cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Development and Potential Roles of Cell-Wall Trabeculae in Caulerpa Mexicana (Chlorophyta)

Siphonous plants represent an alternate scheme to the way most macroscopic plants are constructed. They are single, often large (1–2 m), sometimes morphologically complex, multinucleate (coenocytic) cells where the whole of the cytoplasm is a continuum. Caulerpa mexicana Sond. ex Kutz. is a siphonous tropical marine green alga characterized by four morphologically distinct regions and, as with other members of the genus, by the presence of a dense network of anastomosing cylindrical cell wall in growths called trabeculae. Based on the results of this study, we propose several roles for trabeculae: (i) They are structural components, which likely add some small amount of support in compression but add considerable strength in tension. (ii) As extensions of the cell wall and plasma membrane, they act as diffusion channels from the cell exterior to the interior cytoplasm. It is possible that trabeculae also play a role in determining cell shape through developmental positioning and placement patterns, thus facilitating the diverse shapes found in the morphologically distinct regions of Caulerpa sp.
Insertion of a SNS-specific tetrapeptide in S3–S4 linker of D4 accelerates recovery from inactivation of skeletal muscle voltage-gated Na channel μ1 in HEK293 cells

Na channel subunits alphaSNS (PN3) and alpha mu1(SkM1) produce slowly inactivating/TTX-resistant and rapidly inactivating/TTX-sensitive currents, respectively. AlphaSNS (PN3) current recovers from inactivation (reprimes) rapidly. Sequence alignment identified the tetrapeptide SLEN, in the S3-S4 linker of D4, as alphaSNS-specific. To determine whether SLEN endows Na channels with slow kinetics and/or rapid repriming, we analyzed the transient Na current produced by a chimera mu1SLEN in HEK293 cells. Neither kinetics nor voltage dependence of activation and inactivation was affected. However, repriming was twice as fast as in the wild type at -100 mV. This suggests that SLEN may contribute to the rapid repriming of TTX-resistant Na current.
Fireside and steamside corrosion of alloys for USC plants

Abstract A program on fireside corrosion is being conducted at Argonne National Laboratory to evaluate the performance of several structural alloys in the presence of mixtures of synthetic coal ash, alkali sulfates, and alkali chlorides. Experiments in the present program, which address the effects of deposit chemistry, temperature, and alloy chemistry on the corrosion response of alloys, were conducted at temperatures in the range of 575 – 800 ∘ C for time periods up to ≈ 1850 h . Alloys selected for the study included both ferritic and austenitic steels and Ni-base alloys. Data were obtained on weight change, scale thickness, internal penetration, microstructural characteristics of corrosion products, mechanical integrity, and cracking of scales. Results showed that the relationship of corrosion rates to temperature followed a bell-shaped curve, with peak rates at ≈ 725 ∘ C , but the rate itself was dependent on the alloy chemistry. Several Fe-base alloys showed acceptable rates in the sulfate-containing coal-ash environment; but NaCl in the deposit led to catastrophic corrosion at 650 and 800 ∘ C . Ni-base alloys generally exhibited less corrosion than the Fe-base alloys under similar exposure conditions; however, they were susceptible to localized corrosion in the form of pits. Experiments were also conducted to evaluate the corrosion performance of several Fe-base alloys in a steam environment. Results, presented on both the fireside and steamside corrosion, can be used to compare the performance of the various Fe-base alloys. Attaining adequate creep strength, fireside corrosion resistance, and steamside corrosion resistance is still a challenge in materials development for advanced steam-cycle applications.
Effects of the Opiate Antagonist, Naltrexone, on Binging Antecedents and Plasma β-Endorphin Concentrations

ABSTRACT The effects of the opiate receptor antagonist, naltrexone, were examined on antecedent thoughts of binging and plasma β-endorphin concentrations in an adolescent girl who was hospitalized with bulimia nervosa. Significant decreases in urge to binge were obtained during naltrexone administration compared with control sessions. Baseline plasma β-endorphin concentrations for the bulimic adolescent were not different from those of nonbulimic controls, but plasma β-endorphins increased significantly during naltrexone administration. After discharge from the hospital, the adolescent refused to take naltrexone because she felt she could not deal with her life without the "pleasure of binging." The case points to the interplay of biological and psychological factors in bulimia nervosa.
Note on solving linear programs in integers

A recent result of Gomory (Princeton) solved an outstanding problem, namely that of solving linear programs in integers. Gomory showed how to add linear inequality constraints to a linear programming problem automatically in such a way that the extreme points of the resulting convex contain only integral solutions in the neighborhood of the minimum. In this paper an alternative method is given for generating these additional constraints in a way easy to justify and to apply. However it is not known whether these conditions will lead to a solution in a finite number of iterations of the simplex method as is true for the stronger Gomory conditions. Thus anyone considering their practical use should weigh the ease of generation against the extra number of iterations that will undoubtedly be required for convergence.
Stability analysis of an all-electric ship MVDC Power Distribution System using a novel Passivity-Based Stability Criterion

