cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural networks for the design of distributed, fault-tolerant, computing environments

Binary optimization models for the design of distributed, fault-tolerant computing systems are considered, with a focus on the task allocation and file assignment modeling schema proposed by J. Bannister and K. Trivedi (Proc. Second Symp. on Reliability in Distributed Software and Database Systems, 1982). It is shown that R. Graham's (1969) partitioning algorithm, S, when applied to this schema can, in the case of finite resources, yield allocations that are arbitrarily poor with respect to the optimum allocation. This contrasts sharply with the case of ample resources, where S provides allocations that are provably close to the optimum. Two alternative allocation algorithms are suggested. Both are seen to deliver allocations preferable to those provided by S, but at some additional computational expense. >
Can Markets Give Us the Health System We Want

The purpose of this article is to reconsider the foundations of health economics as applied to the study of competition. It shows that conclusions concerning the purported desirability of competitive markets are based on a number of assumptions--many of which have heretofore been ignored--that typically are not fulfilled in the health care area. Once this is recognized market mechanisms no longer necessarily provide the best way to improve social welfare. The article is divided into two parts: competition and demand. Each of these sections presents and then critiques key assumptions of the conventional economic model, and then provides a number of health applications. It concludes that by not considering the validity of these assumptions in health care applications, researchers and policy analysts will bind themselves to policy options that may be most effective in improving social welfare.
Modeling of the human body using stochastic Petri nets

The advancement of science and medicinal technology both facilitate and necessitate an increase in the understanding of the human body, its subsystems, and their reliabilities. One of the most prominent examples of this is in the possible creation of synthetic organs, which will need benchmarks for their dependability before approval for implantation. While lower-level biological processes have been simulated using traditional reliability modeling approaches, this research extends the body of knowledge by instead taking a top-down approach. In this work, a model of the human body was derived using a Generalized Stochastic Petri Net (GSPN) by exploiting the similarities between the human body and traditional fault-tolerant systems. Although the simulation results proved that more detailed medical statistics are needed prior to implementation, the research does provide a foundational model for future work in this area.
A Data Fusion System for Attitude Estimation of Low-cost Miniature UAVs

Miniature unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have attracted wide interest from researchers and developers because of their broad applications. In order to make a miniature UAV platform popular for civilian applications, one critical concern is the overall cost. However, lower cost generally means lower navigational accuracy and insufficient flight control performance, mainly due to the low graded avionics on the UAV. This paper introduces a data fusion system based on several low-priced sensors to improve the attitude estimation of a low-cost miniature fixed-wing UAV platform. The characteristics of each sensor and the calculation of attitude angles are carefully studied. The algorithms and implementation of the fusion system are described and explained in details. Ground test results with three sensor fusions are compared and analyzed, and flight test comparison results with two sensor fusions are also presented.
Functional links between proteins

Ingenious computational comparisons involving complete genomic sequences have predicted many new functional links between proteins, without relying on homologies to characterized proteins. These new methods complement the large-scale experimental determination of protein function, and will ultimately contribute to complete and powerful models of biological pathways and assemblies.
Effect of oxygen tension on stability and expression of a killer toxin chimeric plasmid in a chemostat culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The effects of oxygen tension and dilution rate on expression and stability of killer toxin chimeric plasmid (pADH-10A) in transformants of wine yeast (Montrachet 522) were investigated using a glucose-limited chemostat culture. Killer toxin activity increased as a function of dilution rate when transformants were grown in N2 or air, but not in 100% O2. Killer transformants grown in the presence of N2 had 2–4 fold and 10–15 fold higher toxin expression than that in the presence of air and 100% O2, respectively. Plasmid stability increased as a function of dilution rate, regardless of the oxygen tension used. However, transformants grown in air gave the highest plasmid stability.
Activation of Estrous Behavior in Ovariectomized Rats by Intracerebral Implants of Estradiol Benzoate

There is a lack of agreement among several studies on the site of action of estradiol in the regulation of estrous behavior in mammals in general, and in rats in particular. Two experiments were performed in an attempt to clarify this issue. In the first experiment, 29 ovariectomized rats received unilateral 27 gauge implants of estradiol benzoate (EB) in various areas of the brain. Animals were tested over a three week period for estrous responses to an intact male rat. The greatest response resulted from implants in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH). Implants in the preopticanterior hypothalamic region (POA-AH) and other areas of the brain were significantly less effective, but when progesterone (P) was given almost all animals responded, and the magnitude of responses did not differ among the various groups. In the second experiment 30 gauge tubing with EB in the lumen was employed in order to restrict the effective dose of hormone delivered to the brain. Implants were placed in the VMH, POA-AH, or i...
Arctic mercury depletion and its quantitative link with halogens

