cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A descending pathway which is monosynaptically excitatory to motoneurones.

NEARLY twenty-five years ago, Lloyd1 described a pathway descending in the ventral part of the spinal cord of the cat which ended directly on lumbosacral motoneurones and which facilitated the monosynaptic reflex. The pathway was shown by Lloyd to originate from neurones of the brain stem and from spinal proprioneurones. He named the pathway the “bulbospinal correlation system”. Since Lloyd's original description, there has been some physiological work which suggests that the brain stem neurones from which this pathway originates may belong either to the reticular formation2 or to the vestibular nuclei3 or to both. Recent studies of the mode of termination of the reticulospinal and vestibulospinal tracts, however, offer little support for the presence of more than a few monosynaptic endings on lumbosacral motoneurones from fibres descending in these tracts4. The experiments to be described confirm the presence of long descending axons in the ventral part of the spinal cord which monosynaptically excite motoneurones.
Mean excitation energy for the stopping power of light elements

Abstract We have evaluated the mean excitation energy or I value for Coulomb excitations by swift charged particles passing through carbon, aluminum and silicon. A self-consistent Kramers–Kronig analysis was used to treat X-ray optical spectra now available from synchrotron light sources allowing us to carry out Bethe’s original program of evaluating I from the observed dielectric response. We find that the K and L shell are the dominant contributors to I in these light elements and that the contribution of valence electrons is relatively small, primarily because of their low binding energy. The optical data indicate that Si and Al have nearly equal I values, in contrast to Bloch’s Thomas–Fermi result, I ∝ Z . The optically based I values for C and Al are in excellent agreement with experiment. However, the dielectric-response I value for Si is 164 ± 2 eV, at variance with the commonly quoted value of 173 ± 3 eV derived from stopping-power measurements.
Activity coefficients of MgCOo3 and CaSOo4 ion pairs as a function of ionic strength

Abstract Based on potentiometric data and gypsum solubility in mixed salt solutions, respectively, the activity coefficients of MgCOo3 and CaSOo4 ion pairs decrease with ionic strength (I) at 25°C. Computed γ's for the ion pairs fit the empirical equation log γi = − BI. B coefficients of 0.63 ±0.10 for MgCOo3 and 0.45 ± 0.15 for CaSOo4 are obtained from linear regression of log γi values vs I between 0.04 and 0.6 molal. Assumptions that the activity coefficients of these neutral ion pairs equal unity or are approximated by the Setchenow expression (log γi = kI) are therefore invalid at moderate ionic strengths. Log γi = − BI is the same general form as the equation of Kirkwood (Chem. Rev.24, 233–251, 1939) for neutral dipoles.
A note on entire solutions of the eiconal equation

A1< 2| [u2(sin2s-COS2S)2uusinscoss-u2sin2s+1]ds. (S) The product 2uu is the derivative of u2; integrating by parts changes (5) into 1 v A1< 21 (1-u2sin2s)ds, clearly < Fr/2. Equality holds only if u O, which makes y(s) constant sin s. Since equality in (3) holds only if y = x = 21 _ y2, y(5) _ sin s, x(s) + cos s + constant. This is a semicircle. Q.e.d. Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences New York Uniuersity 251 Mercer Street New York, NY 10012
Optimization of Rotor Tooth Shape of Aerospace Homopolar Alternators

In the first part of the optimization process, the width and depth of the rotor tooth are incrementally varied for two airgap radial lengths and two field excitations. In the second part the tooth shape that would yield a sinusoidal voltage is investigated. The numerical results are represented by curves for the no-load radial flux density in a 95 KVA, 120/208 v 3,400 cps alternator. The results show that the fundamental airgap flux density depends on the length of the airgap and on the rotor tooth width. It depends only slightly on the rotor tooth depth and excitation. A more sinusoidal output voltage can be obtained by flaring the tips of the rotor tooth and widening the rotor tooth.
High-performance integrated fan-out wafer level packaging (InFO-WLP): Technology and system integration

Integrated fan-out wafer-level packaging (InFO-WLP) technology with state-of-the-art inductors (quality factor of 42 and self-resonance frequency of 16 GHz) has been demonstrated for heterogeneous integration of digital and radio frequency (RF) systems. InFO-WLP promises superior form factor, pin count, and thermal performance to existing flip-chip ball grid array (FC-BGA) packages. In addition, InFO-WLP's high Q inductors can enhance electrical performance and lower power consumption in RF circuit applications.
Wetlands : a potentially significant source of atmospheric methyl bromide and methyl chloride

