cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparing Integer Linear Programming to SAT-Solving for Hard Problems in Computational and Systems Biology

It is useful to have general-purpose solution methods that can be applied to a wide range of problems, rather than relying on the development of clever, intricate algorithms for each specific problem. Integer Linear Programming is the most widely-used such general-purpose solution method. It is successful in a wide range of problems. However, there are some problems in computational biology where integer linear programming has had only limited success. In this paper, we explore an alternate, general-purpose solution method: SAT-solving, i.e., constructing Boolean formulas in conjunctive normal form (CNF) that encode a problem instance, and using a SAT-solver to determine if the CNF formula is satisfiable or not. In three hard problems examined, we were very surprised to find the SAT-solving approach was dramatically better than the ILP approach in two problems; and a little slower, but more robust, in the third problem. We also re-examined and confirmed an earlier result on a fourth problem, using current ILP and SAT-solvers. These results should encourage further efforts to exploit SAT-solving in computational biology.
Primary Sinonasal Lymphoma: A Rare Cause of Cranial Neuropathies.

Primary sinonasal lymphomas are a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with an overall incidence of about 1% of all head and neck cancers. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of NHL and it most commonly occurs in elderly men. The diagnosis of such a lymphoma is difficult because of its varied presentation, which usually occurs late after a significant mass effect has taken place. Symptoms vary significantly, from simply nasal obstruction or epistaxis to varied cranial neuropathies or the confusion seen with central nervous system (CNS) spread. Patients may present with a large orbital mass and proptosis. Therefore, emphasis should be placed on earlier detection by using appropriate imaging modalities to reveal such masses. A biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. The prognosis is scored by the International Prognostic Index. Staging scans with whole-body computed tomography (CT) with contrast and positron emission tomography-fluorodeoxyglucose (PET-FDG) are required to determine other areas of involvement. Treatment is with R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) with the case-dependent use of intrathecal chemoprophylaxis (methotrexate) to prevent CNS spread. Here, we present a case series of two patients who were found to have a primary sinonasal lymphoma of the DLBCL type. In both cases, the presenting symptoms were vague. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose NHL early on, which portends the best chance of a successful outcome. This article seeks to emphasize the role of including primary sinonasal lymphoma as a differential in the presentation of unrelenting cranial neuropathies or facial mass.
Exaggerated prevalence effect with the explicit prevalence information: The description-experience gap in visual search

Despite the increasing focus on target prevalence in visual search research, few papers have thoroughly examined the effect of how target prevalence is communicated. Findings in the judgment and decision-making literature have demonstrated that people behave differently depending on whether probabilistic information is made explicit or learned through experience, hence there is potential for a similar difference when communicating prevalence in visual search. Our current research examined how visual search changes depending on whether the target prevalence information was explicitly given to observers or they learned the prevalence through experience with additional manipulations of target reward and salience. We found that when the target prevalence was low, learning prevalence from experience resulted in more target-present responses and longer search times before quitting compared to when observers were explicitly informed of the target probability. The discrepancy narrowed with increased prevalence and reversed in the high target prevalence condition. Eye-tracking results indicated that search with experience consistently resulted in longer fixation durations, with the largest difference in low-prevalence conditions. Longer search time was primarily due to observers re-visited more items. Our work addressed the importance of exploring influences brought by probability communication in future prevalence visual search studies.
Should Museums Serve the Visually Handicapped

The National Museum of Natural History of the Smithsonian Institution undertook a research project to determine what could be done to enable visually handicapped persons to benefit from the museum'...
Correction to: Effects of Agricultural Pollutants on Stress Hormones and Viral Infection in Larval Salamanders

The original publication has been updated. A typographical error has been corrected and references have been updated.
Optimal Replicator Dynamic Controller via Load Balancing and Neural Dynamics for Semi-Active Vibration Control of Isolated Highway Bridge Structures

During the past few decades, major structural damages due to natural disasters like earthquakes has led bridge engineers to develop structural control systems to mitigate damage and improve vibration reduction in real-time. Among different kinds of vibration control systems, base isolation is one of the most commonly used passive control strategies for civil structures. However, base isolators have their own limitations due to the lack of real-time adaptability and lower energy dissipation. In order to overcome this limitation, semi-active damping devices are installed between the deck and piers. In the present study, a semi-active control system comprised of magneto-rheological (MR) dampers is proposed for vibration mitigation of isolated bridge structures. Recently, inspired by evolutionary game theory, a replicator dynamic control algorithm was developed to allocate the input voltage of MR dampers. In this paper, a load balancing strategy is studied to reallocate additional resources and improve the power distribution over semi-active MR dampers. In order to achieve a high-performance design of the replicator controller, a modified patented Neural Dynamic (ND) model of Adeli and Park is used to optimize the load-balanced replicator control parameters. The ND model incorporates a penalty function, the Lyapunov stability theorem, and the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions to guarantee the global convergence of the solution. The objective function is then defined to minimize the dynamic response of the bridge. The proposed methodology is evaluated using a benchmark control problem that is based on Interstate 5 overcrossing California State Route 91 bridge in Southern California subjected to near-field earthquake accelerograms. The performance of the proposed controller is evaluated and compared with conventional Lyapunov and fuzzy control algorithms in terms of 16 different performance criteria describing the reductions in dynamic response of the bridge structure.
Functional characterization of splicing regulatory elements

