cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the resolution and feasibility of genome scanning approaches.

Abstract Before contemplating a genome scan to identify the map position of disease-predisposing genes, an investigator should have prior evidence of the genes' existence. It is therefore logically consistent to evaluate a genome scan experiment as an estimation problem, rather than as a hypothesis-testing problem, since absent prior evidence of the existence of disease genes, it is probably unwise to conduct the experiment at all. Recombination in a single meiosis can be modeled as a point process along the chromosome, and linkage or linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping statistics are a simple function of the superposition of the recombination processes occuring in all meioses under study. Thus, multipoint lod scores are shown to be step functions, in the absence of ambguity about the inheritance of chromosomal segments. The ability to map a disease gene is a function of how well the ascertained phenotypes predict the underlying trait locus genotypes. This chapter presents a thorough investigation of the properties of the multipoint lod score and uses results from renewal theory to examine the effects of deviations from a deterministic phenotyp-genotype relationship. The quality of estimated gene locations is assessed through computing the mean and variance of the length of the expected 13-lod-unit support interval around the maximum likelihood estimate. The more deterministic the model, the smaller this interval is. A more exact quantification of details of this effect is used to describe the statistical properties of such genome scanning experiments from the perspective of estimation, with appropriately little regard to hypothesis testing. Hypothesis testing, however, is discussed as an appropriate context to described linkage and LD analysis in situations where candidate genes are being screened, since only there does one have definable null and alternative hypotheses that have not been rejected before the beginning of the experiment. By contrast, it is hoped that the null hypothesis “there is no gene affecting this phenotype” has been rejected by other means before an expensive genome scan is even contemplated (though that this is often not done is probably the main problem!)
OKLAHOMA HIGHER EDUCATION: THE BUDGET, THE FACULTY, THE MISSION

The following reflections are based on a personal experience, which has just come to an end. I was appointed to a three-year term on the University of Oklahoma (0U) Budget Council (Norman campus) in the spring of1996 and served during the final year of the appointment as Chair. The Budget Council is one of numerous committees deriving from or allied with the Faculty and Staff Senates. These committees represent a nod in the direction of self-governance, although we are obviously in an age when most modem universities have become enormously complex organizations run for the most part by professional administrators. Like most of the other faculty and staff who serve on this particular body, I was an amateur in fiscal matters. Though lacking in specific budgeting ··expertise." I nevertheless brought to the experience a certain longstanding comiction that self-government ought to be as close to a reality in the university as we could make it, and that it was a bad thing for any kind of profession to fall into a condition where it was subject to decisions it could not understand and had no hand in making. I was from the beginning also interested to see what an amateur could learn about the budget issues at the University of Oklahoma, partly because of my concern for the institution and partly because I wanted some insight into the conditions affecting higher education more generally as we approach the end of a century of unparalleled expansion.
IMP1 loss promotes enhanced recovery from acute colitis (899.3)

Background: mRNA-binding proteins, including Mushashi1, Lin28b, and Igf2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IMP1), are newly recognized regulators of intestinal epithelial homeostasis via their effects on post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs comprising critical growth regulatory networks. Imp1-null mice exhibit severe morphologic defects in the intestinal epithelium, yet the specific mechanisms of IMP1 in normal intestinal homeostasis and response to injury remain to be elucidated. We hypothesize that Imp1 modulates intestinal epithelial cell proliferation in response to acute inflammation. Methods: We generated mice with intestinal epithelial-specific loss of Imp1 (VillinCre;Imp1flox/flox mice), treated with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and measured indices during recovery, as well as IL-6 and IL-1β, canonical pro-inflammatory cytokines. Actively proliferating cells were evaluated using Ki67 staining. Results: Untreated VillinCre;Imp1floxed mice exhibit increased Ki67+ cells in the extra-proliferative zone comp...
Disposition of radioiodinated benzylguanidines in perfused rabbit lung: pharmacokinetics and effect of an organo-gold complexed antineoplastic agent.

