cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analytical and numerical solutions for shapes of quiescent two-dimensional vesicles

Abstract We describe an analytic method for the computation of equilibrium shapes for two-dimensional vesicles characterized by a Helfrich elastic energy. We derive boundary value problems and solve them analytically in terms of elliptic functions and elliptic integrals. We derive solutions by prescribing length and area, or displacements and angle boundary conditions. The solutions are compared to solutions obtained by a boundary integral equation-based numerical scheme. Our method enables the identification of different configurations of deformable vesicles and accurate calculation of their shape, bending moments, tension, and the pressure jump across the vesicle membrane. Furthermore, we perform numerical experiments that indicate that all these configurations are stable minima.
Chronic transplant rejection

A 30-year-old woman was admitted to the University of Minnesota Hospital to receive a second cadaveric renal transplant. Eighteen years earlier, she had received her first cadavenc renal transplant for renal failure due to chronic glomerulonephritis. She had been dialyzed for 4 months, during which time she underwent splenectomy and bilateral nephrectomy. Tissue from the latter procedure demonstrated end-stage renal disease consistent with chronic glomerulonephritis. She was treated with azathioprine, 100 mg/day, and prednisone, 20 mg/day, as a maintenance regimen initially; within one year, the prednisone dose was reduced to 10mg daily. The patient's first renal aflograft functioned well for several years; the serum creatinine concentration ranged between 0.9 mg/dl and 1.1 mg/dl. Eleven years ago, the serum creatinine concentration rose to 2.9 mg/dl over 2 months; a graft biopsy demonstrated acute tubulointerstitial rejection. The patient admitted to noncompliance with her immunosuppressive regimen over several weeks. The prednisone dosage was increased to 100 mg/day and then tapered over the succeeding one month to 15 mg/day; the serum creatinine concentration stabilized at 1.6 mg/dl. Because of a rise in the serum creatinine concentration to 2.0 mg/dl, a graft biopsy was repeated 5 years ago. The biopsy specimen demonstrated chronic tubulointerstitial rejection and focal scarring with changes of chronic vascular rejection. The immunosuppressive regimen was continued, but propranolol, 20 mg twice daily, was begun because of hypertension. Subsequently, the dose of propranolol was increased to 40 mg twice daily; her blood pressure was controlled at approximately 135/85 mm -Hg. Because of a subsequent rise in the serum creatinine concentration to 2.5 mg/dl 3 years prior to admission, the
Electron transport through a quantum cavity

Electron transport through a quantum cavity coupled with two one-dimensional waveguides is studied using a generalized scattering matrix method. In a symmetric N-channel cavity model, we are able to obtain an exact solution that predicts the electron energies at which the transmission of electron waves become zero. We found that the zero of transmission is closely related to the longitudinal resonance through inter-channel scattering, in particular, to the resonance of the highest propagating mode inside the cavity. This model provides a simple way to calculate the electron transmission through a cavity which could be useful in quantum waveguide engineering.
Bridging the Gap Between Preservice Early Childhood Teachers’ Cultural Values, Perceptions of Values Held by Scientists, and the Relationships of These Values to Conceptions of Nature of Science

This study explored preservice teachers’ views of their own cultural values, the cultural values they believed scientists hold, and the relationships of these views to their conceptions of nature of science (NOS). Parallel assignments in a foundations of early childhood education and a science methods course required preservice teachers to explore their own cultural backgrounds and their perceptions of the cultural backgrounds of scientists. The Schwartz Values Inventory was used to measure preservice teachers’ personal cultural values and those they perceived of scientists. The Views of Nature of Science version B questionnaire and interviews assessed teachers’ conceptions of NOS. Copies of student work were collected and sought for themes indicating how preservice teachers perceived scientists’ cultural values and how those perceptions changed over time. We found that from the beginning to the end of the semester, preservice teachers perceived fewer differences between their own cultural values and those they perceived scientists held, though they did not change their own cultural values. We found that preservice teachers’ NOS conceptions improved, and that they were related to both their cultural values and those they perceived scientists held. Preservice teachers who indicated the fewest differences between their own cultural values and those they perceived scientists held the most informed conceptions of NOS.
Influence of nitrogen and other nutrients on the growth of Agave deserti

Abstract Although agaves are commercially important worldwide and ecologically interesting, their nutrient responses have not been extensively studied under controlled conditions. Here, nutrient responses of seedlings and adult plants of Agave deserti were examined, with particular emphasis on nitrogen. Growth of seedlings in hydroponics was enhanced by increasing potassium, phosphate, and especially nitrate. Seedling growth in sand culture was also enhanced by adding nitrate, leading to just over 2% N by dry weight in the leaves. Seedlings had optimal growth in soil having about 0.1% N by dry weight and a pH between 6 and 8. In going from irrigation with no added nutrients to full‐strength Hoagland solution for mature plants in soil, leaf unfolding (a non‐destructive measure of productivity) approximately doubled. The rate of leaf unfolding in the field was also doubled by adding 100 kg N hectare‐1, higher levels proving inhibitory.
Structural determinants and significance of regulation of electrogenic Na+-HCO 3 − cotransporter stoichiometry

