cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bottom of spectrum of Kähler manifolds with a strongly pseudoconvex boundary

Theorem 1. Suppose (M, g) is a noncompact complete Riemannian manifold with Ric ≥ − (n− 1), we have λ0 ≤ (n− 1) /4. The estimate is sharp since the spectrum is the ray [(n− 1) /4,+∞) for the hyperbolic space H. For Kahler manifolds, this estimate can be improved. On a Kahler manifold (M, g) of complex dimension n, where g is the Riemannian metric, let ω = g (J ·, ·) be the Kahler form. In local holomorphic coordinates z1, · · · , zn, we have
Recent Results from Nuclear Lattice Simulations

We discuss recent progress in the study of nuclear and neutron matter by combining chiral effective field theory with non-perturbative lattice methods. We present results for hot neutron matter at temperatures 20 to 40 MeV and densities below twice nuclear matter density. This proceedings article is a summary of results from work done in collaboration with Bugra Borasoy and Thomas Schaefer1.
DEFINING THE SUPERMARKET 'ITEM': AN INFORMAL LOOK

Most food supermarkets appear to have some sort of an express checkout lane arrangement for customers with a small number of items, generally 10 or less. Variations include having the lane operational throughout the day or only during peak periods, accepting any type of tender or limiting transactions to cash sales, and packing for the customer or requiring them to pack for themselves A review of the literature, and a query of the Food Marketing Institute (Washington, DC), suggesting no standardized definition of an "item," the seemingly key operational element, a Lrmrcd informal inquiry was conducted to determine how this term is construed in practice. During the spring and summer of 1990, one checker at each of 63 different supermarkets in a large urban area in the northeast selected on a convenience basis, was questioned as to how she defined an express lane "item." The following interrogatory was presented: if a six-pack of soda is considered one "item," would six individual cans of the same type of soda be considered one "item" or six items? None of those providing answers were in managerial positions; all of the stores were outlets of nine regional chains; about two-thirds of the checkers were women and one-third men. No attempt was made to ascertain whether the answers provided were personal preferences, store practice, or company policy. Checkers who declined to answer or provided conditional responses were not counted. All of those responding were employed in stores having a mechanized, rather than a manual, checkout system. Thirty-three checkers (52%) sald that the six cans of soda would be treated as one "item"; the remalnlng 30 checkers (48%) would consider it as six items. There was no marked difference noted between women and men in the responses, nor was there any consistency observed among checkers of the same chain, but in different stores. While not specifically examined, intuitively it was felt that the definition of an "item" was a matter of individual store preference and policy, with checkers having discretion as to interpretation and enforcement. Recognizing the inherent subjectivity of the methodology, the presence of local cultural biasing, and the limitations on replication of the inquiry, the results suggest the potential for stress for both shoppers and checkers. While low to moderate amounts of stress can sometimes be beneficial, higher levels tend to have deleterious effects, such as needless negatlve shifts in moods, unnecessary illness, and unwarranted mental exhuastion. As it would sccm reasonable that food shopping should generally not be a contributing factor to the amount of aggravation encountered in life, food marketea might want to give some thought to standardizing the definition of the express lane "item." In these hectic days of the overload society, every bit of pressure relief counts.
Exploring the impact of parental involvement on student development

This chapter considers the impact that parental involvement may have on the psychosocial development of college students.
Retracking of Jason-1 Data

We present the results of retracking 18 cycles (15 from the Jason-TOPEX collinear period) of Jason-1 data. We used the retracking method of Rodriguez which simultaneously solves for all relevant waveform parameters using a 26 Gaussian model of the altimeter point target response. We find significant differences from the Jason-1 Project retracking in the key parameters of range and significant wave height (SWH) in the second version of the Project SGDRs. The differences from the Jason-1 data have a strong dependence on off-nadir angle and some dependence on SWH. The dependence of range on SWH is what is called sea state bias. The retracking technique also estimates surface skewness. For Jason-1 with its very clean waveforms we make the first direct estimates of the skewness effect on altimeter data. We believe that the differences found here and thus in overall sea surface height are the result of the standard project processing using a single Gaussian approximation to the Point Target Response (PTR) and n...
How might the motor cortex individuate movements

The ability to individuate movements--that is, the ability to move one or more body parts independently of the movement or posture of other contiguous body parts--imparts an increasing flexibility to the motor repertoire of higher mammals. The movements used in walking, grasping, or eating contrast greatly with the phylogenetically more recent movements of the same body parts used, respectively, in dancing, playing a musical instrument, or talking. The movements used in the latter functions depend critically on the primary motor cortex (area 4). With advances in our understanding of the output organization of the motor cortex (reviewed recently by Roger Lemon), which have been based largely on studies of the hand area in primates, we can now consider more fully certain problems inherent in moving body parts individually, and some ways in which the motor cortex might accomplish this feat.
A low torque ripple flux focusing axial magnetic gear

