cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Type III Hyperlipoproteinemia: Defective Metabolism of an Abnormal Apolipoprotein E

The apolipoprotein E isolated from plasma of individuals with type III hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP) shows an abnormal pattern when it is examined by isoelectric focusing. Compared to apolipoprotein E from normal subjects, apolipoprotein E isolated from subjects with type III HLP had a decreased fractional catabolic rate in vivo in both type III HLP patients and normal individuals. The delayed catabolism of apolipoprotein E in type III HLP patients may be responsible for the lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities characteristic of these patients.
Are the Kow Swamp hominids “archaic”?

Initial reports of hominids recovered at Kow Swamp, in the Murray Valley of Victoria indicated that, on the basis of cranial analyses, there was a "survival of Homo erectus features in Australia until as recently as 10,000 years ago (Thorne and Macumber, 1972, p. 316). This claim was later refuted by others, who suggested that artificial cranial deformation may have been responsible for at least some of the distinctive and "primitive" traits seen in the Kow Swamp individuals. Previous research by this worker and others has indicated that taxonomic traits at both specific and subspecific levels are present in hominine femora. Therefore, it may be possible to evaluate the "primitiveness" of the Kow Swamp sample on the basis of their femoral anatomy. Morphometric analyses were undertaken, using as controls femora of Romano British, Tasmanian, and other Murray Valley populations. On the basis of bivariate and multivariate analyses it was found that, at least in this single element of the postcranium, no primitive features were present. The Kow Swamp sample, in fact, shows a very close morphometric relationship with all included Homo sapiens controls and is significantly distinct from Homo erectus.
Heart failure after myocardial infarction: prevalence of preserved left ventricular systolic function in the community.

Abstract Background Studies have reported that a large proportion of the cases of congestive heart failure (CHF) with mixed etiologies have preserved left ventricular systolic function. Whether this is the case in subjects with CHF after myocardial infarction (MI) is not known. This study was undertaken to examine the prevalence and characteristics associated with CHF in patients who had preserved ejection fraction (LVEF) after MI. Methods Clinical characteristics and LVEF were ascertained in a population-based cohort of patients with CHF after incident MI in Olmsted County, Minn. All MIs were validated by use of standardized epidemiological criteria, and all episodes of CHF were validated by use of Framingham criteria. Results Between 1979 and 1994, 1658 patients had an MI, and 644 of these patients (38%) had CHF during 7.4 ± 5.4 years of follow-up. Of these patients, 395 (61%) underwent LVEF assessment. Preserved LVEF (ie, ≥50%) was present in 30% of cases, and this proportion did not change with time. The proportion of women with CHF and preserved LVEF (37%) was greater than the proportion of men (23%, P = .002). The positive association between female sex and preserved LVEF remained significant after adjustment (odds ratio 1.97, 95% CI 1.26-3.07, P = .003). The highest tertile of peak creatinine phosphokinase level was negatively associated with preserved LVEF (odds ratio 0.51, 95% CI 0.29-0.89). Conclusion A notable proportion of cases of CHF after MI have preserved LVEF. This underscores the burden of CHF with preserved LVEF in a well-defined group of patients with documented coronary disease. CHF with preserved LVEF after MI is associated with female sex and smaller MI size. (Am Heart J 2003;145:742-8.)
“Dancing to the Typewriter”: Rewriting and Cultural Appropriation in Flight to Canada

Abstract Books titles tell the story. The original subtitle for Uncle Tom's Cabin was “The Man Who Was a Thing.” In 1910 appeared a book by Mary White Ovington called Half a Man. Over one hundred years after the appearance of the Stowe book, The Man Who Cried I Am, by John A. Williams, was published. Quickskill thought of all of the changes that would happen to make a “Thing” into an “I Am.” Tons of paper. An Atlantic of blood. Repressed energy of anger that would form enough sun to light a solar system. A burnt-out black hole. A cosmic slave hole.
A pyrazole curcumin derivative restores membrane homeostasis disrupted after brain trauma

We have assessed potential mechanisms associated with the deleterious effects of TBI on the integrity of plasma membranes in the hippocampus, together with consequences for behavioral function. In addition, we have investigated the efficacy of a dietary intervention based on a pyrazole curcumin derivative with demonstrated bioactivity and brain absorption, to re-establish membrane integrity. We report that moderate fluid percussion injury (FPI) increases levels of 4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE), an intermediary for the harmful effects of lipid peroxidation on neurons. A more direct action of FPI on membrane homeostasis was evidenced by a reduction in calcium-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) important for metabolism of membrane phospholipids such as DHA, and an increase in the fatty acid transport protein (FATP) involved in translocation of long-chain fatty acids across the membrane. A potential association between membrane disruption and neuronal function was suggested by reduced levels of the NR2B subunit of the transmembrane NMDA receptor, in association with changes in iPLA2 and syntaxin-3 (STX-3, involved in the action of membrane DHA on synaptic membrane expansion). In addition, changes in iPLA2, 4-HNE, and STX-3 were proportional to reduced performance in a spatial learning task. In turn, the dietary supplementation with the curcumin derivative counteracted all the effects of FPI, effectively restoring parameters of membrane homeostasis. Results show the potential of the curcumin derivative to promote membrane homeostasis following TBI, which may foster a new line of non-invasive therapeutic treatments for TBI patients by endogenous up-regulation of molecules important for neural repair and plasticity.
Current concepts of mechanical and neural factors in ocular motility.

