cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Roles of maternal effects and nuclear genetic composition change across the life cycle of crop–wild hybrids

 Premise of the study: The fi tness of an offspring may depend on its nuclear genetic composition (via both parental genotypes) as well as on genetic maternal effects (via only the maternal parent). Understanding the relative importance of these two genetic factors is particularly important for research on crop–wild hybridization, since traits with important genetic maternal effects (e.g., seed size) often differ among crops and their relatives. We hypothesized that the effects of these genetic factors on fi components would change across the life cycle of hybrids.  Methods: We followed seed, plant size, and reproductive traits in fiexperiments with wild and four crop–wild hybrids of sunfl ower ( Helianthus annuus ), which differed in nuclear genetic composition and maternal parent (wild or F1 hybrid).  Key results: We identifi ed strong genetic maternal effects for early life cycle characteristics, with seeds produced on an F1 mother having premature germination, negligible seed dormancy, and greater seedling size. Increased percentages of crop alleles also increased premature germination and reduced dormancy in seeds produced on a wild mother. For mature plants, nuclear genetic composition dominated: greater percentages of crop alleles reduced height, branching, and fecundity.  Conclusions: Particular backcrosses between hybrids and wilds may differentially facilitate movement of crop alleles into wild populations due to their specifi c features. For example, backcross seeds produced on wild mothers can persist in the seed bank, illustrating the importance of genetic maternal effects, whereas backcross individuals with either wild or F1 mothers have high fecundity, resulting from their wild-like nuclear genetic composition.
A comparison of disordered eating attitudes and behaviors among Filipino and American college students

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to compare the levels of eating disordered attitudes and behaviors among college students in the United States and the Philippines. Design: A convenience-based cross-sectional survey. Setting: General education classes in one college in Manila and another in the Western US. Participants: 340 college students. Interventions: A paper-pencil survey was given to the students in the classroom consisting of Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and demographic variables. MAIN Outcome Measures: Eating disordered attitudes and behaviors (scoring 20 or more on EAT-26) was the dependent variable, while gender and country of residence were the two main independent variables. Analysis: Frequency distributions, chi-squares, and logistic regression analysis were employed to summarize and analyze the data. Results: Filipino students were 10.9 times (p-value <0.0001) more likely to have eating disordered attitudes and behaviors than their American counterparts controlling for the demographics collected. This relationship remained significant when regression models were done for each gender separately. In addition, married students and more specifically married female students were more likely to have eating disordered attitudes and behaviors than single students or single females. Conclusions And Implications: Arguments are made as to why higher levels of eating disordered attitudes and behaviors are observed among Filipino college students. These results provide important information about the levels of eating disordered attitudes and behaviors in the Philippines and may be useful for developing future education programs.
An Interfacial Stress Rheometer To Study Rheological Transitions in Monolayers at the Air-Water Interface

An interfacial stress rheometer has been constructed to study the rheology of Langmuir films subjected to time-dependent flows. A magnetized rod resides at the air−water interface and is set into oscillation by applying a sinusoidal magnetic field gradient. Analysis of the amplitude and phase of the resulting rod motion relative to the applied force allows the determination of the dynamic surface modulus, Gs*(ω), and measurement of the relative elastic and viscous contributions of the monolayer. Measurements at 22 °C were conducted on eicosanol (C20) and mixtures of a rigid-rod polymer, phthalocyaninatopolysiloxane (PcPS), dispersed in eicosanol. The surface pressure dependence of the rheology for eicosanol reveals the presence of a maximum in the loss modulus, Gs‘ ‘(ω), within the L2‘ phase at Π = 6 mN/m. In the LSI phase at pressures above 15 mN/m, the monolayer is Newtonian and has a surface viscosity of 0.03 mN·s/m. The mixtures of PcPS with eicosanol are known to have two-dimensional nematic behavior...
See-saw Nystagmus in Dogs and Humans: An International, Across-discipline, Serendipitous Collaboration

Before the 1991 report of achiasma in dogs, [1] there was general acceptance that all vertebrates had decussation at the optic chiasm. [2] Exactly how, within the space of a few years, the achiasmatic condition came to be recognized in two mammalian species is an interesting confluence of interpersonal scientific communication and some serendipity. "Serendipity," a word coined by Walpole in a letter written in 1754, [3] based on a fairy tale he had written several years earlier, [4] has a long history in science. [5-9] In 1991, Robert Williams, PhD (a Memphis neuroanatomist/biologist), who had been studying the anatomy of mutant Belgian sheepdogs that had no optic chiasm, sent me videos of their eye movements, asking if they were like human congenital nystagmus (CN). I replied that although they appeared to be similar, we would have to document the waveforms of the dominant horizontal oscillation. Also visible in the video were vertical components, which are less common in human CN, and what appeared to be transient see-saw nystagmus (SSN), a disconjugate vertical nystagmus with a conjugate torsional component such that each eye intorts as it goes upward and extorts as it goes downward. [10] SSN is not part of the human CN condition, and congenital SSN is extremely rare. [11-13] I traveled to Memphis in 1992 and (with Williams) confirmed, by both direct observation and additional videos, the presence of SSN in one dog and vertical components of the nystagmus in the others. I discussed the canine condition with Josephine Shallo-Hoffmann, PhD (working in the vestibuloocular laboratory of Michael Gresty, PhD, in London) in 1991 …
Approach for determining area selectivity in small-area XPS analysis

