cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
JTK_CYCLE: an efficient nonparametric algorithm for detecting rhythmic components in genome-scale data sets.

Circadian rhythms are oscillations of physiology, behavior, and metabolism that have period lengths near 24 hours. In several model organisms and humans, circadian clock genes have been characterized and found to be transcription factors. Because of this, researchers have used microarrays to characterize global regulation of gene expression and algorithmic approaches to detect cycling. This article presents a new algorithm, JTK_CYCLE, designed to efficiently identify and characterize cycling variables in large data sets. Compared with COSOPT and the Fisher’s G test, two commonly used methods for detecting cycling transcripts, JTK_CYCLE distinguishes between rhythmic and nonrhythmic transcripts more reliably and efficiently. JTK_CYCLE’s increased resistance to outliers results in considerably greater sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, JTK_CYCLE accurately measures the period, phase, and amplitude of cycling transcripts, facilitating downstream analyses. Finally, JTK_CYCLE is several orders of magnitude...
Physiological Consequences of Normal Atrioventricular Conduction: Applicability to Modern Cardiac Pacing

Properly timed atrial systole may alter systolic performance by the mechanism of Starling's law of the heart, which states that the extent of systolic myocardial fiber shortening is dependent on the degree of diastolic fiber stretch, or preload. However, the atrial contribution to physiological need and thus is critical in developing the proper cardiac output response to exercise. Current generations of permanent pacemakers, which may have a combination of dualchamber and sensor technologies, will permit the restoration of normal cardiac physiology (AV synchrony and/or rate response) in most patients.
Rate-limited sorption of hydrophobic organic compounds by soils with well-characterized organic matter

This study is focused on the rate-limited sorption of homologous series of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, alkylated benzenes, chlorinated benzenes, and chlorinated alkenes by two soils, one in w...
Knowledge of correct and incorrect items in verbal discrimination

This study shows that Ss learn more about correct than incorrect members during acquisition of a 2-choice verbal-discrimination (V-D) task. The degree of this superiority of knowledge of correct items does not seem to be related to the type of verbal KOR Ss receive (RW, Rb, or Wb), at least when KOR itself does not produce differential rates of V-D list acquisition.
Effect of traditional Chinese medicine "zi yin jiang huo" and "wen bu shen yang" on adrenocortical function in children with nephrotic syndrome receiving long-term large dosage glucocorticosteroid.

A clinical and laboratory analysis of the dynamic change of plasma cortisol level in two groups of children with nephrotic syndrome has been madea combined treatment group and a control group. The former was given longterm large dosage prednisone combined with “Zi Yin Jiang Huo” and “Wen Bu Shen Yang” drugs, while the latter received no traditional medicine during prednisone administration. The aim of the present study is to find out whether traditional medicines can protect the adrenal cortex, and antagonize the negative feed-back action of exogenous steroid, thereby providing a theoretical and laboratory basis for clinical use of traditional medicines in reducing severe side effects of large dosage of steroid. Our results show: 1. Large dosage prednisone, either given daily in divided doses or once every other day, can significantly suppress the adrenocortical activity, and the suppressive action decreases along with tapering off of the dosage of prednisone. 2. “Wen Bu Shen Yang” drugs can remarkably protect the adrenal cortex and antagonize the negative feed-back action of exogenous glucocorticosteroid. 3. “Zi Yin Jiang Huo” drugs possess no significant influence on plasma cortisol level during long-term large dosage steroid therapy.
A hybrid data association model for efficient multi-target maximum likelihood estimation

A key challenge in multi-target tracking is that the number of possible measurement-to-target associations grows exponentially with the number of targets. The popular PMHT approach bypasses this problem by using an arguably wrong assignment model that, however, allows evaluating the likelihood function with complexity linear both in numbers of targets and of measurements. Unfortunately, the resulting tracking quality may suffer due the wrong assignment model. In this paper, we propose a hybrid data association model that combines both the PMHT and original models. In this vein, the likelihood function can be evaluated efficiently in polynomial time while still providing tracking results close to the exact (but, in large scale cases, intractable) solution resulting from the original “correct” model. The feasibility of the new hybrid assignment model is demonstrated by means of maximum likelihood estimation of closely-spaced targets. Extension to marginalized probability calculation - that is, the joint probabilistic data association filter (JPDAF) [1] is in [2].
Regional voltage map of the hippocampus during seizures.

