cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The struggle with syntactic sugar, what it denotes, and the meaning of programs

Theory is an indispensable part in the study of computer science. Along this broad line, the subject of λ-calculus which serves as the theoretical foundation for programming languages, needs to be brought up in the study of programming languages. Unfortunately, students generally find that theories are difficult to deal with. One of the difficulties that repeatedly occur is that many students think they understand the subject in question, but they actually do not. And this can only make this situation worse. The intention of this assignment is to provide a concrete instance to clarify what we mean by saying "many students think they understand the subject in question, but they actually do not."
A Bandwidth-Optimized Routing Algorithm for Hybrid FPGA Networks-on-Chip

In this paper, a heuristic routing algorithm that is tuned for routing traffic in hybrid FPGA NoCs is presented. This multi-iteration routing algorithm requires a limited amount of hardware for prescheduled stream-based routing while allowing for bandwidth-optimized usage of NoC routing resources. By efficiently scheduling data streams, the remaining NoC bandwidth can be used for bursty, packet-switched traffic. We demonstrate our approach using a hybrid NoC and show an average 11% data stream bandwidth improvement for a collection of five benchmark traffic patterns.
Emerging treatment modalities

Abstract Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can be associated with a number of neurosensory sequelae. While a number of these can be mild and self-limited, some individuals who suffer from mTBI may have a significant period of diminished function with long-lasting consequences. In addition, there is mounting evidence that long-term chronic brain dysfunction may occur in some of those who suffer even a mild injury. Effective treatments for mTBI could reduce the period of initial disability and protect against long-term consequences. Despite this motivation there has been a little change in the treatment of mTBI for many years. However, as a result of an increase in both public and scientific interests in mTBI, there are a number of new therapies on the horizon. Many of these are in the early (preclinical) stage of development, while others have already undergone successful clinical trials. This chapter reviews the next generation of medicines and therapies that may prove useful in treating mTBI.
Hydrophilic 18F-labeled trans-5-oxocene (oxoTCO) for efficient construction of PET agents with improved tumor-to-background ratios in neurotensin receptor (NTR) imaging

An 18F-labeled trans-5-oxocene (oxoTCO) that is used to construct a PET probe for neurotensin receptor (NTR) imaging through tetrazine ligation is described here. PET probe construction proceeds with 70% RCY based on 18F-oxoTCO and is completed within seconds. The in vivo behaviour of the oxoTCO based PET probe was compared with those of analogous probes that were prepared from 18F-labeled s-TCO and d-TCO tracers. The hydrophilic 18F-oxoTCO probe showed a significantly higher tumor-to-background ratio while displaying comparable tumor uptake relative to the 18F-dTCO and 18F-sTCO derived probes.
Rabbit ileal mucosa exposed to fatty acids, bile acids, and other secretagogues. Scanning electron microscopic appearances.

Segments of rabbit ileum were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after exposure to various compounds known to stimulate fluid secretion in the small intestine. After prefusion with ricinoleate (castor oil) at a 10 mM concentration, striking changes were observed at villus tips and on the apicolateral surfaces of villi; erosions at tips were confirmed by light microscopy of the same pieces of tissue examined by SEM. The appearances after ricinoleate were reversed in part during perfusion with control buffer for 2 hr. Statistical comparisons between control perfused, treated, and reversal tissues showed that the “damage” produced by ricinoleate, and its reversal, was significant statistically. Tissues treated with other intestinal secretagogues, oleic acid (10 mM), deoxycholic acid (4 mM), cholic acid (4 mM), dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (6 mM), and cholera toxin (1 μg/ml) also showed surface changes by SEM. Fluid secretion, produced by an osmotic agent (mannitol) was not associated with “damage”. Changes in structure of the mucosal surface after exposure to intestinal secretagogues should be considered as one possible mechanism of impaired fluid transport.
Comorbidity of diabetes mellitus in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: a systematic literature review

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a subtype of hydrocephalus that occurs more often in the elderly population. It is usually characterized by gait disturbance, dementia and urinary incontinence. Epidemiological studies indicate that 15.7–17.8% of iNPH patients present with type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM). A review of the primary literature shows that these occurrence rates are higher than age- and cohort-matched non-iNPH controls. This suggests that this already vulnerable patient group has an increased risk for presenting with DM compared to their non-iNPH counterparts. Postoperative outcome when treating iNPH patients is inversely related to the number of patient comorbidities and a lower comorbidity status is correlated with better outcomes. This review highlights the need for further research into the relationship between iNPH and DM and speculates on a possible mechanism for an association between the development of ventriculomegaly and the development of DM and iNPH.
Pertinent Positives and Negatives

