cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
"Automatically assessing code understandability" reanalyzed: combined metrics matter

Previous research shows that developers spend most of their time understanding code. Despite the importance of code understandability for maintenance-related activities, an objective measure of it remains an elusive goal. Recently, Scalabrino et al. reported on an experiment with 46 Java developers designed to evaluate metrics for code understandability. The authors collected and analyzed data on more than a hundred features describing the code snippets, the developers' experience, and the developers' performance on a quiz designed to assess understanding. They concluded that none of the metrics considered can individually capture understandability. Expecting that understandability is better captured by a combination of multiple features, we present a reanalysis of the data from the Scalabrino et al. study, in which we use different statistical modeling techniques. Our models suggest that some computed features of code, such as those arising from syntactic structure and documentation, have a small but significant correlation with understandability. Further, we construct a binary classifier of understandability based on various interpretable code features, which has a small amount of discriminating power. Our encouraging results, based on a small data set, suggest that a useful metric of understandability could feasibly be created, but more data is needed.
Commensal Enterobacteriaceae Protect against Salmonella Colonization through Oxygen Competition

Summary Neonates are highly susceptible to infection with enteric pathogens, but the underlying mechanisms are not resolved. We show that neonatal chick colonization with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis requires a virulence-factor-dependent increase in epithelial oxygenation, which drives pathogen expansion by aerobic respiration. Co-infection experiments with an Escherichia coli strain carrying an oxygen-sensitive reporter suggest that S. Enteritidis competes with commensal Enterobacteriaceae for oxygen. A combination of Enterobacteriaceae and spore-forming bacteria, but not colonization with either community alone, confers colonization resistance against S. Enteritidis in neonatal chicks, phenocopying germ-free mice associated with adult chicken microbiota. Combining spore-forming bacteria with a probiotic E. coli isolate protects germ-free mice from pathogen colonization, but the protection is lost when the ability to respire oxygen under micro-aerophilic conditions is genetically ablated in E. coli. These results suggest that commensal Enterobacteriaceae contribute to colonization resistance by competing with S. Enteritidis for oxygen, a resource critical for pathogen expansion.
Abstract WMP77: Ischemic Preconditioning Improves Long-Term Outcomes and Preserves Blood-Brain Barrier After Ischemic Stroke via Oxidative Signaling and Nrf2 Activation

Introduction: Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) protects the brain against subsequent ischemic injuries. However, its protective mechanisms and long-term impact on stroke outcomes are unknown. IPC req...
“Slime” contact dermatitis: Case report and review of relevant allergens

Homemade "slime" is currently a popular childhood hobby that can cause allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. We describe a case of hand dermatitis due to homemade "slime" with a positive patch test to methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/methylisothiazolinone (MI) and MI. The most common potential allergens in "slime" collected from a review of "slime" recipes found on the Internet are reviewed.
Acute presentation of pediatric splenic torsion

Abstract Wandering spleen is a rare condition that is a result of congenital splenic hypermobility due to an abnormality or absence of the normal splenic ligamentous attachments [1]. Presentation can be variable, including pain with or without torsion, and gastric or intestinal obstruction. We describe two recent pediatric cases where patients presented with splenic torsion secondary to wandering spleen.
Aging Out of Pediatrics

It was September of 2017 I started seeing patients in my new job and was excited to meet new patients. I saw a 22-year-old woman, here to establish care, as written on my clinic template. I walked into the room to see this grown-up woman sitting next to a concerned father.
Fazioli, K. Patrick. The mirror of the medieval: an anthropology of the Western historical imagination. x, 195 pp., maps, figs, tables, illus., bibliogr. Oxford, New York: Berghahn Books, 2017. £78.00 (cloth)

This is a review on The mirror of the medieval: an anthropology of the Western historical imagination.
Growth Mindset Training and Effective Learning Strategies in Community College Registered Nursing Students

Abstract Mindset training correlates with student success at all educational levels but has not been applied to nursing education. This pilot study evaluated 35 prelicensure community college registered nursing students on their mindset perspective and learning styles before and after a brief mindset training intervention. After intervention, participants demonstrated increased growth mindset attributes and utilization of evidence-based learning strategies.
During oxidative stress the Clp proteins of Escherichia coli ensure that iron pools remain sufficient to reactivate oxidized metalloenzymes

