cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Presenilins are required for the formation of comma- and S-shaped bodies during nephrogenesis

Mammalian presenilins consist of two highly homologous proteins, PSEN1 and PSEN2, which share redundant activities in Notch processing and signaling. To bypass the early lethality of the Psen1 - and Psen2 -double (PSEN) null embryos, we used a human PSEN1 transgene to rescue the somite patterning defects in PSEN-null animals and to allow a determination of the function of presenilins in late embryogenesis. We report here that expression of the human PSEN1 transgene supported the survival of PSEN-null embryos to the perinatal stage. However, presenilin deficiency in the kidney led to severe nephrogenesis defects and virtually no comma- or S-shaped bodies, or mature glomeruli were formed. We document that the mesenchyme was induced which could further progress to renal vesicles in the PSEN-null kidney, indicating that the presenilins are not essential for the inductive interactions and mesenchyme to epithelium transition. However, renal vesicles failed to pattern to form proximal tubules and glomerular epithelium. A presenilin-dependent, signaling-competent form of Notch1 was detected in mesenchymal derivatives but not in the ureteric buds of wild-type mice. Consistent with an obligatory role of presenilins in Notch processing and activation, the active form of Notch1 and its downstream target Hesr1 were absent in the PSEN-null kidney. Importantly, sustained Notch1 signaling was required for the maintenance of Notch ligand Jag1 expression. These results identify presenilins as one determinant of renal vesicle patterning in the developing mouse kidney, and we hypothesize that they act through the Notch signaling pathway.
Normal (Gaussian) random variable for supercomputers

Remarkably fest methods for generating normal and exponential random variables have been developed for conventional computers-their average times are little more than that needed to generate the uniform variable used to produce the result. But for “supercomputers,” with vector and/or parallel operations, and particularly for massively parallel machines with hundreds or thousands of processors, average times are not the proper measure of the speed of a generating procedure. For them, the worst case applies: The next step in a simulation cannot begin until all of the processors have generated their particular normal (or exponential, gamma, Poisson, and such) variable. So, for such new or anticipated (SIMD) architectures we must consider efficient constant-time methods for generating the important random variables of Monte Carlo studies. We describe one here, for normal (Gaussian) random variables. It is, in effect, a very fast method for inverting the normal distribution function.
A Bacillus anthracis-Based In Vitro System Supports Replication of Plasmid pXO2 as Well as Rolling-Circle-Replicating Plasmids

Capsule-encoding virulence plasmid pXO2 of Bacillus anthracis is predicted to replicate by a unidirectional theta-type mechanism. To gain a better understanding of the mechanism of replication of pXO2 and other plasmids in B. anthracis and related organisms, we have developed a cell-free system based on B. anthracis that can faithfully replicate plasmid DNA in vitro. The newly developed system was shown to support the in vitro replication of plasmid pT181, which replicates by the rolling-circle mechanism. We also demonstrate that this system supports the replication of plasmid pXO2 of B. anthracis. Replication of pXO2 required directional transcription through the plasmid origin of replication, and increased transcription through the origin resulted in an increase in plasmid replication.
A class of nonlinear elliptic problems

We obtain a strict coercivity estimate, (generalizing that of T. I. Seidman [J. Differential Equations 19 (1975), 242–257] in considering spatial variation) for second order elliptic operators A: u ↦ −▽ · γ(·, ▽u) with γ “radial in the gradient” −γ(·, ξ) = a(·, |ξ|)ξ for ξ ϵ Rm. The estimate is then applied to obtain existence of solutions of boundary value problems: −▽ · a(·, u, |▽u|) ▽u = f(·, u, ▽u) with Dirichlet conditions.
Divalent cation ionophore A23187: a potent protein synthesis inhibitor.

Divalent cation ionophore A23187 has a potent inhibitory effect on protein synthesis in the C6 rat glioma cell line. Treatment with 4 ..mu..M A23187 resulted in 93% inhibition of (1-/sup 14/C)leucine label incorporation into proteins and a 61% increase in free pool labeling. Total RNA synthesis was not affected. Extracellular ionic calcium or magnesium are not required for these changes to occur. Therefore, these effects of A23187 may be a direct effect on protein synthesis or may result from release of internal stores of divalent cations. By comparison, ionophore X537A (4 ..mu..M) has only a slight inhibitory effect on protein synthesis.
Matching HIV, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted diseases surveillance data, 2000-2010: identification of infectious disease syndemics in New York City.