Tropospheric methyl bromide (CH 3 Br) and methyl chloride (CH 3 Cl) are significant sources of ozone (O 3 ) destroying halogens to the stratosphere. Their O 3 depletion potential (ODP) can be determined from atmospheric lifetimes and therefore their atmospheric budgets, both of which are out of balance with known sink terms larger than identified sources. We have discovered a new source of CH 3 Br and CH 3 Cl emissions to the atmosphere at two wetland sites in the Northeastern United States. We have reason to believe that these compounds are biologically produced in situ. Our measurements indicate that the global annual flux of CH 3 Br and CH 3 Cl from wetlands could be as high as 4.6 Gg yr -1 of CH 3 Br and 48 Gg yr -1 of CH 3 Cl. These are preliminary estimates based on measurements made during the end of the 1998 growing season, a time period of decreased emissions of other trace gases such as methane (CH 4 ).
Thermodynamic characterization of hydrogen interaction with iridium polyhydride complexes

Hydrogen interaction with solid iridium complexes IrXH{sub 2}(PPr3{sup i}){sub 2} (X=Cl, I) was investigated. Gaseous hydrogen was found to react reversibly with solid chloro-iridium complex IrClH{sub 2}(PPr3{sup i}){sub 2} forming IrClH{sub 2}(PPr3{sup i}){sub 2}H{sub 2}. The relative partial molal enthalpy and entropy were obtained from equilibrium isotherms at different hydrogen concentrations. The decrease in entropy with increasing hydrogen concentration and the absence of plateaus in the equilibrium isotherms were consistent with a single phase solid solution with two chemical components. Hydrogen release from solid iodo-iridium complex IrIH{sub 2}(PPr3{sup i}){sub 2}H{sub 2} was not observed at temperatures up to 350 K, indicating stronger hydrogen bonding. {copyright} {ital 1999 Materials Research Society.}
Evolved neurogenesis and synaptogenesis for robotic control: the L-brain model

We have developed a novel method to "grow" neural networks according to an inherited set of production rules (the genotype), inspired by Lindenmayer systems. In the first phase (neurogenesis), the neurons proliferate in three-dimensional space by cell division, and differentiate in function, according to the production rules. In the second phase (synaptogenesis), axons emerge from the neurons and seek out connection targets. Part of each production rule is an augmented Reverse Polish Notation expression; this permits regulation of the applicable rules, as well as introduction of spatial and temporal context to the developmental process. We connect each network to a (fixed) robotic body with a set of input sensors and muscle actuators. The robot is placed in a physically simulated environment and controlled by its network for a certain time, receiving a fitness score according to its behavior (the phenotype). Mutations are introduced into offspring by making changes to their sets of production rules. This paper introduces the "L-brain" developmental method, and describes our first experiments with it, which produced controllers for robotic "spiders" with the ability to gallop, and to follow a compass heading.
Studies on in vitro models of cellular immunity: The role of T and B cells in the secretion of lymphotoxin

Abstract When normal murine spleen cells were treated with anti-theta serum and complement, they failed to produce LT or synthesize cellular DNA when stimulated in vitro with PHA. Theta-positive cells were responsible for LT production in spleens removed from X-irradiated and bone marrow- or thymus-reconstituted animals. Finally, spleens from congenitally athymic Nu/Nu mice failed to produce LT when stimulated with pokeweed mitogen or phytohemagglutinin.
The Charlotte Circle Project: A Program for Infants and Toddlers with Severe/Profound Disabilities

The Charlotte Circle Project was an early intervention Model Demonstration project providing center-based and home-based instruction to children (birth to 3 years) with severe/profound handicaps and their parents. The project adopted the social reciprocity model, in which the behavior of the child and the parent interact to either encourage or discourage interactive responses. This article describes the project's model, the participating children, the project's daily activities, and evaluative findings regarding its implementation and outcome.
Measuring the Financial Risks of New York Dairy Producers

The financial risks of a group of New York dairy producers were measured from 1988 through 1997 and were decomposed by source of risk by two procedures. Decomposition of the variance suggested major contributors to variability in returns to New York dairy farms were variabilities in purchased feed quantities and milk production; milk price variability contributed substantially less. Similarly, decomposing the Gini measure of income dispersion indicated that milk revenues and purchased feed expenditures contributed most to farm return inequality over time. Controlling feed costs and maintaining high and stable milk production appear to be the principal approaches that dairy producers can use to control their financial risks.
Turnover of tyrosine transaminase in cultured hepatoma cells after inhibition of protein synthesis.

Abstract Addition of cycloheximide to hydrocortisone-induced cell cultures of the Reuber (H-35) hepatoma results in an immediate decrease in the levels of tyrosine transaminase (L-tyrosine-2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase, E.C.2.6.1.5). The half-life of the enzyme is about 1.6 hr during the first hour after treatment; however, the rate of inactivation decreases such that the enzyme has a half-life of about 10 hr between 4 and 9 hr after addition of the inhibitor. The cells are functionally viable after 3 hr treatment with cycloheximide and retain their capacity both to inactivate tyrosine transaminase and to have the synthesis of this enzyme reinduced by hydrocortisone after removal of the inhibitor. The loss of 14 C-labeled tyrosine transaminase in H-35 cells is blocked by cycloheximide after a l-hr period of normal turnover. Puromycin also blocks the turnover of the enzyme in the interval between 4 and 6 hr after addition of the inhibitor.
Conversion of RNA to DNA in mammals: Alu-like elements and pseudogenes