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is formed in natural environments by both biotic and abiotic processes. It easily enters the cytoplasms of microorganisms, where it can disrupt growth by inactivating iron-dependent enzymes. It also reacts with the intracellular iron pool, generating hydroxyl radicals that can lethally damage DNA. Therefore, virtually all bacteria possess H2O2-responsive transcription factors that control defensive regulons. These typically include catalases and peroxidases that scavenge H2O2 Another common component is the miniferritin Dps, which sequesters loose iron and thereby suppresses hydroxyl-radical formation. In this study, we determined that Escherichia coli also induces the ClpS and ClpA proteins of the ClpSAP protease complex. Mutants that lack this protease, plus its partner, ClpXP protease, cannot grow when H2O2 levels rise. The growth defect was traced to the inactivity of dehydratases in the pathway of branched-chain amino acid synthesis. These enzymes rely on a solvent-exposed [4Fe-4S] cluster that H2O2 degrades. In a typical cell the cluster is continuously repaired, but in the clpSA clpX mutant the repair process is defective. We determined that this disability is due to an excessively small iron pool, apparently due to the oversequestration of iron by Dps. Dps was previously identified as a substrate of both the ClpSAP and ClpXP proteases, and in their absence its levels are unusually high. The implication is that the stress response to H2O2 has evolved to strike a careful balance, diminishing iron pools enough to protect the DNA but keeping them substantial enough that critical iron-dependent enzymes can be repaired.IMPORTANCE Hydrogen peroxide mediates the toxicity of phagocytes, lactic acid bacteria, redox-cycling antibiotics, and photochemistry. The underlying mechanisms all involve its reaction with iron atoms, whether in enzymes or on the surface of DNA. Accordingly, when bacteria perceive toxic H2O2, they activate defensive tactics that are focused on iron metabolism. In this study, we identify a conundrum: DNA is best protected by the removal of iron from the cytoplasm, but this action impairs the ability of the cell to reactivate its iron-dependent enzymes. The actions of the Clp proteins appear to hedge against the oversequestration of iron by the miniferritin Dps. This buffering effect is important, because E. coli seeks not just to survive H2O2 but to grow in its presence.
RoboChain: A Secure Data-Sharing Framework for Human-Robot Interaction

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 751615 and No. 701236.
Easy-Prime: a machine learning-based prime editor design tool.

Prime editing is a revolutionary genome-editing technology that can make a wide range of precise edits in DNA. However, designing highly efficient prime editors (PEs) remains challenging. We develop Easy-Prime, a machine learning–based program trained with multiple published data sources. Easy-Prime captures both known and novel features, such as RNA folding structure, and optimizes feature combinations to improve editing efficiency. We provide optimized PE design for installation of 89.5% of 152,351 GWAS variants. Easy-Prime is available both as a command line tool and an interactive PE design server at: http://easy-prime.cc/. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13059-021-02458-0.
Density gradient system. II. A 50 channel programmable undulating diaphragm peristaltic pump.

Abstract A special peristaltic pump is described that has functioned as part of a system for density gradient formation and fractionation. Twenty-five pumping tubes are actuated on both the top and bottom of the pump. A Mylar diaphragm interposed between the rollers and the pumping tubes filters out the horizontal, stretching component of the forces imparted to the tubes. This greatly prolongs tube life, increases the allowable pressures that can be achieved with such a pump, and thus permits accurate delivery of viscous solutions. An explanation of the cause of the pulsations produced by peristaltic pumps is presented and the virtual elimination of these pulsations is demonstrated. Both velocity and direction of flow of the pump are controlled. By means of two independent bidirectional digital counters, preset volumes of fluid can be delivered and the total volume of liquid determined. Studies demonstrating the relative independence of fluid volume delivered at a preset count versus flow velocity and composition are presented. Other possibilities for use of the pump in automating density gradient analysis are discussed. Possibilities for employment of the pump for autoanalysis and in artificial organs are indicated.
On the possibility of magnetically confined plasma to reach breakeven or ignition conditions

Summary form only given. An analysis of the conditions for breakeven done under the assumption that the heat losses are governed by heat transfer theory, rather than through the 3nkT//spl tau//sub E/ term, leads to the following two expressions for breakeven (/spl alpha/ particles escape), or ignition (/spl alpha/ particles retained), respectively. In conclusion, a magnetically confined plasma cannot reach breakeven or ignition.
Wavelength conversion resources allocation algorithms for share-per-link wavelength convertible switches

Dynamic Conversion Resources Allocation Algorithm, CRAA, will be a key technique for tackling the Routing and Wavelength Assignment, RWA, problem. The adaptation of a certain dynamic CRAA will in fact influences the complexity of the optical switch control plane and accordingly the blocking performance of the share-per-link Wavelength Convertible Switch, WCS. We propose three different CRAA algorithms, Narrow Search Algorithm (NSA), Inclusive Search Algorithm (ISA), and Optimized Inclusive Search Algorithm (OISA), for dynamically allocating conversion resources. Analytical models are developed for these algorithms to verify their efficiency in allocation of conversion resources with consideration of different performance metrics in the wavelength routing networks. ISA is characterized by a high algorithm time complexity and requires higher processing load to achieve better allocation rate than NSA. The optimization of conversion resources search in OISA will minimize the exhaustive nature of the ISA search and results in a comparable performance.
Increased Pulmonary Blood Flow as a Regulator of Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling: Role of eNOS ♦ 105

