cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the equivalence and convergence of parallel jacobi svd algorithms

The singular value decomposition (SVD) of a matrix has important applications in data analysis and signal processing. Jacobi-type procedures are gaining wide acceptance for computing the SVD on parallel machines due to their inherent parallelism. But, since 1960, the only ordering that guarantees convergence for a Jacobi singular value decomposition (SVD) has been the cyclic-by-rows (columns) ordering. It was even conjectured that loss of theoretical convergence is a necessary price to pay for parallel computing. We focus on various Jacobi SVD algorithms that have been proposed in the literature, particularly on orderings for cyclic annihilation of elements of an $n \times n$ matrix A. We give a systematic description of the six well known orderings for parallel Jacobi implementations, and show that these orderings are equivalent to each other. We introduce a cyclic by modulus ordering and show that it is closely related to Sameh's parallel implementation of the row ordering. Then we consider two Jacobi SVD methods proposed for parallel computing by Brent et al. (with round-robin ordering) and Luk (with odd-even ordering). By showing their equivalence to the cyclic by modulus ordering and using the fact that equivalent orderings share the same convergence properties, we prove convergence of the method by Brent et al. for odd n and of the method by Luk for any n. We also present an example to show that the method used in Brent et al. does not converge in general for any even n. Triangular architectures are important for many applications, where cost and efficiency are primary considerations. We give a convergence proof for matrices with triangular structure, where a preparatory QR decomposition is assumed for the general case. Also of concern for applications, is the computational cost associated with doing certain operations. We present relaxed rotation angle approximations which reduce computational costs by eliminating a square root operation.
Genetic Evidence for the Essential Role of β-Transducin Repeat-containing Protein in the Inducible Processing of NF-κB2/p100

Processing of the nf kappa b2 gene product p100 to generate p52 is an important step in NF-kappa B regulation. This step is regulated by a nonclassical NF-kappa B signaling pathway involving the NF-kappa B-inducing kinase (NIK). NIK induces p100 processing by triggering phosphorylation of specific C-terminal serines of p100. However, the downstream molecular events leading to p100 processing remain unclear. Here we show that NIK induced the physical recruitment of beta-transducin repeat-containing protein (beta-TrCP), a component of the SCF ubiquitin ligase complex, to p100. This event required the phosphorylation sites as well as the death domain of p100. Using the RNA interference technique, we demonstrated that beta-TrCP is essential for NIK-induced p100 ubiquitination and processing. Interestingly the constitutive processing of p100 mutants was independent of beta-TrCP. These results suggest that beta-TrCP is an essential component of NIK-induced p100 processing.
Presentation Secrets of Comedians and Stage Performers: The Advanced Presentation Workshop

Being a successful systems engineering often means being able to communicate your ideas in a clear, compelling way. This tutorial is designed to start you on the road from being a competent presenter to being a great presenter. Borrowing from great speakers, presenters and performers in the political, entertainment, motivation and inspiration domains, the tutorial will demonstrate and apply concrete new ways of developing yourself as a speaker. This session goes beyond the “imagine your audience in their underwear” and “talk to a spot on the back wall” kind of advice to present advanced techniques that can take you from being a good presenter to being a great one. Once over the universal fear of public speaking and able to speak and present competently, a presenter often slides into a rut, using the same presentation style and the same range of skills year after year. This session provides a kick-start into a new level of presenting and speaking. Twenty-five specific, workable techniques are offered for using humor, timing, movement, adding interest, commanding attention, being natural, dealing with presentation challenges and more. Techniques based in psychology, personality and philosophy are boiled down into practical methods you can use right away—no theater skills required! The speaker is a systems engineering, and has master's degrees in psychology and business.
Conversion of serine to glycerate in intact spinach leaf peroxisomes: role of malate dehydrogenase

Abstract In photorespiration, leaf peroxisomes convert serine to glycerate via serine-glyoxylate aminotransferase and NADH-hydroxypyruvate reductase. We isolated intact spinach leaf peroxisomes in 0.25 m sucrose, and characterized their enzymatic conversion of serine to glycerate using physiological concentrations of substrates and coenzymes. In the presence of glycolate (glyoxylate), and NADH and NAD alone or together in physiological proportions, the rate of serine-to-glycerate conversion was enhanced and sustained by the addition of malate. The rate was similar at 1 and 5 m m serine, but was two to three times higher in 50 m m than 5 m m malate. In the presence of NAD and malate, there was 1:1 stoichiometric formation of glycerate and oxaloacetate. Addition of 1 or 5 m m glutamate resulted in a negligible enhancement of the conversion of hydroxypyruvate to glycerate. Intact peroxisomes produced glycerate from either serine or hydroxypyruvate at a rate two times higher than osmotically lysed peroxisomes. These results suggest that under physiological conditions, the peroxisomal malate dehydrogenase operates independent of aspartate-α-ketoglutarate aminotransferase in supplying NADH for hydroxypyruvate reduction. This supply of NADH is the rate-limitng step in the conversion of serine to glycerate. The compartmentation of hydroxypyruvate reductase and malate dehydrogenase in the peroxisomes confers a higher efficiency in the supply of NADH for hydroxypyruvate reduction under a normal, high NAD NADH ratio in the Cytosol.
A critique of the effectiveness of applied behavior analysis research