CONTEXT In 2012, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene matched HIV, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted disease surveillance data to identify the burden of infection with multiple diseases. METHODS HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis surveillance data from 2000 to 2010 were matched using a deterministic method. Data on deaths from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Office of Vital Statistics were also matched. RESULTS The final data set contained 840,248 people; 13% had 2 or more diseases. People with a report of syphilis had the highest proportion of matches with other diseases (64%), followed by gonorrhea (52%), HIV (31%), tuberculosis (23%), hepatitis C (20%), chlamydia (16%), and hepatitis B (11%). CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate several possible infectious disease syndemics in New York City and highlight the need to integrate surveillance data from different infectious disease programs. Conducting the match brought surveillance programs together to work collaboratively and has resulted in ongoing partnerships on programmatic activities that address multiple diseases.
Rebound insomnia after only brief and intermittent use of rapidly eliminated benzodiazepines

In three parallel groups, brief and intermittent administration and withdrawal of triazolam, 0.5 mg, temazepam, 30 mg, and placebo were assessed in a 12-night sleep laboratory study of 18 subjects with insomnia. With this intermittent schedule both drugs improved sleep, with about a one-third reduction in total wake time; this reduction was significant for temazepam but not for triazolam. Even though the periods of drug administration were quite brief, withdrawal of triazolam consistently produced rebound insomnia, with increases in total wake time above baseline of 61% and 51%, respectively, for the first night of each withdrawal period. With temazepam this effect was more variable, with total wake time increased only with the second withdrawal period (39%). Thus these findings indicate that even under conditions of brief, intermittent use and withdrawal, triazolam and, to a lesser degree, temazepam produce rebound insomnia after abrupt withdrawal, thereby predisposing to drug-taking behavior and increasing the potential for drug dependence. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1991) 49, 468–476; doi:10.1038/clpt.1991.55
Drugs that inhibit gastric acid secretion may alter the course of inflammatory bowel disease.

SUMMARY Background Recent data suggest that acid suppressive medications may alter factors central to the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), whether through shifts in the intestinal microbiome due to acid suppression or effects on immune function. Aim To assess the relationship between the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine2-receptor antagonists (H2Ra) and incidence of ‘flares’ (hospitalisation/surgery and change in medication). Methods We conducted a new user cohort study including individuals diagnosed with IBD in British Columbia using linked healthcare utilisation databases (available from July 1996 through April 2006). Propensity-score matched incidence rates during a 6-month follow-up period and rate ratios (RR) and 95% CI were calculated. Results Among 16 151 IBD patients, 1307 Crohn’s disease (CD) and 996 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients experienced a new use of PPIs, whereas 741 CD and 738 UC used H2Ra. All IBD subgroups were matched separately to an equal number of unexposed IBD patients. H2Ra use in CD doubled the risk of hospitalisation/surgery (RR = 1.94; 95%CI 1.24–3.10) and numerically less so in UC patients (RR = 1.11) with widely overlapping CIs (0.61–2.03). Proton pump inhibitors use was associated with medication change in UC (RR = 1.39; 95%CI 1.20–1.62), but without meaningfully, increased risk of hospitalisation/surgery for UC or CD patients. Extending follow-up showed persistence, but attenuation, of all effects. Conclusions Initiation of PPIs or H2Ra may be associated with short-term changes in the course of IBD. Although confounding by indication was adjusted using propensity score matching, residual confounding may persist and findings need to be interpreted cautiously.
THE EFFECT OF STREET LIGHTS IN DELAYING LEAF-FALL IN CERTAIN TREES

THE EXTENSIVE research on photoperiodism in recent years has demonstrated that the life cycle and activities of the plant are closely interwoven with the duration of the daily illumination. Most of the studies on this subject have been concerned especially with growth, flowering, and fruiting. There is a close interrelationship, however, between these phenomena and leaf-fall, in certain plants at least. A simple method of studying response to prolonged illumination is afforded by certain trees growingf in proximity to street lights. Such trees often show retention of the leaves beyond the normal season. This is characteristic of a number of common genera and species. In their pioneer work on the general subject of photoperiodism Garner and Allard (1920, 1921) early recognized that leaf-fall and ripening of the pods in Peking and Biloxi soy-beans (Soja max) were accelerated by exposure to short day lengths. Later the same authors (1922, 1923) demonstrated that in smooth sumnac (Rhus glabra), dwarf sumac (Rhus copallina), and the tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) the leaves were retained longer when the plants were given additional illumination. These results are also incorporated in the reviews by Kellerman (1926), Schick (1932), and Garner (1936). Mochkov (1929-1930), studying Robinia pseudoacacia, Phellodendron amurense, Salix lanata, and Salix babylonica, concluded that in longer days the periods of growth and vegetative activity increase, while in shorter days they decrease. Oden (1929) found that with seventeen hours of daily illumination in autumn the normally rather rapid fall of leaves continued all through the winter, in Acer campestre, Lonicera periclymenum, and TViburnum opulus. Similarly buds could be made to unfold in December by means of additional light. Kramer (1936) has demonstrated that Fraxinus americana, Liriodendron tulipifera, Liquidambar styraciflua, and Quercus stellata become dormant earlier if grown under short day-lengths. All of these, among others, excepting Fraxinus americana, grew later into the autumn when the days were artificially lengthened. The renewal of growth early in the year (beginning in January) could be hastened or retarded by lengthening or shortening the period of illumination. This recent work supplements the somewhat generalized but nevertheless significant observations on leaf-fall reported in the older literature. It is well known that the falling of leaves, especially in autumn, is not the result of one simple cause, but may be due to the interaction of various factors, some internal, some external to the plant. Similarly, the retention of leaves on certain trees in winter is again not to be attributed to a single cause. The literature of this subject has been well reviewed by Pfeiffer (1928). The part played by relative illumination in the cyclic
The effect of docosahexaenoic acid on bone microstructure in young mice and bone fracture in neonates.