Striking similarities between a subclass of mammalian pseudogenes and the Alu family of short repetitive DNA sequences which are dispersed throughout the mammalian genome, suggest that both are created by integration into the genome of DNA copies of RNA transcripts.
In vivo imaging of specific drug–target binding at subcellular resolution

The possibility of measuring binding of small-molecule drugs to desired targets in live cells could provide a better understanding of drug action. However, current approaches mostly yield static data, require lysis or rely on indirect assays and thus often provide an incomplete understanding of drug action. Here, we present a multiphoton fluorescence anisotropy microscopy live cell imaging technique to measure and map drug-target interaction in real time at subcellular resolution. This approach is generally applicable using any fluorescently labelled drug and enables high-resolution spatial and temporal mapping of bound and unbound drug distribution. To illustrate our approach we measure intracellular target engagement of the chemotherapeutic Olaparib, a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor, in live cells and within a tumour in vivo. These results are the first generalizable approach to directly measure drug-target binding in vivo and present a promising tool to enhance understanding of drug activity.
Impacts of different tillage practices on some soil microbiological properties and crop yield under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions

Effects of six tillage practices on some soil microbiological properties and crop yields were evaluated for a clay soil (Typic Haploxererts) under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions in a three year study (2006-2009). The experiment was designed as a completely randomized-block with three replications. Treatments were: conventional tillage with residue incorporated (CT1), conventional tillage with residue burned (CT2), reduced tillage with heavy tandem disc harrow (RT1), reduced tillage with rotary tiller (RT2), reduced tillage with heavy tandem disc harrow for the first crop + notillage for the second crop (RNT), and no tillage (NT). The study was conducted in wheat-corn, wheat-soybean and wheat crop rotations. Dehydrogenase activity, soil respiration, mycorrhizal spore number, total organic carbon (TOC), and total N were determined at three depths (0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm). The mycorrhizal spore number responded quite early to tillage practices. Significant tillage effects on TOC and total N were observed only at 0-10 cm depth. The TOC content was increased by NT, RT2, RNT and RT1 practices compared to the initial values at the same depth as 74%, 62%, 56%, and 50%, respectively. Dehydrogenase activity (DHA) and soil respiration were higher on the surface and decreased with depth. Reduced and no-tillage practices significantly increased the mycorrhizal spore number, dehydrogenase activity and soil respiration at all depths (P<0.05). Both CT1 and CT2 practices had significant negative effects on all measured soil properties. Tillage practices had no significant effect on crop yields except for the wheat yield in 2008. The results indicated that, as an alternative to conventional tillage, reduced and no-tillage practices provided successful crop production in a clay soil under a semi-arid climate.
Multi-Model Validation of Currents in the Chesapeake Bay Region in June 2010

In this paper, we discuss the validation of water level and current predictions from three coastal hydrodynamic models and document the resource and operational requirements for each modeling system. The ADvanced CIRCulation Model (ADCIRC), the Navy Coastal Ocean Model (NCOM), and Delft3D have been configured and validated for the Chesapeake Bay region during a Navy exercise. Water level predictions are compared with a NOAA/NOS water level gauge at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel location while current predictions are validated with Acoustic Doppler Profiler (ADP) measurement records at three locations in the lower Chesapeake Bay. Statistical metrics such as correlation coefficient and root mean square error (RMSE) are computed. Both the vertically-integrated currents and currents at varying water depths are compared as well. The model-data comparisons for surface elevation indicate all three models agreed well with water level gauge data. The two-dimensional version of ADCIRC, ADCIRC2D, and NCOM yield better statistics, in terms of correlation and RMSE, than Delft3D. For vertically-integrated currents, ADCIRC2D has the smallest RMSE at Thimble Shoal and Naval Station locations while NCOM has the smallest RMSE at Cape Henry. For the horizontal currents over the water column, the fully three-dimensional, baroclinic ADCIRC model, ADCIRC3D, and NCOM both showed better agreement with the ADP measurements.
Factors Determining Alpine Species Distribution on Goliath Peak, Front Range, Colorado, U.S.A

Abstract The effect of environmental factors on the distribution of alpine plant community types has been extensively studied in Colorado. Much less attention has been paid to the effects of these factors within community types, however. Transects were placed in the alpine zone of Goliath Peak in the Front Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Species presences were tallied in 1-m2 rectangular plots. Fuzzy set ordination (FSO) was used to determine which environmental factors were responsible for changes in species composition. Most sites fell into the fellfield or dry meadow community types. Water availability, as indicated by elevation, estimated winter snow depth and, less strongly, soil texture, was a strong factor associated with changes in plant community composition, both within and among community types. Temperature, as indicated by aspect, was also associated with these changes. The lack of Kobresia myosuroides at Goliath Peak appears to be caused by snow depths too deep or too shallow for this ...
Finding a Minimum-Sum Dipolar Spanning Tree in R3