Abstract Since its inception, applied behavior analysis has required that solutions to socially significant problems be effective, though criteria for this dimension have remained largely implicit. This paper reviews three explicit technique for determining the effectiveness of behavioral research: graphical, social validational, and cost analyses. The concept of effect size is introduced as an additional means of comparing the effectiveness of various treatment alternatives. Survey data are utilized to support a bothersome implication of this review, namely that the contingency to produce large effects placed on behavioral researchers may actually decrease the likelihood that a useful technology of application will be produced. Finally, strategies are offered for preserving the effectiveness of behavioral procedures when existing technologies are disseminated to settings of relevance.
Industrial computers for tank farm inventory control and data handling

The use of an industrial computer of the general-purpose, digital, stored-program type for the accumulation of data from tank farm storage facilities and its automatic manipulation into forms suitable for inventory control and further processing.
A frustration based model of the structural glass transition in As2Se3

Experimental and theoretical work on the As–chalcogen glasses have shown that in the glassy state the local cylindrical symmetry associated with each elemental pyramidal site is preserved. A distribution of NQR (nuclear quadrupole resonance) data for a sample of powdered glassy As2Se3 was published some time ago. Using a tight binding model, the “best fit” to the NQR data indicates that the basic pyramidal units form a pyramidal preferred structure unit (PPU) above the glass temperature, and as the material freezes these units organize themselves around this PPU into chiral structures in the glass. To explain the tendency to form these structures at the molecular level a model of local frustration forces acting on each site is introduced. It is shown that minimization of a local Landau type free energy per bond with respect to a corresponding local structural order parameter predicts the correct NQR distribution, the correct form for the Helmholtz free energy, and the glass and Kauzmann temperatures to within 10% of their observed values.
An integrated participatory platform for human evaluation of machine translation

We describe the functions of HeMT, a multilingual participatory platform for Human Evaluation of Machine Translation. HeMT is used by three types of users including translators, evaluators, and reviewers. It consists of six major modules: User Management, Manual Translation, User Training, Evaluation, Result Visualization, and Multilingual Lexicon Management. HeMT can be used by Digital Libraries and Machine Translation communities for conducting manual translation, machine translation evaluation, and computer-assisted translation tasks.
Electron paramagnetic resonance studies of the lowest triplet states of 1,2-benzanthracene-d12, chrysene-d12, and 1,2;5,6-dibenzanthracene-d14 in single-crystal p-terphenyl in the range from 4 to 240 K, and their implications concerning phase transitions in p-terphenyl below 240 K

Abstract Low-field electron paramagnetic resonance studies from 65 to 240 K of the zero-field splittings of triplet 1,2-benzanthracene- d 12 dilutely substituted in single-crystal p -terphenyl have yielded 193.0 ± 0.3 K as the best value of the temperature at which a phase transition sets in upon cooling, and at which it is completed upon warming, these crystals. Similar studies of triplet chrysene- d 12 (from 7.7 to 80 K) and of 1,2;5,6-dibenzanthracene- d 14 (from 7.4 to 100.7 K) dilutely substituted in single-crystal p -terphenyl give evidence of a previously unreported second phase transition intrinsic to p -terphenyl, but influenced measurably by the presence of dilute guests. In chrysene substituted p -terphenyl, the system for which our present data most clearly indicate a second phase transition, the transition temperature lies in the range from 7.9 to 8.2 K. Our results for these phase transitions are discussed in the context of recent experimental and theoretical results for crystalline p -terphenyl below room temperature. Multiple orientation of these triplet guests and their interactions with p -terphenyl host are discussed for all three systems, and several notable features of the spectra are described.
Common Misconceptions in the Calculation of Transonic Full Potential Flows

Reasons for certain inaccuracies in the majority of existing computer programs that numerically calculate transonic full potential flows are clearly exposed. Problems of post-shock oscillations, non-unique shock strengths and their locations, diverging solutions of choked nozzle flows and flows about sharp leading edges are shown to be related to widely accepted oversimplifications in the treatment of boundary conditions. Forms of numerical dissipation that are presently widely used are shown to be not fully understood and an alternative dissipation generation concept is proposed.Copyright © 1984 by ASME
Neurogenic essential hypertension revisited: the case for increased clinical and research attention