Background: RNA binding protein-RNA interactions mediate a variety of processes including pre-mRNA splicing, translation, decay, polyadenylation and many others. Previous high-throughput studies have characterized general sequence features associated with increased and decreased splicing of certain exons, but these studies are limited by not knowing the mechanisms, and in particular, the mediating RNA binding proteins, underlying these associations. Results: Here we utilize ENCODE data from diverse data modalities to identify functional splicing regulatory elements and their associated RNA binding proteins. We identify features which make splicing events more sensitive to depletion of RNA binding proteins, as well as which RNA binding proteins act as splicing regulators sensitive to depletion. To analyze the sequence determinants underlying RBP-RNA interactions impacting splicing, we assay tens of thousands of sequence variants in a high-throughput splicing reporter called Vex-seq and confirm a small subset in their endogenous loci using CRISPR base editors. Finally, we leverage other large transcriptomic datasets to confirm the importance of RNA binding proteins which we designed experiments around and identify additional RBPs which may act as additional splicing regulators of the exons studied. Conclusions: This study identifies sequence and other features underlying splicing regulation mediated specific RNA binding proteins, as well as validates and identifies other potentially important regulators of splicing in other large transcriptomic datasets.
Book Review: Sexual Citizens: Sex, Power, and Assault on Campus, by Jennifer Hiersch and Shamus Khan

Hirsch and Khan’s main thesis is organized around three key concepts: sexual projects, sexual citizenship and sexual geographies. “Sexual projects” considers the host of reasons why individuals engage in sexual interactions, including among others, achieving sexual pleasure, expressing their sexual beings, acquiring sexual experiences, connecting with others, and accomplishing certain societal status. (xiv) “Sexual citizenship”, the heart of the argument, posits that all individuals have a basic right to freely exercise their sexual projects. “Sexual citizenship” imposes obligations on others to treat their partners’ sexual projects with dignity and respect and refrain from treating them as mere objects to satisfy their own sexual projects (xvi). “Sexual geographies” describes the various ways in which the geographies surrounding college residential dorms, namely, college life spaces, not only create unique vulnerabilities for many students but also facilitate campus sexual assault (xix). Taken together, these concepts explain the ways in which campus sexual assault ought to be viewed as a result of problematic social constructs (xiii). The implication of this understanding is that rather than focusing on addressing individuals’ personal culpability for concrete instances of sexual assault, society in general and higher education institutions in particular must shift their attention towards addressing the societal root causes that contribute to the problem.
Autologous platelet-rich plasma treatment for moderate-severe Asherman syndrome: the first experience.

Treatment of Asherman syndrome (AS) presents a significant clinical challenge. Based on our in vitro data showing that PRP could activate endometrial cell proliferation and migration, we hypothesized that intrauterine infusion of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may improve endometrial regeneration and fertility outcomes in patients with moderate-severe AS. Subjects with moderate-severe AS were randomized to PRP or saline control administered following hysteroscopic adhesiolysis. Due to relative inability to randomize patients to the control group, after initial randomization of 10 subjects (6 in PRP and 4 in control groups), the remainder were prospectively enrolled in PRP group (n = 9), with 11 historic controls added to control group, for a total of 30 subjects (PRP n = 15; saline control n = 15). Right after hysteroscopy, 0.5–1 mL of PRP or saline was infused into the uterus via a Wallace catheter, followed by estrogen therapy. The primary outcomes were changes in endometrial thickness (EMT, checked in 3 weeks) and in menstrual flow; secondary outcomes were pregnancy and live birth rates. EMT and menstrual bleeding pattern were assessed before and after the intervention. Pregnancy was assessed over a 6-month period. There were no statistically significant differences in age, gravidity/parity, cause of AS, preoperative menses assessment, AS hysteroscopy score, and intrauterine balloon placement between the groups. There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.79) in EMT pre-PRP infusion for control (5.7 mm, 4.0–6.0) and study arm (5.3 mm, 4.9–6.0). There was no statistically significant change (p = 0.78) in EMT after PRP infusion (1.4 mm, − 0.5–2.4) vs saline (1.0 mm, 0.0–2.5). Patients tolerated the procedure well, with no adverse effects. There was no difference in the predicted likelihood of pregnancy (p = 0.45) between the control (0.67, 0.41–0.85) and study arm (0.53, 0.29–0.76). PRP was well accepted and tolerated in AS patients. However, we did not observe any significant EMT increase or improved pregnancy rates after adding PRP infusion, compared to standard treatment only. The use of intrauterine PRP infusion may be a feasible option, and its potential use must be tested on a larger sample size of AS patients.
Changes in Quantity and Sources of Dietary Fiber from Adopting Healthy Low-Fat vs. Healthy Low-Carb Weight Loss Diets: Secondary Analysis of DIETFITS Weight Loss Diet Study.