In the oral case presentation, pertinent positives and negatives are presented after the timeline. Pertinent positives, which are disease-specific and can be learned by rote, are used to “rule in” a particular diagnosis. Pertinent negatives, which require more analytical and creative thinking, are gleaned from the differential diagnosis and function to “rule out” other diagnostic possibilities. Taken together, the pertinent positives and negatives help to put the case in focus and make an argument for the most likely diagnosis. Four example cases are given to illustrate the crucial role of pertinent positives and negatives in the case presentation. Active listening on rounds, involvement in case discussions, and ongoing experience with patient assessment will help medical students to both memorize the pertinent positives and develop the differential diagnosis skills needed to identify the pertinent negatives. Finally, careful consideration of pertinent positives and negatives can help students to recognize the underlying patterns and diagnostic possibilities in patients with atypical or ambiguous presentations.
Rationale and design for a pragmatic effectiveness-implementation trial of online behavioral obesity treatment in primary care

Abstract Background Current guidelines recommend behavioral intervention to achieve a modest weight loss (e.g., 3–5%) as a first-line obesity treatment. Online behavioral obesity treatment, delivered via the Rx Weight Loss (RxWL) program, produces clinically significant initial weight losses. However, the program's pragmatic utility in routine medical care has yet to be tested. Further, additional research is needed to determine how best to extend the RxWL program to facilitate weight loss maintenance. This paper summarizes methods for a pragmatic trial aimed at identifying optimal methods for implementation of RxWL in primary care and evaluating relative effectiveness of two approaches to weight loss maintenance. Study design RxWL will be implemented in a network of approximately 60 primary care clinics. Implementation outcomes (program uptake and completion metrics) will be compared between a Basic Implementation Intervention consisting primarily of access to RxWL, and an Enhanced Implementation Intervention with additional training in strategies for motivating and supporting patients in their use of RxWL and online clinician support tools for tracking patient progress. Second, two intervention approaches (Monthly Lessons versus Refresher Courses) within the RxWL patient platform will be tested against an educational control condition, and effects on 1-year weight loss maintenance will be compared. Conclusion This study will provide essential information about the feasibility and utility of online obesity treatment in primary care. It will provide novel information on two approaches to weight loss maintenance for patients in this setting. This project fills key gaps in evidence regarding best practices for obesity treatment in primary care.
Assessing the impact, genomics and evolution of type II secretion across a large, medically important genus: the Legionella type II secretion paradigm

The type II secretion system (T2SS) plays a major role in promoting bacterial survival in the environment and in human hosts. One of the best characterized T2SS is that of Legionella pneumophila , the agent of Legionnaires’ disease. Secreting at least 25 proteins, including degradative enzymes, eukaryotic-like proteins and novel effectors, this T2SS contributes to the ability of L. pneumophila to grow at low temperatures, infect amoebal and macrophage hosts, damage lung tissue, evade the immune system, and undergo sliding motility. The genes encoding the T2SS are conserved across the genus Legionella , which includes 62 species and >30 pathogens in addition to L. pneumophila . The vast majority of effectors associated with L. pneumophila are shared by a large number of Legionella species, hinting at a critical role for them in the ecology of Legionella as a whole. However, no other species has the same repertoire as L. pneumophila , with, as a general rule, phylogenetically more closely related species sharing similar sets of effectors. T2SS effectors that are involved in infection of a eukaryotic host(s) are more prevalent throughout Legionella , indicating that they are under stronger selective pressure. The Legionella T2SS apparatus is closest to that of Aquicella (another parasite of amoebae), and a significant number of L. pneumophila effectors have their closest homologues in Aquicella . Thus, the T2SS of L. pneumophila probably originated within the order Legionellales , with some of its effectors having arisen within that Aquicella -like progenitor, while other effectors derived from the amoebal host, mimiviruses, fungi and less closely related bacteria.
Open data publishing by public libraries

Public libraries in the USA are part of a broad civic information ecosystem that is rapidly adopting transparency legislation aimed at publishing structured open data for public reuse. In this prelimi- nary results paper we look specifically at the open data publishing practices of 85 public libraries in the USA. We find that less than half of these libraries have published any open data, and that there is no relationship between revenue nor staff size and open data publishing practices. Categorizing public library open data by type we find overwhelmingly the most frequent type of open data pub- lished by libraries are geospatial (map) information. We plan use these findings to develop a proposal for public libraries to engage in publishing a core set of open data, and conclude by discussing the potential for reuse of open public library data.
Museum Collections and Online Users: Development of a Segmentation Model for the Metropolitan Museum of Art

AbstractThis article presents a segmentation of users who visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s online collection. The six segments defined in this study are professional researcher, personal inte...
Design of Experiments for Generalized Linear Models: by Kenneth G. Russell. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2019, 240 pp., $63.00 hardcover, ISBN 978-1-498-77313-3.