The management of essential hypertension has increasingly focused on the use of diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers, which lower blood pressure (BP) through effects on blood volume and on the renin-angiotensin system. However, in many individuals these agents, whether given alone or in combination, fail to normalize BP. In such cases it is likely that hypertension is at least partly maintained by pathophysiologic mechanisms other than volume and the renin-angiotensin system, and therefore, that pharmacotherapy directed at other mechanisms is needed. One such form of hypertension is the often overlooked entity of neurogenic hypertension. The purpose of this article is to renew attention to this overlooked entity, to provide a very clinically oriented overview of its possible causes and manifestations, and to discuss the potentially important treatment implications of recognizing this form of hypertension. These implications underscore the need for further clinical and research attention concerning neurogenically mediated hypertension.
Peripheral paced respiration: influencing user physiology during information work

We present the design and evaluation of a technique for influencing user respiration by integrating respiration-pacing methods into the desktop operating system in a peripheral manner. Peripheral paced respiration differs from prior techniques in that it does not require the user's full attention. We conducted a within-subjects study to evaluate the efficacy of peripheral paced respiration, as compared to no feedback, in an ecologically valid environment. Participant respiration decreased significantly in the pacing condition. Upon further analysis, we attribute this difference to a significant decrease in breath rate while the intermittent pacing feedback is active, rather than a persistent change in respiratory pattern. The results have implications for researchers in physiological computing, biofeedback designers, and human-computer interaction researchers concerned with user stress and affect.
Geographic variation in Pemphigus populicaulis (Insecta: Aphididae) in Eastern North America*,†

The geographic variation of 33 morphological characters of the gall-forming aphid Pemphigus populicaulis is studied for 118 localities east of 100oW longitude. Variation can be partitioned into within-gall, among-gall and among-locality components. Among localities variation ranges from 26 to 54%, being significant for all characters. Variation among galls within localities ranges from 24 to. 56%, that within-galls from 8 to 4796. The design of the study permits computation of character correlation matrices within and among localities. Gall size is correlated with tnorphometric characters only on an interlocality but not on an intralocality basis. Interlocalily correlations are a function of intralocality correlations, confirming earlier predictions. There is little correlation between characters of stem mother and alate morphotypes within localities, whereas among localities such correlation is appreciable. This phenomenon may be caused by aspects ol the environment that vary among localities but remain reasonably constant through the earlv life cycle of the aphid. When subjected to factor analysis both correlation matrices yield four factors. Multiple discriminant analysis of the data set results in five interpretable significant axes. Maps are furnished for characters representing the independent dimensions of variation and for discriminant function scores. The patterns of variation can be shown to be significantly nonrandom by Mantel's test and by spatial autocorrelation analysis. All variables are significantly positively autocorrelated at 200 km, many at 400 km and a few at 600 km; few general statements can be made about significant autocorrelations at higher distances. The positive autocorrelation at relatively short distances may be related to the pool of clones from which the genotypes of any one locality sample are taken. There are three correlogram patterns that can be associated with four clusters of variation patterns of characters. The separate patterns presumably cannot be explained by a single microevolutionary process.
Limited Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin With Potent Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Is a Cost-Effective Prophylaxis Against Hepatitis B Virus After Liver Transplantation

Abstract Background Prophylaxis against hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) includes lifelong hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and oral antiviral agent(s). In the presence of high-genetic-barrier nucleos(t)ide analogues, the need for lifelong HBIG is questioned. We evaluated the safety and cost-effectiveness of a limited HBIG course. Methods OLT from 2006 to 2013 were reviewed. Patients with pre-OLT hepatitis B virus surface antigen who received HBV prophylaxis with 2 HBIG doses (anhepatic and first post-operative day; 10,000 units/dose) and potent nucleos(t)ide analogues were included. The primary end point was HBV recurrence (HBV-DNA detection). Results Thirteen patients (primary transplants) were included, median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 18, and there was no fulminant failure; HBV-DNA was detected in 4 patients at OLT. After OLT, 10 patients received entecavir and/or tenofovir. Median follow-up was 23 months. One recurrence occurred (7.7%) at month 13 (HBV-DNA: 14 IU/mL); the graft maintained excellent function. This minimal viremic expression is related to hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence with neoplastic replication carrying integrated HBV-DNA; thus, there is no defined HBV viral recurrence. No graft loss or patient death was related to HBV recurrence. The 1-year patient and graft survival rate was 84.6%. Cost-savings in the first year was $178,100 per patient when compared with Food and Drug Administration–approved HBIG dosing. Conclusions In the era of potent oral nucleos(t)ide analogues, a limited HBIG course appears to be cost-effective in preventing HBV recurrence.
Angioplasty and primary stenting of the subclavian, innominate, and common carotid arteries in 83 patients