The present paper describes a recently proposed Passivity-Based Stability Criterion (PBSC) and demonstrates its usefulness and applicability to the stability analysis of the MVDC Power Distribution System for the All-Electric Ship. The criterion is based on imposing passivity of the overall DC bus impedance. If passivity of the bus impedance is ensured, stability is guaranteed as well. The PBSC, in contrast with existing stability criteria, such as the Middlebrook criterion and its extensions, which are based on the minor loop gain concept, i.e. an impedance ratio at a given interface, offers several advantages: reduction of artificial design conservativeness, insensitivity to component grouping, applicability to multi-converter systems and to systems in which the power flow direction changes, for example as a result of system reconfiguration. Moreover, the criterion can be used in conjunction with an active method to improve system stability, called the Positive Feed-Forward (PFF) control, for the design of virtual damping networks. By designing the virtual impedance so that the bus impedance passivity condition is met, the approach results in greatly improved stability and damping of transients on the DC bus voltage. Simulation validation is performed using a switching-model DC power distribution system.
County Jail Suicides in a Midwestern State: Moving Beyond the Use of Profiles

As part of a larger research project that evaluated individual and organizational units of analysis as related to jail suicides and suicide rates, this study addresses the problem of jail suicide a...
A digital read-out interface between a multichannel analyzer and a remote computer

Abstract An interface circuit was developed and constructed to read out the memory contents of printing-type multichannel analyzers into a time-shared remote computer to which communication is established via any EIA standard RS-232 compatible device.
Thermal-Mechanical History and the Strength of Magnesium Oxide Single Crystals: I, Mechanical Tests

Various dislocation impurity interactions in magnesium oxide and their effect on mechanical properties between room temperature and 1000°C are discussed. (1) Impurity precipitate particles in single crystals can be redistributed by heat treatment. Their size and density affect the lattice resistance to the motion of fresh dislocations and thus affect the yield strength at room temperature. Above 1200°C impurities go into solid solution and the strength decreases to 0.7 times the as-received fully-precipitated value. (2) Fresh dislocations can be locked by heating above 600°C to produce yield phenomena at room temperature. The upper yield strength increases with time and temperature particularly when the aging temperature exceeds 1000°C. Locking is attributed to the diffusion of impurities and point defects to dislocations. (3) The basic temperature dependence of yield strength contains two regions: (a) Up to approximately 500°C the strength decreases rapidly, suggesting a dislocation cutting mechanism during flow. Material preheated above 1200°C shows a stronger dependence than as-received material. (b) Above 500° C strength decreases linearly at a rate equal to the decline in elastic modulus. Superimposed on this basic temperature dependence curve there is, for material preannealed above 1200° C, a hump due to reprecipitation between 500° and 1000°c.
Men's friendships, women's friendships and the alleged inferiority of the latter

Over a decade of research utilizing a model and technique for the study of same-sex friendships has revealed some unsought and initially unexpected differences between men and women. Relevant aspects of this research are reviewed. Taken as a whole, the findings indicate overall differences between men and women that were readily interpretable in terms of traditional sex roles and socialization practices. However, when differences were found, they were seldom extremely large or glaringly obvious and thus provide no sound basis for predicting the character of the friendship of any particular pair of men or women. Moreover, when the friendships examined were limited to those that were very strong and of long duration, no appreciable sex differences were found. Special attention is given to the contention that women's friendships are inferior to those of men.
Broad spectrum alkynyl inhibitors of T315I Bcr-Abl

A series of alkyne-containing type II inhibitors with potent inhibitory activity of T315I Bcr-Abl has been identified. The most active compound 4 exhibits an EC(50) of less than 1 nM against wild-type Bcr-Abl and an EC(50) of 10 nM against T315I mutant but is broadly active against a number of other kinases.
Process optimization through model based SRAF printing prediction