To better understand the mechanisms whereby pulmonary blood flow regulates pulmonary vascular bed growth in congenital heart lesions, 42 day old Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 24) had creation of an aortocaval shunt to increase pulmonary blood flow for six weeks. The shunt resulted in a significant increase in heart (2.89 ± 0.4 vs 6.1 ± 0.9, P ≤ 0.05) and lung (1.93 ± 0.5 vs 4.6 ± 1.4, P ≤ 0.05) to body weight (sham vs shunt, mean ± standard deviation) without significantly altering pulmonary (16 ± 3 vs 19 ± 4, NS) or carotid (125 ± 5 vs 130 ± 6, NS) blood pressures (mean mm Hg ± standard deviation). Histologic examination of the lungs revealed significant thickening of the pulmonary arterial medial wall relative to the vessel diameter (35% ± 7.2 vs 57% ± 11.8, P ≤ 0.05, sham vs shunt, mean ± standard deviation) and increased muscularization of very small arteries (≤ 80μM) as evidenced by α-actin smooth muscle staining. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining and bromo-deoxyuridine labeling of proliferating cells demonstrated that the thickened arterial wall was a result of medial hypertrophy and not proliferation. To determine the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of the arteriolar hypertrophy or the affect of hypertrophy on NO expression in the pulmonary vasculature, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) gene and protein expression were determined in lungs from shunt and sham operated animals. Western and northern analysis demonstrated that eNOS protein and mRNA levels were not altered in the shunt lungs. In addition NAPDH diaphorase staining was negative for increased NOS in the hypertrophied pulmonary vasculature of the shunt animals. Therefore increased pulmonary flow without increased pressure resulted in pulmonary artery medial hypertrophy and not hyperplasia. We speculate that the pulmonary vascular remodeling resulting from increased pulmonary blood flow alone is not mediated by eNOS.
Recording horizontal rotations of head and eyes in spontaneous shifts, of gaze

In this paper, a method is described for simultaneous recording of horizontal rotation of the eyes in the head and rotation of the head about its natural vertical axis. Angular positions of eyesand head are obtained as proportionate dc voltages that are summed to obtain a record of the horizontal direction of gaze sensitive to l-deg saccades and accurate to within ±2 deg for at least the central 90 deg of the visual field. The apparatus is so light that it is hardly felt by the S, who, while seated, is free to move in any way he chooses and to perform any task. In addition, the angular position of a target rotating around the head may also be recorded for observation of visual-pursuit behavior.
Neutron and gamma-ray emission from palladium deuteride under supercritical conditions

This paper reports on palladium which is exposed to pressurized deuterium gas at 60 atm and 198 K and the temperature is cycled up to 593 K, beyond the critical point for palladium deuteride. Two neutron and gamma-ray counters, located near the pressurized vessel, show evidence of excess neutrons and gamma rays beyond the background level. Similar experiments with an empty cell or with a hydrogen-palladium cell show no excess in neutrons and gamma rays beyond the background levels. If the excess in neutrons is due to fusion, a corresponding fusion rate of 10{sup 21} fusion/d-d {center dot} s can be estimated, which is comparable to the rate of 10{sup 23} for electrochemically induced fusion.
Case Development with a Local Basis: Opportunities and Responsibilities for Students

(1991). Case Development with a Local Basis: Opportunities and Responsibilities for Students. Journal of Education for Business: Vol. 66, No. 6, pp. 342-345.
What to teach about databases

Lately, there has been increased pressure on universities to place more emphasis on teaching, relative to research. Hence, this is a good time to discuss the state of database instruction in universities. The annual SIGMOD Conference brings together both the “producers” and the “consumers” of database education (i.e., university professors, and professionals representing research and development organizations). Hence, this is a good place to hold such a discussion.
Two-dimensional simulation and modeling in scanning electron microscope imaging and metrology research.

Traditional Monte Carlo modeling of the electron beam-specimen interactions in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) produces information about electron beam penetration and output signal generation at either a single beam-landing location, or multiple landing positions. If the multiple landings lie on a line, the results can be graphed in a line scan-like format. Monte Carlo results formatted as line scans have proven useful in providing one-dimensional information about the sample (e.g., linewidth). When used this way, this process is called forward line scan modeling. In the present work, the concept of image simulation (or the first step in the inverse modeling of images) is introduced where the forward-modeled line scan data are carried one step further to construct theoretical two-dimensional (2-D) micrographs (i.e., theoretical SEM images) for comparison with similar experimentally obtained micrographs. This provides an ability to mimic and closely match theory and experiment using SEM images. Calculated and/or measured libraries of simulated images can be developed with this technique. The library concept will prove to be very useful in the determination of dimensional and other properties of simple structures, such as integrated circuit parts, where the shape of the features is preferably measured from a single top-down image or a line scan. This paper presents one approach to the generation of 2-D simulated images and presents some suggestions as to their application to critical dimension metrology.
The Human Operator as a Sampled-Data System

A sampled-data model of the human operator in compensatory tracking is proposed. The model assumes that the operator's behavior is characterized by sampling, data reconstruction and extrapolation operations. The spectral characteristics of the new model are presented.
Nest-site selection by cavity-nesting birds in relation to postfire salvage logging.