Na+-HCO 3 − cotransporters play an important role in intracellular pH regulation and transepithelial HCO 3 − transport in various tissues. Of the characterized members of the HCO 3 − transporter su...
In utero DNA immunization: Immunity over tolerance in fetal life

The function and plasticity of the developing immune system during embryonic life has been central to immunological thinking for half a century. A classical view is that antigen encountered during fetal life induces a state of acquired immunological tolerance. However, the ability to develop T cell immune responses during the perinatal period would be of great importance against intracellular pathogens. Recent experiments have challenged this notion and shown that neonatal tolerance can be circumvented by extrinsic immunological manipulations. Here, we used DNA immunization targeted at B lymphocytes to induce a CD4 T cell response that could be measured 2 weeks after birth. We conclude that T cell immunity can be programmed in utero by manipulating the parameters of the immune response in the fetal environment. Furthermore, our data suggest that under appropriate conditions the fetal immune system can be programmed to immunity.
A pilot study of recombinant human interleukin-4 therapy of myelofibrosis.

Twelve patients with myelofibrosis were treated with recombinant human interleukin-4 (IL-4) administered subcutaneously thrice weekly. Dosage ranged from 1 mu g/kg to 4 mu g/kg. Median patient age ...
A diagnostic aid for detecting (DSM-IV) mental disorders in primary care ☆

Abstract This study was designed to develop and validate a new computerized version of the Symptom Driven Diagnostic System for Primary Care (SDDS-PC) and examine its feasibility in primary care practice. One thousand and one patients (ages 18–70) coming for routine care to Kaiser-Permanente were screened on a self-administered symptom scale for major depression, alcohol and drug dependence, generalized anxiety, panic and obsessive compulsive disorders, and suicidal behavior. The screen was followed up by a brief diagnostic interview, administered by a nurse, which yielded a one-page summary of positive symptoms and a provisional computer-generated diagnosis for the physician. The physician reviewed the summary results and made a diagnosis. The nurse and physician were blind to the screen results. Patients were reinterviewed within 96 hours by a mental health professional (MHP) blind to previous results. The nurses′ interviews ranged between 1.5 and 3.5 minutes for a screened positive diagnosis. Agreement between the nurse and physician diagnoses was excellent to moderate. Disagreement was usually in the direction of the physician ruling out major mental disorders in favor of subsyndromal or medical explanations. Only rarely did physicians diagnose disorders not detected by the nurse interview. Agreement between physician and MHP was moderate. Physicians using the SDDS-PC seldom made diagnoses that were not confirmed by the independent assessment of the MHP. The SDDS-PC may facilitate recognition of psychiatric disorders and minimize the physician's time in information gathering.
Cooperative transcriptional repression by BCL6 and BACH2 in germinal center B-cell differentiation

The transcriptional repressors BCL6 and BACH2 are crucial regulators of germinal center (GC) B-cell fate, and are known to interact and repress transcription of PRDM1, a key driver of plasma cell differentiation. How these factors cooperate is not fully understood. Herein, we show that GC formation is only minimally impaired in Bcl6+/− or Bach2+/− mice, although double heterozygous Bcl6+/−Bach2+/− mice exhibit profound reduction in GC formation. Splenic B cells from Bcl6+/− Bach2+/− mice display accelerated plasmacytic differentiation and high expression of key plasma cell genes such as Prdm1, Xbp1, and CD138. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing revealed that in B cells, BACH2 is mostly bound to genes together with its heterodimer partner MAFK. The BACH2-MAFK complex binds to sets of genes known to be involved in the GC response, 60% of which are also targets of BCL6. Approximately 30% of BACH2 peaks overlap with BCL6, including cis-regulatory sequences of the PRDM1 gene. BCL6 also modulates BACH2 protein stability and their protein levels are positively correlated in GC B cells. Therefore, BCL6 and BACH2 cooperate to orchestrate gene expression patterning in GC B cells through both transcriptional and biochemical mechanisms, which collectively determine the proper initiation and timing of terminal differentiation.
Melatonin rhythms in quail: regulation by photoperiod and circadian pacemakers.

The profile of melatonin in the eyes, pineal, and blood of Japanese quail was assessed in birds held under LD 16:8 and LD 6: 18 photoperiods. Melatonin levels in all three tissues showed a robust daily rhythm with higher levels occurring at night. The amplitude of the rhythm was depressed and its duration lengthened on LD 6: 18 relative to LD 16:8. The blood melatonin rhythm precisely reflected the rhythms shown by the pineal and eyes, supporting the idea that the blood rhythm is a result of melatonin secretion by both the eyes and pineal. The ocular melatonin rhythm continued after sectioning of the optic nerve, was reentrainable to a shift in the phase of the LD cycle, and persisted for at least 2 days in constant darkness. It was concluded that either (1) an intraocular circadian clock drives the ocular melatonin rhythm, or (2) an extraocular clock drives the ocular melatonin rhythm via a route other than the efferent innervation (which enters the eye via the optic tract).
Epiregulin: Roles in Normal Physiology and Cancer

