cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cholangioscopy and pancreatoscopy

Abstract Cholangiopancreatoscopy has evolved significantly since its introduction over 40 years ago. The systems have gone through multiple iterations that has allowed for widespread performance of per-oral cholangiopancreatoscopy for diagnostic and therapeutic intent. Development of imaging criteria is evolving and its yield in the detection of neoplasia in conjunction with targeted tissue sampling is excellent. However, image interpretation remains a challenge. Guidelines for training in per-oral cholangiopancreatoscopy, as well as demonstration of competency, are currently lacking but require deliberate debate as the technology continues to gather enthusiasm and momentum as an established complement to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
Warhammers for Peaceful Times

Abstract The Perkins group has recently developed a number of improved atomic force microscopy cantilevers using the focused ion beam technology. They compared the performance of these cantilevers in "real-life" biophysical single-molecule force spectroscopy measurements on protein unfolding, and the results of this comparison are reported in this issue of Biophysical Journal .
Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: AUA/ASTRO/SUO Guideline. Part II: Recommended Approaches and Details of Specific Care Options

Purpose: This guideline is structured to provide a clinical framework stratified by cancer severity to facilitate care decisions and guide the specifics of implementing the selected management options. The summary presented herein represents Part II of the two-part series dedicated to Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: AUA/ASTRO/SUO Guideline discussing risk stratification and care options by cancer severity. Please refer to Part I for discussion of specific care options and outcome expectations and management.Materials and Methods: The systematic review utilized in the creation of this guideline was completed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and through additional supplementation by ECRI Institute. This review included articles published between January 2007 and March 2014 with an update search conducted through August 2016. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence for a particular treatment was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support...
NASA DC-8 Airborne Scanning Lidar System

A scanning lidar system is being developed for installation on the NASA DC-8 atmospheric research aircraft to support and extend the domain of in-situ aerosol and gas measurements. Design and objectives of the DC-8 scanning lidar are presented.
Evidence for a mental health crisis in graduate education

With mental illness a growing concern within graduate education, data from a new survey should prompt both academia and policy makers to consider intervention strategies.
P53: Emerging roles in stem cells, development and beyond

Most human cancers harbor mutations in the gene encoding p53. As a result, research on p53 in the past few decades has focused primarily on its role as a tumor suppressor. One consequence of this focus is that the functions of p53 in development have largely been ignored. However, recent advances, such as the genomic profiling of embryonic stem cells, have uncovered the significance and mechanisms of p53 functions in mammalian cell differentiation and development. As we review here, these recent findings reveal roles that complement the well-established roles for p53 in tumor suppression.
Introduction: The Intersection of Constitutional and Environmental Law

This chapter introduces the various ways that constitutional law shapes environmental law, ways that are examined in detail in the chapters that follow. It is hard to overstate the profound influence constitutional law has on legal and policy responses to the most pressing environmental issues of our day: climate change, species and biodiversity conservation, pollution control, use of natural resources, sustainability, rights to a quality environment, individual property rights and liberty interests, wind power, interstate movement of waste and energy, carbon allowances, and land use, to name a few. These issues are molded by constitutional features including the Commerce, dormant Commerce, Supremacy, Takings, and Due Process Clauses; the nondelegation, standing, and political question doctrines; the Tenth and Eleventh Amendments; and principles of executive authority and federalism. Constitutions in many U.S. states, as well as in other countries, also explicitly address environmental concerns. This chapter briefly explains how these and other lower profile constitutional issues shape environmental law.
Self Recognition and Emotional Development

In the preceding chapter we discussed the relationship between self knowledge and cognition. Briefly stated, we believe that self knowledge is a cognitive act itself which, at the same time, facilitates and accompanies other cognitions. To understand one’s world, one must understand the actions in that world as well as the agent of that action, be it self or other. Thus, the consequence of any action is an understanding of the object (the world), the actor or agent (self), and the interaction between the two. The infant’s knowledge of self may not be separated from knowledge of the world and of interaction with the world, nor may these three aspects of knowledge be separated from cognition.
Factors affecting efficacy of pitfall traps for beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae and Tenebrionidae).

