cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combining ant colony optimization with 1-opt local search method for solving constrained forest transportation planning problems

We developed a two-stage approach (ACOLS) combining the ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm and a 1-opt local search to solve forest transportation planning problems (FTPPs) considering fixed and variables costs and sediment yields expected to erode from road surfaces as side constraints. The ACOLS was designed for improving ACO performance and ensure the applicability to real-world, large-scale FTPPs with multiple time periods. It consists of three major routines: i) least-cost route finding process from all timber sales simultaneously, ii) two stage search process developed to quickly find feasible (stage I) and high-quality (stage II) solutions and, iii) 1-opt local search solution refinement to further improve solution quality. The ACOLS was first applied to a medium-scale hypothetical FTPP on which four cases with increasing level of sediment constraint were considered. To test for robustness, the ACOLS was then applied to ten different problems instances created basing on the same topology of the hypothetical FTPP. Lastly, the ACOLS was applied to a real-world, large-scale FTPP considering thousands of roads segments, hundreds of timber sales, and multiple products and planning periods. Feasible solutions were found for all cases indicating the usefulness of our approach to provide managers with an efficient tool to address large-scale transportation problems.
Organic social change

The distinctness of each person’s life and experience is an important consideration in dominant accounts of how democratic institutions should distribute basic rights and liberties. Drawing on rece...
Cigarette Smoking by Tournament Bridge Game Participants

Cigarette smoking by 94 bridge players, observed during five duplicate bridge sessions, occurred at an average of one cigarette every 25 minutes with large individual differences in overall rate but a tendency for each smoker to maintain a constant rate throughout the evening. Smoking was not found to be related to the smoking behaviors of other members of the immediate social unit, but was significantly more frequent during the role of Dummy than during the role of Declarer.
CHRONIC EXPOSURE OF A FRESHWATER MUSSEL TO ELEVATED pCO2: EFFECTS ON THE CONTROL OF BIOMINERALIZATION AND ION-REGULATORY RESPONSES

Freshwater mussels may be exposed to elevations in mean partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2 ) caused by both natural and anthropogenic factors. The goal of the present study was to assess the effects of a 28-d elevation in pCO2 at 15 000 and 50 000 μatm on processes associated with biomineralization, ion regulation, and cellular stress in adult Lampsilis siliquoidea (Barnes, 1823). In addition, the capacity for mussels to compensate for acid-base disturbances experienced after exposure to elevated pCO2 was assessed over a 14-d recovery period. Overall, exposure to 50 000 μatm pCO2 had more pronounced physiological consequences compared with 15 000 μatm pCO2 . Over the first 7 d of exposure to 50 000 μatm pCO2 , the mRNA abundance of chitin synthase (cs), calmodulin (cam), and calmodulin-like protein (calp) were significantly affected, suggesting that shell formation and integrity may be altered during pCO2 exposure. After the removal of the pCO2 treatment, mussels may compensate for the acid-base and ion disturbances experienced during pCO2 exposure, and transcript levels of some regulators of biomineralization (carbonic anhydrase [ca], cs, cam, calp) as well as ion regulation (na+ -k+ -ATPase [nka]) were modulated. Effects of elevated pCO2 on heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) were limited in the present study. Overall, adult L. siliquoidea appeared to regulate factors associated with the control of biomineralization and ion regulation during and/or after the removal of pCO2 exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:538-550. © 2017 SETAC.
Variation of protein MWD parameters and their associations with free asparagine concentration and quality characteristics in hard red spring wheat

Abstract The lower free asparagine concentration (FAC) in wheat is better since it is a precursor to form carcinogenic acrylamide during baking. This research was performed to determine the variations of protein molecular weight distribution (MWD) parameters and the associations of protein MWD parameters with quality characteristics and FAC using eleven hard red spring (HRS) wheat genotypes grown at three locations in North Dakota. Among MWD parameters, the polymeric proteins of SDS unextractable fraction were found to be useful in screening HRS wheat genotypes for low FAC and improvement of bread-making quality characteristics. The ANOVA indicated that growing locations and genotypes significantly (P 0.05). The quantity of SDS unextractable polymeric proteins had significant and positive genotypic correlations (rg) with quality characteristics including mixograph pattern (rg = 0.87, P
Price of High-Throughput 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Immunoassays: Frequency of Inaccurate Results