Sub-Resolution Assist Features (SRAFs) are used in optical lithography to improve the manufacturing process window (PW). They are added to the mask shapes to create a denser environment that improves the printability of the target design shapes on wafer. As the critical dimensions (CDs) that need to be patterned shrink with every technology generation, SRAFs have become a critical and key component in enabling processes with manufacturable process windows. The size and placement of the SRAFs must be carefully optimized to provide the maximum benefit to the main feature while avoiding any printing on resist that could affect subsequent etching processes. The un-intended printing of assist features on wafer is a critical yield detractor and is especially pervasive in newer technology nodes, where more aggressive and more complex SRAF patterns and placement are becoming commonplace. The need for the accurate prediction of SRAF printing is therefore very important to achieve the maximum main feature process window benefit without any assist feature printing. Traditionally, the optimization of SRAF sizing and placement consisted of a set of rules obtained through the extensive analysis of wafer printability on a variety of assisted mask patterns while using Scanning Electron Microscope images of the resist surface to monitor unwanted SRAF printing. Recent advances in model-based assist feature optimization methods allow for the automated adjustment of both main feature and assist feature size and placement through simulation of the aerial image, but critically rely on the accuracy of the lithography process model to ensure non-printing of the SRAF. Lithography or Optical Proximity Correction (OPC) models usually comprising an optical and a resist model are calibrated to measurements of the resist bottom CD. These models are naturally better at predicting the printing of SRAFS that are lines in resist. When the SRAFs are holes in resist, for eg. assist features supporting main features on a dark field mask, or SRAFs supporting inverse tone features on a bright field mask, these models do not have the required accuracy in predicting SRAF printing. SRAF printability prediction has thus far been tackled by large dose adjustments to the OPC model, to match simulation to wafer results. The drawbacks of this method have been two-fold - simple dose adjustments do not accurately predict printing across various SRAF configurations and the main feature printability is compromised We present in this paper a method to calibrate and predict printing of assist features that appear as a dimpling in the resist surface, by carefully selecting the calibration data and separately tuning the model parameters for the main feature and of the SRAF printing models. With this method, we obtain a model that accurately predicts the printing of various configurations of SRAFs on wafer while still maintaining the accuracy on the main features. An analysis of the implementation of such a model in the OPC flow and the corresponding supporting results will be presented.
Birth, Migration, Incorporation, and Death of Vocal Control Neurons in Adult Songbirds

Neurogenesis continues in the brain of adult birds. These cells are born in the ventricular zone of the lateral ventricles. Young neurons then migrate long distances guided, in part, by radial cell processes and become incorporated throughout most of the telencephalon. In songbirds, the high vocal center (HVC), which is important for the production of learned song, receives many of its neurons after hatching. HVC neurons which project to the robust nucleus of the archistriatum to form part of the efferent pathway for song production, and HVC interneurons continue to be added throughout life. In contrast, Area X-projecting HVC cells, thought to be part of a circuit necessary for song learning but not essential for adult song production, are only born in the embryo. New neurons in HVC of juvenile and adult birds replace older cells that die. There is a correlation between seasonal cell turnover rates (addition and loss) and testosterone levels in adult male canaries. Available evidence suggests that steroid hormones control the recruitment and/or survival of new HVC neurons, but not their production. The functions of neuronal replacement in adult birds remain unclear. However, rates of HVC neuron turnover are highest at times of year when canaries modify their songs. Replaceable HVC neurons may participate in the modification of perceptual memories or motor programs for song production. In contrast, permanent HVC neurons could hold long-lasting song-related information. The unexpected large-scale production of neurons in the adult brain holds important clues about brain function and, in particular, about the neural control of a learned behavior--birdsong.
Divalent cations and the permeability to Na of the root meristem ofZea Mays

Ca and Sr markedly inhibit the non-metabolic uptake of Na by the nonvacuolated tissue of maize root tips. Loss of previously absorbed Na is also reduced greatly in the presence of these ions. The results obtained suggest that in the absence of metabolically mediated ion transport the plasmalemma, stabilized by Ca-ions, is normally almost impermeable to Na and perhaps other ions. Ca appears to be slightly more effective than Sr in this regard.
Left ventricular dysfunction and altered autonomic activity: a possible link to sudden cardiac death.

Abstract There is now a growing body of clinical evidence that suggests a strong association between left ventricular dysfunction and sudden cardiac death in patients recovering from myocardial infarction. The mechanisms underlying this association remain to be determined. Alterations within the autonomic nervous system may represent one factor that links an impairment in cardiac function to an increased mortality. Since ventricular dysfunction would tend to reduce stroke volume, an increased sympathetic and/or decreased parasympathetic efferent activity may compensate for this fall in stroke volume by increasing heart rate and/or the force of contraction (inotropic state) in an attempt to maintain a more normal cardiac output. Similar changes in autonomic activity are, in fact, known to increase the vuinerability to ventricular fibrillation. Therefore, I propose that myocardial infarction induces changes in cardiac function which in turn elicits autonomic efferent changes. As a consequence of these compensatory reflex changes the heart becomes less electrically stable and thereby more prone to lethal arrhythmias.
The effects of smoking cessation and gender on dietary intake, physical activity, and weight gain