This paper demonstrates that measurements on well-defined ‘dots’ of a material on a substrate provide a useful experimental approach for determining the area of a specimen that contributes to a small-area XPS measurement. The method provides information that can verify instrument operation conditions and the adequacy of specimen alignment procedures. A data set collected on one system demonstrates how some general properties of an instrument can be learned in order to understand and optimize data collection methods. The relationship of common methods of measuring spatial resolution and the dot test method are discussed. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphologic effects of ammonia on primary astrocyte cultures. I. Light microscopic studies

Light microscopic studies of primary astrocyte cultures following exposure to ammonia have shown several alterations. To determine the nature and significance of these changes, electron microscopic studies were performed. Ultrastructural changes consisted of proliferation, pleomorphism and swelling of mitochondria, condensation of the mitochondrial matrix, cytoplasmic lucency and vacuolization, disaggregation of polyribosomal clusters, an initial increase followed by degranulation of rough endoplasmic reticulum, proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, an accumulation of dense bodies and a loss of intermediate glial filaments. The early alterations appeared reactive and perhaps reflected ammonia detoxification. Some changes were degenerative and support the view that ammonia exerts a direct toxic effect on astrocytes. It is postulated that these changes may interfere with critical astroglial functions and thereby play a key role in the neurologic dysfunction seen in hyperammonemia.
On the global variations of terrestrial heat-flow

Abstract Over 3 500 measurements of surface heat-flux have been catalogued and analyzed to study the large-scale variations of terrestrial heat-flow. It was found that heat-flow values are correlated with major geologic provinces: higher averages and scattered values in active tectonic regions, and lower averages and more uniform values in stable areas. Analyzing the data in the light of new global tectonics shows that the variations of heat-flow are consistent with the hypotheses of sea-floor spreading and plate tectonics. The observed heat-flow across the mid-oceanic ridges can be accounted for by a simple model of a spreading sea floor.
Mortgage Lending and Race: Is Discrimination Still a Factor?

The significance of race in mortgage lending has emerged as a major public policy issue and focus of scholarly research in the United States. In this paper the experiences of black and Latino mortgage loan applicants in a large midwestern metropolitan area are examined by means of a database on the disposition of individual mortgage loan applications that is now available. It is found that, after controlling for income, age of housing, housing value, and occupancy status, black applicants and applicants from predominantly black communities are less likely to have their loan applications approved than are white applicants or applicants from predominantly white areas. Although no disparities were associated with Latino applicants, those applicants from predominantly Latino communities were less likely to be approved than were others. Specific research and policy recommendations are offered to develop a further understanding of the racial implications of the mortgage market and for reducing racial disparitie...
Consumption of Pink Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and Tobacco Budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Eggs by Some Predators Commonly Found in Cotton Fields

Consumption of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), eggs by some common insect predators found in Arizona and California cotton fields was studied. Collops vittatus (Say), Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville, and Chrysopa carnea Stephens destroyed the highest numbers of eggs per day followed by Nabis spp., Sinea confusa Caudell, Geocoris spp., and Onus tristicolor (White). Larval development times of C. carnea, C. vittatus , and H. convergens fed pink bollworm eggs agreed with published development times of the respective predators fed eggs of other insect species or whole insects. The presence of mixed species of insect predators in oviposition cages with pink bollworm female moths did not influence the moths' selection of oviposition sites. H. convergens adults and larvae and C. carnea larvae consumed both tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.), and pink bollworm eggs when both hosts were available.
The Gap between Theory and Practice: A Study of the Prevalence and Strength of Patron Confidentiality Policies in Public and Academic Libraries

Abstract Vermont library directors estimated they received at least 1228 requests for patron information in the last year. In spite of these requests and heightened awareness about threats to confidentiality posed by the USA PATRIOT Act, fewer than half of the state’s public and academic libraries have written patron confidentiality policies. The policies that do exist were recently updated and most prohibit release of information without a binding legal document. However, only half require an attorney’s review of such documents. Libraries with larger numbers of personnel and with directors holding MLS degrees are more likely to have policies. The absence of policies does not appear to indicate a lack of belief in the importance of confidentiality; a vast majority of library directors support strengthening the state law.
Use of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in long-term survivors of orthotopic heart transplantation.