Background: With a 10-year sustained increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] testing, laboratories have swapped their LC-MS/MS methods for high-throughput automated immunoassays. Although it is generally well-known that immunoassays have poor recoveries for 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 [25(OH)D2], the frequency and extent to which this impacts total 25(OH)D have not been previously demonstrated. We evaluated 3 automated immunoassays against the first FDA-cleared CDC/NIST-traceable LC-MS/MS method. Methods: Method comparison was performed for the Siemens ADVIA Centaur, Roche Elecsys Cobas, and Abbott Architect 25(OH)D immunoassay methods in real patient samples (n = 105). We calculated the mean bias in samples containing >20 ng/mL 25(OH)D2 and estimated the percent 25(OH)D2 cross-reactivities. We determined the prevalence of appreciable concentrations of 25(OH)D2 in our patient population through random sampling (n = 120) and projected the frequency of inaccurate 25(OH)D immunoassay results. Results: Linear regression for 25(OH)D was y = 1.09x − 4.44 (Centaur), y = 0.84 + 0.43 (Cobas), and y = 0.83x − 0.48 (Architect). The mean biases of 25(OH)D concentrations were 5.6 (11.0) ng/mL (Centaur), −17.5 (7.2) ng/mL (Cobas), and −20.3 (9.8) ng/mL (Architect) in samples containing >20 ng/mL 25(OH)D2. The observed percent cross-reactivities for 25(OH)D2 were 115% (Centaur), 52% (Cobas), and 44% (Architect). We estimate that 8% of our population has >20 ng/mL 25(OH)D2, thereby compromising the accuracy of 25(OH)D results in >3000 samples annually. Conclusions: We demonstrate that immunoassay manufacturer package inserts indicate much better recoveries of 25(OH)D2 than what is observed in unadulterated real patient samples. We estimate the frequency of inaccurate total 25(OH)D determination by these immunoassay methods to be largely dependent on the concentration of 25(OH)D2 in each sample.
A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Investigation of Speech Production During Reading

This study was designed to test the extent to which speaking processes related to articulation and voicing influence Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) measures of cortical hemodynamics and functional connectivity. Participants read passages in three conditions (oral reading, silent mouthing, and silent reading) while undergoing fNIRS imaging. Area under the curve (AUC) analyses of the oxygenated and deoxygenated hemodynamic response function concentration values were compared for each task across five regions of interest. There were significant region main effects for both oxy and deoxy AUC analyses, and a significant region × task interaction for deoxy AUC favoring the oral reading condition over the silent reading condition for two nonmotor regions. Assessment of functional connectivity using Granger Causality revealed stronger networks between motor areas during oral reading and stronger networks between language areas during silent reading. There was no evidence that the hemodynamic flow from motor areas during oral reading compromised measures of language-related neural activity in nonmotor areas. However, speech movements had small, but measurable effects on fNIRS measures of neural connections between motor and nonmotor brain areas across the perisylvian region, even after wavelet filtering. Therefore, researchers studying speech processes with fNIRS should use wavelet filtering during preprocessing to reduce speech motion artifacts, incorporate a nonspeech communication or language control task into the research design, and conduct a connectivity analysis to adequately assess the impact of functional speech on the hemodynamic response across the perisylvian region.
Electrodeposited thin-film CuxSb anodes for Li-ion batteries: enhancement of cycle life via tuning of film composition and engineering of the film-substrate interface

Electrodeposited Cu–Sb thin films on Cu and Ni substrates are investigated as alloy anodes for Li-ion batteries to elucidate the effects of both the film composition and substrate interactions on anode cycling stability and lifetime. Thin films of composition CuxSb (0 < x < 2) exhibit the longest cycle lifetimes nearest x = 1. Additionally, the Cu–Sb films exhibit shorter cycle lifetimes when electrodeposited onto Cu substrates when compared to equivalent films on Ni substrates. Ex situ characterization and differential capacity analysis of the anodes reveal that significant interdiffusion occurs during cycling between pure Sb films and Cu substrates. The great extent of interdiffusion results in mechanical weakening of the film–substrate interface that exacerbates film delamination and decreases cycle lifetimes of Cu–Sb films on Cu substrates regardless of the film's composition. The results presented here demonstrate that the composition of the anode alone is not the most important predictor of long term cycle stability; the composition coupled with the identity of the substrate is key. These interactions are critical to understand in the design of high capacity, large volume change materials fabricated without the need for additional binders.
Stereotypes, Statistics, and Schemata

Historians of ideas and students of comparative cultures debate the extent to which all people share e.e. cummings’s ideal of being “nobody-but-myself”. However, within the modern Western European tradition, most of our political philosophies, theologies, and common sense belief systems emphasize the uniqueness and autonomy of individuals.
Trichoscopy in Children

This chapter reviews the role of trichoscopy in the diagnosis of hair and scalp disorders in children. We discuss features observed in the normal scalp, in infectious diseases that ­commonly affect children, and in alopecia areata, and highlight the role of trichoscopy in a rapid noninvasive diagnosis.
Public Policy and Long Term Care: Domestic and International Perspectives

Public policy for long term care in the U.S. is institutionally oriented. Less than half of L.T.C. is publically financed. There is no national policy for L.T.C. Public policy for L.T.C. does not include the homeless elderly, the uninsured, uninsurable elderly, and the near poor elderly just about the poverty line with assets. Reimbursement for L.T.C. by Medicare/ Medicaid is in favor of acute care. Public policy does not reward the eight million unpaid family caregivers of services to the elderly. L.T.C. in other countries is more community based than the U.S.A. and the government assumes greater responsibility for the financing.
Modelling Jitter in Wireless Channel Created by Processor-Memory Activity