Large wildfire events in coniferous forests of the western United States are often followed by postfire timber harvest. The long-term impacts of postfire timber harvest on fire-associated cavity-nesting bird species are not well documented. We studied nest-site selection by cavity-nesting birds over a 10-year period (1994–2003), representing 1–11 years after fire, on two burns created by mixed severity wildfires in western Idaho, USA. One burn was partially salvaged logged (the Foothills burn), the other was primarily unlogged (the Star Gulch burn). We monitored 1367 nests of six species (Lewis’s Woodpecker Melanerpes lewis, Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus, Black-backed Woodpecker P. arcticus, Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus, Western Bluebird Sialia mexicana, and Mountain Bluebird S. currucoides). Habitat data at nest and non-nest random locations were characterized at fine (field collected) and coarse (remotely sensed) spatial scales. Nest-site selection for most species was consistently associated with higher snag densities and larger snag diameters, whereas wildfire location (Foothills versus Star Gulch) was secondarily important. All woodpecker species used nest sites with larger diameter snags that were surrounded by higher densities of snags than at non-nest locations. Nests of Hairy Woodpecker and Mountain Bluebird were primarily associated with the unlogged wildfire, whereas nests of Lewis’s Woodpecker and Western Bluebird were associated with the partially logged burn in the early years after fire. Nests of wood-probing species (Hairy and Black-backed Woodpeckers) were also located in larger forest patch areas than patches measured at non-nest locations. Our results confirm previous findings that maintaining clumps of large snags in postfire landscapes is necessary for maintaining breeding habitat of cavity-nesting birds. Additionally, appropriately managed salvage logging can create habitat for some species of cavity-nesting birds that prefer more open environments. Our findings can be used by land mangers to develop design criteria for postfire salvage logging that will reserve breeding habitat for cavity-nesting birds. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Accelerated endometrial maturation in the luteal phase of cycles utilizing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation : impact of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists versus antagonists

Abstract Objective To evaluate the endometrium obtained during the luteal phase of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycles utilizing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists, and to compare these findings with those obtained in cycles utilizing a GnRH agonist and with artificial cycles among recipients. Design Prospective evaluation of oocyte donors. Setting University-based in vitro fertilization (IVF) center. Patient(s) Fifteen oocyte donors undergoing standard COH were enrolled in 1 of 3 COH groups, and 40 recipients of oocyte donation were used as a control group. Intervention(s) Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and endometrial biopsy. Main outcome measure(s) Histological dating of endometrial biopsies, serum estradiol (E 2 ) and progesterone levels. Result(s) On the day of oocyte retrieval, endometrial maturation was advanced by an average of 5.8 ± 0.4 days in the antagonist group and 5.9 ± 0.7 days in the agonist group. This advancement persisted on day 7 postoocyte retrieval. Serum progesterone levels were elevated before human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration, but remained similar in both groups. Conclusion(s) Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation is associated with elevated progesterone levels in the late follicular phase and accelerated endometrial maturation in the subsequent luteal phase. No significant differences exist between preretrieval serial serum progesterone levels and luteal phase endometrial histology between cycles utilizing GnRH agonists or antagonists.
Successful Long-Term Treatment of Refractory Cushing’s Disease with High-Dose Mifepristone (RU 486)

An extremely ill patient, with Cushing’s syndrome caused by an ACTH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma, experienced complications of end-stage cardiomyopathy, profound psychosis, and multiple metabolic disturbances. Initially treated unsuccessfully by a combination of conventional surgical, medical, and radiotherapeutic approaches, he responded dramatically to high-dose long-term mifepristone therapy (up to 25 mg/kg·d). Treatment efficacy was confirmed by the normalization of all biochemical glucocorticoid-sensitive measurements, as well as by the significant reversal of the patient’s heart failure, the resolution of his psychotic depression, and the eventual unusual return of his adrenal axis to normal. His 18-month-long mifepristone treatment course was notable for development of severe hypokalemia that was attributed to excessive cortisol activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor, which responded to spironolactone administration. This case illustrates the efficacy of high-dose long-term treatment with...
Blood flow and blood-tissue diffusion of 86Rb in denervated and tenotomized muscles undergoing atrophy☆

Abstract Pressure-flow relations and capillary diffusion capacity ( PS Rb ) were measured in isolated, blood-perfused dog gracilis muscles 2–60 days after denervation or tenotomy. Unoperated and sham-tenotomized muscles served as controls. These, as well as tenotomized muscles, were acutely denervated before study to remove direct influence of vasomotor nerves. Blood flow with reference to original muscle weight was increased between 2 days and 2 weeks after denervation, but only later than 5 weeks after tenotomy. Pressure-flow curves of denervated, vasodilated muscles show more pronounced autoregulation, and PS Rb was increased in these muscles. In tenotomized, vasodilated muscles, autoregulation was not improved, and PS Rb was not increased. These observations indicate that the vasodilatation of denervated muscle resembles metabolic vasodilatation and involves both resistance and exchange vessels, while that of tenotomized muscles is restricted to the resistance vessels.
A design for high-speed low-power CMOS fully parallel content-addressable memory macros