The daily intake of dietary fiber is well below the recommended levels in the US. The effect of adopting a low-fat vs. a low-carbohydrate weight loss diet on fiber intake is of interest but not well-documented, especially when both approaches promote high-quality food choices. The objective of this paper is to compare the quantity and sources of dietary fiber between a healthy low-fat (HLF) vs. healthy low-carbohydrate (HLC) diet group when consumed over 12 months in a weight loss diet study. In this secondary analysis of the Diet Intervention Examining The Factors Interacting with Treatment Success (DIETFITS) study, the amount and sources of dietary fiber were examined in generally healthy adults, 18–50 years of age, Body Mass Index (BMI) 28–40 kg/m2, randomized to HLF or HLC for 12 months, who had available 24-h recalls at 0 (n = 609), 3 (n = 549), 6 (n = 491), and 12 (n = 449) months. The dietary intake was estimated by the Nutrition Data System for Research (NDS-R). The sources of fiber were determined for the major food groups. Significantly more total dietary fiber was consumed by HLF at every post-randomization time point, and, at 12 m, was 23.04 ± 9.43 g vs. 18.61 ± 8.12 g for HLF vs. HLC, respectively, p < 0.0001. In both diet groups at 12 months, the highest amount of dietary fiber came from non-starchy vegetables (4.13 ± 3.05 g and 5.13 ± 3.59 g). The other primary sources of fiber at 12 months for the HLF group were from whole grains (3.90 ± 3.13 g) and fruits (3.40 ± 2.87 g), and, for the HLC group, were from plant protein and fat sources, such as nuts and seeds, their butters, and avocados (2.64 ± 2.64 g). In the DIETFITS study, the difference in the total fiber intake for the HLF vs. HLC groups was more modest than expected. The HLC group consumed reasonably high amounts of fiber from high-protein and high fat plant-based sources.
The Ripples of Backlash: Same-sex Marriage, the Election of 2004, and the Evolution of Constitutional Law

The significance of the events of 2016 for the future development of constitutional law has been widely discussed in both scholarly commentaries and the popular press. After the death of Justice Antonin Scalia early in that year, many progressives looked forward hopefully to the prospect of regaining control of the Supreme Court for the first time in almost fifty years. However, after the Senate refused to consider Barack Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland to replace Scalia, the surprise victory of Donald Trump in the presidential election led instead to further consolidation of conservative dominance of the Court. Unlike the election of 2016, the impact of the presidential election of 2004 on the evolution of constitutional doctrine has generally been ignored by commentators. In 2004, apparently due in part to the backlash against the drive to obtain legal recognition for same-sex marriages, Republican George W. Bush won a narrow victory over Democrat John Kerry. Bush soon had the opportunity to fill two vacancies on the Court, and both of his choices have in general brought a conservative perspective to the cases that have come before them. If, by contrast, Kerry had been elected in 2004, he would have almost certainly chosen progressives to replace Sandra Day O’Connor and William Rehnquist, giving progressives a majority on the Court that they would still enjoy today. This article begins by outlining the development of the dispute over same-sex marriage and the apparent relationship between that dispute and the Republican victory in 2004. The article then describes the consequences that that victory has had for the ultimate resolution of a wide variety of constitutional disputes and concludes by discussing the lessons of the election and its aftermath for our understanding of the role that the institution of judicial review has come to play in our political system.
Investigation of Strain in II-VI Semiconductor Superlattices Using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance of Mn++

We explore the possibility of using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) of Mn++ for measuring uniaxial strain in II-VI superlattices. This work is motivated by the fact that the EPR spectrum of Mn++ is very strongly affected by crystalline fields. Changes in a crystalline field which arise from strain are thus automatically expected to have a profound effect on the EPR spectrum. Consistent with this expectation, we have observed giant crystal field splittings of Mn++ EPR lines in ZnTe/MnTe, CdTe/MnTe, and ZnTe/MnSe superlattices. The EPR spectra observed in these systems are ascribed to isolated Mn++ ions diffused into the ZnTe or the CdTe layers from the respective MnTe or MnSe layers. In addition to providing precise information oii the magnitude and the sign of strain produced by lattice mismatch between the superlattice constituents, we show that the EPR spectrum also provides a direct measure of strain fluctuations in the layered medium. PACS numbers: 78.66.-w, 71.55.Gs
Expedited liver allocation in the United States: a critical analysis.

