cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of the leech nervous system.

Publisher Summary This chapter reveals that embryogenesis of the leech nervous system is highly determinate in the sense that during normal development the genealogical origin of each identified neuron can be traced, through a sequence of stereotyped cleavages, to the zygote. This determinacy suggests that the developmental fate of a given cell is governed by its particular line of descent. However, cellular interactions affect the fate taken on by at least some neural precursor cells, as is the case for the O/P kinship group. Although the characteristic phenotype of each identified neuron stems from a series of increasingly restrictive developmental commitments made by its ancestors, and for many neurons these developmental choices rely on cell lineage, interactions with other cells cannot be ignored as a source of significant developmental information. It is generally thought that cell fates become assigned when the developmental possibilities of pluripotent cell lines are limited by a set of sequential commitment steps that end in differentiation into the final set of phenotypes emanating from each pluripotent cell line.
Non-Binary Choice and Preference: A Tribute to Stig Kanger

Stig Kanger was a philosopher of extraordinary power and creativity. In logic, in choice theory, in the theory of rights, and in many other fields, Kanger made far-reaching contributions which were profoundly important for the respective subjects. But he was not invariably a person of the greatest perseverance. He would often make an extremely innovative departure from the received tradition, but then move on to something else without staying on to finish the work he had started.
A common E2F-1 and p73 pathway mediates cell death induced by TCR activation

Strong stimulation of the T-cell receptor (TCR) on cycling peripheral T cells causes their apoptosis by a process called TCR-activation-induced cell death (TCR-AICD). TCR-AICD occurs from a late G1 phase cell-cycle check point independently of the 'tumour suppressor' protein p53. Disruption of the gene for the E2F-1 transcription factor, an inducer of apoptosis, causes significant increases in T-cell number and splenomegaly. Here we show that T cells undergoing TCR-AICD induce the p53-related gene p73, another mediator of apoptosis, which is hypermethylated in lymphomas. Introducing a dominant-negative E2F-1 protein or a dominant-negative p73 protein into T cells protects them from TCR-mediated apoptosis, whereas dominant-negative E2F-2, E2F-4 or p53 does not. Furthermore, E2F-1-null or p73-null primary T cells do not undergo TCR-mediated apoptosis either. We conclude that TCR-AICD occurs from a late G1 cell-cycle checkpoint that is dependent on both E2F-1 and p73 activities. These observations indicate that, unlike p53, p73 serves to integrate receptor-mediated apoptotic stimuli.
An ethnic predilection for fetal echogenic intracardiac focus identified during targeted midtrimester ultrasound examination: A retrospective review

Echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF) has been identified as a common ultrasound finding in association with fetal aneuploidy. Little is known about the association of this soft marker aneuploidy in various ethnic groups. Although it is commonly thought Asians in general have a higher incidence of EIF, it is unknown whether this also applies to Japanese as a subpopulation. The purpose of this study is to determine the antenatal incidence and postnatal significance of EIF observed during sonography in Japanese patients. A cohort of Japanese patients who underwent ultrasound screening from 1997 to 1999 in the ultrasound unit at the New York University School of Medicine was identified. Variables included age, gestational age, serum markers, and the presence or absence of aneuploidy. Patients with first degree paternal or maternal Japanese ancestry were included for analysis. Examinations were performed between 14 and 24 weeks gestation. The prevalence of EIF was calculated. The control group was based on previously published data in the U.S (7.3% prevalence). A total of 154 subjects were identified, 148 were available for final analysis. Twenty-two fetuses had an EIF, 19 (86.4%) left-sided, 3 (13.6%) right-sided. Seventeen patients had other sonographic markers associated with aneuploidy. The mean maternal age at diagnosis was 30.7 ± 3.9 years and the mean gestational age was 19.8 ± 1.6 weeks. The prevalence of EIF was 14.8%. Compared to published population prevalence, there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.005). No abnormal karyotypes were found. Asians of Japanese origin may have a higher prevalence of echogenic intracardiac foci, thus affecting the positive predictive value of this sonographic marker for aneuploidy.
Delineation of Noise Signals From MRI Measured Temperature Rise During HIFU Ablation Procedure

A relatively recent and non invasive method for characterizing thermal fields generated by high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducers is Magnetic Resonance (MR) Thermometry method. However, noise signals generated by external RF sources infiltrate the scanner orifice and limit its ability to measure temperature rise during the heating or ablation phase. In this study, MRI monitored HIFU ablations are performed on freshly excised porcine liver samples, at varying sonication times, 20, 30 and 40 s at a constant acoustic intensity level of 1244 W/cm2. Temperature rise during the procedure is measured using Proton Resonant Frequency MR thermometry. Preliminary experiments without an adequate noise filter, failed to record temperature rise during the heating phase. A low pass R-C filter circuit is subsequently incorporated into the experimental set up to prevent infiltration of noise signals in the MRI orifice. This modified RC filter enables measurement of temperature rise during the heating phase followed by temperature decay during cooling. The measured data is within 12% agreement with the temperature rise computed by solving the acoustic and heat equations.© 2011 ASME
Techniques for regularization parameter and hyper-parameter selection in PET and SPECT imaging

