cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Confirmation of linkage of oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy to chromosome 14q11.2-q13 in American families suggests the existence of a second causal mutation

Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is a late-onset, autosomal dominant disorder characterized by progressive ptosis, dysphagia, and extremity weakness. Linkage of OPMD to 14q11.2-q13 has been reported in a series of French-Canadian families. Tightly linked markers have been defined and haplotype analysis in these data show a single segregating disease chromosome throughout the OPMD French-Canadian families. We have ascertained and sampled five multigenerational outbred American OPMD families. Four of the five families have known French-Canadian ancestry while the fifth is of English/Scottish origin. Linkage analysis was performed using standard likelihood methods. A peak multipoint lod score of 6.30 was obtained for the marker MYH7.1 in the OPMD families. The English/ Scottish family exhibited a different chromosomal haplotype for the OPMD alleles than the families of French-Canadian origin. These data suggest this family may represent a second, possibly independent mutation in this disorder. Linkage was confirmed to chromosome 14q11.2-q13 with no evidence of genetic heterogeneity.
Biosocial functions of grooming behavior among the common Indian langur monkey (Presbytis entellus)

An intensive study of the Indian langur monkey (Presbytis entellus) reveals an interplay between biological and social processes. This study which involved captive animals and over 1,500 observation hours suggests that grooming behavior alone cannot be used to measure status differences between the sexes, nor as a means to understand how pathogens carried by ecto-parasites are controlled. It is shown that the type of grooming exhibited in an interactional setting and the region of the body presented by one animal to another for grooming is often determined by the immediate social events and by the nature of the relationship existing between the participants. For these Colobine langur monkeys grooming behavior not only facilitates integration but it also enables an animal to manipulate a tense situation into a peaceful one. Without reference to many of the other patterns of behavior which only relatively, not absolutely differentiate age and sex classes, grooming behavior cannot be entirely understood.
Spectrophotometric determination of tin(II) by redox reaction using 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine dihydrochloride and N-bromosuccinimide

A rapid, straightforward spectrophotometric method based on the redox reaction of tin(II) with a mixture of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) and 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine dihydrochloride (TMB) was developed for determining low concentrations of tin(II). The redox method improved sensitivity by 2.3-fold relative to the existing spectrophotometric methods by titrating tin(II) into an equimolar solution of colorimetric reagent TMB and oxidant NBS buffered with acetate to pH between 4.0 and 4.4 at 25°C. The spectral absorption at 452 nm was linear with respect to tin(II) concentration between the limit of quantitation (LOQ, 10σ) of 0.05 and 0.34 μg/mL over which a response curve was generated (R2 = 0.9981, n = 7). The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated (3σ) at 0.01 μg/mL. Deviation between actual and measured concentrations varied from 0.014 μg/mL near the LOQ to 0.042 at 0.255 μg/mL.
Primetime: A University and Local School Partnership for the Recruitment and Training of Preservice Teachers

Primetime was a local school and university partnership designed to meet university training needs while providing a focused reading intervention for 3rd-grade children. University students and the local schools received mutual benefits. Data showed improvement in overall reading performance on informal reading inventories and state reading assessment. University students reported satisfaction in partnering with a local school and felt competent in the skills they had learned.
A calcium-activated protease possibly involved in myofibrillar protein turnover. Isolation of a low-calcium-requiring form of the protease.

Abstract Two forms of a calcium-activated neutral protease were isolated and purified from porcine skeletal muscle. The two forms of the protease differ markedly in their requirement for calcium with the low-calcium-requiring form showing one-half maximal activation at 45 μM calcium while the high-calcium-requiring form shows one-half maximal activation at 0.74 mM calcium. Additionally, they chromatograph differently on DEAE-cellulose, exhibit different mobilities in electrophoresis in a nondenaturing buffer, are affected differently by certain divalent cations, and have slightly different pH dependencies. Despite these differences, the purified forms of the calcium-activated protease co-chromatograph in gel permeation chromatography, have identical banding patterns on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gels, cross-react with an antibody directed against the 80 000-dalton subunit of the calcium-activated protease we originally purified from skeletal muscle (Dayton, W.R., Goll, D.E., Zeece, M.G., Robson, R.M. and Reville, W.J. (1976) Biochemistry 15, 2150–2158), and have identical effects on the ultrastructure of myofibrils. The high-calcium-requiring protease purified in this study is very likely identical to the calcium-activated protease we originally purified from skeletal muscle. The properties of the low-calcium-requiring form of the protease suggest that it is the form of the enzyme that is active in vivo.
Effects of some heavy metals on the cobalt nutrition ofRhizobium meliloti