This investigation evaluated the impact of smoking cessation and sex on changes in dietary intake, physical activity, and weight gain in young adults who did not intend to maintain their cessation. Subjects were 68 smokers and nonsmokers (30 males, 38 females) who participated in a 3-week study. During the investigation, all subjects' dietary intakes, physical activities, and body weights were carefully monitored. At the end of the first week, smokers were told that they could earn money if they stopped smoking for 1 week. Of the 47 smokers, 17 (36%) succeeded in not smoking for the 1-week period (confirmed by carbon monoxide [CO] analyses). Those who quit were then allowed to resume smoking during the third week (all resumed smoking). Results indicated that smokers who quit for 1 week did not gain a significant amount of weight but weight did change relative to nonsmokers' and nonquitters' weights. No changes were observed for males who quit smoking. There was evidence that females who quit smoking were dieting during the cessation period in that they increased their consumption of monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats during the 1-week cessation period while males who quit did not change their dietary intake. No changes in physical activity were noted in either males or females as a result of smoking cessation. The role of sex and changes in dietary intake and their effects on body weight are discussed.
Characterization of Human Herpesvirus 8 ORF59 Protein (PF-8) and Mapping of the Processivity and Viral DNA Polymerase-Interacting Domains

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) or Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) ORF59 protein (PF-8) is a processivity factor for HHV-8 DNA polymerase (Pol-8) and is homologous to processivity factors expressed by other herpesviruses, such as herpes simplex virus type 1 UL42 and Epstein-Barr virus BMRF1. The interaction of UL42 and BMRF1 with their corresponding DNA polymerases is essential for viral DNA replication and the subsequent production of infectious virus. Using HHV-8-specific monoclonal antibody 11D1, we have previously identified the cDNA encoding PF-8 and showed that it is an early-late gene product localized to HHV-8-infected cell nuclei (S. R. Chan, C. Bloomer, and B. Chandran, Virology 240:118-126, 1998). Here, we have further characterized PF-8. This viral protein was phosphorylated both in vitro and in vivo. PF-8 bound double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and single-stranded DNA independent of DNA sequence; however, the affinity for dsDNA was approximately fivefold higher. In coimmunoprecipitation reactions, PF-8 also interacted with Pol-8. In in vitro processivity assays with excess poly(dA):oligo(dT) as a template, PF-8 stimulated the production of elongated DNA products by Pol-8 in a dose-dependent manner. Functional domains of PF-8 were determined using PF-8 truncation mutants. The carboxyl-terminal 95 amino acids (aa) of PF-8 were dispensable for all three functions of PF-8: enhancing processivity of Pol-8, binding dsDNA, and binding Pol-8. Residues 10 to 27 and 279 to 301 were identified as regions critical for the processivity function of PF-8. Interestingly, aa 10 to 27 were also essential for binding Pol-8, whereas aa 1 to 62 and aa 279 to 301 were involved in binding dsDNA, suggesting that the processivity function of PF-8 is correlated with both the Pol-8-binding and the dsDNA-binding activities of PF-8.
Rossby Normal Modes in Nonuniform Background Configurations. Part II. Equinox and Solstice Conditions

Abstract The existence of planetary normal modes in the presence of realistic mean fields is examined. For sufficiently large wavenumber m, or meridional index n, the response of the Rossby modes is diffused beyond identification. This is primarily a result of the Doppler shifting of mean winds and supersedes the increasing role of dissipation. Several initial modes for the first few wavenumbers should be both realizable and identifiable in typical conditions. “At least” the first three modes of wavenumber 1, the first two of wavenumber 2, and the first of wavenumber 3 should occur with periods isolated to within 12.5% of median values. The mode structures for the first four modes of wavenumbers 1, 2 and 3 are insensitive to the mean fields in the lowest two scale heights. In addition, the response of each of these is readily discernable in both equinox and solstice conditions. The modes' horizontal character is notably robust. Although the solutions typically exhibit regions where they are affected by th...
Purification of α2-macroglobulin and the construction of immunogenic α2-macroglobulin–peptide complexes for use as cancer vaccines

Abstract A simple method for purification of immunogenic α2-macroglobulin from murine serum is described. Also described is a method for creating α2-macroglobulin–antigen complexes using purified α2-macroglobulin and peptides derived from tumor cell lysates. The application of such α2-macroglobulin–antigen complexes for eliciting cancer immunity is discussed.
Neural correlates of dueling affective reactions to win–win choices

Win–win choices cause anxiety, often more so than decisions lacking the opportunity for a highly desired outcome. These anxious feelings can paradoxically co-occur with positive feelings, raising important implications for individual decision styles and general well-being. Across three studies, people chose between products that varied in personal value. Participants reported feeling most positive and most anxious when choosing between similarly high-valued products. Behavioral and neural results suggested that this paradoxical experience resulted from parallel evaluations of the expected outcome (inducing positive affect) versus the cost of choosing a response (inducing anxiety). Positive feelings were reduced when there was no high-value option, and anxiety was reduced when only one option was highly valued. Dissociable regions within the striatum and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) tracked these dueling affective reactions during choice. Ventral regions, associated with stimulus valuation, tracked positive feelings and the value of the best item. Dorsal regions, associated with response valuation, tracked anxiety. In addition to tracking anxiety, the dorsal mPFC was associated with conflict during the current choice, and activity levels across individual items predicted whether that choice would later be reversed during an unexpected reevaluation phase. By revealing how win–win decisions elicit responses in dissociable brain systems, these results help resolve the paradox of win–win choices. They also provide insight into behaviors that are associated with these two forms of affect, such as why we are pulled toward good options but may still decide to delay or avoid choosing among them.
Low fouling synthetic membranes by UV-assisted graft polymerization: monomer selection to mitigate fouling by natural organic matter