This book is a timely addition to the vast literature on design of experiments. Although there have been many design books, most of them focus on linear models and some of them may devote one or tw...
Polymer Fiber-reinforced GAG Based Hydrogel Scaffolds for Heart Valve Tissue Engineering

Objective: An ideal scaffold for TE valve replacement requires native features such as the anisotropic collagen architecture and its surrounding GAG matrix. In this study, we propose to fabricate a...
An examination of the language socialization practices of three Korean American families through honorifics

The case studies of three Korean American families examined the directives and honorifics used by families to analyze how family members socialized each other into culturally appropriate ways of di...
Effect of antibiotic time-outs on modification of antibiotic prescriptions in nursing homes

Background:Antibiotic overuse and misuse is a common problem in nursing homes. Antibiotic time-out (ATO) interventions have led to improvements in antibiotic uses in hospitals, but their impact in nursing homes remain understudied.Objective:To evaluate the impact of a stewardship intervention, promoting use of ATOs on the frequency and types of antibiotic change events (ACEs) in nursing homes.Design:Controlled before-and-after intervention study.Setting:Nursing homes in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.Method:Data on antibiotic prescriptions in 11 nursing homes were collected for 25 months. We categorized ACEs as (1) early discontinuation, (2) class modification, or (3) administration modification. Class modification ACEs were further classified based on whether the change narrowed, expanded, or had no effect on bacterial spectrum coverage. Analyses were performed using a difference-in-difference (DiD) approach.Result:Of 2,647 antibiotic events initiated in study nursing homes, 376 (14.2%) were associated with an ACE. The overall proportion of ACEs did not significantly differ between intervention and control nursing homes. Early discontinuation ACEs increased in intervention nursing homes (DiD, 2.5%; P = .01), primarily affecting residents initiated on broad-spectrum antibiotics (DiD, 2.9%; P < .01). Class modification ACEs decreased in intervention nursing homes but remained unchanged in control nursing homes.Conclusion:The impact of an ATO intervention in study nursing homes was mixed with increases in early discontinuation ACEs offset by reductions in class modification ACEs. More research on the potential value of ATO interventions in nursing homes is warranted.
Coronary artery occlusion following low-power catheter ablation.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is an unusual but potentially serious complication of catheter ablation procedures. This case describes the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction following low-power ...
Dress in the age of Jane Austen: regency fashion

At first consideration, the title of Hilary Davidson’s impressive work on fashion in the Regency period might be interpreted as a play to popular taste. The immense popularity of Austen’s novels ha...
Analyzing Parking Sentiment and its Relationship to Parking Supply and the Built Environment Using Online Reviews

This study examines positive and negative sentiments associated with parking experiences reported in online Yelp reviews for four metropolitan areas in North America, leveraging large location-based social network (LBSN) data to understand parking sentiment as a measure of parking search or post-parking experiences. Demand from travelers and business owners for more parking is a significant issue for local transportation planners and decision-makers, but to date, there has been little study of how local parking management strategies or built environment characteristics modify parking experiences and sentiments. To understand this relationship, we first conduct a sentiment analysis (SA) to identify the emotional, affective content of parking-related reviews embedded in the Yelp reviews. We then use generalized mixed effects (GLME) models to examine the associations between parking sentiment and (a) parking management practices, and (b) characteristics of the built environment. The SA results show that positive and negative parking sentiments are significantly spatially clustered in each metropolitan area. GLME models show that sentiments are significantly associated with destination activity types, parking management strategies, and several built environment factors. The results of this study indicate how different interventions advocated by transportation policies may influence perceptions of parking in commercial and mixed-use districts with implications for overall support for neighborhood transportation planning best practice. Furthermore, the findings represent that emerging data mining and statistical methods can successfully leverage big data to reveal travel experiences and their relationship to urban contexts, providing an effective solution to obtaining experiential transportation information.
Cancer Models to Defeat Therapy Resistance in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

One of the largest hurdles to the efficacy of cancer therapeutics, and a main cause of relapse, is therapy resistance. In response, researchers have developed model systems to better understand therapy resistance. Cancer research employs several model systems that reflect the biology of actual human tumors: in vitro models (2D, 3D cell cultures), in vivo models (PDX, GEMMS, transgenic), proteomic models, and computational or mathematical models. One cancer that has been extensively modeled is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC is the third most common cause of annual cancer deaths in developed countries; as its incidence and mortality rates continue to increase, PDAC is projected to be the second leading cause of cancer deaths by 2030. Although chemotherapy is a pillar of clinical PDAC treatment, its outcome typically leads to multi-drug resistance, drastically restricting the curative effect of drugs for a variety of tumors. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms for resistance through different models is essential for the development of new strategies and therapies. This review provides insight into the range of in vitroand in vivo models of pancreatic cancer used in preclinical research. This paper provides an overview of platforms for cancer research with a focus on those devoted to resistance mechanisms in PDAC and to the primary therapeutic intervention for PDAC, gemcitabine (GEM).
Dedicated C-fiber vagal sensory afferent pathways to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus

Abstract The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) receives viscerosensory information from the vagus nerve to regulate diverse homeostatic reflex functions. The NTS projects to a wide network of other brain regions, including the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Here we examined the synaptic characteristics of primary afferent pathways to PVN-projecting NTS neurons in rat brainstem slices. Expression of the Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid receptor (TRPV1+ ) distinguishes C-fiber afferents within the solitary tract (ST) from A-fibers (TRPV1-). We used resiniferatoxin (RTX), a TRPV1 agonist, to differentiate the two. The variability in the latency (jitter) of evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (ST-EPSCs) distinguished monosynaptic from polysynaptic ST-EPSCs. Rhodamine injected into PVN was retrogradely transported to identify PVN-projecting NTS neurons within brainstem slices. Graded shocks to the ST elicited all-or-none EPSCs in rhodamine-positive NTS neurons with latencies that had either low jitter ( 200 µs - polysynaptic inputs) or both. RTX blocked ST-evoked TRPV1 + EPSCs whether mono- or polysynaptic. Most PVN-projecting NTS neurons (17/21 neurons) had at least one input polysynaptically connected to the ST. Compared to unlabeled NTS neurons, PVN-projecting NTS neurons were more likely to receive indirect inputs and be higher order. Surprisingly, sEPSC rates for PVN-projecting neurons were double that of unlabeled NTS neurons. The ST synaptic responses for PVN-projecting NTS neurons were either all TRPV1+ or all TRPV1-, including neurons that received both direct and indirect inputs. Overall, PVN-projecting NTS neurons received direct and indirect vagal afferent information with strict segregation regarding TRPV1 expression.
FEEr: An R package for calculating functional extension and evenness index

Abstract Since the 1990s, functional diversity has attracted growing attention from biodiversity scientists. In recent years, various functional diversity indices have been proposed; but many of them presented conceptual and/or practical limitations. We recently developed a functional diversity index, Functional Extension and Evenness (FEE), to overcome some of the limitations. In this paper, we describe the content and major features of a new R package, FEEr, which serves as a tool for calculating the FEE index. The FEEr package includes one major core function to accomplish the FEE calculation and several support functions to provide important intermediate results relevant to the FEE calculation. To demonstrate the usage of this package, we present an abbreviated case study of quantifying the taxonomic and functional diversities of national forest inventory plots in the state of Tennessee, United States. In this application, we compare the correlations between species richness and FEE values in these plots. We also briefly summarize how species richness and FEE values vary among forest types and ecoprovinces in Tennessee. The results indicate that species richness and the FEE index reflect complementary aspects of the biodiversity profile in Tennessee’s forests. The functional diversity package outlined in this work provides a comprehensive foundation for subsequent analyses to address the needs of biodiversity conservation.
Occurrence and ultrastructural characterization of bacteria in association with and isolated from Azolla caroliniana.

The occurrence and ultrastructure of bacteria in leaf cavities of symbiotic Azolla caroliniana were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Bacteria were observed in all leaf cavities of Azolla cultures. Five ultrastructurally distinct types of bacteria were observed in each individual leaf cavity. Features used to characterize the bacteria included morphology, cell wall structure, and cytoplasmic organization. At least one gram-positive and as many as four gram-negative types of bacteria reside in leaf cavities of A. caroliniana. The morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of the gram-positive bacterium suggest that it is an Arthrobacter sp. The gram-negative bacteria could not be cultured; therefore, they have not been classified further. Bacterial cell shape and cell wall structure were similar in leaf cavities of different ages, but cell size and cytoplasmic composition varied. The relative contributions of each bacterial type to the total community within individual leaves was determined. Ultrastructural characteristics of bacterial isolates cultured from A. caroliniana in a free-living state were also examined. Images
Identification of a promoter region in the CG beta gene cluster.