Epiregulin is a 46-amino acid protein that belongs to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of peptide hormones. Epiregulin binds to the EGF receptor (EGFR/ErbB1) and ErbB4 (HER4) and can stimulate signaling of ErbB2 (HER2/Neu) and ErbB3 (HER3) through ligand-induced heterodimerization with a cognate receptor. Epiregulin possesses a range of functions in both normal physiologic states as well as in pathologic conditions. Epiregulin contributes to inflammation, wound healing, tissue repair, and oocyte maturation by regulating angiogenesis and vascular remodeling and by stimulating cell proliferation. Deregulated epiregulin activity appears to contribute to the progression of a number of different malignancies, including cancers of the bladder, stomach, colon, breast, lung, head and neck, and liver. Therefore, epiregulin and the elements of the EGF/ErbB signaling network that lie downstream of epiregulin appear to be good targets for therapeutic intervention.
Adverse effects of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) on small intestine and immune system: TPN vs. lack of enteral nutrition

Introduction: TPN leads to phenotypic and functional changes in the mucosal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL). Such IEL changes may cause a loss of epithelial barrier function and lead to an bacterial translocation (BT). This study addresses if these changes were due to a lack of enteral feeding, or to the TPN, itself. Methods: Mice received either oral feeding (Control), TPN alone (TPN), or TPN plus oral feeding (TPN + Food). Mice were sacrificed at 7 days, and bacteriological cultures from spleen, liver and mesenteric lymph nodes were obtained. Positive cultures were considered consistent with BT. The intestine was harvested, IEL isolated, stained for lymphocyte markers, and phenotypic distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. IEL mRNA cytokine expression was assessed by RT-PCR. Apoptosis was histochemically detected by TUNEL staining. Results are expressed as mean ± SD, or mean (range). Statistics used ANOVA, P < 0.05 being significant.Results: BT significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the TPN group (53%) compared to Control (9%) and TPN + Food (14%) groups. TPN also resulted in a significant (P < 0.01) increase of epithelial cell apoptosis: TPN 7.6 ± 1.1% versus Control 2.9 ± 1.1%, and TPN + Food 2.1 ± 0.3%. Height of the villus/crypt complex was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in TPN mice (315 ± 16 μm) compared to Control (431 ± 27 μm), and TPN + Food (421 ± 26 μm) groups. Tables TABLE—ABSTRACT 53. Group CD4+CD8− CD8αβ + thymus-dependent CD8+CD44+ mature Control 4.7% (3.9–6.1) 4.8% (3.0–6.5) 29% (28–37) TPN 0.6% (0.2–0.7)∗ 0.4% (0.1–0.8)∗ 10% (1.0–18)∗ TPN + Food 2.5% (1.5–2.2) 7.4% (5.6–8.6) 40% (38–46) Cytokines IL-2 IL-4 INF-γ TNF-α Control 0.32 ± 0.2 0.10 ± 0.1 0.15 ± 0.1 0.34 ± 0.1 TPN 0.13 ± 0.1∗ 0.73 ± 0.4∗ 0.29 ± 0.1∗ 0.55 ± 0.1∗ TPN + Food 0.31 ± 0.2 0.11 ± 0.1 0.14 ± 0.0 0.33 ± 0.1 show other results (∗P < 0.05 TPN vs. other 2 groups): Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the major factor responsible for TPN-induced BT and IEL changes is the lack of enteral feeding, and not the administration of the PN solution.
Is the immortal life worth living

John Martin Fischer has argued1 that Bernard Williams’ account of the tedium of immortality2 is inadequate – that human agents could, in principle, bear the burden of immortality without falling prey to the necessary boredom Williams thinks accompanies prolonged life. Although Fischer offers several criticisms of Williams view of immortality, I will limit my discussion in this paper to one. It is my contention that an essential ambiguity concerning the term “boredom” pervades Williams’ argument, and that it is this ambiguity, not Williams’ argument, that makes his position susceptible to Fischer’s objection. I will argue for an alternate reading of boredom that allows him to escape (one of) Fischer’s objections. In the final portion of this paper I argue that, even if we grant Williams the use of “boredom” as a term of art, we can still criticize his claim that boredom (construed as an absence of categorical desires) is a necessary condition of the immortal life. Williams ignores the possibility of the new fulfillment of old categorical desires, and this possibility allows one to hold that boredom is not a necessary consequence of immortality, even if it is a probable one.
Non-local quark condensate for the nucleon sea-quark distribution

Abstract The intrinsic small- x quark distribution of the nucleon, which we identify as the sea-quark distribution, is calculated using the QCD sum rule method with nonlocal quark condensates. With nonlocal condensates the vacuum quarks carry a distribution of momenta, which is needed to be consistent with the empirical sea-quark distribution. We find an isospin symmetric sea-quark distribution coming from the vacuum quarks with isospin symmetric condensates 〈: u u :〉 = 〈: d d :〉 . We show that the euclidean correlation of the vacuum quarks is crucial to the intrinsic sea-quark distribution, and that monopole-type space-time correlations in the nonlocal quark condensate can provide such momentum distributions of the vacuum quarks.
Prospects and Challenges of Handling Power Bus Modeling and Supply Noise in Package-Chip C0-design Approach