The growth ofRhizobium meliloti in a complete nutrient solution was studied at Co concentrations ranging from inadequate to adequate in the presence of another heavy metal added at different concentrations. Nickel and Cu supplied at 1µM inhibited growth at low Co concentrations but not when Co was raised to 10nM (10×10−9M). With Cu, lowering the initial pH of the culture solution from 7.0 to 6.6 greatly increased the magnitude of the growth reduction. Zn at 100 µM reduced growth greatly even at high levels of Co (10 nM). Neither Cr (up to 10 µM) nor Mn (up to 100 µM) caused any significant growth reduction.
Electron paramagnetic resonance and magnetic circular dichroism double resonance of the V− center in MgO

Abstract This work presents the results of an experimental and semi-theoretical investigation of the V − paramagnetic colour center in MgO. The magneto-optical properties of this center were investigated by using a combined electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) double resonance technique, at temperatures down to 1·6°K. This allows one to correlate positively the 2·3 eV optical absorption band and the axially symmetric spin resonance spectrum. The MCD spectrum is asymmetric, and appears to be a combination of absorptive and derivative like components. The spectrum follows a spin-1/2 Brillouin function, in H/T , and is quenched by high microwave power at both the parallel and perpendicular g -values. To account for the asymmetric shape of the MCD, an analysis is made of previous arguments which were based on a model in which the hole is localized on a single O 2− ion, next to the vacancy. It is found that this description is inconsistent with the experimental evidence presented, and consequently a delocalized model is proposed, through the use of molecular orbital (MO) theory. Considering a MO scheme which has an A 1 ground state and a set of E -like excited states, it is possible to explain qualitatively many of the magneto-optical characteristics which were experimentally observed.
Capillary Rise and Evaporative Heat Transfer in Nano-Structured Multi-Mode Wicks

Nanostructured films were successfully deposited on various wick samples including conventional screen materials, engineered single and dual-mode wicks which are specially designed to augment boiling heat transfer performance. Microreactor-assisted nanomaterial deposition, MAND™, was employed with a flow cell to deposit the nanostructures on large wick shims (4.3cm × 10.7cm). Capillary rise experiments, height based measurement and weight gain method, were performed to characterize wicking dynamics in nano-coated and “bare” capillary wicks with water and ethanol. The results indicate that nanocoated wick is most efficient for ethanol in terms of the enhancement of capillary force. Analytical and numerical analyses based on Lucas Washburn equation were performed to model the capillary rise. Data from the height measurement were in a good agreement with both numerical and analytical solutions. Capillary rise of water on engineered multi-mode wicks displayed a step-rise in the wicking front. Flow boiling tests were also performed to characterize heat transfer from nano-coated wicks for application in energy conversion systems as compact evaporators. Experimental results indicate that the nanostructured wicks enhance heat transfer, reduce superheat required and operate stably when compared with “bare” wicks and conventional microchannels.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Reactive mood and atypical depression in psychiatrically hospitalized depressed adolescents

We undertook this study to determine the frequency of atypical depression and associated features in a sample of adolescents hospitalized for depression. One hundred and twenty-two consecutively admitted depressed adolescents were included in the study. Each adolescent was retrospectively assessed for the presence of atypical depression based on the DSM W Atypical Feature Specifier criteria (mood reactivity plus two of four associated symptoms: hypercharge, hypersomnia, leaden paralysis, and/or a pathological sensitivity to rejection). We found that 45% of the depressed adolescents displayed a reactive mood. Seven percent of our subjects met criteria for atypical depression. An additional 7% met criteria for probable atypical depression (reactive mood plus one associated feature). Subjects with atypical depression and probable atypical depression were significantly less depressed than those with nonreactive mood. Depression 3:176–181 (1995). © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Stochastic adaptive control: Conditions for the stability and convergence

The paper establishes simple sufficient conditions for the global stability and a.s. convergence for a stochastic adaptive control algorithm. At each discrete observation time the unknown parameters of the system are estimated using a recursive least squares estimator. A minimum variance control policy is implemented as if these estimates were the exact system parameters. The stability results do not rely on the positive real condition imposed by certain methods of analysis, algorithm monitoring or persistent excitation. The results are shown to apply to the Self Tuning Regulator and a stochastic adaptive controller. The theory can also be used for the robustness and stability analysis of more general adaptive control algorithms.
Reconstitution, identification, and purification of the Torpedo californica electroplax chloride channel complex