In this paper the torque density characteristics for an axial magnetic gear using a flux focusing topology is studied when using (NdFeB) rare-earth magnets. The torque density is improved by conducting a basic geometric sweep analysis of the most important variable parameters. It is calculated that an extremely high torque density can be achieved with low torque ripple. The mechanical assembly is presented.
The apparent in vivo neuromuscular effects of the δ-endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis in mice and insects of four orders

Abstract Alkaline-dissolved crystal δ-endotoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (serovar H 14) was injected into mice and seven species of insects representing the orders Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Diptera. High in vivo toxicity, at 1 to 5 ppm (μg toxin/g body wet wt), was observed with mice and some insects, including some that are not sensitive to the toxin when administered orally. Neuromuscular effects were observed when the toxin was injected directly into the body cavity of the test animals. Biochemical studies suggested that different protein fragments within the crystal δ-endotoxin may be responsible for the majority of the mosquito larvacidal activity and the neurotoxic symptoms observed in larvae of Trichoplusia ni .
Direct evaluation of the Pauli repulsion energy using `classical' wavefunctions in hybrid quantum/classical potential energy surfaces

Abstract A new procedure for evaluating the Pauli repulsion energy in hybrid quantum/classical treatments is discussed and applied to two model systems: the hydrogen-bonded water dimer and the charged system H 2 O/Li + . The Pauli repulsion is evaluated by associating temporary wavefunctions with the classical region and then exploiting the equivalence of Pauli exclusion and permutational antisymmetry. The proposed hybrid quantum/classical treatment is devoid of any empirical parameters. Comparison with full quantum mechanical calculations suggests that the method may be applied to a wide variety of systems.
Distal Myocardial Protection During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With an Intracoronary β-Blocker

Background— Experimental studies have demonstrated that intravenous β-blocker administration before coronary artery occlusion significantly reduces myocardial injury. Clinical studies have shown that intracoronary (IC) propranolol administration before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) delays myocardial ischemia. The present study tested the hypothesis that IC propranolol treatment protects ischemic myocardium from myocardial damage and reduces the incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) and short-term adverse outcomes after PCI. Methods and Results— Patients undergoing PCI (n=150) were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to receive IC propranolol (n=75) or placebo (n=75). Study drug was delivered before first balloon inflation via an intracoronary catheter with the tip distal to the coronary lesion. Biochemical markers were evaluated through the first 24 hours and clinical outcomes to 30 days. Evidence of MI with creatine kinase–MB elevation after PCI was seen in 36% of placebo and 17% of ...
Family planning advice and postpartum contraceptive use among low-income women in Mexico.

In Mexico family planning advice has been incorporated into the clinical guidelines for prenatal care. However the relationship between womens receipt of family planning advice during prenatal care and subsequent contraceptive use has not been evaluated. Data were collected in 2003 and 2004 in 17 Mexican states from 2238 urban low-income women postpartum. Participating women reported on prenatal services received and contraceptive use. Logistic and multinomial logistic regression models evaluated whether receiving family planning advice during prenatal care predicted current contraceptive use after quality of care in the community service utilization delivery characteristics household socioeconomic characteristics and maternal and infant characteristics were controlled for. Overall 47% of women used a modern contraceptive method. Women who received family planning advice during prenatal care were more likely to use a contraceptive than were those who did not receive such advice (odds ratio 2.2). Women who received family planning advice had a higher probability of using condoms (relative risk ratio 2.3) and IUDs (5.2) and of undergoing sterilization (1.4) than of using no method. Integrating family planning advice into prenatal care may be an important strategy for reaching women when their demand for contraception is high. (authors)
Remote Measurement of Smoke Plume Transmittance Using Lidar

A van-mounted ruby lidar system has been developed for the remote single-ended measurement of smoke plume transmittance at ranges of 150–500 m. The measurement of transmittance is obtained by comparing the clear air lidar return from the near side of the plume with that from the far side. The system performance has been tested using synthetic targets of known transmittance, and its aclidar curacy limitation has been found to be photomultiplier tube afterpulsing. Results from these target tests as well as field tests using real power plant smoke plumes where comparison telephotometer measurements were made are discussed in terms of accuracy for the determination of plume transmittance.
Packetized voice/data integrated transmission on a token passing ring local area network

The performance of a token-passing ring network with packetized voice/data mixed traffic is investigated through extensive simulations. Both data and voice users are modeled in the simulations. Data users produce bursty traffic. Voice traffic is modeled as having alternating talkspurts and silences, with generation of voice packets at a constant rate during talkspurts and no packet generation during silence periods. Token passing ring local area networks are shown to effectively handle both voice and data traffic. The effects of system parameters (e.g. voice packet length, talkspurt/silence lengths, data traffic intensity, and limited exhaustive service disciplines) on network performance are discussed. >
Deaminative and Decarboxylative Catalytic Alkylation of Amino Acids with Ketones

It cuts two ways: The cationic [Ru-H] complex catalyzes selective coupling of α- and β-amino acids with ketones to form α-alkylated ketone products. The reaction involves CC and CN bond cleavage which result in regio- and stereoselective alkylation using amino acids. A broad substrate scope and high functional-group tolerance is demonstrated.
The Relevance of Vygotsky's Theory of Creative Imagination for Contemporary Research on Play.