Abstract Purpose: The initial and long-term results of angioplasty and primary stenting for the treatment of occlusive lesions involving the supra-aortic trunks were studied. Methods: All patients in whom angioplasty and stenting of the supra-aortic trunks was attempted were included in a prospective registry. Results are, therefore, reported on an intent-to-treat basis. The preprocedural and postprocedural clinical records, arteriograms, and noninvasive vascular laboratory examinations of 83 patients (41 men [49.4%] and 42 women [50.6%]; mean age at intervention, 63 years) in whom endovascular repair of the subclavian (66, 75.9%), left common carotid (14, 16.1%), and innominate (7, 8.0%) arteries was attempted were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Initial technical success was achieved in 82 of 87 procedures (94.3%). The inability to cross 4 complete subclavian occlusions and the iatrogenic dissection of 1 common carotid artery lesion accounted for the 5 initial failures. Complications occurred in 17.8% of 73 subclavian and innominate procedures, including access-site bleeding in 6 and distal embolization in 2. Ischemic strokes occurred in 2 of 14 common carotid interventions (14.3%), both of which were performed in conjunction with ipsilateral carotid bifurcation endarterectomy. The 30-day mortality rate was 4.8% for the entire group. By means of life-table analysis, 84% of the subclavian and innominate interventions, including initial failures, remain patent by objective means at 35 months. No patients have required reintervention or surgical conversion for recurrence of symptoms. Of the 11 patients available for follow-up study who underwent common carotid interventions, 10 remain stroke-free at a mean of 14.3 months. Conclusion: Angioplasty and primary stenting of the subclavian and innominate arteries can be performed with relative safety and expectations of satisfactory midterm success. Endovascular repair of common carotid artery lesions can be performed with a high degree of technical success, but should be approached with caution when performed in conjunction with ipsilateral bifurcation endarterectomy. (J Vasc Surg 1998;28:1059-65.)
Unequal mass quarkonium spectra in a consistent quark model

The masses of all low-lying mesons (orbital angular momentum ≤2) in the uc, dc, sc, ub, sb, cb and db systems are calculated using a parameter set developed by Kalman and Mukerji in a study of the Ψ and γ systems. The only additional parameters needed, the masses of the u, d and s quarks, are obtained by fits to the D0, D+ and φ mesons. Among the predicted values are the F(1.94 GeV), D*o(1.998 GeV), D*+(2.003 GeV), B-(5.273 GeV) and B0(5.277 GeV) mesons.
Growth and stability of interacting surface flaws of arbitrary shape

Growth regimes of interacting surface flaws of arbitrary shape are analyzed with the aid of the body force method, and the stability of the process is assessed on the basis of the variation of the load during the growth. It is shown that irregularly shaped flaws are often associated with very high stress intensity factors locally, which tend to change as the flaws grow into more regular shapes. Several examples of various flaw shapes are worked out for illustration, and it is shown that a simple formula seems to provide an accurate estimate of the maximum stress intensity factor for surface flaws of various shapes, which are not very slender. The formula involves the overall maximum tension, as well as the area of the projection of the flaw on the plane normal to the maximum tension.
Influence of buffer concentration, capillary internal diameter and forced convection on resolution in capillary zone electrophoresis

Abstract The relative velocity difference (ΔU/Uav) of two zones, separated by capillary zone electrophoresis, increased with increasing buffer concentration, but remained constant for a given concentration regardless of electric field strength. For diffusionlimited band broadening, the increase in ΔUav offset a decrease in migration velocity to provide slightly better resolution. In practice, however, additional dispersion occurred as a result of Joule heating, especially when concentrated buffers, high electric field strengths and/or capillaries with large internal diameters were employed. To improve efficiency, under such conditions, forced air convection was investigated as a means for dissipating some of the Joule heat generated. In 100-μm capillaries, forced convection increased efficiency from 190 000 ± 3.1% relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) to 226 000 ± 3.3% R.S.D. theoretical plates. For comparison, 264 000 theoretical plates were observed in 50-μm capillaries under similar operating conditions. In the latter case the improved efficiency is, however, obtained at the expense of sample capacity.
Affect analysis in natural human interaction using Joint Hidden Conditional Random Fields

We present a novel approach for multi-modal affect analysis in human interactions that is capable of integrating data from multiple modalities while also taking into account temporal dynamics. Our fusion approach, Joint Hidden Conditional Random Fields (JHRCFs), combines the advantages of purely feature level (early fusion) fusion approaches with late fusion (CRFs on individual modalities) to simultaneously learn the correlations between features from multiple modalities as well as their temporal dynamics. Our approach addresses major shortcomings of other fusion approaches such as the domination of other modalities by a single modality with early fusion and the loss of cross-modal information with late fusion. Extensive results on the AVEC 2011 dataset show that we outperform the state-of-the-art on the Audio Sub-Challenge, while achieving competitive performance on the Video Sub-Challenge and the Audiovisual Sub-Challenge.
Passive and active seti strategies using the synchronization of SN1987A