Penalized maximum likelihood methods are commonly used in positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Due to the fact that a Poisson data-noise model is typically assumed, standard regularization parameter choice methods, such as the discrepancy principle or generalized cross validation, cannot be directly applied. In the recent work of the authors, regularization parameter choice methods for penalized negative-log Poisson likelihood problems are introduced. In this article, we apply these methods to the applications of PET and SPECT, introducing a modification that improves the performance of the methods. We then demonstrate how these techniques can be used to choose the hyper-parameters in a Bayesian hierarchical regularization approach.
A "trypsin-like" enzyme in adrenal chromaffin granules: a proenkephalin processing enzyme.

Abstract A “trypsin-like” enzyme has been identified and partially purified from bovine adrenal chromaffin granule extracts. This enzyme has a pH optimum of 5 which is near the chromaffin intragranular pH. The enzyme cleaves the peptide bond on the carboxy side of basic amino acids as shown with proenkephalin peptide substrates. These data suggest this “trypsin-like” enzyme is responsible for the processing of proenkephalin to its active peptides.
3.2.1 Failure Modes And Two Types Of Robustness

Reliability is one of the most important characteristics of a system. To be reliable a system must be robust and mistake free. Robustness is achieved by avoiding failure modes, even in the presence of noises that strongly tend to excite the failure modes. Basic systems engineering primarily considers two-sided failure modes, such as excessive deviation from the correct voltage reading for a voltmeter, which can be either positive or negative; thus the name two sided. In this paper we focus attention on one-sided failure modes, which occur only on one side of the distribution for the exciting noise(s). A single one-sided failure mode is easy to avoid. However, in complex systems it is common for two or more one-sided failure modes to be affected by one critical design parameter in such a way that it is challenging to avoid both failure modes. A path to a reliable system is to open an operating window between the two one-sided failure modes.
Interaction of a pair of coplanar central cracks in an orthotropic strip of finite width

Abstract The interactive effects of a pair of coplanar central cracks in an orthotropic strip with finite width are investigated using the techniques of Fourier transforms and finite Hilbert transforms. The surfaces of the cracks are subjected to uniform pressures, while the edges of the strip are free from stresses. The solutions are largely written in terms of the sum and difference of the characteristic root so that the results can easily be seen as real-valued functions for both real and complex roots. Exact expressions for the stress-intensity factors at the inner and outer crack tips and for the crack shape are obtained as products of dimensional quantities and nondimensional functions in terms of material constants, strip width, and a varying distance between the cracks. The nondimensional functions are calculated numerically for various values of nondimensional parameters for three different materials that involve both real and complex characteristic roots. The interactive effects of the cracks on the stress-intensity factors and on the crack surface opening are described in terms of the distance between the cracks, the material anisotropy, and the strip width.
Augmentation of skin flap survival by parenteral pentoxifylline

Abstract One prime factor implicated in flap necrosis is diminished blood flow. A known corollary of morbid ischaemia is an energy-dependent reduction in red blood cell deformability associated with an increase in whole blood viscosity. The newly available drug pentoxifylline is alleged to improve this red cell membrane defect in the low flow state, thereby improving the rheologic characteristics of blood. We studied its effect in a flap model with an ischaemic component and also measured changes in blood viscosity. A caudally-based dorsal flap in a rat model was used. Control (saline-treated) animals exhibited 74.8±9.8% flap survival. Three groups of animals were treated at different times with pentoxifylline with respect to date of surgery; all groups showed a statistically significant increase in flap survival compared to controls, ranging from 92.3 to 94.3% (p
Z1/3/ contribution to the energy loss of heavy charged particles

The Z1(3) contribution of distant collisions to the average energy loss of heavy charged particles is obtained by extending Bethe's quantum-mechanical calculation to the next highest order in Z1. The second-order Born approximation for the inelastic-collision cross section is simplified by using two major approximations. The infinite summation over terms arising from the coupling to intermediate states of the target atom is approximated with the aid of a parameter and the closure relation. This parameter is proportional to the average excitation energy of the intermediate states as described in the literature. The atomic form factors are simplified through a dipole expansion. Results are obtained in terms of an average excitation energy of the medium. Exemplary results for stopping in Al are presented for estimated values of the average excitation energy of the intermediate states. These results approach the classical and experimental values as the velocity of the penetrating particle increases, agreeing within 20% at beta = 0.3.
Asymmetric Growth and Development of the Xenopus laevis Retina during Metamorphosis Is Controlled by Type III Deiodinase