Numbers of trapped beetles in the field and a laboratory arena increased with pitfall trap size. Size and configuration of guides affected catch size. Beetles which moved rapidly were more likely to be captured. Non-captures resulted when beetles turned away from traps or pulled out of the trap cones. Plant debris in traps reduced catch size.
Association between cytomegalovirus seropositivity and Type 2 diabetes is explained by age and other demographic characteristics: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Aims To assess the association between cytomegalovirus and Type 2 diabetes among 6664 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Methods We used existing data from adults aged 20-49 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2004. Cytomegalovirus status was determined using cytomegalovirus-specific immunoglobulin G antibodies. Prevalent Type 2 diabetes was assessed through self-report or a plasma fasting glucose of ≥7 mmol/l. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between Type 2 diabetes and cytomegalovirus seropositivity after adjustment for age, gender, race/ethnicity, smoking status, education, BMI and physical activity. Results In a univariate model, the crude odds of Type 2 diabetes were 47% higher in those who were cytomegalovirus-seropositive vs cytomegalovirus-seronegative. The association was attenuated and no longer significant after adjustment for age and other covariates: the odds ratio for diabetes was 1.09 (95% CI 0.71 to 1.66) for cytomegalovirus-seropositive vs -seronegative individuals. Conclusions Our study suggests that the association between cytomegalovirus and Type 2 diabetes is explained by age and other risk factors for diabetes.
Analysis and Computation of Adaptive Defense Strategies Against Advanced Persistent Threats for Cyber-Physical Systems

Cyber-physical systems are facing new security challenges from Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) due to the stealthy, dynamic and adaptive nature of the attack. The multi-stage Bayesian game captures the incomplete information of the players’ type, and enables an adaptive belief update according to the observable history of the other player’s actions. The solution concept of perfect Bayesian Nash equilibrium (PBNE) under the proactive and reactive information structures of the players provides an important analytical tool to predict and design the players’ behavior. To capture the learning process and enable fast computation of PBNE, we use conjugate priors to update the beliefs of the players parametrically, which is assimilated into backward dynamic programming with an expanded state space. We use a mathematical programming approach to compute the PBNE of the dynamic bi-matrix game of incomplete information. In the case study, we analyze and study two PBNEs under complete and one-sided incomplete information. The results reveal the benefit of deception of the private attackers’ types and motivate defender’s use of deception techniques to tilt the information asymmetry. Numerical results have been used to corroborate the analytical findings of our framework and show the effectiveness of defense design to deter the attackers and mitigate the APTs strategically.
Intrahepatic Cerebrospinal Fluid Pseudocyst: A Case Report and Systematic Review.

Background Perforation of a solid visceral organ and subsequent development of a cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst is a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. Case Description A patient with a history of global developmental delay presented with shunt failure secondary to an intrahepatic cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst. The diagnosis had not been initially apparent owing to the absence of ventriculomegaly or a palpable abdominal mass and/or tenderness. Following diagnosis on abdominal imaging, the pseudocyst was aspirated, and the ventriculoperitoneal shunt was successfully revised. Conclusions A series of 22 cases of previously reported intrahepatic pseudocysts and abscesses is presented, and the putative mechanisms that have been put forward to explain the development of these collections are discussed. Review of the literature demonstrates that several techniques have been successfully employed in the management of this complication.
Trends in N 2 O and SF 6 mole fractions in archived air samples from Cape Meares, Oregon (USA), 1978–1996

Abstract. Quantifying historical trends in atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs) is important to understanding changes in their budgets and for climate modeling, which simulates historic and projects future climate. Archived samples analyzed using updated measurement techniques and calibration scales can reduce uncertainties in historic records of GHG mole fractions and their trends in time. Here, we present historical measurements of two important GHGs, nitrous oxide ( N2O ) and sulfur hexafluoride ( SF6 ), collected at the midlatitude Northern Hemisphere station Cape Meares, Oregon (USA, 45.5 ∘ N, 124 ∘ W), between 1978 and 1996 in archived air samples from the Oregon Health and Science University – Portland State University (OHSU–PSU) air archive. N2O is the third most important anthropogenically forced GHG behind carbon dioxide ( CO2 ) and methane ( CH4 ). SF6 has a low abundance in the atmosphere, but is one of the most powerful GHGs known. Measurements of atmospheric N2O made during this period are available for select locations, but before mid-1990 they have larger uncertainties than more recent periods due to advancements made in gas chromatography (GC) methods. Few atmospheric SF6 measurements exist pre-1990, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. The GC system used to measure N2O and SF6 mixing ratios in this work is designed to be fully automated, and is capable of running up to 15 samples per batch. Measurement precision (1 σ ) of N2O and SF6 is 0.16 % and 1.1 %, respectively (evaluated at 328.7 ppb and 8.8 ppt). Samples were corrected for detector response nonlinearity when measured against our reference standard, with the corrections determined to be 0.14 ppb ppb −1 in N2O and 0.03 ppt ppt −1 in SF6 . The mixing ratio of N2O in archived samples is found to be 301.5±0.3 ppb in 1980 and rises to 313.5±0.3 ppb in 1996. The average growth rate over this period is 0.78±0.03 ppb yr −1 (95 % CI). The seasonal amplitude is statistically robust, with a maximum anomaly of 0.3 ppb near April and a minimum near November of −0.4 ppb. Measurements of N2O match well with previously reported values for Cape Meares and other comparable locations. The mixing ratio of SF6 in analyzed samples is found to be 0.85±0.03 ppt in 1980 and rises to 3.83±0.03 ppt in 1996. The average growth rate over this period is 0.17±0.01 ppt yr −1 (95 % CI). The seasonality is statistically robust and has an annual peak amplitude of 0.04 ppt near January and a minimum amplitude of −0.03 ppt near July. These are unique SF6 results from this site and represent a significant increase in the SF6 data available during the 1980s and early 1990s. The mixing ratio and growth rate of SF6 measured compares well to other Northern Hemisphere measurements over this period. From these N2O and SF6 measurements, we conclude that sample integrity is generally robust in the OHSU-PSU air archive for N2O and SF6 .
Moderate or severe LUTS is associated with increased recurrence of non - muscle - invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Non - muscle - invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) can recur despite transurethral resection (TURBT) and adjuvant intravesical therapy. Tobacco products excreted in the urine are hypothesized to cause tumor - promoting effects on urothelial cells through direct contact. We determined if moderate or severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) (defined as International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS] ≥ 8) was associated with increased tumor recurrence. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified 70 consecutive men initially diagnosed with NMIBC at our institution from 2010 – 2016. Means were compared with independent T - test and proportions with chi - square analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine independent predictors of recurrence. Results: The majority of patients had Ta disease (58.6%) followed by T1 (28.6%) and Tis (12.9%). Forty - one (58.6%) patients had moderate or severe LUTS upon presentation within 30 days of initial TURBT with mean IPSS of 13.2 vs. 5.2 in the control group (p < 0.01). Biopsy - proven tumor recurrence occurred in 24 (34.3%) patients at mean follow-up of 31.7 months. Mean time to recurrence was 14.6 months. Moderate or severe LUTS was an independent predictor of tumor recurrence (odds ratio [OR]: 19.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.86 – 127; p = 0.002). Voiding or storage symptoms based on the IPSS did not independently correlate with tumor recurrence (p = 0.08 and p = 0.31, respectively) although total mean IPSS score did (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.07 – 1.47, p = 0.005). Conclusions: The presence of moderate or severe LUTS may be an important prognostic factor in NMIBC. Patients with significant urinary symptoms could be monitored more aggressively due to higher recurrence risk.
High-temperature heterogeneous catalysis in platinum nanoparticle – molten salt suspensions

