cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The future is noisy: the role of spatial fluctuations in genetic switching.

A genetic switch may be realized by a certain operator sector on the DNA strand from which either genetic code, to the left or to the right of this operator sector, can be transcribed and the corresponding information processed. This switch is controlled by messenger molecules, i.e., they determine to which side the switch is flipped. Recently, it has been realized that noise plays an elementary role in genetic switching, and the effect of number fluctuations of the messenger molecules have been explored. Here we argue that the assumption of well stirredness taken in the previous models may not be sufficient to characterize the influence of noise: spatial fluctuations play a non-negligible part in cellular genetic switching processes.
Systemic drugs and nutritional aspects of wound healing

Abstract There is no doubt that specific nutritional components are important for various phases of the wound healing process. When tissues are being repaired, more amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals, water, and oxygen are consumed than during the usual breakdown and buildup of normal, mature tissue. 1 Deficiencies of carbohydrate, protein, certain vitamins, or trace elements may result in impaired or delayed wound healing. Similarly, the pharmacologic milieu in which wound healing occurs is important. Any drug that interferes with the inflammatory response, epithelization, or fibroblast activity in healing wounds might be expected to impair their rates or healing. Much of the information reviewed is derived from studies in experimental animals. It may not always be meaningful (or prudent) to extrapolate such information directly to the human situation because of the anatomic and metabolic differences between laboratory animals and man 2 ; nonetheless, such studies may possess reliable predictive value and serve as useful indicators for further human clinical study.
High-resolution color video cytophotometry

Comparison was made between cytophotometric measurements obtained using two data acquisition systems, one a microphotometer and the other a rapid video camera system, to ascertain whether the degradation of data with the faster video acquisition system still results in recorded images of sufficient quality to permit computer discrimination between cells of very similar appearance. Normal-appearing intermediate cells from cases with normal cytology and those from patients with dysplasia or malignant disease, as well as the subvisual markers within these cells that have rendered them capable of cytophotometric discrimination, were used for the study. Comparison of the data recorded by the two systems indicates that the diagnostic information is preserved in the change-over to a full-field, video-rate scanning system, with differences in the data caused primarily by differences in the spectral response of the two systems. This was reflected in the substantial differences observed in the color-related features and the lesser differences seen in the textural features, while the morphometric features (outline and shape) were virtually unaffected. The differences were primarily expressed on a cell-to-cell basis; in sets of about 300 cells, which would be used in patient-to-patient comparisons, the feature values showed remarkable consistency between the two systems.
Upconversion luminescence in Er3+ -doped germanate-oxyfluoride and tellurium-germanate-oxyfluoride transparent glass-ceramics

Abstract Upconversion luminescence has been studied for Er3+ in a germanate-oxyfluoride and a tellurium-germanate-oxyfluoride transparent glass-ceramic using 800 nm excitation. Significantly increased upconversion luminescence was observed from transparent glass-ceramics compared with that from their corresponding as-prepared glasses. In addition to a strong green emission centered at 545 nm from 4S3/2 state and a weaker red emission centered at 662 nm from 4F9/2 state generally seen from Er3+-doped glasses, a violet emission centered at 410 nm from 2H9/2 state and a near-ultra-violet emission centered at 379 nm from 4G11/2 state were also observed from transparent glass-ceramics. The upconversion luminescence of Er3+ ions in transparent glass-ceramics revealed sharp Stark-splitting peaks generally seen in a crystal host. The increased upconversion efficiency is attributed to the decreased effective phonon energy and the increased energy transfer between excited ions when Er3+ ions were incorporated into the precipitated β-PbF2 nanocrystals.
Neuroscience: a home for the nicotine habit.

Nicotine is extremely addictive, but it can also improve cognitive performance. Attempts to unravel the complex pathways underlying these effects pinpoint a single type of receptor in just one brain region. The bad news, nicotine addiction has caused the deaths of millions from smoking-related diseases. The good news, nicotine can enhance cognitive performance. In an attempt to disentangle the brain networks that mediate nicotine reward and relevant cognitive functions, Maskos et al. have developed an injectable lentiviral vector that delivers functional nicotinic acetylcholine receptors to defined regions of the mouse brain. The technique was used to generate mice that express nicotinic receptors exclusively in the midbrain ventral tegmental area, the VTA, which contains dopamine reward neurons and is associated with the response to drugs of abuse. The experiment showed that these receptors in the VTA are sufficient for all behavioural and physiological phenomena associated with nicotine dependence. And they are also involved in the higher brain or ‘cognitive’ functions in the mouse. Nicotine's ‘good’ and ‘bad’ sides are, it seems, intimately entangled and originate from a phylogenetically ancient part of the brain.
Factors Affecting the Hatchability of Parabiotic Chicks