Abstract To identify the promoter sequence(s) of the CG beta gene, genomic fragments derived from a cosmid containing the CG beta gene family were transfected into mouse Y1 adrenal cortical cells. Using this system, we showed that the CG beta genes 5, 3, and 8 have functional promoters, the basal element of which in the case of CG beta 5, was within 78 base pairs 5' ward from the CAP site. The size of the CG beta transcripts and identity of the transcription start site was the same for CG beta mRNA synthesized in Y1 cells as in first trimester placenta. The promoter region identified by this system was also capable of driving the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene when transfected stably into choriocarcinoma cells. Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase constructs bearing variable length of 5'-flanking sequences from CG beta 5 and transfected into trophoblast cells suggest the presence of regulatory sequences within 700 base pairs from the CAP site. The information obtained here provide a foundation for studies of analyzing trans-acting placental and pituitary proteins to the defined CG beta promoter region.
Using link awareness for HTTP Adaptive Streaming over changing wireless conditions

We address the problem of delivering streaming video over changing wireless conditions in the context of HTTP Adaptive Streaming (HAS) systems, such as those based on the Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) standard [1, 2]. In HAS, the video client plays the primary role in rate adaptation unlike server controlled video delivery systems. Performance of adaptive streaming over rapidly changing wireless conditions degrades due to the slower time-scale of response at the application layer compared to the time scale of changing radio link conditions. We propose a novel physical layer aware video rate adaptation strategy for HAS systems in which the HAS client uses physical layer modem statistics as a complement to application layer throughput estimate to enable quick identification and response to changing radio link conditions. This novel HAS rate adaptation algorithm includes a "Replace Request" feature wherein the HAS client can replace a current video segment request at the HAS server under suitable conditions. We demonstrate improved video streaming performance of our approach through simulations on a 3GPP LTE (Long Term Evolution) system level simulator.
CombiDOCK: structure-based combinatorial docking and library design.

We have developed a strategy for efficiently docking a large combinatorial library into a target receptor. For each scaffold orientation, all potential fragments are attached to the scaffold, their interactions with the receptor are individually scored and factorial combinations of fragments are constructed. To test its effectiveness, this approach is compared to two simple control algorithms. Our method is more efficient than the controls at selecting best scoring molecules and at selecting fragments for the construction of an exhaustive combinatorial library. We also carried out a retrospective analysis of the experimental results of a 10×10×10 exhaustive combinatorial library. An enrichment factor of approximately 4 was found for identifying the compounds in the library that are active at 330 nM.
CT volumetric analysis of pleural effusions: a comparison with thoracentesis volumes.

Rationale and Objectives The primary objective of this study was to compare computed tomography (CT) volumetric analysis of pleural effusions with thoracentesis volumes. The secondary objective of this study was to compare subjective grading of pleural effusion size with thoracentesis volumes. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective study of 67 patients with free-flowing pleural effusions who underwent therapeutic thoracentesis. CT volumetric analysis was performed on all patients; the CT volumes were compared with the thoracentesis volumes. In addition, the subjective grading of pleural effusion size was compared with the thoracentesis volumes. Results The average difference between CT volume and thoracentesis volume was 9.4 mL (1.3%) ± 290 mL (30%); these volumes were not statistically different (P = .79, paired two-tailed Student's t-test). The thoracentesis volume of a “small,” “moderate,” and “large” pleural effusion, as graded on chest CT, was found to be approximately 410 ± 260 cc, 770 ± 270 mL and 1370 ± 650 mL, respectively; the thoracentesis volume of a “small,” “moderate,” and “large” pleural effusion, as graded on chest radiograph, was found to be approximately 610 ± 320 mL, 1040 ± 460 mL, and 1530 ± 830 mL, respectively. Conclusions CT volumetric analysis is an accessible tool that can be used to accurately quantify the size of pleural effusions.
The ventilatory movements of the avian pelvis and tail: function of the muscles of the tail region of the pigeon (Columba livia)

We have observed that birds of several different taxa move their tails in conjunction with sound production. These observations suggested to use that tail movements might also be associated with ventilation. Since we hypothesized that rhythmic movements of the tail and pelvis will ventilate the lungs, the activities of tail, epaxial and cloacal muscles of the pigeon were examined. Electromyograms (EMGs) were recorded from these muscles while ventilation was monitored. A muscle was considered to have ventilatory activity when the EMG activity had an obvious correlation to either inspiration or expiration. To obtain further information about the correlation between muscular activity and ventilation, we induced hyperpnea by administering 5% CO2. We report that the tail muscles that function as expiratory muscles are the M. caudofemoralis, the M. pubocaudalis internus and the M. pubocaudalis externus. We refer to these as the suprapubic abdominal muscles to distinguish them from the infrapubic (ventral) abdominal muscles. These muscles depress the pelvis and the uropygium and compress the thoracoabdominal cavity. M. transversus cloacae functions as an expiratory muscle by protracting the cloaca or by reducing its compliance. Of the suprapubic muscles we studied, the only inspiratory muscle is the axial muscle, M. longissimus dorsi. M. longissimus dorsi acts at the notarial-synsacral junction to elevate the pelvis. The rocking movements of the notarial-synsacral joint appear to be important for ventilation during conditions in which the sternum is ‘fixed’, such as when the bird is resting on its breast. We suggest that a division of labor may exist between the infra- and suprapubic abdominal muscles during ventilation such as panting or vocalization.
Shifting Attention from Theory to Practice in Philosophy of Biology