A passive and active strategy for the reception and transmission of call signals, from and to other possible extraterrestrial civilizations is suggested using the explosion of SN1987A. The reception area is an ellipsoid with the Earth and the supernova in its focuses, in the direction of SN1987A. Three hundred and forty objects have been identified inside this surface and four of them are stars with environments similar to our sun (e.g. necessary for the development of life and intelligence). A search strategy to look for “fake” pulsars signals, originated in other possible technological civilizations, in this direction, is examined. The active strategy consist in the transmission of terrestrial signals towards the hyperboloid surface (with the same focuses) in the antipodal direction of the supernova explosion. Thirty-three objects have been identified inside the hyperboloid and three of them are solar-type nearby stars. The transmission characteristics of a terrestrial origin “fake” pulsar (e.g. modulation, frequency, bandwidth, periods, duty cycle, etc.) are discussed in some detail. The possible use of available planetary radars to develop such proposal and the criterion of artificiality, without any implicit code or semantics is reviewed. A difference between active search and communication is established.
Typical and Atypical Language Development in Infants and Toddlers Adopted From Eastern Europe

Longitudinal language development data were collected on 130 infants and toddlers adopted from Eastern Europe. The children were followed by means of parent surveys from the age at adoption up thro...
A new space vision for NASA-And for space entrepreneurs too?

Abstract Despite its scientific successes, NASA has over the past two decades lost its way, spending billions of dollars on transportation systems that have at bottom been failures. President Obama's cancellation of the costly and unwieldy Constellation program provides an opportunity for genuine reform of the agency and the US space program, through harnessing the innovatory and cost-effective power of commercial entrepreneurs. Examples of the kinds of project they might undertake – including solar power satellites, ‘space taxis’ and a space elevator – are discussed.
Predictors of response to infliximab in patients with Crohn's disease.

Abstract Background & Aims: Identifying predictors of response to infliximab in Crohn's disease may lead to better selection of patients for this therapy. Methods: One hundred patients with either inflammatory or fistulous Crohn's disease and at least 3 months of follow-up after infliximab infusion were evaluated. Clinical response and duration of response were the primary outcome measures. Results: For inflammatory disease, 73% of nonsmokers, compared with 22% of smokers, responded to infliximab ( P P = 0.007). Prolonged response (duration >2 months) was achieved in 59% of nonsmokers compared with 6% of smokers ( P P P = 0.046). Concurrent use of immunosuppressive medications had no effect on rate or duration of response. Multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed the harmful effect of smoking and the beneficial effect of immunosuppressive use on response in patients with inflammatory disease. The same analysis for fistulous disease did not show an association between smoking or concurrent immunosuppressive use and response to infliximab. Conclusions: In patients with inflammatory disease, nonsmoking and concurrent immunosuppressive use are associated with higher rates of response and longer duration of response to infliximab. In patients with fistulous Crohn's disease, nonsmoking is associated with longer duration of response to infliximab. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2002;123:707-713
Aspiration of activated charcoal elicits an increase in lung microvascular permeability.

Background: Gastric decontamination with orally administered activated charcoal is the recommended treatment for many poisonings, However, ingestion of central nervous system depressants resulting ...
Effect of Al3+ and H+ Upon the Simultaneous Diffusion of 85Sr and 86Rb in Kaolinite Clay

The effect of varying concentrations of Al3+ and H+ upon the simultaneous diffusion of 85Sr and 86Rb was measured in salt-free aliquots of clay having different Al:H ratios. The Sr and Rb saturation of the CEC was held constant while the exchangeable Al and H were varied from Al52:H, to Al12:H34. Aliquots of each clay-treatment were dually tagged with 85Sr and 86Rb. Self-diffusion of Sr and Rb was measured at 4, 24, 48, and 75°C. Radioassay of 85Sr and 86Rb was made with an automatic gamma-detection system equipped with a 400 channel analyzer and card punch unit. The selfdiffusion equation was programmed for the 7040 computer to permit the simultaneous calculation of 85Sr and 86Rb self-diffusion coefficients. Rb diffusion was not significantly altered as the Al3+ concentration was increased from 12 to 52 per cent. The diffusion of Sr was significantly increased as Al3+ increased from 12 to 52 per cent. The faster diffusing Rb ion had a greater energy of activation than Sr (4·8 to 3·6 kcal/mole), however the Arrhenius frequency factor for Rb (a measure of the probability of ion exchange) was much greater for Rb than Sr (28·8 and 0·4 × 10−4, respectively). Altering the Rb and Sr saturation and the complementary ions resulted in changes in the diffusivity, the energy of activation, and the frequency factor for these ions, but not always in the same direction or to the same degree.
A scheme for estimating joint friction using a model-based controller

A real-time estimation scheme for directly estimating the frictional forces and torques of the joints in a robotic manipulator (in contrast to estimating frictional model parameters) is presented. The estimated frictional force/torques can then be incorporated into the nonlinear compensation of the computed-torque control method. This provides the capability of eliminating unstable motion at low velocity, primarily caused by improper compensation for joint friction. The scheme requires two stages: simultaneous extraction and adaptive linear filtering. The derivation is basically heuristic. >
The pathogenic U3271C human mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR) mutation disrupts a fragile anticodon stem