Abstract Five experiments were conducted to examine factors that affect the hatchability of parabionts. These experiments included the effects of genetic relationship, shell and/or membrane removal, egg storage, degree of sterility of surroundings during parabiosis, and embryonic age at the time of parabiosis. The degree of genetic relationship (full-sib, half-sib, or nonrelated) had little effect on the hatchability of single or pairs of parabionts. Shell removal of nonparabiosed eggs had no effect on hatchability, but if the shell membrane was also removed hatchability was significantly decreased. The storage of eggs for 2 weeks had little effect on the hatchability of parabionts. Hatchability of parabionts was no better when parabiosis was made under relatively sterile vs. nonsterile surroundings. The age of the embryo at the time of parabiosis was an important factor in hatchability. Hatchability of both parabionts was very low in eggs parabiosed during the first 9 days of incubation. After 9 days there was an increase in hatchability up to a maximum at 17 days.
The construction of feminine spectatorship in Garrison Keillor's radio monologues

In this essay, the monologues of Garrison Keillor on the radio program, A Prairie Home Companion (later American Radio Company), are analyzed to discover how a feminine spectator is constructed rhetorically in a text. Keillor's monologues, we suggest, create a preferred spectator position that relies on traditionally feminine competencies. This construction is accomplished through Keillor's refusal to privilege vision, dismantling of the male gaze, creation of Lake Wobegon as a feminine setting, and feminine speaking style. In his adoption of the feminine spectator perspective, Keillor provides an opportunity for listeners to experience and accord value to a feminist epistemology.
Endocytosis at Nerve Terminals: Timing Is Everything

It is clear that endocytosis is a critically important physiological process for the local replenishment of synaptic vesicles. One of the next frontiers in developing a better understanding of this process will be in fully determining the molecular substrates of membrane recovery. At present, the only molecule identified whose correct functioning is absolutely necessary is the GTPase dynamin (DeCamilli and Takei 1996xDe Camilli, P and Takei, K. Neuron. 1996; 16: 481–486Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDF | PubMed | Scopus (177)See all ReferencesDeCamilli and Takei 1996). Defects in vesicle recycling resulting from mutations in the gene encoding synaptotagmin in C. elegans (Jorgensen et al. 1995xJorgensen, E.M, Hartwieg, E, Schuske, K, Nonet, M.L, Jin, Y, and Horvitz, H.R. Nature. 1995; 378: 196–199Crossref | PubMedSee all ReferencesJorgensen et al. 1995), as well as the ability of synaptotagmin to bind the clathrin adaptor AP-2 (Zhang et al. 1994xZhang, J.Z, Davletov, B.A, Sudhof, T.C, and Anderson, R.G. Cell. 1994; 78: 751–760Abstract | Full Text PDF | PubMed | Scopus (385)See all ReferencesZhang et al. 1994), suggest a role for this protein in the recovery process as well. No doubt the identification of additional components of this machinery will emerge, and the combination of molecular approaches and biophysical techniques will help illuminate their cellular roles. In the near future the emphasis will shift away from the question of timing to determining what transpires in the time between exocytosis and the reinternalization of vesicle membrane. At this point, two central questions move to the forefront. First, what signal is delivered during exocytosis to trigger endocytosis? Second, how are vesicle components sorted out from others in the plasma membrane during recapture?
Nazi ideology redefining deviants: Witches, Himmler's witch‐trial survey, and the case of the bishopric of bamberg

Nazi ideology redefined the witches persecuted during the 16th and 17th centuries as followers of Celto‐Germanic Nature Religion. SS‐Reichsfuhrer Himmler formed a Hexen‐Sonderkommando to carry out an archival survey of witch trials, resulting in the Kartoteka, a file system comprising over 30,000 cases. This paper examines the ideological background, the structure and method of survey, the quality of the file by going back to original sources in the bishopric of Bamberg, and provides a statistical summary.
Iron-Promoted Synthesis of Tantalum and Niobium Oxynitrides

Abstract Nb5N6−δOyand Ta5N6−δOyhave been synthesized by reacting iron-containing precursors (FeMO4, FeM2O6, Fe2O3/M2O5, or FeM,M− Ta, Nb) with flowing ammonia at 700 and 900°C for the niobium- and tantalum-containing precursors, respectively. It is observed that the oxynitride materials may be synthesized at these temperatures only by using precursors that contain iron. The structures of these materials, which were determined by Rietveld refinement of powder X-ray diffraction data, show marked similarity to the structures of several ternary nitrides synthesized by similar methods. The role of iron in the formation of these materials is discussed.
Range Measurements of Alpha-Particles from 94 239 and 94 238

The ranges of alpha-particles from ${94}^{239}$ and ${94}^{238}$ have been measured by comparison with Po alphas, and are found to be 3.68 and 4.08 cm of air.
High-Performance Solenoidal RF Transformers on High-Resistivity Silicon Substrates for 3D Integrated Circuits

Soleniod-like transformers based on a traveling-wave design and using advanced through silicon via process technology are reported for operation at frequencies from 1 to 14 GHz. The symmetrical 1:1 transformers are designed as compact slow-wave transmission-line structures with well-defined signal return paths. One-, two-, three-, and four-turn transformers have 1-dB bandwidths ranging from 6 to 9.2 GHz, and midband insertion losses from 0.24 to 0.37 dB. The measured intrinsic loss is 0.46 dB or less up to 10 GHz, and 0.97 dB up to 14 GHz. Relatively simple and scalable physically based lumped-element circuit models accurately predict the performance of these low parasitic transformers.
Frontal projections to the region of the oculomotor complex in the rat: a retrograde and anterograde HRP study.