SKF 50 ml/min). A bolus containing either [125I]MIBG or--AIBG and [99mTc]sulfur colloid was injected into the pulmonary artery and effluent was diverted to an in-line nuclear detection system. In initial experiments we characterized some pharmacokinetic aspects of the disposition of these amines. Removal of MIBG [R(MIBG)] and R(AIBG) were 59 +/- 3% (n = 14) and 24 +/- 2% (n = 7), respectively. Addition of unlabeled norepinephrine, MIBG or AIBG (3-100 nmol) to the injection caused similar dose-dependent reductions in removal of either amine. Lowering the temperature (13 degrees C) or reducing the sodium concentration caused significant reductions in removal. After 15 min of perfusion with [Au(dppe)2]+ (50 micrograms/ml), perfusion pressure doubled and R(MIBG) and R(AIBG) were each decreased significantly. At 30 min, perfusion pressure returned to control values whereas there was still a 36 and 61% reduction in R(MIBG) and R(AIBG), respectively. These data confirm that removal of benzylguanidines involves a saturable, sodium- and temperature-dependent process similar to that responsible for the removal of norepinephrine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A 2 per cent distance to z = 0.35 by reconstructing baryon acoustic oscillations - III. Cosmological measurements and interpretation

We use the 2 per cent distance measurement from our reconstructed baryon acoustic oscillations (BAOs) signature using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Data Release 7 (DR7) luminous red galaxies from Padmanabhan et al. and Xu et al. combined with cosmic microwave background data from Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP7) to measure parameters for various cosmological models. We find a 1.7 per cent measurement of H0 = 69.8 ± 1.2 km s−1 Mpc−1 and a 5.0 per cent measurement of for a flat universe with a cosmological constant. These measurements of H0 and Ωm are robust against a range of underlying models for the expansion history. We measure the dark energy equation of state parameter w = −0.97 ± 0.17, which is consistent with a cosmological constant. If curvature is allowed to vary, we find that the Universe is consistent with a flat geometry (ΩK = −0.004 ± 0.005). We also use a combination of the 6 Degree Field Galaxy Survey BAO data, WiggleZ Dark Energy Survey data, Type Ia supernovae data and a local measurement of the Hubble constant to explore cosmological models with more parameters. Finally, we explore the effect of varying the energy density of relativistic particles on the measurement of H0.
EPIDEMIC ACUTE NEPHRITIS WITH REAPPEARANCE OF M-TYPE 55 STREPTOCOCCI IN TRINIDAD

Abstract The fifth and largest epidemic increase in acute glomerulonephritis (A.G.N.) in South Trinidad in twenty years developed in 1971. This was associated with the reappearance of M-type 55 strains of group-A streptococci in February of that year. After a period of increased incidence in the spring, A.G.N. became epidemic in the summer—598 patients being admitted to the San Fernando General Hospital between June 1 and Dec. 1. 742 patients were admitted during the year. The increased incidence of A.G.N. was preceded and accompanied by an outbreak of scabies in Trinidad. 55% of the patients with A.G.N. had scabies, while other types of skin lesions were present in 19%. Sixty-one families had more than one member with A.G.N., and scabies was common in these families. Group-A streptococci were isolated from 72% of the patients—332 strains from skin lesions and 279 strains from throat cultures. 182 patients had streptococci in both skin lesions and throat. Most of the streptococci were M-type 55. After intensive measures against scabetic infestation and treatment with penicillin of selected individuals, including infected members of patients' families, the epidemic ended in December without affecting the northern part of the island.
Biosynthesis of α-linolenic acid by disrupted spinach chloroplasts☆

Abstract A disrupted spinach chloroplast preparation readily synthesized [ 14 C]α-linolenate from [2-14C]acetate under anaerobic conditions. It can be shown by degradation data that [14C]oleate is not a precursor of [14C]linolenate and that cis 7,10,13-hexadecatrienoic acid is the probable immediate precursor of the [14C]linolenate.
The influence of group conflict on leadership effectiveness