This paper investigates the challenges and limitations of existing techniques of handling power bus modeling, power supply noise, and the usage of decoupling capacitor at the chip and package levels. One major aspect of the existing works is that handling of these issues at the package and at the chip levels are addressed in two separate phases by two separate groups. Considering the package-chip co-design reality for very high performance integrated circuits in future, it will be more effective to tackle all these issues together in one working phase rather than trying to resolve each at a time. This will ensure more efficient design by providing options to trade off noise tolerance, number and location of decoupling capacitors, silicon resource used by decoupling, and design limitations for power bus modeling. This paper attempts to identify the common issues that need to be resolved at both package and chip level. It also points out where the existing technology stands, what are the challenges and limitations of existing methodologies and techniques, and what are the options to improve the efficiency of analysis and handling of power supply noise at both levels.
Suppression of period doubling in the dynamics of a bouncing ball

Abstract We present a theoretical and experimental study of a “bouncing ball” system, where the effect of a near-resonant perturbation is to suppress the onset of the first period doubling bifurcation. Near the bifurcation point, the full dynamical equations are reduced to a discrete-time map governing the dynamics on a slowly oscillating center manifold. The derivation emphasizes the geometry of the phase-space dynamics, and serves to clarify several points of a recently proposed theory regarding the effects of strong near-resonant perturbations. Our experimental results agree with the simple theory for moderate perturbations; for larger perturbations, higher order effects must be included.
Production and Characterization of Yarns and Fabrics Utilizing Turkey Feather Fibers

Turkey feather fibers were characterized and then converted into products such as yarn and nonwoven fabrics for a study into the feasibility of their use as textile products. Yarn containing blends of nylon and up to thirty percent turkey feather fibers were spun by combining novel techniques with commercial yarn spinning machinery. These yarns were tested for determination of their mechanical properties. As the percentage of turkey feather fibers increased, the tenacity and elongation of the yarns decreased while the modulus increased. These yarns were knitted into fabrics to determine their insulating properties. As the percentage of turkey feather fibers increased the insulating capabilities of the fabrics also increased. Recent research has focused on producing nonwoven fabrics containing turkey feather fibers utilizing various production methods for use as erosion control fabrics.
The Drosophila Mst Ortholog, hippo, Restricts Growth and Cell Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis

Establishing and maintaining homeostasis is critical to the well-being of an organism and is determined by the balance of cell proliferation and death. Two genes that function together to regulate growth, proliferation, and apoptosis in Drosophila are warts (wts), encoding a serine/threonine kinase, and salvador (sav), encoding a WW domain containing Wts-interacting protein. However, the mechanisms by which sav and wts regulate growth and apoptosis are not well understood. Here, we describe mutations in hippo (hpo), which encodes a protein kinase most related to mammalian Mst1 and Mst2. Like wts and sav, hpo mutations result in increased tissue growth and impaired apoptosis characterized by elevated levels of the cell cycle regulator cyclin E and apoptosis inhibitor DIAP1. Hpo, Sav, and Wts interact physically and functionally, and regulate DIAP1 levels, likely by Hpo-mediated phosphorylation and subsequent degradation. Thus, Hpo links Sav and Wts to a key regulator of apoptosis.
Comparative public administration and reform

This paper addresses administrative reform in the context of the comparative public administration research, theory, and practice. It reviews the current literature and outlines a number of research areas in which both administrative reform and comparative public administration should have a focus on in the near future. It also proposes several methods of research in the above areas.
Digit: A computational package for digital system design

Abstract To facilitate the analysis and design of digital control systems, the FORTRAN IV package DIGIT[1] is developed to transform analog process models into digital transfer functions. Of interest are the impulse and step invariant filters of digital signal processing and the trapezoidal approximation of the step invariant filter. The pertinent algorithms are developed; the program is highlighted and a user's guide is included. Application of the computational package is illustrated through a sequence of examples.
How long does it take to establish a morphogen gradient

A morphogen gradient is defined as a concentration field of a molecule that acts as a dose-dependent regulator of cell differentiation. One of the key questions in studies of morphogen gradients is whether they reach steady states on timescales relevant for developmental patterning. We propose a systematic approach for addressing this question and illustrate it by analyzing several models that account for diffusion and degradation of locally produced chemical signals.
Practical uses of end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring in the emergency department

Qualitative and quantitative measurement of the carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in respiratory gases is readily available with current technology. End-tidal CO2 (PetCO2) monitoring, whether by qualitative colorimetric methods or by solid-state spectrophotometric techniques, is becoming increasingly valuable in the Emergency Department (ED). These techniques offer a practical adjunct to the ED management of critical interventions including endotracheal intubation, conscious sedation, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Voltage-Sensitive Sodium Channelsg.