The fate of donor livers allocated via an out-of-sequence expedited placement (EP) pathway has not been previously examined. We determined the originating and receiving United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) regions of all donor livers procured between January 1, 2010 and October 31, 2012 and placed out of sequence with UNOS bypass code 863 (EP attempt) or 898 (miscellaneous). We reviewed the early function of these liver grafts and assessed the effect of EP allocation on wait-listed patients at our center. Registrants at our center were eligible to receive 1298 liver offers during the interval studied: 218 (16.8%) of these liver offers bypassed our center and were allocated to other centers and used in patients lower on the match-run list. During the study interval, 560 livers were allocated in the United States by EP. Regions 1, 5, 7, 9, and 10 used the greatest number of EP-placed grafts. Region 1 (New England) used the greatest proportion of all EP livers (33% of all imported EP livers in the United States, P < 0.001 versus all other regions). Graft function data were available for 560 livers placed by EP: 491 (88%) of these grafts were functioning at a mean of 399.5 days after transplantation. In conclusion, the transplantation of livers allocated by means of an expedited refusal code is asymmetric across regions and, in some instances, results in the bypassing of patients with higher wait-list priority but without notification of the bypassed center. Short-term graft function after EP allocation is excellent. Policies governing EP allocation should be created in order to improve access to available organs. Liver Transpl 19:1159-1165, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Deterrence Theory and the Implementation of Speed Limits in the American States

Despite the ubiquitous nature of these policies, there is disagreement in the literature regarding the direction and size of the impact that speed limits have on traffic‐related fatalities. We argue in this paper that the mixed results in previous work may arise because these studies have missed an important component of the implementation of speed limit laws. More explicitly, they have failed to adequately control for the deterrent effect of enforcement and sanctions. We develop the argument that the observed impacts of speed limits will be overly large when the certainty and severity of punishment are not accounted for. We test this assertion in a cross‐sectional time series analysis of state‐level traffic fatalities from the years 1990-2006 and find that lower speeds do save a significant number of lives. Interestingly, we find that the impact is significantly overestimated for 65‐mph limits and significantly underestimated for 70‐mph limits when enforcement, penalties, and the interaction of the two are excluded. The results also suggest that fines have a rather modest impact on fatalities unless states employ a sufficient number of troopers to enforce posted limits. In addition to clarifying previous findings related to speed limit policy, therefore, the findings contribute to the general application of deterrence theory by empirically confirming that the importance of sanction severity is dependent on the perceived certainty of punishment.
‘Liberalismo tropical’: cómo explicar el auge de una doctrina económica europea en América Latina, 1780-1885*

El articulo tiene como objeto hacer seguimiento al proceso por el cual la doctrina noroesteuropea de liberalismo economico consiguio ser dominante en la America Latina decimononica. Pone enfasis en los canales de trasmision, los grupos de interes domesticos y extranjeros, las instituciones, la sociedad civil, las estructuras y coyunturas economicas y las culturas politicas para explicar la diseminacion del liberalismo economico en distintos paises de la region entre los anos 1770 y 1890. La doctrina era dominante en America Latina durante una epoca mas corta de lo que se piensa comunmente, o sea solamente entre 1850 y 1890. Paso por multiples cambios y ajustes en cada uno de los paises de la region. Despues de 1890, la promocion de crecimiento hacia afuera iba de la mano con un alejamiento gradual de politicas de liberalismo economico.
Nutrient-specific preferences by lambs conditioned with intraruminal infusions of starch, casein, and water

We hypothesized that lambs discriminate between postingestive effects of energy and protein and associate those effects with a food's flavor to modify food choices. Based on this hypothesis, we predicted that 1) lambs would acquire a preference for a poorly nutritious food (grape pomace) eaten during intraruminal infusions of energy (starch) or protein (casein) and that 2) shortly after an intraruminal infusion of energy or protein (preload), lambs would decrease their preferences for foods previously conditioned with starch or casein, respectively. Thirty lambs were allotted to three groups and conditioned as follows. On d 1, lambs in each group received grape pomace containing a different flavor and water was infused into their rumens as they ate the pomace. On d 2, the flavors were switched so each group received a new flavor and a suspension of starch (10% of the DE required per day) replaced the water infusion. On d 3, the flavors were switched again, and a suspension of casein (2.7 to 5.4% of the CP required per day) replaced the starch infusion. Conditioning was repeated during four consecutive trials. Lambs in Trial 1 had a basal diet of alfalfa pellets (e.g., free access from 1200 to 1700) and 400 g of rolled barley. Lambs in Trials 2, 3, and 4 received a restricted amount of alfalfa pellets (990 g/d) as their basal diet. After conditioning, all animals received an infusion of water, and, 30 min later, they were offered a choice of the three flavors previously paired with water, starch, or casein. On the ensuing days, the choice was repeated, but starch, casein, and barley replaced the water preload. The nutrient density of the infused preloads was increased during consecutive trials. Lambs preferred the flavors paired with starch > water > casein during Trial 1 (P casein > water during Trials 2 (P <.05), 3 (P <.001), and 4 (P <.001). Preloads of casein decreased preferences for flavors previously paired with casein (P <.10 [Trial 2]; P <.001 [Trial 3], and increased preferences for flavors paired with starch (P <.05 [Trial 2]; P <.001 [Trial 3]). Preloads of energy (barley) had the opposite effect (P <.05 [Trial 3]). These results indicate that lambs discriminated between the postingestive effects of starch and casein and associated the effects with specific external cues (i.e., added flavors) to regulate macronutrient ingestion.
Pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas. An algorithmic approach.