Gas phase elemental mercury (Hg°) was measured aboard the NASA DC-8 research aircraft during the Arctic Research of the Composition of the Troposphere from Aircraft and Satellites (ARCTAS) campaign conducted in spring 2008 primarily over the North American Arctic. We examined the vertical distributions of Hg° and ozone (O3) together with tetrachloroethylene (C2Cl4), ethyne (C2H2), and alkanes when Hg°- and O3-depleted air masses were sampled near the surface (<1 km). This study suggests that Hg° and O3 depletions commonly occur over linear distances of ~20–200 km. Horizontally there was a sharp decreasing gradient of ~100 ppqv in Hg° over <10 km in going from the bay near Ellesmere Island to the frozen open ocean. There was a distinct land-ocean difference in the vertical thickness of the Hg°-depleted layer – being variable but around a few 100 meters over the ocean whereas occurring only very near the surface over land. Data support that atmospheric mercury depletion events are driven by Hg° reactions with halogen atoms. Derived from data collected aboard the DC-8, we present mathematical expressions giving the rates of Hg° and O3 depletions as a function of the radical concentrations. These relationships can be a useful metric to evaluate models that attempt to reproduce springtime Arctic Hg° and/or O3 depletion events, and they can also be employed to obtain order-of-magnitude estimates of radical concentrations and the ratio [Br]/[Cl].
Systematic biases in subduction zone hypocenters

[1] Earthquake hypocenters from global datasets commonly have regional biases in their locations due to the use of a one-dimensional velocity model in their location. To analyze this effect, we group intermediate-depth earthquakes into forty-four 500-km-long sections of subduction zone. We relocate earthquakes in each group relative to one another and in a three-dimensional global velocity model. Hypocenters shift up to 25 km regionally when these effects are included; most earthquakes in circum-Pacific subduction zones are pulled toward the Pacific. Location uncertainties from the relative relocations are reduced to one-fifth of those from single-event locations; Wadati-Benioff zone thicknesses are reduced to two-thirds of their original thickness. These biases alter estimates of depth to slab beneath arc volcanoes up to 50 km, and alter measurements such as the volume of mantle wedge available for water storage or melt generation, and the size of the thrust zone on which large earthquakes can occur.
Clones of ectopic stem cells in the regeneration of muscle defects in vivo.

Little is known about whether clones of ectopic, non-muscle stem cells contribute to muscle regeneration. Stem/progenitor cells that are isolated for experimental research or therapeutics are typically heterogeneous. Non-myogenic lineages in a heterogeneous population conceptually may compromise tissue repair. In this study, we discovered that clones of mononucleated stem cells of human tooth pulp fused into multinucleated myotubes that robustly expressed myosin heavy chain in vitro with or without co-culture with mouse skeletal myoblasts (C2C12 cells). Cloned cells were sustainably Oct4+, Nanog+ and Stro1+. The fusion indices of myogenic clones were approximately 16–17 folds greater than their parent, heterogeneous stem cells. Upon infusion into cardio-toxin induced tibialis anterior muscle defects, undifferentiated clonal progenies not only engrafted and colonized host muscle, but also expressed human dystrophin and myosin heavy chain more efficaciously than their parent heterogeneous stem cell populations. Strikingly, clonal progenies yielded ∼9 times more human myosin heavy chain mRNA in regenerating muscles than those infused with their parent, heterogeneous stem cells. The number of human dystrophin positive cells in regenerating muscles infused with clonal progenies was more than ∼3 times greater than muscles infused with heterogeneous stem cells from which clonal progenies were derived. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of ectopic myogenic clones in muscle regeneration.
Polarization intermodulated excitation (POLINEX) spectroscopy of helium and neon

Abstract The nonlinear interaction of two laser beams in an absorbing medium can be detected with high sensitivity by Polarization Intermodulated Excitation (POLINEX). We have demonstrated this technique with Doppler-free spectroscopy of excited helium and neon atoms in glow discharges, using optogalvanic or fluorescence detection. The neon spectra are free of Doppler-broadened background despite velocity changing elastic collisions.
Developmental Maturation of D-Glucose Active Transport System in Rat Intestine

Developmental changes in the D -glucose-active transport system were examined in jejunum of rats of different age groups (3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 25 and 90 days old) using the intestina
Diagonal earlobe creases and prognosis in patients with suspected coronary artery disease

Purpose To determine whether high-risk patients with unilateral, bilateral, or no earlobe creases (ELC) have different prognoses for common sequelae of coronary heart disease. Patients and methods Two hundred sixty-four consecutive patients from a university-based coronary care unit or catheterization laboratory were blindly followed up for 10 years, using questionnaires, medical records, and death certificates. The primary outcome measure was time to cardiac event; namely, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), myocardial infarction (MI), or cardiac death. Analyses included log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards regression modelling. Results The number of creased ears was significantly associated, in a graded fashion, with 10-year cardiac event free survival: 43.5% ±5.7%, 33.0% ± 6.7%, or 17.5% ± 4.6% (mean ±standard error for 0, 1, or 2 ELC, respectively; P = 0.0003). After adjustment for 10 known cardiac risk factors, including age and left ventricular ejection fraction, the relative risk for a cardiac event for a unilateral ELC, relative to 0 ELC, was 1.33 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10 to 1.61, P = 0.02), and for bilateral ELC, it was 1.77 (95% CI 1.21 to 2.59, P = 0.003). Conclusions Ear lobe creases are associated, in a graded fashion, with higher rates of cardiac events in patients admitted to hospital with suspected coronary disease. In such patients, ELC may help to identify those at higher risk for sequelae of coronary disease.
Prevalence and Duration of Postmenopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy Use in a Managed Care Organization, 1990–1995