In this paper we consider finding a minimum-sum dipolar spanning tree in Ropf3, and present an algorithm that takes O(n2 log2 n) time using O(n2) space, thus almost matching the best known results for the planar case. To achieve this, we prove an interesting result related to the complexity of the common intersection of n balls in Ropf3, of possible different radii, that are all tangent to a given point p. The problem has applications in communication networks, when the goal is to minimize the distance between two hubs or servers as well as the distance from any node in the network to the closer of the two hubs, and could lead to reduction in power consumption for devices like PDAs, sensors, cell phones and laptops.
Latencies of Sexual and Asexual Responses to Double-Entendre Words as a Function of Sex-Guilt and Social Desirability in College Females:

A restricted association procedure was used to study females' latencies associated with sexual and asexual responses to double-entendre sexual words. Latencies were also examined relative to two personality variables, sex-guilt and social desirability. The results indicated that sexual responses were accompanied by longer latencies than asexual responses. There was also an interaction between sex-guilt and sexual-asexual response latencies, with subjects of high sex-guilt showing longer latencies of sexual response but not of asexual response. Contrary to prediction, individual differences on the social desirability variable were unrelated to latencies of either sexual or asexual response. The study also outlined a stimulus-encoding model for associations to double-entendre sexual words.
Channel order determination based on sample cyclic correlations

Selecting the number of channel taps is an important task for blind equalization of fractionally-sampled FIR communications channels. We present two algorithms for selecting the channel order based on second-order cyclostationary statistics of the received data. The first algorithm uses an asymptotically constant false-alarm rate statistical test. In contrast, existing algorithms rely on rather ad hoc thresholding. The second algorithm extends our existing asymptotically best consistent channel estimator to include order determination. >
Estimators for Clustered Education RCTs Using the Neyman Model for Causal Inference.

This article examines the estimation of two-stage clustered designs for education randomized control trials (RCTs) using the nonparametric Neyman causal inference framework that underlies experiments. The key distinction between the considered causal models is whether potential treatment and control group outcomes are considered to be fixed for the study population (the finite-population model) or randomly selected from a vaguely defined universe (the super-population model). Both approaches allow for heterogeneity of treatment effects. Appropriate estimation methods and asymptotic moments are discussed for each model using simple differences-in-means estimators and those that include baseline covariates. An empirical application using a large-scale education RCT shows that the choice of the finite- or super-population approach can matter. Thus, the choice of framework and sensitivity analyses should be specified and justified in the analysis protocols.
Hardware aging-based software metering

Reliable and verifiable hardware, software and content usage metering (HSCM) are of primary importance for wide segments of e-commerce including intellectual property and digital rights management. We have developed the first HSCM technique that employs intrinsic aging properties of components in modern and pending integrated circuits (ICs) to create the first self-enforceable HSCM approach. There are variety of hardware aging techniques that range from electro-migration in wires to slow-down of crystal-based clocks. We focus on transistor aging due to negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) effects where the delay of gates increases proportionally to usage times. We address the problem of how we can measure the amount of time a particular licensed software (LS) is used by designing an aging circuitry and exposing it to the unique inputs associated with each LS. If a particular LS is used longer than specified, it automatically disables itself. Our novel HSCM technique uses a multi-stage optimization problem of computing the delays of gates, their aging degradation factors, and finally LS usage using convex programming. The experimental results show not just viability of the technique but also surprisingly high accuracy in the presence of measurement noise and imperfect aging models. HSCM can be used for many other business and engineering applications such as power minimization, software evaluation, and processor design.
Memory resource balancing for virtualized computing

Virtualization has become a common abstraction layer in modern data centers. By multiplexing hardware resources into multiple virtual machines (VMs) and thus enabling several operating systems to run on the same physical platform simultaneously, it can effectively reduce power consumption and building size or improve security by isolating VMs. In a virtualized system, memory resource management plays a critical role in achieving high resource utilization and performance. Insufficient memory allocation to a VM will degrade its performance dramatically. On the contrary, over-allocation causes waste of memory resources. Meanwhile, a VM's memory demand may vary significantly. As a result, effective memory resource management calls for a dynamic memory balancer, which, ideally, can adjust memory allocation in a timely manner for each VM based on their current memory demand and thus achieve the best memory utilization and the optimal overall performance. In order to estimate the memory demand of each VM and to arbitrate possible memory resource contention, a widely proposed approach is to construct an LRU-based miss ratio curve (MRC), which provides not only the current working set size (WSS) but also the correlation between performance and the target memory allocation size. Unfortunately, the cost of constructing an MRC is nontrivial. In this dissertation, we first present a low overhead LRU-based memory demand tracking scheme, which includes three orthogonal optimizations: AVL-based LRU organization, dynamic hot set sizing and intermittent memory tracking. Our evaluation results show that, for the whole SPEC CPU 2006 benchmark suite, after applying the three optimizing techniques, the mean overhead of MRC construction is lowered from 173% to only 2%. Based on current WSS, we then predict its trend in the near future and take different strategies for different prediction results. When there is a sufficient amount of physical memory on the host, it locally balances its memory resource for the VMs. Once the local memory resource is insufficient and the memory pressure is predicted to sustain for a sufficiently long time, a relatively expensive solution, VM live migration, is used to move one or more VMs from the hot host to other host(s). Finally, for transient memory pressure, a remote cache is used to alleviate the temporary performance penalty. Our experimental results show that this design achieves 49% center-wide speedup.
Overexpression of sICAM-1 in the Alveolar Epithelial Space Results in an Exaggerated Inflammatory Response and Early Death in Gram Negative Pneumonia