Described is a design for high-speed low-power-consumption fully parallel content-addressable memory (CAM) macros for CMOS ASIC applications. The design supports configurations ranging from 64 words by 8 bits to 2048 words by 64 bits and achieves around 7.5-ns search access times in CAM macros on a 0.35-/spl mu/m 3.3-V standard CMOS ASIC technology. A new CAM cell with a pMOS match-line driver reduces search rush current and power consumption, allowing a NOR-type match-line structure suitable for high-speed search operations. It is also shown that the CAM cell has other advantages that lead to a simple high-speed current-saving architecture. A small signal on the match line is detected by a single-ended sense amplifier which has both high-speed and low-power characteristics and a latch function. The same type of sense amplifier is used for a fast read operation, realizing 5-ns access time under typical conditions. For further current savings in search operations, the precharging of the match line is controlled based on the valid bit status. Also, a dual bit switch with optimized size and control reduces the current. CAM macros of 256/spl times/54 configuration on test chips showed 7.3-ns search access time with a power-performance metric of 131 fJ/bit/search under typical conditions.
Failure mode analysis of silicon-based intracortical microelectrode arrays in non-human primates

Objective. Brain?computer interfaces (BCIs) using chronically implanted intracortical microelectrode arrays (MEAs) have the potential to restore lost function to people with disabilities if they work reliably for years. Current sensors fail to provide reliably useful signals over extended periods of time for reasons that are not clear. This study reports a comprehensive retrospective analysis from a large set of implants of a single type of intracortical MEA in a single species, with a common set of measures in order to evaluate failure modes. Approach. Since 1996, 78 silicon MEAs were implanted in 27 monkeys (Macaca mulatta). We used two approaches to find reasons for sensor failure. First, we classified the time course leading up to complete recording failure as acute (abrupt) or chronic (progressive). Second, we evaluated the quality of electrode recordings over time based on signal features and electrode impedance. Failure modes were divided into four categories: biological, material, mechanical, and unknown. Main results. Recording duration ranged from 0 to 2104?days (5.75?years), with a mean of 387?days and a median of 182?days (n = 78). Sixty-two arrays failed completely with a mean time to failure of 332?days (median = 133?days) while nine array experiments were electively terminated for experimental reasons (mean = 486?days). Seven remained active at the close of this study (mean = 753?days). Most failures (56%) occurred within a year of implantation, with acute mechanical failures the most common class (48%), largely because of connector issues (83%). Among grossly observable biological failures (24%), a progressive meningeal reaction that separated the array from the parenchyma was most prevalent (14.5%). In the absence of acute interruptions, electrode recordings showed a slow progressive decline in spike amplitude, noise amplitude, and number of viable channels that predicts complete signal loss by about eight years. Impedance measurements showed systematic early increases, which did not appear to affect recording quality, followed by a slow decline over years. The combination of slowly falling impedance and signal quality in these arrays indicates that insulating material failure is the most significant factor. Significance. This is the first long-term failure mode analysis of an emerging BCI technology in a large series of non-human primates. The classification system introduced here may be used to standardize how neuroprosthetic failure modes are evaluated. The results demonstrate the potential for these arrays to record for many years, but achieving reliable sensors will require replacing connectors with implantable wireless systems, controlling the meningeal reaction, and improving insulation materials. These results will focus future research in order to create clinical neuroprosthetic sensors, as well as valuable research tools, that are able to safely provide reliable neural signals for over a decade.
Atypical regulation of G protein-coupled receptor intracellular trafficking by ubiquitination.

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling is precisely regulated. After activation, GPCRs are desensitized, internalized and either recycled to the cell surface or sorted to lysosomes for degradation. The main route for GPCR lysosomal sorting requires ubiquitination and the endosomal-sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT). Four distinct ESCRT adaptor protein complexes act sequentially to bind and sort ubiquitinated cargo to lysosomes. Several studies now indicate that alternate pathways exist for GPCR lysosomal sorting that require only some components of the ESCRT and autophagy machinery. While direct GPCR ubiquitination is not required for alternate lysosomal sorting, new evidence suggests that ubiquitin may function indirectly to modulate adaptor protein activity. Here, we discuss the atypical regulation of GPCR lysosomal sorting by ubiquitination.
Towards dynamic self-tuning for intrusion detection systems