Purpose of reviewThe oculomotor periphery was classically regarded as a simple mechanism executing complex behaviors specified explicitly by neural commands. A competing view has emerged that many important aspects of ocular motility are properties of the extraocular muscles and their associated con
Toxicity of vinyl chloride and polyvinyl chloride as seen through epidemiologic observations

In 1974, vinyl chloride (VC) was first reported in the scientific literature to induce angiosarcoma of the liver in animals and humans. Further research has now demonstrated the carcinogenicity of this agent to other organs. Target organs for VC now include the liver, brain, and lung, and probably the lymphohematopoietic system. The carcinogenic risk has been extended to jobs associated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) exposure. This is evidenced by cases of liver angiosarcoma reported among individuals employed in or residing near PVC fabrication facilities and by epidemiologic study demonstrating a significant association between lung cancer and exposure to PVC dust. An association between PVC dust and pneumoconiosis has been demonstrated. On the basis of these findings, experimental bioassays and epidemiologic studies of the carcinogenicity of PVC are clearly in order. Prudent control of PVC in the industrial setting is also clearly indicated.
Reaction of thiol nucleophiles with 1,2-epoxy- and 4,5-epoxy-estrene-3-one-17β-ols

Four ring A steroidal epoxyenones as probable intermediate in the formation of catechol estrogens were synthesized. The isomeric 1 alpha,2 alpha-epoxy-17 beta-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one (9) and 1 beta,2 beta-epoxy-17 beta-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one (8) were synthesized from 17 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-estra-3-one. The isomeric 4 alpha,5 alpha-epoxy-17 beta-hydroxyestr-1-en-3-one (11) and 4 beta,5 beta-epoxy-17 beta-hydroxyestr-1-en-3-one (10) were prepared from 19-nortestosterone. The reaction of 9 and 10 with sodium/ethanethiol resulted in the formation of three types of reactions leading to multiple products: 1,4-addition, opening of epoxide, and epoxide opening followed by dehydration. Reaction of 8 with ethanethiol gave only one compound identified as 2-ethanethio-1,4-estradien-17 beta-ol-3-one, while reaction of 9 with ethanethiol gave an unusual product identified as 4-estren-1 alpha,17 beta-diol-3-one. Unlike reaction of ethanethiol with 9 and 10, reaction with N-acetylecysteine or glutathione results in epoxide opening followed by dehydration leading to the formation of estradiol-4-thioethers.
On the set of Hilbert polynomials

The purpose of this paper is to describe the set of all Hilbert polynomials of stan-dard graded commutative algebras over a field and to prove some conjectures on Hilbertpolynomials.Throughout the paper Z, P, and N denote the sets of integers, positive integersand non-negative integers, respectively.A polynomial f(t) in one variable t with rational coefficients is called numerical iff(r) € Z for all sufficiently large r € N, that is, there exists s € N such that /(r) 6 Zfor all r € N,r ^ 5.It is clear that every polynomial with integer coefficients is numerical. As anexample of a numerical polynomial with non-integer coefficients one can consider apolynomial (£) = t(t - 1)... (t - k + \)/k\ where A; € P. In what follows, we use somerelationships between "binomial" numerical polynomials (£) that arise from well-knownidentities for binomial coefficients. In particular, the classica ("^j
Selective Removal of Ribonucleases from Solution with Covalently Anchored Macromolecular Inhibitor

Poly[2‘-O-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)]poly(A) [DNP-poly(A)] has been found to be a potent inhibitor in solution for RNases A, B, S, T1, T2, and H as well as phosphodiesterases I and II. Kinetic measurement...
Quantitative analyses of morphological changes of cell growth by graphics computer techniques. A methodologic study.