Suspensions of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) were formed in molten LiCl–LiBr–KBr via thermal decomposition of H2PtCl6, and subsequently evaluated for thermal stability and CO oxidation activity. Significant nanoparticle (NP) aggregation was observed above 500 °C, and the heat capacity of the melt with PtNPs was 47% higher than the salt alone, further increasing with NP concentration. CO oxidation was observed when PtNPs were present in the melt, which, together with measured changes in surface tension, support the hypothesis that gas–solid catalysis at the gas–nanoparticle-melt interface is indeed possible, opening up a new approach for heterogeneous catalysis.
Crystal Forms of Fluorite by Eddy van der Meersche. Self-published. 295 pages; 2013; out-of-print (hardbound)

A wise man once questioned the need for yet another book on fluorite. Well, between the covers of any book may be an enormous variety of topics, and in the case of fluorite this is particularly tru...
Ethics across the curriculum: Detecting and describing emergent trends in ethics education

Abstract This paper presents an inclusive and emergent approach to identifying ethics courses and revealing their pedagogical methods and goals. It outlines a two-year study of undergraduate and professional courses at a private university addressing ethical themes. The study began with three assumptions: 1) ethics education occurs across the curriculum; 2) instructors are master practitioners with learning theories and goals that are often implicit; and 3) education contributes to three domains of human development: existential, civic, and vocational. These principles informed the development of a method for describing ethics education based on instructor reports of what and how they teach. Results of an application of this method are presented, and implications for ethics teaching and assessment in higher education are discussed.
Measurement of strain fields near coldworked holes: High resolution grating photography, optical data processing, and digital data reduction extend power and simplicity of moiré study of elastic-plastic problem

Residual strains near coldworked holes were measured for several degrees of radial expansion. Moire-grating photography created magnified replicas of deformed gratings. Fringe patterns with sensitivity multiplication and S/N improvement were obtained by optical data processing and by using slotted apertures for photography. Computer data reduction and plotting provided the required strain maps.
Quantifying shifts in natural selection on codon usage between protein regions: A population genetics approach

Empirical studies indicate changes to synonymous codon usage can impact protein folding. However, genome-wide computational analyses attempting to establish a more general relationship between codon usage and protein structure have often led to contradictory results. Using a population genetics model, we quantified codon-specific shifts in natural selection across and within protein structures, revealing a complex relationship between codon usage and protein structure. However, these shifts are small, suggesting differences in selection related to protein structure are either very weak or apply to relatively few codons.Using a previously published result, we demonstrate how tests for selection on codon usage can be confounded when failing to account for amino acid biases and gene expression. This work demonstrates the value of using population genetics-based models to quantify and tests for shifts in selection on codon usage. Extensions to this approach are discussed.
Exchange coupled composite media for perpendicular magnetic recording