Context Solid-cystic pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is a rare tumor, but has favorable prognosis even in the presence of distant metastases. It is often associated with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Case reports Described are two cases of solid-cystic pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas managed in our hospital between January 2000 and January 2010. One female and one male with mean age of 42 years (range: 33 to 51 years). Data collected were: presenting symptoms, signs, imaging and management. Literature review was obtained from computer generated MEDLINE and Google Scholar search for solid-cystic pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas between 1980 and 2010. Articles relevant to the scope of this paper were selected. The incidence of solid-cystic pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas in our institution is 2 cases in 10 years; i.e., 0.2 cases/year. Clinical presentation include; palpable abdominal mass, vague abdominal discomfort, increasing abdominal girth, significant weight loss, nausea and vomiting in both patients. The mean diameter of the tumors was 7.0 cm (range: 5.9 to 8.0 cm). Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed on both patients. None received adjuvant therapy and no cancer recurrence was detected on follow-up. Conclusion Solid-cystic pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is a rare tumor with a favorable prognosis even with distant metastases; therefore, attempts must be made to differentiate it from other pancreatic neoplasms. Clinical and radiological studies alone are insufficient to establish the diagnosis of a pancreatic mass and tissue biopsy should be sought. Surgery is generally curative and should be pursued independent of size and distant metastases. Image: Proposed algorithm for evaluation of suspected pancreatic lesion.
Review: Prophylactic botulinum toxin A reduces frequency of chronic migraine headaches in adults

Source Citation Jackson JL, Kuriyama A, Hayashino Y. Botulinum toxin A for prophylactic treatment of migraine and tension headaches in adults: a meta-analysis. JAMA. 2012;307:1736-45. 22535858
Optimal use of Double Pin Ionization Gauges for Shock Wave Detection

Quantitative use of a high speed shock tube depends upon the ability to detect the time of arrival of the shock wave at a given position, with a resolution of 1 μsec or better so that (1) the velocity of the shock wave can be determined and (2) the various instruments attached to the shock tube can be triggered or energized at the proper time. Of the many types of gauges available for detecting the arrival of a shock wave at a given point, ionization gauges are the simplest and are capable of producing higher signal levels without the use of complicated electronic circuitry. For these reasons ionization gauges are usually the preferred shock wave detectors. Their use has been limited, however, by the fact that the range of shock tube operating conditions at which they perform satisfactorily is small. This paper describes a new method of using ionization gauges by systematically adjusting the electronic circuitry to allow for large ranges in shock tube operating conditions. This method should be useful in various applications where ionization gauges are used to detect shock waves.
Recent approaches to modeling ionospheric weather

Abstract The ionosphere is a complex and dynamic medium that exhibits weather features at all latitudes and longitudes. The weather features are driven by internal processes as well as by interplanetary and magnetospheric phenomena. Because ionospheric weather can have a detrimental effect on both ground-based and space-based systems, a large international effort has been devoted to developing both specification and forecast models, with the aim of predicting the occurrence, duration, and intensity of weather features. Currently, the most promising ionospheric weather models are the physics-based data-driven models that use Kalman filter data assimilation techniques. The data assimilation is used both to obtain the inputs needed by the physics-based models and to adjust the model outputs, i.e., the calculated electron density distribution. The data sources used in the physics-based assimilation models include ground-based GPS/TEC data, bottomside electron density profiles obtained from digisondes, in situ DMSP satellite measurements, satellite-to-satellite occultation data, TECs obtained from satellites with radio beacons, and UV data obtained via remote sensing. The status of the modeling will be reviewed.
Nonvolatile holographic memories in photorefractive media

Summary form only given. Photorefractive crystals are a promising storage medium for holographic memories. The fact that data stored in photorefractive crystals can be erased and replaced with fresh data makes these materials well suited for read/write memories. The recorded holograms are erased by simply illuminating the crystal with a uniform light beam that redistributes uniformly the stored charge pattern. Unfortunately, the same thing also happens when the crystal is illuminated to read the data out. In this paper the various methods that have been developed for preventing decay during read-out will be reviewed and compared. Specifically, thermal fixing, electrical fixing, dual wavelength operation, 2-photon recording, and periodic copying will be considered.
Ultratrace extraction of persistent organic pollutants