Anomaly-based intrusion detection systems pattern the normal activity and are attractive in that new, never-seen attacks can be detected. In addition, they can be implemented as a black box solution that sits away from the host using methods that allow rapid processing of the incoming packets without the need to examine high layer information such as protocol details or host profiles. However, the statistical fingerprint of the normal traffic can shift. These changes, caused by various site-level phenomenon (such as changes in overall activity at the networked site or even system updates), can lead to a significant increase in false positive rates. In turn, this effect puts a heavy burden on the post-detection stages which inspect the packets that have raised alarms thereby reducing the overall system performance. In order to guarantee the level of reliability such a system is expected to provide, we need an autonomous mechanism for detecting when a valid traffic change occurs and a self-tuning mechanism when such an alarm is raised. In this paper, we explore in detail the first step towards automating the tuning of intrusion detection systems-the alarm generation. We present a scheme for computing when a traffic change occurs using statistical analysis with anomaly score data. This method can be adapted to a variety of anomaly-based intrusion detection systems. We show that, with some modification, a combination of technical analysis methods (typically used in predicting and verifying financial market data) can be used to guide the intrusion detection system by providing information on when the traffic change occurs. We also discuss the possibility of quick re-tuning using incoming packets collected on-line with a noise-resistant intrusion detection scheme.
A study of hemolytic streptococcal infections in relation to antistreptolysin O titer changes in orphanage children

Summary Observations are reported on a one-yearorphanage study of hemolytic streptococcal infections, during which weekly throat cultures and monthly antistreptolysin O determinations were made. When these data were analyzed in relation to clinical and subclinical illness in the study group and the influence of limited specific therapy, the following observations were made: 1. The high prevalence of infectionwith hemolytic streptococci during the early months of the study was considered to represent a convalescent carrier state, due to the low prevalence of clinical illness and the downward trend of antistreptolysin O titers. 2. During this early period, widespreadinfection with Group C hemolytic streptococci was encountered, without associated clinical illness or significant increases in antistreptolysin O titer. However, the latter occurred during the subsequent months of the study in nine children following infection with this organism. The potential significance of Group C infections, in relation to rheumatic fever, is discussed. 3. Clinical illness and significant increasesin antistreptolysin O titer were noted most frequently in the youngest age group and less frequently in the older age groups of the study, following the acquisition of Group A hemolytic streptococci. 4. Significant increases in antistreptolysin O titer were preceded most frequently by upper respiratory illness in the youngest age group and less frequently in the older age groups, in whom subclinical infections were more common. 5. Nontypable Group A hemolyticstreptococci encountered during our study appeared to be as capable of producing clinical illness and immunologic responses as typable organisms. 6. Failure of prophylactic penicillinproducing adequate blood levels (0.03 to 0.125 unit per milliliter) to eradicate Group C hemolytic streptococci was observed in a few instances. While tetracycline hydrochloride achieved the eradication of these organisms, its administration was followed by the emergence of large numbers of staphylococci. The latter produced no adverse effects even during an epidemic of measles. 7. The failure of short courses of penicillin and tetracycline antibiotics to eradicate hemolytic streptococci was repeatedly observed, and the implications of this, and of the observations made above, in the prevention of rheumatic fever are discussed.
The outcome of cancer patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Abstract Objective The objective of the study is to determine the 28-day mortality of critically ill cancer patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Design This is a retrospective cohort study of patients enrolled in the ARDS Network randomized controlled trials. Results A total of 2515 patients did not have cancer, and 116 patients had cancer. Patients with cancer were older (median, 61 vs 49 years; P Conclusions Cancer patients with ARDS have a significantly higher risk of death compared with those without cancer. The increased risk appeared to be mediated by increased severity of illness at presentation, as well as by age.
Cellular transformation by coordinated action of three peptide growth factors from human platelets

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is known to be involved in regulating the mitosis of connective tissue cells, and recent studies have also shown that it may function in mediating cellular transformation. The oncogene carried by simian sarcoma virus, sis, is homologous to one chain of PDGF, and treatment of non-neoplastic cells with this growth factor results in increased transcription of another oncogene, myc (ref. 9). PDGF also stimulates the synthesis of proteins that are characteristic of transformed cells. However, phenotypic transformation does not appear to result from the action of PDGF alone. For example, expression of myc does not transform cells in the absence of other oncogene expression. We have recently shown that platelets contain another peptide growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)12,13, in addition to PDGF. We report here that extracts of human platelets can induce anchorage-independent growth of nonneoplastic rat kidney (NRK) fibroblasts, but that purified PDGF alone does not elicit this effect. Rather, the transforming activity of the platelet extract is due to a concerted action of three distinct peptides: PDGF, TGF-ss and a newly identified analogue of epidermal growth factor (EGF).
Benefits of surgical experience in a third-world country during residency.