The retrograde and anterograde capabilities of the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) technique were employed to study frontal projections to the perioculomotor region in the rat. Following HRP microinjections or trans-cannular HRP gel implants into the oculomotor complex (OMC), the majority of retrogradely labeled pyramidal cells were located in lamina V of the dorsomedial frontal shoulder cortex, i.e., medial precentral and anterior cingulate (PrCm/AC) cortices, the proposed frontal eye field (FEF) in the rat. A smaller number of labeled cells were present in the frontal polar cortex, agranular insular (AI), and lateral precentral (PrCl) cortices. Following HRP gel implants into the PrCM/Ac, anterogradely labeled projections were observed to the dorsal medial subthalamic region (nucleus campi Foreli, NCF) and medial accessory nucleus of Bechterew (MAB), and to other subcortical nuclei known to receive inputs from cortical area 8 in the monkey. These results, taken together with previous anatomical and physiological studies, support the conclusion that the PrCm/AC cortex contains the rat FEF. Its homo logy with the primate FEF is discussed.
Immunocytochemical identification of long ascending peptidergic neurons contributing to the spinoreticular tract in the rat

Abstract In the present study, we examined the peptidergic content of lumbar spinoreticular tract neurons in the colchicine-treated rat. This was accomplished by combining the retrograde transport of the fluorescent dye True Blue with the immunocytochemical labeling of neurons containing cholecystokinin-8, dynorphin Al-8, somatostatin, substance P or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. After True Blue injections into the caudal bulbar reticular formation, separate populations of retrogradely labeled cells were identified as containing cholecystokinin-like, dynorphin-like, substance P-like or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like immunoreactivity. Retrogradely labeled somatostatin-like neurons were not identified in any of the animals examined. Each population of double-labeled cells showed a different distribution in the lumbar spinal cord. The highest yield of double-labeling occurred for cholecystokinin, with 16% of all intrinsic cholecystokinin-like neurons containing True Blue. These double labeled neurons were found predominately at the border between lamina VII and the central canal region. About 11% of intrinsic vasoctive intestinal polypeptide-like neurons in the lumbar spinal cord were retrogradely labeled from the bulbar reticular formation. These neurons were found mostly in the lateral spinal nucleus, with only a few double-labeled cells located deep in the gray matter. Dynorphin-like double-labeled neurons were localized predominately near the central canal; a smaller population was also seen in the lateral spinal nucleus. It was found that double-labeled dynorphin-like neurons made up 8% of all' intrinsic dynorphin-like neurons. Retrogradely-labeled substance P-like neurons were rare; the few double-labeled neurons were found in the lateral spinal nucleus and lateral lamina V. These findings suggest a significant role for spinal cord peptides in long ascending systems beyond their involvement in local circuit physiology.
Electron transfer reactions in photoelectron emission spectroscopy of aqueous solutions

Abstract Lowering of the emission yield of anions by certain cations (e.g. H + , Fe 2+ , Ba 2+ ) is interpreted as the result of electron transfer between anions and cations. An equation is derived which predicts the exponential dependence of the yield on concentration of electron acceptor at constant emitter concentration. This equation is verified by experiment.
Performing information extraction to improve OCR error detection in semi-structured historical documents

Optical character recognition (OCR) produces transcriptions of document images. These transcriptions often contain incorrectly recognized characters which we must avoid or correct downstream. An ability to both identify OCR errors and extract information from OCR output would allow us to extract and index only correct information and to post-process specific parts of the OCR output with targeted resources (e.g. re-OCR using specialized dictionaries). We present a general approach to OCR error detection that uses a hidden Markov model trained to simultaneously detect OCR errors and extract information. We evaluate this approach in two information extraction settings and on semi-structured text from two machine-printed family history documents. We show this joint approach to OCR error detection to be an improvement over two alternative approaches, one based on dictionary matching and the other using a hidden Markov model trained only to detect OCR errors. In particular, we report an average of 8% increase in macro-averaged F-measure between the dictionary approach and our best HMM. Our contribution is to show how an OCR error detection approach based on a word model can be improved by joining this task with an information extraction task, and that an improvement in OCR error detection is achieved regardless of the information extraction task.
Has Growing Inequality Contributed to Rising Household Economic Distress

Abstract The personal bankruptcy rate increased more than fourfold in the last quarter century. Other measures of economic distress, particularly foreclosure and credit default rates, also increased sharply. A possible explanation for this is greater household indebtedness. Household debt relative to income, however, did not even double over the same period, suggesting that the aggregate increase in household economic distress was disproportionate to the rise in household debt. We consider if the simultaneous increase in income inequality has contributed to the rise in household economic distress, Specifically, we hypothesize that greater inequality led to a larger expansion of credit, especially in the form of credit card debt, among low and moderate income households than among higher income ones. This expansion of disproportionately more expensive credit may have contributed to the growth in household economic distress. Based on data from 1980 to 2004, we find robust evidence for a link between inequal...
Teratogenicity of polybrominated biphenyls in rats.