Abstract The hallmark of brain tissue is its electrical activity. However, few techniques are available to directly monitor voltage changes in neural tissue, especially in whole brain preparations. A technique has been developed using a fluorescent voltage-sensitive dye and digital image analysis to produce a high spatial resolution map of the voltage changes induced by seizures in the hippocampus. Eight different anatomical regions within the septal hippocampus of the rat were analyzed. Seizures were produced in vivo by methods which use entirely different mechanisms and produce electrographically and behaviorally different types of seizures. Kainic acid produced depolarization during the seizure, whereas bicuculline produced hyperpolarization. The results provide experimental evidence that all seizures do not induce a depolarized state in the brain.
Automatic geobody detection from seismic data using minimum message length clustering

Inversion of seismic amplitude into seismic impedance can be a difficult and time-consuming process. In this paper, a simple yet effective alternative approach is presented. The method relies on clustering similar seismic amplitude features, thereby exposing distinct geological features (geobodies) directly from the amplitude data. The method consists of first scanning the amplitude with a pre-defined window to obtain realizations of windowed seismic amplitude features. Next a minimum message length (MML) clustering algorithm is applied to search for similarities within the set of windowed amplitude features. Each group of similar amplitude features is given a unique cluster label. It is shown that the 3D cube of cluster labels often reveals existence of distinct geobodies. This approach is illustrated on a simple 2D synthetic case and on a real 3D seismic data set of a submarine channel deposit.
Cytoplasmic PML function in TGF-β signalling

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a pluripotent cytokine that controls key tumour suppressive functions1,2,3, but cancer cells are often unresponsive to it1,4. The promyelocytic leukaemia (PML) tumour suppressor of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) accumulates in the PML nuclear body, but cytoplasmic PML isoforms of unknown function have also been described5,6. Here we show that cytoplasmic Pml is an essential modulator of TGF-β signalling. Pml-null primary cells are resistant to TGF-β-dependent growth arrest, induction of cellular senescence and apoptosis. These cells also have impaired phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of the TGF-β signalling proteins Smad2 and Smad3, as well as impaired induction of TGF-β target genes. Expression of cytoplasmic Pml is induced by TGF-β. Furthermore, cytoplasmic PML physically interacts with Smad2/3 and SARA (Smad anchor for receptor activation) and is required for association of Smad2/3 with SARA and for the accumulation of SARA and TGF-β receptor in the early endosome. The PML–RARα oncoprotein of APL can antagonize cytoplasmic PML function and APL cells have defects in TGF-β signalling similar to those observed in Pml-null cells. Our findings identify cytoplasmic PML as a critical TGF-β regulator, and further implicate deregulated TGF-β signalling in cancer pathogenesis.
Modulation of glutamatergic transmission by sulfated steroids: role in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

It is well established that sulfated steroids regulate synaptic transmission by altering the function of postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptors. In recent years, evidence from several laboratories indicates that these agents also regulate glutamatergic synaptic transmission at the presynaptic level in an age-dependent manner. In developing neurons, pregnenolone sulfate (PREGS) increases the probability of glutamate release, as evidenced by an increase in the frequency of AMPA receptor-mediated miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents and a decrease in paired-pulse facilitation. In hippocampal slices from postnatal day 3–5 rats, this effect is mediated by an increase in Ca2+ levels in the axonal terminal that depends on presynaptic NMDA receptors. This is followed by delayed potentiation of postsynaptic AMPA receptor currents. Importantly, depolarization of postsynaptic neurons, inhibition of hydroxysteroid sulfatase activity and acute exposure to ethanol mimics the effect of exogenous PREGS application. This developmental form of synaptic plasticity cannot be observed in slices from rats older than postnatal day 6, when presynaptic NMDA receptors are no longer expressed in CA1 hippocampal region. Both in the CA1 hippocampal region and the dentate gyrus of more mature rats, PREGS, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and hydroxysteroid sulfatase inhibitors increase paired-pulse facilitation, without affecting basal glutamate release probability. This effect depends on activation of σ1-like receptors and Gi/o and involves a target in the release machinery that is downstream of residual Ca2+. These presynaptic actions of sulfated steroids could play important roles in physiological processes ranging from synapse maturation to learning and memory, as well as pathophysiological conditions such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Single Particle Fluorescence: A Simple Experimental Approach to Evaluate Coincidence Effects:

Real-time characterization of the chemical and physical properties of individual aerosol particles is an important issue in environmental studies. A well-established way of accomplishing this task relies on the use of laser-induced fluorescence or laser ionization mass spectrometry. We describe here a simple approach aimed at experimentally verifying that single particles are indeed addressed. The approach has been tested with a system consisting of a series of aerodynamic lenses to form a beam of dye-doped particles aerosolized from a solution of known concentration with a medical nebulizer. Two independent spectral detection channels simultaneously measure the fluorescence signals generated in two different spectral regions by the passage of a mixture of two dye-doped particles through a focused laser beam in a vacuum chamber. Coincidence effects, arising from the simultaneous observation of both fluorescence emissions, can then be directly observed. Both dual-color fluorescence and pulse height distribution have been analyzed. As expected, the probability of single- or multiple-particle interaction strongly depends on the particle flux in the chamber, which is related to the concentration of particles in the nebulized solution. In our case, to achieve a two-particle coincidence smaller than 10%, a particle concentration lower than 1.2x10(5) particles/mL is required. Moreover, it was found that the experimental observations are in agreement with a simple mathematical model based on Poisson statistics. Although the results obtained refer to particle concentrations in solution, our approach can equally be applicable to experiments involving direct air sampling, provided that the number density of particles in air can be measured a priori, e.g., with a particle counter.
Determination of Cadmium and Lead in Blood Reference Samples by Simultaneous Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Cadmium and lead concentrations at low μg/liter levels were determined in blood reference samples using simultaneous graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with acceptable accuracy. Use of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate allowed an elevated ashing temperature of 600°C to be used, which allowed the blood matrix to be removed without loss of cadmium and lead. The ability to determine two elements simultaneously offers a reduced analysis time.
First report of intersex in the signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852)