Background: A sizeable body of data demonstrates that membrane ICAM-1 (mICAM-1) plays a significant role in host defense in a site-specific fashion. On the pulmonary vascular endothelium, mICAM-1 is necessary for normal leukocyte recruitment during acute inflammation. On alveolar epithelial cells (AECs), we have shown previously that the presence of normal mICAM-1 is essential for optimal alveolar macrophage (AM) function. We have also shown that ICAM-1 is present in the alveolar space as a soluble protein that is likely produced through cleavage of mICAM-1. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) is abundantly present in the alveolar lining fluid of the normal lung and could be generated by proteolytic cleavage of mICAM-1, which is highly expressed on type I AECs. Although a growing body of data suggesting that intravascular sICAM-1 has functional effects, little is known about sICAM-1 in the alveolus. We hypothesized that sICAM-1 in the alveolar space modulates the innate immune response and alters the response to pulmonary infection. Methods: Using the surfactant protein C (SPC) promoter, we developed a transgenic mouse (SPC-sICAM-1) that constitutively overexpresses sICAM-1 in the distal lung, and compared the responses of wild-type and SPC-sICAM-1 mice following intranasal inoculation with K. pneumoniae. Results: SPC-sICAM-1 mice demonstrated increased mortality and increased systemic dissemination of organisms compared with wild-type mice. We also found that inflammatory responses were significantly increased in SPCsICAM-1 mice compared with wild-type mice but there were no difference in lung CFU between groups. Conclusions: We conclude that alveolar sICAM-1 modulates pulmonary inflammation. Manipulating ICAM-1 interactions therapeutically may modulate the host response to Gram negative pulmonary infections.
Severe photo-oxidative injury from over-the-counter skin moisturizer: a child abuse mimic

BACKGROUND: The cutaneous manifestations of pathological conditions have been described to mirror findings commonly associated with child abuse. Although it is important for clinicians to report suspected abuse, vigilance is required to detect conditions that mimic abuse. Phytophotodermatitis, a phototoxic reaction to furocoumarin-containing plants, is a well-described mimicker of nonaccidental trauma. However, non-furocoumarin-containing chemicals may cause similar presentations through a process called auto-oxidation. Typically, these chemical reactions occur as a result of aero-oxidation or, less commonly, photo-oxidation. CASE REPORT: We report the first pediatric case of photo-oxidative contact dermatitis from an over-the-counter skin moisturizer. A 12-month-old Hispanic boy presented to the Emergency Department with an apparent scald burn over his anterior chest and left shoulder. Given the lack of apparent cause, a nonaccidental injury was suspected. He was admitted to the pediatric service under the consult of Dermatology and the child maltreatment team. Further history and clinical progression strongly suggested a photo-oxidation reaction from chemical components in a widely available over-the-counter skin moisturizer. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This case highlights an infrequently reported cause of pediatric contact dermatitis: a photo-oxidative reaction to chemical components in skin moisturizer. It is important for the clinician to be able to differentiate injuries secondary to nonaccidental trauma from conditions that mirror their presentation. The clinical features of this case mimicked child maltreatment and underscore the importance of an interdisciplinary team approach in the care of these children. Language: en
Children Held Hostage: Mothers' Depressive Affect and Perceptions of Family Psychosocial Functioning

The primary purpose of this study was to learn more about how strain, family coping, and family hardiness were related to depressive affect among mothers of children who were held hostage by two gunmen in a private church-sponsored elementary school. Using a questionnaire procedure to collect data, relationships between mothers' depressive affect (measured 2 weeks and again 4 months after the episode) and perceived strain resulting from the hostage incident, family hardiness, and family coping were assessed. In addition, 1 year following the episode, mothers were asked to provide qualitative data concerning useful coping strategies and perceptions of the long-term impact of the event. Results indicated that family hardiness and coping may have played a more important role in relation to depressive affect measured at 4 months than for initial responses, whereas feelings of strain specifically related to the hostage incident may have been more important in relation to initial depressive affect. Perceived co...
The spectrum of molecular aberrations in myelodysplastic syndromes: in the shadow of acute myeloid leukemia

How are the genetic profiles of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) similar, and how do these two disorders differ? These are complex questions – and difficult ones to answer intelligently right now, chiefly because so little is currently understood about the
Synthesis of novel trithiocarbonate and allyl sulfide containing monomers