During the metamorphosis of the Xenopus laevis retina, thyroid hormone (TH) preferentially induces ventral ciliary marginal zone (CMZ) cells to both increase their proliferation and give rise to ipsilaterally projecting ganglion cells. Here we show that dorsal CMZ cells express type III deiodinase (D3), an enzyme that inactivates TH. The dorsal CMZ cells can be induced to proliferate if deiodinase activity is inhibited. D3 or dominant-negative thyroid hormone receptor transgenes inhibit both TH-induced proliferation of the ventral CMZ cells and the formation of the ipsilateral projection. Thus, the localized expression of D3 in the dorsal CMZ cells accounts for the asymmetric growth of the frog retina.
Effect of L-dopa pretreatment on in vivo protein synthesis in various rat brain regions.

Abstract A single dose of L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA, 500 mg/kg, i.p.) that caused massive disaggregation of brain polysomes also suppressed the incorporation of [ 3 H] lysine into trichloracetic acid (TCA)-precipitable proteins of cortex, cerebellum, hypothalamus, brainstem and striatum. The magnitude of this inhibition of [ 3 H] protein synthesis was similar in all brain regions studied, and was not related to changes in the specific activity of the precursor amino acid.
A Datalog interface for SQL (abstract)

The research reported here describes a prototype datalog interface for SQL. Datalog is a logic based declarative language, a version of Prolog, suitable for database systems. The Datalog considered here does not support function symbols in logical rules. The prototype interface is an attempt to provide additional computational power to SQL via a declarative language. In this regard, it could be considered as the basis for a Knowledge Base Management System.The design of the interface involves three major components: Datalog Compiler, IC (Intermediate Code) Interpreter, and a CLI (Command Line Interpreter). The datalog compiler translates a given datalog program into an equivalent intermediate representation referred to as IC. The IC generated is suitable for efficient bottom-up evaluation of logical rules. In addition to IC generation, the compiler also performs several tasks such as safety checking and rectification of rules.The IC interpreter achieves the evaluation of the intermediate code, for logical rules, i.e.. the datalog program, in two stages. The first stage generates SQL statements whose execution would carry out the task as defined by the logical rules. The second phase executes the generated SQL statements by invoking the facilities provided by Pro*C interface to SQL. The SQL statement generation and execution processes are not done sequentially but interleaved.The last component, CLI, provides the user with facilities to invoke the functions of the datalog interface. The interface provides several functions, in addition to the two main ones: compile and execute.
Use of compartmental analysis to study ruminal volatile fatty acid metabolism under steady state conditions in Holstein heifers

Abstract Four rumen-cannulated Holstein heifers were used to quantify volatile fatty acid (VFA) kinetics in the rumen using 13C stable isotopes. Heifers were fed either a low (L) or high (H) concentrate diet with level of concentrate of 250 or 700 g/kg dry matter, respectively. Isotopic tracers, Na-1-13C-acetate (Ac), -propionate (Pr), or -butyrate (Bu) were infused as a bolus into the rumen. Three days prior to sampling, cows were fed equal meals every 4 h for 2 days followed by 2 h feeding intervals 1 day prior to and on the day of sampling. The rumen was sampled 26 times (3 times prior to tracer infusion; background samples and 23 times during 8 h after tracer infusion). Isotopic enrichment was expressed as Tracer/(Tracee + Tracer) or F value. F values were corrected for skewness and graphed against time. A three-compartment model was adequate to describe VFA kinetics in the rumen. It was estimated that there was a flux of Ac to the Pr pool [0.05 g/min (L) versus 0.03 g/min (H)], resulting in an average conversion fraction of Ac to Pr of 0.051 in both groups. The model predicted that the fraction of Ac which contributed to the Pr pool was 0.198 (L) versus 0.145 (H). Although the fraction of the Ac conversion to Bu ranged from 0.367 (L) to 0.448 (H), only a small fraction [0.0137 (L) and 0.0160 (H)] of the Bu was converted to Ac. A major portion of the Bu was coming from Ac in both diet groups. The portion of Bu coming from Ac in the rumen varied between 0.95 and 0.65 in (L) and (H) diets, respectively. Turnover time of all VFA was calculated to be longer in H. Results indicate that Ac and Bu exchange, and that Ac contributes to the Pr pool. However, Pr does not contribute to the Ac or Bu pools. This study demonstrates the usefulness of 13C isotopes to study VFA kinetics and metabolism in cattle.
Gender differences in lifespan and mortality rates in two seed beetle species