Abstract A voltage-gated chloride channel was identified in the electric organ of the marine ray Torpedo californica by White and Miller (J. Biol. Chem. 254, 10161–10166 (1979)). The experiments reported here concern the purification and identification of this channel which was accomplished by solubilization of electric organ plasma membranes and reconstitution of the channel into vesicles made of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and cholesterol. Channel activity was measured in these vesicles by assaying 36 Cl − uptake against an outwardly directed chloride chemical gradient as described by Garty et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 258, 13094–13099 (1983)). Maximal uptake occurred by 15 s. Addition of valinomycin after 10 min released intravesicular 36 Cl − suggestin that chloride is moving through a channel. Channel activity was inhibited by DIDS ( K 0.5 of 56 mM) and NBD chloride ( K 0.5 of 176 mM). In a 40 lipid/1 protein (w/w) reconstitution, approx. 30% of the vesicles contained a functional chloride channel, based upon uptake done in the presence of chlorotriphenyltin (an anion ionophore), indicating that the Torpedo electric organ is an enriched source as shown by White and Miller (Biophys. J. 35, 455–462 (1981)). The chloride channel was purified approx. 40-fold by sedimentation velocity. In this purified preparation, four polypeptides (210, 95, 55, and 40 kDa) were visible by silver-staining after nonreducing SDS-PAGE. Of the four polypeptides, the largest (210 kDa) is not sufficient for Cl − channel activity by itself, but it is labeled by DIDS, an inhibitor of channel activity. Channel activity was approx. 20-fold greater in material that bound to concanavalin A compared to the concanavalin A flow-through; all four polypeptides were present in the bound materia. It is possible that some of these polypeptides are subunits of the chloride channel.
Changes in treatment of advanced laryngeal cancer 1985-2001

Objective In 1991, a randomized study was published and demonstrated that use of nonsurgical therapy (chemoradiation) provided similar survival to total laryngectomy (the gold standard) for patients with advanced-stage laryngeal cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess how treatment of advanced laryngeal cancer was influenced by such developments in non-surgical therapy. Study design Patterns of care study using National Cancer Database (1985-2001). Results The percentage of advanced-stage patients treated with chemoradiation increased from 8.3% to 20.8% while the proportion treated with radiation alone decreased from 38.9% to 23.0%. Use of chemoradiation increased at a significantly faster rate after the 1991 publication at both community cancer centers and teaching research facilities. The use of total laryngectomy decreased slightly during this period. Conclusions The use of chemoradiation increased after the 1991 publication. It was impossible to determine from the NCDB whether additional patients who could benefit from chemo-RT were not offered or did not complete this treatment option. We recommend that treatment recommendations discussed at tumor boards be recorded in cancer registries.
Single Molecule Anisotropy Imaging with Fluorescence Photoactivation Localization Microscopy

Recently, localization-based microscopy techniques have proven their versatility and opened a window into nanoscale structures in biological systems. Furthermore, knowing the orientations of individual molecules that make up the structure will provide more information on molecular interactions and hence the underlying mechanism of the process of interest. Here we present the principles and techniques incorporated into Fluorescence Photoactivation Localization Microscopy (FPALM) to simultaneously measure single molecule positions and anisotropies. Single molecule anisotropy distributions were experimentally measured and theoretically calculated using Monte Carlo simulations. Results are presented for two model systems consisting of either immobilized or freely rotating photoactivatable molecules. Next, the technique was applied to image fixed mouse fibroblast cells expressing Dendra2-actin with an effective lateral resolution of 17nm, based on the number of detected photons and the local density of molecules. The images showed trends in anisotropy distributions of filamentous actin. Cells treated with cytochalasin-D before fixation and imaging showed changes in cell morphology such as fewer distinct filamentous structures, and significant differences in the measured single-molecule anisotropy distributions.
Population adjustment of the definition of the vaginal birth after cesarean rate.

Abstract Objective: The vaginal birth after cesarean delivery rate is calculated with a denominator equal to the number of all women who give birth after a previous cesarean delivery, including those who are not candidates for a trial of labor. We evaluated the impact of adjustment for noncandidates for a trial of labor on vaginal birth after cesarean delivery rates. Study Design: All women with a previous cesarean delivery who were delivered during 1998 were classified as either candidates or noncandidates for a trial of labor. An adjusted vaginal birth after cesarean delivery rate was calculated by eliminating noncandidates for a trial of labor from the denominator. The percentage of noncandidates for a trial of labor, the vaginal birth after cesarean delivery rate, and the adjusted vaginal birth after cesarean delivery rate were compared among 3 clinical services. Results: The maternal-fetal medicine service had a significantly higher percentage of noncandidates for a trial of labor than did either the low-risk resident clinic or the low-risk private service. The maternal-fetal medicine service had a significantly lower vaginal birth after cesarean delivery rate than did the private service, but this difference was no longer present after application of an adjusted vaginal birth after cesarean delivery definition. Conclusion: For accurate comparison of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery rates among providers it is essential to account for patient risk status in the vaginal birth after cesarean delivery definition through the elimination of noncandidates for a trial of labor. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;183:1166-9.)
Taking culture seriously

Culture and the Evolutionary Process. By Robert Boyd & Peter J. Richerson. Chicago University Press: 1985. Pp.331. 30, 25.50.
From Global to Metanational: How Companies Win in the Knowledge Economy

The article reviews the book “From Global to Metanational: How Companies Win in the Knowledge Economy,” by Yves Doz, Jose Santos and Peter Williamson.
Reaction of iron with hydrogen chloride-oxygen mixtures at 550 C