A wireless communication created by a computer software activity is described and modelled. The generation of this communication link is a consequence of electromagnetic (EM) emanations emitted during computer activity. This wireless channel in addition to channel errors due to noise, also experiences jitter created by the software activity “trans-mitter” which lacks precise synchronization. Also, the “trans-mitter” gets interrupted with other (system) activity, and the transmitted signal goes through a channel obstructed by metal, plastic, etc. To capture all these effects, we have modelled transmitted sequence as a pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) signal with random varying pulse position. From the model, we have derived the power spectral density and the bit error rate of the transmitted signal and presented performance analysis of such a channel.
Water-filled Asian elephant tracks serve as breeding sites for anurans in Myanmar

Elephants are widely recognized as ecosystem engineers. To date, most research on ecosystem engineering by elephants has focused on Loxodonta africana and Loxodonta cyclotis, and the role of Elephas maximus is much less well-known. We here report observations of anuran eggs and larva in water-filled tracks (n=20) of E. maximus in Myanmar. Our observations suggest that water-filled tracks persist for >1 year and function as small lentic waterbodies that provide temporary, predator-free breeding habitat for anurans during the dry season when alternate sites are unavailable. Trackways could also function as “stepping stones” that connect anuran populations.
Mass mortality ofDiadema antillarum

The mass mortality of the echinoidDiadema antillarum Philippi in 1983/1984 resulted in dramatic changes in the benthic algal community. This study reports data on the population densities of sea urchins prior to and following the mass mortality and data on the biomass, species composition, and rates of primary productivity of algal communities at several study sites in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The mass mortality reducedD. antillarum population densities by 95 to 99%. Population densities were reduced further by a second, less severe mortality event in October 1985. Over a period of 2 yr, recruitment ofD. antillarum larvae to the study sites was low and population densities remained at 2 to 30% of their premortality levels. The effects of the mass mortality on the algal community were significant. Algal biomass increased by 22 to 439% across reef zones 16 mo after the die-off. Rates of primary productivity per unit biomass (chlorophylla) remained at approximately 60% of premortality levels in shallow-reef habitats for 25 mo following the die-off. The magnitude of the response of the algal community was positively correlated with the previous population densities ofD. antillarum. The species composition of the algal community also shifted dramatically. Prior to the mass mortality, algal communities were dominated by algal turfs and crustose algae, and macroalgae were either rare or absent. Twenty-five months after the mass mortality, algal turfs covered 40% of the area and macroalgae covered 47%. Many of the macroalgal species are not consumed by herbivores and much of the algae is dislodged by storm waves and is exported from the reef. This represents a transition from a community dominated by a grazing-based food web to one where the majority of primary production may be exported to adjacent communities.
Retrospective analysis of adverse events with systemic onychomycosis medications reported to the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Background: Onychomycosis is the most common nail condition and when left untreated, has esthetic, physical and emotional-social sequelae.Objective: To classify the most common adverse reactions wi...
Research Note: Texture characteristics of wooden breast fillets deboned at different postmortem times.

Abstract The study aimed to understand whether deboning time contributes to the altered texture attributes of wooden breast (WB) fillets. To this purpose, 30 unaffected (NORM) and 30 severely affected (WB) carcasses were selected at 15 min postmortem (PM) and allotted into treatments with different deboning times: A (5 NORM + 5 WB; right fillets deboned at 15 min PM), B (5 NORM + 5 WB; right fillets deboned at 3 h PM), and C (5 NORM + 5 WB; right fillets deboned at 6 h PM). Left fillets from each carcass were deboned at 24 h PM. Multiple instrumental texture analyses were performed on the cranial-middle portion of the Pectoralis major muscles. Irrespective of deboning time, all fillets were subjected to a single 30% compression in the raw state at 24 h PM. All fillets were cooked at 24 h PM and subjected to shear force assessments at 48 h PM using blunt Meullenet-Owens razor shear, Meullenet-Owens razor shear, and Warner-Bratzler shear force. Using an ANOVA mixed model, deboning time was evaluated as a fixed effect within muscle condition (sampling session and carcass ID as random effects). Compression force assessment of raw meat at 24 h PM showed that WB fillets exhibited the greatest hardness when they were deboned at 6 h PM (15 min = 35.4 N; 3 h = 30.9 N; 6 h = 48.0 N; 24 h = 30.6 N; P 0.05) on raw compression force values in NORM fillets. In cooked NORM fillets, shear force values were the greatest in fillets deboned at 15 min, and shear force gradually declined with deboning time through 24 h PM. On the contrary, no changes (P > 0.05) in shear values due to different deboning times were observed in cooked WB meat regardless of shear method. These results suggest that early PM changes in breast muscles and their influence on meat texture are different between normal and WB fillets.
Surgery at primary and metastatic sites for stage IV breast cancer (BC): A National Cancer Database (NCDB) analysis.