Abstract Smolucha's translations of previously untranslated works by Soviet psychologists Vygotsky, El'konin, and Moukhena provide a theoretical framework in which pretend play is learned through interactions with more experienced play partners and leads to the the development of creative imagination. Data from an ongoing study of 6 mother‐child dyads support El'konin's claim that children learn how to do object substitutions, such as using a stick as a horse, from a play partner during the second year of life. Further studies are needed to determine whether training in play techniques, such as object substitutions, enhances the development of creative imagination.
Biological network comparison using graphlet degree distribution

Motivation: Analogous to biological sequence comparison, comparing cellular networks is an important problem that could provide insight into biological understanding and therapeutics. For technical reasons, comparing large networks is computationally infeasible, and thus heuristics, such as the degree distribution, clustering coefficient, diameter, and relative graphlet frequency distribution have been sought. It is easy to demonstrate that two networks are different by simply showing a short list of properties in which they differ. It is much harder to show that two networks are similar, as it requires demonstrating their similarity in all of their exponentially many properties. Clearly, it is computationally prohibitive to analyze all network properties, but the larger the number of constraints we impose in determining network similarity, the more likely it is that the networks will truly be similar. Results: We introduce a new systematic measure of a network's local structure that imposes a large number of similarity constraints on networks being compared. In particular, we generalize the degree distribution, which measures the number of nodes 'touching' k edges, into distributions measuring the number of nodes 'touching' k graphlets, where graphlets are small connected non-isomorphic subgraphs of a large network. Our new measure of network local structure consists of 73 graphlet degree distributions of graphlets with 2--5 nodes, but it is easily extendible to a greater number of constraints (i.e. graphlets), if necessary, and the extensions are limited only by the available CPU. Furthermore, we show a way to combine the 73 graphlet degree distributions into a network 'agreement' measure which is a number between 0 and 1, where 1 means that networks have identical distributions and 0 means that they are far apart. Based on this new network agreement measure, we show that almost all of the 14 eukaryotic PPI networks, including human, resulting from various high-throughput experimental techniques, as well as from curated databases, are better modeled by geometric random graphs than by Erdos--Reny, random scale-free, or Barabasi--Albert scale-free networks. Availability: Software executables are available upon request. Contact: natasha@ics.uci.edu
Could reduced cerebrospinal fluid (csf) galanin contribute to restricted eating in anorexia nervosa

Galanin (GAL) and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) are orexigenic neuropeptides that could contribute to the pathogenesis of anorexia nervosa (AN). To avoid the confounding effects of the ill state, we studied women who were recovered (> 1 year, normal weight, and regular menstrual cycles, no bingeing or purging) from AN (REC AN) and matched healthy control women (NC). CSF GAL was reduced in REC AN (64.4 ± 8.6 pg/ml) compared to NC (72.0 ± 11.6 pg/ml; p < .05), GABA was similar between groups. In the brain, GAL stimulates appetite and fat consumption. These data raise the question of whether alterations in brain GAL activity plays a role in clinical symptoms in AN, such as food restriction and fat avoidance.
Passive coordination control of nonlinear bilateral teleoperated manipulators

In this paper, a teleoperation controller is proposed for a pair of nonlinear master and slave manipulators. The control law enables the nonlinear robots to be perfectly coordinated despite arbitrary environment and human forcings, while ensuring that the closed loop teleoperator system is passive with respect to a supply rate that includes a user specified bilateral power scaling factor. After perfect coordination has been attained, the control law constrains n degrees of freedom (DOF). The dynamics of the remaining n degrees of freedom resembles those of a usual rigid robot. Thus, the teleoperator becomes a common rigid mechanical tool with which both the human operator and the physical environment interact.
Representations of Kronecker powers of orthogonal tensors with applications to material symmetry

Two explicit representations are obtained for the Kronecker powers of orthogonal second-order tensors. The derivations rely on the mathematical properties of Kronecker products and on classical parametrizations of orthogonal tensors. These representations are subsequently employed in the systematic construction of structural tensors and in the analysis of corotational rates of tensor functions.
Hyperphosphorylated C-terminal Repeat Domain-associating Proteins in the Nuclear Proteome Link Transcription to DNA/Chromatin Modification and RNA Processing