In this study, we present a mild, efficient, and high yield synthesis of a variety of trithiocarbonates and allyl sulphide-containing AFT (addition–fragmentation termination) monomers containing terminal (meth)acrylate functional groups. The trithiocarbonate moiety core was synthesized with reaction yields often above 95%. Synthesis of monomers with allyl sulphide cores gave yields ranging from 48–92%. These monomers, designated as CRAFT (Controllable Reversible Addition Chain Transfer) monomers, offer the ability to control the mechanical and polymerization properties of the resulting thiol-Michael and chain-growth polymer networks in a previously unattainable manner. The triothiocarbonates reached 70–81% acrylate conversion in 10–200 s of light exposure while the allyl sulphide monomers reached 74–85% conversion in 10–50 s.
Online transfer learning for differential diagnosis determination

In this paper we present a novel online transfer learning approach to determine the set of tests to perform, and the sequence in which they need to be performed, in order to develop an accurate diagnosis while minimizing the cost of performing the tests. Our learning approach can be incorporated as part of a clinical decision support system (CDSS) with which clinicians can interact. The approach builds on a contextual bandit framework and uses online transfer learning to overcome limitations with the availability of rich training data sets that capture different conditions, context, test results as well as outcomes. We provide confidence bounds for our recommended policies, which is essential in order to build the trust of clinicians. We evaluate the algorithm against different transfer learning approaches on real-world patient alarm datasets collected from Neurological Intensive Care Units (with reduced costs by 20%).
Fractional Factorial Designs for Estimating Main Effects

This chapter focuses on efficient designs intended for estimating main effects, including regular resolution III 2 k−f fractional factorial designs, Plackett– Burman and other designs based on Hadamard matrices, nonorthogonal saturated main effect designs, and supersaturated designs. These designs are useful for identifying important factors when it is reasonable to expect that their effects are essentially additive. Even when the assumption of additive effects is suspect, these designs can produce useful initial experiments, provided they are augmented with additional runs. Whenever possible, we will explore evidence for two-factor interactions, even with these screening experiments.
A comparison of differential pulse and d.c. amperometric detection modes for the liquid chromatographic determination of oxalic acid.

Oxalic acid determinations are made using two modes of electrochemical detection, namely, classical d.c. and differential pulse, after separation by ion-pair, ion exchange high performance liquid chromatography. Peak height ratio plots are constructed and compared for uric acid and oxalic acid mixtures using both electrochemical detection modes. The enhanced selectivity realized by use of the differential pulse electrochemical detection mode is demonstrated.
Jealousy and Irrationality in Love

Analyse des correlations entre les reponses de 16 etudiants et 18 etudiantes a une echelle de jalousie, a une echelle mesurant l'attitude romantique envers l'amour, et a evaluation de la pensee irrationnelle
Regulation of Myelopoiesis In Vitro: Partial Replacement of Colony-Stimulating Factors by Tumor-Promoting Phorbol Esters

Abstract Tumor-promoting phorbol esters such as 12–0-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) or phorbol-12,13-didecanoate (PDD) stimulate freshly isolated murine bone marrow cells in vitro to form colonies of myeloid cells in semisolid medium without added colony-stimulating factors (CSF), while phorbol and its nonpromoting derivatives do not induce marrow colony formation. TPA-stimulated colonies are composed primarily of monocyte-macrophage cells with admixed granulocytes in some colonies, and cell dose-response curves for colony formation suggest clonal origin of the colonies. The cells forming colonies in the presence of TPA alone appear to be a subset of marrow granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming cells (GM-CFC) characterized by larger mean cell size (determined by velocity sedimentation), and TPA-stimulated colony formation is inhibited by dexamethasone and prostaglandin E1, agents that also inhibit GM-CFC colony formation stimulated by CSF. The active phorbol esters can apparently replace exogenous CSF in agar cultures of murine bone marrow and may do so by either (1) directly stimulating GM-CFC. (2) inducing endogenous CSF secretion, or (3) increasing GM-CFC’s responsiveness to CSF. We were unable to demonstrate induction of CSF secretion by marrow cells in liquid culture in the presence of TPA. We did find that TPA synergistically enhanced colony formation stimulated by suboptimal concentrations of CSF from two sources, and this effect of TPA was concentration dependent. PDD also enhanced colony formation stimulated by suboptimal CSF concentrations, while phorbol had no effect. In long-term flask cultures of normal murine marrow, TPA caused rapid, concentration-dependent, terminal differentiation (to macrophages), and decline in the progenitor cell compartment. Our data indicate that tumor-promoting phorbol esters may alter the function of cell surface receptors for CSF on GM-CFC, causing stimulation of proliferation and differentiation in the absence of CSF or at very low concentrations of CSF. These compounds should be important in the study of hematopoietic regulation.
EXFOLIATIVE CYTOLOGY LABORATORY SERVICE IN A COMMUNITY CANCER CONTROL PROGRAM.