Exchange coupled composite (ECC) media has been shown to possess several major advantages relative to conventional perpendicular media, including a reduction in the switching field of approximately a factor two for the same thermal stability and greater insensitivity to easy axis distribution. In this paper, full magnetostatic interactions are included: this allows comparison between the behavior of multigrain thin films and that of isolated grains as presented earlier. Significant results include hysteresis loops for thin films under various conditions including inadequate and excessive intra granular exchange between the hard and soft materials. An important distinction is made between the coercivity and remnant coercivity as a function of angle between applied field and easy axis. A perpendicular magnetic recording head is used to compare the shape of effective fields for ECC and conventional perpendicular media. Written transitions in the ECC media appear to be similar to those written in perpendicular media at comparable densities.
Transvaginal Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Pelvic Lesions.

OBJECTIVES To assess adequacy of transvaginal ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (TVUS-FNAB) for pathologic diagnosis of pelvic masses performed using onsite cytopathology consultation. METHODS In this Institutional Review Board approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant study, radiology records were retrospectively queried to identify patients who underwent TVUS-FNAB of a pelvic mass over a 11-year duration. TVUS-FNAB adequacy was determined by correlating cytopathology results with transvaginal ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy (TVUS-CNB) or surgical pathology results when available, and with clinical diagnostic confidence when additional pathology confirmation was not available. Secondary analysis included patient age, history of hysterectomy, or pelvic malignancy. Target-specific features analyzed included mass size, depth, location, and final pathologic diagnosis. RESULTS Sixty patients underwent TVUS-FNAB of pelvic masses, 43 of which underwent FNAB only and 17 underwent both TVUS-FNAB and TVUS-CNB during the same procedure. TVUS-FNAB alone was adequate for diagnosis in 51 (85%) cases and addition of core-needle biopsy (CNB) achieved a diagnosis in additional 4 patients, increasing overall diagnostic accuracy to 92% (55/60). FNAB inadequacy had statistically significant association with increasing mass depth, occurrence of a minor intraprocedural complication, and decision to perform a CNB (P <.05). Number of FNAB passes, mass size, history of hysterectomy, and final diagnosis were not statistically significant predictors of FNAB adequacy. CONCLUSION TVUS-FNAB has a high specimen adequacy rate when performed with an onsite cytopathologist and can be considered first-line approach for image-guided sampling of pelvic lesions with option to add CNB if preliminary cytopathologic review does not confirm sample adequacy.
Should Radon Counseling Wait on Evidence

In this issue of the JABFM , Schwartz and colleagues[1][1] remind family physicians of the hazards of the radioactive gas, radon, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer nationally—and the leading cause among nonsmokers. These researchers conducted a mailed survey of 350 family physicians
Seasonal patterns of native plant cover and leaf trait variation on New York City green roofs

Plants make important contributions to green roof ecosystem service provision through evapotranspiration, canopy shading, and water retention. Because these plant communities are a critical component of green roof design and function, both seasonal and interspecific variation of these plant communities are important factors in evaluating green roof performance. This study examines variation in both species abundance and 9 leaf traits throughout the 2015 growing season of four New York City green roofs. While community composition varied significantly between each month (pANOSIM = 0.036), three major plant families (Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Poaceae) consistently had the greatest green cover and were present during the entirety of the growing season. For leaf traits, period of the growing season had a significant impact on most of the traits measured. Leaf thickness, leaf relative water content (RWC) and saturated water content (SWC) decreased as the growing season progressed, while leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and stomatal density increased, likely due to a seasonal decrease in rainfall as species-level variance in these water traits is low (7.40% and 0.88%, respectively). We also ranked planted and spontaneous species in accordance to both cover and functional trait values, and identified 11 species suitable for green roofs in NYC: Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Lamiaceae), Symphiotrichum leave, Symphiotrichum pilosum, Rudbeckia hirta, Solidago odora (Asteraceae), Panicum virgatum, Sorghastrum nutrans, Schizachyrium scoparium, Dichanthelium clandestinum, Deschampsia flexuosa (Poaceae), and Oenothera biennis (Onagraceae). Understanding the temporal responses of plant communities and their constituent species is critical in optimizing green roof ecosystem services.
Trends in Adjuvant Therapy After Surgery for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS We aim to 1) evaluate trends in adjuvant treatment of human papilloma virus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer; 2) assess change in complications and functional outcomes over time; and 3) assess change in overall and disease-free survival (DFS) over time. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis. METHODS Charts of patients who underwent transoral robotic surgery for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer between 2011 and 2019 were reviewed. Trend analysis was used to compare rate of adjuvant treatment over time. The Kaplan-Meier method was conducted to analyze overall survival (OS) and DFS. RESULTS Three hundred and forty-two patients met inclusion criteria. One hundred and sixty-three (47.7%) patients underwent adjuvant radiation, and 90 (26.3%) patients underwent adjuvant chemoradiation. Rate of extranodular extension decreased significantly from 38.9% to 24.0% (P = .004). Rate of adjuvant therapy decreased significantly from 90.9% to 62.5% between 2011 and 2019 (P = .001). In patients who received adjuvant treatment, rate of adjuvant chemoradiation therapy decreased significantly from 40.0% to 20.0% (P < .0005). There was a decrease in rate of 1-year gastrostomy tube dependence in patients treated in 2015 to 2019 versus 2011 to 2014 (2.2% vs. 7.1%, P = .025). In 2011 to 2014, 2-year OS and DFS were 96% and 89%, respectively; in 2015 to 2019, 2-year OS and DFS were 96% and 94%, respectively. There was no difference in OS or DFS between the two time periods. CONCLUSIONS The rate of adjuvant therapy, particularly chemotherapy, has decreased over time. One-year gastrostomy tube dependence rate has decreased significantly from 2011 to 2014 to 2015 to 2019. There was no change in OS and DFS over this time period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Laryngoscope, 2021.
Vibrations of Composite Structures