The reproductive strategies of species of non-indigenous crayfish make an important issue in astacological research. Although crayfish reproduction has been well studied, there is little information available on the occurrence of intersexuality. We report the first evidence of intersex in the signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852). An intersexual specimen was found among five tested signal crayfish. Morphology revealed both male and female genital openings, as well as male gonopods. The specimen superficially appeared male but contained both testes and ovaries, with an atypical dispersed structure. Sperm was obtained from this crayfish. Histology showed both spermatocytes and oocytes. The gonadosomatic index (GSI = 3.79) was considered as a morphometric parameter of the intersexual crayfish. The ova present in the intersex male raised its GSI to the three-fold of that of normal males.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy: a rare procedure for the management of complex pancreaticoduodenal injuries

Abstract Background Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple's procedure) is a formidable procedure when undertaken for severe pancreaticoduodenal injury. The purposes of this study were to review our experience with this procedure for trauma; to classify injury grades for both pancreatic and duodenal injuries in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma-Organ Injury Scale for pancreatic and duodenal injury; and to validate existing indications for performance of this procedure. Study design We performed a retrospective 126-month study (May 1992 to December 2002) of all patients admitted with proven complex pancreaticoduodenal injuries requiring pancreaticoduodenectomy. Results Eighteen patients were included; mean age was 32 ± 12 years (SD), mean Revised Trauma Score was 6.84 ± 2.13 (SD), and mean Injury Severity Score was 27 ± 8 (SD). There were 17 penetrating injuries (94%) and 1 blunt injury (6%). One of 18 patients had an emergency department thoracotomy and died (100% mortality); 5 of the remaining 17 patients required operating room thoracotomies, and only 1 survived (80% mortality). There was 1 AAST-OIS pancreas grade IV injury, and there were 17 pancreas grade V injuries and 18 AAST-OIS duodenum grade V injuries. Indications for pancreaticoduodenectomy were: massive uncontrollable retropancreatic hemorrhage, 13 patients (72%); massive unreconstructable injury to the head of the pancreas/main pancreatic duct and intrapancreatic portion/distal common bile duct, 18 patients (100%); and massive unreconstructable injury, 18 patients (100%). Mean estimated blood loss was 6,888 ± 7,866 mL, and overall survival was 67% (12 of 18 patients). Conclusions Complex pancreaticoduodenal injuries requiring pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple's procedure) are uncommon but highly lethal; virtually all are classified as AAST-OIS grade V for both pancreas and duodenum. Current indications for performance of pancreaticoduodenectomy are valid and should be strictly applied during procedure selection.
β2-Adrenergic Receptor Actions in Neonatal and Adult Rat Ventricular Myocytes

Abstract The physiological function of β2-adrenergic receptors in the neonatal and adult heart is incompletely understood, and possible age-dependent differences in β2-receptor actions have not been considered. We used isoproterenol (mixed β1- and β2-receptor agonist) and zinterol (β2-selective agonist) to compare β-receptor subtype actions in neonatal and adult rat ventricular myocytes. When delivered as a bolus at a final concentration of 10−7 mol/L, both isoproterenol and zinterol increased the amplitude and hastened the kinetics of the calcium and cell-shortening transients in neonatal myocytes. Under identical experimental conditions, isoproterenol increased the amplitude and accelerated the kinetics of the calcium transient and the twitch in adult myocytes, whereas zinterol did not. In the presence of CGP 20712A (β1-receptor blocker), a 100-fold higher concentration of zinterol increased the amplitude but prolonged the duration of the twitch in adult myocytes. To probe the mechanism for this age-dependent difference in β2-receptor responsiveness, we compared β-receptor expression and stimulation of cAMP accumulation in neonatal and adult myocytes. β-Receptor density was 44 339±5178 sites per cell in neonatal myocytes and 186 346±13 356 sites per cell in adult myocytes; the relative proportion of β2-receptors was comparable in each (16.7±2.3% and 16.9±0.9%, respectively). Isoproterenol induced a large increase in cAMP accumulation in neonatal and adult myocytes (20.0±1.0- and 20.6±2.6-fold over basal). In contrast, zinterol evoked a substantial increase in cAMP accumulation in neonatal myocytes but only a minor increase in adult myocytes. These studies provide evidence that at low agonist concentrations, β2-receptor activation contributes to the positive inotropic response by increasing cAMP and increasing the amplitude and hastening the kinetics of the twitch in neonatal, but not adult, myocytes. Moreover, these results suggest that age-dependent differences in β2-receptor coupling to more distal elements in the signaling cascade can influence myocyte β2-receptor responsiveness.
Agent based workflow ontology for dynamic business process composition