Abstract Background As low bone mineral density is a risk factor for fracture in childhood, optimizing age appropriate bone mass is recommended and might lower the impact of bone loss related to age. Consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids have been shown to beneficially modulate bone metabolism. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of fracture in neonates receiving a fish compared with soybean oil–based intravenous lipid emulsion and evaluate the effect of varying dietary omega-3 PUFA consumption on growing bone in young mice. Materials and methods Eligibility criteria for the clinical study included gestational age ≤37 wk and parenteral nutrition–dependence for ≥4 wk. Radiographs were reviewed after lipid initiation to identify radiologic bone fracture. The animal study evaluated female C57/Bl6 mice randomized into one of five groups from age 3–12 wk, at which time femurs were harvested for micro–computed tomography and light microscopy analysis. Results A lower incidence of bone fracture was found in neonates maintained on fish compared with soybean oil. In the animal study, findings suggest the DHA diet provides the best protection against trabecular bone loss as evidenced by increased bone volume fraction, increased trabecular number, and decreased trabecular separation on micro–computed tomography. These protective effects appeared to affect the bone microstructure alone. Conclusions The lower fracture risk observed in fish oil fed neonates in combination with the protective effects of DHA observed in the femurs of young C57/BL6 mice suggest an important role for omega-3 PUFAs on bone growth.
New insights into the density of states of graphene oxide using capacitive photocurrent spectroscopy

Abstract Capacitive photocurrent spectroscopy is used to probe the electronic states of graphene-oxide, and reduced graphene-oxide. Three peaks are observed whose intensities scale with the oxygen coverage. The energy of these peaks correlate with the luminescence spectra reported for graphene-oxide. Using a fitting procedure, the density of states for graphene oxide is extracted from the data. It consists of the π/π∗ states along with a distribution of mid-gap states centered at three different energies near the Dirac point. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements are used to identify the oxygen functional groups corresponding to the observed state distribution.
Three-dimensional finite element for analysing thin plate/shell structures

A three-dimensional (3-D) hexahedron finite element is presented for the analysis of thin plate/shell structures. The element employs an explicit algebraic definition of six uniform (continuum) strains, six rigid body modes and classical Lagrange-Germain-Kirchhoff thin plate bending modes. Nine additional stiffness factors are used to control higher-order hourglass modes. The element may be used for plate/shell analyses where the flat plate assumptions are appropriate. Also it can easily be adapted to form transition elements to lower order 2-D elements, or to higher-order 3-D continuum elements. The stiffness matrix satisfies the geometric isotropy requirement, passes the patch test, and gives essentially identical response to either applied transverse corner forces or to twisting moments applied on the corner, a requirement of Kirchhoff's corner conditions for a classical thin plate. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the performance of this finite element.
Cross-scale Correlations and the Design and Analysis of Avian Habitat Selection Studies

Abstract It has long been suggested that birds select habitat hierarchically, progressing from coarser to finer spatial scales. This hypothesis, in conjunction with the realization that many organisms likely respond to environmental patterns at multiple spatial scales, has led to a large number of avian habitat studies that have attempted to quantify habitat associations at multiple scales. Typically, multiscale habitat selection studies involve the assessment of habitat selection separately at two or more scales. Until recently, these studies have ignored the potential for cross-scale correlations: correlations among habitat variables across scales. If environmental patterns are correlated across the scales being analyzed, researchers using traditional analytical methods may reach erroneous conclusions about the presence or strength of habitat associations at a given scale. We discuss the ways in which cross-scale correlations manifest themselves in two types of habitat selection studies: (1) “constraine...
Lessons from Varicella Vaccine

The Oka strain of live attenuated varicella vaccine was developed in the early 1970’s by Takahashi and his colleagues in Japan (Takahashi et al. 1974). When this vaccine was first being tested, it was thought to have the greatest potential utility for use in immunocompromised children such as those with leukemia, in whom the mortality rate from varicella (chickenpox) had been shown to approach 10% (Feldman et al. 1975). While at that time it was considered contraindicated to administer a live virus vaccine to immunocompromised patients in the United States, it was found in Japan that the vaccine could be safely administered to high risk immunocompromised children (Ha et al. 1980; Izawa et al. 1977).
Quantification of control: a preliminary study of effects of neurodevelopmental treatment on reaching in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