I is PRIMARILY for reasons of expediency that the highly redundant structure that skeletonizes the airplane is regarded as the union of several simpler structures that are to a large extent independent of one another. The wing, the tail group, power plant, and so on are instances of such basic structures to which the airplane is reducible. This simplification has generally proved to be satisfactory. However, when a closer analysis is required it becomes necessary to investigate the interrelation between the basic substructures.
Kilohertz Cr:forsterite regenerative amplifier

Summary form only given. Cr:forsterite is a vibronic laser source tunable in the near-infrared spectral region in the range 1.15-1.35 /spl mu/m. In this paper, we report for the first time, to our knowledge, on the operation of a regenerative amplifier system based upon Cr:forsterite. Self-mode-locked Cr:forsterite lasers have generated pulses as short as 25 fs, theoretically the large bandwidth of the Cr:forsterite laser emission can support sub-20-fs pulses. To minimize optical damage in the amplifier rod we have utilized the technique of chirped pulse amplification (CPA).
Constructing Common Sense

In this paper I explore a connection between artificial intelligence (AI) generally and a particular AI project called Cyc. I sketch out ties between epistemological issues about kinds of knowledge and concerns about how minority voices (with respect to class, race, gender or similar factors) might be marginalized. I take the goal of analyzing AI projects for systematic underrepresentation or exclusion of minority views to be at the heart of feminist theorizing. Importantly, the failure to adequately consider such minority views within AI projects is ultimately detrimental to the projects themselves. There are means, though, to defend this project against some of the criticisms
Human osteoblasts support human hematopoietic progenitor cells in vitro bone marrow cultures

Hematopoietic stem cell differentiation occurs in direct proximity to osteoblasts within the bone marrow cavity. Despite this striking affiliation, surprisingly little is known about the precise cellular and molecular impact of osteoblasts on the bone marrow microenvironment. Recently, we showed that human osteoblasts produce a variety of cytokine mRNAs including granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and interleukin-6. We examined here the ability of osteoblasts to support the development of hematopoietic colonies from progenitors as well the ability to maintain long-term culture-initiating cells (LTC-IC) in vitro. Examination of the hematopoietic cells recovered after 2 weeks of culture showed that osteoblasts support the maintenance of immature hematopoietic phenotypes. In methylcellulose assays, osteoblasts stimulate the development of hematopoietic colonies to a level at least 10-fold over controls from progenitor cells. Using limiting dilutional bone marrow cultures, we observed an activity produced by osteoblasts resulting in an threefold to fourfold expansion of human LTC-IC and progenitor cells in vitro. Thus, the presence of hematopoietic stem cells in close proximity to endosteal surfaces in vivo may be due in part to a requirement for osteoblast-derived products.
Investigating the emergence of phenotypic plasticity in evolving digital organisms

In the natural world, individual organisms can adapt as their environment changes. In most in silico evolution, however, individual organisms tend to consist of rigid solutions, with all adaptation occurring at the population level. If we are to use artificial evolving systems as a tool in understanding biology or in engineering robust and intelligent systems, however, they should be able to generate solutions with fitness-enhancing phenotypic plasticity. Here we use Avida, an established digital evolution system, to investigate the selective pressures that produce phenotypic plasticity. We witness two different types of fitness-enhancing plasticity evolve: static-execution-flow plasticity, in which the same sequence of actions produces different results depending on the environment, and dynamic-execution-flow plasticity, where organisms choose their actions based on their environment. We demonstrate that the type of plasticity that evolves depends on the environmental challenge the population faces. Finally, we compare our results to similar ones found in vastly different systems, which suggest that this phenomenon is a general feature of evolution.
Basis for submarine nomenclature in the South-West Pacific Ocean