Abstract The teratogenic potential of a mixture of polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) was investigated. Pregnant Wistar albino rats were given single doses of PBB in seasame oil by gavage on one day of pregnancy, from day 6 through 14 (sperm day = 0). The dose ranged from 40 to 800 mg/kg maternal body weight. At autopsy (day 20) fetuses were recovered and subsequently examined for skeletal and soft-tissue abnormalities. Resorptions followed treatment at all days. No skeletal malformations were seen at any dose level. The majority of soft tissue defects were found following 800 mg/kg PBB at day 11, 12, or 13. Only two malformations were produced, cleft palate and diaphragmatic hernia. It is concluded that a single high dose of PBB can be embryolethal and teratogenic to the rat embryo.
Majority reaction to shifting and stable attitudinal deviates

Female undergraduates, in groups of four, voted several times on appropriate treatment for a delinquent, using an electrical signalling device. Two simulatedgroup members consistently agreed with subjects' initial position. A third simulated member (target) exhibited one of nine response patterns. In six movement conditions (which formed a 2 × 3 design), the target (a) gradually moved a short distance toward or away from modal group opinion and (b) manifested high, medium, or low net agreement with the majority position. In three stable conditions, the target consistently (a) agreed with modal opinion, (b) disagreed, or (c) took a neutralposition. In movement conditions, the target was evaluated significantly more favourably in the toward than in the away condition and in the high agreement than in the medium and low agreement conditions. In stable conditions, the agreeing target was liked significantly better than the neutral and disagreeing targets. The target's response pattern also affected subjects' attributions about the target's motives, communication to the target (in notes interspersed between votes), and opinion change. Results were discussed in terms of previous research dealing with majority reaction to moving and stable attitudinal deviates.
Gustatory reward and the nucleus accumbens

The concept of reward is central to psychology, but remains a cipher for neuroscience. Considerable evidence implicates dopamine in the process of reward and much of the data derives from the nucleus accumbens. Gustatory stimuli are widely used for animal studies of reward, but the connections between the taste and reward systems are unknown. In a series of experiments, our laboratory has addressed this issue using functional neurochemistry and neuroanatomy. First, using microdialysis probes, we demonstrated that sapid sucrose releases dopamine in the nucleus accumbens. The effect is dependent on oral stimulation and concentration. We subsequently determined that this response was independent of the thalamocortical gustatory system, but substantially blunted by damage to the parabrachial limbic taste projection. Further experiments using c-fos histochemistry confirmed that the limbic pathway was the prime carrier for the gustatory afferent activity that drives accumbens dopamine release.
DNA cleavage by the A22R resolvase of vaccinia virus.

Abstract Vaccinia virus encodes an enzyme, A22R, required during DNA replication for cleaving viral DNA concatamers to yield unit-length viral genomes. The concatamer junctions contain inverted repeat sequences that can be extruded as cruciforms, yielding Holliday junctions. Previous work indicated that A22R can cleave Holliday junctions in vitro. To investigate the mechanism of action of A22R, we have optimized reaction conditions and characterized the sequence specificity of cleavage. We found that addition of 20% dimethylsulfoxide boosted product formation six-fold, resulting in improved sensitivity of cleavage assays. To analyze cleavage specificity, we took advantage of mobile Holliday junctions, in which branch migration allowed sampling of many DNA sequences. We found that A22R weakly favors cleavage at the sequence 5′-(G/C)↓(A/T)-3′, and so is much less sequence specific than its Escherichia coli relative, RuvC. Analysis of the reaction products revealed that A22R cleaves to leave a 3′ hydroxyl at the cleaved phosphodiester bond.
Investing in the future: The importance of faculty mentoring in the development of students of color in STEM

The authors describe how mentors provide students the academic and social support they need to succeed in STEM. Recommendations are also included on fostering positive mentoring relationships to facilitate student persistence, address climate issues, and support faculty of color in STEM fields.
A comparison between different cognitive radio antenna systems