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and duration of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use and identify correlates of adherence to therapy.
PCR Primers with Enhanced Specificity for Nematode-Trapping Fungi (Orbiliales)

Nematode-trapping fungi, a monophyletic lineage within the Orbiliales (Ascomycota), use specialized structures to capture and consume nematodes in soil, leaf litter, and other substrates. These fungi have been studied both because of their unique predatory life history and because they are potential control agents of important plant- and animal-parasitic nematodes. Ecological studies of nematode-trapping fungi have primarily used culture-based methods, but molecular detection techniques are now available and should be useful for studying this group. We developed Orbiliales-specific PCR primers for the ITS and 28s rDNA to directly detect nematode-trapping fungi without culturing and also to screen fungal isolates for phylogenetic placement in the Orbiliales. We used these primers to selectively amplify, clone, and sequence Orbiliales DNA extracted from soil, litter, and wood, and we compared the results of molecular detection with those obtained using a culture-based method. Of the eight species of nematode-trapping Orbiliales detected with the culture-based assay, only three were detected with PCR. The molecular assay, however, detected 18 species of uncultured Orbiliales, many of which are closely related to nematode-trapping fungi and fungal parasites of nematode eggs. Our results suggest that the combined use of Orbiliales-specific primers and culture-based techniques may benefit future studies of nematophagous fungi.
Change detection as a tool for the maintenance of mine-free trackways using a forward-looking ground-penetrating radar

A series of forward-looking ground penetrating radar measurements were taken that bracketed the emplacement of mines at a controlled test site. Fully polarimetric data were collected over a broad rang of frequencies at several times that spanned placement of the mines. These data have been used as input to chagne-detection processing both to examine the overall improvement in signal-to-clutter ratio provided by change detection and to begin assessment of the effects of weather and other relatively long-term variables on its effectiveness. Measurements have been performed initially with the system in a fixed position in order to determine base signal-to-clutter levels given ideal image registration. Under these controlled conditions, change detection is shown to be very effective over the short term in an application such as this. Changes in surface texture are also evident following the emplacement of mines. Morphological closing is shown to be a useful technique for delimiting such regions.
Measurement of gluconeogenesis and pyruvate recycling in the rat liver: a simple analysis of glucose and glutamate isotopomers during metabolism of [1,2,3-13C3]propionate

Simple equations that relate glucose and glutamate 13C-NMR multiplet areas to gluconeogenesis and pyruvate recycling during metabolism of [1,2,3-13C3]propionate are presented. In isolated rat livers, gluconeogenic flux was 1.2 times TCA cycle flux and about 40% of the oxaloacetate pool underwent recycling to pyruvate prior to formation of glucose. The 13C spectra of glucose collected from rats after gastric versus intravenous administration of [1,2,3-13C3]propionate indicated that pyruvate recycling was slightly higher in vivo (49%) while glucose production was unchanged. This indicates that a direct measure of gluconeogenesis and pyruvate recycling may be obtained from a single 13C-NMR spectrum of blood collected after oral administration of enriched propionate.
The interaction of adenine nucleotides with the red cell membrane: a calorimetric study.

Abstract The interaction of two adenine nucleotides with the red cell membrane was investigated using highly sensitive differential scanning calorimetry. It was found that ADP and AMP-PNP (an ATP analogue) preferentially modify the A transition, which has been shown to involve the unfolding of a portion of spectrin, an erythrocyte membrane protein complex. The interaction of ADP with spectrin was shown to be reversible and facilitated by the usual cofactor, Mg2+. The ADP-induced modification, however, is only observed for membrane associated spectrin; ADP has no effect on extracted spectrin. The results presented are consistent with an ADP-induced conformational change in the spectrin complex which leads to a change in the spectrin-membrane interaction. ADP, but not AMP-PNP, is shown to modify an additional calorimetric transition (B2) associated with a structural change in the transmembrane protein band 3. This behavior is characteristic of inhibitors of anion transport in the red cell. ADP is also found to be an inhibitor of anion transport in red cells.
Developing Joint Accountability in University-School Teacher Education Partnerships.