Summary 1 In most animals, females live longer than males, and large individuals live longer than small individuals. We examine both gender and body size effects on adult lifespan in two species of seed beetles (Callosobruchus maculatus and Stator limbatus), and test whether body size differences between males and females can explain gender-differences in mortality rates and lifespan. 2 In both species, the effect of age on mortality rate was best described by a logistic mortality curve. C. maculatus females have a higher initial mortality rate than males, while males have a much higher rate of increase of the mortality rate with increasing age. In contrast, S. limbatus males had a higher initial mortality rate (opposite to the pattern seen in C. maculatus) but males and females did not differ in the rate of increase of mortality with increasing age. 3 Body size was positively correlated with lifespan in both species, but it explained very little of the variance in lifespan (R2 < 0·09 for both species) and did not explain the gender difference. 4 Lifespan was heritable for both genders of both populations (h2 between 0·19 and 0·55), and the shape of the mortality curves varied among families within both species.
Calculation of the exciton green's function of a molecular crystal from a two-site dynamical coherent potential approximation

Abstract A new two-site dynamical coherent potential approximation for exciton-phonon interaction models corresponding to a homomorphic partition of the hamiltonian is described. The renormalization of both the site energy and the exciton bandwidth is accomplished in contrast to single-site CPA models.
Nonlinear dynamics of self-organized microstructure under irradiation.

We analyze the formation and evolution of point and line defect microstructure in irradiated materials. The effects of irradiation on materials are described by dynamical conservation equations for two mobile atomic size species (vacancies and interstitial atoms), and two basic immobile elements of the microstructure (vacancy and interstitial clusters). It is shown that, under specific irradiation and material conditions, uniform vacancy and interstitial cluster populations become unstable, forming large-scale spatially organized distributions. The structure and symmetry of these organized distributions are shown to evolve with time. The selection and stability of the resulting microstructure are studied in the quasistatic approximation and in the weakly nonlinear regime around the bifurcation point. It is shown that point defect recombination does not affect the long time evolution of the microstructure, and that the final pattern should correspond to planar wall structures, in agreement with experimental observations. Time-dependent evolution of self-organized microstructure is demonstrated for various irradiation and temperature conditions, placing special emphasis on the role of dislocation bias and direct cascade clustering on the self-organization of extended defects.
Is a Little (Psychiatric) Knowledge a Dangerous Thing?: The Impact of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder on Perceptions of Premenstrual Women

One hundred thirty-four participants completed a revised Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ), which included criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Two weeks later the participants again completed the revised MDQ after reading either the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) diagnostic criteria for the PMDD or a copy of the same criteria retitled “Episodic Dysphoric Disorder,” with all menstrual cycle references removed. Knowledge of the diagnosis did not affect women's perceptions of their own menstrual cycle-related symptoms, but it increased participants' perceptions of premenstrual changes as a problem for women in general. Chi-square analyses revealed that participants were more willing to attach a psychiatric diagnosis to women they know if they believed the diagnosis was related to the menstrual cycle.
Field evaluation of beach profile response to wave steepness as predicted by the Dean model

Abstract An evaluation of the Dean (1973) model of shore-normal sediment transport, using field data ( N = 111) including daily beach profiles, suggests that the model correctly predicts 98% of the 45 erosional events when K = 2.0 and using breaker steepness. Only 45% of the 52 depositional beaches were correctly predicted by the model, whereas 14 beach profiles displayed essentially no change.
Clusters of census tracts with high proportions of men with distant-stage prostate cancer incidence in New Jersey, 1995 to 1999.

Background Although the etiology of prostate cancer is uncertain, cancer control programs need to know the factors that contribute to variations in prostate cancer incidence from place to place. Geographic patterns of prostate cancer cases diagnosed at the distant stage are particularly important, because survival is substantially lower than for prostate cancer diagnosed at earlier stages. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize clusters of census tracts in New Jersey with significantly high proportions of men diagnosed with distant-stage prostate cancer. Methods Prostate cancer cases diagnosed in New Jersey residents from 1995 to 1999 ( n =30,505) were geocoded at the census tract level ( n =1938) based on their residences at time of diagnosis. A spatial scan statistic (SaTScan) then was applied to identify clusters of census tracts with elevated proportions of cases of distant stage prostate cancer, using a case–control Bernoulli probability model study design. Distant-stage prostate cancers were defined as cases ( n =1230), and all other prostate cancers as controls. Population characteristics from the 1990 Census for the area of the most likely cluster were compared to the remainder of the state. Results SaTScan identified a large geographic area in northeast New Jersey as the most likely cluster (RR=1.25, p =0.001). Compared to the remainder of the state, the underlying population in the most likely cluster area had higher proportions of African-American, Hispanic, and Asian men, and was more likely to be foreign-born, undereducated, in poverty, and have limited English speaking ability. Conclusions Spatial analyses of late stage prostate cancer cases can provide additional insights into less favorable outcomes for disadvantaged populations and racial and ethnic minorities.
The viability of analytical methods for the reduction of multivariable systems

A number of recently proposed methods for reducing the order of multivariable systems are investigated and it is shown that they may lead to reduced order models that are in fact of higher order than the original system.
Sequential unilateral Freiberg's disease

