multivariate regression with the gene expression of known targets of TRs and SNPs to identify TReQTLs in European (CEU) and African (YRI) HapMap populations. A nominal p-value of ,1610 26 revealed 234 SNPs in CEU and 154 in YRI as TReQTLs. These represent 36 independent (tag) SNPs in CEU and 39 in YRI affecting the downstream targets of 25 and 36 TRs respectively. At a false discovery rate (FDR)=45%, one cis-acting tag SNP (within 1 kb of a gene) in each population was identified as a TReQTL. In CEU, the SNP (rs16858621) in Pcnxl2 was found to be associated with the genes regulated by CREM whereas in YRI, the SNP (rs16909324) was linked to the targets of miRNA hsa-miR-125a. To infer the pathways that regulate expression, we ranked TReQTLs by connectivity within the structure of biological process subtrees. One TReQTL SNP (rs3790904) in CEU maps to Lphn2 and is associated (nominal p-value=8.1610 27 ) with the targets of the X-linked breast cancer suppressor Foxp3. The structure of the biological process subtree and a gene interaction network of the TReQTL revealed that tumor necrosis factor, NF-kappaB and variants in G-protein coupled receptors signaling may play a central role as communicators in Foxp3 functional regulation. The potential pleiotropic effect of the Foxp3 TReQTLs was gleaned from integrating mRNA-Seq data and SNP-set enrichment into the analysis.
A training-testing approach to the molecular classification of resected non-small cell lung cancer.

Purpose: RNA expression patterns associated with non-small cell lung cancer subclassification have been reported, but there are substantial differences in the key genes and clinical features of these subsets casting doubt on their biological significance. Experimental Design: In this study, we used a training-testing approach to test the reliability of cDNA microarray-based classifications of resected human non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) analyzed by cDNA microarray. Results: Groups of genes were identified that were able to differentiate primary tumors from normal lung and lung metastases, as well as identify known histological subgroups of NSCLCs. Groups of genes were identified to discriminate sample clusters. A blinded confirmatory set of tumors was correctly classified by using these patterns. Some histologically diagnosed large cell tumors were clearly classified by expression profile analysis as being either adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, indicating that this group of tumors may not be genetically homogeneous. High α-actinin-4 expression was identified as highly correlated with poor prognosis. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that gene expression profiling can identify molecular classes of resected NSCLCs that correctly classifies a blinded test cohort, and correlates with and supplements standard histological evaluation.
Contrastive learning and neural oscillations

The concept of Contrastive Learning (CL) is developed as a family of possible learning algorithms for neural networks. CL is an extension of Deterministic Boltzmann Machines to more general dynamical systems. During learning, the network oscillates between two phases. One phase has a teacher signal and one phase has no teacher signal. The weights are updated using a learning rule that corresponds to gradient descent on a contrast function that measures the discrepancy between the free network and the network with a teacher signal. The CL approach provides a general unified framework for developing new learning algorithms. It also shows that many different types of clamping and teacher signals are possible. Several examples are given and an analysis of the landscape of the contrast function is proposed with some relevant predictions for the CL curves. An approach that may be suitable for collective analog implementations is described. Simulation results and possible extensions are briefly discussed together with a new conjecture regarding the function of certain oscillations in the brain. In the appendix, we also examine two extensions of contrastive learning to time-dependent trajectories.
Structural Influences on the Fast Dynamics of Alkylsiloxane Monolayers on SiO2 Surfaces Measured with 2D IR Spectroscopy

There is widespread interest in alkyl chain surface monolayers and their applications. In many applications, alkyl monolayers are functionalized with active headgroups. Here we report the impact of major structural variations on the fast dynamics of alkylsiloxane monolayers. The monolayers were deposited with controlled structures on flat amorphous silica surfaces, and the terminal sites were functionalized with a metal carbonyl headgroup. The CO symmetric stretching mode of the headgroup served as a vibrational probe for detecting the fast structural dynamics of the monolayers using two-dimensional infrared vibrational echo spectroscopy (2D IR) to measure spectral diffusion, which is made quantitative by determining the frequency–frequency correlation function (FFCF) from the time-dependent data. Two methods of functionalizing the surface, independent attachment via a single Si–O bond formed with alkylmonochlorosilane precursors and network attachment via siloxane networks (−Si–O–Si–O−) formed with alkyl...
Business and Official Records: Do the Different Approaches Found in the CEC and FRE Tell the Whole Story? Avoiding the Hearsay Ban While on the Road to the Divide that Separates Civil and Criminal Evidence Rules

This article discusses the differences between the California and Federal evidentiary provisions concerning business and official records. In addition, to analyzing whether the differences are significant, I address more general themes suggested by the conflicting approaches to hearsay taken by the two jurisdictions. The more hearsay friendly federal approach has ramifications in a number of contexts. I discuss the interplay of these two hearsay exceptions with other exceptions concerning the admission of multiple hearsay in civil cases, the effect of the testimonial approach to confrontation on these exceptions in criminal cases, and whether the divide between evidentiary rules and interpretation in civil and criminal cases has widened enough to warrant rejecting the unitary approach to evidence. In addition, the case-law revealed the ease with which police and other business records can be introduced not only in administrative settings, but also in federal courtrooms in sentencing, and at preliminary hearings. Moreover, in state court litigation involving the loss of liberty pursuant to the Sexually Violent Predators Act (SVPA), the only bar to police reports appears to be in the unlikely event they violate due process. Some statutory counterweights also exist, requiring admissible evidence in a few settings not governed by the Rules or Code. Ultimately, the typically ignored applicability provisions of the FRE and California Code appear to create both significant de facto hearsay exceptions as well as barriers to admitting hearsay.
Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Weekly clinicopathological exercises. Case 20-2003. A nine-year-old girl with hepatosplenomegaly and pain in the thigh.

Presentation of Case A nine-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital because of hepatosplenomegaly and pain in the thigh. The patient had been well until three years earlier, when she began to have frequent episodes of epistaxis. Two years before admission, mild abdominal distention developed. Periodic examinations by her physician were reported to have revealed no abnormalities. Two months before admission, the abdominal distention worsened but was not accompanied by abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly. An abdominal ultrasonographic study confirmed the presence of hepatosplenomegaly, without evidence of portal-vein thrombosis (Figure 1). The results of liver-function tests were normal or . . .
Rate adaptation for terahertz communications

The large available bandwidth of terahertz (THz) channels makes THz technology a promising approach to achieve very high data rates for future applications. In this paper, we characterize the THz channel using detailed measurement and analysis. Based on the results, we choose three THz bands in which atmospheric attenuation is smaller compared to other bands. We propose two rate adaptive downlink THz algorithms in which the modulation order is changed based on the channel properties of individual receivers. We demonstrate data rates of several Gbps per user while maintaining fairness.