In summary, the voltage-sensitive sodium channel from eel electroplax provides an optimal preparation for biochemical and biophysical studies of molecular structure and gating. We have demonstrated that the purified and reconstituted protein is capable of functioning normally, exhibiting, among other properties, voltage-dependent activation and inactivation gating mechanisms. We have been able to recreate the classical electrophysiological studies in which inactivation gating can be removed by proteolytic modification of the cytoplasmic surface of the molecule, and have mapped the probable site of modification to the peptide segment lying between subunit domains III and IV. We have demonstrated that the reconstituted protein undergoes interactions with the lidocaine derivative QX-314 which, at low concentrations, results in paradoxical activation of the channel and a facilitation of modification by oxidizing reagents that remove inactivation gating.
Selling the Congo: A History of European Pro-Empire Propaganda and the Making of Belgian Imperialism. By Matthew G. Stanard. (Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press, 2012. Pp. xiv, 387. $65.00.)

The author of this book provides a useful addition to the growing body of “end of empire” retrospectives that explore the impact of imperial expansion on the social imaginary of the European popula...
Art and Text as Living Inquiry into Anti-Immigration Discourse

This paper examines the connections between art and text regarding the (mis) treatment of Mexican immigrants, particularly in schools. The paper discusses the harsh realities of anti-immigrant discourse through a series of oil paintings created to depict selected issues of Mexican immigrant experiences that are also written about in text. The main argument of this paper is that art expands the imagination of written text to provoke meanings that are interconnected to textual representation and, at the same time, creates openings for the unfolding of visceral sensations and critical meaning.
CROSSES BETWEEN INSERTION AND POINT MUTATIONS IN Λ GENE cI: STIMULATION OF NEIGHBORING RECOMBINATION BY HETEROLOGY

Intragenic recombination between λcI point mutations and insertions was studied in four-factor crosses. In crosses between two point mutations, there is a linear relationship between recombination frequency and distance. However, in crosses between an insertion and point mutations, there is additional recombination in the regions 200 base pairs to the right and to the left of the insertion. The recombinational stimulation occurred with IS insertions and also with insertions consisting of HindIII fragments of SV40 and with a deletion that removes part of cI. This indicated that the stimulation was a result of heterology per se rather than of information encoded by the insertions. Either Rec or Red functions are sufficient for enhanced recombination near a heterology. The stimulation is attributed to more frequent resolution of recombinational intermediates in the neighborhood of a heterology. "Stalling" of migrating branches or invading strands at a heterology may increase the probability of local DNA cleavage.
The use of functional L-systems for scenario generation in serious games

So called "serious games" have used games (in a sense, virtual environments) for reasons other than entertainment. Particularly within the training community, they have garnered increasing attention over recent years. However, means of generating new scenarios that have increased training effectiveness has continued to be lacking. Because creating new scenarios is a time-intensive and costly exercise. existing scenarios are commonly reused with only minor changes, a practice that can hamper training effectiveness over time.We have been pursuing a thrust of research in automated scenario generation. In this paper, we present our work in the use of Functional L-systems for generating scenarios. We first review some of our previous work in defining scenarios; then show how Functional L-systems are used to build up the scenarios.
Effects of dietary l-arginine on the reactivity of canine coronary arteries

Experiments were designed to determine the effects of supplemental dietary l-argi- nine on the endothelial and smooth muscle function of canine coronary arteries. One group of dogs was fed the standard laboratory chow while another group was supplemented with 250 mg/kg per day l-arginine. All dogs had undergone bilateral reversed interposition saphenous vein grafting and received 325 mg/day oral aspirin. After 5 weeks of arginine feed- ing, left circumflex coronary arteries were removed, cut into rings, and suspended for the measurement of isometric force in organ chambers. Concentration-response curves were obtained to l-arginine, UK-14,304 (a2-adrenergic agonist) and A23187 (calcium ionophore) in the absence and presence of N G -monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA) and tetraethylammonium (TEA) alone or in combination. Serum concentrations of l-arginine increased by about 20% following 2 weeks of arginine feeding and remained elevated throughout the study. In rings with and without endothelium contracted with prostaglandin F2a, l-arginine caused concentration-dependent contractions in rings from control animals but no significant change in tension in rings from arginine-fed ani- mals. Contractions to l-arginine in control animals were reduced by either l-NMMA or TEA. Endothelium-dependent relaxations to the a2-adrenergic agonist were decreased with arginine feeding while relaxations to the calcium ionophore and the endothelium-derived factor nitric oxide were similar among groups. Relaxations to UK-14,304 were reduced by l-NMMA in both groups but by TEA only in rings from control animals. These results suggest that dietary supplementation with l-arginine modifies reactivity of endothelium and smooth muscle by at least two mechanisms: one associated with activation of potassium channels and the other with receptor-coupled release of nitric oxide.
The use of mathematical programming with artificial intelligence and expert systems