Abstract We report the first case of unilateral sequential Freiberg's disease in an adolescent girl with no predisposing factors.
Analysis of isoproterenol-induced changes in parotid gland gene expression

Parotid gland acinar cells undergo marked hypertrophy and hyperplasia upon systemic exposure to the β-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol. This glandular enlargement is accompanied by substantial cel...
Structure, organization and evolution of developmentally regulated chorion genes in a silkmoth

We describe in detail two cloned chromosomal DNA segments from Antheraea polyphemus, each bearing multiple chorion genes. Two types of genes are found per segment, each in two or three copies: they belong to both major chorion multigene families (A and B), but are expressed during the same developmental period (middle choriongenesis in one segment, late in the other). A and B genes alternate and are paired, lie in divergent transcriptional orientation and are in very close proximity to each other (mRNA cap sites are separated by a 5' flanking sequence 264 or 325 bp long). Each AB pair is embedded within a large, tandemly repeating unit. Within that unit, the homologous 3' flanking sequences that separate gene pairs evolve rapidly and are frequently interrupted by long segments representing inserts (or deletions). These segments would decrease unequal crossing-over, facilitating rapid evolution of the chorion multigene families. A total of 10.4 kb of DNA has been sequenced, permitting detailed comparisons of genes, their introns, 5' flanking and immediately 3' flanking regions. Genes range over two orders of sequence similarity, from highly releated to very disparate (gene copies; members of the same multigene family; members of different families). Among their universal features are a common cap-site sequence, a single intron invariably located at the same position within the signal peptide-encoding region, and a Hogness box 21 to 23 nucleotides upstream from the cap site. Features of possible paired promoters occupying the short 5' flanking region are discussed. Genes evolve both by base substitutions and by segmental mutations, which are almost invariably deletions/insertions related to small, direct repeats.
T-type Ca2+ current contribution to Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release in developing myocardium

In normal adult-ventricular myocardium, Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is activated via Ca2+ entry through L-type Ca2+ channels. However, embryonic-ventricular myocytes have a prominent T-type Ca2+ current (ICa,T). In this study, the contribution of ICa,T to CICR was determined in chick-ventricular development. Electrically stimulated Ca2+ transients were examined in myocytes loaded with fura-2 and Ca2+ currents with perforated patch-clamp. The results show that the magnitudes of the Ca2+ transient, L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) and ICa,T, decline with development with the majority of the decline of transients and ICa,L occurring between embryonic day (ED) 5 and 11. Compared to controls, the magnitude of the Ca2+ transient in the presence of nifedipine was reduced by 41% at ED5, 77% at ED11, and 78% at ED15. These results demonstrated that the overall contribution of ICa,T to the transient was greatest at ED5, while ICa,L was predominate at ED11 and 15. This indicated a decline in the contribution of ICa,T to the Ca2+ transient with development. Nifedipine plus caffeine was added to deplete the SR of Ca2+ and eliminate the occurrence of CICR due to ICa,T. Under these conditions, the transients were further reduced at all three developmental ages, which indicated that a portion of the Ca2+ transients present after just nifedipine addition was due to CICR stimulated by ICa,T. These results indicate that Ca2+ entry via T-type channels plays a significant role in excitation-contraction coupling in the developing heart that includes stimulation of CICR.
Flash freezing of Mohs micrographic surgery tissue can minimize freeze artifact and speed slide preparation.

BACKGROUNDIn Mohs micrographic surgery, excised tissue is traditionally prepared for cryotomy by freezing in the cryostat's refrigerated chamber. Any delay may cause drying artifact and tissue autolysis and affect slide turn around time (TAT). Flash freezing is used in frozen section processing of g
Devices and Educational Change

This paper uses Actor Network Theory to examine two cases of device‐mediated educational change, one involving a computer‐assisted interactive video module that provided a half‐hour of instruction for a university course, the other an assistive communication device that proved a supposedly retarded pre‐school child to be intelligent. The paper explores how device construction instigated by middle‐level organizational workers can ramify into organizational change, and extends Actor Network theory by augmenting some of its conceptual tools. I argue that the organizational change processes initiated by work on the devices played out in non‐linear ways across the decades‐long careers of their makers, and that to understand them we not only have to look across such extended time frames, but must also consider how agency and identity positions emerge and shift over time through the mediation of devices.
The influence of network structure on neuronal network dynamics

We investigate the influence of network structure on the dynamics of neuronal networks, with a focus on the emergence of synchronous oscillations. Network structure is specified using the framework of second order networks, a network model that captures second order statistics (correlations) among the connections between neurons. We demonstrate that the frequency of a chain motif in the network plays a crucial role in influencing network dynamics, not only modulating the emergence of synchrony but also possibly increasing the range of possible network behaviors. Figure 1 The four second order edge motifs of reciprocal, convergent, divergent, and causal connections. The frequency of these motifs determine the second order statistics, or correlations, among the network connections.
Transitions between de Sitter minima