Abstract This paper reports on a professional development intervention coupled with an empirical research study focused on a mentor teacher study group. An unanticipated outcome of the study group was an evident development in the sense of accountability displayed by participants toward the work of teacher education in their school. In effect, teachers' identities were transformed from relatively passive cooperating teachers, following the direction of teacher education program guidelines and procedures, to active school-based teacher educators, consciously developing repertoires of mentoring practice, and taking initiative to remake the culture of their school as a context for learning to teach. The paper proposes a theoretical analysis to explain the evolution of accountability among study group members, examines five different examples of how such accountability was manifested, and suggests implications for teacher education programs.
Continuum model for surface reconstructions in (111) and (100) oriented surfaces of fcc metals

Abstract A continuum model for surface reconstructions in fcc metals is presented. The energetics associated with the relaxation of a surface that is elastically strained due to the surface stress, resulting in a loss of structural coherence with the underlying bulk, are analyzed. A simple criterion is developed that involves a dimensionless parameter β = (ƒ− γ) μb , where ƒ and γ are the surface stress and surface tension of the unreconstructed surface, μ is the shear modulus, and b is the magnitude of the Burgers vector. The model predicts that when β exceeds a critical threshold, the surface should reconstruct. It is shown that the predictions from the model are in general agreement with experimental observations for both (111) and (100) oriented surfaces. The model also predicts that the (111) oriented surface of Pb may display a surface reconstruction at high temperature as has recently been reported for the (111) surface of Pt. The analysis for the (100) oriented surfaces suggests that while there may be a thermodynamic driving force for reconstruction, it is necessary to enhance the kinetics of the transformation through effects of the surface stress (or of an externally applied stress).
Genetic and environmental effects on the growth rate of Littorina saxatilis

Transfer experiments with two morphs of Littorina saxatilis Olivi (=L. rudis) typically inhabiting exposed and sheltered localities, showed a between-morph difference in shell growth in the same type of habitat, and a withinmorph difference between exposed and sheltered environments. The former indicates a genetic difference between the two morphs, although growth rate has an environmental component as shown by the latter. Juvenile snails of the exposed morph were on average slightly larger than sheltered morph juveniles on hatching, but at 20 wk, when raised in identical environments, the sheltered morph juveniles had grown significantly larger than the exposed ones. A rise in temperature from 5° to 10°C enhanced growth rate for snails raised in the laboratory. Temperature alone could not however explain increased growth during the spring and summer in natural populations.
Quantity judgments of sequentially presented food items by capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella).

Recent assessments have shown that capuchin monkeys, like chimpanzees and other Old World primate species, are sensitive to quantitative differences between sets of visible stimuli. In the present study, we examined capuchins’ performance in a more sophisticated quantity judgment task that required the ability to form representations of food quantities while viewing the quantities only one piece at a time. In three experiments, we presented monkeys with the choice between two sets of discrete homogeneous food items and allowed the monkeys to consume the set of their choice. In Experiments 1 and 2, monkeys compared an entirely visible food set to a second set, presented item-by-item into an opaque container. All monkeys exhibited high accuracy in choosing the larger set, even when the entirely visible set was presented last, preventing the use of one-to-one item correspondence to compare quantities. In Experiment 3, monkeys compared two sets that were each presented item-by-item into opaque containers, but at different rates to control for temporal cues. Some monkeys performed well in this experiment, though others exhibited near-chance performance, suggesting that this species’ ability to form representations of food quantities may be limited compared to previously tested species such as chimpanzees. Overall, these findings support the analog magnitude model of quantity representation as an explanation for capuchin monkeys’ quantification of sequentially presented food items.
Characteristics of hummocked and non-hummocked Colorado riparian areas and wetlands

Several hummock formation theories exist in the scientific literature, but are rarely mentioned in management publications where only one or two other theories are stressed. Our objectives were to identify and describe the edaphic, climatic, topographic and vegetation characteristics of riparian areas and wetlands in Colorado that do and do not support hummocks, and to classify hummocked sites according to hummock characteristics. 25 natural resource professionals throughout Colorado identified ten sites each that were a mix of hummocked and non-hummocked in proportion to their local abundance, from which 40 hummocked and 40 non-hummocked sites were randomly selected for sampling. Plant functional group canopy cover was determined using Daubenmire cover classes. Soil samples were collected and numerous site characteristics were recorded. Hummock size, shape and density were measured at hummocked sites. Forward model selection and multiple logistic regression were used to determine relationships between site characteristics and odds of hummock occurrence. Mean winter precipitation, mean annual temperature and forb cover were negatively related to odds of hummock occurrence while soil silt content and plant species richness were positively related to odds of hummock occurrence. Cluster analysis resulted in three groups of hummocked sites with differing hummock morphology, vegetation and climatic characteristics. Differential frost heave and plant biomass accumulation were likely involved in hummock formation at sites examined for this study, but conditions expected to occur following cryoexpulsion of clasts were not observed.
The Father's Power in Breitbach's Report on Bruno and Achebe's A Man of the People