Abstract Purpose Completion of a United States surgical residency enables the graduate to provide service in most populated areas. Graduates are technically well trained and efficient in performing most surgeries. United States–based teaching facilities are generally furnished with technically advanced supplies and equipment. Access to financial reserve is also available. Surgery in third-world countries, however, can be challenging. These countries, particularly in the outskirts, lack supplies and innovation, such as advanced equipment, medication, and personnel. Compounding the problem, patients tend to have advanced pathology and diminished financial means. Methods The United States–based surgical team annually collaborated with a medical mission to provide service to a rural community of the Dominican Republic. A senior-level surgery resident accompanied the surgeon. Surgical supplies were donated and brought with the team. The average number of cases performed was approximately 37 per week. All procedures were performed for symptomatic pathology. All patients were preoperatively screened and evaluated for comorbidities. Results No immediate complications occurred. Local physicians provide long-term follow-up. Pediatric procedures were not performed secondary to lack of postoperative resources. Conclusions Surgical experience is beneficial to the recipient community and the resident surgeon. The extent of pathology and lack of resources enforces efficiency and broadens skills. This opportunity can potentially prepare surgeons for the growing need of rural surgery.
Sjögren-Larsson syndrome. Impaired fatty alcohol oxidation in cultured fibroblasts due to deficient fatty alcohol:nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidoreductase activity.

Lipid metabolism was studied in cultured skin fibroblasts from patients with the inherited disorder, Sjogren-Larsson syndrome (SLS). Intact SLS fibroblasts incubated in the presence of [1-14C]palmitate accumulated more radioactive hexadecanol than did normal cells, whereas incorporation of radioactivity into other cellular lipids was unaltered. The hexadecanol content of SLS fibroblasts was abnormally elevated. Hexadecanol accumulation was not due to increased fatty alcohol synthesis nor its deficient utilization for glycerol ether synthesis. The half-life of intracellular hexadecanol loaded into SLS fibroblasts was increased (70 min) compared with normal (15 min), and intact SLS fibroblasts showed impaired oxidation of [14C]-hexadecanol to fatty acid. Fatty alcohol:NAD+ oxidoreductase, the enzyme catalyzing this reaction, was deficient in SLS fibroblasts. Mean total activity in SLS fibroblasts (n = 5) was 13% of that in normal fibroblasts, and palmitoyl CoA-inhibitable activity was 1% of normal. Fibroblasts from two obligate SLS heterozygotes had enzyme activities intermediate between that in normal fibroblasts and individuals with SLS. These results suggest that the primary defect in SLS is deficiency of fatty alcohol:NAD+ oxidoreductase. SLS represents the first inherited disorder in man associated with an isolated abnormality in fatty alcohol metabolism.
Use of therapy time as a reinforcer: application of operant conditioning techniques within a traditional psychotherapy context

Abstract In operant conditioning, behavior is controlled by explicitly and systematically arranging the consequences of a specified response. This preliminary report describes the use of operant conditioning techniques utilizing a novel reinforcer—time allowed in therapy—to reinstate desirable study habits in a neurotic woman undergoing individual psychotherapy.
Chemical characterization of Arctic soils: activity area analysis in contemporary Yup'ik fish camps using ICP-AES

Abstract Despite the vital role of seasonal fish camps in hunter–gatherer subsistence activities in the Arctic, little archaeological or ethnographic research on fish camps has been conducted. This ethnoarchaeological study uses the chemical composition of soil samples collected at two modern fish camps in the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta of western Alaska to elucidate chemical soil signatures associated with seasonal subsistence fish camps and the activities performed there. Concentrations of Al, Ba, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, P, Sr, Ti, and Zn were determined using an inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES). Both camps showed distinct anthropogenic soil signatures, even though one camp had a 30-year occupation history and one camp had only been occupied for 1 year. In addition, some activity areas within the camps have distinct anthropogenic signatures. In the future, this research can be used to identify ephemeral camps and their activities in the archaeological record.
Effect of Photoperiod on Progeny Production and Longevity of Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Egg Parasite Ooencyrtus kuvanae (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

Young adults of Ooencyrtus kuvanae (Howard) were held at different photoperiods and periodically supplied with gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), eggs while their progeny production and longevity were noted. Females reared at 10:14 (L:D) and 12:12 photoperiods produced fewer progeny but lived longer than those held at 14:10 or 16:8 photoperiods. Switching females from a 10:14 to a 16:8 photoperiod after 12 days (or vice versa) did not influence progeny production; females continued to reproduce as they would have if photoperiods had not been changed. This suggests that the initial photoperiod environment of the adult is important. Dissections showed that number of mature eggs in ovaries of females held at a 16:8 photoperiod increased more than that in ovaries of females held at a 10:14 photoperiod, corroborating progeny production results. Females preconditioned to long or short photoperiods for 2 weeks did not differ in longevity when held subsequently at low temperatures.
Evaluation of microtiter-plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the analysis of triazine and chloroacetanilide herbicides in rainfall

Triazine and chloroacetanilide concentrations in rainfall samples collected from a 23-state region of the United States were analyzed with microtiter-plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Thirty-six percent of rainfall samples (2072 out of 5691) were confirmed using gas chro matography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to evaluate the operating performance of ELISA as a screening test. Comparison of ELISA to GC/MS results showed that the two ELISA methods accurately reported GC/MS results (m = 1), but with more variability evident with the triazine than with the chloroacetanilide ELISA. Bayes's rule, a standardized method to report the results of screening tests, indicated that the two ELISA methods yielded comparable predictive values (80%), but the triazine ELISA yielded a false-positive rate of 11.8% and the chloroacetanilide ELISA yielded a false-negative rate of 23.1%. The false-positive rate for the triazine ELISA may arise from cross reactivity with an unknown triazine or metabolite. The false-n...
Analytical solutions for steady and transient flow in non-homogeneous and anisotropic rock joints