Abstract A UV-assisted photochemical graft polymerization technique was used to produce modified poly(ether sulfone) (PES) ultrafiltration (UF) membranes that exhibit reduced interaction with natural organic matter (NOM), as a route to reduce the fouling caused by NOM. We evaluated six different hydrophilic monomers for their ability to reduce fouling by NOM: two are neutral monomers, N -vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NVP) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA); two are weakly acidic (carboxylic) monomers, acrylic acid (AA) and 2-acrylamidoglycolic acid (AAG); and two are strongly acidic (sulfonic) monomers, 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate (SPMA) and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS). Grafting increased membrane surface wettability and shifted the membrane pore size distribution to smaller sizes, which increased natural organic matter rejection (except in the case of NVP). Total fouling appeared to depend primarily on solute rejection, and varied in a complex way that could be interpreted in the context of the NOM molecular weight distribution. Reversible fouling resulting from cake formation was only weakly dependent on membrane surface chemistry; in contrast, irreversible fouling exhibited a marked dependence on surface chemistry. Membranes modified with the weak acid AA monomer were able to reduce irreversible fouling to zero, in contrast to other strongly hydrophilic monomers such as HEMA and AAG, which increased irreversible fouling relative to the unmodified membrane. We conclude that wettability (or hydrophilicity) is not an appropriate parameter for estimating reduced fouling potential for NOM feeds, as it is for feeds containing protein. We hypothesize that this is a consequence of the structural and chemical heterogeneity of NOM. The AA-modified membranes exhibited excellent filtration performance over multiple runs, and outperformed a regenerated cellulose (RC) membrane having similar initial NOM rejection.
Outcomes of treatment pathways in outpatient treatment of low risk febrile neutropenic cancer patients.

We treated low-risk febrile neutropenic cancer patients utilizing two standard outpatient antibiotic pathways: oral ampicillin/clavulanate (500 mg) and ciprofloxacin (500 mg) or intravenous ceftazidime (2 g) and clindamycin (600 mg) every 8 h. The objectives were to determine the success of outpatient treatment of low-risk febrile neutropenia, to identify factors predicting outpatient failure, and to determine mortality related to the febrile episode. Eligibility criteria included solid tumor diagnosis, stable vital signs, temperature ≥38.0°C, absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of grade 2 (p <0.002); Zubrod performance status ≥2 (p=0.029); ANC <100/ml (p=0.039), and age ≥70 years (p=0.048). Outpatient treatment of low-risk febrile neutropenic cancer patients utilizing standard treatment pathways is associated with minimal morbidity and mortality and should be considered an acceptable standard of care with appropriate infrastructure available to provide strict and careful follow-up while on treatment. Certain factors are associated with higher risk of hospitalization and should be further examined in eligible patients with low-risk febrile neutropenia.
QUANTITATIVE STUDIES OF EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED SEXUAL RECEPTIVITY IN THE SPAYED GUINEA-PIG1

In 1935, Young, Dempsey and Myers (1) reported studies of the copulatory response in the normal adult female guinea-pig which can be elicited at the time of heat by stroking the animal in the dorso-lumbar region. Later Dempsey, Hertz and Young (2) demonstrated the synergistic action of estrogen followed by progesterone in inducing this behavior in the spayed female guinea-pig. Simultaneous injections had no effect and it became apparent that the estrogen must act for a period of time before the reaction can be completed by progesterone. The time of action of the estrogen prior to the injection of progesterone is called the conditioning2 period; the interval between the administration of progesterone and first copulatory response is the latent period. It seemed important to analyze quantatively the factors of the estrogenprogesterone reaction by determining, a), the conditioning period after which the greatest number of animals is brought into heat, b), the length of time an animal remains conditioned foll...
Encoding processes in memory scanning tasks

Three experiments are presented that deal with the effect of stimulus probability on the encoding of both alphanumeric characters and nonsense figures. Experiment I replicated a previous finding of an interaction between stimulus probability and stimulus quality in a memory scanning task with numbers as stimuli. Experiments II and III investigated the same paradigm with unfamiliar visual forms as stimuli, and no interaction was found. Results were interpreted as showing that probability affects the encoding mechanism only when the encoding process results in a representation of the name of the stimulus. When stimulus materials are visual forms without names, probability does not appear to affect encoding processes.
Development of joint ocular dominance and orientation selectivity maps in a correlation-based neural network model