The reaction of iron with 1% HCl/0–50% O2/Ar has been studied at 550°C with thermogravimetry to monitor kinetics and scanning electron microscopy to characterize product morphologies. In addition, the volatile species were identified with an atmospheric pressure sampling mass spectrometer. The reaction of 1% HCl/Arproduces FeCl2. The reactions of 1% HCl/1, 10, 50% O2/Ar produce Fe2O3, Fe3O4, FeCl2, and FeCl3. In each case condensed phase chlorides form at the oxide/metal interface where the oxygen potential is low. The 10 and 50% oxygen mixtures have kinetics in the first 3 hr similar to pure oxidation with some deviations due to iron-chloride formation. The 1% oxygen mixture shows enhanced reaction rates over oxidation, very likely due to the formation of a porous scale.
The adaptive nature of eye movements in linguistic tasks: how payoff and architecture shape speed-accuracy trade-offs.

We explore the idea that eye-movement strategies in reading are precisely adapted to the joint constraints of task structure, task payoff, and processing architecture. We present a model of saccadic control that separates a parametric control policy space from a parametric machine architecture, the latter based on a small set of assumptions derived from research on eye movements in reading (Engbert, Nuthmann, Richter, & Kliegl, 2005; Reichle, Warren, & McConnell, 2009). The eye-control model is embedded in a decision architecture (a machine and policy space) that is capable of performing a simple linguistic task integrating information across saccades. Model predictions are derived by jointly optimizing the control of eye movements and task decisions under payoffs that quantitatively express different desired speed-accuracy trade-offs. The model yields distinct eye-movement predictions for the same task under different payoffs, including single-fixation durations, frequency effects, accuracy effects, and list position effects, and their modulation by task payoff. The predictions are compared to—and found to accord with—eye-movement data obtained from human participants performing the same task under the same payoffs, but they are found not to accord as well when the assumptions concerning payoff optimization and processing architecture are varied. These results extend work on rational analysis of oculomotor control and adaptation of reading strategy (Bicknell & Levy, 2010b; McConkie, Rayner, & Wilson, 1973; Norris, 2009; Wotschack, 2009) by providing evidence for adaptation at low levels of saccadic control that is shaped by quantitatively varying task demands and the dynamics of processing architecture.
Successful hunting increases testosterone and cortisol in a subsistence population

Controversy over the adaptive significance of male hunting in subsistence societies hinges on the relative importance of familial provisioning and mate-quality signalling. This paper examines the proximate and ultimate motivations of hunting behaviour from a neuroendocrine perspective, using salivary testosterone and cortisol data collected before, during and after hunting focal follows from 31 Tsimane hunters aged 18–82 years. Despite circadian declines in hormone levels, testosterone and cortisol of Tsimane hunters increased at the time of a kill, and remained high as successful hunters returned home. Previous studies of hormonal changes during competitions find that high-stakes and success in the presence of relevant audiences result in increased neuroendocrine arousal. If men hunt primarily to provision their families, then an additional audience would not be expected to impact testosterone or cortisol, nor would the size of the animal killed. However, if signalling male quality by ‘showing off’ was a larger relative driver of men's hunting behaviour, one would expect greater hormonal response in cases where men returned with large sharable kills, especially in the presence of community members. Consistent with provisioning models of male hunting motivation, neither kill size nor encountering an audience of villagers while returning from hunting was associated with hormonal changes for successful hunters.
Degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid by haloalkaliphilic bacteria

Three 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)-degrading bacterial isolates were obtained from the highly saline and alkaline Alkali Lake site in southwestern Oregon contaminated with 2,4-D production wastes. While similar in most respects, the three isolates differed significantly in 2,4-D degradation rates, with the most active strain, 1-18, demonstrating an ability to degrade up to 3000 mg 2,4-D I-1 in 3 d. This strain was well adapted to the extreme environment from which it was isolated, growing optimally on 2,4-D at pH 8.4-9.4 and at sodium ion concentrations of 0.6-1.0 M. According to its optimum salt concentration and pH for growth, this isolate was a moderately halophilic, alkaliphilic bacterium. The 16S RNA gene sequence (303 nt) was identical for all three isolates and most closely resembled those of the moderately halophilic eubacteria of the family Halomonadaceae (91% identity). Biochemical and genetic examination revealed strain 1-18 utilizes the same 2,4-D degradation pathway as most of the 2,4-D-degrading bacteria from non-extreme environments. Hybridization data and comparison of the partial sequences of the tfdA gene from the Alkali Lake isolates with those of bacteria from non-extreme environments suggested a common genetic origin of the 2,4-D degradation pathway in the two groups of micro-organisms.
A design of experiments approach to readiness risk analysis