Focus of attention on the geophysical interpretation of the topographic features of the sea floor calls for an appraisal of the nomenclature problem. Valuable contributions have already been made by various committees, national and international, but certain important problems remain. Since historical priority and customary usage rank high in the normal nomenclatorial systems of science, a careful review of existing methods and names is submitted, together with recommendations. Analysis and proposals for the extremely complex area of the South-West Pacific (Melanesia to Eastern Australia) will be reserved for a subsequent article.
A Review of Two-dimensional Turbulent Separated Flow Calculation Methods

In recent years, when reliable experimental data have become available for nominally two-dimensional in the time-mean separating and reattaching turbulent flows, much effort has been devoted to developing calculation methods. In 1985 Simpson [1] reviewed many experiments and calculation methods for such flows. One purpose of this brief paper is to include some more recent calculation method results.
Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis In A Canine Model: Evaluation Of Hemodynamic Changes, Renal Function, And Captopril Renography

The utility of captopril renography in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis was examined in a canine model of renal autotransplantation with and without renal artery clipping. Autotransplantation of the left kidney to the right iliac fossa with contralateral nephrectomy was done in female mongrel dogs. One group served as controls (n = 6). A second group underwent constriction of the external diameter of the renal artery at the time of the operation to produce renal artery stenosis (n = 7). At two weeks postoperatively, glomerular filtration rate was significantly lower in the renal artery stenosis group (26.2 +/- 3.4 ml./min. vs. 38.2 +/- 3.2 ml./min., p less than 0.05), and deteriorated further after captopril administration (17.9 +/- 2.7 ml./min. vs. 26.2 +/- 3.4 ml./min., p less than 0.05). Despite the presence of hemodynamically significant renal artery stenosis, mean arterial pressure was not different between the two groups (134 +/- 4 mm. Hg vs. 132 +/- 6 mm. Hg, control vs. renal artery stenosis, p = NS). Captopril renography did not enable detection of renal artery stenosis in this autotransplant model.
Comparison of ApoE-related brain connectivity differences in early MCI and normal aging populations: an fMRI study

In this study, we used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans from subjects with early mild cognitive impairment (EMCI) and control subjects to study functional network connectivity. The scans were acquired by the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). We used genetic data from the ADNI database to further subdivide the EMCI and control groups into genotype groups with or without the Apolipoprotein E allele e4 (APOE e4). Region of interest (ROI)-to-ROI resting-state functional connectivity was measured using Freesurfer and the Functional Connectivity Toolbox for Matlab (CONN). In our analysis, we compared whole-brain ROI connectivity strength and ROI-to-ROI functional network connectivity strength between EMCI, control and genotype subject groups. We found that the ROI network properties were disrupted in EMCI and APOE e4 carrier groups. Notably, we show that (1) EMCI disrupts functional connectivity strength in many important functionally-linked areas; (2) APOE e4 disrupts functional connectivity strength in similar areas to EMCI; and (3) the differences in functional connectivity between groups shows a multifactor contribution to functional network dysfunction along the trajectory leading to dementia.
Towards Real-Time Execution of Motion Tasks

The goal of the research described in this paper is to build robotic systems that can execute motion tasks in real time. We present two ideas towards this goal: a real-time path planner for static three-dimensional configuration spaces and a new framework for the integration of planning and control. The planner is based on a new class of cells, slippery cells, incorporated in an approximate cell decomposition algorithm. The elastic band concept is proposed to provide an effective link between planning and execution. With elastic bands, a path is treated as a flexible entity. The initial configuration of the elastic band is the path provided by the planner. The shape of the elastic dynamically evolves during execution, using sensory data about the environment.
The Application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Abstract This paper is part of a case series illustrating the application of different therapies to a case of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It describes the hypothetical application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This paper covers the philosophy and basic research on language and cognition that inform ACT. It also provides an ACT-based case conceptualization of this case and examples of therapeutic procedures. The goal of this paper is to familiarize clinicians with the use of ACT for OCD.
Finding the reconstructions of semiconductor surfaces via a genetic algorithm