Using an interaction blot approach to search in the human nuclear proteome, we identified eight novel proteins that bind the hyperphosphorylated C-terminal repeat domain (phosphoCTD) of RNA polymerase II. Unexpectedly, five of the new phosphoCTD-associating proteins (PCAPs) represent either enzymes that act on DNA and chromatin (topoisomerase I, DNA (cytosine-5) methyltransferase 1, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1) or proteins known to bind DNA (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) U/SAF-A, hnRNP D). The other three PCAPs represent factors involved in pre-mRNA metabolism as anticipated (CA150, NSAP1/hnRNP Q, hnRNP R) (note that hnRNP U/SAF-A and hnRNP D are also implicated in pre-mRNA metabolism). Identifying as PCAPs proteins involved in diverse DNA transactions suggests that the range of phosphoCTD functions extends far beyond just transcription and RNA processing. In view of the activities possessed by the DNA-directed PCAPs, it is likely that the phosphoCTD plays important roles in genome integrity, epigenetic regulation, and potentially nuclear structure. We present a model in which the phosphoCTD association of the PCAPs poises them to act either on the nascent transcript or on the DNA/chromatin template. We propose that the phosphoCTD of elongating RNA polymerase II is a major organizer of nuclear functions.
Seasonal, Condition-Dependent, and Individual Variation in Testosterone in a Natricine Snake

Abstract We collected plasma samples from adult males in a natural population of Plains Gartersnakes (Thamnophis radix) to characterize seasonal variation in testosterone. As in other New World temperate zone natricines, testosterone was high during spring emergence, declined as courtship and mating progressed, and then increased in late summer and fall. Based on patterns seen in this and other studies, we suggest that the rapidity with which testosterone decreases following spring emergence may be associated with the length of the mating season; and that it decreases rapidly in species and populations in which the mating season is brief and more slowly in species and populations in which mating occurs over an extended period. Testosterone showed a clear, positive association with body condition in adult male Plains Gartersnakes. Whether this association translates into greater reproductive success warrants further investigation. Because we collected blood samples multiple times from individual males with...
Ocean color patterns help to predict depth of optical layers in stratified coastal waters

Subsurface optical layers distributed at two different depths were investigated in Monterrey Bay, East Sound, and the Black Sea based on spatial statistics of remote sensing reflectance (Rrs). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the use of Rrs(443)/Rrs(490) (hereafter R1) skewness (ψ) as an indicator of vertical optical structure in different marine regions. Measurements of inherent optical properties were obtained using a remotely op- erated towed vehicle and R1 was theoretically derived from optical profiles. Although the broad range of trophic status and water stratification, a common statistical pattern consist- ing of lower ψR1—a deeper optical layer was found in all study cases. This variation was attributed to optical changes above the opticline and related to horizontal variability of par- ticulates and spectral variations with depth. We recommend more comparisons in stratified coastal waters with different phytoplankton communities before the use of ψR1 can be gener- alized as a noninvasive optical proxy for screening depth changes on subsurface optical layers.
Extension of the MoM Laplacian solution to the general Helmholtz equation

A new boundary integral method for solving the general Helmholtz equation has been developed. The new formulation is based on the method of moments Laplacian solution. The main feature of this new formulation is that the boundary conditions are satisfied independent of the region node discretizations. The numerical solution of the present method are compared with finite difference and finite element solutions. >
Incidence of internal accounting among Ohio country grain elevators

Internal accounting systems supply managers with cost, planning, evaluation, and control information not provided by traditional financial statements prepared according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. A conceptual model of factors associated with utilization of internal accounting systems was developed. It included size, use of computers for financial accounting, and managerial innovativeness. The model was tested using data collected from a survey of Ohio country elevators. Logistic multivariate analysis found use of internal accounting to be significantly associated with size and managerial innovativeness.
A Low Temperature Polycrystalline Si TFT Technology for Large area AMLCD Drivers

In this paper we describe a low thermal budget technology to fabricate high performance CMOS thin-film transistors (TFTs) in polycrystalline silicon and silicon/germanium on low cost glass substrates, for active-matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD) applications. Based on modeling of delay times of the scan and data lines driven by n-channel TFTs we show that for AMLCDs with integrated drive circuits, mobility in excess of 40 cm2/V. sec will be required. Through proper optimization of amorphous film deposition, crystallization (nucleation and grain growth), fabrication process parameters and device structure we have obtained mobility in excess of 50 cm2/V. sec in Si TFTs, using conventional manufacturing technology compatible with glass substrates. Economic modeling suggests that low-temperature poly-TFT LCDs with integrated drivers will have a competitive manufacturing cost to LCDs of an equivalent size and resolution with α-Si pixel TFTs and single crystal drivers.
Asymmetrical male mandibular horns and mating behavior in Agathidium Panzer (Coleoptera: Leiodidae)