We develop a simulation model to aid in identifying and evaluating promising alternatives to achieve improvements in weapon system-level availability when services for system components are outsourced. Two outcomes are valued: improvements in average operational availability for the weapon system, and reductions in the probability that operational availability of the weapon system falls below a given planning threshold (readiness risk). In practice, these outcomes must be obtained through performance-based agreements with logistics providers. The size of the state space, and the non-linear and stochastic nature of the outcomes, precludes the use of optimization approaches. Instead, we use designed experiments to evaluate simulation scenarios in an intelligent way. This is an efficient approach that enables us to assess average readiness and readiness risk outcomes of the alternatives, as well as to identify the components and logistics factors with the greatest impact on operational availability.
Lymphoid Cells in Delayed Hypersensitivity II. In Vitro Phagocytosis and Cellular Immunity

Guinea pigs which develop delayed hypersensitivity, as measured by skin test, after intraperitoneal infection with Candida albicans have mononuclear cells (macrophages and lymphocytes) which show migration inhibition in vitro in the presence of soluble antigen. Macrophages from such animals phagocytose in vitro fewer numbers of C. albicans per cell than those of normal animals, and lower numbers of macrophages are phagocytic in vitro. Nevertheless, such sensitized animals have lower numbers of pathogens in their tissues than the controls, after both groups have been challenged. Thus, the result of macrophages from sensitized guinea pigs being less mobile, less phagocytic, and more destructive than those from normal animals may be a more limited spread of the infectious agent throughout the tissues; the animal would seem more resistant.
Parametric excitations of trapped ions in a linear rf ion trap

The parametric resonant behavior of ions inside a linear rf ion trap is studied both theoretically and experimentally. Theoretically, the resonant motion of ions inside an ideal ion trap is described by approximating the trapping rf field as a harmonic pseudopotential with the ions being excited by an additional quadrupolar ac voltage. The resulting damped Mathieu equation is studied and the regions of resonant instability are predicted by investigating the solutions. Experimentally, the parametric excitation of ${\mathrm{Mg}}^{+}$ ions is observed by subjecting the cloud of trapped ions to an additional quadrupolar ac field. The various ion motion resonances are detected through the disappearance of the laser-induced fluorescence signal. Weak damping is introduced by the presence of a low-pressure buffer gas. The experimental results are compared with the theoretical predictions.
Influence of hydrologic modifications on Fraxinus pennsylvanica in the Mississippi River Alluvial Valley, USA

We used tree-ring analysis to examine the radial growth response of a common, moderately flood-tolerant species (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh.) to hydrologic and climatic variability for >40 years before and after hydrologic modifications affecting two forest stands in the Mississippi River Alluvial Valley (USA): a stand without levees below dams and a stand within a ring levee. At the stand without levees below dams, spring flood stages decreased and overall growth increased after dam construction, which we attribute to a reduction in flood stress. At the stand within a ring levee, growth responded to the elimination of overbank flooding by shifting from being positively correlated with river stage to not being correlated with river stage. In general, growth in swales was positively correlated with river stage and Palmer Drought Severity Index (an index of soil moisture) for longer periods than flats. Growth decreased after levee construction, but swales were less impacted than flats likely because of di...
Lie algebras and regularity of controls for real-analytic control systems

We prove, for real-analytic control-affine control systems, that whenever a control η and corresponding trajectory ξ are such that the terminal point of ξ belongs to the boundary of the attainable set from the initial point of ξ, it follows that the control η is real-analytic on an open dense subset of its interval of definition. Furthermore, for every trajectory-control pair (ξ, η) such that ξ' starts at a point x0 and ends at a point x1, it is possible to find a (possibly different) trajectory-control pair (ξ', η') such that ξ' also goes from x0 to x1 and the control η' is real-analytic on an open dense subset of its interval of definition. Similar results are proved for time-optimal controls. Our theorems improve upon results proved before for the time-optimal control case, and the proofs illuminate much more clearly the role of the Lie algebras of vector fields associate3d to these problems.
Comparative Assessment of GORETEX™ and NEOPRENE™ Vapor Barriers in a Firefighter Turn-Out Coat:

A series of 18 laboratory tests using one male and two female subjects was carried out to assess the impact of a GORETEXTM barrier and a NEOPRENE™ vapor barrier on the ventilation characteristics of a firefighter turn-out coat. Clothing air-space temperatures were monitored while test subjects performed under a standardized treadmill exercise protocol. It was found that a GORETEX barrier contributed to lower clothing heat build-up than did a NEOPRENE vapor barrier. The improved heat dissipation characteristics of the GORETEX barrier may reduce heat stress and improve comfort for firefighters during firefighting operations.
The role of an electric machine controller in a hybrid powertrain-functional, physical, and expertise issues for component and system suppliers

An electric machine controller has a very important and integral role within a hybrid electric vehicle drivetrain. This paper investigates the functions within this powertrain that are traditionally decomposed as machine control functions, and how the machine controller interacts with other functions. Next, different physical partitioning solutions are illustrated within a sample hybrid powertrain configuration. However, many of these partitions will require different levels of expertise for suppliers of the system components. Then, the paper discusses some logical next step partitions that may apply to production powertrains. The paper concludes that the electric machine controller will not be "absorbed" by another controller in the vehicle until the hybrid powertrain becomes a widely utilized subsystem.
A two- versus three-embryo transfer: the oocyte donation model