This paper presents different reconfigurable antenna systems for a cognitive radio environment. Mainly, two different schemes are discussed. The first one is based on detecting the unused frequency bands via an ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna and tuning the reconfigurable antenna operation correspondingly. The second scheme is based on performing transmission via a UWB antenna while producing notch frequencies to minimize interference between the cognitive radio users. The use of reconfigurable filters within the antenna structure for both schemes is also highlighted. A comparison between both schemes is finally presented and discussed.
Special report: Autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis can be treated effectively with either prednisone alone or a lower dose of prednisone in combination with azathioprine. All types of autoimmune hepatitis should be treated similarly. The combination schedule of prednisone and azathioprine is preferred since it is associated with fewer side effects than a higher dose of prednisone alone. Lifestyle changes are essential if overeating, under-exercising, excessive alcohol consumption, or overexposure to hepatotoxic medication or chemicals are common. Adjunctive therapies, including calcium supplementation, vitamin D, and hormonal replacement, are important in postmenopausal women to preserve skeletal integrity. Initial treatment should be continued until complete clinical, laboratory and histologic resolution. Relapse after attainment of an “ideal” end point tempers the goals of subsequent treatments. Relapse after a second treatment and drug withdrawal is associated with a diminishing benefit-risk ratio for retreatment. Long-term, indefinite therapy with low dose prednisone or azathioprine alone is the appropriate treatment strategy. Deterioration despite compliance with conventional therapy (treatment failure), incomplete response, and drug toxicity are adverse outcomes that warrant modifications in the conventional treatment protocol. High dose corticosteroid regimens, longterm low dose maintenance schedules, and investigational drugs can be considered. Liver transplantation is an effective strategy for patients who have decompensated disease despite corticosteroid therapy. Tacrolimus and budesonide are the most promising new therapies for autoimmune hepatitis and controlled treatment trials are sorely needed.
Pulmonary artery infusion of prostacyclin increases labor bronchial blood flow

Intrapulmonary systemic to pulmonary bronchial blood flow [Qbr (s-p)] decreases with administration of cyclooxygenase inhibitors. This effect may be due to a decrease in the production of vasodilating prostaglandins and reflect either a decrease in the total intrapulmonary bronchial blood flow (Qbr), or a redistribution of the intrapulmonary systemic venous return. In nine open chested dogs the left lower lobe (LLL) was isolated and perfused in situ. Blood flow to the extrapulmonary airways (Qep), and Qbr were measured by the reference flow technique. Qbr (s-p) was measured as the overflow from the closed LLL perfusion circuit. After ibuprofen, PG-I2 was infused into the LLL PA and the Qbr (s-p) was continuously monitored. Qbr, and Qep were measured before and after ibuprofen, and during and after the PG-I2 infusion. The upstream pressure for Qbr (s-p) was estimated with and without PG-I2 infusion. After ibuprofen the Qep,Qbr, and Qbr (s-p) fell to 45, 22, and 17%, respectively, of the pre-ibuprofen values (P < 0.05). PG-I2 increased the Qbr (s-p) and Qbr (P < 0.05), while Qep was unchanged. During all experimental conditions the simultaneous measurements of Qbr and Qbr (s-p) were not different from each other (P < 0.001). The upstream pressure for Qbr (s-p) increased from 30 to 50 cm H2O (P < 0.05). Intralobar bronchial blood flow is drained almost entirely through the pulmonary circulation, and PG-I2 in the LLL pulmonary circulation increases systemic blood flow to the LLL, probably acting at the level of a systemic arteriole.
Variability in outcomes for congenital heart surgery

Abstract Congenital heart surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for most congenital heart lesions, but the surgical time period itself remains a period of hazard for patients. Some infants and children with congenital heart defects are more likely to die than others. Some variation in risk is due to the differences in the disease state, and some to differences in the treatment environment. Intrinsic risk factors must be identified and accounted for before attributing observed risk differences to modifiable factors. Risk adjustment methods for pediatric cardiac surgery must account for anatomic diversity, as well as other factors. Strategies to account for anatomic diversity have included single and multiple procedure-specific models or creation of anatomic risk groups. Most risk models for congenital heart surgery have been developed empirically, although the Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1) method and the Aristotle method used the opinion of experts, in addition to empirical modeling. The best-studied extrinsic source of risk for children undergoing cardiac surgery is variation in risk based on the institution in which surgery is performed. Multiple authors have found a strong association between annual case volume and mortality for congenital heart surgery. Thresholds at which the effect of volume becomes clinically important are not well defined. Several analyses have suggested that multiple thresholds may be present. Children's hospitals also appear to achieve lower mortality. Some factors, such as race, gender and type of insurance may be risk factors, but whether the effects are due to biologic differences or other aspects of the health care delivery system is not certain. Understanding sources of variability in risk of death after cardiac surgery should elucidate opportunities for quality improvement.
The decision to enter mitosis

The phosphotyrosine content of the cdc2 protein kinases, the catalytic component of maturation-promoting factor (MPF), is an important parameter of mitotic regulation in a variety of organisms. Recent studies have shed considerable light on how the cdc2-specific tyrosine kinase (wee1) and its competing phosphatase (cdc25) are regulated during the cell cycle. A goal for the future will be to obtain a comprehensive picture of how the wee1-cdc25 regulatory system collaborates with other steps in mitotic activation to ensure that cell division occurs at the appropriate time during the cell cycle.
Prospects for Change

There will be change — no question about that. But there are questions about the direction and rate of change, whether or not the change can be controlled, and if so, who will direct it and how.
Combinatorial optimization methods for disassembly line balancing