Abstract We review and discuss ultratrace extraction as a high-volume technique for quantifying persistent organic pollutants in aqueous matrices, including its evolution, its acceptance by scientific and regulatory communities, influential factors, published validation efforts and analytical issues to bring to light existing assumptions concerning its effectiveness. We identify important methodological gaps, which may affect potential analytical outcomes, to orient future validation efforts or to pursue more effective alternatives. We also review the function and the purpose of quality-control features. Regarding analytical issues, we examine those related to sample definition (e.g., the distinction between high-volume sampling and extraction) and the major sources of bias associated with measurement technology – particularly sample-preparation and analysis steps in the laboratory. We discuss challenging old ways of viewing sampling and analysis as independent entities, emphasizing that a change in sample configuration (i.e. multi-component, multi-matrix and voluminous samples) must result in changes in the analytical protocol, if reliable data are desired. Current methods are not structured to facilitate the adaptation needed to ensure data are reliable, even if they are based on powerful isotope-dilution technology. We review the literature to identify deficiencies related to validation of the technique, to provide a basis for experiments that scientists can consider to test expressed concerns (confirm or refute) and to evaluate their effects on data quality (precision and accuracy). It is necessary to review the state of the science to ensure that we do not develop and validate a procedure whose design is at odds with its purpose.
Convective diffusion in rotating disk systems with an imperfect semipermeable interface

Solutions to the momentum and diffusion equations are obtained for rotating disk systems with an imperfect semipermeable interface, with direct application made to the reverse somosis or hyperfiltration process of salt water purification. The equations are solved exactly, and a new technique for solving the momentum equations is described. An approximate solution to the diffusion equation is also obtained which is also applicable to the energy equation, and is shown to be accurate for Prandtl and Schmidt numbers ≥ 1, for a wide range of interfacial mass transfer, for all wedge-type flows as well as the rotating disk system.
Decay Resistance of Elm Wetwood

(1985). Decay Resistance of Elm Wetwood. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology: Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 151-154.
Minocycline protects motor but not autonomic neurons after cauda equina injury.

Conus medullaris/cauda equina injuries typically result in loss of bladder, bowel, and sexual functions, partly as a consequence of autonomic and motor neuron death. To mimic these injuries, we previously developed a rodent lumbosacral ventral root avulsion (VRA) injury model, where both autonomic and motor neurons progressively die over several weeks. Here, we investigate whether minocycline, an antibiotic with putative neuroprotective effects, may rescue degenerating autonomic and motor neurons after VRA injury. Adult female rats underwent lumbosacral VRA injuries followed by a 2-week treatment with either minocycline or vehicle injected intraperitoneally. The sacral segment of the spinal cord was studied immunohistochemically using choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and activated caspase-3 at 4 weeks post-operatively. Minocycline increased the survival of motoneurons but not preganglionic parasympathetic neurons (PPNs). Further investigations demonstrated that a larger proportion of motoneurons expressed activated caspase-3 compared to PPNs after VRA injury and indicated an association with minocycline’s differential neuroprotective effect. Our findings suggest that minocycline may protect degenerating motoneurons and expand the therapeutic window of opportunity for surgical repair of proximal root lesions affecting spinal motoneurons.
Reformulation of the second law of thermodynamics

Abstract The second law of thermodynamics is reformulated by postulating the existence of a function of the thermodynamic variables which always increases in spontaneous processes of thermal, mechanical and diffusive interactions. By considering special processes and special thermodynamic systems, we can determine the form of this function for a single system which turns out to be the integral of σQ/T along a reversible path and thus is identified with the entropy function. Among the advantages of this approach is the formulation of the necessary condition of equilibrium without additional assumption.
Kinetics of Aqueous-Phase Hydrogenation of Organic Acids and Their Mixtures over Carbon Supported Ruthenium Catalyst

Aqueous-phase hydrogenation of lactic acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid) and propionic (propanoic) acid over 5 wt % Ru/C catalyst was performed in a three-phase stirred batch reactor. Kinetic data were collected for reactions at 343-423 K, 3.4-10.3 MPa hydrogen pressure, and 0.05-5 M acid feed concentrations. Adsorption and reaction of individual acids, acid mixtures, and combinations of acids with their alcohol products were investigated to characterize relative hydrogenation rates of the two acids and the extent to which the presence of one species influences the reactivity of another. Mass transfer analysis showed that acid conversion rates were not limited by mass transport resistances over the reaction conditions studied. A two-site Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) kinetic model with a single set of rate and adsorption constants fits the conversion kinetics of both individual and mixed acid hydrogenations. Competitive adsorption of acids and their alcohol products strongly affects hydrogenation rates.
How to correctly use the protocol interference model for multi-hop wireless networks