1099Background: There is no clear evidence of a survival benefit of primary tumor resection in patients with stage IV breast cancer (BC). This large study evaluated factors associated with undergoi...
Mitochondrial Dysfunction Is an Early Consequence of Partial or Complete Dystrophin Loss in mdx Mice

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by rapid wasting of skeletal muscle. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a well-known pathological feature of DMD. However, whether mitochondrial dysfunction occurs before muscle fiber damage in DMD pathology is not well known. Furthermore, the impact upon heterozygous female mdx carriers (mdx/+), who display dystrophin mosaicism, has received little attention. We hypothesized that dystrophin deletion leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, and that this may occur before myofiber necrosis. As a secondary complication to mitochondrial dysfunction, we also hypothesized metabolic abnormalities prior to the onset of muscle damage. In this study, we detected aberrant mitochondrial morphology, reduced cristae number, and large mitochondrial vacuoles from both male and female mdx mice prior to the onset of muscle damage. Furthermore, we systematically characterized mitochondria during disease progression starting before the onset of muscle damage, noting additional changes in mitochondrial DNA copy number and regulators of mitochondrial size. We further detected mild metabolic and mitochondrial impairments in female mdx carrier mice that were exacerbated with high-fat diet feeding. Lastly, inhibition of the strong autophagic program observed in adolescent mdx male mice via administration of the autophagy inhibitor leupeptin did not improve skeletal muscle pathology. These results are in line with previous data and suggest that before the onset of myofiber necrosis, mitochondrial and metabolic abnormalities are present within the mdx mouse.
Does the First Rib Always Need to Be Removed

The importance of first rib excision in the treatment of NTOS has been debated. It has been shown that in most patients pathology (fibrosis) exists in the scalene muscles, implying that rib entrapment may not be the underlying issue. Several reports have shown that long-term improvement rates are similar following scalenectomy alone versus first rib resection. Rib resection adds complexity to the operation and can result in injury to adjacent structures. Yet, many surgeons always remove the first rib. We propose that rib removal should be selective rather than routine, and suggest that a possible way of selecting patients needing first rib resection is to assess the proximity of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus to the first rib. We also propose that patients who are most likely to benefit from rib resection are those with a fairly straight, vertical first rib seen on preoperative chest x-ray.
Economies of Scope and Optimal Due Diligence in Corporate Acquisitions

This study develops a theory of due diligence in corporate acquisitions. Using a formal model, the study situates due diligence in the context of economies of scope, which are often sought by acqui...
SiN-Microring-Resonator-Based Optical Biosensor for Neuropeptide Y Detection

We report the design, fabrication, and characterization of a silicon-nitride (SiN) microring-resonator-based label-free biosensor for the purpose of neuropeptide Y (NPY) protein detection. NPY is commonly associated with stress in human body. The device uses evanescent field sensing, its geometry is optimized for 1550-nm signal, and it is fabricated by following standard CMOS processes. Top surface of the device is designed to function in aqueous environment and appropriately functionalized to ensure the biomaterial-specific attachment. The time-dependent spectral response to the biomaterial attachment is observed by scanning a tunable laser source around 1550 nm and measuring the resonance shift in the transmission spectrum. We experimentally achieve the detection into nanomolar concentration level in a regular assay system with 0.1 nm/( $\mu \text{g}$ /mL) of sensitivity and $\sim ~30$ mins of analysis time. This sensitivity is further amplified by a factor of three with a sandwiched assay technique, with which $\sim ~58$ nM ( $0.25~\mu \text{g}$ /mL) concentration of NPY is successfully detected.
Incidence and Predictors of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Clearance in HIV Patients: A Retrospective Multisite Study.

Background New therapies to achieve hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance are under development. However, gaps in knowledge exist in understanding the incidence and predictors of HBsAg clearance in a racially diverse HIV population. Methods We examined the incidence and risk of HBsAg clearance in a retrospective cohort of people with HIV/hepatitis B virus (HBV). Included patients had sufficient data to establish chronic infection based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. We examined the incident rate for HBsAg loss and hazard rate ratios to evaluate predictors for HBsAg clearance in a multivariable model. Results Among 571 HIV/HBV patients, 87% were male, 61% were Black, 45% had AIDS, 48% were HBeAg positive, and the median follow-up was 88 months. Incident HBsAg clearance was 1.5 per 100 person-years. In the multivariate model, those with AIDS at baseline (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.43; 95% CI, 1.37-4.32), Hispanics (aHR, 3.57; 95% CI, 1.33-9.58), and those with injection drug use as an HIV risk factor (aHR, 3.35; 95% CI, 1.26-8.89) were more likely to lose HBsAg, whereas those who were HBeAg positive (aHR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.19-0.63) were less likely to lose HBsAg. The median change in CD4 cell count during the observation period was 231 cells/mm3 in those with HBsAg loss vs 112 cells/mm3 in those with HBsAg persistence (P = .004). Conclusions HBsAg loss occurs in about 10% of those with chronic HBV infection. Being Hispanic, having AIDS at baseline, having an injection drug use history, and having HBeAg-negative status at baseline predicted the likelihood of HBsAg loss. Immune restoration may be a mechanism through which HBsAg loss occurs in HIV patients.
Intraocular Pressure Elevation Following Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injections: Short- and Long-term Considerations.