Background Orthotopic heart transplantation is considered an effective treatment for patients with refractory heart failure. The long-term survival of orthotopic heart transplantation recipients has increased over the last several decades, but many long-term survivors of orthotopic heart transplantation develop graft atherosclerosis and associated left ventricular dysfunction. The risk of sudden cardiac death in long-term survivors of orthotopic heart transplantation with these complications is believed to be high. There are no data on the usefulness of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) in this population; therefore, we report our early experience with ICD placement in such patients. Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the use of ICDs in adults who are long-term survivors of heart transplantation. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all adult patients who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation at Stanford University Hospital (Stanford, CA, USA) from 1980 to 2004. All patients who received an ICD after transplant were included in this study. We reviewed demographic data, medical history, ejection fraction, presence of graft atherosclerosis, indication for ICD placement, and any device therapy delivered. Results Of the 925 patients who had orthotopic heart transplantation during this time period, 493 patients were alive at the beginning of the year 2000. Of these patients, 10 (∼2%) had subsequent placement of an ICD. All 10 patients were male. The average age at orthotopic heart transplantation was 37.8 years. The average age at ICD placement was 50.5 years. The average time from orthotopic heart transplantation to ICD placement was 14.6 years. The average ejection fraction at the time of implant was 46.5%. Five of the 10 patients had a low ejection fraction (within this subgroup, the average ejection fraction was 31%, range 15%–45%) and graft atherosclerosis. ICDs were placed because of symptomatic episodes of ventricular tachycardia (3 patients), low ejection fraction and severe graft atherosclerosis without symptoms (3 patients), and after thorough evaluation for otherwise unexplained syncope (4 patients). The average follow-up after device implantation was 13 months. Complications related to ICD placement were an infected ICD system requiring explant in one patient and a lead fracture in another patient. Three patients had subsequent appropriate shocks for ventricular arrhythmias, and one patient underwent a second orthotopic heart transplantation. One patient died of malignancy. Conclusion Use of the ICD in long-term survivors of orthotopic heart transplantation should be considered in appropriately selected patients. Further data are needed regarding ICD use in this population.
Call and component evaluation for improved performance of recognition of killer whale individuals

The objective of this experiment was to determine the contribution of the initial broad band component of the SD1(1a/b) vocalization towards recognition of individual killer whales (Orcinus orca). Prior research showed classification using the SD1(1a/b) vocalization performed 23% better compared to classification using the SD3(1) vocalization. One possible theory for this observation was the presence of a broad band buzz at the initiation of the SD1 call. It was theorized the broad band buzz of the vocalization was more continuously sampling the frequency response of the vocal production mechanism, (classically described as the filter in the source-filter model of speech) and potentially contributed to the observed increase in recognition. Experiments were performed with vocalizations provided by Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute and consisted of 20 SD1(1a/b) vocalizations for each of four whales (2 male, 2 female). The broadband component was hand segmented from the vocalization. Classification was performed on the full and segmented vocalizations with a Gaussian mixture model, using mel-frequency cepstral coefficient feature vectors. Using the full vocalization, overall accuracy was 75 +/− 2% using a 95% confidence interval. Using only the segmented broad band component, overall accuracy was 56 +/− 2% using a 95% confidence interval. Chance performance was 25%. These results cannot definitively support or reject a source filter model, but do point to the need for focused research to develop appropriate feature vectors for individual identification using acoustic cues.
DeFries named MacArthur Fellow Ruth DeFries

A professor in the Department of Geography and the Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center at the University of Maryland, College Park, was named as a MacArthur Fellow, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation announced on 25 September. An environmental geographer, DeFries, was cited for “combining remote satellite imagery and a deep understanding of the environmental effects of agriculture and urbanization to illuminate key processes transforming our planet.”
Thermal conductivity and diffusivity of soils as related to moisture tension and other physical properties

Abstract Mineral soils of different textures, containing the same amount of water, exhibit very different thermal conductivities. However, when they are compared at the same moisture tensions, their thermal conductivities are similar. Moisture variations have a much greater effect on thermal conductivity of soils than bulk density and grain size.
Gold clusters: reactions and deuterium uptake

We have examined the reactivity and saturation of small gold clusters (cations, neutrals and anions) towards several molecules and find that specific small gold clusters exhibit a pronounced variation in their reactivity towards hydrogen, methane and oxygen. The reactivity not only depends strongly on cluster size but also on the cluster charge state. For example, small (n<15) gold cations react readily with D2, but no evidence of reaction is observed for the anions under our experimental conditions. Similar behavior is seen for methane. With oxygen only even atom (odd electron) anions are reactive, and Au 10 + is the only cation which exhibits evidence of reaction. The global features (small cluster cations reactive towards H2, CH4, but large ones not reactive, odd electron anions reactive towards O2) are qualitatively explained by appealing to a simple frontier orbital picture. The uptake of deuterium and methane on gold clusters also exhibits a pronounced size dependence with D/Au varying from a high of 3 for the dimer to zero for clusters containing more than 15 Au atoms. Comparison of the methane and deuterium saturation behavior leads us to suggest that methane is dissociated and bound as CH3 and H.
Further investigation of anticoccidial activity of 7-bromo-N-(2-imidazolidinylidene)-1H-indazol-6-amine.