Abstract Objective: To compare implantation and pregnancy rates in oocyte recipients undergoing a two-embryo versus three-embryo transfer, 3 days after retrieval. Design: Retrospective comparative analysis. Setting: University-based in vitro fertilization center. Patient(s): All oocyte recipients undergoing embryo transfer from January 1, 1997 through August 31, 1999. Intervention(s): Recipients received two or three embryos. Main Outcome Measure(s): Implantation, and clinical and multiple pregnancy rates. Result(s): Seventy-three recipients underwent a two-embryo transfer, and 376 had three embryos replaced. The numbers of oocytes retrieved (12.7 ± 0.89 vs. 13.1 ± 0.36) and embryos obtained (8.05 ± 0.65 vs. 8.77 ± 0.27) did not differ between the two-embryo and three-embryo transfer groups, nor did the proportion of patients with embryo cryopreservation (54.3% vs. 42.6%, respectively). There was no significant difference in pregnancy or implantation rates when comparing those patients with a two-embryo transfer to those with a three-embryo transfer. Significantly, 13.8% of the pregnancies in the three-embryo transfer group were triplet. Conclusion(s): Reducing the number of embryos transferred in an oocyte donation cycle can lower the incidence of triplet pregnancies without significantly lowering the overall pregnancy rate.
Effective Scoring Rules for Probabilistic Forecasts

This paper studies the use of a scoring rule for the elicitation of forecasts in the form of probability distributions and for the subsequent evaluation of such forecasts. Given a metric distance function on a space of probability distributions, a scoring rule is said to be effective if the forecaster's expected score is a strictly decreasing function of the distance between the elicited and "true" distributions. Two simple, well-known rules the spherical and the quadratic are shown to be effective with respect to suitable metrics. Examples and a practical application in Foreign Exchange rate forecasting are also provided.
Adopting orphans: comprehensive genetic testing of Mendelian diseases of childhood by next-generation sequencing

Orphan diseases are individually uncommon but collectively contribute significantly to pediatric morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Current molecular testing for rare genetic disorders is often a lengthy and costly endeavor, and in many cases a molecular diagnosis is never achieved despite extensive testing. Diseases with locus heterogeneity or overlapping signs and symptoms are especially challenging owing to the number of potential targets. Consequently, there is immense need for scalable, economical, rapid, multiplexed diagnostic testing for rare Mendelian diseases. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic technologies have the potential to change the standard of care for the diagnosis of rare genetic disorders. These advances will be reviewed in the setting of a recently developed test for 592 autosomal recessive and X-linked diseases.
Human Salt Taste and the Lingual Surface Potential Correlate

We have demonstrated in humans that Na + evokes changes in the lingual surface potential (LSP) using a custom chamber. To assess whether a relationship exists between the Na + -evoked changes in the LSP and the intensity of salt taste, we measured the LSP and the intensity of salt taste simultaneously in 7 subjects using test solutions (50, 100, 300, and 1000 mM NaCl) presented in random order. The evoked LSPs and intensity scores correlated with one another well (r 2 = 0.992, P < 0.01). We then screened 14 subjects for their ability to discriminate between 100 and 300 mM NaCl using the chamber. Three subjects were consistently capable of distinguishing the salt concentrations. In these 3 subjects, an inhibitor of the epithelial sodium channel, amiloride (10 lM), blocked the ability to distinguish salt concentrations and affected the LSP. These data suggest that the LSP may be a component of the signal transduction system involved in human salt taste. In adept salt tasters, an amiloridesensitive mechanism appears to have a role in distinguishing salt concentrations.
The Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science: A 20-Year Perspective.

The Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS) is a publicly financed, residential early college entrance institute at the University of North Texas at Denton. Created in 1987, TAMS enables high-achieving students planning STEM careers to complete their last 2 years of high school simultaneously with their first 2 years of college. Admission is selective, and students pay no tuition or book costs. Students must complete a rigorous curriculum of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and humanities. The academy offers intramural athletics, a variety of clubs and organizations, and mentor-guided research opportunities that can lead to prestigious awards and scholarships. Graduates earn a high school diploma and at least 57 transferable college credits—enough to enter many universities 2 years advanced. Now in its third decade, the academy continues to help expand the supply of skilled domestic mathematicians, engineers, and scientists.
A comprehensive program to minimize platelet outdating.