OWLS (Web Ontology Language for Services) is being widely concerned of composing a Web service based workflow. However, a complete workflow should include both internal and external processes for their strong correlation that can be expressed by the logic power of the Web Ontology Language. Moreover, agent based workflow, from another point of view, provides a flexible mechanism for service discovery and dynamic workflow coordination at run time. This paper presents an agent based workflow ontology model for the purpose of semantic workflow building, reasoning, and process reconfiguration.
Effect of TGF- β and cAMP-elevating Agents on the Growth of Human Scleral Fibroblasts In Vitro

Previous reports regarding the effects of transforming growth factor (TGF-β) on the growth of fibroblasts have been very conflicting. The present studies indicate that the confusion may be caused by performing studies at different cell densities. At a low cell density (similar to the in vivo situation), TGF-β inhibits the growth of cultured human scleral fibroblasts. Some neurotransmitters or hormones known to influence the development of myopia work through cAMP system. The effect of cAMP on the growth of scierai fibroblasts is not clear. We found that cAMP-elevating agents inhibit the growth of fibroblasts in vitro.
Counting the cost of overfishing on sharks and rays

Over half of all shark and ray species are at risk of extinction or at least heading that way.
Integration of electromagnetically induced transparency in alkali atoms on a semiconductor chip

EIT in atomic vapor can be integrated on a semiconductor chip using antiresonant reflecting optical (ARROW) waveguides. We present theoretical and experimental results on design and fabrication of these integrated structures and discuss potential applications
A MODIFIED KAPANDJI PROCEDURE FOR SMITH’S FRACTURE IN CHILDREN

Anteriorly displaced fractures of the wrist can be treated by the Kapandji technique of percutaneous intrafocal pinning with pins inserted through an anterior approach to give good reduction and stabilisation of the fracture. We have modified this technique by placing the pins through a posterior approach which decreases the risks of neurovascular damage. We have used this method to treat six children with distal radial fractures showing anterior displacement or instability. Good anterior stabilisation was achieved. The pins were removed at an average of eight weeks and the patients were then able to return to full activity. This simple technique can be used for unstable fractures after the failure of conservative treatment or in bilateral fractures in adolescents.
Opportunistic mothers: female marmosets (Callithrix kuhlii) reduce their investment in offspring when they have to, and when they can.

All female primates incur energetic costs associated with producing and caring for offspring, but females belonging to the New World primate family Callitrichidae, the marmosets and tamarins, appear to face even further demands. In fact, the energetic demands of rearing callitrichid infants are thought to have led to the evolution of cooperative infant care in these species. If this explanation is true, then one might expect that natural selection should also have shaped patterns of maternal behavior to be sensitive to the costs of reproduction and equipped females to reduce their investment in offspring under certain conditions. Therefore, we examined the maternal effort and postpartum endocrine profiles of individual female marmosets (Callithrix kuhlii) across conditions that represented two hallmarks of callitrichid reproduction—conception during the early postpartum period and alloparental assistance. When females conceived during the early postpartum period and faced the upcoming demands of caring for their newly conceived litters (Study 1), they significantly reduced their caregiving effort and had significantly higher postpartum levels of estradiol relative to breeding attempts in which conception occurred later in the postpartum period. Postpartum estradiol was negatively correlated with maternal carrying effort. When experienced alloparents were present (Study 2), females again reduced their caregiving effort relative to breeding attempts in which experienced alloparents were not present. Postpartum cortisol, however, did not vary as a function of experienced alloparental assistance. The results of these studies suggest that female marmosets have been subjected to similar selection pressures as females of other primate taxa—to maximize their reproductive success by reducing their investment in offspring under the worst and best of conditions—and suggest that hormones may mediate within-female variation in maternal care. These studies also provide support for the notion that mothers are “flexible opportunists” when it comes to providing care to their young.
Pediatric cardiovascular interventional devices: effect on CMR images at 1.5 and 3 Tesla