Disassembly takes place in remanufacturing, recycling, and disposal with a line being the best choice for automation. The disassembly line balancing problem seeks a sequence which: minimizes workstations, ensures similar idle times, and is feasible. Finding the optimal balance is computationally intensive due to factorial growth. Combinatorial optimization methods hold promise for providing solutions to the disassembly line balancing problem, which is proven to belong to the class of NP-complete problems. Ant colony optimization, genetic algorithm, and H-K metaheuristics are presented and compared along with a greedy/hill-climbing heuristic hybrid. A numerical study is performed to illustrate the implementation and compare performance. Conclusions drawn include the consistent generation of optimal or near-optimal solutions, the ability to preserve precedence, the speed of the techniques, and their practicality due to ease of implementation.
Analyzing root causes of latency distributions

OSprof is a versatile, portable, and efficient profiling methodology based on the analysis of latency distributions. Although OSprof offers several unique benefits and has been used to uncover several interesting performance problems, the latency distributions that it provides must be analyzed manually. These latency distributions are presented as histograms and contain distinct groups of data, called peaks, that characterize the overall behavior of the running code. Our thesis is that by automating the analysis process, we make it easier to take advantage of OSprof’s unique features. We have developed the Dynamic Analysis of Root Causes system (DARC), which finds root cause paths in a running program’s call-graph using runtime latency analysis. A root cause path is a call-path that starts at a given function and includes the largest latency contributors to a given peak. These paths are the main causes for the high-level behavior that is represented as a peak in an OSprof histogram. DARC uses dynamic binary instrumentation to analyze running code. DARC performs PID and call-path filtering to reduce overheads and perturbations, and can handle recursive and indirect calls. DARC can analyze preemptive behavior and asynchronous call-paths, and can also resume its analysis from a previous state, which is useful when analyzing short-running programs or specific phases of a program’s execution. In this dissertation we present the design and implementation of DARC. Our implementation is able to find user-space and kernel-space root cause paths, as well as paths that originate in user-space and terminate in kernel-space. We also investigate the possibility of using OSprof and DARC in virtual machine environments. We show DARC’s usefulness by analyzing behaviors that were observed in several interesting scenarios. We compared the analysis of these behaviors when using DARC to the manual analysis required by the original OSprof methodology, and found that DARC provides more concrete evidence about root causes while requiring less time, expertise, and intuition. In our performance evaluation, we show that DARC has negligible elapsed time overheads for normal use cases.
Yield modeling of an aliphatic polyketone terpolymer in multiaxial stress states

A continuum yield model for pressure dependent anisotropic materials that accounts for the stress state has been combined with a thermally activated model to account for the temperature and rate dependence of yield stress. The resulting model has been applied to describe the yield behavior of a semicrystalline aliphatic polyketone terpolymer. Utilizing biaxial data from this thermoplastic, best-fit values for loading along principal directions were determined. With these principal values, predictions for the yield strength under biaxial loading conditions were made. These predictions have been compared to experimental data obtained from the material at four different temperatures and three different strain rates. The experimental and theoretical results appear to compare quite well with each other.
Prior information and bias in sequential estimation

Abstract : This article applies discrete sequential filtering to estimation of an unknown vector x imbedded in nonstationary uncorrelated noise, when observations depend linearly on x in a time-varying manner. Such a situation occurs in trajectory determination close to the earth. We solve the recursive filter equations to obtain the n-th estimate of x, xn, and its convariance matrix Pn, in terms of the observations (zi, i=1, ..., n) and initial values xo, Po. These expressions illustrate how the a priori information can introduce bias into the sequential estimates.
Apoptotic cells can induce non-autonomous apoptosis through the TNF pathway.

Apoptotic cells can produce signals to instruct cells in their local environment, including ones that stimulate engulfment and proliferation. We identified a novel mode of communication by which apoptotic cells induce additional apoptosis in the same tissue. Strong induction of apoptosis in one compartment of the Drosophila wing disc causes apoptosis of cells in the other compartment, indicating that dying cells can release long-range death factors. We identified Eiger, the Drosophila tumor necrosis factor (TNF) homolog, as the signal responsible for apoptosis-induced apoptosis (AiA). Eiger is produced in apoptotic cells and, through activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, is able to propagate the initial apoptotic stimulus. We also show that during coordinated cell death of hair follicle cells in mice, TNF-α is expressed in apoptotic cells and is required for normal cell death. AiA provides a mechanism to explain cohort behavior of dying cells that is seen both in normal development and under pathological conditions. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01004.001
Why does smoking so often produce dependence? A somewhat different view

The usual explanation for why smoking produces dependence focuses on the effects of nicotine on dopamine and other neurobiological explanations. This review offers four somewhat different explanations: (1) nicotine can offer several psychopharmacological benefits at the age when such benefits are especially needed; (2) cigarettes provide for a rapid, frequent, reliable and easy-to-obtain reward; (3) nicotine is not intoxicating, allowing chronic intake; and (4) the long duration of the nicotine withdrawal syndrome effectively undermines cessation. This article reviews the evidence for the above views and the tobacco control activities these views suggest.
Mathematical equivalence of two common forms of firing rate models of neural networks

We demonstrate the mathematical equivalence of two commonly used forms of firing rate model equations for neural networks. In addition, we show that what is commonly interpreted as the firing rate in one form of model may be better interpreted as a low-pass-filtered firing rate, and we point out a conductance-based firing rate model.
Excretion of conjugated metabolites of the mycotoxin penicillic acid in male mice.