Published studies agree that transient intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes are common after intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents. Currently, there is no standard of care guiding if and when to prevent these IOP spikes. Furthermore, there are challenges in determining the impact of post-injection IOP elevation on the health of the retinal ganglion cells, particularly given the often-existing comorbidities of retinal and glaucoma pathology. This review highlights the current literature regarding both acute and chronic post-injection IOP elevations and discusses management of post-injection IOP elevation, especially in patients at high risk for glaucomatous damage.
Smoothly Switched Adaptive Torque Tracking for Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycling

Motorized functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling can serve as a rehabilitation strategy for individuals affected by neurological injuries. It is unique among human-robot interaction tasks because the cycle’s motor must be simultaneously controlled alongside the rider’s leg muscles (using neuromuscular electrical stimulation). In this letter, two tracking objectives are proposed for the FES cycle: 1) stimulate the rider’s leg muscles to track a desired cadence, and 2) use the cycle’s motor to indirectly track a desired torque with an adaptive admittance controller. A combined Lyapunov and passivity based switched systems stability analysis is conducted to prove the cycle’s motor is able to globally exponentially track the admittance trajectory and stabilize the overall system. Additionally, this letter showcases a method for the rider to smoothly enable and disable torque tracking. Experiments are presented on four participants to show the efficacy of the controllers.
One Busy Day! A Critical Analysis of New Faculty Orientation Programs

New faculty orientation programs can serve as an important introduction to an academic community. They can create expectations, provide exposure to technical assistance, and welcome faculty members to new communities. The current study explored new faculty orientation programs, cataloging their activities to identify the most common practices in research-centered universities. Findings revealed a strong reliance on one-day programs that often host a variety of speakers from different offices, yet they rarely were found to have any sort of outcomes based approach to their design. To be effective, these programs should possibly incorporate longer activities that might last an entire semester or academic year. Further, these programs might include virtual as well as in-person opportunities to learn about the institution, the students they serve, and the offices and other tools that the institution provides to help faculty be successful. Further study on the effectiveness of different models is also recommended.
Collecting Sidewalk Network Data at Scale for Accessible Pedestrian Travel

Sidewalks are central to an accessible transportation network, as they connect all other transportation modes. The street-side environment, especially the location and connectivity of the sidewalks, has not been widely integrated into information systems used to report accessibility and walkability in wayfinding applications. Typical sidewalk mapping methods rely on surveyor collections, which are non-standardized, laborious, costly, difficult to maintain, and do not scale well. In this work, we introduce a working proof-of-concept system for automated mapping of sidewalk networks on portable computing devices. Our system utilizes efficient neural networks, image sensing, GPS, and compact hardware to perform sidewalk mapping on portable devices. We discuss future opportunities for cities and transportation agencies to advance their knowledge of the transportation network they own and manage in order to improve accessibility for all travelers.
Wading into the Daubert Tide: Sargon Enterprises, Inc. v. University of Southern California

There are two competing approaches to determining the admissibility of expert testimony, including scientific evidence. Under the traditional, Frye approach, the question is whether the expert is relying on a theory or technique that is generally accepted in the relevant specialty fields. At one time that test was employed by the federal courts as well as 46 states. However, in 1993 in its celebrated Daubert decision, the Supreme Court construed the Federal Rules of Evidence as impliedly overturning Frye. The Court derived a new validation test from the text of Federal Rule 702. As of 2013, only a minority of courts continue to adhere to Frye while a majority of states have embraced some version of the Daubert standard. Although most states have adopted a version of the Daubert test, until recently the California Supreme Court continued to staunchly follow Frye. The California Supreme Court initially adopted the Frye test in 1976. In 1994, the year after the United States Supreme Court rendered Daubert, the California Supreme Court declined the invitation to abandon Frye. However, as more jurisdictions shifted to Daubert, in a growing number of cases advocates urged the California courts to modify their position and incorporate some elements of the Daubert approach into California jurisprudence. In November of 2012, the California Supreme Court handed down its decision in Sargon. Sargon certainly represents a step toward the Daubert approach. In Sargon, the court approvingly cited Daubert as well as the two later cases in the Daubert trilogy, Joiner and Kumho. Moreover, in its opinion the court followed many of the essential teachings of Daubert, Joiner, and Kumho. Most importantly, the substance of the analysis in Sargon is strikingly similar to the Supreme Court’s analysis in Joiner. In this light, some commentators are now declaring that California has joined the ranks of the Daubert jurisdictions. The purpose of this article is cautionary; the thesis of this article is that it is premature to proclaim that California is now a Daubert jurisdiction. To begin with, in footnote the Sargon court affirmed its commitment to Frye. Moreover, the facts in Sargon were so extreme that in future cases, attorneys will have a plausible argument for distinguishing Sargon. Finally, in Sargon the court emphasized that it was authorizing trial judges to conduct a carefully circumscribed inquiry. The court stopped well short of tasking trial judges to conduct the sort of probing inquiry that Daubert empowers federal trial judges to conduct under Federal Rule of Evidence 104(a). The California courts may have embarked on a gradual, incremental movement toward Daubert, but California is not there yet.
Visualization of genetic transcription.