We investigate the cosmological signatures of instantons mediating tunneling between de Sitter minima. For generic potentials the Coleman-de Luccia instanton does not necessarily exist; when it does not, the instanton which contributes to the decay rate is the trivial constant solution, known as the Hawking-Moss instanton. With the aid of a toy model we interpret this solution and describe the resulting cosmology. In neither the Coleman-de Luccia nor Hawking-Moss case can the resulting cosmology be closed. An observation of significant positive curvature would therefore rule out the possibility that our universe arose from any transition from a neighboring minimum in the string-theory landscape.
A solvable class of quadratic 0–1 programming

Abstract We show that the minimum of the pseudo-Boolean quadratic function ƒ(x) = x T Qx + c T x can be found in linear time when the graph defined by Q is transformable into a combinatorial circuit of AND, OR, NAND, NOR or NOT logic gates. A novel modeling technique is used to transform the graph defined by Q into a logic circuit. A consistent labeling of the signals in the logic circuit from the set {0, 1} corresponds to the global minimum of ƒ and the labeling is determined through logic simulation of the circuit. Our approach establishes a direct and constructive relationship between pseudo-Boolean functions and logic circuits. In the restricted case when all the elements of Q are nonpositive, the minimum of ƒ can be obtained in polynomial time [15]. We show that the problem of finding the minimum of ƒ, even in the special case when all the elements of Q are positive, is NP-complete.
Reading and cognitive abilities: Longitudinal studies of brain and behavior changes in young children

This paper focuses on methods useful for identifying differences in the development of language reading abilities in children that rely on measures of brain responses and behavioral assessments. Findings from longitudinal and cross-sectional studies using brain and behavior measures are described, along with findings from research designed to influence changes in brain and behavioral responses through training. The findings show differences in event-related potentials (ERP) responses recorded at birth that are related to a child’s later performance on language and reading tasks. Such findings point to a strong biological influence on the development of language and reading skills. However, other findings show that the influence of biological factors on brain processing can be modified through learning. In fact, several studies show that even brief periods of stimulation and opportunities for learning can produce changes in the brain’s ERP repsonses. Such findings suggest that new approaches to evaluating the effectiveness of interventions might change the rate and likelihood of developmental changes.
Understanding Varying Approaches Among Conservation Professionals: A Case Study from Papua New Guinea

This article examines the internal workings, debates, and politics of a conservation organization implementing marine conservation projects in Madang, Papua New Guinea (PNG). It tracks the decision-making processes of staff at international, national, and field offices who define and implement marine conservation projects. The findings show that individual conservation actors conceptualize objectives and tools differently, have different notions of conservation versus development, and may support ignorance about particular project details to advance individual and organizational goals.
Dips in partial wave amplitudes from final state interactions

We consider the dip-peak structures in the J=0 partial wave amplitudes for the processes \ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{W}}^{+}$${\mathit{W}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ and \ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma},gg\ensuremath{\rightarrow}tt\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}, taking into account the corresponding Born term process and the rescattering process where the intermediate state is rescattered through the exchange of a Higgs resonance state in the direct channel.
Hyponatremia: mechanisms and newer treatments.

ABSTRACT Objective To review the neural and renal mechanisms of osmotic homeostasis, provide a rationale for the sensitivity of the central nervous system to hyponatremia, and outline modern approaches to therapy of acute and chronic hyponatremia. Methods Review of relevant literature with focus on physiologic mechanisms. Results With careful monitoring, acute hyponatremia can be managed, while minimizing risks both of continued hyponatremia and the osmotic demyelination that can occur with overly rapid correction of severe hyponatremia. Chronic hyponatremia due to disorders of volume regulation (congestive heart failure or cirrhosis) or to syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone release can be managed effectively with vasopressin V2 receptor antagonists, but there is no evidence that controlling the hyponatremia enhances survival associated with the underlying diseases. Conclusions Therapy in the acute setting balances the risk of the osmotic disturbance with the risk of overly rapid correction. The V2 receptor antagonist tolvaptan has enhanced our ability to improve chronic hyponatremia in conditions such as congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone hypersecretion. (Endocr Pract. 2010;16:882-887)
Ocean color observations and modeling for an optically complex site: Santa Barbara Channel, California, USA