The U3271C mutation affecting the human mitochondrial transfer RNALeu(UUR) (hs mt tRNA) is correlated with diabetes and mitochondrial encephalopathies. We have explored the relationship between the structural effects of this mutation and its impact on function using chemical probing experiments and in vitro aminoacylation assays to investigate a series of tRNA constructs. Chemical probing experiments indicate that the U3271C substitution, which replaces an AU pair with a CA mispair, significantly destabilizes the anticodon stem. The introduction of a compensatory A3261G mutation reintroduces base pairing at this site and restores the structure of this domain. In fact, the anticodon stem of the A3261G/U3271C mutant appears more structured than wild-type (WT) hs mt tRNALeu(UUR), indicating that the entirely AU stem of the native tRNA is intrinsically weak. The results of the chemical probing experiments are mirrored in the aminoacylation activities of the mutants. The U3271C substitution decreases aminoacylation reactivity relative to the WT tRNA due to an increase in Km for the pathogenic mutant. The binding defect is a direct result of the structural disruption caused by the pathogenic mutation, as the introduction of the stabilizing compensatory mutation restores aminoacylation activity. Other examples of functional defects associated with the disruption of weak domains in hs mt tRNAs have been reported, indicating that the effects of pathogenic mutations may be amplified by the fragile structures that are characteristic of this class of tRNAs.
A Seasonal Influence on Testes Weight and Serum Gonadotropin Levels of the Mature Male Laboratory Rat

A 12 month study (1) of mature male rats, maintained under constant laboratory conditions, showed significant seasonality in testes weights of 5-but not 4-month-old rats, with maxima occurring in February and June. Serum testosterone levels were not significantly different in either 4-or 5-month-old rats. Serum levels of LH, FSH and prolactin of 5-month-old animals also showed significant differences, but did not appear to be correlated with testes weight. A second study (2) of 6 different age groups, conducted during periods of low (late summer) and high (late winter) testes weight, showed that testes weight was significantly higher in the late winter in rats 6 months of age. Serum LH levels were significantly elevated in 4- to 6-month-old rats in the late summer. Serum FSH levels were significantly elevated in 3- and 4-month-old rats in late winter, while serum prolactin levels were not different between the 2 seasons. Ventral prostate weight increased significandy with age and plateaued at 5-6 months of age. Body weight increased steadily with age from 3-12 months of age. The seasonal elevations in testes weight of mature rats did not appear to be hormonally mediated, with the possible exception of FSH. Five-month-old rats appeared to be the most responsive to seasonal influence. The results of these studies indicate that male laboratory rats exhibited seasonality in several reproductive parameters even though the animals were maintained in constant laboratory conditions. Similarities of seasonal fluctuations of laboratory rats to feral rats were noted.
Filling the Radon domain in computed tomography by local convex combination

Radon data interpolation is a necessary procedure in computed tomography (CT), especially for reconstruction from divergent beam scanning. In a polar-grid representation, the Radon data of a fanbeam projection are populated on an arc, rather on a radial line. Collectively, the Radon data generated from a fanbeam CT system are unevenly populated: The population becomes sparser as the polar distance increases. In CT reconstruction, the Fourier central slice theorem requires a radial scanline full of Radon data. Therefore the vacant entries of a scanline must be filled by interpolation. In addition, interpolation is also required in polar-to-Cartesian conversion. In this paper we propose a practical interpolation technique for filling the vacant entries by local convex combination. It is a linear interpolant that generates a value for a grid point from the available data lying in its neighborhood, by a weighted average, with the weights corresponding to the inverse distances. In fact, the linear convex combination serves as a general flat-smoothing operation in filling a vacancy. Specifically, this technique realizes a variety of linear interpolations, including nearest-neighbor replication, two-point collinear, three-point triangulation, and four-point quadrilateral, and local extrapolation, in a unified framework. Algorithms and a simulation demonstration are provided.
Portfolio Theory and the Demand for Futures: The Case of California Cotton

This paper examines the simultaneous choice of cropping patterns and futures positions. It derives the demand for hedging as a function of the price of a hedge and the crop choice set; it estimates these functions for California cotton farmers. It finds that both the costs of hedging and the opportunity to diversify risk by growing other crops substantially change the optimal hedge for California cotton farmers.
Pragmatics in understanding what is said