Abstract In this article we show that the reconstructions of semiconductor surfaces can be determined using a genetic procedure. Coupled with highly optimized interatomic potentials, the present approach represents an efficient tool for finding and sorting good structural candidates for further electronic structure calculations and comparison with scanning tunneling microscope (STM) images. We illustrate the method for the case of Si(1 0 5), and build a database of structures that includes the previously found low-energy models, as well as a number of novel configurations.
Somatic FAS mutations are common in patients with genetically undefined autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is characterized by childhood onset of lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, autoimmune cytopenias, elevated numbers of double-negative T (DNT) cells, and increased risk of lymphoma. Most cases of ALPS are associated with germline mutations of the FAS gene (type Ia), whereas some cases have been noted to have a somatic mutation of FAS primarily in their DNT cells. We sought to determine the proportion of patients with somatic FAS mutations among a group of our ALPS patients with no detectable germline mutation and to further characterize them. We found more than one-third (12 of 31) of the patients tested had somatic FAS mutations, primarily involving the intracellular domain of FAS resulting in loss of normal FAS signaling. Similar to ALPS type Ia patients, the somatic ALPS patients had increased DNT cell numbers and elevated levels of serum vitamin B12, interleukin-10, and sFAS-L. These data support testing for somatic FAS mutations in DNT cells from ALPS patients with no detectable germline mutation and a similar clinical and laboratory phenotype to that of ALPS type Ia. These findings also highlight the potential role for somatic mutations in the pathogenesis of nonmalignant and/or autoimmune hematologic conditions in adults and children.
Bacterial Populations in Experimental Murine Tuberculosis I. Studies in Normal Mice

Animals.?Male mice of the CF 1 strain, obtained from Carworth Farms, New City, New York, were used throughout this study. The animals weighing between 17 and 20 g at the onset of the experiment were caged in groups of 10 and fed a diet of pellets and water ad lib. They were kept at constant temperature and on a regular light-dark cycle of 12 hours each. Since it was necessary in these experiments to sacrifice mice at different times after challenge, the animals were randomly distributed among the cages and the time at which each animal was to be sacri-
Effects of oxidation of human parathyroid hormone on its biological activity in continuously infused, thyroparathyroidectomized rats.

The effect of oxidation of human parathyroid hormone 1–34 (hPTH 1–34) on the hormone's biological activity was assessed in vivo using a multiparameter, thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) rat model. The peptide was oxidized by treatment with hydrogen peroxide, and the oxidized form (8,18-methionine sulfoxide) was isolated by reverse-phase HPLC. Vitamin D-deficienf rats were infused with either intact or oxidized hormone along with a 5 mM calcium chloride solution for 4 or 18 hr. Infusion of nonoxidized hormone (0.1–0.8 nmoles/hr) resulted in dose-dependent increases in serum calcium, decreases in serum phosphate, decreases in urine calcium, increases in urine phosphate and cAMP, and increased renal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25 (OH)2D3) production. Oxidized PTH infused at doses up to 0.8 nmole/hr had no effect on any of these parameters. To assess the effect of oxidation on the ability of PTH to inhibit the production of the 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3), the infusion protocol was performed in vitamin D-deficient rats repleted with 1,25(OH)2D3 by injection. In these experiments, intact hormone markedly suppressed 24,25(OH)2D3 production, whereas the oxidized form was without effect. We conclude that intact methionine residues at positions 8 and 18 of hPTH 1–34 are necessary for all its major biological actions, including its effect on the renal metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3(25(OH)D3).
Practical Calculation Method of Downburst Wind Profiles for Engineering Applications

Downburst is a kind of strong wind that resulted from the flow downdraft in thunderstorm, which could assert the most serious destruction in the zone nearby ground. Researches on downburst usually focusing on modeling and calculations of downburst wind profiles while the proposed nondimensional empirical models are dispersed for practical engineering applications. Accounting for this problem, diagram for of downburst wind profile calculation is cleared up by assuming jet impinging orthogonally and axisymmetrically to plane ground. Different empirical models, which include maximum horizontal velocity distributions at different radial locations, height distribution of half maximum horizontal velocity along radial direction, and horizontal velocity distributions at different heights with constant radial location, are presented and combined together to calculate dimensional radial wind profiles of horizontal velocity. The obtained wind profiles can be combined with atmosphere boundary layer wind profiles together for practical engineering applications.
Photoelectric currents across planar bilayer membranes containing bacterial reaction centers: the response under conditions of multiple reaction-center turnovers.

Abstract The characteristics of the photocurrent response activated by continuous illumination of planar bilayer membranes containing bacterial reaction centers have been resolved by voltage clamp methods. The photocurrent response to a long light pulse consists of an initial spike arising from the fast, quasi-synchronous electron transfer from the reaction center bacteriochlorophyll dimer, BChl 2 , to the primary quinone Q A . This is followed by a slow relaxation of the current to that promoted by secondary, asynchronous multiple electron transfers from the reduced cytochrome c through the reaction centers to the ubiquinone-10 pool. Currents derived from cytochrome c oxidation that occurs when cytochrome c is associated with the reaction center or when limited by diffusional interaction from solution are recognized. Changes of the ionic strength and pH in the aqueous phase, and the clamped membrane potential (± 150 mV), affect the electron-transfer rate between cytochrome c and BChl 2 . In contrast, the primary light-induced charge separation between BChl 2 and Q A , or electron transfer between Q A on the ubiquinone pool are unaffected. During illumination of reaction center membranes supplemented with cytochrome c and a ubiquinone pool, there is a small but significant steady-state current which is considered to be caused by the re-oxidation of photoreduced quinone by molecular oxygen. In the dark, after illumination of reaction centers supplemented with cytochrome c and a ubiquinone pool, there is a small amount of reverse current resulting from the movement of charges back across the membrane. This reverse current is observed maximally after 400 ms illumination while prolonged illumination diminishes the effect. The source of this current is uncertain, but it is considered to be due to the flux of anionic semiquinone within the membrane profile; this may also be the species that interacts with oxygen giving rise to the steady-state current. It is postulated that when the reaction centers are contained in an alkane-containing phospholipid membrane, in contrast to the in vivo situation, the semiquinone anion formed in the Q B site is not tightly bound to the site and can, by exchange-diffusion with the membrane-quinone pool, move away from the site and accumulate in the membrane. However, in the absence, more quantitative work superoxide anion, resulting from O 2 interaction with semiquinone of Q A , Q B or pool cannot be excluded.
Voronoi diagrams of polygons: A framework for shape representation