Males of some species of Agathidium Panzer have a prominent horn on the dorsal surface of the left mandible. The horn is unique in that it is highly asymmetrical. One species, A. marae Miller and Wheeler, has an additional horn on the right side of the frons. The horns are categorized into four general morphological types. Scaling relationships are investigated for two species, A. angulare Mannerheim and A. pulchrum LeConte. These species exhibit a scaling relationship that is strongly discontinuous (sigmoid) with a prominent ‘‘switch point’’. Measurement data (pronotal width versus mandible height) are fit to a nonlinear regression model to determine the switch points and slopes at the switch points for the populations of each species. Behaviors associated with mating and other behaviors are described for A. pulchrum. Males use a head-thrusting behavior to dislodge rival males from the substrate. Horned males appear better able to dislodge opponents. Head thrusting is also used less vigorously on females before and after mating.
Low-Cost Microarchitectural Support for Improved Floating-Point Accuracy

Some processors designed for consumer applications, such as graphics processing units (CPUs) and the CELL processor, promise outstanding floating-point performance for scientific applications at commodity prices. However, IEEE single precision is the most precise floating-point data type these processors directly support in hardware. Pairs of native floating-point numbers can be used to represent a base result and a residual term to increase accuracy, but the resulting order of magnitude slowdown dramatically reduces the price/performance advantage of these systems. By adding a few simple microarchitectural features, acceptable accuracy can be obtained with relatively little performance penalty. To reduce the cost of native-pair arithmetic, a residual register is used to hold information that would normally have been discarded after each floating-point computation. The residual register dramatically simplifies the code, providing both lower latency and better instruction-level parallelism.
An analysis of random and systematic changes with practice

Six motor tests and six nonverbal tests were administered four times to the same subjects. Subjective reports of the subjects are discussed, changes in mean scores and in variability and score correlations from trial to trial are surveyed, and factor analyses of results on the first and fourth trials are presented and compared. Implications of the findings with respect to correction for attenuation are pointed out.
Two new nonlinear nonlocal diffusions for noise reduction

Two new nonlocal nonlinear diffusion models for noise reduction are proposed, analyzed and implemented. They are both a close relative of the celebrated Perona-Malik equation. In a way, they can be viewed as a new regularization paradigm for Perona-Malik. They do preserve and enhance the most cherished features of Perona-Malik while delivering well-posed equations which admit a stable natural discretization. Unlike other regularizations, however, certain piecewise smooth functions are (meta)stable equilibria and, as a consequence, their dynamical behavior and that of their discrete implementations can be fully understood and do not lead to any "paradox". The presence of nontrivial equilibria also explains why blurring is kept in check. One of the models has been proved to be well-posed. Numerical experiments are presented that illustrate the main features of the new models and that provide insight into their interesting dynamical behavior as well as demonstrate their effectiveness as a denoising tool.
Clock-driven performance optimization in interactive behavioral synthesis

In interactive behavioral synthesis, the designer can control the design process at every stage, including modifying the schedule of the design to improve its performance. In this paper, we present a methodology for performance optimization in interactive behavioral synthesis. Also proposed are several quality metrics and hints that can assist the user in utilizing the proposed methodology. When the user is optimizing the performance of the design, one important decision is the selection of a clock period. To facilitate clock selection by the user, we have developed an algorithm to estimate the effect of different clock periods on the execution time of the design. We have tested our methodology on several benchmarks. The experimental results support the proposed methodology by demonstrating an average improvement of 46.2% in design performance.
Electromigration, Thermal Analysis and Die Attach--A Case History

A case history and thermal analysis is presented to define the variables causing premature aluminum electromigration failures of integrated circuits. Major contributants are inadequate thermal die contact, manufacturing crossectional area tolerances, and obsolete design guidelines. Based on a thermal model and statistical data, a feasible screen for die thermal integrity is given as well as design considerations for ULSI.
Holiness and Mediation: Pneumatology in Pietist Perspective