Abstract In the present study, a leadership process model was developed to describe relationships between changes in leadership with corresponding changes in intragroup conflict. Based on the model, it was hypothesized that interpersonal conflicts will precipitate a desire for more considerate and less structuring leadership while substantive conflicts will demand more structuring and less considerate leadership. In addition, it was hypothesized that intragroup conflict would moderate significantly the leader behavior-performance relationships. It was found, for example, that structuring leadership was most positively related to performance under conditions of high interpersonal conflict, even though the preferences of group members for more structuring leadership varied inversely with interpersonal conflict. Both a field study and laboratory experiment were conducted to test the various hypotheses.
STRUCTURE AND AGENCY IN SOCIALIST-FEMINIST THEORY

A long-standing debate in social theory concerns the relative merits of structural approaches versus those that highlight the social actor. This article examines how various feminist approaches to gender inequality have incorporated assumptions about structure and agency, and suggests that existing perspectives could be improved by linking gender as a structural property of social organization and as a property of actors. Suggestions for an alternative conception of gender that acknowledges both dimensions of social life are discussed.
Calcium function in affective disorders and healthy controls

Calcium metabolism has been reported to be disturbed in some forms of affective disorder. We studied concurrently a battery of calcium measures in 29 unipolar, 14 bipolar depressed, 11 manic, and 10 healthy control subjects. In addition to measures of extracellular calcium, we studied intracellular calcium concentration in platelets and measures that reflect cellular capability to maintain a low intracellular Ca++ concentration in red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets. Plasma calcium was lower in unipolar and manic patients than in control subjects. Platelet calcium concentration was lower in unipolar than bipolar depressed patients. RBC Ca++ adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) was lower in unipolar and control subjects than in bipolar depressed and manic patients. Platelet Ca++ ATPase and Ca++ uptake were inversely correlated with severity of illness in unipolar patients. In bipolar depressed patients, RBC Ca++ ATPase and platelet Ca++ uptake were inversely correlated with severity. In addition to indicating abnormalities in calcium activity in affective disorders, the data suggest that unipolar and bipolar patients differ in several measures and may have different pathophysiological disturbances in calcium metabolism.
The Effects of Metaphorical Interface on Germane Cognitive Load in Web-Based Instruction

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a metaphorical interface on germane cognitive load in Web-based instruction. Based on cognitive load theory, germane cognitive load is a cognitive investment for schema construction and automation. A new instrument developed in a previous study was used to measure students’ mental activities of schema construction and automation supported by structural cues in a metaphorical interface environment. Eighty participants were randomly assigned to one of two types of instructional units with the same instructional content and different interface types (i.e., non-metaphorical interface and metaphorical interface). The results indicated that germane cognitive load positively affected learning performance while there was no relationship between germane cognitive load and students’ prior knowledge. A metaphorical interface enhanced learners’ germane cognitive load and learning performance, and both germane cognitive load and prior knowledge similarly contributed to learning performance. The findings provide implications for the advancement of cognitive load theory and the practice of instructional development.
Stimulated Raman microscopy without ultrafast lasers

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy is a powerful tool for chemically-sensitive non-invasive optical imaging. However, the short-pulse laser sources, which are currently being employed for this imaging technique, are still expensive and require substantial maintenance to provide temporal and spectral overlap. SRS imaging, which utilizes cw laser sources, has a major advantage over pulsed lasers, as it eliminates the possibility of cell damage due to exposure to high-intensity light radiation, while substantially reducing the cost and complexity of the set-up and keeping a sub-cellular spatial resolution. As a proof-of-principle, we demonstrate microscopic imaging of dimethyl sulfoxide using two independent, commonly used and inexpensive lasers: a diode-pumped, intracavity doubled 532 nm laser and a He-Ne laser operating at 633 nm. In our proof-of-principle experience, dimethyl sulfoxide acts as a contrast agent providing Raman scattering signal. The 532 nm and 633 nm lasers act as excitation and probe sources, respectively [1].
Biological hydrogen production: prospects and challenges