Transcription of structural genes by RNA polymerase to produce messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and the translation of such messengers by polyribosomes to produce proteins are intimately coupled processes in bacterial cells (1). In fact, it is possible to reconstruct coupled transcription and translation systems in vitro from separated bacterial components (2,3). Using techniques developed by Miller and Beatty (4) to prepare the nuclear contents of amphibian oocytes for electron microscopy, we can now directly visualize genetically active bacterial chromosomes. In these studies, we have identified both structural genes and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes (5,6).
Haplotype reconstruction in large pedigrees with many untyped individuals

Haplotypes, as they specify the linkage patterns between dispersed genetic variations, provide important information for understanding the genetics of human traits. However haplotypes are not directly available from current genotyping platforms, and hence there are extensive investigations of computational methods to recover such information. Two major computational challenges arising in current family-based disease studies are large family sizes and many ungenotyped family members. Traditional haplotyping methods can neither handle large families nor families with missing members. In this paper, we propose a method which addresses these issues by integrating multiple novel techniques. The method consists of three major components: pairwise identical-by-descent (IBD) inference, global IBD reconstruction and haplotype restoring. By reconstructing the global IBD of a family from pairwise IBD and then restoring the haplotypes based on the inferred IBD, this method can scale to large pedigrees, and more importantly it can handle families with missing members. Compared with existing methods, this method demonstrates much higher power to recover haplotype information, especially in families with many untyped individuals.
Assessment of clinical findings, tryptase levels, and bone marrow histopathology in the management of pediatric mastocytosis

Background The management of children with pediatric mastocytosis poses a challenge. This is because there is limited information as to the application of clinical and laboratory findings and bone marrow histopathology as they relate to medical intervention and communication. Objective We sought to examine clinical aspects of pediatric mastocytosis in relationship to serum tryptase levels and bone marrow pathology to provide practical guidance for management. Methods Between 1986 and 2012, 105 children were evaluated at the National Institutes of Health. Organomegaly was confirmed by means of ultrasound. Baseline tryptase levels and at least 1 subsequent tryptase measurement was available in 84 and 37 of these children, respectively. Fifty-three children underwent a bone marrow examination. These data were used to examine relationships between clinical findings, tryptase levels, and marrow histopathology. Results In patients with high tryptase levels and severe mediator symptoms, all with organomegaly had systemic disease, and none without organomegaly had systemic disease. Serum tryptase levels differed significantly between patients with urticaria pigmentosa and those with diffuse cutaneous ( P P P P P = .0014). Conclusions The majority of children experienced major or complete disease resolution (57%), whereas the remainder exhibited partial improvement. Organomegaly was a strong indicator of systemic disease. Serum tryptase levels furthered classification and reflected clinicopathologic findings, while sequential tryptase measurements were useful in supplementing clinical judgment as to disease course.
Biologic basis for interleukin-1 in disease

To understand the role of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) in disease, investigators have studied how production of the different members of the IL-1 family is controlled, the various biologic activities of IL-1, the distinct and various functions of the IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) family, and the complexity of intracellular signaling. Mice deficient in IL-1Beta, IL-1Beta converting enzyme, and IL-1R type I have also been studied. Humans have been injected with IL-1 (either IL-1alpha or IL-1beta) for enhancing bone marrow recovery and for cancer treatment. The IL-1-specific receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) has also been tested in clinical trials. The topics discussed in this review include production and activities of IL-1 and IL-1Ra molecules, the effects of IL-1 on gene expression, functions of cell-bound and soluble IL-1 receptors, the importance of the IL-1R accessory protein, newly discovered signal transduction pathways, naturally occurring cytokines limiting IL-1 production or activity, the effects of blocking cyclooxygenase and nitric oxide, and the outcomes of IL-1 and IL-1 Ra in human trials. Special attention is paid to IL-1beta converting enzyme and programmed cell death. The roles of IL-1 in hematopoiesis, leukemia, atherosclerosis, and growth of solid tumors are also discussed. This is a lengthy review, with 586 citations chosen to illustrate specific areas of interest rather than a compendium of references. At the end of each section, a short commentary summarizes what the author considers established or controversial topics linking the biology of IL-1 to mechanisms of disease.
Catabolism of Pipecolate to Glutamate in Pseudomonas putida