The effects of neurodevelopmental treatment on reaching in children with spastic quadriplegia were studied using a method of analysis to quantify the qualitative term “smoothness.” Hand position in three-dimensional space was recorded during a simple reaching task using the WATSMART™ (Waterloo Spatial Motion Analysis and Recording Technique) system in conjunction with videotaping. The number of accelerations and decelerations (movement units) were measured in addition to movement time, distance of path (directedness), and associated reactions. Each subject performed several reaches before and following one treatment session. Following treatment, reaches were significantly faster, smoother (fewer movement units), and more mature. This study supports the hypotheses that neurodevelopmental treatment can produce immediate changes in the kinematic properties of reaching and that kinematic data can be used to quantitatively describe components of movement (eg, smoothness) that have traditionally been described qualitatively.
Path planning for automated dimensional inspection using coordinate measuring machines

A hierarchical planning system is presented which uses heuristics for path planning in dimensional inspection using coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). The objective is to automate the planning of a collision-free inspection path. The system demonstrates that the inspection paths of geometrically complex real world parts with multiple features can automatically be generated with efficiency. This is made possible by appropriate CMM abstractions, genuine 3-D collision detection, and heuristic modifications of reasonably assumed default inspection paths. Automatic selection and modification of probe angle based on a local accessibility analysis of a given feature are also presented. The collision-free inspection path can then be simulated in a CAD environment before it is carried out by the real CMM. >
Integrating drug concentrations and minimum inhibitory concentrations with Bayesian-dose optimisation for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis

To the Editor : The problems of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB), extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB, and even “totally drug-resistant” TB (a term that is still debated), have exposed two important clinical issues [1, 2]. The first issue involves figuring out a way to prevent these difficult-to-treat diseases. The second issue is treating patients with drug-resistant TB [3]. In the meantime even the current susceptibility breakpoints have been challenged as being too high, so that potentially more drug-resistant TB exists than anticipated [4]. This latter aspect suggests that we need a better idea of the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to both first-line drugs and second-line drugs. Here we propose the use of MICs and drug concentrations to calculate pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) target exposures and then to use Bayesian-feedback dosing as an integrated solution that could improve treatment outcomes. PK/PD relationships are deterministic, which means that the PK/PD parameters and exposures associated with certain degrees of microbial responses can be …
Room-temperature electronically-controlled ferromagnetism at the LaAlO 3 /SrTiO 3 interface

The interface between complex oxides can show effects such as superconductivity or magnetism that can be controlled through parameters such as carrier density. Here, the authors use magnetic force microscopy to study the magnetism at the interface between LaAlO3/SrTiO3 and its dependency on charge carriers.
Optimal algorithms for approximate clustering

In a clustering problem, the aim is to partition a given set of n points in d-dimensional space into k groups, called clusters, so that points within each cluster are near each other. Two objective functions frequently used to measure the performance of a clustering algorithm are, for any L4 metric, (a) the maximum distance between pairs of points in the same cluster, and (b) the maximum distance between points in each cluster and a chosen cluster center; we refer to either measure as the cluster size.We show that one cannot approximate the optimal cluster size for a fixed number of clusters within a factor close to 2 in polynomial time, for two or more dimensions, unless P=NP. We also present an algorithm that achieves this factor of 2 in time O(n log k), and show that this running time is optimal in the algebraic decision tree model. For a fixed cluster size, on the other hand, we give a polynomial time approximation scheme that estimates the optimal number of clusters under the second measure of cluster size within factors arbitrarily close to 1. Our approach is extended to provide approximation algorithms for the restricted centers, suppliers, and weighted suppliers problems that run in optimal O(n log k) time and achieve optimal or nearly optimal approximation bounds.
Interaction of Monomeric and Oligomeric Soybean Agglutinins with Pig Lymphocytes and Plasma Membranes

The pig lymphocyte surface contains two distinct receptor classes for monomeric (nonmitogen) and oligomeric (mitogen) soybean agglutinins. The major class (70-80%) for which both forms compete effectively binds them with a similar weak avidity in a non-cooperative monovalent reaction. This class appears to be one or more plasma membrane glycolipids and not involved in the mitogenic process. The minor class (20-30%) binds the monomer weakly and non-cooperatively. It binds the oligomers strongly via positively cooperative interactions involving mobile surface molecules in a metabolically energy-independent clustering process. The minor class appears to be one or more of seven plasma-membrane glycopolypeptides. The monomer does not compete effectively for this class nor does it specifically inhibit the mitogenicity of the oligomers, suggesting that receptors involved in the mitogenic process fall into the minor class and are likely to be glycopolypeptides.
Short communication: Best prediction of 305-day lactation yields with regional and seasonal effects