[1] An extensive bio-optical data set from the Santa Barbara Channel (SBC), California, is used to assess the in-water constituents responsible for ocean color variability in this optically complex coastal site and to develop locally optimized ocean color models. The Santa Barbara Channel is a productive region of the California Current System. Chlorophyll concentrations are highly variable (range from 0.06 to 19.8 mg m � 3 ) and are higher than the typical open ocean conditions (mean of 2.2 mg m � 3 and standard deviation of 2.4 mg m � 3 ). Thus chlorophyll pigments are a prime driver of reflectance variability in the SBC. Reflectance is also influenced by colored dissolved organic matter and suspended sediments which only weakly covary with chlorophyll. Detrital particulates are responsible for only a small (ca. 10%) portion of nonwater absorption, whereas phytoplankton and colored dissolved organic matter contribute approximately equally to the total nonwater absorption coefficient at 440 nm. Remote-sensing reflectance spectra show the expected relationships with in situ determinations of absorption and backscattering where reflectance variability is absorption-driven in the blue and backscattering-driven in the green. The performance of existing empirical and semianalytical ocean color algorithms is shown to be satisfactory, although clearly not excellent. The optical complexity of the SBC suggests that regionally specific semianalytical models should be developed to best account for the independently varying optical constituents. Importantly, an optimization of a semianalytical model using the present data set does not result in substantial improvements in performance. Analyses of the causes and the implications of this conundrum are discussed.
The endosome-associated protein Hrs is hexameric and controls cargo sorting as a "master molecule".

Summary The structure of the endosomal-associated protein, Hrs, has been determined with cryo-electron microscopy. Hrs interacts with a number of proteins, including SNAP-25 and STAM1, forming a complex that binds ubiquitin moieties. Analytical ultracentrifugation studies revealed that Hrs exists as a hexamer. The symmetry and the structure of the hexameric form of Hrs were determined with the single-particle reconstruction method. Hrs comprises three antiparallel dimers with a central core and distinct caps on either end. Crystal structures of VHS and FYVE domains fit into the Hrs end caps in the EM density map. Thus, the location of domains that interact with the endosomal membrane, the VHS, FYVE, and C-terminal domains, facilitates the anchorage of Hrs to the membrane, initiating the functional processes of Hrs on the endosome. Based on our model, the Hrs hexamer interacts with the membrane and acts as a "master molecule" that presents multiple sites for protein binding.
Ultrastructural Studies on Scrapie Prion Protein Crystals Obtained from Reverse Micellar Solutions

The structural transition from the cellular prion protein (PrPC) that is rich in alpha-helices to the pathological form (PrPSc) that has a high beta-sheet content seems to be the fundamental event underlying the prion diseases. Determination of the structure of PrPSc and the N-terminally truncated PrP 27-30 has been complicated by their insolubility. Here we report the solubilization of PrP 27-30 through a system of reverse micelles that yields monomeric and dimeric PrP. Although solubilization of PrP 27-30 was not accompanied by any recognizable change in secondary structure as measured by FTIR spectroscopy, it did result in a loss of prion infectivity. The formation of small two- and three-dimensional crystals upon exposure to uranyl salts argues that soluble PrP 27-30 possesses considerable tertiary structure. The crystals of PrP 27-30 grown from reverse micellar solutions suggest a novel crystallization mechanism that might be applicable for other membrane proteins. A variety of different crystal lattices diffracted up to 1.85 nm by electron microscopy. Despite the lack of measurable biological activity, the structure of PrP 27-30 in these crystals may provide insight into the structural transition that occurs during PrPSc formation.
Service Innovation and Smart Analytics for Industry 4.0 and Big Data Environment

Abstract Today, in an Industry 4.0 factory, machines are connected as a collaborative community. Such evolution requires the utilization of advance- prediction tools, so that data can be systematically processed into information to explain uncertainties, and thereby make more “informed” decisions. Cyber-Physical System-based manufacturing and service innovations are two inevitable trends and challenges for manufacturing industries. This paper addresses the trends of manufacturing service transformation in big data environment, as well as the readiness of smart predictive informatics tools to manage big data, thereby achieving transparency and productivity.
Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis and surgical management of right atrial myxoma.

An asymptomatic patient was discovered to have a large right atrial myxoma by transthoracic echocardiography. Preoperative considerations included the possibility of satellite lesions, left atrial origin, and a question of tricuspid valve involvement. Subsequent operative transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated single-stalk attachment in the right atrial septal wall and no satellite lesions. Doppler and color flow examination immediately following tumor removal aided in the decision not to perform tricuspid annuloplasty as there was no significant tricuspid regurgitation. The combined use of transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography with Doppler and color flow imaging aids in the preoperative and intraoperative diagnosis and surgical management of right atrial tumors. (Chest 1991; 100:575-76)
Performance Enhancing Diets and the PRISE Protocol to Optimize Athletic Performance