Abstract In the presence of pipecolate, Pseudomonas putida P2 (ATCC 25571) converts α-amino[6-14C]adipate to radioactive glutamate with a 14C distribution of 11% and 80% in carbons 1 and 5, respectively. This labeling pattern, when considered with previous data, indicates that α-aminoadipate is an obligate intermediate in the metabolism of pipecolate to glutamate. Some of the 14C in carbon 1 results from tricarboxylic acid cycle activity since cells incubated in the presence of malonate form glutamate with only 5.6% 14C in carbon 1. Cells incubated with dl-[2-14C]pipecolate form [1-14C]glutamate, which distinguishes between two possible pathways for pipecolate catabolism. While this data excludes glutarate as an intermediate in the metabolism of pipecolate to glutamate, dl-α-amino[6-14C]adipate forms radioactive glutarate and [1,5-14C]glutarate forms [1,5-14C]glutamate. From these results and earlier studies it is concluded that the major pathway for l-pipecolate catabolism in P. putida P2 is different from that in mammals. A proposed pathway includes enzyme-bound, or derivatives of, glutarate, glutaconate, and α-hydroxyglutarate as intermediates. The pathway for formation of radioactive glutarate from dl-α-amino[6-14C]adipate is unknown but could represent a minor contribution by a second catabolic pathway. Radioactive glutamate formed from [1,5-14C]glutarate containing 14C in carbon 1 is evidence for a glutarate catabolic route different from that inferred for Pseudomonas fluorescens and mammalian tissue.
Stability analysis and controller design of DC microgrids with constant power loads

DC microgrids consist of multiple power electronic converter units interconnected in a network with sources and loads. They arise naturally in the power systems of electric ships, aircrafts, etc. The main focus of this work is to study the stability of power converters based dc microgrids. These high switching frequency electronics are controlled in a way as to maintain constant voltage, current, or power to the load. Due to their high bandwidth, they can be simplified as a constant power load. For this reason, a nonlinear system arises where it is no longer satisfactory to assume local stability. Methods presented in literature will be reviewed and a method based on Semidefinite Programming (SDP) will be used to simplify the analysis and stability study of these dc microgrids. Furthermore, a robust controller formulation based on a similar SDP is proposed in order to guarantee and expand the stability region using energy storage.
International Spam Regulation & Enforcement: Recommendations Following the World Summit on the Information Society

Unsolicited bulk e-mail, or “spam,” is often called the scourge of the information age. Because of the cross-border nature of the Internet, both governments and the private sector are facing many challenges in combating cross-border spam. In recent years, through the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), the international community has committed itself to aght spam on a global level through increased cooperation and enforcement of spam laws. This Note evaluates many of the issues involved in preventing cross-border spam, discusses the latest methods of enforcement in both the private and public sectors, and recommends an approach to the problem in light of the commitments made at WSIS.
Adaptive Intelligent Behavior and Causal Entropy Maximization as a Basis for Microeconomic Information Recovery

In this paper we emphasize the connection between adaptive intelligent behavior, causal entropy maximization and self-organized equilibrium seeking behavior in an open dynamic micro economic systems. This entropy based causal adaptive behavior framework permits the use of information theoretic methods, as a solution basis for the resulting pure and stochastic ill posed inverse economic- econometric problems. We cast the information recovery problem in the form of a binary network and suggest information theoretic methods to recover estimates of the unknown binary behavioral parameters without explicitly sampling the configuration space.
Bacterial DNA Polymerases, Chemistry of

All DNA polymerases share a common two-metal ion catalyzed chemistry of nucleotide incorporation. Structure analysis, however, suggests that DNA polymerases share one of two different ancestors, which converged to employ the same mechanism. Escherichia coli, the prototypical bacterium, encodes five different DNA polymerases. The chromosomal replicase functions closely with clamps, clamp-loaders, and other proteins. Oxidative damage to DNA during normal cell growth requires interplay among the several distinct DNA polymerases, which enable the replicase to circumvent these obstacles and complete chromosomal replication. Additional processes involving DNA polymerases are brought into action during heightened levels of DNA damage. We review here DNA polymerase structure, catalytic mechanism, and several pathways in which various bacterial DNA polymerases act.
Iron deficiency alters DMBA-induced tumor burden and natural killer cell cytotoxicity in rats