Abstract A computerized image analysis system is described for quantitation of changes in cell morphology for use in the bioassay of certain types of growth factors in organ cultures of connective tissue cells. Eight response variables, indicative of cell growth, were measured (area of cell, area of nucleus, area of cytoplasm, length of the cell, lengths of the major and minor axes, number of nucleoli per cell, and total area of nucleoli per cell). Principal components analyses were used to eliminate redundant variables and to estimate the dimensionality of the problem. In general, only four response variables were required in order to describe the morphological changes occurring during cell growth of these connective tissue fibroblasts. Some sacrifice in independence of variables was tolerated in order to compensate for some shifts in correlations between some variables at different doses of growth factor. Cell length and area of the cell provided the best quantitative measures for distinguishing between doses of growth factors and for correct ranking of doses.
Skull morphology of the oldest turtles: a preliminary description of Proganochelys quenstedti

ABSTRACT The skull of the late Triassic turtle Proganochelys quenstedti from Trossingen, West Germany, shows a number of generalized amniote features not found in any other turtles. Proganochelys retains the supratemporal bone, lacrimal bone, lacrimal duct, movable basipterygoid articulation, and a middle ear that lacks the expansion and bony walls found in other turtles. With a chelonian shell Proganochelys is clearly identified as a turtle and is hypothesized as the sister taxon to all other turtles which are in turn hypothesized as a monophyletic group, the Casichelydia, characterized by advanced features of the skull.
Observational Assessment of Preschool Disruptive Behavior, Part I: Reliability of the Disruptive Behavior Diagnostic Observation Schedule (DB-DOS)

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine the reliability of the Disruptive Behavior Diagnostic Observation Schedule (DB-DOS), a new observational method for assessing preschool disruptive behavior. Method: The DB-DOS is a structured clinic-based assessment designed to elicit clinically salient behaviors relevant to the diagnosis of disruptive behavior in preschoolers. Child behavior is assessed in three interactional contexts that vary by partner (parent versus examiner) and level of support provided. Twenty-one disruptive behaviors are coded within two domains: problems in Behavioral Regulation and problems in Anger Modulation. A total of 364 referred and nonreferred preschoolers participated: interrater reliability and internal consistency were assessed on a primary sample ( n = 335) and test-retest reliability was assessed in a separate sample ( n = 29). Results: The DB-DOS demonstrated good interrater and test-retest reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated an excellent fit of the DB-DOS multidomain model of disruptive behavior. Conclusions: The DB-DOS is a reliable observational tool for clinic-based assessment of preschool disruptive behavior. This standardized assessment method holds promise for advancing developmentally sensitive characterization of preschool psychopathology.
Single-Session Manualized Ego State Therapy (EST) for Combat Stress Injury, PTSD, and ASD, Part 1: The Theory

An abbreviated description of our single-session 5- to 6-hour procedure is provided. In contrast to trauma reframing approaches, such as cognitive processing therapy (CPT) or traditional psychoanalytic interventions, our manualized procedure rapidly demystifies subconscious processes, making them accessible and understandable by the patient. The therapist's supportive ego strength is integrated into the intense repeated emotional and physiological releases of the traumatized ego states. The abreactive component of this 5-phase procedure exhausts the bound-up psychological and physiological reactions but also serves to quickly overcome the trauma and to restructure the personality. The patient becomes empowered to release the trauma memories and to emerge with the ability to be adaptive, assertive, giving, strong, and able to express anger appropriately yet be caring with family/friends.
The Manifestation and Integration of Embodied Knowing Into Social Work Practice

Traditionally, research in both adult education and social work fields have focused on cognitive ways of knowing. Although both disciplines have acknowledged other ways of knowing, there has been minimal focus on noncognitive ways of knowing, including embodied knowing. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how social workers incorporated embodied knowing into their social work practice. Ten social workers from a variety of settings were interviewed to understand how they learned to trust their bodies as a site of knowing and integrate embodied knowing into their social work practices. Using a feminist theoretical framework, findings indicated that participants embraced and trusted their embodied knowing as a valid source of knowledge. Participants identified internal reactions in social work interactions and described how they processed these somatic sensations to guide their practices. Implications for social work practitioners and social work and adult educators are discussed.
Effect of salt on hypertension and oxidative stress in a rat model of diet-induced obesity

High-salt diet is known to induce or aggravate hypertension in animal models of hypertension and in humans. When Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 60) are fed a moderately high-fat diet (32% kcal fat, 0.8% NaCl) for 10 wk, about one-half develop obesity [obesity prone (OP)] and mild hypertension, whereas the other half [obesity resistant (OR)] maintain body weight equivalent to a low-fat control (C) and are normotensive. The aim of this study was to test the effect of high-NaCl diets (2 and 4% NaCl) on the development of hypertension and obesity, oxidative stress, and renal function. Both 2 and 4% NaCl induced an early increase in systolic blood pressure of OP but not OR or C rats. High-salt intake induced an increase in the size and reduction in number of adipocytes, concomitant to a twofold increase in circulating leptin in OP rats. Aortic superoxide generation indicated a 2.8-fold increase in the OP high-salt vs. normal-salt groups, whereas urine isoprostanes were not significantly increased. Also, hydroxynonenal protein adducts in the kidney were highly increased in OP rats on 2 and 4% NaCl, indicating oxidative stress in the renal tissue. Urine albumin was increased threefold in the OP on 2% NaCl and fourfold in the same group on 4% NaCl vs. 0.8% NaCl. Kidney histology indicated a higher degree of glomerulosclerosis in OP rats on high-salt diets. In summary, high-salt diet accelerated the development but did not increase the severity of hypertension; high salt increased oxidative stress in the vasculature and kidney and induced kidney glomerulosclerosis and microalbuminuria. Also, the OP rats on high salt displayed adipocyte hypertrophy and increased leptin production.
Time/space trade-offs for reversible computation