Abstract Researchers have developed artificially intelligent (AI) and expert systems (ES) to assist in the formulation, solution and interpretation of generic mathematical programs (MP). In addition, researchers also have built domain-specific systems either modeled around a mathematical program or which include a mathematical program module. In these systems, the specificity of the domain allows researchers to extend the interpretation or formulation beyond that available from the generic set of assumptions about mathematical programming. Further, researchers have begun to investigate the use of mathematical program formulations of expert systems. The purpose of their research has been to, e.g., understand the complexity of the expert systems and also to examine the feasibility of mathematical programming as an alternative solution methodology for those expert systems. This paper surveys and extends some of that literature that integrates AI/ES and MP, and elicits some of the current research issues of concern.
Persistence of coastal spruce refugia during the Holocene in northern New England, USA, detected by stand-scale pollen stratigraphies

Summary 1 Pollen data from wet, forested hollows in five spruce ( Picea ) stands on the eastern coast of Maine, USA, reveal that spruce has been well-established (spruce pollen > 6%) for at least 5000 years at four of the sites (Isle au Haut, Schoodic Peninsula, and Roque Island). Spruce became dominant in the fifth stand (Blackwoods, Mount Desert Island) only in the last 2000 years. This is in contrast to pollen stratigraphies from two inland forest hollows and from inland lakes that indicate a significant region-wide increase in the abundance of spruce only 1000 years ago. 2 All five coastal pollen stratigraphies suggest that conditions along the east coast of Maine became cooler and moister sometime between 6000 and 5000 years ago. Mid-Holocene changes in vegetation and sediment accumulation correspond with the timing of rapid increases in tidal amplitude and diurnal mixing of cold water in the Gulf of Maine, suggestive that these resulted in increased marine effects on the local climate at a time that was generally warmer than present. 3 Two inland forest-hollow stratigraphies do not show evidence of mid-Holocene cooling. Coastal effects therefore persisted for several thousand years despite regional climate changes. 4 The pollen data suggest that refugia along the coast (and probably in isolated sites inland), may have played a critical role in allowing the rapid regional expansion of spruce around 1000 years ago. The steep increases in the abundance of spruce pollen in all forest-hollow and lake pollen stratigraphies in northern New England at that time corroborate other evidence of a region-wide shift to cooler and moister conditions. 5 Pollen stratigraphies from small forested hollows provide a means to examine local vegetation dynamics and interpret those dynamics in the context of regional signals.
Parenthood in adult female survivors treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma during childhood and adolescence: a prospective, longitudinal study.

Summary Background Little is known about parenthood in women who were treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma during childhood and adolescence. We aimed to assess the frequency of parenthood in female survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma younger than 18 years at diagnosis, and to compare it with that in a female population control group. Methods In this prospective, longitudinal study, our cohort consisted of 590 female patients younger than 18 years at diagnosis who participated in one of five Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment studies between June 19, 1978, and July 12, 1995. Women who had been followed up for 5 years or longer, were in continuous complete remission, and had no second malignancy or Hodgkin's lymphoma relapse before parenthood were included in our parenthood analysis. Parenthood was defined as the delivery of a liveborn child. Frequency of parenthood was compared with that in the German female population aged 16–49 years, using data from the 2012 Mikrozensus population survey. We assessed parenthood by estimating cumulative incidences and hazard ratios (HRs) with associated variables. Findings 467 of 590 patients in our cohort had long-term follow-up (median 20·4 years [IQR 16·3–24·8]) and were in continuous complete remission. 228 (49%) of 467 patients had 406 children (median of 1·78 children per mother, range 1–7). Cumulative incidences of parenthood were 67% (95% CI 64–75) at 27·7 years of follow-up (the longest number of years that a patient was followed up before she had her first child) and 69% (61–74) at 39·8 years of age (the oldest age of a patient before she had her first child). The incidence of parenthood did not differ between our cohort and the female German population for any age group up to 49 years, except for the 66 women aged 40–44 years at the time of last information, who had a significantly lower frequency of parenthood compared with the general population (40 [61%] of 66 vs 2 208 000 [78%] of 2 847 000; p=0·001). Procarbazine in cumulative doses up to 11 400 mg/m 2 , cyclophosphamide in cumulative doses up to 6000 mg/m 2 , alkylating agent dose scores of 1–5, therapy group based on disease stage at diagnosis, abdominal and supradiaphragmatic radiation, and age at treatment had no significant or only minor effects on parenthood. Parenthood was significantly reduced in survivors receiving pelvic radiation compared with those who received abdominal and supradiaphragmatic radiation (HR 0·76, 95% CI 0·61–0·95; p=0·01). Interpretation The results of this study document an overall favourable prognosis for parenthood in female survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma. They will assist counselling of female survivors about their positive potential for future parenthood. Funding Deutsche Kinderkrebsstiftung, Jens-Brunken-Stiftung fur Leukamie und Lymphomforschung, and Kinderkrebshilfe Munster.
A vector quantization approach to universal noiseless coding and quantization