Traditional approaches in philosophy of biology focus attention on biological concepts, explanations, and theories, on evidential support and inter-theoretical relations. Newer approaches shift attention from concepts to conceptual practices, from theories to practices of theorizing, and from theoretical reduction to reductive retooling. In this article, I describe the shift from theory-focused to practice-centered philosophy of science and explain how it is leading philosophers to abandon fundamentalist assumptions associated with traditional approaches in philosophy of science and to embrace scientific pluralism. This article comes in three parts, each illustrating the shift from theory-focused to practice-centered epistemology. The first illustration shows how shifting philosophical attention to conceptual practice reveals how molecular biologists succeed in identifying coherent causal strands within systems of bewildering complexity. The second illustration suggests that analyzing how a multiplicity of alternative models function in practice provides an illuminating approach for understanding the nature of theoretical knowledge in evolutionary biology. The third illustration demonstrates how framing reductionism in terms of the reductive retooling of practice offers an informative perspective for understanding why putting DNA at the center of biological research has been incredibly productive throughout much of biology. Each illustration begins by describing how traditional theory-focused philosophical approaches are laden with fundamentalist assumptions and then proceeds to show that shifting attention to practice undermines these assumptions and motivates a philosophy of scientific pluralism.
Objective clinical and laboratory studies of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to foods in asthmatic children.

Clinical and laboratory observations were made with 38 children afflicted with chronic severe asthma (reversible obstructive airway disease) in which hypersensitivity to food was incriminated in the histories. Symptoms were evoked in double-blind food challenges in only 11/38 children and 14/70 challenges, and were characteristic of immediate-type hypersensitivity and were chiefly gastrointestinal, even though asthma was the common presenting complaint. There were no delayed reactions. Peanut was responsible for 8 reactions, egg for 5, and cow's milk for 1. The feature that most successfully identified those having positive reactions in challenges was a significant wheal reaction in a skin test by puncture technique using a verified extract of 1:20 W/V concentration. No subject with clinically significant, symptomatic hypersensitivity to food had a negative puncture test, and puncture tests were positive in only 10/56 instances of negative reactions in food challenges. Laboratory observations included release of histamine and enzymes from leukocytes and the levels of neutrophil enzymes in serum before and after food provocation tests. While these determinations were of interest with respect to the immunochemical basis of reactions to foods, they did not prove useful for practical clinical diagnosis. The outstanding laboratory findings was the occurrence of "spontaneous" release of 25% to 100% of the histamine from leukocytes in all cases proved clinically hypersensitive by food challenges, which suggests that this may be an indicator of immediate-type hypersensitivity to food. From the findings in the study, a general approach to food hypersensitivity was developed in which the immunologic components coupled with quantitative concentration-response relationships serve to render comprehensible the distinction between asymptomatic (immunologic) hypersensitivity and symptomatic (clinical) hypersensitivity.
Restricted intramolecular vibrational relaxation in polyatomics and laser selective effects

Abstract A theory for unimolecular dissociation applicable to selective laser excitation is presented. Expressions for lifetimes, yields, and product fragment translational energy distributions are given as a function of IVR rate. We analyze an experiment purporting to “ demonstrate” rapid IVR.
Hydrocarbons in western North Atlantic surface sediments

High concentrations of hydrocarbons (500–3000 μg/g dry weight) together with a complex and wide molecular weight range of composition, and low 14C activity of δ14C = −833 ± 50%. strongly indicate that fossil fuel hydrocarbons make up the bulk of hydrocarbons in and near the New York Bight dump site areas. The composition and concentrations of hydrocarbons in Hudson Channel sediments suggest some transport of dump site hydrocarbons to areas in the channel midway to the edge of the continental shelf. Sediments at 16 stations in other areas of the continental shelf, continental slope and abyssal plain have hydrocarbon concentrations and compositions indicating that no more than 1 μg/g dry weight of fossil fuel hydrocarbons are present. N-alkanes from land sources were among the most predominant hydrocarbons in all samples except those in the New York Bight region. Their presence in abyssal plain surface sediments documents transport of some land derived organic matter to these deep ocean areas. Two 25-carbon cycloalkenes are among the more predominant hydrocarbons in continental shelf surface sediments except for the dump site areas. These two compounds are present in lower concentrations in slope sediments and are not detected in abyssal plain sediments.
Stochastic motion planning with path constraints and application to optimal agent, resource, and route planning