A reversible Turing machine is one whose transition function is $1:1$, so that no instantaneous description (ID) has more than one predecessor. Using a pebbling argument, this paper shows that, for any $\varepsilon > 0$, ordinary multitape Turing machines using time T and space S can be simulated by reversible ones using time $O(T^{1 + \varepsilon } )$ and space $O(S\log T)$ or in linear time and space $O(ST^\varepsilon )$. The former result implies in particular that reversible machines can simulate ordinary ones in quadratic space. These results refer to reversible machines that save their input, thereby insuring a global $1:1$ relation between initial and final IDs, even when the function being computed is many-to-one. Reversible machines that instead erase their input can of course compute only $1:1$ partial recursive functions and indeed provide a Godel numbering of such functions. The time/space cost of computing a $1:1$ function on such a machine is equal within a small polynomial to the cost of co...
Immunohistochemical localization of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and P450 17α-hydroxylase during follicular and luteal development in pigs, sheep, and cows

Follicular and luteal morphology and steroidogenic function were investigated by immunohistochemistry for cytochrome P450 17 alpha-hydroxylase (P450c17) and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) during the estrous cycle in pigs, sheep, and cows. The theca interna of all species expressed P450c17 during follicular development. In the pig, this constituted a continuous layer of cells around the follicle, but a sheath of cells lining the basement membrane appeared not to express P450c17. Neither was expression of P450c17 in ovine and bovine follicles uniform throughout the theca interna. In these two species, a beaded appearance was given by P450c17, since it was expressed in some regions but not in others. Therefore, staining for P450c17 defined functional sub-populations of cells within the theca interna of pigs, sheep, and cows. Ovulation was associated with a decrease in P450c17 in all species, but some expression persisted in theca-derived cells of developing and mature porcine CL. Expression of 3 beta-HSD in the preovulatory follicle was confined to the theca of the pig and sheep; in contrast, in the cow, it was highest in the granulosa. In general, 3 beta-HSD expression appeared to be greater in porcine than ovine or bovine follicles, the physiological relevance of which is discussed. Porcine and ovine theca continued to express 3 beta-HSD after ovulation, and granulosa-derived cells increased their 3 beta-HSD expression markedly as they luteinized in all three species. During early luteal development in pigs and sheep, theca-derived cells with high 3 beta-HSD encircled luteal lobules, but these cells appeared throughout the parenchyma of the mature CL. Luteal regression in sheep and cows was typified by the loss of many cells expressing 3 beta-HSD, whereas others, adjacent to them, appeared to be intact without loss of enzyme expression. These data further define differences in steroidogenesis during follicular and luteal development among the pig, sheep, and cow.
Symmetric authentication in a simulatable Dolev---Yao-style cryptographic library

Tool-supported proofs of security protocols typically rely on abstractions from real cryptography by term algebras, so-called Dolev---Yao models. However, until recently it was not known whether a Dolev---Yao model could be implemented with real cryptography in a provably secure way under active attacks. For public-key encryption and signatures, this was recently shown, if one accepts a few additions to a typical Dolev---Yao model such as an operation that returns the length of a term. Here we extend this Dolev---Yao-style model, its realization, and the security proof to include a first symmetric primitive message authentication. This adds a major complication: we must deal with the exchange of secret keys. For symmetric authentication, we can allow this at any time, before or after the keys are first used for authentication, while working only with standard cryptographic assumptions.
The effect of vitronectin on the differentiation of embryonic stem cells in a 3D culture system

While stem cell niches in vivo are complex three-dimensional (3D) microenvironments, the relationship between the dimensionality of the niche to its function is unknown. We have created a 3D microenvironment through electrospinning to study the impact of geometry and different extracellular proteins on the development of cardiac progenitor cells (Flk-1(+)) from resident stem cells and their differentiation into functional cardiovascular cells. We have investigated the effect of collagen IV, fibronectin, laminin and vitronectin on the adhesion and proliferation of murine ES cells as well as the effects of these proteins on the number of Flk-1(+) cells cultured in 2D conditions compared to 3D system in a feeder free condition. We found that the number of Flk-1(+) cells was significantly higher in 3D scaffolds coated with laminin or vitronectin compared to colIV-coated scaffolds. Our results show the importance of defined culture systems in vitro for studying the guided differentiation of pluripotent embryonic stem cells in the field of cardiovascular tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Effects of Grade Feedback on Student Evaluation of Instruction.