To predict the type and extent of CMR artifacts caused by commonly used pediatric trans-catheter devices at 1.5 T and 3 T as an aid to clinical planning and patient screening. Eleven commonly used interventional, catheter-based devices including stents, septal occluders, vascular plugs and embolization coils made from either stainless steel or nitinol were evaluated ex-vivo at both 1.5T and 3T. Pulse sequences and protocols commonly used for cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) were evaluated, including 3D high-resolution MR angiography (MRA), time-resolved MRA, 2D balanced-SSFP cine and 2D phase-contrast gradient echo imaging (GRE). We defined the signal void amplification factor (F) as the ratio of signal void dimension to true device dimension. F1 and F2 were measured in the long axis and short axes respectively of the device. We defined F3 as the maximum extent of the off-resonance dark band artifact on SSFP measured in the B0direction. The effects of field strength, sequence type, orientation, flip angle and phase encode direction were tested. Clinical CMR images in 3 patients with various indwelling devices were reviewed for correlation with the in-vitro findings. F1 and F2 were higher (p<0.05) at 3T than at 1.5T for all sequences except 3D-MRA. Stainless steel devices produced greater off-resonance artifact on SSFP compared to nitinol devices (p<0.05). Artifacts were most severe with the stainless steel Flipper detachable embolization coil (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN), with F1 and F2 10 times greater than with stainless steel stents. The orientation of stents changed the size of off-resonance artifacts by up to two fold. Sequence type did influence the size of signal void or off-resonance artifact (p<0.05). Varying the flip angle and phase encode direction did not affect image artifact. Stainless steel embolization coils render large zones of anatomy uninterpretable, consistent with predictions based on ex-vivo testing. Most other commonly used devices produce only mild artifact ex-vivo and are compatible with diagnostic quality in-vivo studies. Knowledge of ex-vivo device behavior can help predict the technical success or failure of CMR scans and may preempt the performance of costly, futile studies.
Tissue factor–dependent thrombin generation across pregnancy

Objective Normal pregnancy results in a prothrombotic state. Studies that have investigated the capacity of pregnant women to generate thrombin are limited. Our aim was to evaluate thrombin generation longitudinally from the preconception period, through pregnancy, and after pregnancy. Study design We evaluated young, healthy nulligravid women (n = 20) at 4 time points and compared the data with 10 control women at 2 time points. Coagulation was initiated with tissue factor in contact pathway inhibited plasma, and thrombin generation was determined in the presence of a fluorogenic substrate. Results The maximum level and rate of thrombin generation increased during pregnancy; the highest level and rate occurred in late pregnancy compared with prepregnancy (P Conclusion Our data provide evidence for an increase in tissue factor-dependent thrombin generation with pregnancy progression, followed by a return to prepregnancy thrombin levels.
Sensor localization with deterministic accuracy guarantee

Localizability of network or node is an important subproblem in sensor localization. While rigidity theory plays an important role in identifying several localizability conditions, major limitations are that the results are only applicable to generic frameworks and that the distance measurements need to be error-free. These limitations, in addition to the hardness of finding the node locations for a uniquely localizable graph, miss large portions of practical application scenarios that require sensor localization. In this paper, we describe a novel SDP-based formulation for analyzing node localizability and providing a deterministic upper bound of localization error. Unlike other optimization-based formulations for solving localization problem for the whole network, our formulation allows fine-grained evaluation on the localization accuracy per each node. Our formulation gives a sufficient condition for unique node localizability for any frameworks, i.e., not only for generic frameworks. Furthermore, we extend it for the case with measurement errors and for computing directional error bounds. We also design an iterative algorithm for large-scale networks and demonstrate the effectiveness by simulation experiments.
Folate Intake and Carcinogenesis of the Colon and Rectum

Experimental evidence suggests that folate depletion plays a role in carcinogenesis. A case-control study examining folate intake was conducted. Some 428 colon and 372 rectal cancer cases with matched neighbourhood controls were interviewed regarding usual intake of foods, including food preparation. Unadjusted folate was not associated with risk of either cancer. Controlling for kilocalories, odds ratios (ORs) for those with the highest folate intake were 0.5 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.24-1.03) and 0.31 (95% CI: 0.16-0.59) for females and males for rectal cancer. There was no change in colon cancer risk associated with folate intake. There was an indication of an interaction of folate and alcohol intake; the difference in risk associated with low and high folate intake was highest for males in the highest alcohol category. Associations were of similar magnitude for other dietary factors correlated with folate. It appears that intake of folate or a correlated factor may be negatively related to risk of rectal cancer.
Shared reconfigurable architectures for CMPS

This paper investigates reconfigurable architectures suitable for chip multiprocessors (CMPs). Prior research has established that augmenting a conventional processor with reconfigurable logic can dramatically improve the performance of certain application classes, but this comes at non-trivial power and area costs. Given substantial observed time and space differences in fabric usage, we propose that pools of programmable logic should be shared among multiple cores. While a common shared pool is more compact and power efficient, fabric conflicts may lead to large performance losses relative to per-core private fabrics. We identify particular characteristics of past reconfigurable fabric designs that are particularly amenable to fabric sharing. We then propose spatially and temporally shared fabrics in a CMP. The sharing policies that we devise incur negligible performance loss compared to private fabrics, while cutting the area and peak power of the fabric by 4X.
Modeling the Impact of Checkpoints on Next-Generation Systems