We present algorithms for a motion planning for multiple agents whose goals are to visit multiple locations with probabilistic guarantees for achieving the goal. Though much research has been done in stochastic shortest path algorithms, the existing algorithms focus on the single-origin single-destination problem for one agent. This paper formulates a general framework for the stochastic shortest path problem with visit node constraints designed to achieve a specific goal with multiple agents, multiple resources, and multiple destinations. The constraints are defined by a set of sequences of nodes to be visited. Given predetermined constraints, our motion planning problem consists of finding the best agents, resources, and destinations, and the path through a sequence of nodes representing them. The technique in this paper solves the problem at the same level of complexity as solving the single-origin single-destination problem by parallelization. We demonstrate the algorithm by a Web-based traffic navigation guide system and evaluate the algorithm's performance.
Is laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy a lower risk bariatric procedure compared with laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass? A meta-analysis

Abstract Background Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is the current "gold standard" bariatric procedure in the United States. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has recently become a commonly performed procedure for many reasons, including patients' perception that LSG has less complexity and invasiveness, and lower risk. Our objective was to review the literature and compare the leak rates, morbidity, and mortality for LRYGB versus LSG. Methods Publications from 2002 to 2012 with n greater than or equal to 25 and postoperative leak rate reported were included. Statistical analysis included chi-square according to patient number. Results Twenty-eight (10,906 patients) LRYGB and 33 (4,816 patients) LSG articles were evaluated. Leak rates after LRYGB versus LSG were 1.9% ( n = 206) versus 2.3% ( n = 110), respectively ( P = .077). Mortality rates were .4% (27/7,117) for LRYGB and .2% (7/3,594) for LSG ( P = .110). Timing from surgery to leak ranged from 1 to 12 days for LRYGB versus 1 to 35 days for LSG. Conclusions Leak and mortality rates after LRYGB and LSG were comparable. The appropriate procedure should be tailored based on patient factors, comorbidities, patient and surgeon comfort level, surgeon experience, and institutional outcomes.
Directed Assembly of PEGylated-Peptide Coatings for Infection-Resistant Titanium Metal

Appropriate surface chemistry between a material and its surrounding biological environment is crucial to the eventual integration and performance of any implant, whether metal, plastic, or ceramic. A robust peptide-based coating technology capable of easily modifying the surface of titanium (Ti) metal through noncovalent binding is described. A short peptide possessing affinity for Ti was identified using a phage display screening process and subjected to an amino acid substitution exercise using solid-phase chemical synthesis. Through these studies, the HKH tripeptide motif was elucidated as an important contributor to Ti binding within the Ti-binding peptide. This peptide spontaneously and selectively adsorbs onto a Ti surface from dilute aqueous solution with submicromolar binding affinities as determined by ELISA and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), through a process largely dominated by electrostatic interactions. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveals a densely packed...
Hypsographs: Basic tools for lake management and monitoring

Hypsographs are graphic depictions of the vertical distributions of volumes or masses of water in lakes, ponds, or reservoirs. Quantitative limnological science or engineering must use a hypsograph, or a more complex equivalent system, to undertake calculations of water constituent concentration data by mathematical weighting. Construction of the graph is simple and described. Exemplary uses of the hypsograph are presented.
Further results on the construction of general solutions to some non-linear, second order, non-conservative systems

In some of the author's previous work, it was shown that the general solutions to certain autonomous second order systems can be constructed. In this paper, the specific requirement for these systems is shown to be very mild and any second order autonomous system can meet it. Several examples are included. The general solutions to some damped non-linear oscillator equations are given.
“Taking” an Aerobics Class in the U.S. and “Entering” an Aerobics Class in Japan: Primary and Secondary Control in a Fitness Context

The study tested Weisz, Rothbaum, and Blackburn's (1984) hypothesis that “primary” control is emphasized in the United States and “secondary” control is emphasized in Japan. Aerobics participants in Japan and the United States completed surveys about their reasons for choosing classes, their attributions for mistakes in class, their behavioral responses to a difficult class, and what others in the class typically do. Some responses indicated that both groups use some secondary control. But Americans were more likely to report that they choose classes based on convenience and that they change moves in the class that are too difficult, a pattern that suggests primary control. Japanese were more likely to report that they choose classes based on their ability level, work harder when moves are too difficult, and attribute mistakes to a lack of fit between their own ability and the level of the class, a pattern that suggests more secondary control.
Complications in Brief: Quadriceps and Patellar Tendon Tears

Effective treatment of knee extensor mechanism disruptions requires prompt diagnosis and thoughtful decision-making with surgical and nonsurgical approaches. When surgery is chosen, excellent surgical technique can result in excellent outcomes. Complications and failures arise from missed or delayed diagnoses and from technical problems in the operating room. In particular, inappropriate surgical timing (especially late surgery), misplaced patellar drill holes, and failure to address concomitant injuries can result in complications seen when repairing a patellar or quadriceps tendon tear. We review the complications that can occur during treatment of these injuries (Table 1).
A mathematical analysis of the learning production process and a model for determining what matters in education

Abstract This paper describes in both economic and mathematical terms the learning production process at the individual level and derives from that profile a model to determine which factors affect that process. The model is successfully tested using data from two widely divergent learning situations, ranging from lecture-oriented college level principles of economics courses to the use of programmed instruction to learn matrix arithmetic at the eighth grade level.
A validation framework for brain tumor segmentation.