In his article "The Father's Power in Breitbach's Report on Bruno and Achebe's A Man of the People" Amechi N. Akwanya analyses Joseph Breitbach's Report on Bruno and Chinua Achebe's No Longer at Ease in order to lay bare the underlying processes of these texts. Undoubtedly the patterns of struggle in the two texts are political, but reading them in exclusively political terms has the consequence that the works are of no further interest once the putative political agenda is identified and described. Akwanya's analysis discloses shared features in the two texts published within two years of each other. In Report on Bruno, there is a democratic system, where the people have their say but in A Man of the People they are kept in the dark about what is really going on and are manipulated and abused by those in power. Their resemblance is at the level of symbolism and this is what Akwanya attempts to unlock using Rene Girard's theory of mimetic desire. Amechi N. Akwanya, "The Father's Power in Breitbach's Report on Bruno and Achebe's A Man of the People" page 2 of 9 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 15.1 (2013): Thematic Cluster Black African Literatures and Cultures
S Limit in Helium. Movement of a System on an Energy Surface in Parameter Space

As part of a variational examination of angular correlation in electronic systems, a careful examination of the movement of a system on an energy surface in parameter space has been made. The results indicate that the surface is highly convoluted, and that minimization techniques must take explicit account of this. An eight‐term result close to the S limit in helium is given.
The diabetes epidemic: a national and global crisis

Diabetes mellitus is a serious problem that will soon reach epidemic proportions in the United States and throughout the world. The incidence of this condition will skyrocket in the next quarter century as demographic changes increase the size of highly susceptible populations (e.g., the elderly and Hispanic communities) and sociocultural developments create a more sedentary populace as well as expose people in developing nations to new risk factors for this disease. Along with substantial direct morbidity and mortality, diabetes is independently associated with the incidence and severity of a variety of cardiovascular illnesses. Individuals with diabetes are substantially more likely than their nondiabetic counterparts to suffer stroke, myocardial infarction, or heart failure, with a worse prognosis following any of these conditions. Many factors may be relevant to this association, but recent studies have elucidated a major role for the metabolic syndrome, which has been shown to be predictive of both diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Consequently, early intervention to control blood glucose levels and other risk factors may mitigate the severity of these conditions, possibly even before the disease begins.
Justice for the Masses? Aggregate Litigation & Its Alternatives

Traditionally, disputes over injury compensation that were brought to court involved one or a few plaintiffs and defendants and were processed individually. The risk and expense of such litigation meant that most victims of legally cognizable injuries never came through the courthouse doors. The modern global economy, however, has vastly increased the potential for mass harms and losses, and modern mass media have created felicitous circumstances for mass claiming. Aggregated mass litigation blasts open the courthouse doors for individuals who might otherwise find them closed. Aggregation benefits some but disadvantages others. Class action rules attempt to mitigate these conflicts, but such procedures do not apply to aggregate non-class litigation. It is time for courts to adopt rules and practices that recognize the realities of such litigation.
On the Single-machine Scheduling Problem with Tardiness Penalties

The n-job, single-machine total tardiness problem is considered in this paper. A branching algorithm based on three theorems is proposed to generate a reduced set of candidate sequences. The computational results indicate that the proposed algorithm provides a smaller set of candidate sequences than the DP algorithm of Schrage and Baker.
Interdisciplinary graduate programs which require academic and professional perspectives

This paper explores considerations that need to be taken into account in the development of academic and professional interdisciplinary programs. Such programs are built on a social view of knowing; take into account the personal world of those involved; and contain program structures that support an interdisciplinary perspective. The paper begins with four features of the knowing person that point to a view of scholarship rooted in the constructive and collaborative activity of human beings. It then describes an interdisciplinary program of graduate study that blends professional and academic concerns.
The thermal conductivity of the molten NaNO3-KNO3 eutectic between 525 and 590 K

Molten salts are one of the few remaining classes of fluids for which standardquality (±1% accuracy) data on thermal conductivity have not hitherto been available. We have therefore developed a new apparatus based on the transient hot-wire technique to obtain reference-quality measurements of the thermal conductivity of molten salts at high temperatures. Liquid metal-filled quartz capillaries served as insulated hot wires in our method, and in addition, a two-wire technique was used in order to obtain absolute values of the thermal conductivity. New data for the NaNO3-KNO3 eutectic between 525 and 590 K are reported in this paper and comparisons with other recent measurements are shown.
Double oxygen-sensing vector system for robust hypoxia/ischemia-regulated gene induction in cardiac muscle in vitro and in vivo.