The next generation of capability-class, massively parallel processing (MPP) systems is expected to have hundreds of thousands of processors. For application-driven, periodic checkpoint operations, the state-of-the-art does not provide a solution that scales to next-generation systems. We demonstrate this by using mathematical modeling to compute a lower bound of the impact of these approaches on the performance of applications executed on three massive-scale, in-production, DOE systems and a theoretical petaflop system. We also adapt the model to investigate a proposed optimization that makes use of "lightweight" storage architectures and overlay networks to overcome the storage system bottleneck. Our results indicate that (1) as we approach the scale of next-generation systems, traditional checkpoint/restart approaches will increasingly impact application performance, accounting for over 50% of total application execution time; (2) although our alternative approach improves performance, it has limitations of its own; and (3) there is a critical need for new approaches to fault tolerance that allow continuous computing with minimal impact on application scalability.
Interior path following primal-dual algorithms. Part II: Convex quadratic programming

We describe a primal-dual interior point algorithm for convex quadratic programming problems which requires a total of\(O\left( {\sqrt n L} \right)\) number of iterations, whereL is the input size. Each iteration updates a penalty parameter and finds an approximate Newton direction associated with the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker system of equations which characterizes a solution of the logarithmic barrier function problem. The algorithm is based on the path following idea. The total number of arithmetic operations is shown to be of the order of O(n3L).
Correlation of Individual Differences in Schizotypal Personality Traits With Amphetamine- Induced Dopamine Release in Striatal and Extrastriatal Brain Regions

Objective: Schizotypal personality traits are associated with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders demonstrate increased dopamine transmission in the striatum. The authors sought to determine whether individual differences in normal variation in schizotypal traits are correlated with dopamine transmission in the striatum and in extrastriatal brain regions. Method: Sixty-three healthy volunteers with no history of psychiatric illness completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire and underwent positron emission tomography imaging with [18F]fallypride at baseline and after administration of oral d-amphetamine (0.43 mg/kg). Dopamine release, quantified by subtracting each participant’s d-amphetamine scan from his or her baseline scan, was correlated with Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire total and factor scores using region-of-interest and voxel-wise analyses. Results: Dopamine release in the striatum was positively correlated with overall schizotypal traits. The association was especially robust in the associative subdivision of the striatum. Voxel-wise analyses identified additional correlations between dopamine release and schizotypal traits in the left middle frontal gyrus and left supramarginal gyrus. Exploratory analyses of Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire factor scores revealed correlations between dopamine release and disorganized schizotypal traits in the striatum, thalamus, medial prefrontal cortex, temporal lobe, insula, and inferior frontal cortex. Conclusions: The association between dopamine signaling and psychosis phenotypes extends to individual differences in normal variation in schizotypal traits and involves dopamine transmission in both striatal and extrastriatal brain regions. Amphetamine-induced dopamine release may be a useful endophenotype for investigating the genetic basis of schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
A Reconstruction of Lake Michigan–Huron Water Levels Derived from Tree Ring Chronologies for the Period 1600–1961

A dendrochronolgy of annual precipitation and air temperatures from six Great Lakes locations was used to reconstruct Lake Michigan-Huron water levels from 1600–1961 representing the present St. Clair River channel conditions and basin land cover. The reconstructions are based upon a multi-linear regression model relating multi-year annual precipitation and air temperature to annual water levels. An increased frequency of low lake levels was found to occur prior to the twentieth century, accompanied by a major extreme in water levels, greater than that experienced in the historical record, in the early 1600s. The comparison of simulated and measured water levels also indicates that the impact of some of the channel changes in the St. Clair River may be underestimated and that the major drop in lake level in the 1880s may be due to erosion as well as to decreased precipitation. The occurrence of extreme levels around 1640, in 1838, and in 1986 suggests a return interval of 150–190 years for extreme lake levels. The analysis also suggests that the variability of lake levels has greatly decreased over the last century when comparing tree-ring-derived level variability. Thus climatic periods used for the development of the current regulation plans may not be representative of the longer-term climate and lake levels.
Experimental investigation and finite element analysis of flexural behavior of insulated concrete sandwich panels with FRP plate shear connectors