Abstract Analytical solutions are presented for the distributions of head and velocity due to flow of water in a single rectangular rock joint with anisotropic and non-homogeneous hydraulic properties. The joint can be intersected by point sources or sinks representing boreholes or drains. The flow is laminar, steady or transient. The solutions are based on integral transforms such as Fourier and Laguerre transforms and provide continuous and differentiable expressions for the head and velocity components at each point in the joint domain and at any time t. Thus, there is no need to discretize the joint surface into elements as with finite element and finite difference methods. The solutions can handle any arbitrary variations of joint aperture and surface roughness. Preferential flow paths and channel flow can be predicted once the joint void space is characterized. Deviations from the cubic law due to joint variable aperture and surface roughness can also be studied in a non-empirical manner. Numerical examples are presented illustrating some applications of the proposed solutions.
Transient ischemic attacks with normal arteriograms: serious or benign prognosis?

Of 226 patients with cerebral transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) evaluated with panarteriography, 16 had no demonstrable abnormalities in the aorto-cervico-cranial arterial tree. During a follow-up period ranging from three to eight years, 8 of the 16 were asymptomatic; 4 developed strokes and 3 died, 2 of cerebral infarction and 1 of myocardial infarction. The surviving patient who had a cerebral infarct continues to have TIAs. There were 2 other deaths, 1 from myocardial infarction and the other accidental. Two other patients continue to have TIAs.
Surface morphology of PECVD fluorocarbon thin films from hexafluoropropylene oxide, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, and difluoromethane

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements have been made on a series of fluorocarbon films deposited from pulsed plasmas of hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO), 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (C 2 H 2 F 4 ), and difluoromethane (CH 2 F 2 ). All of the films give images showing nodular growth (cauliflower-like appearance), with the size and distribution of the nodules dependent on both the precursor, the degree of surface modification to which the growing film is exposed, and the substrate surface. Films deposited from C 2 H 2 F 4 showed clusters of smaller nodules around larger nodules, whereas films deposited from CH 2 F 2 were characterized by a uniform distribution of smaller nodules, and films deposited from HFPO had the largest observed nodules. Movchan and Demchishin's structure zone model was applied to the observed films, which were all found to be zone 1 structures, indicating that film growth is dominated by shadowing effects. Increased substrate temperature and incident power per nm of film deposited results in decreased rms roughness, consistent with greater atomic mobility during deposition. Larger nodules in the fluorocarbon films developed on silicon wafer substrates than on rougher Al-coated substrates. Advancing contact angles for all of the films were found to be higher than that of PTFE (108°), indicating both hydrophobic and rough surfaces. Specifically, contact angles of films deposited from HFPO were found to increase with pulse off-time, the same trend observed for both the CF 2 fraction of the film and the rms roughness.
Impacts of dietary selenium deficiency on metabolic phenotypes of diet-restricted GPX1-overexpressing mice.

Abstract We previously reported a spontaneous development of type 2 diabetes–like phenotypes in glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX1)-overexpressing (OE) mice. Diet restriction of these mice rescued all their phenotypes, except for hyperinsulinemia and hypersecretion of insulin. This study was to determine whether dietary Se deficiency eliminated these two primary effects of GPX1 overproduction. Forty-seven male OE and wild-type (WT) mice were fed an Se-adequate (0.4 mg Se/kg) or deficient (<0.02 mg Se/kg) diet at 2 to 3 g (full-fed = 5 g) per day from 4 to 12 weeks of age. Although dietary Se deficiency did not rescue the primary phenotypes of the diet-restricted OE mice, it exerted a strong effect (p < 0.05) on mRNA or protein levels (or both) of 14 molecules involved in islet insulin synthesis and secretion and hepatic lipogenesis. Dietary Se deficiency exhibited a hypoinsulinemic trend in OE mice and a strong hypolipidemic effect (p < 0.05) in the liver of WT mice. Hepatic lipogenesis was attenuated in OE c...
Evolution of multi-loop controllers for fixed morphology with a cyclic genetic algorithm

Cyclic genetic algorithms can be used to generate single loop control programs for robots. While successful in generating controllers for individual leg movement, gait generation, and area search path finding, cyclic genetic algorithms have had limited use when dealing with control problems that require different behaviors in response to sensor inputs. For such behaviors, there is a need for modifications that will allow the generation of multi-loop control programs, which can properly react to sensor input. In this work, we present modifications to the standard cyclic genetic algorithm that enables it to learn multi-loop control programs with branching that allows the control to jump from one loop to another. Preliminary tests show the success of our modification.