This paper tries to reconcile the tension between physical model and protocol model that have been used to characterize interference relationship in a multi-hop wireless network. The physical model (a.k.a. SINR model) is widely considered as a reference model for physical layer behavior but its application in multi-hop wireless networks is limited by its complexity. On the other hand, the protocol model (a.k.a. unified disk graph model) is simple but there have been doubts on its validity. This paper explores the following fundamental question: How to correctly use the protocol interference model? We show that in general, solutions obtained under the protocol model may be infeasible in practice and thus, results based on blind use of protocol model can be misleading. We propose a novel concept called "reality check" and present a method of using protocol model with reality check for wireless networks. Subsequently, we show that by appropriate setting of the interference range in the protocol model, it is possible to narrow the solution gap between the two models. Our simulation results confirm that this gap is indeed small (or even negligible). Thus, our methodology of joint reality check and interference range setting retains the protocol model as a viable approach to analyze multi-hop wireless networks.
Impact of ovarian hormones on the modulation of the serotonin transporter by fluvoxamine.

Most preclinical studies examining the mechanism(s) of action of antidepressants are carried out using male animals. Blockade of serotonin transporter (SERT) function by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is the initial event that triggers a not completely understood process that results in clinical improvement in depression. To investigate whether there are differences in the ability of SSRIs to inhibit the SERT between male and female rats at different phases of the estrous cycle, clearance of locally applied serotonin (5-HT) was measured by in vivo chronoamperometry. Local application of the SSRI, fluvoxamine, directly into the CA3 area of hippocampus increased significantly 5-HT clearance time parameters in male rats and female rats in estrus or diestrus, but not in proestrus. The contribution of ovarian steroids to this result was investigated in ovariectomized (OVX) rats treated with estradiol benzoate (EB) and/or progesterone (P). In OVX-control rats, fluvoxamine increased clearance time parameters, whereas EB and/or P treatment blocked this effect, consistent with what was seen in female rats in proestrus. This effect was gender-specific, since treatment of castrated rats with EB/P had no effect on the ability of fluvoxamine to slow 5-HT clearance. The time course of hormonal effects showed that 1–60 min after local application of 17-β-estradiol (E2) into the CA3 region of OVX rats, fluvoxamine had no effect on clearance time of 5-HT. E2–BSA mimicked E2's effects at 10 min but not at 60 min. Pretreatment with estrogen receptor antagonists blocked the effects of E2. The finding that acutely both estradiol and progesterone can inhibit the ability of an SSRI to slow the clearance of 5-HT, may have important implications for the use of SSRIs in women.
Plasma factor Xa-inhibitory activity in alcoholic liver disease and the effect of heparin

Abstract Factor Xa-inhibitor (Xa-I) activity was measured in twenty patients with alcoholic liver disease and found to be more than 3 standard deviations below normal in fourteen patients. When trace amounts of heparin were added to these plasmas, the Xa-I activity was potentiated to the same level as normal plasma with heparin added. This suggests that Xa-I is actually present in alcoholic liver disease, but has less than normal activity. Possible explanations such as the lack of endogenous heparin or the presence of an inhibitor are discussed.
Perioperative management of the opioid tolerant patient for orthopedic surgery.

The prevalence of opioid use in the North America and some countries of the European Union has resulted in an increase in the number of patients who may exhibit opioid tolerance when requiring postoperative pain management. The approach to postoperative pain control in these patients is different from the strategies used in opioid-naive patients. Better understanding of the cellular mechanisms of opioid tolerance in animals has resulted in the transfer of these concepts from the basic research to the clinical arena. This article presents new developments in opioid tolerance and how this knowledge can be applied to clinical practice.
Effects of the Hot Electron Interchange Instability on Plasma Confined in a Dipolar Magnetic Field

The Levitated Dipole Experiment (LDX) explores confinement and stability of plasma created within the dipole field of a strong superconducting magnet. During initial experiments, long-pulse, quasi-steady state discharges that last more than 10 s and have peak beta of more than 20% are studied. The plasma is created by multi-frequency electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) at 2.45 and 6.4 GHz. A population of energetic electrons, with mean energies above 50 keV, dominates the plasma pressure. Creation of high pressure, high beta plasma is possible only when intense hot electron interchange (HEI) instabilities are stabilized by sufficient neutral gas fueling. The instabilities resonate with the magnetic drift motion of the energetic electrons and can cause rapid radial transport. Measurements of the electrostatic and magnetic fluctuations of the HEI instability are described along with observations of the instability’s spectral characteristics. Fluctuations of the outer poloidal field induced by the HEI show a rapid evolution of the perturbed pressure profile.
Effects of dimethipin, a defoliant and desiccant, on stomatal behavior and protein synthesis

The first visible macroscopic effect of a foliar spray of dimethipin (2,3-dihydro-5,6-dimethyl-1,4-dithiin 1,1,4,4-tetraoxide) on kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Back Valentine) was a severe loss of leaf turgor followed by desiccation and, ultimately, abscission. Dimethipin-treated leaves had higher rates of transpiration than control leaves when the leaves received treatments that cause stomatal closure (e.g., darkness, water stress, or exogenous abscisic acid). The higher rates of water loss from the dimethipin-treated leaves were not due to a massive nonspecific disruption of leaf cells, since dimethipin-treated leaves maintained turgor for 24 h if the plants were placed in a chamber of 100% relative humidity. These results indicate that the dimethipin-induced loss of leaf turgor is due, at least in part, to a loss in stomatal control.
Heterogeneous calcium flux in peripheral T cell subsets revealed by five-color flow cytometry using log-ratio circuitry