A central claim in cognitive science is that speakers often say things which underdetermine what they imply by their use of utterances in context. For example, in uttering Jane has three children a speaker might only say that Jane has at least three children and may have more than three, but the speaker's utterance implicates that Jane has exactly three children. Many scholars following Grice have argued from such observations that pragmatics plays only a small part in determining what speakers say, as opposed to what they conversationally imply or implicate. We examined people's intuitions about the distinction between what speakers say, or what is said, and what they implicate by different indicative utterances, such as Jane has three children. The data from four experiments demonstrate that people do not equate a minimal meaning (i.e., Jane has at least three children and may have more than three) with what a speaker says, but assume that enriched pragmatics plays a significant role in determining what is said (i.e., Jane has exactly three children). People further recognize a distinction between what speakers say, or what is said, and what speakers implicate in particular contexts (e.g., Jane is married). These data lend support to theories of utterance interpretation in cognitive science that pragmatics strongly influences people's understanding of what speakers both say and communicate.
Specific Problems in the Identification and Quantitation of Neuropeptides by Radioimmunoassay

The current growth of interest in peptides arising within, or having biological effects on, the nervous system has resulted in a broader application in neurobiology of radioimmunoassay (RIA), a technique that combines great simplicity and sensitivity with the inherent specificity of immunological reactions. Two general strategies in which RIA is a central tool for the study of neuropeptides can be developed, each having its own special considerations and problems. In the first, RIA procedures already developed for well-characterized peptides from other anatomical sites in the same or different species can be applied to the detection of identical or immunologically related peptides within the nervous system. The second approach involves the identification of newly described neuropeptides, development of RIA systems to assist in further characterization, and/or purification of the peptides and then application to the study of their distribution and physiological role.
Maternal factors associated with the occurrence of gastroschisis

We sought to identify age group specific maternal risk factors for gastroschisis. Maternal characteristics and prenatal factors were compared for 1,279 live born infants with gastroschisis and 3,069,678 without. Data were obtained using the California database containing linked hospital discharge, birth certificate and death records from 1 year prior to the birth to 1 year after the birth. Backwards-stepwise logistic regression models were used with maternal factors where initial inclusion was determined by a threshold of p < 0.10 on initial crude analyses. Due to the strong association of gastroschisis with young maternal age, models were stratified by age groups and odds ratios were calculated. These final models identified maternal infection as the only risk factor common to all age groups and a protective effect of obesity and gestational hypertension. In addition, age specific risk factors were identified. Although gestation at the time of infection was not available, a sexually transmitted disease complicating pregnancy was associated with increased risk in the less than 20 years of age grouping whereas viral infection was associated with increased risk only in the 20–24 and more than 24 years of age groupings. Urinary tract infection remained in the final logistic model for women less than 20 years. Short interpregnancy interval was not found to be a risk factor for any age group. Our findings support the need to explore maternal infection by type and gestational timing. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding HPV vaccination: ethnic and cultural differences between African-American and Haitian immigrant women.

Abstract Background Black women have higher rates of cervical cancer and lower rates of HPV vaccination than White women in the United States, and Haitians may be an especially vulnerable subgroup of Black women. To reduce these disparities, understanding differences among subgroups of Black women is crucial. Methods The objective of our study was to assess similarities and differences in the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices toward HPV vaccination and actual vaccination rates among African-American and Haitian immigrant women and their daughters. We used validated surveys of HPV knowledge, trust in physicians, acculturation, and constructs of the health belief model: Perceived susceptibility, severity, and barriers. We probed women's thought processes about vaccination using open-ended questions. We then reviewed medical records to determine vaccination rates. Results Nineteen African Americans and 51 Haitians participated. Although 75% of Haitians and 63% of African Americans intended to vaccinate their daughters, only 47% of African-American and 31% of Haitian daughters were vaccinated. African Americans were more knowledgeable than Haitians and had more prior experience with HPV disease. Most African Americans felt that vaccination fell within the parental role, whereas many Haitians felt uncomfortable vaccinating against sexually transmitted infections because they felt children should not be having sex. Both ethnic groups wanted more information about HPV vaccines. Conclusion Cultural differences between African-American and Haitian immigrant mothers revealed distinct barriers for vaccine acceptance. Improving HPV vaccine rates in Black women may require culturally competent and sensitive approaches that address ethnic-specific barriers.
A method for specifying, implementing, and verifying media access control protocols

A successful approach to problems of protocol specification, implementation, and verification is presented. Protocols are specified in a language called LIFP (Language for Implementing Fast Protocols) which is based on a model of interacting state machines. A compiler translates LIFP specifications into code that can be executed on PNPS (programmable network prototyping system), an experimental network emulator developed at the University of California at Berkeley. Verification of a LIFP control is facilitated by a debugger that simulates both PNPS hardware and the network environment in which the protocol is supposed to operate. This approach is compared with others (SPANNER and ESTELLE). Some aspects of the problem of protocol design allow it to be usefully viewed as one of supervisory control of a discrete event system. However, other aspects of protocol design show that current theories of supervisory control are inadequate. >
Power Tower Technology Roadmap and Cost Reduction Plan

Concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies continue to mature and are being deployed worldwide. Power towers will likely play an essential role in the future development of CSP due to their potential to provide dispatchable solar electricity at a low cost. This Power Tower Technology Roadmap has been developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to describe the current technology, the improvement opportunities that exist for the technology, and the specific activities needed to reach the DOE programmatic target of providing competitively-priced electricity in the intermediate and baseload power markets by 2020. As a first step in developing this roadmap, a Power Tower Roadmap Workshop that included the tower industry, national laboratories, and DOE was held in March 2010. A number of technology improvement opportunities (TIOs) were identified at this workshop and separated into four categories associated with power tower subsystems: solar collector field, solar receiver, thermal energy storage, and power block/balance of plant. In this roadmap, the TIOs associated with power tower technologies are identified along with their respective impacts on the cost of delivered electricity. In addition, development timelines and estimated budgets to achieve cost reduction goals are presented. The roadmap does not present a single path formore » achieving these goals, but rather provides a process for evaluating a set of options from which DOE and industry can select to accelerate power tower R&D, cost reductions, and commercial deployment.« less
Correcting Current Moisture Calculations for Purchasing High Moisture Farmers Stock Peanuts1

Abstract The U.S. peanut industry may eliminate the 10% moisture content threshold for purchasing peanuts to facilitate implementing continuous flow drying systems and to increase the efficiency of the postharvest processing system. Equations based on the theoretical definition of wet basis moisture content were proposed to determine the weight of various components in a load of farmers stock peanuts. These equations more accurately describe and account for the distribution of moisture within a load of peanuts. Accurate descriptions of the amount of loose shelled kernels, foreign material, and in-shell peanuts would enable improved tracking of losses during storage. Compared to the current price structure, the proposed equations predict reduced payments to growers no more than $30 per 5-mt load of peanuts. The maximum reduction of $30 occurred if peanuts were delivered and marketed at 30% w.b. moisture content. A reduction of approximately $8.50 would occur for a 5-mt load delivered at 15% moisture conten...
Energy-Efficient, Utility Accrual Real-Time Scheduling Under the Unimodal Arbitrary Arrival Model

We present an energy-efficient real-time scheduling algorithm called EUA*, for the unimodal arbitrary arrival model (or UAM). UAM embodies a "stronger" adversary than most arrival models. The algorithm considers application activities that are subject to time/utility function time constraints, UAM, and the multi-criteria scheduling objective of probabilistically satisfying utility lower bounds, and maximizing system-level energy efficiency. Since the scheduling problem is intractable, EUA* allocates CPU cycles, scales clock frequency, and heuristically computes schedules using statistical estimates of cycle demands, in polynomial-time. We establish that EUA* achieves optimal timeliness during under-loads, and identify the conditions under which timeliness assurances hold. Our simulation experiments illustrate EUA*'s superiority.
Aboriginal Populations and Their Neglected Tropical Diseases

Although Aboriginal people make up a small percentage of the worlds population, they are disproportionately affected by poverty and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Unless prioritized, Aboriginal populations may be the last to receive access to essential medicines as part of global NTD elimination efforts. An estimated 370 million people are today classified as belonging to Indigenous or Aboriginal groups [1], [2]. According to Gracey and King, included among the major criteria defining these populations are self-identification as belonging to an Indigenous group historical ties to specified geographic areas and natural resources, frequently followed by external invasion or colonization a distinct culture with beliefs and ceremonies and resolve to maintain ancestral environments and manage their own affairs [1]. However, there is not universal agreement on what constitutes an Aboriginal group, leading in some cases to exclusion or further marginalization [1]. As a whole, Aboriginal populations are disproportionately impoverished, accounting for 15 of global poverty even though they comprise only 5 of the global population [3]. Poverty, especially rural poverty, and its associated poor housing and sanitation, environmental degradation, inadequate or improper nutrition, forced migrations, and lack of access to health care, combine and synergize to create a number of adverse health consequences for Aboriginal populations [1], [2]. These include a spectrum of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease (frequently related to tobacco consumption), as well as interpersonal violence and suicide often linked to alcohol and drugs [1], [2]. Aboriginal populations are also disproportionately affected by infectious diseases, especially infections of the skin (e.g., impetigo and tungiasis), eye (e.g., trachoma), and ear (e.g., acute and chronic otitis), dental caries, respiratory and urinary tract infections, and diarrheal diseases [1]. Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are especially common among Aboriginal populations. Shown in Table 1 are five representative groups of Aboriginal peoples and their major NTDs. The most common NTDs are intestinal helminth and protozoan infections zoonotic parasitic infections neglected bacterial infections such as trachoma, leprosy, and yaws and a number of important vector-borne illnesses, including malaria and dengue. Many, but not all, are included in the list of 17 NTDs as defined by the World Health Organization [4]; others are on the expanded list of diseases as defined by PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases [5]. Table 1 Major Aboriginal populations and their neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).