Abstract The metabolism of penicillic acid (PA) in male mice was investigated. PA metabolites in urine and bile, for the most part, were not extracted by organic solvents such as ethyl acetate, chloroform, ether, and ethanol. Ten percent of the metabolites in urine was detected as glucuronide conjugates; no sulfate conjugates were detected. High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to isolate PA metabolites in urine, plasma, and bile. All metabolite(s) in these biological fluids were more polar than the parent compound. At least three PA metabolites in bile and three in urine were resolved by an HPLC system. These metabolites were glutathione (GSH) or cysteine derivatives. HPLC profiles of the metabolites in urine and bile were similar, but some PA metabolites in urine were more polar. These data suggested that the major metabolites of PA in the mouse were conjugates or derivatives of GSH or cysteine.
On decision problems for simple and parameterized machines

We introduce what we believe to be the simplest known classes of language acceptors for which we can prove that decision problems (like universe, disjointness, containment, etc.) are undecidable. We also look at classes with undecidable decision problems and show that the problems become decidable for the "parameterized" versions of the machines.
Intramolecular quadruplex conformation of human telomeric DNA assessed with 125I-radioprobing

A repeated non-coding DNA sequence d(TTAGGG)n is present in the telomeric ends of all human chromosomes. These repeats can adopt multiple inter and intramolecular non-B-DNA conformations that may play an important role in biological processes. Two intramolecular structures of the telomeric oligonucleotide dAGGG(TTAGGG)3, antiparallel and parallel, have been solved by NMR and X-ray crystallography. In both structures, the telomeric sequence adopts an intramolecular quadruplex structure that is stabilized by G-4 quartets, but the ways in which the sequence folds into the quadruplex are different. The folds of the human telomeric DNA were described as an anti-parallel basket-type and a parallel propeller-type. We applied 125I-radioprobing to determine the conformation of the telomeric quadruplex in solution, in the presence of either Na+ or K+ ions. The probability of DNA breaks caused by decay of 125I is inversely related to the distance between the radionuclide and the sugar unit of the DNA backbone; hence, the conformation of the DNA backbone can be deduced from the distribution of breaks. The probability of breaks measured in the presence of Na+ and K+ were compared with the distances in basket-type and propeller-type quadruplexes obtained from the NMR and crystal structures. Our radioprobing data demonstrate that the antiparallel conformation was present in solution in the presence of both K+ and Na+. The preferable conformation in the Na+-containing solution was the basket-type antiparallel quadruplex whereas the presence of K+ favored the chair-type antiparallel quadruplex. Thus, we believe that the two antiparallel and the parallel conformations may coexist in solution, and that their relative proportion is determined by the type and concentration of ions.
Cerebral and intestinal perfusion and metabolism in normocythemic hyperviscous hypoxic newborn pigs.

We studied the effects of hypoxia on cerebral cortical and intestinal perfusion and metabolism in normocythemic hyperviscous newborn pigs. Seven pigs were made hyperviscous by an injection of cryop...
Husk extension of field corn in breeding for resistance to bird damage

Many of the pests which feed upon or compete with corn in the field are well known and recognized by the general public as well as by the farmer. The depredations of weeds, disease pathogens, insects, nematodes, and, to a lesser extent, small rodents are well catalogued in scientific literature. Additional well-known hazards to efficient corn production include incomplete or unbalanced soil fertility and unfavorable climate, either in the form of a generally unfavorable season or as individual disruptive storms. Often the peril is two or more of these destructive forces acting in concert as, for example, when the feeding hole of an insect serves for ingress of a fungal pathogen, which in turn weakens the stalk enough for it to be broken in a wind storm.
Experimental demonstration of a dynamic bowtie for region-based CT fluence optimization

Technology development in Computed Tomography (CT) is driven by clinical needs, for example the need for image quality sufficient for the clinical task, and the need to obtain the required image quality using the lowest possible radiation dose to the patient. One approach to manage dose without compromising image quality is to spatially vary the X-ray flux such that regions of high interest receive more radiation while regions of low interest or regions sensitive to radiation receive less dose. If the region of interest (ROI) is centered at the CT system’s axis of rotation, a simple stationary bowtie mounted between the X-ray tube and the patient is sufficient to reduce the X-ray flux outside the central region. If the ROI is off center, then a dynamic bowtie that can track the ROI as the gantry rotates is preferred. We experimentally demonstrated the dynamic bowtie using a design that is relatively simple, low cost, requires no auxiliary power supply, and can be retrofitted to an existing clinical CT scanner. We installed our prototype dynamic bowtie on a clinical CT scanner, and we scanned a phantom with a pre-selected off-center ROI. The dynamic bowtie reduced the X-ray intensity outside the targeted ROI tenfold. As a result, the reconstructed image shows significantly lower noise within the dynamic bowtie ROI compared to regions outside it. Our preliminary results suggest that a dynamic bowtie could be an effective solution for further reducing CT radiation dose.
Multiple Epidural Hematomas and Hemodynamic Collapse Caused by a Subgaleal Drain and Suction-Induced Intracranial Hypotension: Case Report