In the United States, lactation yields are calculated using best prediction (BP), a method in which test-day (TD) data are compared with breed- and parity-specific herd lactation curves that do not account for differences among regions of the country or seasons of calving. Complete data from 538,090 lactations of 348,123 Holstein cows with lactation lengths between 250 and 500 d, records made in a single herd, at least 5 reported TD, and twice-daily milking were extracted from the national dairy database and used to construct regional and seasonal lactation curves. Herds were assigned to 1 of 7 regions of the country, individual lactations were assigned to 3-mo seasons of calving, and lactation curves for milk, fat, and protein yields were estimated by parity group for regions, seasons, and seasons within regions. Multiplicative pre-adjustment factors (MF) also were computed. The resulting lactation curves and MF were tested on a validation data set of 891,806 lactations from 400,000 Holstein cows sampled at random from the national dairy database. Mature-equivalent milk, fat, and protein yields were calculated using the standard and adjusted curves and MF, and differences between 305-d mature-equivalent yields were tested for significance. Yields calculated using 50-d intervals from 50 to 250 d in milk (DIM) and using all TD to 500 DIM allowed comparisons of predictions for records in progress (RIP). Differences in mature-equivalent milk ranged from 0 to 51 kg and were slightly larger for first-parity than for later parity cows. Milk and components yields did not differ significantly in any case. Correlations of yields for 50-d intervals with those using all TD were similar across analyses. Yields for RIP were slightly more accurate when adjusted for regional and seasonal differences.
Morphological skeletonization for medical image compression

The authors introduce a lossless data compression technique based on the morphological skeleton representation. Mathematical morphology is a methodology for image analysis which provides a means for describing the geometrical structure of an image quantitatively. A morphological skeleton representation is a useful means of illustrating the geometrical properties of an image (such as shape, size, and orientations). Since it is capable of extracting the minimum underlying geometry of an image, it can also reduce the entropy of an image (data compression). In the present work, the compression ratio is calculated for the evaluation of a new data compression technique using a sample radiograph. This example illustrates that a compression ratio of 1.72 can be achieved through the use of morphological skeleton representation. Two new algorithms, boundary-constrained skeleton minimization and boundary-constrained skeleton reconstruction, are also presented for improving the performance of the morphological-based coding scheme. >
Simulations of Steady Economic Growth with a Cobb-Douglas Production Function

We now proceed to examine results from some models with steady growth, based on the growth model discussed in the previous chapter. Throughout, of course, we are especially concerned with the conditions in the comparative simulation study that give rise to dichotomous growth. Dichotomous growth, distinguishable from either convergence or divergence in economic growth, is conceived here as a combination of convergence within regions and divergence among regions. As we have seen in Chapter 2, dichotomization can be detected by observing a surface plot of production levels by cell. Figure 4-1A is an example drawn from one of the studies in the next few chapters. In this case, and in the studies to follow in future chapters, the vertical height is production in each cell relative to mean production and this presentation allows us to retain a comparable scale as mean production rises. We see that in this plot there are substantial relative differences in productivity, and these differences are highly organized. Since the opposite sides are joined, there is really only one (double-peaked) region of high productivity and one contiguous region of low productivity. Thus Figure 4-lA provides a visualization of dichotomous growth.
Predictive Performance of Ten Equations for Estimating Creatinine Clearance in Cardiac Patients

OBJECTIVE:The predictive performance of 10 equations used to estimate creatinine clearance (Clcr) was assessed retrospectively from data collected on 420 patients.DESIGN:This study is a retrospective data analysis of information collected on hemodynamically stable patients awaiting coronary angiography during the Iohexol Cooperative Study.SETTING:The Iohexol Cooperative Study was a multicenter study that compared nephrotoxicity of high- and low-osmolar contrast media in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Data used for this analysis were preangiography 24-hour urine collections that were primarily collected in hospitalized patients.PATIENTS:Patients selected from the Iohexol Cooperative Study database for analysis were participants categorized into one or more of six subgroups: elderly (n = 222), hypoalbuminemic (n = 25), chronic renal insufficiency (n = 128), low serum creatinine (n = 115), obese (n = 208), and diabetic (n = 191) who had baseline urine collections of at least 24 hours.OUTCOME MEASU...
A Possible Tracemaker for Arthrophycus alleghaniensis

Arthrophycus alleghaniensis is a well-known trace fossil common in the lower Silurian of the Appalachian Basin, eastern U.S.A. Despite the distinctive morphology of this trace, with few exceptions, hypotheses about the nature of the tracemaker have not extended beyond that of a long-bodied, segmented organism. A single organic compression of a long-bodied arthropod discovered in shale interbedded with sandstones containing A. alleghaniensis in the Silurian (Llandovery) Tuscarora Formation at Mann Narrows, Pennsylvania is described. The specimen preserves evidence of two trunk tagmata: an anterior tagma with tergites extending into broad, rectangular pleurae, and a posterior tagma bearing long, curved spines. Head and appendages are not preserved. The new arthropod, Pleuralata spinosa n. gen. n. sp., matches the size and general morphology required for an A. alleghaniensis tracemaker. Precise systematic affinities of this new arthropod could not be determined. This discovery supports the conclusion that the tracemakers of various Arthrophycus ichnospecies are likely poorly preserved, and presently unknown, members of the Ecdysozoa.
Tillage impacts on soil aggregation and carbon and nitrogen sequestration under wheat cropping sequences