Rationale and Objectives We introduce a validation framework for the segmentation of brain tumors from magnetic resonance (MR) images. A novel unsupervised semiautomatic brain tumor segmentation algorithm is also presented. Materials and Methods The proposed framework consists of 1) T1-weighted MR images of patients with brain tumors, 2) segmentation of brain tumors performed by four independent experts, 3) segmentation of brain tumors generated by a semiautomatic algorithm, and 4) a software tool that estimates the performance of segmentation algorithms. Results We demonstrate the validation of the novel segmentation algorithm within the proposed framework. We show its performance and compare it with existent segmentation. The image datasets and software are available at http://www.brain-tumor-repository.org/ . Conclusions We present an Internet resource that provides access to MR brain tumor image data and segmentation that can be openly used by the research community. Its purpose is to encourage the development and evaluation of segmentation methods by providing raw test and image data, human expert segmentation results, and methods for comparing segmentation results.
The Evolution of Multi-Layer Neural Networks for the Control of Xpilot Agents

Learning controllers for the space combat game Xpilot is a difficult problem. Using evolutionary computation to evolve the weights for a neural network could create an effective/adaptive controller that does not require extensive programmer input. Previous attempts have been successful in that the controlled agents were transformed from aimless wanderers into interactive agents, but these methods have not resulted in controllers that are competitive with those learned using other methods. In this paper, we present a neural network learning method that uses a genetic algorithm to select the network inputs and node thresholds, along with connection weights, to evolve competitive Xpilot agents
Flow and transport in a multilayered fluid system—I. Influence of 1- or μ-g environment

Abstract The combined effects of thermocapillary and buoyancy forces in an open cavity heated from one side have been modeled numerically. The configuration is that of two shallow, immiscible superposed liquid layers. High Prandtl number fluids are considered under both 1- and μ- g environments. The interfaces are considered deformable. It is shown that encapsulation strongly reduces the flow in the lower layer, and that a γ-g environment significantly reduces the flow in the lower layer. The sensitivity of the flow structure to some physical properties is also described, and particularly the relevance of the thermocapillary forces.
Parental employment and children's body weight: Mothers, others, and mechanisms

A robust body of literature spanning several countries indicates a positive association between maternal employment and child body mass index (BMI). Fewer studies have examined the role of paternal employment. More importantly, little empirical work examines the mechanisms that might explain the relationships between parental employment and children's BMI. Our paper tests the relationship between the cumulative experience of maternal and spouse employment over a child's lifetime and that child's BMI, overweight, and obesity at age 13 or 14. We further examine several mechanisms that may explain these associations. We use data from the U.S. National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY79) merged mother-child file on cohorts of children who were born during a period of dramatic increase in both childhood obesity and maternal employment. We find that the number of hours that highly-educated mothers work over her child's lifetime is positively and statistically significantly associated with her child's BMI and risk of overweight at ages 13 or 14. The work hours of mothers' spouses and partners, on the other hand, are not significantly associated with these outcomes. Results suggest that, for children of highly-educated mothers, the association between maternal work hours and child BMI is partially mediated by television viewing time.
Correlating nanoscale structure with ion intercalation in electrodeposited nickel hexacyanoferrate thin films

The relationship between the structure and ion intercalation in electrodeposited nickel hexacyanoferrate thin films is investigated using energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS) and Raman spectroscopies combined with electrochemical control of the iron centers' oxidation states. Nickel hexacyanoferrate thin films are prepared by cathodic deposition on a platinum substrate. Potential cycling in the range −100 to +900 mV vs saturated calomel electrode is used to reversibly intercalate and deintercalate K+ from the matrix. Raman spectroscopy is used to determine the oxidation state of the iron centers, and EDS quantifies K+ intercalation. Potential step changes are made between −100 and +900 mV, with spectroscopic analysis following each step change. A number of structural analogues to “soluble” and “insoluble” Prussian Blue are tested against the experimental results. The relationship between the amount of intercalated alkali cations and the oxidation state of the iron centers suggests that this material is nickel-ri...