Hydrogen gas provides exceptional value as an energy carrier and industrial feedstock, but currently is produced entirely by reforming fossil fuels. Biological hydrogen production (BioH(2)), which offers the possibility of being renewable and carbon neutral, can be achieved by photosynthesis, fermentation, and microbial electrolysis cells. This review introduces the principles, advantages and challenges of each approach to BioH(2). Photosynthetic BioH(2) is the ultimate renewable source, since it directly uses inexhaustible resources: sunlight energy and electrons from H(2)O. However, it presents major technical challenges, particularly due to oxygen sensitivity. Fermentative BioH(2) offers a high production rate, but poor conversion efficiency from the organic substrate to H(2). The microbial electrolysis cell can achieve high conversion efficiency, but is an emerging technology.
Emanation and dispersal of tritiated water from disposal shafts

Abstract The source level of contamination induced by the presence of tritiated water (HTO) in the Bandelier tuff near Los Alamos, New Mexico has been seen to decrease in all directions at the same rate. This decrease in radioactivity with distance from the source has been measured around three different disposal shafts and found to be slower than the decrease in emanation rate with distance from the source. Physical factors, suspected of influencing HTO emanation, were entered as independent variables in a regression equation including measurements taken over a 14-month period. The physical variables studied were of thermal, hydrological, and meteorological origin. Only four variables were retained as significant. Air concentrations of HTO show a maximum during the warmer months and an overall minimum during the colder months. Emanation of HTO, shown to be strongly associated with daily heat flux amplitude, also at a maximum in summer and at noon, more than counterbalances higher dissipation due to increased turbulence occurring during the same period. More than 76% of the variation in air concentration of HTO was associated with the regression on emanation, wind direction, wind velocity and turbulence.
Educational Administration Quarterly, 1979-2003: An Analysis of Types of Work, Methods of Investigation, and Influences

Purpose: The objective of this article is to provide an analysis of articles in Education Administration Quarterly (EAQ) over the 25-year period 1979-2003.Approach: The approach is document analysis.Findings: Information is presented on four key themes: (a) types of articles published; (b) methodologies employed; (c) topic areas emphasized; and (d) books and articles exerting considerable influence.Implications: Based on publication patterns, questions are framed that could help shape editorial policy in EAQ. In addition, areas of work that merit greater attention are noted.
Somatic and psychological rehabilitation of a facially deformed young adult

A patient’s congenital handicap may cause him medical, dental, emotional, social, educational, and vocational problems. A 19-year-old Caucasian man with gross facial deformity had such problems, but treatment and counseling have helped the patient to be positive in behavior and attitude.
Neuropsychiatric Adverse Effects of Interferon-α Recognition and Management