Abstract No tillage (NT) and increased cropping intensity have potential for enhanced C and N sequestration in agricultural soils. The objectives of this study were to investigate the impacts of conventional tillage (CT), NT, and multiple cropping sequences on soil organic C (SOC) and N (SON) sequestration and on distribution within aggregate-size fractions in a southcentral Texas soil at the end of 20 years of treatment imposition. Soil organic C and SON sequestration were significantly greater under NT than CT for a grain sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]/wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)/soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation (SWS), a wheat/soybean doublecrop (WS), and a continuous wheat monoculture (CW) at 0–5 cm and for the SWS rotation at 5–15 cm. At 0–5 cm, NT increased SOC storage compared to CT by 62, 41, and 47% and SON storage by 77, 57, and 56%, respectively, for SWS, WS, and CW cropping sequences. Increased cropping intensity failed to enhance SOC or SON sequestration at either soil depth compared to the CW monoculture. No-tillage increased the proportion of macroaggregates (>2 mm) at 0–5 cm but not at 5–15 cm. The majority of SOC and SON storage under both CT and NT was observed in the largest aggregate-size fractions (>2 mm, 250 μm to 2 mm). The use of NT significantly improved soil aggregation and SOC and SON sequestration in surface but not subsurface soils.
Clinical reasoning: a 42-year-old man who developed blurred vision and dropped his iPod while jogging.

A 42-year-old man noted sudden onset of blurriness in his left eye and dropped his iPod from his right hand while jogging. In the emergency room, it was noted that visual blurring resolved with right eye closure, but his ophthalmologic examination was otherwise normal. He had subtle right nasolabial fold flattening and right arm pronator drift. His examination was otherwise normal. He reported no headache, neck pain, prior trauma, prior transient neurologic deficit, or palpitations. He took no medications and did not smoke, drink alcohol, or use illicit drugs.
An Empirical Comparison of Two Individual Differences Multidimensional Scaling Models

Two recently formulated models of individual differences multidimensional scaling (MDS) were compared empirically over five different judgment tasks. Comparisons were made for both stimulus dimensions and subject parameters. Results indicate remarkable similarity for the stimulus dimensions and moderate agreement for the subject parameters. Additional comparisons involving differing obliquities of solutions for individuals were also made, with inconclusive results.
The FDA Approval Process and Drug Development

Drug development is governed by a so-called “iron triangle” made up of the need for intellectual property (patents), financial return on investment and regulatory approval. As mentioned earlier, by FDA approval we really mean approval to market, or enter into interstate commerce, often called pre-market approval since the approval must be obtained before a drug can be marketed. Importantly, FDA does not regulate the practice of medicine. Many physicians as well as a considerable portion of the public believe that FDA regulates what doctors can do. Upon reflection physicians realize that their license to practice medicine is issued by states and that generally it is the state that regulates the practice of medicine. Obviously, if an agent is not available for a physician to use because it is not approved for marketing by the FDA then our ability to practice, at least with that agent, is curtailed.
Minimizing Conflicts Between Moving Agents over a Set of Non-Homotopic Paths Through Regret Minimization

This paper considers a game-theoretic framework for motion coordination challenges. The focus of this work is to minimize the number of interactions agents have when moving through an environment. In particular, agents employ a replanning framework and regret minimization over a set of actions, which correspond to different homotopic paths. By associating a cost to each trajectory, a motion coordination game arises. Regret minimization is argued as an appropriate technique, as agents do not have any knowledge of other agents’ cost functions. This work outlines a methodology for minimizing the regret of actions in a computationally efficient way. Initial simulation results involving pairs of mobile agents show indications that the proposed framework can improve the choice of non-colliding paths compared to a greedy choice by the agents, without increasing any information requirements.
Self-Stabilizing Algorithm for Minimal Dominating Set with Safe Convergence in an Arbitrary Graph

In a graph or a network G=(V,E), a set &#x1d4ae;⊆V is a dominating set if each node in V-&#x1d4ae; is adjacent to at least one node in &#x1d4ae;. A dominating set &#x1d4ae; is called minimal when there does not exist a node i∈&#x1d4ae; such that the set &#x1d4ae;-{i} is a dominating set. In this paper, we propose a new self-stabilizing algorithm for minimal dominating set. It has safe convergence property under synchronous daemon in the sense that starting from an arbitrary state, it quickly converges to a dominating set (a safe state) in two rounds, and then stabilizes in a minimal dominating set (the legitimate state) in O(n) rounds without breaking safety during the convergence interval, where n is the number of nodes. Space requirement at each node is O(logn) bits.
Effective Stress-Based Limit-Equilibrium Analysis for Homogeneous Unsaturated Slopes