Abstract The clonidine analog 7-bromo-N-(2-imidazolidinylidene)-1H-indazol-6-amine exhibits potent activity against Eimeria tenella infections in chickens. Disease control was abrogated by a selective alpha 2 antagonist, which is consistent with the dependence of such activity upon binding to receptors with characteristics of the vertebrate alpha 2 adrenoceptor. Lack of significant activity against the parasite in tissue culture and our inability to detect significant binding of alpha 2 adrenergic ligands to E. tenella imply that the anticoccidial action may be an indirect effect mediated by the host. Efficacy varied, depending upon the Eimeria species, being greatest for the cecal species E. tenella and less for the intestinal species. The effects described differ substantially from previous accounts of adrenergic actions on parasitic protozoa. The evidence suggests that we have observed a new mechanism of action for antiparasitic drugs.
Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of parathyroid lesions: A morphological and immunocytochemical approach

Ultrasound-guided (US) fine-needle aspiration (FNA) can successfully localize abnormal parathyroid tissue (PT) preoperatively in hyperparathyroid patients. Samples from 12 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism evaluated using this technique since 1990 at the National Institutes of Health form the basis of this report. Eleven patients had undergone previous parathyroid surgery that failed to correct their hyperparathyroidism. Cytological evaluation and C-terminal (midmolecule) parathyroid hormone radioimmunoassay (PTH RIA) were performed on all samples. When sufficient material was available, immunocytochemical stains for chromogranin and thyroglobulin were performed. All cytological diagnoses were made with-out knowledge of the PTH RIA results. Using a combined approach of cytology and immunocytochemistry, six of 12 of the samples (50%) were diagnosed as PT. Follow-up on these six patients was confirmatory. Four of 12 samples (33%) were identified as thyroid; one of these patients had a PT adenoma identified in another location (the remaining three patients await further localization studies). Two of 12 samples (17%) could not be diagnosed because of insufficient cellularity; in both patients PT lesions were found in other locations. Morphological features of PT in FNA include the presence of cellular tissue fragments with epithelial cells arranged perivascularly around capillary cores, an overall organoid or trabecular architecture, and frequent microacini. Parathyroid tissue cells have round, fairly uniform nuclei measuring 6 to 8 microns. Clusters of larger oxyphil cells may show considerable anisonucleosis. The absence of features of thyroid tissue such as hemosiderin-laden macrophages, abundant colloid, and paravacuolar granules is significant. However, in cases of intrathyroidal PT, admixed thyroid material included in the aspiration tract may be present immunocytochemical stains for chromogranin, which is present in parathyroid tissue but not thyroid follicular cells, were positive in six of six samples interpreted as PT by cytology. No thyroglobulin staining was observed in any of the four of six PT samples for which material was available. C-terminal (midmolecule) PTH RIA correlated with cytological diagnoses in 100% of samples. Parathyroid hormone levels ranged from 1,300 to 262,000 pg/mL (normal blood level, 50 to 340 pg/mL) in the six samples diagnosed as PT by cytology. Parathyroid hormone RIA levels in the six non-PT samples were below normal blood values. The combined approach of cytology and immunocytochemistry provides high diagnostic accuracy in the interpretation of US-guided FNA for preoperative localization of parathyroid tissue.
ULTRAVIOLET‐B RADIATION EFFECTS ON INORGANIC NITROGEN UPTAKE BY NATURAL ASSEMBLAGES OF OCEANIC PLANKTON1

Ultraviolet-B radiation (UVBR: 290-320 nm) inhibited ammonium uptake ({rho}{sub NH4}) and nitrate uptake ({rho}{sub NO3}) in natural plankton assemblages collected during a transect from 37{degrees}N to 55{degrees}N in the Pacific Ocean. Comparison of responses in {rho}{sub NH4} to ambient solar- and lamp-enhanced UVBR spectra allowed calculation of an action spectrum for {rho}{sub NH4} inhibition. The slope of the action spectrum for {rho}{sub NH4} is half as steep as action spectra for UVBR inhibition of photosynthetic carbon uptake. Consequently, UVBR-induced photoinhibition of {rho}{sub NH4} extends to greater depths than inhibition of carbon fixation due to the greater relative effect of longer UVBR wavelengths. Inhibition of {rho}{sub NH4} was dependent upon UVBR dose when doses were weighted by the {rho}{sub NH4} action spectrum. Dependence of UVBR inhibition of {rho}{sub NH4} on dose rate was not apparent. We found that near-surface {rho}{sub NH4} and {rho}{sub NO3} can be overestimated in excess of 50% when measured using standard incubation vessels made of UVBR-absorbing materials such as polycarbonate. 68 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.
Information and the control of agents