This paper describes an efficient shape representation framework for planar shapes using Voronoi skeletons. A new algorithm for the construction of the Voronoi diagram of a polygon with holes is first described. The main features of this algorithm are its robustness in handling the standard degenerate cases (colinearity of more than two points; co-circularity of more than three points), and its ease of implementation. This algorithm is then used to derive accurate and robust skeletons for planar shapes. The shape representation scheme using Voronoi skeletons possesses the important properties of connectivity as well as Euclidean metrics. The resultant representation is stable with respect to being invariant to perturbations along the boundary of the shape. >
Microscopic derivations of several Hamilton–Jacobi equations in infinite dimensions, and large deviation of stochastic systems

Abstract We consider Hamilton–Jacobi equations which characterize optimal controlled partial differential equations of the following types: the Allen–Cahn equation, the Cahn–Hilliard equation, a nonlinear Fokker–Planck equation, and a Vlasov–Fokker–Planck equation. In each of the examples, the optimal control problem and its associated cost functional can be derived as limit from a microscopically defined stochastic system, using the probabilistic theory of large deviation. The physical context here makes it natural to derive a free energy inequality, which is very useful in proving the well-posedness of the Hamilton–Jacobi equation. The article is written using informal arguments. Rigorous results will appear elsewhere.
Quantitative variation of the sesquiterpene lactones and chromenes of encelia farinosa

Abstract The components of the two major classes of natural products of the composite Encelia farinosa , sesquiterpene lactones and benzopyrans/benzofurans (chromenes), were resolved and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. Geographic variation was examined over a range of mesic and xeric populations from California and Arizona (USA). The concentration of farinosin, a sesquiterpene lactone, varies significantly between individuals and seasonally within individuals. Ontogenetic comparisons revealed interpopulation variations within sesquiterpene lactones and chromenes. A geographic survey suggests the presence of two putative chemical races which vary in the amounts of sesquiterpene lactones and chromenes present. The adaptive significance of this quantitative variation is discussed.
Network-centered view of coronary artery disease

Systems biology is an emerging field that attempts to examine multiple elements of a biologic system using techniques such as expression microarrays or proteomics. The goal of systems biology is to detect all the elements of a system and create an interaction network between these so that the system can be explained under specified conditions. In this review we discuss how systems-based approaches are being applied to cardiovascular disease, illustrating concepts, such as the integration of orthogonal datasets, coexpression networks and emergent properties.
A note on the integral formulation of Kumar and Sloan

Abstract In this note, we present a uniform approximation and a methodology for developing a posteriori error estimates for the recently proposed method of Kumar and Sloan. Kumar and Sloan proposed a formulation which converts a Hammerstein equation into a conducive form for approximation by a collocation method. Symbolic computation is used in performing the numerous analytic manipulations leading to the establishment of the error estimates. Finally, some remarks on the generalization of the method of Kumar and Sloan to higher-dimensional systems are offered.
Probabilistic CPT method for estimating the ultimate capacity of friction piles

This paper presents a probabilistic CPT method to estimate the ultimate capacity of driven friction piles utilizing CPT data. A database of 35 square PPC piles that were loaded to failure and their adjacent CPT were used to develop this method. Backcalculation was carried out to calibrate the correlation factors needed to determine the unit end bearing (qb) and unit skin friction (f) of the pile from CPT data (qc, fs) based on the probability of having each soil type. The ultimate pile capacities (QP) of the investigated piles estimated by the proposed method, three other CPT methods, and static α and β methods were compared with the measured pile capacities obtained from pile load tests. Statistical analyses were carried out to evaluate the reliability of the probabilistic CPT method and the results showed that the proposed method can predict the ultimate capacity of the piles with good accuracy. The capability of the proposed method was further verified by predicting the capacities of an additional 17 pile load tests. The probabilistic CPT method, in addition to Schmertmann, α, and β methods were calibrated to evaluate the resistance factors needed for the design of single driven piles based on the LRFD method.