AbstractWith a suction stress–based effective stress representation, stability analysis of unsaturated engineered and natural slopes can be performed effectively in the same manner as the classical limit-equilibrium (LE) methodologies. This paper presents an analytical framework for effective stress LE analysis of unsaturated homogeneous slopes under steady one-directional (vertical) flow. The proposed log spiral failure surface–based LE method involves only two additional hydromechanical parameters for unsaturated soil, approximating the inverse of the air-entry pressure and pore-size distribution. Both parameters are used to describe seepage and effective stress variations in unsaturated soils. Unlike most other LE formulations, the method is statically determinate. A parametric study was performed, and stability charts for general use are presented. The impact of infiltration and evaporation on the stability of slopes for four hypothetical soil types was studied. It is shown that the apparent cohesion ...
Canine gallbladder cyclic motor activity

We investigated whether the gallbladder has cyclic motor activity similar to that of the stomach, lower esophageal sphincter, and sphincter of Oddi in the fasted state. We found that the canine gal...
When Cities Sue: The Standing of Municipalities in Nuisance Litigation to Combat Climate Change

In recent years, municipalities have been aggressive in their use of nuisance actions in efforts to address a range of societal ills. By initiative lawsuits designed to combat the distribution of illegal firearms, remedy the effects of the proliferation of predatory mortgage products and address the impact of climate change, cities have been trailblazers in these areas. This chapter addresses the standing of municipalities to bring such actions, with a particular emphasis on litigation around climate change.
CHRONIC INTERMITTENT HYPOXIA ALTERS VENTILATORY AND METABOLIC RESPONSES TO ACUTE HYPOXIA IN RATS

We determined the effects of chronic exposure to intermittent hypoxia (CIH) on chemoreflex control of ventilation in conscious animals. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to CIH [nadir oxygen saturation (SpO2), 75%; 15 events/h; 10 h/day] or normoxia (NORM) for 21 days. We assessed the following responses to acute, graded hypoxia before and after exposures: ventilation (Ve, via barometric plethysmography), Vo2 and Vco2 (analysis of expired air), heart rate (HR), and SpO2 (pulse oximetry via neck collar). We quantified hypoxia-induced chemoreceptor sensitivity by calculating the stimulus-response relationship between SpO2 and the ventilatory equivalent for Vco2 (linear regression). An additional aim was to determine whether CIH causes proliferation of carotid body glomus cells (using bromodeoxyuridine). CIH exposure increased the slope of the Ve/Vco2/SpO2 relationship and caused hyperventilation in normoxia. Bromodeoxyuridine staining was comparable in CIH and NORM. Thus our CIH paradigm augmented hypoxic chemosensitivity without causing glomus cell proliferation.
On the Crest of “La Nouvelle Vague”

I examine the attempt of R. Paul Shaw and Yuwa Wong to construct a sociobiological model for the origins of intergroup hostilities in hominids. After delineating a number of general difficulties that attend such models and that affect the treatment offered by Shaw and Wong, I argue that their mathematical claims rest on conflating two different scenarios. When the appropriate distinctions are made, it is highly unclear that the sociobiological extension of standard cost—benefit models of warfare offers any new insights.
Interleukin-12 Decreases Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Replication in Human Macrophage Cultures Reconstituted with Autologous Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

In vitro interactions between interleukin (IL)-12, interferon (IFN)-gamma, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 infection in human macrophages were examined. Macrophages were infected with HIV-1 and cocultured with autologous monocyte-depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The addition of autologous PBMC to HIV-1-infected macrophages resulted in an expansive increase in reverse transcriptase (RT) activity; however, when both autologous PBMC and IL-12 were added, RT activity decreased (75%-90%) and high levels of IFN-gamma (9-16 ng/mL) were detected. The addition of anti-IFN-gamma antibodies blocked the IL-12-induced decrease in RT activity. Surprisingly, exogenous IL-12 added to HIV-infected macrophage cultures without autologous lymphocytes resulted in a 50%-60% reduction in RT activity and no detectable increase in IFN-gamma. The addition of anti-IFN-gamma did not inhibit this IL-12-mediated effect. These results suggest that IL-12 is capable of indirectly down-regulating HIV proliferation in macrophage cultures reconstituted with autologous PBMC and of directly suppressing HIV replication in purified macrophage cultures.
Automatic and effortful memory processes in elderly persons with organic brain pathology.