High-fidelity genetically encoded bio-sensors that respond to changes in cellular environmental milieu in disease offer great potential in a range of patho-physiological settings. Here a unique hypoxia-regulated vector-based system with double oxygen–sensing transcriptional elements was developed for rapid and robust hypoxia-regulated gene expression in the heart. Hypoxia-responsive cis elements were used in tandem with a single proline-modified oxygen-dependent degradation (ODD) domain of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α to form a double oxygen–sensing vector system (DOSVS). In adult cardiac myocytes in vitro, the DOSVS demonstrated a low background expression not different from baseline control in normoxia, and with 100% efficiency, robust, 1,000-fold induction upon hypoxia. In the heart in vivo, hypoxic and ischemic challenges elicited rapid 700-fold induction in living animals, exceeding that obtained by a high-fidelity constitutive cytomegalovirus (CMV) viral promoter. DOSVS also showed high temporal resolution in the heart in response to cyclical bouts of hypoxia in vivo. We propose that DOSVS will be valuable for a range of applications, including bio-sensing and therapeutic gene expression in the heart and other organ systems that are confronted by chronic or episodic hypoxic/ischemic stresses in vivo.
A cognitive map of indicative and subjunctive mood use in Spanish

Of general interest, this study confirms the syntactic manifestation of the interpersonal dynamics of the participants in discourse and of their high-level cognitive processes therein. More specifically, this study formalizes categories of the Spanish indicative and subjunctive in a cognitive map based on the deictic organization of the Spanish mood system. This cognitive map, based on a pragmasyntactic approach to mood use, allows us to view mood in Spanish as a mechanism that establishes metaphorical distance from the individual?s here and now. This study treats the indicative and subjunctive moods of Spanish with special attention to the so-called ?factive? clauses [those clauses subordinated to matrices of subjective comment such as me alegro que (I am glad that), es bueno que (It is good that), no me gusta que (I don?t like it that), etc. and mental act matrices such as darse cuenta de que (to realize that), tomar en consideracion que (to take into account that), etc.]. We propose an approach to analyzing mood use that is based on the information value of an utterance in discourse. In considering information value we take into account (a) Lambrecht?s (1994) work featuring presuppositions as inherent parts of certain syntactical structures; (b) Mejias-Bikandi?s (1994) claim that the subjective comment structure in Spanish (subjective comment + que + clause marked with subjunctive) inherently contains a pragmatic presupposition; (c) Mejias-Bikandi?s reaffirmation that assertion is the role of the indicative and non-assertion is the role of the subjunctive in Spanish; (d) Lunn?s (1988, 1989a & b) suggestion that the indicative is used to assert propositions with high information value while the subjunctive?s role is to not assert propositions with low information value; and (e) Lambrecht?s (1994) ideas on what constitutes information. We assume that non-assertion, including pragmatic presupposition, and asserted propositions work together to create the relative information value of utterances. We show how the information value of utterances can be organized by means of deixis to create a cognitive map. The graphic design for the three dimensional version, which incorporates the notion of the time line with that of metaphorical distance from any individual?s deictic center, was inspired by Langacker?s (1991) Cognitive Gram- mar.
NRAS mutation status is an independent prognostic factor in metastatic melanoma.

Background There is a need for improved prognostic markers in melanoma. This study tested the prognostic significance and clinicopathologic correlations of BRAF and NRAS mutations in patients with metastatic melanoma.
A design evaluation of a user interface for tending long-term tasks

Organizational processes often take place over long periods of time and require intermittent attention. Remembering and reasoning about upcoming process tasks is important, but not adequately supported by existing tools. This paper describes Longitude, a tool that provides a compact timeline of tasks and deadlines. We discuss findings from an exploratory study of the system and propose new requirements for tools that help people participate in long-running group processes requiring intermittent and sporadic attention.
Sugiura's sign. Perilimbal vitiligo in the Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome.

Abstract We present four clinical cases and one histopathological specimen from patients who had the Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome. Ophthalmological examination of these patients demonstrated perilimbal vitiligo, as initially described by Sugiura, which developed during the course of their disease. The presence of this sign should alert the ophthalmologist and suggest the diagnosis of VKH syndrome.
Phasing into PHASER

The guts of this package consist of the software contained in the diskette that accompanies the text. However, the text is necessary until one becomes familiar with the operations. A subtitle expands as follows: With a Supplementary Diskette Containing PHASER: An Animator/ Simulator for Dynamical Systems for IBM Personal Computers. This tells the potential reader and user basically what to expect. Without some qualifiers, that individual may be led to expect too much, but for the price, the package delivers a lot. Deterministic-that is, nonstochastic-dynamics are based on differential equations for modeling continuous time phenomena, whereas difference equations are employed to model discrete time data. PHASER was developed by Hiiseyin K~ak at Brown University to: (1) illustrate some of the most famous continuous and discrete dynamic systems through their difference or differential equations and (2) permit users to explore their own dynamic systems. An important aspect of (1) is that PHASER is designed to handle nonlinear dynamics. Linear dynamics admit well-known solutions, and in the event of time-invariant, linear systems, the solutions can usually be expressed in closed form. In any event, the theory is almost completely worked out and there are no real surprises. With nonlinear dynamics, the situation is quite the opposite: Very little of a general nature can be said about arbitrary classes of nonlinear differential equations and their systemic behavior. Indeed, in many such systems, chaotic behavior can occur (see, e.g., Devaney, 1986; Townsend, in press). Although mathematicians and other scientists have begun to learn much about the nature of nonlinear systems and such phenomena as chaos over the past few decades,
Perioperative transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation of the native mitral valve