Abstract A new correlation-based model for ocular dominance and orientation selectivity columns is proposed. This model can be used to obtain realistic maps for either the ocular dominance maps or orientation selectivity maps. It can also be used to generate joint maps that take into account the extra requirements related to the singularities of the orientation selectivity map and the relative angles of intersection between the contour lines of the two maps. For future research we propose the use of stochastic processes in generating cortical maps and modification of Hebbian cortical interaction terms to make the model more biologically plausible.
Key-node-based local search discrete artificial bee colony algorithm for obstacle-avoiding rectilinear Steiner tree construction

The obstacle-avoiding rectilinear Steiner minimal tree (OARSMT) problem is a fundamental problem in very large-scale integrated circuit physical design and can be reduced to the Steiner tree problem in graphs (GSTP), which can be solved by using three types of common methods: classic heuristics, local search algorithms, or computational intelligence algorithms. However, classic heuristics have poor solution qualities; local search algorithms easily fall into the problem of the local optimum; and the searching effects of the existing computational intelligence algorithms are poor for this problem. In order to improve the solution quality, we propose a novel discrete artificial bee colony algorithm for constructing an obstacle-avoiding rectilinear Steiner tree. We first generate the escape graph for the OARSMT problem. Then, we search for a near-optimal solution consisting of some edges of escape graph by using the discrete ABC algorithm. We apply a key-node neighborhood configuration for the local search strategy and introduce two local search operators. We then naturally use a key-node-based encoding scheme for representing the feasible solution and obtain a tight searching scope. We employ a modified classic heuristic as the encoder that can produce a feasible solution. Experiments conducted on both general GSTP and very large-scale integrated circuit instances reveal the superior performance of the proposed method in terms of the solution quality among the state-of-the-art algorithms.
Body size in endangered Mexican wolves: effects of inbreeding and cross-lineage matings

The Mexican gray wolf appears to be extinct in the wild and exists now only in captivity and as a reintroduced population in southeast Arizona and southwest New Mexico. A recent study did not find evidence for inbreeding depression in juvenile viability or litter size in captive animals. Here we found that captive wolves with little or no known inbreeding had lower body size than wild-caught wolves. In addition, captive wolves with higher inbreeding had lower body size than captive wolves with little or no inbreeding. The captive population was descended from three founders until two other lineages, each descended from two founders, were recently added to the population. There has been concern that the offspring from matings between these lineages may differ from the individuals in the original lineage so we examined the potential statistical power to detect differences between body size for animals from cross-lineage matings and other matings. In endangered species there are often limited opportunities to obtain sample sizes large enough to detect statistically significant differences because of the extensive resources needed to produce and maintain captive animals. In this case, however, it appears from our examination that in the next few years there will be an adequate sample size to evaluate statistically the differences in body size between these groups.
Barriers to the successful treatment of liver disease by hepatocyte transplantation

Management of patients with hepatic failure and liver-based metabolic disorders is complex and expensive. Hepatic failure results in impaired coagulation, altered consciousness and cerebral function, a heightened risk of multiple organ system failure, and sepsis [1]. Such manifold problems are only treatable today and for the foreseeable future by transplantation. In fact, whole or auxiliary partial liver transplantation is often the only available treatment option for severe, even if transient, hepatic failure. Patients with life-threatening liver-based metabolic disorders similarly require organ transplantation even though their metabolic diseases are typically the result of a single enzyme deficiency, and the liver otherwise functions normally. For all of the benefits it may confer, liver transplantation is not an ideal therapy, even for severe hepatic failure. More than 17,000 patients currently await liver transplantation in the United States, a number that seriously underestimates the number of patients that need treatment [2], as it has been estimated that more than a million patients could benefit from transplantation [3]. Unfortunately, use of whole liver transplantation to treat these disorders is limited by a severe shortage of donors and by the risks to the recipient associated with major surgery [4].
Evaluation of Low-Cost, Objective Instruments for Assessing Physical Activity in 10-11-Year-Old Children.

This study compared step counts detected by four, low-cost, objective, physical-activity-assessment instruments and evaluated their ability to detect moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) compared to the ActiGraph accelerometer (AG). Thirty-six 10-11-year-old children wore the NL-1000, Yamax Digiwalker SW 200, Omron HJ-151, and Walk4Life MVP concurrently with the AG during school hours on a single day. AG MVPA was derived from activity count data using previously validated cut points. Two of the evaluated instruments provided similar group mean MVPA and step counts compared to AG (dependent on cut point). Low-cost instruments may be useful for measurement of both MVPA and steps in children's physical activity interventions and program evaluation.
Exercise performance and functional impairment in asbestos-exposed workers.