This study investigated the effect of specific summative performance evaluation (grade feedback) on student evaluations of instruction (SEIs). Expectancy and attribution theories suggested predictions of better evaluations before explicit grade feedback than after. SEI data from eight pairs of sections of business courses confirmed these predictions.
Beta-crystallin association.

β-Crystallins are major protein constituents of the mammalian lens, where their stability and association into higher order complexes are critical for lens clarity and refraction. Dimerization is an initial step in formation of β-crystallin complexes. β-crystallin association into dimers is energetically highly favoured, but rapidly reversible under physiological conditions. β-Crystallin dimers can exchange monomers, probably through a transient and energetically unfavoured monomer intermediate state. As predicted by molecular modelling, the fraction of β-Crystallin present as dimers increases with increasing temperature, implying that β-crystallin association is entropically driven.
Impurity incorporation and the surface morphology of MOVPE grown GaAs

The impact of impurity incorporation on the development of the surface morphology of GaAs epilayers, grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE), has been systematically investigated. A variety of different doping elements, including Mg, Zn, C, Si, O, and Se, were used to study the interaction between the impurity atoms and GaAs surface. Impurity atoms with smaller atomic weight, belonging to group II and VI, have a larger influence on the surface morphology than the other dopants. Different chemical sources for carbon doping were also used to explore the effect of surface growth chemistry on the formation of surface features. The epilayer surface morphology was affected by the combination of several physical and chemical factors. Factorsinfluencing the impact of an impurity on the growth front evolution are presented based on the interaction between the impurity atoms and the surface step structures.
Effects of nose bluntness, roughness, and surface perturbations on the asymmetric flow past slender bodies at large angles of attack

The effects of such geometric perturbations as variations of model-tip sharpness and roughness, as well as discrete surface perturbations, on the asymmetric flow past slender bodies is experimentally investigated for the cases of a cone/cylinder model having a 10-deg semiapex angle and a 3.0-caliber tangent ogive model. Both models have base diameters of 3.5 inches, and were tested in laminar flow conditions at angles-of-attack in the 30-60 deg range. Single, discrete roughness elements were represented by beads; bead effectiveness was judged on the basis of the extent to which they affected the flowfield in various conditions.
Mindfulness, Big Five personality, and affect: A meta-analysis

Abstract Mindfulness is purposefully and nonjudgmentally paying attention to the present moment. The primary purpose of this study is to provide a more precise empirical estimate of the relationship between mindfulness and the Big Five personality traits as well as trait affect. Current research results present inconsistent or highly variable estimates of these relationships. Meta-analysis was used to synthesize findings from 32 samples in 29 studies. Results indicate that, although all of the traits display appreciable relationships with mindfulness, the strongest relationships are found with neuroticism, negative affect, and conscientiousness. Conscientiousness, in particular, is often ignored by mindfulness researchers; results here indicate it deserves stronger consideration. Although the results provide a clearer picture of how mindfulness relates to these traits, they also highlight the need to ensure an appropriate conceptualization and measurement of mindfulness.
Mechanical properties of particulate composites

The mechanical properties of glass bead (30 micron diameter glass spheres) filled epoxy and polyester resins have been studied as a function of volume fraction of filler and the strength of the interfacial bond. The bonding between glass and resin was varied by chemically surface treating the glass using a silicone mold release to prevent chemical bonding at one extreme and a silane coupling agent to maximize bonding at the other extreme. Theoretical predictions of the elastic modulus and tensile strength have been made utilizing a finite element method. Excellent agreement is obtained with the experimental results. Izod impact energies have been measured for these composites as a function of filler content and interface treatment.
Accelerated Denaturation of Hemoglobin and the Antimalarial Action of Chloroquine

To study the antimalarial action of chloroquine, normal mouse erythrocytes were used as surrogates for erythrocytoid bodies. These bodies form in the endosomes of intraerythrocytic malaria parasites as they feed on their host and consist of erythrocyte cytoplasm enclosed in a vestige of the erythrocyte membrane. In suspensions of normal erythrocytes or lysates (equivalent to 5 μl of erythrocytes per ml in each case), hemoglobin underwent denaturation when it was incubated at 38°C in 150 mM sodium acetate (pH 5). It is reasonable to assume that the same phenomenon occurs in acidic endosomes. Addition of 100 μM chloroquine to the incubation mixture caused the rate of hemoglobin denaturation to double to 40 nanomoles per hour per ml of packed erythrocytes. This effect required the presence of erythrocyte stroma and was inhibited by reducing the temperature to 24°C or increasing the pH to 6. We propose that the primary antimalarial action of chloroquine is to bind to ferriprotoporphyrin IX (FP) and remove it from oxidized hemoglobin, thus producing toxic FP-chloroquine complexes and an excess of denatured globin. Furthermore, we suggest that these substances inhibit endosomal maturation and thereby cause hemoglobin accumulation in immature endosomes and masking of the lipids needed for FP dimerization. The term “masking” is used to signify that unsaturated lipids are present in parasitized erythrocytes but are specifically unavailable to promote FP dimerization.
Using Stochastic Causal Trees to Augment Bayesian Networks for Modeling eQTL Datasets