BACKGROUND: Platelet (PLT) transfusions are essential for patients who are bleeding or have an increased risk of bleeding due to a decreased number or abnormal function of circulating PLTs. A shelf life of 5 days for PLT products presents an inventory management challenge. In 2006, greater than 10% of apheresis PLTs made in the United States outdated. It is imperative to have a sufficient number of products for patients requiring transfusion, but outdating PLTs is a financial burden and a waste of a resource. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We present the approach used in our institution to anticipate inventory needs based on current patient census and usage. Strategies to predict usage and to identify changes in anticipated usage are examined. Annual outdating is reviewed for a 10-year period from 2000 through 2009. RESULTS: From January 1, 2000, through December 2009, there were 128,207 PLT transfusions given to 15,265 patients. The methods used to anticipate usage and adjust inventory resulted in an annual outdate rate of approximately 1% for the 10-year period reviewed. In addition we have not faced situations where inventory was inadequate to meet the needs of the patients requiring transfusions. CONCLUSION: We have identified three elements of our transfusion service that can minimize outdate: a knowledgeable proactive staff dedicated to PLT management, a comprehensive computer-based transfusion history for each patient, and a strong two-way relationship with the primary product supplier. Through our comprehensive program, based on the principles of providing optimal patient care, we have minimized PLT outdating for more than 10 years.
After Hard Drives—What Comes Next?

There are numerous emerging nonvolatile memory technologies, which have been proposed as being capable of replacing hard disk drives (HDDs). In this paper, the prospects for these alternative technologies to displace HDDs in 2020 are analyzed. In order to compare technologies, projections were made of storage density and performance in year 2020 for both hard disks and the alternative technologies, assuming the alternative technologies could solve their remaining problems and assuming that hard drives would continue to advance areal density at a pace of about 40% per year, which would result in a two-disk 2.5-in disk drive that stores approximately 40 Terabytes and costs about $40. A major conclusion of the study is that to compete with hard drives on a cost per terabyte basis will be challenging for any solid state technology, because the ITRS lithography roadmap limits the density that most alternative technologies can achieve. Those technologies with the best opportunity have a small cell size and the capability of storing multiple bits per cell. Phase change random access memory (PCRAM) and spin transfer torque random access memory (STTRAM) appear to meet these criteria. PCRAMs are being marketed by at least one supplier and therefore appear to be closer to practical realization. On the other hand, STTRAMs would appear to have a performance edge assuming they, too, can be brought to market with multiple bits per cell. Although there are technologies that are not limited by the lithography roadmap and thus have greater areal density potential, they tend to be further from practical realization.
The A 4 -structure of a graph

We define the A4-structure of a graph G to be the 4-uniform hypergraph on the vertex set of G whose edges are the vertex subsets inducing 2K2, C4, or P4. We show that perfection of a graph is determined by its A4-structure. We relate the A4-structure to the canonical decomposition of a graph as defined by Tyshkevich [Discrete Math 220 (2000) 201–238]; for example, a graph is indecomposable if and only if its A4-structure is connected. We also characterize the graphs having the same A4-structure as a split graph. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Contract grant sponsors: Faculty Research Committee, Black Hills State University (M. D. B.); National Security Agency under Award No. H98230-10-1-0363 (D. B. W.).)
Scaling studies and time-resolved microwave measurements on a relativistic backward-wave oscillator

A relativistic backward-wave oscillator (BWO) operating at a frequency near 8 GHz has been built. The parameters of the 60-ns electron beam driving this microwave source are varied over the ranges 0.8-1.5 MV and 2-10 kA. Several different annular cathodes for launching the electron beam are tried, varying the outer radius and shape. The axial magnetic field guiding the beam through the BWO is varied between 0.6 and 3 T. The power transfer downstream to an output waveguide is investigated as a function of the shape of the transition from the BWO to the waveguide. The scaling of the output power and frequency with these variations is discussed. Time-resolved measurements of 2-ns-long segments of the microwave output are shown. In observations of the microwave signal, it is found that the frequency shifts as the output power envelope passes through a sharp dip. It is proposed that this shift corresponds to a change in the longitudinal operating mode of the BWO. >
Elliptic Integrals in Terms of Legendre Polynomials

Consider the elliptic integral of the first kindor, alternatively,where x = sin ϕ. It is customary in the theory of elliptic integrals to let k = sin α, k' = cos α, sot that k'2 + k2 = 1. For convenience we shall also introduce the parameter
Structure and Direction of Message in the Immune Network and Circuits

The major function of the immune system is the maintenance of macromolecular and cellular homeostasis in the body. Altered self and foreign macromolecules represent an aggressive challenge for the host because they have a tendency to alter the structure of messages which ensure the maintenance of homeostasis. The results of these alterations lead to the response against self-antigens (autoimmunity) or to foreign antigens (immune defense reactions).
Tools and Techniques: Magnetic Methods of Exploration – Principles and Algorithms

This chapter provides information about the principles, understanding, algorithms, and applicability of the magnetic method to exploration and near-surface geophysical problems. Most targets of exploration, environmental, and archaeological type are located at shallow depths, and the magnetic method provides a cost-effective tool in their exploration. The chapter starts with an overview of the geomagnetic field and rock magnetism, moves to the methods for data processing and source parameter estimation, and then discusses various modeling and inversion techniques. The materials are organized to present in a compact form the state of the art in using magnetic data for near-surface exploration. The basic mathematical concepts of each technique are outlined, and the applicability of various methods is illustrated with examples where appropriate.
What Should We Expect from the Dodd-Frank Bounty Program?