In contemporary Christian theology, Pietism denotes a form of Christianity that rejects mediation in favor of the Holy Spirit's direct, unmediated infusion of grace into the human heart. In this article, I contend that this reading of Pietism is deeply flawed. Drawing on recent scholarship, I show that Pietism, especially in its Methodist, Wesleyan-holiness and Pentecostal forms, embraces and promotes mediation through a wide range of places, materials, persons and practices. From a Pietist perspective, God's holiness precludes presumption, not mediation per se. It also leads Pietists to underscore the significance of waiting for the Christian life.
Injection site and risk of medically attended local reactions to acellular pertussis vaccine.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the risk of medically attended local reactions to the fifth dose of the diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine varies according to injection site (arm versus thigh). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children aged 4 through 6 years in the Vaccine Safety Datalink population who received a DTaP vaccination during the period from 2002 through 2006. Medically attended local reactions to the DTaP vaccine were presumptively identified from administrative data and were confirmed by medical record review. RESULTS: Among the 233 616 children in the study population, 1017 (0.4%) had a confirmed medically attended local reaction to the fifth dose of the DTaP vaccine. The rate of those reactions was significantly higher with vaccinations given in the arm (47.4 per 10 000 vaccinations) compared with vaccinations given in the thigh (32.1 per 10 000 vaccinations) ( P < .001). In a multivariable analysis adjusted for age, gender, and study site, children vaccinated in the arm had a 78% higher risk of a local reaction (relative risk: 1.78 [95% confidence interval: 1.43–2.21]). CONCLUSIONS: Local reactions to the fifth dose of the DTaP vaccine that require medical evaluation are uncommon, but the risk of those reactions is significantly higher when the vaccine is injected in the arm. These findings suggest that the thigh should be considered as an acceptable site of injection for this vaccination.
Repeat mediated gene duplication in the Drosophila pseudoobscura genome

Genetic mutations can occur on a wide variety of scales, including those that change single nucleotides, those that add or remove content to/from a genome, and those that change the organization of a genome. Gene duplications are a specific class of mutations that add content to a genome, and they can arise via a wide variety of mechanisms. I examined the mechanisms responsible for recently duplicated genes in the D. pseudoobscura genome, and I observed both retroposed and DNA duplications. Many duplicated genes lack signatures of either retroposition or DNA-based mechanisms, but other features of these ambiguously duplicated genes suggest that most were generated via retroposition. Furthermore, close examination of sequences flanking DNA duplications and those found at the breakpoints of chromosomal inversions suggests a connection between these two events. In Drosophila, duplicated genes near inversion breakpoints can arise via unequal genetic exchange during the non-allelic crossing over event giving rise to the inversion. I observed one duplicated gene in the D. pseudoobscura genome that appears to have been generated by this mechanism. Additionally, many DNA duplications in the D. pseudoobscura genome are flanked by a repetitive sequence also found at the breakpoints of chromosomal inversions. This suggests that the molecular mechanisms responsible for chromosomal rearrangements and some duplicated genes have overlapping processes.
Double layer formation in a two-region electronegative plasma

We describe the formation of a double layer (DL) in a two-dimensional (2D) electronegative plasma with a source (heating) section connected to a larger diameter downstream section. A 2D particle-in-cell (PIC) code is used to exhibit the DL, which appears near the transition between the source and downstream chambers, over a range of pressures and electronegativities (ratios of negative ion to electron density). Diagnostics of the PIC code allow the calculation of various plasma parameters, not easily measured in experiments, to be compared to an analytic theory. The theory, modifying a previous calculation [1, 2] to conform to the simulation, consists of a collisionless one-dimensional model of a DL separating 2D source and downstream globally-modeled regions. In the global models the conditions of positive and negative ion balance upstream and downstream, and the downstream energy balance, are used to determine the double layer potential, electron temperatures, and other plasma parameters. Because of computational limitations of the PIC simulation, a rescaled oxygen reaction set is used both for the simulation and for the analytic comparison, to accommodate lower densities and smaller sizes than those of a typical experiment.
Posterior consistency in conditional distribution estimation

A wide variety of priors have been proposed for nonparametric Bayesian estimation of conditional distributions, and there is a clear need for theorems providing conditions on the prior for large support, as well as posterior consistency. Estimation of an uncountable collection of conditional distributions across different regions of the predictor space is a challenging problem, which differs in some important ways from density and mean regression estimation problems. Defining various topologies on the space of conditional distributions, we provide sufficient conditions for posterior consistency focusing on a broad class of priors formulated as predictor-dependent mixtures of Gaussian kernels. This theory is illustrated by showing that the conditions are satisfied for a class of generalized stick-breaking process mixtures in which the stick-breaking lengths are monotone, differentiable functions of a continuous stochastic process. We also provide a set of sufficient conditions for the case where stick-breaking lengths are predictor independent, such as those arising from a fixed Dirichlet process prior.
On the Nature of Communist Rule in China