The combination of genotypic and genome-wide expression data arising from segregating populations offers an unprecedented opportunity to model and dissect complex phenotypes. The immense potential offered by these data derives from the fact that genotypic variation is the sole source of perturbation and can therefore be used to reconcile changes in gene expression programs with the parental genotypes. To date, several methodologies have been developed for modeling eQTL data. These methods generally leverage genotypic data to resolve causal relationships among gene pairs implicated as associates in the expression data. In particular, leading studies have augmented Bayesian networks with genotypic data, providing a powerful framework for learning and modeling causal relationships. While these initial efforts have provided promising results, one major drawback associated with these methods is that they are generally limited to resolving causal orderings for transcripts most proximal to the genomic loci. In this manuscript, we present a probabilistic method capable of learning the causal relationships between transcripts at all levels in the network. We use the information provided by our method as a prior for Bayesian network structure learning, resulting in enhanced performance for gene network reconstruction. Using established protocols to synthesize eQTL networks and corresponding data, we show that our method achieves improved performance over existing leading methods. For the goal of gene network reconstruction, our method achieves improvements in recall ranging from 20% to 90% across a broad range of precision levels and for datasets of varying sample sizes. Additionally, we show that the learned networks can be utilized for expression quantitative trait loci mapping, resulting in upwards of 10-fold increases in recall over traditional univariate mapping. Using the information from our method as a prior for Bayesian network structure learning yields large improvements in accuracy for the tasks of gene network reconstruction and expression quantitative trait loci mapping. In particular, our method is effective for establishing causal relationships between transcripts located both proximally and distally from genomic loci.
Meeting the challenges of implementing portable space-based solar power

A space-based solar power system to supply power for disaster relief, humanitarian aid or other temporary local electric power needs using a hybrid laser/microwave wireless power transmission system is briefly described. A space-to-ground experiment to validate retrodirective control of laser and microwave power transmission beams that would use the International Space Station as the in-space platform for the experimental apparatus is described.
Modelling P2P data networks under complex system theory

A Peer-to-peer Data Network (PDN) is an open and evolving society of peer nodes that assemble into a network to share their data. We argue that with a self-organising, dynamic, and large-scale architecture, instead of traditional distributed computing systems, PDNs should be classified with natural complex systems (such as social networks). The 'complex system theory' is a meta-theory that provides a common modelling framework to study such complex systems under one umbrella. In this paper, for the first time we introduce and apply the complex system theory as a modelling framework to study PDNs.
Computers play the beer game: can artificial agents manage supply chains?

We model an electronic supply chain managed by artificial agents. We investigate whether artificial agents do better than humans when playing the MIT Beer Game. Can the artificial agents discover good and effective business strategies in supply chains both in stationary and non-stationary environments? Can the artificial agents discover policies that mitigate the Bullwhip effect? In particular, we study the following questions: Can agents learn reasonably good policies in the face of deterministic demand with fixed lead time? Can agents cope reasonably well in the face of stochastic demand with stochastic lead time? Can agents learn and adapt in various contexts to play the game? Can agents cooperate across the supply chain?
Ability Grouping and Student Learning

Grouping students by ability for instruction is a common pedagogical practice. In elementary schools it appears most frequently in the form of within-class ability grouping, that is, the assignment of students in a class to instructional groups based on their ability or achievement. In secondary schools it generally occurs in the form of tracking, or the assignment of students to different classes at the same grade level on the basis of their ability.
Announcing Yet Another Article Category New Hypotheses in Clinical Medicine

Over the past four and a half years, Circulation Research has undergone a remarkable transformation. Among the >40 changes that we have made to the journal1 is the introduction of a cornucopia of new article categories (17 of them thus far; Table). We believe that this massive infusion of new content has enriched Circulation Research , making it more interesting and invaluable to the cardiovascular research community. In our incessant quest for ideas that will further improve the journal and provide a forum for new types of scientific communication, we are now introducing yet another article category: New Hypotheses in Clinical Medicine. View this table: Table. New Article Categories Introduced in Circulation Research Since 2009 The process of discovery in clinical research is quite different from that in basic research. While in the latter it is possible (and, indeed, customary) to formulate a hypothesis, design an appropriate experiment, and collect data …
Intelligent Engine Control & Diagnostic Using the Ionization Current Sensing Technology

Instant feedback about the combustion process can be used for an optimization of the engine control and will improve the overall engine efficiency. During the combustion of an air/fuel mixture, ions and free electrons are generated. A current can be detected by applying a relatively low DC voltage to the spark plug or to another dedicated sensor. This ionization current contains information about the combustion process.
Technology Improvement Pathways to Cost-effective Vehicle Electrification