A two-stage code is a block code in which each block of data is coded in two stages: the first stage codes the identity of a block code among a collection of codes, and the second stage codes the data using the identified code. The collection of codes may be noiseless codes, fixed-rate quantizers, or variable-rate quantizers. We take a vector quantization approach to two-stage coding, in which the first stage code can be regarded as a vector quantizer that "quantizes" the input data of length n to one of a fixed collection of block codes. We apply the generalized Lloyd algorithm to the first-stage quantizer, using induced measures of rate and distortion, to design locally optimal two-stage codes. On a source of medical images, two-stage variable-rate vector quantizers designed in this way outperform standard (one-stage) fixed-rate vector quantizers by over 9 dB. The tail of the operational distortion-rate function of the first-stage quantizer determines the optimal rate of convergence of the redundancy of a universal sequence of two-stage codes. We show that there exist two-stage universal noiseless codes, fixed-rate quantizers, and variable-rate quantizers whose per-letter rate and distortion redundancies converge to zero as (k/2)n/sup -1/ log n, when the universe of sources has finite dimension k. This extends the achievability part of Rissanen's theorem from universal noiseless codes to universal quantizers. Further, we show that the redundancies converge as O(n/sup -1/) when the universe of sources is countable, and as O(n/sup -1+/spl epsiv//) when the universe of sources is infinite-dimensional, under appropriate conditions.
Consensus-based table form recognition

Zoning documents increases the resolution of indexingfrom the image level to the field level. A line-delimited tabulardocument forms a well defined series of regions. However,as image quality decreases, accurate zoning becomesincreasingly difficult. Given a sequence of documents withthe same layout, we present a robust zoning method whichexploits both intra- and inter-document consensus to forma more accurate combined result (template) that can be appliedto any other document with the same layout.
Race, quality of depression care, and recovery from major depression in a primary care setting

Racial variations in the use of effective medical care and subsequent clinical outcomes have been identified for many medical conditions. Still, it is unclear whether racial variations in care and clinical outcomes exist for depressed primary care patients. Primary care patients presenting for routine treatment were screened for major depression as part of a study to disseminate a depression treatment guideline. Primary care physicians (PCPs) were informed of their patients' depression via an electronic medical record system and asked whether they agreed with the diagnosis. Treatment patterns and depressive symptoms over the following six-months were assessed by chart review and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, respectively. Over a 20-month period, 8,944 African-American and Caucasian patients aged 18-64 were approached for screening. African-Americans were less likely to agree to undergo screening than Caucasians (83% vs. 88%; P<.0001), but those doing so were more likely to report mood symptoms (26% vs. 15%; P<.001). 204 patients, including 52 African-Americans (25%), met protocol-eligibility criteria and completed a baseline interview. Baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and PCPs' agreement rate with the depression diagnosis were similar. Although PCPs were less likely to counsel their African-American than Caucasian patients for depression (P=.03), this difference resolved after adjusting for education level, employment, and insurance status and we found no other variations in the depression care provided or in clinical outcomes by race. We found little racial variation in either process measures or clinical outcomes for depression in our sample of African-American and Caucasian primary care patients.
Estimating the loss probability in a multiplexer loaded with multi-priority MMPP streams

Future broadband integrated service digital networks (B-ISDNs) will carry a wide spectrum of applications with different loss requirements. By adopting a multi-priority scheme at the cell level, flexibility is gained in coping with these diverse requirements in an efficient way. The issue of furnishing a multiclass selective discard mechanism is addressed. The loss probability per class is computed where each class is modeled as a two-state Markov modulated Poisson process (2-MMPP/sub 1/... 2-MMPP/sub n/D/1/K queue). A multiple class buffer priority algorithm that has linear complexity as a function of the number of classes is used. The advantages of a multi-priority scheme as well as the effect of the burstiness on the loss probability are illustrated. >
The effects of selected sampling on the transmission disequilibrium test of a quantitative trait locus.

Summary We investigate how sampling of parents or children based on their extreme phenotypic values selected from clinical databases would aect the power of identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) by a transmission disequilibrium test (TDT). We consider three selective sampling schemes based on the selection of phenotypic values of parents or children in nuclear families: (1) two children, one of extreme value, the other random; (2) two children extremely discordant; (3) one parent of extreme value. Other family members not specified will be recruited randomly with regard to phenotypic values. Our study shows that the second sampling scheme can always enhance the power for QTL identification, sometimes dramatically so. The increase in the statistical power of the TDT is particularly dramatic when h# at the QTL under test is small or intermediate (e.g. 0‐05 or 0‐10). For the other two sampling schemes, under dominant eects at the QTL, the power is always increased relative to random sampling; however, under recessive or additive genetic eects, the power gain is generally minor or even decreased a little sometimes. Allele frequencies at the QTL and the selection stringency are important for determining the eect of selective sampling on the power of QTL identification. Our study is useful as a practical guideline on how to perform the TDT eciently in practice by taking advantage of the extensive databases accumulated that are enriched with people of extreme phenotypic values.
Agenesis of the vagina: A discussion of surgical management and functional and morphologic comparison of end results, with and without skin grafting