The training regimens of modern-day athletes have evolved from the sole emphasis on a single fitness component (e.g., endurance athlete or resistance/strength athlete) to an integrative, multimode approach encompassing all four of the major fitness components: resistance (R), interval sprints (I), stretching (S), and endurance (E) training. Athletes rarely, if ever, focus their training on only one mode of exercise but instead routinely engage in a multimode training program. In addition, timed-daily protein (P) intake has become a hallmark for all athletes. Recent studies, including from our laboratory, have validated the effectiveness of this multimode paradigm (RISE) and protein-feeding regimen, which we have collectively termed PRISE. Unfortunately, sports nutrition recommendations and guidelines have lagged behind the PRISE integrative nutrition and training model and therefore limit an athletes' ability to succeed. Thus, it is the purpose of this review to provide a clearly defined roadmap linking specific performance enhancing diets (PEDs) with each PRISE component to facilitate optimal nourishment and ultimately optimal athletic performance.
Round Trip Mars Missions Using Looping Trajectories in the 1980-2000 Time Period

Round trip Mars missions combining a standard trajectory leg and a looping trajectory leg are suggested as an alternative to the more conventional trajectories. Looping trajectories are shown to make it possible to trade a slight increase in total mission time for a significant reduction in Mars stay time, with the possible added benefit of a decrease in energy requirements.
Cysteine-induced effect on amino acids in neonatal rat brain.

In neonatal rat brain 6 h after s.c. administration of L-cysteine, an increase was observed in most of the amino acids with the exception of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, phenylalanine, sarcosine, glutamine, hydroxyproline and phosphoethanolamine compared to age-matched saline controls. Cysteine was not present at detectable levels in control brain but was found to be 0.38 to 0.52 μmole/g of fresh brain tissue in 2- and 4-day-old rats respectively after cysteine treatment.
Relations between preconditioned rate of solution ingestion and rate of post-irradiation intake

Abstract Three groups of 12 rats per group were tested daily for 90 days on a 2-bottle 30-min preference test in which one bottle contained water and the second bottle contained either 1.0 per cent, 0.50 per cent or 0.10 per cent saccharin solution. A classically conditioned aversion was induced by pairing the taste of saccharin with an exposure to 100r of X-rays (5r/min) on three separate occasions. Saccharin drinking for all 3 groups during the first post-irradiation day at each irradiation exposure was directly related to the pre-irradiation level of saccharin consumption, indicating that the preconditioned rate of solution ingestion significantly determined the rate of post-irradiation solution ingestion. Saccharin preference scores were insensitive to radiation-induced saccharin intake changes, indicating that preference scores are inappropriate to use for evaluating conditioned taste aversion when extensive habituation to the CS is given.
Assembly Mechanism of the Contractile Ring for Cytokinesis by Fission Yeast

Animals and fungi assemble a contractile ring of actin filaments and the motor protein myosin to separate into individual daughter cells during cytokinesis. We used fluorescence microscopy of live fission yeast cells to observe that membrane-bound nodes containing myosin were broadly distributed around the cell equator and assembled into a contractile ring through stochastic motions, after a meshwork of dynamic actin filaments appeared. Analysis of node motions and numerical simulations supported a mechanism whereby transient connections are established when myosins in one node capture and exert force on actin filaments growing from other nodes.
When are item response models consistent with observed data

The problem of deciding whether a set of mental test data is consistent with any one of a large class of item response models is considered. The “classical” assumption of locla independence is weakened to a new condition, local nonnegative dependence (LND). Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for a LND item response model to fit a set of data. This leads to a condition that a set of data must satisfy if it is to be representable by any item response model that assumes both local independence and monotone item characteristic curves. An example is given to show that LND is strictly weaker than local independence. Thus rejection of LND models implies rejection of all item response models that assume local independence for a given set of data.
Stochastic control of processes having moving boundaries-An experimental study

A general state estimator requiring only discrete time measurements has been developed for nonlinear distributed parameter systems having moving boundaries. The state estimator has been combined with an optimal linear-quadratic feedback controller to provide a stochastic feedback control scheme for this class of problem. Both the state estimation and control algorithms were implemented in real time for a laboratory casting process and were found to perform well. The state estimation scheme would seem to hold the most interest for industrial applications.
Sales leadership icons and models: How comic book superheroes would make great sales leaders

Abstract Developing strong leadership within the organization is one of the most valuable pursuits any firm can undertake. Considering the many demands on the resources of leaders, developmental opportunities must be efficient and effective to truly impact leadership ability. Comic books and their role in storytelling can offer unique insights regarding core leadership characteristics underlying great sales leadership and act as a tool for growth in leadership capabilities. With the recent explosion in superhero awareness through blockbuster movie releases and increased comic book readership, this article presents a series of leadership characteristics and their embodiment within superheroes. A list of top sales leader qualities from a panel of practicing sales professionals is first provided. Specific examples of these leadership qualities as evidenced by a particular superhero are then offered. These examples are solicited from a panel of superhero subject matter experts and yield insight into how managers can use superhero narratives as a learning tool. We summarize the findings from our research and propose specific managerial challenges and actionable recommendations offered by the exemplars we review.