Electrifying transportation can reduce or eliminate dependence on foreign fuels, emission of green house gases, and emission of pollutants. One challenge is finding a pathway for vehicles that gains wide market acceptance to achieve a meaningful benefit. This paper evaluates several approaches aimed at making plug-in electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) cost-effective including opportunity charging, replacing the battery over the vehicle life, improving battery life, reducing battery cost, and providing electric power directly to the vehicle during a portion of its travel. Many combinations of PHEV electric range and battery power are included. For each case, the model accounts for battery cycle life and the national distribution of driving distances to size the battery optimally. Using the current estimates of battery life and cost, only the dynamically plugged-in pathway was cost-effective to the consumer. Significant improvements in battery life and battery cost also made PHEVs more cost-effective than today's hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and conventional internal combustion engine vehicles (CVs).
Human B Lymphocyte Function: Cell Triggering and Immunoregulation

Several recent developments in human immunobiology have resulted in significant advances in our understanding of the complex processes involved in activation and immunoregulation of function in human B lymphocytes in normal and disease states. The development of antigen-specific systems for the study of B-cell function has allowed a dissection of the dichotomy and overlap between specificity and polyclonality of responses that are so clearly manifested in certain infectious and autoimmune diseases. In addition, the development of antigen-specific T-cell clones has led to a clear-cut understanding of the cellular and genetic requirements for the induction and regulation of human immune responses. Most recently, B-cell hybrids secreting human monoclonal antibodies with predetermined antigenic specificities have been developed from peripheral blood B cells of immunized individuals. Monoclonal antibodies should allow for the availability of unlimited quantities of purified human antibody specific to relevant antigens for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Bounds for the torsional rigidity of heated beams

where p = (IP/A)112 is the radius of gyration of the section. Since the temperature varies only within the range defined in Eq. (2), clearly a lower bound for Ceff is obtained by using T = TM) where \r\ > p and T = TM - AT7 where \r\ p, with (A — AQ) and (Ip — I pQ) the corresponding quantities for the remainder of the section. With this notation then
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sps1p Regulates Trafficking of Enzymes Required for Spore Wall Synthesis

SPS1 encodes a sporulation-specific protein with homology to the Ste20/p21-activated kinase family. Deletion of SPS1 impinges on the formation of the spore wall, which surrounds each of the haploid nuclei generated by the meiotic divisions. Here, we demonstrate that the new internal membranes that surround the meiotic nuclei appear normal in the absence of Sps1p. Analyses of spore wall layers by immunohistochemistry suggest that the inner layers are not efficiently deposited. The defect in spore wall morphogenesis is most likely a consequence of mislocalization of enzymes required for the synthesis of the spore wall layers as both Chs3p, the major chitin synthase in yeast, and Gsc2/Fks2p, a glucan synthase transcriptionally upregulated during sporulation, fail to reach the prospore membrane in the sps1 mutant. Furthermore, localization of Chs3p to the prospore membrane is not dependent on Shc1p, a sporulation-specific homolog of Chs4p, which is required for recruitment of Chs3p to the bud neck in vegetative cells. Sps1p colocalized with Chs3p to peripheral and internal punctate structures and prospore membranes. We propose that Sps1p promotes sporulation, in part, by regulating the intracellular movement of proteins required for spore wall formation.
A view from the office of the SCA president

Since the founding of SCA the interface of communication and instruction has been seen as a central concern of the profession. Contempory interest has expanded the breadth and depth of focus in this area. This concern should receive even greater attention in the immediate future.
Fundamental Concepts of Feedback Control

In the early twenties the idea of positive feedback was incorporated in one-tube receivers in order to increase the receiver's gain and selectivity since the amplification factor of the vacuum tube was so poor. In 1934, H. S. Black [1] wrote a paper explaining the theory of the feedback principle and how stability of amplification as well as reduction of modulation distortion follow when stabilized feedback is applied to an amplifier. For example, Black proved experimentally that with negative feedback it was possible to control the gain of the amplifier to 0.01 dB with a change in plate voltage from 240 to 260 volts and maintain the modulation products at 75 dB below the signal output at full load.
Built for rowing: frog muscle is tuned to limb morphology to power swimming