THE Communist regime on the mainland of China has already survived for six years. During this time it has behaved in such a way as to create the impression abroad that it is in full control of the mainland, has the support of the Chinese people, is engaged on longrange projects for economic and social betterment, and is a military power to be reckoned with in Asia. Diplomatic successes at conferences in Geneva and Bandung and the official visits of Chou En-lai to Asian capitals have tended to create the impression of Communist China's acceptability and even leadership among Asian nations. The hundreds of visitors from many countries who have been taken on guided tours of the mainland and the books which have been written by Indian, British, and other journalists, even when critical, have tended to build up the impression that whatever its faults and its problems, here is a regime which has come to stay. Coexistence with the Communist world can be had for the asking, it is suggested, if we are prepared to accept differences in ideology. To withhold recognition and a "just" and "rightful" place in the United Nations from such a government and to keep an embargo on trade with it is to fly in the face of good sense and to strangle an enormous potential commerce. Much of the world would have us believe that to give support to Chiang Kai-shek is quixotic, unprofitable, and a danger to the peace. A regime which has been recognized by the Soviet bloc of nations, the United Kingdom, the Asiatic members of the British Commonwealth, and several other powers is in a strong position. We can expect the pressure for admission of Communist China to the United Nations to increase during the coming year and the offer of a bargain over
Optimum pulse amplitude modulation--II: Inclusion of timing jitter

A method is presented for specifying transmitter waveforms and receiver filters for pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) systems which are subject to distortion from additive noise, intersymbol interference, and timing jitter. A criterion of minimum mean-squared error is used. For the case of band-limited transmission, specific procedures are developed for computing optimum transmitters, optimum receivers, and jointly optimum transmitters and receivers. For two special jitter distributions the joint optimization problem is solved without a bandwidth limitation, and the resulting systems are found to be band-limited. In cases of localized timing jitter and high signal-to-noise ratio, we are led to system pulse responses of the form [\sin x/x]^{2} . A nonparametric method of reducing the effects of timing jitter is briefly discussed. In this approach the noise interference is minimized subject to the constraints that the intersymbol interference be zero and that the system pulse response have zero derivative at each nominal sampling point.
The molecular logic of sodium-coupled neurotransmitter transporters

Synaptic transmission at chemical synapses requires the removal of neurotransmitter from extracellular spaces. At synapses in the central nervous system, this is accomplished by sodium-coupled transport proteins, integral membrane proteins that thermodynamically couple the uptake of neurotransmitter to the uptake of sodium and, in some cases, the uptake and export of additional ions. Recent X-ray crystallographic studies have revealed the architecture of the two major families of neurotransmitter transporters and, together with additional biochemical and biophysical studies, have provided insights into mechanisms of ion coupling, substrate uptake, and inhibition of transport.
Long-Term Exit-Site Gentamicin Prophylaxis and Gentamicin Resistance in a Peritoneal Dialysis Program.

BackgroundDaily gentamicin cream exit-site prophylaxis reduces peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related gram-negative infections. However, there is a concern about the potential for increasing gentamicin r...
ETIOLOGY OF YELLOW FEVER : V. PROPERTIES OF BLOOD SERUM OF YELLOW FEVER PATIENTS IN RELATION TO LEPTOSPIRA ICTEROIDES.

The serum from a number of persons recovering from yellow fever in Guayaquil was studied with a view to establishing its possible immunological relationship with a strain of Leptospira icteroides derived from one of the yellow fever patients. For this purpose the serum of convalescents was mixed either with an organ emulsion of a passage strain, or with a culture of the organism, and inoculated intraperitoneally into guinea pigs. The Pfeiffer reaction was first studied, and then the animals were allowed to live until the controls, inoculated with the same emulsion or culture of Leptospira icteroides but without the serum, or with serum from patients suffering from other diseases than yellow fever, had died of the experimental infection with typical symptoms A positive Pfeiffer phenomenon was observed in fifteen of the eighteen convalescent cases studied, or approximately 83 per cent. Sera from ten non-immune soldiers and from two malaria patients gave uniformly negative results. Protection from an ultimate fatal infection was afforded some of the guinea pigs which received the serum of yellow fever convalescents, while the control animals succumbed to the infection with typical symptoms. In one instance, in which the serum was tested on the 2nd and the 10th days of disease, a Pfeiffer reaction was demonstrated, as well as protective property against the infection, in the specimen from the 10th but not in that from the 2nd day. From the foregoing observations of immunity reactions it appears highly probable that Leptospira icteroides is etiologically related to yellow fever.
Contact Angles and the Surface Free Energy of Solids

This chapter, and the following one by Neumann and Good, deal with the measurement of contact angles in three-phase systems. The contact angle is, intrinsically, a macroscopic property, and one that should be amenable to a phenomenological treatment, e.g., to measurement without regard to its thermodynamic or microscopic interpretation. But inevitably, the desire for a thermodynamic and molecular interpretation arises. In addition, some fundamental questions about solid surfaces come up, and the problem of hysteresis must be given explicit consideration. So there is a need to go beyond phenomenology.
Central Nervous System Leukemia in Children with Acute Nonlymphoblastic Leukemia