Abstract Standard principal-agent models examine problems with controlling moral hazard under conditions of imperfect information This paper explores whether the ability to costlessly monitor agent/employees within a firm with certainty is a sufficient condition to eliminate problems with control A simple model of employee theft is used to demonstrate that even if theft can always be detected in a timely fashion, problems with control may persist Implications of this finding are discussed.
Association of rare PTP4A1-PHF3-EYS variants with alcohol dependence

In a recent genome-wide association study (GWAS), we identified a unique novel, functional and replicable risk genomic region for alcohol dependence. This region (Chr6: 64,066,604-64,831,120) included the protein tyrosine phosphatase type IVA 1 gene (PTP4A1), the plant homeodomain finger protein 3 gene (PHF3) and part of the eyes shut homolog gene (EYS). It was enriched with numerous replicable common risk variants (minor allele frequency (MAF) >0.05) for alcohol dependence across African–Americans, European–Americans and European–Australians. Within 90 Mb range surrounding this region in the discovery sample, all variants with P<10−4 were concentrated in this region. Most of these risk variants had significant cis-acting regulatory effects on mRNA expression. The distributions of −log(P) values for association and functional signals in this region were highly consistent across six independent populations. We thus speculated that this region might harbor a causal variant(s) for alcohol dependence.1
Aqueous extracts of yerba mate as bactericidal agents against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a microbiological medium and ground beef mixtures.

Abstract Antimicrobials have been routinely used in food animal production for the prevention of disease as well as for growth enhancement. Recent reports demonstrating the contamination of retail meat and poultry with multi-drug resistant bacteria have drawn public concern. Staphylococci are important opportunist pathogens affecting human and animal health. The most significant species are Staphylococcus aureus, which have evolved methicillin resistance. While the best method of combating these organisms is considered to be the use of non-beta-lactam antibiotics, concerns remain that these bacteria will evolve resistance to all currently used antibiotics. We present an alternative source for a natural methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) antimicrobial: tea, more specifically, aqueous extracts from a tea plant Ilex paraguarensis, yerba mate. Dialyzed, lyophilized aqueous extracts from commercially available yerba mate tea (brand Taragui, Argentina) were produced. Extracts were screened for antimicrobial activity against MRSA in a microbiological medium, tryptic soy broth (TSB), and ground beef with 7%, 15% and 27% fat content. Methicillin-resistant staphylococci were completely inactivated after 24 h incubation at 37 °C at 4 mg/ml in TSB, 16 mg/ml in 93% lean ground beef, and 32 mg/ml in both 85% and 73% lean ground beef. Lower concentrations of extracts demonstrated inactivation of MRSA following 48 h incubation: 2 mg/ml in TSB, 16 mg/ml in both 93% and 85% lean ground beef and 32 mg/ml in 73% lean ground beef. Higher concentrations of yerba mate extracts were required to inactivate MRSA in ground beef samples with higher fat content. Our results demonstrated that relatively low concentrations of yerba mate aqueous extracts provided antimicrobial activity against MRSA in ground beef. It was concluded that natural aqueous extracts derived from yerba mate have the potential to be used as natural antimicrobials against methicillin-resistant staphylococci in foods of animal origin.
Stress intensity factors for multiple edge cracks in rotating hollow discs

The calculation of stress intensity factors for one to four equal length, equally spaced radial edge cracks at the inner and outer surfaces of a rotating hollow circular disc is presented. The technique used for the solutions is the modified mapping-collocation method. Data are presented for two wall ratios.
Evaluation of Post-Katrina Flooded Soils for Contaminants and Toxicity to the Soil Invertebrates Eisenia fetida and Caenorhabditis elegans

This research evaluated soil samples from a New Orleans neighborhood in the Chalmette, Saint Bernard Parish, that had been inundated by flooding associated with Hurricane Katrina. The goal was to determine if ecological risks persisted from flood waters that had come in contact with hazardous surface chemicals before inundating this low-lying neighborhood for a prolonged period. Research objectives were to establish the presence or absence of volatile organic and heavy metal contaminants, and then asses the toxicity of this soil to Eisenia fetida in a soil exposure assay and Caenorhabditis elegans in a simulated porewater exposure assay. Soil analysis revealed detectable levels of metals and organics in the surface soil at each location. No contaminant was detected in concentrations above human health screening values. Chromium and mercury were detected at levels in excess of typical ecological risk values. Soil extracts revealed concentrations of nitrate, sulfate, and chloride above those from an unflooded background sample. Toxicity testing resulted in no acute effects to either test species, but did show bioaccumulation of arsenic, cadmium, and lead in E. fetida exposed to several samples. The combination of mercury and sulfate provide the potential for mercury methylation should flooding and prolonged inundation occur again.
Approximate Bayesian computation with differential evolution