Rowing is demanding, in part, because drag on the oars increases as the square of their speed. Hence, as muscles shorten faster, their force capacity falls, whereas drag rises. How do frogs resolve this dilemma to swim rapidly? We predicted that shortening velocity cannot exceed a terminal velocity where muscle and fluid torques balance. This terminal velocity, which is below Vmax, depends on gear ratio (GR = outlever/inlever) and webbed foot area. Perhaps such properties of swimmers are ‘tuned’, enabling shortening speeds of approximately 0.3Vmax for maximal power. Predictions were tested using a ‘musculo-robotic’ Xenopus laevis foot driven either by a living in vitro or computational in silico plantaris longus muscle. Experiments verified predictions. Our principle finding is that GR ranges from 11.5 to 20 near the predicted optimum for rowing (GR ≈ 11). However, gearing influences muscle power more strongly than foot area. No single morphology is optimal for producing muscle power. Rather, the ‘optimal’ GR decreases with foot size, implying that rowing ability need not compromise jumping (and vice versa). Thus, despite our neglect of additional forces (e.g. added mass), our model predicts pairings of physiological and morphological properties to confer effective rowing. Beyond frogs, the model may apply across a range of size and complexity from aquatic insects to human-powered rowing.
Divergence Between the Drosophila pseudoobscura and D. persimilis Genome Sequences in Relation to Chromosomal Inversions

As whole-genome sequence assemblies accumulate, a challenge is to determine how these can be used to address fundamental evolutionary questions, such as inferring the process of speciation. Here, we use the sequence assemblies of Drosophila pseudoobscura and D. persimilis to test hypotheses regarding divergence with gene flow. We observe low differentiation between the two genome sequences in pericentromeric and peritelomeric regions. We interpret this result as primarily a remnant of the correlation between levels of variation and local recombination rate observed within populations. However, we also observe lower differentiation far from the fixed chromosomal inversions distinguishing these species and greater differentiation within and near these inversions. This finding is consistent with models suggesting that chromosomal inversions facilitate species divergence despite interspecies gene flow. We also document heterogeneity among the inverted regions in their degree of differentiation, suggesting temporal differences in the origin of each inverted region consistent with the inversions arising during a process of divergence with gene flow. While this study provides insights into the speciation process using two single-genome sequences, it was informed by lower throughput but more rigorous examinations of polymorphism and divergence. This reliance highlights the need for complementary genomic and population genetic approaches for tackling fundamental evolutionary questions such as speciation.
The Case for Operating System Management of User Attention

From wearable displays to smart watches to in-vehicle infotainment systems, mobile computers are increasingly integrated with our day-to-day activities. Interactions are commonly driven by applications that run in the background and notify users when their attention is needed. In this paper, we argue that existing mobile operating systems should manage user attention as a resource. In contrast to permission-based models that either allow applications to interrupt the user continuously or deny all access, the OS should instead pre- dict the importance and complexity of new interactions and compare the demand for attention to the attention available after accounting for the user's current activities. This will allow the OS to initiate appropriate interactions at the right time using the right modality. We describe one design for such a system, and we outline key challenges that must be met to realize this vision.
Functional impairment in older liver transplantation candidates: From the functional assessment in liver transplantation study.

The emerging epidemic of older patients with cirrhosis has led to a sharp increase in the number of ≥65 year olds considering liver transplantation (LT). However, clinicians lack objective measures to risk stratify older patients. We aimed to determine whether the short physical performance battery (SPPB), a well-validated geriatric measure of physical function, has greater prognostic value in older versus younger LT candidates. Adult outpatients listed for LT with laboratory Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score ≥ 12 underwent physical function testing using the SPPB, consisting of gait speed, chair stands, and balance. Patients were categorized by age ("younger," 9). Competing risks models associated age and SPPB with wait-list death/delisting. Of 463 LT candidates, 21% were ≥ 65 years and 18% died or were delisted. Older patients had slower gait (1.1 versus 1.3 m/seconds; P < 0.001), a trend of slower chair stands (12.8 versus 11.8 seconds; P = 0.06), and a smaller proportion able to complete all balance tests (65% versus 78%; P = 0.01); SPPB was lower in older versus younger patients (10 versus 11; P = 0.01). When compared to younger robust patients as a reference group, younger impaired patients (hazard ratio [HR], 1.77; P = 0.03) and older impaired patients (HR, 2.70; P = 0.003) had significantly higher risk of wait-list mortality, but there was no difference in risk for older robust patients (HR 1.38; P = 0.35) [test of equality, P = 0.01]. After adjustment for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-sodium (MELD-Na) score, only older impaired patients had an increased risk of wait-list mortality compared to younger robust patients (HR, 2.36; P = 0.01; test of equality P = 0.05). In conclusion, functional impairment, as assessed by the SPPB, predicts death/delisting for LT candidates ≥65 years independent of MELD-Na. Further research into activity-based interventions to reduce adverse transplant outcomes in this population is warranted.
Insulin and insulin receptors in early chick embryo development

The physiological function of insulin in early embryonic life is unknown. Pancreatic insulin synthesis and secretion do not appear in chick embryos until 31/2 to 4 days of development. Nevertheless, immuno-active and bioactive insulin is present in eggs and in chick embryos at day 2 of development. Insulin receptors as well as insulin-like growth factor receptors are widespread in embryo tissues during the first week of embryogenesis. We suggest that endogenous insulin plays a physiological role in early embryo growth and differentiation even before emergence of the endocrine pancreas.