Natural killer (NK) cell activity is impaired in iron-deficient rats. Natural killer cells destroy tumor cells; therefore, iron-deficient rats may be less able to combat cancer growth. Natural killer cell cytotoxicity, both basal and interferon gamma (IFN gamma)-stimulated, was studied in moderately and severely iron-deficient rats challenged with the carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). Female weanling rats were fed ad libitum semipurified diets containing 8, 13 or 42 mg Fe/kg. A pair-fed group was fed the 42 mg Fe/kg diet at the level consumed by the 8 mg Fe/kg group. Following 6 wk of dietary treatment, DMBA-treated rats received a single intragastric dose of DMBA. Dietary treatment was continued. Rats were killed at 1, 4, 8, 14 and 20 wk post-DMBA treatment. Natural killer cell cytotoxicity (both basal and IFN gamma-stimulated) was analyzed. Feeding the 13 mg Fe/kg diet resulted in lower NK cell activity (P = 0.006) and greater tumor burden (P = 0.045) and tumor incidence. Interferon gamma treatment relieved the lower NK cell cytotoxicity observed in moderate iron deficiency. Feeding the 8 mg Fe/kg diet impaired NK cell activity (P = 0.006), but tumor burden and incidence were less than in moderate iron deficiency. In this model, iron deficiency, particularly moderate iron deficiency, contributed to cancer development and compromised NK cell cytotoxicity.
A Time (Not) Apart: A Lesson in Economic History from Cotton Picking Books

I use the individual-level records from my own family in rural Mississippi to estimate the agricultural productivity of African Americans in manual cotton picking nearly a century after Emancipation, 1952–1965. On average, the Logan children were more than 95 % as productive as enslaved children from the same region in the late antebellum era, 1850–1860. Gender differences in productivity were smaller than among enslaved children and disappeared by late pubescence. Additional qualitative evidence answers questions about agricultural productivity that cannot be derived from the quantitative data. For example, the method of cotton picking was not the gang-labor system described by some economic historians, but an independent process. The qualitative evidence also shows that economic roles were deeply intertwined with racial identity.
A data base management system design philosophy

The separation of all representations of structural properties from data is proposed as a stratagem for data base management system (DBMS) design. The DBMS operates by creating for each user an interpreted user-oriented data base machine which utilizes the separated structure representations as an instruction stream. An example of the user data base machine is considered, and a proposed implementation of the DBMS is outlined. The advantages of such a DBMS are discussed.
A review of pediatric resuscitation pharmacology

Abstract This article will provide an evidence-based review of the uses of standard-dose epinephrine, high-dose epinephrine, sodium bicarbonate, atropine, calcium, and glucose in pediatric resuscitation. The uses of aminophylline, lidocaine, and amiodarone in adult resuscitation are also reviewed. Although many medications are used in advanced life support, the only medication with proven efficacy in pediatric resuscitation is epinephrine. Despite numerous investigations, the optimal dose remains controversial. In addition to ventilation, oxygenation, and circulation, epinephrine remains the primary medication used in resuscitation. The other medications in this review are effective only in select circumstances.
Nateglinide prevents fatty liver through up-regulation of lipid oxidation pathway in Goto-Kakizaki rats on a high-fat diet

Abstract Dyslipidemia and fatty liver are important components of the metabolic syndrome and are the factors most commonly associated with the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Delayed and excessive insulin secretion in response to food intake is a key element in the onset of these risk factors. Nateglinide (NAT) is known to restore early-phase insulin secretion. We assessed the effect of NAT on postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and fatty liver in type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats. The GK rats fed a high-fat diet containing 30% beef tallow twice a day were administered either the vehicle alone or NAT (50 mg/kg) before each meal for 12 weeks. Delayed insulin secretion and an increase of total insulin release were caused by feeding 30% beef tallow to the rats. This diet also induced postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and increased the hepatic triglyceride content. Treatment with NAT restored early-phase insulin secretion without any increase of total insulin release and also reduced postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and the hepatic triglyceride content. There was up-regulation of the hepatic expression of peroxisome proliferators–activated receptor α and its downstream enzymes after 12 weeks of NAT treatment, as well as normalization of the plasma total ketone body level. Furthermore, NAT also up-regulated hepatic expression of the adiponectin receptor AdipoR2, although there was no effect on the plasma adiponectin level. These findings indicate that long-term treatment with NAT prevented the development of fatty liver through the up-regulation of hepatic lipid oxidation pathways. Restoration of early-phase insulin secretion and suppression of recurrent postprandial hypertriglyceridemia might be involved in these effects of NAT. The present results may support the use of NAT to prevent the onset and progression of the metabolic syndrome and chronic liver disease.
Utility of ceruletide in promoting intestinal opacification for abdominal and pelvic computed tomography.

An analysis of the utility of parenteral ceruletide, a cholecystokinin-like synthetic decapeptide, in promoting bowel opacification for computed tomography (CT) scanning was performed. Abdominal and pelvic CT scans of 85 patients who had received intramuscular ceruletide following oral contrast administration and of 85 control patients were reviewed and the degree of bowel opacification evaluated. No significant advantage was conferred by ceruletide in opacifying the stomach or major part of the small intestine. However, a statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups in the presence or absence of contrast in the terminal ileum and right colon. Contrast was detected in the terminal ileum in 52 experimental compared with 35 control patients (p<0.009) and in the right colon in 56 experimental and 39 control subjects (p<0.01). Intramuscular administration of ceruletide will be helpful when terminal ileal opacification is essential or in patients in whom colonic opacification is desired but rectal contrast contraindicated.