a b s t r a c t Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) is a simulation-based method for estimating the posterior distribution of the parameters of a model. The ABC approach is instrumental when a likelihood function for a model cannot be mathematically specified, or has a complicated form. Although difficulty in calculating a model's likelihood is extremely common, current ABC methods suffer from two problems that have largely prevented their mainstream adoption: long computation time and an inability to scale beyond a few parameters. We introduce differential evolution as a computationally efficient genetic algorithm for proposal generation in our ABC sampler. We show how using this method allows our new ABC algorithm, called ABCDE, to obtain accurate posterior estimates in fewer iterations than kernel-based ABC algorithms and to scale to high-dimensional parameter spaces that have proven difficult for current ABC methods.
Combination strategies in myelodysplastic syndromes

The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) consist of an array of clonal hematological malignancies resulting from disorders of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells. MDS is associated with a poor overall prognosis and patients are categorized as higher risk and lower risk on the basis of the International Prognostic Scoring System. Currently, lenalidomide, azacitidine, and decitabine are the only three FDA-approved drugs for MDS. Traditional therapies for MDS involve the administration of single agents providing either supportive measures or disease-modifying effects directed to slowing progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and improving survival. Recently, however, there has been increasing evidence suggesting that the combination of drugs with different mechanisms of action offers substantial benefit in the form of diminished side effects, improved overall survival, and delayed progression to AML. Multiple studies indicate that when compared with traditional monotherapies, combining various medications with non-overlapping mechanisms of action and toxicities may result in significant benefit for patients with MDS. A variety of combination therapies with growth factors, DNA methytransferase inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and immunosuppressant treatments provide encouraging data indicating that the successful future of MDS treatment rests in the combination of multiple treatments modalities to achieve improved clinical outcomes.
Measuring Elbow Stiffness at Two Muscle Contraction Levels

The elbow joint is critical for positioning the hand to carry out activities of daily living. Deficits in elbow joint range of motion, torque production capabilities, or alterations in elbow joint stiffness affect the ability to successfully carry out feeding, grooming, and other essential activities [1]. Thus quantifying elbow joint stiffness is desirable. Quantifying elbow joint stiffness could help diagnose, monitor and rehabilitate elbow impairments if its relationship to them is known. Ultimately, accurate measurements of joint stiffness can also impact the design of artificial limbs and human motor system control and simulation. The long-term research goal is to quantify how elbow stiffness changes with elbow joint flexion angles, movement speeds, muscle contraction, and injury or disease. The immediate goal was to validate that a recently-modified Stiffness Tester measures elbow stiffness values within the range of those previously reported. The expectation was that muscle contraction level and joint position would influence the elbow stiffness values.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Spiritual-temporal imagery in music of Olivier Messiaen and Toru Takemitsu

The Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu has stated that he was so moved by Olivier Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time that he asked Messiaen for permission to use the same instrumentation in a piece of his own. The work which grew out of that encounter, Takemitsu's Quatrain II, displays traits which can be traced to Messiaen's music and the procedures Messiaen advocated in his treatise The Technique of My Musical Language. This analysis explores philosophical and technical parallels in the music of Olivier Messiaen and Toru Takemitsu which bear on their treatment of musical time. Takemitsu's music, like that of Messiaen, is essentially metaphorical, and while the musical metaphors derive from very different cultural and spiritual traditions, they give rise to temporal and pitch structures which function similarly.
Hemispheric alpha asymmetries of words with positive, negative, and neutral arousal values preceding tasks of recall and recognition: electrophysiological and behavioral results from stuttering males and nonstuttering males and females.

Abstract Hemispheric alpha asymmetries were obtained for stuttering males and nonstuttering males and females for words of positive, negative, and neutral arousal values. Electroencephalographic data were gathered during the presentations of stimulus words and during the actual nonoral recall and recognition of the stimulus items. Stuttering males demonstrated right-hemispheric alpha suppression across stimulus words and tasks as contrasted with left-hemispheric alpha suppression for the nonstuttering males and females. Stuttering males were also shown to recall and recognize fewer words than the nonstuttering subjects across arousal categories. Subjects were also administered a modified version of A. Paivio's (1971, In B. Randhawa & W. Coffman, Eds., Visual thinking, learning, and communication , New York: Academic Press) Individual Differences Questionnaire (IDQ). Results showed our stuttering males to have obtained lower scores on the verbal and imagery questions of the IDQ as compared to the nonstuttering groups. Hemispheric alpha asymmetry results and memory performance from the stuttering males are discussed relative to nonsegmental, right-hemispheric processing strategies.
Introducing Parallel Programming in Undergraduate Curriculum