During the past few decades, the effect of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography's (TEE) influence on perioperative cardiac surgical decision making has become increasingly more appreciated. To date, there are no prospective, large-scale, randomized trials that have specifically identified a consistent, independent advantage for intraoperative TEE. However, data from several clinical investigations have consistently implicated an important, clinically significant, and cost-effective role for TEE as a safe and valuable hemodynamic monitor in identifying high-risk patients, in assisting in the determination of the definitive surgical approach, and in providing a timely post-cardiopulmonary bypass evaluation of the procedure, thereby allowing for the opportunity to immediately re-intervene or to at least triage patients appropriately. In addition, intraoperative TEE has been instrumental in diagnosing cardiac and associated great vessel pathology and in identifying structural abnormalities, including the presence and extent of congenital abnormalities, aortic disease, intracardiac masses, and pericardial disease. Intraoperative TEE, however, has perhaps been most useful for the perioperative evaluation of cardiac valvular disease, especially during surgical procedures involving the mitral valve. This article will focus primarily on the role of intraoperative TEE in defining mitral valve anatomy, the pathogenesis and mechanism of mitral valve pathology, and its influence on perioperative clinical decision making in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery.
Review of embryology and its relation to ocular disease in the pediatric population.

This overview of normal ocular development concentrates on those areas that more commonly undergo maldevelopment, some of which are discussed in more detail in other papers in this Symposium. Many of the congenital anomalies routinely seen in children are reviewed and the possible mechanisms leading to these anomalies are discussed
Clinical utility of new quinolones in treatment of osteomyelitis and lower respiratory tract infections.

In the eight major clinical studies published on use of oral quinolones in therapy of contiguous osteomyelitis, clinical and microbiologic cure/improvement rates were 75 % and 73 %, respectively, when drug therapy was combined with appropriate surgical debridement. This included many cases of polymicrobial osteomyelitis, as well as infection caused by recalcitrant pathogens such asPseudomonas aeruginosa. In contrast, the response of staphylococcal osteomyelitis to oral quinolones, especially in cases caused by methicillin-resistant strains, appeared suboptimal. Quinolones appear to have a limited role in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, since other established antibiotic regimens have been proven effective in such situations. Quinolones may play an important role in the treatment of nosocomially acquired aerobic gram-negative bacillary pneumonia, either as primary parenteral therapy or as transitional oral therapy when affected patients become outpatients. In cystic fibrosis-associated acute exacerbations of chronic pseudomonal pneumonitis, the outcome of oral ciprofloxacin therapy was very satisfactory in the six major studies reported (∼ 85 % improvement rates). In three comparative studies oral quinolone treatment of such pulmonary exacerbations resulted in clinical response rates equivalent to those for aminoglycoside plusβ-lactam therapy given intravenously. Quinolone-resistantPseudomonas aeruginosa strains were commonly isolated from sputum during treatment; however, such patients continued to respond clinically to quinolone treatment, and sputum became rapidly repopulated with quinolone-susceptiblePseudomonas aeruginosa strains after discontinuation of therapy.
Effect of Adding Dried Whey to Starter Diet of Early and Late Weaned Calves

Abstract Forty-four Holstein calves, 20 males and 24 females, were randomly assigned to one of four treatments in a 2×2 factorial designed experiment. Treatments consisted of early (35 d) versus late (70 d) weaning and the feeding of a pelleted starter diet containing either 0 or 24.5% dried sweet whey. Calves were housed in individual, elevated, shaded pens. Whole milk was fed at 10% of body weight adjusted weekly. The assigned starter diet and water were provided free choice beginning on the 8th d of the trial. Intakes of milk and starter diet were recorded daily. Body weight, heart girth, and wither height measurements were recorded weekly during the 14-wk trial. Calves fed the starter diet containing whey consumed less dry matter (119.2 vs. 150.7kg) and had a lower rate of gain (.63 vs. .72 kg/d) than those fed the control starter ration. Late weaned calves consumed less starter (115.8 vs. 145.0kg) and gained more rapidly (.74 vs. .61 kg/d) than early weaned calves. Bull calves were more efficient converters of dietary dry matter into body weight gain than heifer calves, and late weaned calves were more efficient than early weaned calves. Inclusion of whey in the starter ration did not influence feed conversion. It was concluded that the addition of whey at 24% of a pelleted starter diet depressed intake and rate of gain of calves.
INDUSTRY AND PRACTICE: Don’t Forget the People in Database Management!