Abstract Insulated concrete sandwich panels consist of two layers of concrete wythe separated by a foam insulation. The objective of this study is to develop an innovative fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) shear plate connector with specially designed anchoring schemes, and study its effects on the flexural behavior of insulated concrete sandwich panels, in terms of stiffness, strength, and applicability for roof/floor constructions, based on combined experimental investigation and Finite Element (FE) analysis. Three groups of 2743 × 610 × 254 mm3 (9′ × 2′ × 10″) concrete panels were constructed with continuous, segmental, and discrete FRP shear plate connectors, with two panels for each group. Additionally, two solid concrete panels were constructed as baselines. These specimens were tested under bending until failure. FE analysis was conducted on the panels. The accuracy of the FE model was proven through good correlations between test and FE results for two panels with continuous shear connectors, one solid panel and one panel with segmental shear connector. It can be concluded that the FRP plate can be used to transfer shear between the two concrete wythes, achieving a composite panel, which can meet ACI requirements for roof/floor applications. Different types of shear connectors, representing different degrees of composite action, affect both the strength and stiffness of the panels. This degree of composite action can be predicted with the FE model developed in this study. Continuous and segmental connectors perform much better than discrete connectors. The use of discrete shear connectors is not recommended. Unlike other proprietary FRP shear connectors, the FRP plate shear connectors developed in this study can be cut from commercially available FRP plates and are expected to be widely used for insulated concrete sandwich panels.
How to Treat Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Decompensated Cirrhosis

Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) and decompensated liver disease are not uncommon and present a considerable therapeutic challenge. Interferon-alfa-based regimens, standard therapy for HCV until recently, are plagued by worse tolerability and efficacy in patients with decompensated disease than others. Recent data have emerged with direct-acting anti-viral agents (DAAs) that are currently available including sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, and ribavirin; sofosbuvir, daclatasvir +/− ribavirin; and sofosbuvir, simeprevir +/− ribavirin that reveal excellent tolerability and efficacy in this patient population. In fact, sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, and ribavirin demonstrated sustained virologic response (SVR) rates of 87 and 89 % in CTP B and C patients, respectively, with a 12-week course. The current HCV guidance document from the AASLD/IDSA addresses treatment regimen recommendations for patients with decompensated disease. Ongoing long-term studies that assess quality of life, effect on the complications of ESLD, the rates of de-listing for liver transplantation, rates of development of hepatocellular carcinoma, and mortality after SVR in patients with decompensated disease will help address the question of who to treat when. Data should be forthcoming, including data on emerging therapies. The decision to treat patients with decompensated disease may be difficult, and such patients present complex clinical issues that dictate that experienced personnel administer therapy if at all possible.
Assessment of homogeneous and heterogeneous resonance integral tables and their applications to the embedded self-shielding method

Abstract Conventional resonance self-shielding methods are primarily based on equivalence theory, which allows the resonance integral (RI) table generated by homogeneous media to be useful for heterogeneous calculation. In the past two decades, a new RI table based directly on heterogeneous calculation has been developed and proved to be effective in the self-shielding calculation. This note compares the homogeneous and heterogeneous RI tables on the basis of derivation and numerical results. The limitations of the two RI tables and their applicability to the embedded self-shielding method (ESSM) are discussed.
Juggling Mathematics and Magic

The mystery of magic and the artistry of juggling have surprising links to interesting ideas in mathematics. In this note, I will illustrate several of these connections.
Formaldehyde-induced hemolysis during chronic hemodialysis.

Abstract We investigated an outbreak of hemolytic anemia among patients on hemodialysis shortly after the installation of a new water-filtration system. Using in vitro technics, we demonstrated that a water-soluble inhibitor of red-cell metabolism could easily be extracted from the intact filters. Subsequent experiments showed this toxic substance to be formaldehyde, a potent reducing agent whose mechanism of action involves conversion of NAD to NADH. This alteration of the redox state of the erythrocyte leads to inhibition of glycolysis at the level of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and rapid decline in cellular energy (ATP) stores. Because formaldehyde is widely used as a preservative for dialysis equipment, the toxicity of this agent for red blood cells is of clinical importance. (N Engl J Med 294:1416–1420, 1976)
Disciplinary Exclusion and Students With Disabilities: The Mediating Role of Social Skills

In this study, the authors investigated the role of social skills in disciplinary exclusion by examining parent and teacher ratings of students as having either high or low social skills. Data were...
Passive Acoustic Monitoring of the Environmental Impact of Oil Exploration on Marine Mammals in the Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico is a region densely populated by marine mammals that must adapt to living in a highly active industrial environment. This paper presents a new approach to quantifying the anthropogenic impact on the marine mammal population. The results for sperm and beaked whales of a case study of regional population dynamics trends after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, derived from passive acoustic-monitoring data gathered before and after the spill in the vicinity of the accident, are presented.
A CVaR-based Negotiation Model for Determining Two-part Transmission Prices Under Incomplete Information