Abstract Experience with the management of patients congenitally lacking the vagina is assayed to decide (a) the most satisfactory technique of reconstruction and (b) the degree to which the new epithelium mimics normal vaginal surface tissues. It is demonstrated that excavation of an adequate pocket and immediate insertion of a split-thickness autogenous skin graft on a mold rarely fails to give rapid healing and satisfactory function. Attention to technical details will facilitate this. Adherence to the concept that operation should be postponed until marriage is imminent is found to be unacceptable on emotional grounds. Comparison is made between normal and surrogate vaginal epithelia, cytologically, bacteriologically, and histologically, under endogenous and exogenous hormonal stimulation. Important differences are demonstrable between normal vaginal epithelium and grafted skin.
Serial taxi

A young business woman takes a chilling ride when she realizes her cab driver could be the notorious Taxi Killer.
Lead-induced hypertension: possible role of endothelial factors.

The results of this study confirm that low lead (0.01%) but not high lead (0.5%) administration results in increased blood pressure in rats treated for up to 12 months. This effect appeared to be related to an imbalance of endothelially-derived vasoconstrictor and vasodilator compounds in low lead-treated animals but not in high lead-treated animals. In low lead-treated rats, measurement of plasma endothelins 1 and 3 (ET-1 and ET-3) revealed that ET-3 concentration increased significantly after both 3 months (Experimental, 92.1 +/- 9.7 v Control, 46.7 +/- 12.0 pmol/mL; P < .001) and 12 months (Experimental, 105.0 +/- 9.3 v Control, 94.1 +/- 5.0 pmol/mL; P < .01) while ET-1 was unaffected. Plasma and urinary cGMP concentrations (as a reflection of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF)) decreased significantly at 3 months (plasma, Experimental, 1.8 +/- 0.9 v Control, 4.2 +/- 1.6 pmol/mL; P < .001) and 12 months (plasma, Experimental, 2.2 +/- 0.7 v Control, 4.2 +/- 0.9 pmol/mL; P < .001). Thus, the path to development of hypertension in low lead rats may be through an increase in the concentration of the vasoconstrictor hormone, ET-3, and a decrease in the vasodilator hormone, EDRF. High levels of lead exposure did not result in hypertension, perhaps because plasma concentrations of ET-1, ET-3 and cGMP were unaltered at 3 months, while ET-1, ET-3 and cGMP concentrations were coordinately and significantly decreased at 12 months.
Reversion of Permethrin Resistance in Field Strains and Selection for Azinphosmethyl and Permethrin Resistance in Pink Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Rearing of two fields strain (Marana, Yuma) of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossyptella (Saunders), from Arizona under conditions free of insecticidesresulted in reversion of resistance (in adults) in four and five generations, respectively, to levelsclose to that found in the susceptible laboratory strain. Permethrin resistance in these field strains is unstable and is apparently in its early phase of development. Results suggest that monitoring of pink bollworm resistance in field strains reared in the laboratory should be performed in the F1 generation. Subsequent selection studies were performed on both larval and adult stages to investigate the capacity of the pink bollworm to develop resistance in both life stages. Fourteen generations of selection of larvae and adults with azinphosmethyl produced 1.9- and 1.6- fold tolerance, respectively, in the adult stage. Sixteen generations of larval selection with permethrin produced 9.7-fold resistance in adults; 14 generations of adult selection produced 8.8-fold resistance in adults. Azinphosmethyl evidently possessesa low degree of selectivity for development of resistance in pink bollworm adults. Selection of larvae with both azinphosmethyl and permethrin seemed to cause higher levels of tolerance in larvae than in adults.
Multipitched Diffraction Gratings for Surface Plasmon Resonance-Enhanced Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy

We demonstrate the application of metal-coated diffraction gratings possessing multiple simultaneous pitch values for surface enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy. SEIRA increases the magnitude of vibrational signals in infrared measurements by one of several mechanisms, most frequently involving the enhanced electric field associated with surface plasmon resonance (SPR). While the majority of SEIRA applications to date have employed nanoparticle-based plasmonic systems, recent advances have shown how various metals and structures lead to similar signal enhancement. Recently, diffraction grating couplers have been demonstrated as a highly tunable platform for SEIRA. Indeed, gratings are an experimentally advantageous platform due to the inherently tunable nature of surface plasmon excitation at these surfaces since both the grating pitch and incident angle can be used to modify the spectral location of the plasmon resonance. In this work, we use laser interference lithography (LIL) to fabricate gratings possessing multiple pitch values by subjecting photoresist-coated glass slides to repetitive exposures at varying orientations. After metal coating, these gratings produced multiple, simultaneous plasmon peaks associated with the multipitched surface, as identified by infrared reflectance measurements. These plasmon peaks could then be coupled to vibrational modes in thin films to provide localized enhancement of infrared signals. We demonstrate the flexibility and tunability of this platform for signal enhancement. It is anticipated that, with further refinement, this approach might be used as a general platform for broadband enhancement of infrared spectroscopy.