Calcium flux measurements of different subpopulations of cells by flow cytometry are important in understanding complex interactions in the immune system. This paper discusses the use of the difference of Log signals as a preferred method for obtaining this information simultaneously with other immunofluorescence parameters. We describe simple modifications to a commercial instrument that enables the measurement of calcium flux in addition to three immunofluorescence parameters. Finally, we show an application of this technique to measuring calcium flux of T cell subsets in human blood. We show that different subsets of peripheral CD4 T cells have significantly different capabilities to flux calcium after CD3 stimulation. These differences are related to the functional capacities of the cells within these subsets.
Responses of fetal rat bone to thyrocalcitonin in tissue culture.

The effects of partially purified rat thyrocalcitonin (TCT) on fetal rat bone were investigated in organ culture using a system sensitive to the resorbing effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin A. Effects on resorption were measured by the changes observed in release of previously incorporated 45Ca into the medium from paired cultures. TCT decreased 46Ca release in untreated as well as PTHor vitamin A-stimulated cultures, but had no effect on 45Ca release from heat-killed bone. The dose-response relation for TCT inhibition of 45Ca release was the same for PTH- or vitamin Atreated bones. Increasing doses of PTH did not overcome the inhibitory effect of a submaximal dose of TCT. Addition of liver, salivary gland or pituitary gland extracts in amounts comparable to an effective dose of thyroid extract did not affectaffect bone resorption. TCT suppressed further PTH-stimulated 45Ca release for about 48 hr when added 6, 12 or 24 hr after PTH. However, with periods of 4–6 days of combined treatment wi...
Activation energies of high-volume fly ash ternary blends: Hydration and setting

Because ready-mixed concrete is placed under a wide variety of environmental conditions, the influence of temperature on the hydration reactions and the accompanying setting process is of critical importance. While contractors are generally quite comfortable with the temperature sensitivity of conventional ordinary portland cement (OPC) concretes, more sustainable mixtures containing high volumes of fly ash (HVFA), for example, often present problems with delayed setting times and increased temperature sensitivity. Based on isothermal calorimetry and Vicat needle penetration measurements, this study demonstrates that the high temperature sensitivity of such HVFA mixtures can be effectively moderated by the replacement of a portion of the fly ash with a fine calcium carbonate powder. In addition to accelerating and amplifying hydration and reducing setting times at a given temperature, the presence of the fine CaCO3 powder also lowers the apparent activation energy for setting for temperatures below 25 °C. The reactivity of the CaCO3 in these mixtures is quantified using thermogravimetric analysis. Comparison of results for CaCO3 powders of nominal sizes of 1 µm and 17 µm, replacing 10 % by volume of the cement in an OPC mixture, indicates that the former is highly superior in accelerating/amplifying hydration and reducing setting times.
The effects of inferior temporal and dorsolateral frontal lesions on serial-order behavior and visual imagery in monkeys

Four monkeys were trained preoperatively on a serial-order task to respond to a set of five visual stimuli in a fixed sequence independent of their location. They were then given a test of visual imagery in which only two of the five stimuli appeared at a time, and the animals were required to respond to them in the order in which they appeared in the original sequence. The monkeys then received bilateral lesions of either inferior temporal cortex or dorsolateral frontal cortex. Dorsolateral frontal lesions had no effect on either serial-order behavior or visual imagery. In contrast, inferior temporal lesions severely impaired serial-order behavior. Once the serial-order task was relearned, however, the inferior temporal animals were completely normal on the test of visual imagery.
Gene targeting: applications in transplantation research.

Gene targeting: Applications in transplantation research. Gene targeting, the manipulation of gene in the mouse genome using homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells, is a powerful experimental tool that has been widely utilized in a number of disciplines. The ability to precisely alter genes in this way provides an avenue for investigating the role of a gene product in normal and pathological processes in the intact animal, with a precision and efficacy not possible using pharmacological agents, antibodies or engineered proteins. In transplant research, gene targeting provides a unique tool for discriminating the contributions of gene expression in donor versus recipient tissues. This review focuses on several areas in transplantation research where gene targeting has made useful contributions. These include studies of the role of donor and recipient multiple histocompatibility complex antigens in regulating rejection responses, the role of CD4+ T cell in mediating acute rejection, and the functions of cytokines during rejection and tolerance induction. These studies highlight the unique advantages of gene targeting in studies of complex processes in whole animals and illustrate the contributions of this technique to understanding the pathogenesis of allograft rejection.