Among other changes, the Dodd-Frank bounty program substantially increases the size of the rewards. The supporters argue that the program should encourage more players to step in, whereas the critics claim that it would only increase less reliable whistleblowers. This note describes the economic reasoning behind the dispute, attempting to build a reasonable expectation in light of the available empirical data. Although most of the evidence from previous bounty programs sides with the supporter’s theory, it has to be considered that the quantity and quality of whistleblower reporting are not the only relevant factors. Whistleblowers play a key role diversifying the sources of information that feed the system of enforcement and correcting the monitoring bias that public agencies might develop over time.
Passive Political Observers? Modes of Political Participation Among Undocumented Immigrants

While there has been a long tradition of studies on immigrant incorporation, few studies have directly examined the political incorporation of undocumented immigrants. Although their status serves as a severe impediment to traditional forms of political participation, the 2006 immigrant-rights marches across the U.S. demonstrate that the undocumented are not simply passive political observers devoid of agency. The extent and efficacy of their participation, however, remains unclear. This paper seeks to fill this gap, using in-depth interviews with undocumented immigrants to uncover the ways in which undocumented status constrains political behavior, defined broadly here to include a range of political activities beyond voting. These interviews shed further light on how, despite these constraints, the undocumented are still able to engage with and sometimes even contest the state.Undocumented immigrants often encounter political institutions that acknowledge their presence, but do not recognize their claims as full members of society. In the absence of further scrutiny about how the undocumented engage the state, we leave unexplored how those at the outermost margins are able to endure despite official attempts to exclude them. Moreover, understanding what the structural effects of undocumented status are for the incorporation of undocumented immigrants is imperative for policymakers concerned with ensuring that policy decisions do not serve to deepen existing inequalities.
MyD88 and Src are differentially regulated in Kupffer cells of males and proestrus females following hypoxia.

Hypoxia produces sex dimorphic immune responses in males and proestrus females. Because Kupffer cells are the major source of proinflammatory cytokines, studies were conducted to discern IL-6 production in mouse Kupffer cells following hypoxia. Hypoxia enhances TLR4 expression in Kupffer cells irrespective of sex. However, MyD88 and Src expression in Kupffer cells decreased significantly after hypoxia in proestrus females, whereas Src protein expression and phosphorylation increased in males in concurrence with differences in IL-6 production. 17β-Estradiol administration elevated MyD88 and Src expression in males to levels in normoxic proestrus females. Administration of Src inhibitor in hypoxic males prevented increased IL-6 production. Thus, differential regulation of MyD88 and Src in males and females plays an important role in sex-specific immune response following hypoxia.
Ambassadors of Aesthetic Experience: The Healing Legacy of Maxine Greene.

ABSTRACTGaines reflects on the power, potential, and limits of teaching artistry based on existential philosophies of Maxine Greene and psychotherapy.
Serum Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 and Nitric Oxide Levels in Patients with Essential Hypertension Before and After Valsartan Treatment

Objective To investigate the changes of serum insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) and nitric oxide(NO) levels in patients with essential hypertension(EH) before and after valsartan treatment. Methods Serum IGF-1 levels and NO level were measured by radioimmunoassay and nitrate reductase method respectively in 50 patients with essential hypertensions before and after 6 months treatment. 25 normotensive served as controls. Results Base line IGF-1 serum level were higher in EH than in normal controls (13.36±3.36 vs 9.67±2.57 nmol/L,P 0.01),whereas NO serum level was lower(61.94±18.02 vs 77.15 ±13.50 μmol/L P 0.01). The IGF-1 Serum level were higher in EH with LVH than in those without LVH(14.15±4.23 vs 11.57±3.10 nmol/L,P 0.01),while NO serum level were lower in EH with LVH than in those without LVH(56.20±17.15 vs 67.68±18.97 μmol/L P 0.05). After six months treatment of valsartan,serum IGF-1 levels tends to fell 10.85±2.97 nmol/L( P 0.01),serum NO levels increase to 72.07±15.45 μmol/L( P 0.01),left ventricular mass index(LVMI) was reduced to 111.13±15.27 g/m 2( P 0.01). Conclusion These data indicate that serum IGF-1 levels are increased in essential hypertension,with serum NO levels decreased,especially in EH with LVH. Valsartan decreases serum IGF-1 levels and increases serum NO levels in patients with essential hypertension,when the LVH was reversed.
Evaluating Machine Learned User Experiences

Evaluating Machine Learned User Experiences Slideshow. Asela Gunawardana, Intelligent User Experiences, Microsoft Research.