Eighty-eight shipyard workers with extensive asbestos exposure were evaluated in terms of dyspnea, smoking history, x-ray film abnormalities, static pulmonary function, and exercise performance. Pulmonary function abnormalities and roentgenographic pleuropulmonary disease were more frequent in smokers. Significant dyspnea was present in 41 percent of the workers and did not correlate with smoking history, pulmonary function, or exercise performance. Despite this high frequency of dyspnea, 70 percent of all workers had normal exercise tolerance by history or exercise testing. Of the 26 workers with exercise impairment, only nine had pulmonary mechanical or gas exchange limitation. Two of these workers had asbestosis, while the other seven had airways obstruction without asbestosis. The prevalence of both asbestosis and asbestos-related exercise impairment in this population was 2.3 percent.
Regulating the large Sec7 ARF guanine nucleotide exchange factors: the when, where and how of activation

Eukaryotic cells require selective sorting and transport of cargo between intracellular compartments. This is accomplished at least in part by vesicles that bud from a donor compartment, sequestering a subset of resident protein “cargos” destined for transport to an acceptor compartment. A key step in vesicle formation and targeting is the recruitment of specific proteins that form a coat on the outside of the vesicle in a process requiring the activation of regulatory GTPases of the ARF family. Like all such GTPases, ARFs cycle between inactive, GDP-bound, and membrane-associated active, GTP-bound, conformations. And like most regulatory GTPases the activating step is slow and thought to be rate limiting in cells, requiring the use of ARF guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEFs). ARF GEFs are characterized by the presence of a conserved, catalytic Sec7 domain, though they also contain motifs or additional domains that confer specificity to localization and regulation of activity. These domains have been used to define and classify five different sub-families of ARF GEFs. One of these, the BIG/GBF1 family, includes three proteins that are each key regulators of the secretory pathway. GEF activity initiates the coating of nascent vesicles via the localized generation of activated ARFs and thus these GEFs are the upstream regulators that define the site and timing of vesicle production. Paradoxically, while we have detailed molecular knowledge of how GEFs activate ARFs, we know very little about how GEFs are recruited and/or activated at the right time and place to initiate transport. This review summarizes the current knowledge of GEF regulation and explores the still uncertain mechanisms that position GEFs at “budding ready” membrane sites to generate highly localized activated ARFs.
The spin precession resonance spectrometer

Abstract We present the concept of a new neutron scattering instrument to be used at a pulsed neutron source. The machine, which starts as a development of the resonance detector spectrometer and incorporates the basic ideas of spin precession energy analysis, is suited for the study of medium-and high-energy excitations in solids and liquids, particularly at small momentum transfers. The most novel characteristic of its performance is a high resolving power, achieved without appreciable loss of neutron flux. In an alternative operation (and sacrificing resolution) the instrument is capable of separating spin-dependent from spin-independent scattering processes.
Companion diagnostic testing for targeted cancer therapies: an overview.

Genes and their products involved in the biological pathways of human cancers have been studied as either targets of new therapies, or predictive markers for the sensitivity of or resistance to the therapies. Companion diagnostic testing on biological markers for targeted cancer therapies has become a vital component of personalized cancer treatment. This article provides an overview on the biological pathways and biomarkers, including EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, ALK, ROS1, HER2, and KIT for targeted treatment of lung, gastrointestinal, colorectal, and breast cancers as well as malignant melanoma. The current testing approach appears to focus on single biomarkers. However, a comprehensive approach that includes testing multimarkers involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B, and mammalian target of rapamycin pathways may become more desirable for some cancers, because of therapy resistance that can be caused by mutations in different genes and the availability of ne...
Use of landmarks in cognitive mapping: Gender differences in self report versus performance

Abstract Gender differences were examined among 160 college students in the self report of spatial abilities as well as performance on two spatial tasks, the mental rotations test and a cognitive mapping task. Subjects were asked to view a brief videotape of the interior of a three bedroom, one level home and to draw a sketch map of the floor plan of the home. Presence or absence of landmarks was manipulated by having half the participants view a three minute video tour of a furnished home, while the other half viewed a video tour of the same home unfurnished. Results revealed a gender difference, favoring men, for the mental rotation test, but no gender difference in the cognitive mapping task. Overall, subjects in the landmarks present condition (furnished home) drew more accurate floor plans than did those in the minimal landmarks condition (unfurnished home). Though men and women performed equally well on the cognitive mapping task, women reported less confidence in the accuracy of their floor plans.
Enriching effects of Urban runoff on the productivity of a mesotrophic lake

Abstract Sewage was diverted from Lake Sammamish in September, 1968, and since then there have been no significant responses by trophic indicators which indicate the lake is beginning to recover. To explain this delay in response, extensive urban development in the lake's watershed was considered as a factor which might be acting to inhibit the lake's recovery. In vitro uni-algal experiments with water from 13 streams which drain urban and undeveloped areas showed that about half of the streams stimulated algal growth significantly, but these streams constitute less than 14 per cent of the lake's total water income. Of these six streams only two drain urban areas and account for less than 2 per cent of the water income. In situ experiments showed that no streams were significantly stimulatory to natural populations of phytoplankton. Other in situ studies showed that one urban stream and two from undeveloped areas caused substantial increases in periphyton growth after a 12-day period, although these increases were not statistically significant. Additional in situ nutrient limitation experiments in August of 1970 and 1971 revealed that P and N were limiting only in combination. Results from these studies do not support the contention that urban runoff is seriously enriching the limnetic region of Lake Sammamish.
Neogene acceleration of subsidence rates in southern California