Factors contributing to the development of central nervous system (CNS) leukemia, and the impact of leukemic involvement of this site on subsequent remission length, were determined in 184 children with acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia who had been treated in two successive clinical trials. Preventive CNS therapy in both studies consisted of intrathecal methotrexate (12 mg/m2) given monthly during the first six months of therapy and then every three months until all treatment was stopped. Children with CNS leukemia at diagnosis or relapse were given intrathecal chemotherapy weekly for four weeks and then monthly throughout the remainder of the treatment course. Those continuing in complete remission received 2,400 rad cranial irradiation plus five doses of intrathecal methotrexate before cessation of therapy. The 38 children (20.7%) with CNS leukemia at diagnosis were more likely to have an initial leukocyte count greater than or equal to 25 X 10(9)/L (P = .01) and age less than 2 years (P = .03). The presence of CNS leukemia at diagnosis did not adversely affect the remission induction rate (P = .13) or the length of complete remissions (P = .73). CNS relapse ended initial remissions in 11 patients only and did not preclude subsequent long-term survival, as four of these children are off therapy and in second complete remission for 33+ to 78+ months. Three features at diagnosis were predictive of CNS relapse: monocytic or myelomonocytic leukemia (P = .002); age less than 2 years (P = .0001); and leukocyte count greater than or equal to 25 X 10(9)/L (P = .012). By stepwise Cox regression analysis, each factor was found to have independent predictive value. Despite the apparent effectiveness of intrathecal methotrexate as preventive CNS treatment, our findings indicate that more effective prophylaxis is needed for patients with features predisposing to CNS relapse.
The Social Dimensions of Expert Knowledge about Risk

This paper argues that the field of risk communication should pay more attention to studying experts and the knowledge that they produce. In particular, I suggest that examining the social dimensions of expert knowledge about risk is worthwhile for both instrumental and theoretical reasons. From an instrumental point of view, understanding what shapes expert knowledge about risk could contribute to better risk management. In many risk areas, decision making involves complex negotiations about the strength of technical evidence — often in a context of scientific uncertainty, disagreement about the credibility of different types of expertise, and struggle among a variety of actors. Indeed, the social and political challenges of creating credible sources of expertise and credible knowledge often rank among the significant obstacles to policy making about risk. For this reason, society’s ability to address risk depends not only on sophisticated analytic methods and communication strategies, but also on a reflexive understanding of how our modes of knowing shape what we believe and what we do about risk. This is the English version of a paper published in Spanish: “Las Dimensiones Sociales del Conocimiento Experto del Riesgo,” in Moreno Castro, Carolina, ed., Comunicar Los Riesgos (Spain: Biblioteca Nueva, 2009).
Diagnosis of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the pancreas using endoscopic ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the pancreas is a particularly rare entity. Diagnosis of this tumor is tentatively made after ruling out metastatic SCC from another primary site and adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) of the pancreas. Here we discuss the case of a 76-year-old woman who was found to have a solitary pancreatic lesion and multiple hepatic lesions. Results of computed tomography-guided biopsy of the liver lesions were consistent with a metastatic carcinoma displaying squamous differentiation; therefore, an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided core-needle biopsy (CNB) of the pancreatic mass was performed. Meticulous histopathological examination of the pancreatic specimen at multiple levels revealed moderately well-differentiated SCC with no glandular component. An extensive metastatic work-up did not reveal an extra-pancreatic origin for this SCC; hence, a diagnosis of primary SCC of the pancreas was established. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the diagnosis of a primary SCC of the pancreas using EUS-guided CNB. We believe that CNB has a diagnostic yield equivalent to that of fine-needle aspiration for recognizing pancreatic adenocarcinoma; however, when cytological examinations reveal atypical squamous epithelial cells suggestive of malignancy, CNB may provide a better tissue specimen, from which to determine the presence of a glandular component. Such an assessment will differentiate pancreatic SCC from ASC.
Stock Index Options Pricing Models

The purpose of this research is to apply stochastic modeling methods to determine the prices of stock index options. In this paper, three models are implemented and compared for accuracy based on the S&P 500 index (SPX) options data for 1996. These models include the Black-Scholes Model (BS), a stochastic volatility model (SV) which accounts for volatility in the underlying stock price, and a stochastic volatility model with jump in the underlying stock price (SVJ). This jump in the stock index prices is accounted for in the SVJ model using a compound Poisson distribution. The SV model is nested in the SVJ model, with jump-related parameters being set to zero. These three mathematical models are implemented in MATLAB. The models are calibrated using data from one day at a time for the SPX options on the Chicago Board Options Exchange based on the criteria of the least sum of squared errors. The models are tested for consistency by calibrating and measuring the squared error for each day in an entire year's worth of option price data.