Recombinant preparations of the cytokine interferon (IFN)-α are increasingly used to treat a number of medical conditions, including chronic viral hepatitis and several malignancies. Although frequently effective, IFNαα induces a variety of neuropsychiatric adverse effects, including an acute confusional state that develops rapidly after initiation of high-dose IFNαα, a depressive syndrome that develops more slowly over weeks to months of treatment, and manic conditions most often characterised by extreme irritability and agitation, but also occasionally by euphoria. Acute IFNαα-induced confusional states are typically characterised by disorientation, lethargy, somnolence, psychomotor retardation, difficulties with speaking and writing, parkinsonism and psychotic symptoms. Strategies for managing delirium should be employed, including treatment of contributing medical conditions, use of either typical or atypical antipsychotic agents and avoidance of medications likely to worsen mental status. Significant depressive symptoms occur in 21–58% of patients receiving IFNαα, with symptoms typically manifesting over the first several months of treatment. The most replicated risk factor for developing depression is the presence of mood and anxiety symptoms prior to treatment. Other potential, but less frequently replicated, risk factors include a past history of major depression, being female and increasing IFNα dosage and treatment duration. The available data support two approaches to the pharmacological management of IFNα-induced depression: antidepressant pretreatment or symptomatic treatment once IFNα has been initiated. Pretreatment might be best reserved for patients already receiving antidepressants or for patients who endorse depression or anxiety symptoms of mild or greater severity prior to therapy. Several recent studies demonstrate that antidepressants effectively treat IFNα-induced depression once it has developed, allowing the vast majority of subjects to complete treatment successfully. Recent data suggest that IFNα-induced depression may be composed of two overlapping syndromes: a depression-specific syndrome characterised by mood, anxiety and cognitive complaints, and a neurovegetative syndrome characterised by fatigue, anorexia, pain and psychomotor slowing. Depression-specific symptoms are highly responsive to serotonergic antidepressants, whereas neurovegetative symptoms are significantly less responsive to these agents. These symptoms may be more effectively treated by agents that modulate catecholaminergic functioning, such as combined serotonin-noradrenaline (norepinephrine) antidepressants, bupropion, psychostimulants or modafinil. Additional factors to consider in selecting an antidepressant include potential drug-drug interactions and adverse effect profile. Finally, IFNα appears capable of inducing manic symptoms. Mania, especially when severe, is a clinical emergency. When this occurs, IFNα and antidepressants should be stopped, an emergency psychiatric consultation should be obtained, and treatment with a mood stabiliser should be initiated.
Kant's Account of Nature's Systematicity and the Unity of Theoretical and Practical Reason1

In this paper I argue that if one is to do justice to reason's unity in Kant, then one must acknowledge that reason's practical ends are presupposed in every theoretical investigation of nature. Thus, contrary to some other commentators, I contend that the notion of the metaphysical ground of the unity of nature should not be attributed to the “dynamics of reason” and its “own practical purposes.” Instead, the metaphysical ground of the unity of nature is in fact an indispensable and necessary notion for reason in both its theoretical and practical functions, but this need of reason to presuppose such a notion can only find its adequate proof in the practical. By offering a synopsis of Kant's accounts of nature's systematicity in the Transcendental Ideal of the Critique of Pure Reason (Part I), the Appendix to the Dialectic of the Critique of Pure Reason (Part II), and in the Critique of Judgment (Part III), I identify in each section Kant's theoretical and practical arguments for reason's presupposition ...
Neck-Linker Length is a Critical Determinant of Kinesin Processivity

The kinesin neck-linker domain is a key mechanical element underlying processive kinesin motility. Not only is neck-linker docking thought to be the dominant conformational change in the kinesin hydrolysis cycle, chemomechanical communication between the two head domains must necessarily be transmitted through the two neck-linker domains and their shared coil-coil. Hence, the length of the neck-linker is expected to have a strong influence on kinesin run length, a quantitative measure of processivity. Across different kinesin families, motors with longer neck-linker domains, such as Kinesin-2 are generally less processive than Kinesin-1, which has the shortest neck-linker domain among N-terminal kinesins. However, there is disagreement in the literature as to whether artificially extending the Kinesin-1 neck-linker alters the motor run length. Using single molecule TIRF analysis to visualize GFP-tagged motors in 80 mM PIPES buffer, we find that lengthening the Kinesin-1 neck-linker by three amino acids results in a five-fold reduction in run length. Consistent with this, when the Kinesin-2 neck linker was matched to the effective length of Kinesin-1 by deleting three residues and substituting an alanine for a proline, the Kinesin-2 run length nearly matched that of Kinesin-1. These results demonstrate that run length scales with neck linker length for both Kinesin-1 and Kinesin-2 and is sufficient to account for differences in processivity. In addition, we find that adding positive charge to neck linker inserts enhances processivity, providing a possible explanation for the lack of dependence of run length on neck-linker length observed by others. Our data is consistent with the hypothesis that increasing neck linker compliance reduces processivity by disrupting front head gating and potentially provides a unifying principle across kinesin families - longer neck-linkers lead to less processive motors.
The competitive effects of exclusive dealing: Evidence from the U.S. beer industry