Some 20 years ago, when I was a systems analyst for a consulting firm in Columbus, Ohio, I began a project with a new client. Our project manager was an older man named Ken. Our task was to design a database for an organization that could be used to report on harness racing in the United States and Canada. Perhaps because he had never finished his bachelorâ€™s degree and I was then completing a graduate degree, he chose to demonstrate the value of his many years of practical computer experience to me and thus educate me in the ways and wisdom of experienced computer professionals. He frequently spoke in homilies intended to impart his knowledge without interfering too much with my work.
Piceatannol is an effective inhibitor of IgE-mediated secretion from human basophils but is neither selective for this receptor nor acts on syk kinase at concentrations where mediator release inhibition occurs.

Background Syk kinase is probably an early necessary tyrosine kinase involved in IgE-mediated secretion from human basophils. Causal testing of the role of syk kinase in the secretion requires a selective pharmacological agent. Piceatannol has previously been used to demonstrate the causal role of syk in secretion but its selectively has recently come into question. Objective To determine whether piceatannol inhibits IgE-mediated signalling events in a manner consistent with its putative inhibitory effects on syk kinase and at concentrations relevant to its inhibition of mediator release. Methods Human basophils were examined for the effects of piceatannol on mediator release or various signalling steps. Results We show that while piceatannol has an IC50 for inhibition of IgE-mediated histamine release of 3–5 µm, these same concentrations inhibit secretion of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced histamine release (as previously shown) and leukotriene C (LTC)4 release induced by fMLP. Concentrations of piceatannol up to 100 µm also did not inhibit IgE-mediated phosphorylation of shc, a immediate downstream target of syk kinase. Similar concentrations also did not inhibit IgE-mediated cytosolic calcium elevations, another downstream signal thought to be dependent on syk kinase. In contrast, piceatannol did modify the cytosolic calcium response that follows stimulation with formyl methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Conclusion Taken together with published studies using other cell types, we conclude that piceatannol does not inhibit secretion from human basophils by inhibiting the activity of syk kinase.
Molecular mechanisms of homeostatic synaptic downscaling

Abstract Homeostatic synaptic downscaling is a negative feedback response to chronic elevated network activity to reduce the firing rate of neurons. This form of synaptic plasticity decreases the strength of individual synapses to the same proportion, or in a multiplicative manner. Because of this, synaptic downscaling has been hypothesized to counter the potential run-away excitation due to Hebbian type of long term potentiation (LTP), while preserving relative synaptic weight encoded in individual synapses and thus memory information. In this article, we will review the current knowledge on the signaling and molecular mechanisms of synaptic downscaling. Specifically, we focus on three general areas. First the functional roles of several immediate early genes such as Plk2, Homer1a, Arc and Narp are discussed. Secondly, we examine the current knowledge on the regulation of synaptic protein levels by ubiquitination and transcriptional repression in synaptic downscaling. Thirdly, we review the dynamics of signaling molecules such as kinases and phosphatases critical for synaptic downscaling, and their regulation of synaptic scaffolding proteins. Finally we briefly discuss the heterogeneity of homeostatic synaptic downscaling mechanisms. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled ‘Homeostatic Synaptic Plasticity’.
Radiolarian responses to recent and neogene California El Niño and anti-El Niño events

Abstract Plankton tows from 1983 and 1964 California El Ninos suggest that high standing crops of both warm and cold radiolarian faunas are characteristic of these conditions over the southern California continental borderland. High standing crops of both warm and cold radiolarians are suggested to occur during California El Ninos because the California Current diminishes in intesity allowing warm faunas to invade from the west (central-gyre waters) and south (gyre and eastern tropical Pacific waters); and, a strongly developed California Countercurrent aids in creating a geostrophic dome that allows cold faunas to invade from the north. These same radiolarian faunas characteristic of California El Ninos are found in the Holocene varved sediments of the Santa Barbara Basin and can be correlated to the known California El Nino events of 1957–1958 and 1964. El Nino like events determined via the same radiolarian criteria are found at 6 and 8 Ma in Monterey laminated (presumably varved) sedimentary rocks. It is suggested that warm and cold periods in Monterey may be related to the frequency and magnitude of El Nino like events. It is also suggested that during Neogene warm periods (such as at 8 and 10 Ma) the paleo-California Current was narrower, closer to the coast, and did not extend as far south as during anti-El Nino periods (such as at 5 Ma).
Mechanism of mitochondrial DNA replication in mouse L-cells: introduction of superhelical turns into newly replicated molecules.

Abstract The first closed circular product of mouse L-cell mitochondrial DNA synthesis is a zero superhelix density molecule. Both of the asynchronously synthesized mitochondrial DNA daughter molecules pass through the zero superhelix density state. These molecules have a mean lifetime of approximately one hour before conversion to supercoiled molecules containing approximately 100 superhelical turns. A low frequency of intermediates in the conversion of these two closed circular forms is demonstrable by agarose gel electrophoresis. The degree of sensitivity to alkali has been used to demonstrate that newly replicated mitochondrial DNA has the same content of ribonucleotides as mass-labeled mitochondrial DNA.