This paper summarizes our experiences and findings in teaching the concepts of parallel computing in two undergraduate programming courses and an undergraduate hardware design course. The first is a junior-senior level elective course Object-Oriented Programming using C++ and Java. The second is a sophomore-level required course on Advanced C Programming. The third course, Introduction to Digital System Design, is also a sophomore-level required course. We will describe how parallel concepts have been integrated in the courses, the assessments, and the results.
Consistent normal interpolation

Rendering a polygonal surface with Phong normal interpolation allows shading to appear as it would for a true curved surface while maintaining the efficiency and simplicity of coarse polygonal geometry. However, this approximation fails in certain situations, especially for grazing viewing directions. Well-known problems include physically impossible reflections and implausible illumination. Some of these artifacts can be mitigated through special-case processing, although no universal or generally accepted approaches are available. In particular, all known solutions that guarantee that reflected rays will always point outward from the surface also create discontinuities in the reflection ray direction.We present a simple modification of Phong normal interpolation that allows physically plausible reflections and creates an appearance of a smooth surface. We introduce an additional scalar parameter that characterizes the deviation between per-vertex normals and per face normals and use it to adjust linearly interpolated normals. The proposed technique eliminates perceptually objectionable artifacts caused by inconsistencies between the shading and geometric normals while retaining most of the practical advantages and simplicity of the original Phong formulation.
Defining the behavioral phenotype in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: A review

While there exists a large body of literature on cognitive functions in children with prenatal alcohol exposure, it remains undetermined if these children exhibit a unique profile of cognitive-behavioral functioning or a behavioral phenotype. Researchers have consistently found that intellectual functioning, as assessed by IQ tests, of children with prenatal alcohol exposure is deficient. There is increasing evidence that prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with slow information processing and attentional problems, in particular inattentiveness. Studies examining specific cognitive abilities such as language, visual perception, and memory in alcohol-affected children have shown performance decrements associated with increased task complexity. Children with prenatal alcohol exposure have also been found to exhibit significant deficits in daily functional skills or adaptive behavior, with deficits in socialization becoming pronounced during adolescence. The above findings point to the conclusion that a generalized deficit in complex information processing constitutes the central cognitive-behavioral characteristic of children with prenatal alcohol exposure. Researchers have consistently documented that specific brain regions are more affected by alcohol than other regions. The problem of mapping focal anomalies of the brain with a generalized pattern of deficits can be solved by taking developmental processes into consideration.
Case report 623

A case of OCC in a 35-year-old woman is presented. Proof was obtained by open biopsy. This rare entity is benign and its etiology is still obscure. No definite association with osteitis pubis or osteitis condensans ilii has been reported. The involvement of the clavicle is invariably unilateral. The clinical and radiographic characteristics of this benign condition have been discussed and the differential diagnosis has been considered. Consideration should be given to the concept that if the imaging features are characteristic, as in this case, biopsy may not be necessary.
Reported changes in food selection and consumption patterns of cooperative extension clientele

Abstract The Dietary Guidelines have been used by Cooperative Extension as a basis for recommending changes in food intake. By means of a questionnaire, we surveyed cooperative extension clientele concerning their perceived success in modifying their diets in the directions recommended by the Dietary Guidelines. We also assessed participants' use of food composition factors in selecting foods. A test/retest was performed to ensure questionnaire reliability. Response rate was 88%. Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance was conducted to compare adopters (those who made dietary changes due to a health-related concern) with non-adopters . Of the 235 study participants, 76% reported making health-related dietary changes between 1981 and 1986. Those who adopted dietary changes due to general health concerns reported making dietary changes in the direction suggested by the Dietary Guidelines. A significantly larger proportion of those who adopted dietary changes for general health reasons reported decreasing salt, sugar, fat, cholesterol, and calories than did those who did not adopt dietary changes. Adopters also reported increasing their fiber intake more than did the non-adopters. Compared to non-adopters, a significantly larger proportion of general health adopters reported decreased consumption of red meat and canned vegetables and increased consumption of fresh fruits, whole grains, and poultry. In general, those who adopted dietary change due to concerns about overweight, hypertension, heart disease, or cancer reported making appropriate dietary changes.
The role of communication in managing reductions in work force

Abstract Reductions in work force (downsizing, delayering, resizing, outplacement, layoffs, demassing) are used by organizations to achieve desired economic goals and ensure survival. However, these reductions often negatively affect the work behaviors and attitudes of continuing employees and thus, may detract from the success of the reduction in work force. The purpose of this study was to increase our understanding of the effects of multiple workforce reductions on survivors by extending Brockner's (1988) model and outlining the role of communication in the process so that researchers and practitioners can better predict and control for the effects of workforce reductions. In pursuit of this goal, a causal model of effects on survivors was developed and then tested with data collected in a large, midwestern insurance company that implemented two workforce reductions. The hypothesized model was inconsistent with the data and subsequently was rejected. A revised model was then tested and found to fit at ...
Performance of Solid-State Sensors for Continuous, Real-Time Measurement of Soil CO2 Concentrations