The two-part transmission pricing mechanism is suggested for trans-provincial transmission projects orientating for network interconnection and power transmission,so as to promote the healthy and sustainable development of trans-provincial transmission trading.In implementing a two-part transmission pricing mechanism,how to appropriately determine the capacity charging ratio is an issue not well solved,while in the existing two-part mechanisms,the capacity charging ratios are mostly designated by the decision-maker's preference without solid theoretical justification,and uncertainties associated with actual transmission trading electric quantity are seldom taken into consideration.Given this background,a conditional value at risk(CVaR)based negotiation model is developed for a transmission company and a power purchaser under incomplete information for achieving an agreeable capacity charging ratio.First,the annual allowed income for a trans-provincial transmission project is determined using the well-established operation period method,and then the expected profit and risk loss measured by CVaR under different capacity charging ratios are analyzed considering the uncertainty of actual transmission trading electric quantity.Then,a CVaR-based negotiation model is presented under incomplete information,the objective for each side of the two negotiators is to minimize its risk loss under a given lowest expected profit constraint and the estimations of the opponent's risk tolerance ability and negotiation strategy,and then to determine an optimal offer.Finally,the west-to-east power transmission project in the southern region of China is employed to demonstrate the basic characteristics of the proposed model.
Dynamic computed tomography of cerebral circulatory arrest.

Cerebral circulatory arrest is the physiological vascular equivalent of brain death. A series of eight consecutive patients referred with a clinical diagnosis of cerebral death secondary to various...
Analysis of Signaling Pathways in Zebrafish Development by Microinjection

The zebrafish oocyte differs substantially from the zygote and cleavage-stage embryo with regard to the ease with which it can be microinjected with proteins or reagents that modify subsequent development. The objective of this chapter is to describe methods developed in this and other laboratories for microinjection and calcium imaging in the unfertilized zebrafish egg. Methods of immobilizing the oocyte include a holding chamber and a holding pipette. The holding chamber allows imaging of three or four oocytes simultaneously, while the holding pipette facilitates imaging of localized regions in the oocyte. Injection of calcium green dextran via holding chambers allowed detection of global changes in Ca2+ release following fertilization and development through early blastula stages. Injection and imaging with the holding pipette method allowed discrimination of calcium changes in the egg cortex from that in the central regions of the cell. The results demonstrate the highly localized nature of calcium signaling in the zebrafish zygote and the implications of this signaling for embryonic development.
A composition-controlled cross-linking resin network through rapid visible-light photo-copolymerization

An assembly that delivers well-defined functional materials, clinically practical procedures to make these materials in situ, and appropriate analytical tools for chemical structure and kinetic studies is desirable, though currently unavailable. Herein, we introduce a system that addresses this need through the development and characterization of a cross-linking resin network, which is achieved through rapid, visible-light induced polymerization in a solvent-free environment. This resin network is the result of co-polymerization of a distyrenyl-monomer with a dimethacryl-monomer. Ninety percent of vinyl conversion is achieved in seconds. In addition, an azeotropic composition is identified and confirmed through static end-point evaluation, sol–gel experiment, kinetic study, and mathematical modeling of data acquired via FTIR, real-time Raman and 1H NMR spectroscopies. These results yield opportunities for the design and development of new functional materials to be used in various applications.
From Fodorian to Aristotelian Representations

Though the original developer of the language of thought hypothesis is Jerry Fodor (Fodor, 1975), many factors before him helped put it in place. One of them, falling outside philosophy, is the theory of computation developed by Turing and realized in digital computers. This gives us a general picture of processing symbols according to algorithms, a picture that morphs easily into one of mental processes as computations over semantically contentful representations. And that provides a major piece of Fodor’s language of thought hypothesis.
Study of the Capacity of Each IP3 Receptor Isoform to Support ER-Mitochondrial Calcium Transfer

IP3 receptors (IP3R) relay calcium signals locally from the ER to the mitochondria, which process is central to the control of oxidative metabolism and to the induction of mitochondrial apoptosis. IP3R have 3 isoforms that show heterogeneous structure, function and intracellular distribution. Both IP3R1 and IP3R3 have been linked to local calcium transfer between the ER and mitochondria but systematic evaluation of each isoform in the same paradigm has not been conducted. To fill this void we used IP3R-deficient DT40 chicken B cells stably rescued with each mammalian IP3R isoform biochemically tagged to allow detection by a single antibody. Immunofluorescence validated clones with similar expression level of each isoform. In these clones, fluorometric measurements showed comparable calcium pool sizes for all isoforms but different IP3 sensitivities (IP3R2≥IP3R1>>IP3R3). In simultaneous single cell fluorescence imaging of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial matrix [Ca2+], all three isoforms supported propagation of calcium signals to the mitochondria upon stimulation with trypsin but with different efficacy and kinetics. We are applying fluorescence-based microscopy and transmission electron microscopy to study the topology of the ER-mitochondrial interface and the localization of IP3R at the ER-mitochondrial interface. Our results describe a paradigm that allows side-by-side comparison of each IP3R isoform in terms of ER-mitochondrial local calcium transfer and are expected to reveal the relevance of localization and other factors including Ca2+ flux kinetics for effective interorganellar Ca2+ transfer.