This study investigated the automatic and effortful memory encoding model of Hasher and Zacks (1979) and the potential it may hold for aiding in the differentiation between aging-related memory decline and dementia. College students, normal elders, and dementia patients were compared on a 96-item picturebook task utilizing measures of free recall, recognition accuracy, memory for location, and memory for frequency. There were no differences between students and elders on any of the dependent measures. However, differences were found between elders and patients on each measure, and a discriminant function correctly classified the two groups with 93.3% accuracy. Subsequent discriminant analysis found patients could be correctly classified into diagnostic subgroups, i.e., dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT), multi-infarct dementia (MID), and Korsakoff's disease (KD) with 80.8% accuracy. The model holds promise as a guide for clinicians who are asked to make differential diagnoses of memory-impaired individuals.
Properties of atoms in molecules

Atomic charges calculated by the population analysis method for three types of semi-empirical wave functions have been compared with charges obtained by integrating the corresponding electronic density functions over individual atomic regions. It was found that the two sets of charges compare quite well for CNDO wave functions and for extended-Huckel functions which are in terms of orthogonalized basis orbitals. However only the CNDO charges are reasonably close to those obtained by integrating near-Hartree-Fock electronic density functions.
Susceptibility to seizure-induced sudden death in DBA/2 mice is altered by adenosine

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is rare but is an important public health burden due to the number of patient years lost. Respiratory dysfunction following generalized convulsive seizure is a common sequence of events in witnessed SUDEP cases. The DBA/2 mouse model of SUDEP exhibits generalized convulsive audiogenic seizures (AGSz), which result in seizure-induced respiratory arrest (S-IRA) in ∼75% of these animals, while the remaining DBA/2 mice exhibit AGSz without S-IRA. SUDEP induction may involve actions of adenosine, which is released during generalized seizures in animals and patients and is known to depress respiration. This study examined the effects of systemic administration of agents that alter the actions of adenosine on the incidence of S-IRA in DBA/2 mice. DBA/2 mice that consistently exhibited AGSz without S-IRA showed a significantly increased incidence of S-IRA following treatment with 5-iodotubercidin, which blocks adenosine metabolism. Treatment of DBA/2 mice that consistently exhibited AGSz followed by S-IRA with a non-selective adenosine antagonist, caffeine, or an A2A adenosine receptor subtype-selective antagonist (SCH 442416) significantly reduced S-IRA incidence. By contrast, an A1 adenosine receptor antagonist (DPCPX) was not effective in reducing S-IRA incidence. These findings suggest that preventative approaches for SUDEP should consider agents that reduce the actions of adenosine.
Larger-than-memory data management on modern storage hardware for in-memory OLTP database systems

In-memory database management systems (DBMSs) outperform disk-oriented systems for on-line transaction processing (OLTP) workloads. But this improved performance is only achievable when the database is smaller than the amount of physical memory available in the system. To overcome this limitation, some in-memory DBMSs can move cold data out of volatile DRAM to secondary storage. Such data appears as if it resides in memory with the rest of the database even though it does not.Although there have been several implementations proposed for this type of cold data storage, there has not been a thorough evaluation of the design decisions in implementing this technique, such as policies for when to evict tuples and how to bring them back when they are needed. These choices are further complicated by the varying performance characteristics of different storage devices, including future non-volatile memory technologies. We explore these issues in this paper and discuss several approaches to solve them. We implemented all of these approaches in an in-memory DBMS and evaluated them using five different storage technologies. Our results show that choosing the best strategy based on the hardware improves throughput by 92-340% over a generic configuration.
Avascular Necrosis of the Capital Femoral Epiphysis as a Complication of Closed Reduction of Congenital Dislocation of the Hip: A Critical Review Of Twenty Years' Experience At Gillette Children's Hospital

In a retrospective study of 154 congenital dislocations of the hip treated by closed reduction with and without preliminary traction at Gillette Hospital during the period January 1, 1948, through December 31, 1967, the incidence of avascular necrosis was analyzed after follow-ups ranging from two to more than nineteen years. There were twenty-seven hips with complete necrosis and twenty-four with partial necrosis. Eight of the normal hips had shown Type-I changes previously described by Salter, Kostuik, and Dallas. An attempt was made to identify the factors responsible for avascular necrosis of the capital femoral epiphysis, either complete or partial. As a result of this study the following conclusions were reached: 1. The older the child is, the more frequent the complication of avascular necrosis, all other factors being equal. 2. There is a direct correlation between inadequate traction and the incidence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. 3. There is a direct correlation between the Lorenz position and the incidence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. 4. Avascular necrosis usually results in permanent deformity of the femoral head, but there is a spectrum of deformities which in all likelihood depend on the severity of the vascular insult. 5. A program of adequate traction, gentle reduction, and avoidance of the extreme Lorenz position reduced the incidence of total avascular necrosis from 34.8 per cent during the first five years of the study period to 4.5 per cent in the last five years. The incidence of partial necrosis, on the other hand, remained essentially the same.