Recent advances in sensor technology provide a robust capability for continuous measurement of soil gases. The performance of solid-state CO 2 sensors (Model GMM220 series, Vaisala, Inc., Helsinki, Finland) was evaluated in laboratory, greenhouse, and irrigated winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In ambient CO 2 concentration, the GMM222 sensor averaged 427 ± 8.3 μL L -1 . Under variable CO 2 concentrations, the sensor was slightly lower than concentrations measured with an infrared gas analyzer (IRGA). In greenhouse pots planted with triticale (Triticale bexaploide Lart.) and an agricultural field of irrigated winter wheat, soil CO 2 concentration exceeded the 10,000 μL L -1 limit of the GMM222. Alternatively, the GMM221 sensor, designed to measure between 0 and 20,000 μL L -1 , showed soil CO 2 concentrations were between 14,000 and 16,000 μL L -1 . The GMM222 accurately measures real-time soil CO 2 concentrations under field conditions that were within the sensor detection limit. However, periods of high biological soil activity require the GMM221 sensor with a higher detection limit.
Personal Values and Dress: The Spranger, Hartmann, AVL Paradigm in Research and Pedagogy:

The study of personal values is a discrete research field, historically characterized by controversy over the nature of the subject matter and the design of instruments to measure values. Between 1933 and 1980, scholars concerned with relationships between personal values and dress reported outcomes of research based on a common model of personal values. The model, which includes a theoretical framework suggested by Eduard Spranger, a series of research hypotheses contributed by George W. Hartmann, and a related instrument designed to measure personal values, the A VL Study of Values, has become paradigmatic in clothing and textiles pedagogy. It suggests that direct, common-sense relationships occur between personal values and their expression in interests, attitudes, and behaviors in dress. A review of issues in the field of values study provides the context for an examination of components of the model. A review of research outcomes antithetical to the logic of the model is used to support the argument ...
Different distributions of GAD65 and GAD67 mRNAS suggest that the two glutamate decarboxylases play distinctive functional roles

Two genes encode two forms of glutamate decarboxylase, GAD65 and GAD67. Because the two GADs differ in subcellular distribution and interactions with the cofactor pyridoxal phosphate, the two enzymes may play different roles in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production. In this study we have used in situ hybridization to compare the regional and cellular distributions of the two GAD mRNAs in rat brain. Both GAD mRNAs are abundant in olfactory bulb, olfactory tubercle, zona incerta, reticular nucleus of the thalamus, oculomotor nuclei, and pontine tegmental area. GAD65 mRNA is more abundant in several structures of the visual system, including the lateral geniculate nuclei, superior colliculi, and olivary pretectal nucleus, as well as in several hypothalamic and pontine nuclei. In contrast, GAD67 mRNA is more abundant in neocortex, the granular layer of olfactory bulb, lateral and medial septum, globus pallidus, inferior colliculi, and cerebellar cortex. Both GAD mRNAs are present in interneurons as well as in projection neurons, and both are present in neurons with different types of synapses, including dendrodendiritic, axosomatic, and axodendritic synapses. GAD65 mRNA predominates in the visual and the neuroendocrine systems, which are more subject to phasic changes, while GAD67 is present at relatively higher concentrations in many tonically active neurons. GAD65 and GAD67 together may provide more flexibility in the regulation of GABA synthesis than either could alone. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Change From Brand-Name to Generic Aromatase Inhibitors and Hormone Therapy Adherence for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Results W e identified 5511 women, 2815 (51.1%) on BAI, 1411 (25.6%) on GAI, and 1285 (23.3%) who switched from BAI to GAI. The median 30-day copayment was higher for BAI ($33.3) than for GAI ($9.04). In a multivariable Coxproportional hazard analysis, women who took GAI were less likely to discontinue therapy (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57 to 0.84) compared with BAI. Discontinuation was positively associated with a higher monthly copayment of $15 to $30 (HR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.44) and more than $30 (HR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.23 to 1.80) compared with less than $15. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, adherence (medication possession ratio ≥ 80%) was positively associated with GAI use (odds ratio = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.22 to 1.91) compared with BAI and inversely associated with increased monthly copayment. In addition, adherence was associated with a high annual income of more than $100k/year (odds ratio = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.17 to 2.11). Conclusions Higher prescription copayment amount w as associated with nonadherence and discontinuation of AIs. After controlling for copayment, discontinuation was higher and adherence was lower with Brand AIs. Because nonadherence is associated with worse survival, efforts should be directed towards reducing out-of-pocket costs for these life-saving medications.