A free exfoliative laboratory service was operated in Hawaii from 1949 to 1962 to demonstrate the value of cytologic technic in early detection and control of cancer. Private cytologic laboratory service is now provided in place of the discontinued free laboratory. That this technic encouraged the early detection of cancer was shown by the yearly increase in slides submitted on asymptomatic persons and in the number of cases of asymptomatic cancer detected. The service was of most value in detecting cancer of the female genital system.
Annexins family: Insights into their functions and potential role in pathogenesis of sarcoidosis

Annexins are Ca2+-regulated phospholipid-binding proteins that play an important role in the cell life cycle, exocytosis, and apoptosis. Annexin A11 is one of the oldest vertebrate annexins that has a crucial role in sarcoidosis pathogenesis. The mechanism of effect in sarcoidosis granuloma cells may be due to alterations in apoptosis. Immune cells with a specific mutation at protein location 230 are resistant to apoptosis and consequently have continued effects on inflammation and progression of sarcoidosis. The mechanism of action of annexin A11 may be based upon alterations in delivering calcium to two different apoptosis pathways (caspase and P53).
Unraveling Optimal Biomass Processing Routes from Bioconversion Product and Process Networks under Uncertainty: An Adaptive Robust Optimization Approach

A bioconversion product and process network converts different types of biomass to various fuels and chemicals via a plethora of technologies. Reliable bioconversion processing pathways should be designed considering the effect of uncertain parameters, such as biomass feedstock price and biofuel product demand. Given a large-scale bioconversion product and process network of 194 technologies and 139 materials/compounds, we propose a two-stage adaptive robust mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem. The model allows for decisions at the design and operational stages to be made sequentially and considers budgets of uncertainty to control the level of robustness. Nonlinearity in this model appears in the first-stage objective function, and the second-stage problem is a linear program. We efficiently solve the proposed problem with a tailored algorithm. The robust optimal solutions corresponding to various uncertainty budgets show that the minimum total annualized cost is more sensitive to biofuel demand ...
SURVEY ON THE SITUATION OF DISINFECTION EFFECT ON GASTROSCOPE IN MUNICIPAL MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS OF JINZHOU

Objective To investigate situations of gastroscope disinfection in medical institutions of Jinzhou and strengthen disinfection management.Methods Sampling and detection on the spot were carried out to monitoring disinfection effect on gastroscope in 6 municipal medical institutions.Results 39 gastroscope samples were collected and the total eligible rate of disinfection quality was 69.23%.23 gastroscope lumen samples and 16 gastroscope surface samples were collected and the eligible rate of disinfection quality were 60.87% and 81.25% respectively.Conclusion The eligible rate of gastroscope disinfection in medical institutions of Jinzhou is somewhat low and disinfection operations do not conform to the standard.
Computational Complexity and the Function-Structure-Environment Loop of the Brain

At present, the brain is viewed primarily as a biological computer. But, crucially, the plasticity of the brain's structure leads it to vary in functionally significant ways across individuals. Understanding the brain necessitates an understanding of the range of such variation. For example, the number of neurons in the brain and its finer structures impose inherent limitations on the functionality it can realize. The relationship between such quantitative limits on the resources available and the computations that are feasible with such resources is the subject of study in computational complexity theory. Computational complexity is a potentially useful conceptual framework because it enables the meaningful study of the family of possible structures as a whole—the study of “ the brain ,” as opposed to some particular brain. The language of computational complexity also provides a means of formally capturing capabilities of the brain, which may otherwise be philosophically thorny.
A Method of Porcine Pancreatic Islet Isolation for Microencapsulation

Since the discovery of insulin by Banting and Best in 1921, the prognosis and treatment options for individuals with diabetes have improved. The development of various insulin types, various oral agents, and insulin pumps have improved the available medical options for individuals afflicted with diabetes. The current need for frequent blood glucose monitoring imposed by multiple daily insulin injections, result in significant life-style challenges for in individuals afflicted with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). In contrast the use of surgical interventions, such as whole organ pancreas transplantation (PT) requires less-intensive glucose monitoring while the organ is viable. Also, isolated human pancreatic islet transplantation (IT) holds similar promise as PT; however, the limited availability of human pancreata exacerbated by, the need for multiple pancreata per individual IT recipient, and issues with prolonged viability, still hamper widespread successful, and routine use of IT. The use of porcine pancreata holds promise as a viable alternative to human pancreas to significantly increase the volume of islets available to meet the needs of millions of patients afflicted with T1D. This chapter outlines our protocol utilized to reliably isolate and microencapsulate porcine islets.
Pericardiectomy After Previous Bypass Grafting: Analyzing Risk and Effectiveness in this Rare Clinical Entity