Cenozoic subsidence rates in southern California basins were as high as 700 m/m.y. in Eocene-Miocene time, but they accelerated to rates greater than 1000 m/m.y. after the Miocene. These extraordinary rates are observed only in basins clustering about the big bend in the San Andreas fault as it crosses the Transverse Range. Highest rates are found in the Ventura (2000 to 4000 m/m.y.), Los Angeles (1330 to 1500 m/m.y.), and Ridge (2000 m/m.y.) basins. Lower rates, still in excess of 1000 m/m.y., are found in the South San Joaquin, Cuyama, and Santa Monica basins. A higher degree of geochronological calibration in the Ventura basin permits the dating of the acceleration of subsidence rates there at about 4 +- 1 m.y. ago, the same time that the Gulf of California began to open. The geographic distribution suggests that the very high rates of subsidence are a Poisson effect of horizontal displacement on the San Andreas fault at the big bend, where it is under compression. The date of acceleration may indicate the age of formation of the big bend from an earlier, straight San Andreas trace, but more likely it reflects a strengthening of the lithosphere as it cools from themore » effect of overriding the East Pacific Rise about 15 m.y. ago.« less
Computer Simulation of Critical Properties and Metastable States in a Finite Square Ising System

We report some results of a computer simulation of metastable states and critical properties in a finite Ising system consisting of square $n\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}n$ lattices with and without periodic boundary conditions.
Onset of detonation

Abstract What previously has been believed to be the onset of retonation is now shown to be the onset of detonation as well. The proof is experimental in nature and it is based on the use of two completely independent techniques. One, quite unsophisticated, utilizes the unique ability of the self-sustained detonation wave to ‘write on the walls’, the record being obtained on a carbon-soot covered film. The other exploits recent developments in laser technology, permitting the attainment of high repetition rate, extremely high resolution schlieren stroboscopic records of wave phenomena.
Devices for Heart Failure: The Future Is Now

Despite impressive strides in pharmacologic therapy for heart failure (HF), cumulative evidence from epidemiologic studies suggests that there has been no improvement in the prognosis for this condition over the past 40 years. Several aspects of the pathophysiology of HF are not influenced by drug therapy. Hospitalizations for acute decompensated HF have continued to increase in recent years despite the use of complex and costly drug regimens. Cardiac assist devices offer a promising approach to the management of this challenging problem. The authors review the ways in which these devices are being used to manage HF in different settings and highlight the latest advances in this rapidly evolving field.
A comparison of contemporary and historical conservatism

Abstract Conservative and liberal orientations on contemporary social issues were assessed, as was acceptance or rejection of well-known social programs, issues, and legislation of the past. The data indicated that endorsement of past social programs and legislation once regarded as liberal is independent of conservative views on contemporary issues; whether categorized by their stance on contemporary issues or by political self-rating, conservative students support past liberal programs and issues. The data underscore the discontinuity between historical conservatism and contemporary conservatism.
“The kids are terrific: It’s the job that’s tough”: The ELL teacher role in an urban context

Abstract The present study depicts an ecological portrait of the work lives of 16 ELL high school teachers in an urban context in the United States. Results suggest that their work lives take place within a complex school ecology which affects the kinds of activities they engage in and the opportunities they have to support their students. In this context they demonstrate an unusual dedication to aiding students and their families in activities related to the transition to a new country. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research explicating further the school ecology of this group of teachers.
Reducing surgical patient costs through use of an artificial neural network to predict transfusion requirements

Abstract Transfusion and blood bank services have long been identified as a source of potential cost savings. The implementation and use of maximum surgical blood ordering schedules (MSBOS) and type and screen practices have already succeeded in reducing overall waste and costs associated with transfusion services, but further reductions in waste and cost are still realizable. An artificial neural network (ANN) is trained to predict the quantity of transfusion units that are required by surgical patients for a specific operation. The ANNs produce a significant reduction in the quantity of blood ordered and a subsequent reduction in costs to the hospital and patients. ANNs offer a means to reduce patient costs while maintaining a high level of patient care.
Genetic testing in aortic aneurysm disease: CON

Surgery on the thoracic aorta is challenging, dangerous, intricate, complex, demanding, and tremendously rewarding. Yet, we need to raise our understanding of aortic disease to a higher plane. Linkage analysis and genetic sequencing techniques have been used to understand thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. Although these genetic breakthroughs are exciting and important, this article espouses the CON point of view that routine genetic testing is not practical or clinically essential at the present time.