Background and importance Subgaleal drains are commonly used in neurosurgery. Rare complications attributed to these drains have been described. We present a rare complication of hemodynamic collapse and multiple epidural hematomas attributed to intracranial hypotension induced by a subgaleal drain connected to suction during wound closure. Clinical presentation A 3.5-year-old boy underwent an uneventful occipital lobectomy and titanium mesh cranioplasty for resection of a recurrent choroid plexus carcinoma. The child had undergone 2 uneventful previous resections and cranial irradiation. During skin closure, a subgaleal drain was connected to suction to keep the surgical bed dry. Immediately after completion of the subgaleal layer closure, there was an acute hemodynamic collapse, accompanied by bradycardia and a drop in the hematocrit. After successful resuscitation, the child underwent a brain computed tomography scan that showed a large bifrontal epidural hematoma and multiple additional small epidural hematomas. The large hematoma was surgically evacuated, and the child had an uneventful recovery. Conclusion Acute negative intracranial hypotension may cause bradycardia, epidural hematomas, and hemodynamic collapse. Subgaleal drains should not be connected to suction systems, and care should be taken when these drains are connected to vacuum bulbs in high-risk cases such as after cranial irradiation, large resections, and mesh cranioplasties.
INHIBITION OF CANNIBALISM IN CICHLA OCELLARIS AND HYPOTHESIS OF PREDATOR MIMICRY AMONG SOUTH AMERICAN FISHES.

Cannibalism is a widespread phenomenon which occurs in both vertebrates and invertebrates (see Fox, 1975a, for a review). Historically, many investigators have tended to dismiss cannibalism among animals as unnatural behavior, such as an artifact of laboratory conditions, or of minor significance when observed in natural populations (e.g.: Kipling and Frost, 1970). Others have argued convincingly for its recognition as a natural and important mechanism of population regulation (Fox, 1975b), and recent experimental work has indicated that cannibalism does have a heritable genetic basic (Thibault, 1974). Freshwater organisms constitute the largest known group of cannibalistic animals (Fox, 1975a), and of these a great many are fishes. Cannibalism is widespread among viviparous (primarily tropical) fishes (Thibault, 1974; Aquarium Digest International, 1972), and has also been reported for numerous common temperate zone species including: perch (Perca flavescens, Clady, 1974; P. fluviatilis, McCormack, 1970), yellow bass (Roccus mississippiensis, Bulkley, 1970), smallmouth and largemouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu and M. salmoides, Clady, 1974), pike (Esox lucius, Frost, 1954; Kipling and Frost, 1970), and walleye (Stizostedion vitreum, Chevalier, 1973), to cite a few examples. Of these species Micropterus, Esox, and Stizostedion are all piscivorous. Cannibalism is also widely distributed among marine fishes including smelt (Osmerus eperlanus) and cod (Gadus morhua) (Nikolsky, 1963). Given that cannibalism may be a normal response to environmental factors (Fox, 1975a), and that it occurs commonly in freshwater fishes, especially predators, it seems curious to find a situation where it is absent in a freshwater predatory fish. This appears to be true, however, for a population of highly voracious predatory fish, the South American cichlid, Cichla ocellaris. In this paper I will present evidence supporting the absence of cannibalism in this species, experimental data which indicate the mechanisms maintaining this inhibition, and the evolutionary implications, including the hypothesis of a previously unrecognized form of mimicry among fishes of the lowland tropics of South America.
The prevalence of prenatal opioid and other drug use in Utah.

Objectives Determine the prevalence of prenatal opioid and other drug positivity among women delivering infants in Utah and compare the findings with national data. Study Design Umbilical cord tissue samples and nonidentifiable demographic data were collected anonymously in 13 labor and delivery units throughout Utah. Samples were analyzed for opioids, amphetamines, cannabinoids, cocaine, phencyclidine, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, propoxyphene, and alcohol biomarkers. Results Fifty-eight (6.8%) of 850 umbilical cord samples were positive for one or more substances. Opioids were the most frequently detected drugs (4.7%). Fewer samples were positive for alcohol (0.4%), methamphetamine (0.1%), cocaine (0.1%), and marijuana (0.4%). Conclusion Opioids were the most frequently detected drugs at delivery. Although some of the samples positive for opioids might have been a result of intrapartum exposure, a significant number were positive for opioids that are not given during labor. This parallels the increasing nonmedical use of prescription pain medications in the general population and has important implications for neonates because of the potential for significant morbidity secondary to neonatal abstinence syndrome.
The Generalized Leibniz Formula

(1950). The Generalized Leibniz Formula. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 57, No. 7P1, pp. 459-466.