Background Historically the most common causes of pericarditis necessitating pericardiectomy are infection, radiation, idiopathic causes, and inflammation. More recently, there has been a rise in iatrogenic pericardial constriction, with most cases occurring after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). To date, there has been no large series evaluating the incidence, presentation, and effectiveness of surgical intervention. We review our 20-year experience managing this special subset of patients. Methods From January 1993 to December 2013, 938 patients underwent pericardiectomy at our institution. We identified 98 patients who underwent pericardiectomy after previous coronary bypass grafting. Demographic information was collected along with the indication for the procedure, technical aspects of the operation, early and late morbidity and mortality, and long-term New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class. Median age at operation was 68 years (range, 38–81 years), and 91 of the patients (93%) were men. The indication for pericardiectomy was pericardial constriction in all patients. Median preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction was 60% (range, 30%–71%) and median NYHA functional class was III (91% were class III/IV). Results The surgical approach was median sternotomy in 81 patients (83%), left thoracotomy in 16 patients (16%), and a clamshell approach in 1 patient (1%). The extent of pericardial resection was radical in 61 patients (62%), subtotal in 27 patients (28%), and completion in 10 patients (10%). Cardiopulmonary bypass was used in 63 patients (64%) and aortic cross-clamping was used in 5 patients (5%). Concomitant coronary bypass grafting was performed in 10 patients (10%). Early mortality was seen in 3 of 98 patients (3%). The median duration of late follow-up was 3.2 years (maximum, 17.5 years), and overall 5- and 10-year survival was 62% and 41%, respectively. There were no multivariate predictors of worse outcome. The sole univariate predictor of lower overall survival was the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (hazard ratio, 1.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–3.7]; p = 0.04). NYHA functional class was I/II in 84% of patients at a median follow-up of 3.2 years. Conclusions The rate of early mortality for pericardiectomy after previous coronary bypass grafting is low, and the late adverse impact of cardiopulmonary bypass likely reflects increased severity of disease and technical complexity. Importantly, during late follow-up extending more than 17 years, the vast majority of patients demonstrated significant improvement in NYHA functional class.
The presence of aggressive ants is associated with fewer insect visits to and altered microbe communities in coffee flowers

The process of dispersal can shape ecological communities, but its influence is thought to be small compared to the effects of environmental variation or direct species interactions, particularly for microbial communities. Ants can influence movement patterns of insects and the microbes they vector, potentially affecting microbial establishment on plants, including in agroecosystems. Here, we examine how the presence of aggressive ants, which can influence floral visitation by bees and other pollinators, shapes the community composition of bacteria and fungi on coffee flowers in farms that differ in shade management intensity. We hypothesized that the presence of aggressive ants should reduce the frequency and diversity of floral visitors. Finally, we predicted that the effects of ants should be stronger in the low-shade farm, which has a less diverse community of floral visitors. We sampled microbial communities from nectar and pistils of coffee flowers near and far from nests of the aggressive ant Azteca sericeasur across two farms that vary in shade management and diversity of floral visitors. Bacterial and fungal community composition was characterized using Illumina sequencing of the 16S and ITS regions of the rRNA gene. Consistent with our expectation, Azteca presence was associated with a decrease in the number and diversity of visitors, visit duration and number of flowers visited. Azteca presence influenced microbial communities, but effects differed between farms. Azteca nests were associated with higher bacterial diversity in both farms, but the difference between flowers on trees with and without Azteca was greater in the high-shade farm. Azteca nests were associated with higher fungal diversity in the high-shade farm, but not the low-shade farm. In addition, the presence of ants was strongly associated with species composition of fungi and bacteria in flowers, but differentiation between ant and no-ant communities was greater in the low-shade farm. Specific operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were differentially associated with the presence of ants. We conclude that indirect interactions that influence dispersal may have large effects on microbial community composition, particularly in ephemeral microbial communities.
Evidence-Based Medicine these 7 years: time for the editor to go on permanent sabbatical

Seven years seems the right term for an editorship. It is a time for the land that has been sown and reaped to remain uncultivated for a while (see Exodus or Leviticus , The Bible )—time for a sabbatical. When I came on in 2010, Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) was already well established (for 15 years, its adolescence)1 as was the field of EBM (>3 years earlier, its birth).2 At the beginning, the journal aimed to serve this ‘emerging clinical discipline by providing easier access to high-quality evidence that is ready for prime-time clinical application’. The journal scanned a list of 29 other journals regularly, re-reported articles published in another journal as half of its content and added coverage beyond internal medicine. In the subsequent decade, it had published ‘notebook jottings’ on EBM, some of which reported on codified practices in the field.3 But it was time for the journal to branch out and for EBM the field to move from its establishment and definition to its real-life translation at the bedside.4 With a new editorial board, we aimed to support that transformation. We also aimed to be a home for EBMers, those who teach, study and practice EBM. To that end, we added a number of article types of relevance, beyond critically appraised articles and occasional musings. During the past 7 years, we published ∼1000 summaries and critical appraisals of original research studies selected systematically for clinical relevance and methodological strength. All were relatively brief but meaty enough at around 750 words to provide a bit of background and context, methods, main results (magnitude and precision), assessment of internal validity and applicability, and implications for research and practice, written by invited experts and edited by EBM-savvy clinician specialists in family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, and paediatrics. EBMers, EBM …