Abstract Several recent theoretical articles have modeled the effects of exclusive-dealing contracts that restrict dealers to selling a single brand, yet detailed empirical analysis of the impact of exclusivity on actual market outcomes has been lacking. I analyze a unique set of firm-level data on nearly 400 beer distributors in the United States. The impacts of economies of scale and restrictions on distributor promotional activities on the use of exclusive dealing are measured as well as the effects of exclusivity on costs, prices and output. The results support the view that exclusive dealing serves to minimize manufacturer–dealer incentive conflicts and enhances social welfare.
Precision Differential Voltage Probe for Transient Recorder

A two input differential precision voltage probe was designed and built to accurately measure (to 10 bits) high impedance analog signals in a FASTBUS environment, where only noisy ground reference is available. The output settles to 0.1% in less than 300 ns and drives 50? to ±2V. It is an ideal probe to match the performance of digital oscilloscopes.
The soybean crush spread: Empirical evidence and trading strategies

This article finds that deviations of the soybean crush spread from its long-run equilibrium were transitory during the sample period from January 1985 through February 1995. This equilibrium is characterized by strong seasonality and by a persistent uptrend in soymeal and soyoil prices relative to soybean prices. A tendency also exists for the crush spread to revert toward its most recent 5-day average. Simulations demonstrate that trading rules based on these results would have been profitable. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 19: 271–289, 1999
Damage threshold and surface distortion measurement for high-reflectance, low-loss mirrors to 100+ MW/cm(2) cw laser intensity.

By frequency-stabilizing the output from an Erbium fiber amplifier at 1580 nm to a high-finesse cavity (finesse ~6300) formed by two high-reflectance, low-loss, concave mirrors, we achieve 22.4±2.0 kW intracavity circulating power and 101±9 MW/cm2 cw intracavity intensities on the surfaces of the mirrors. Repeated experiments show no damage to the mirrors’ coating. In addition, small variations of the mirrors’ radius of curvature are observed and measured by recording the cavity’s transverse-mode range. The mirrors’ 10 cm radius of curvature changes as function of laser intensity at a rate of 105 μm/(MW/cm2).
SPMCloud: Towards the Single-Chip Embedded ScratchPad Memory-Based Storage Cloud

The era of cloud computing on-a-chip is enabled by the aggressive move towards many-core platforms and the rapid adoption of Network-on-Chips. As a result, there is a need for large-scale distributed on-chip shared memories that are reliable, low power, and seamlessly manageable. In this work, we propose SPMCloud, a novel scratchpad-memory-based cloud-inspired volatile storage subsystem designed to meet the needs of future-generation many-core platforms. SPMCloud is composed of several concepts, including: (1) a highly scalable data-center-like memory subsystem that exploits two enterprise-network-inspired memory configurations, namely, embedded Network Attached Storage (eNAS) and embedded Storage Area Network (eSAN), and (2) on-demand allocation of reliable memory space through memory virtualization and the use of embedded RAIDs. Our experimental results on Mediabench/CHStone benchmarks show that the SPMCloud's fully distributed reliable memory subsystems can achieve 48p energy savings and 70p latency reduction on average over state-of-the-art NoC memory reliability techniques. We then evaluate the scalability of the SPMCloud and compare it with traditional SPM allocation policies. The SPMCloud's dynamic allocator outperforms the best competition by an average 60p (eNAS) and 46p (eSAN) when the platform runs at 250 MHz and by an average 80p (eNAS) and 40p when running at 1 GHz. Moreover, the SPMCloud achieves an average 83p energy savings across all configurations (number of cores) with respect to the best competitors when running at 250 MHz and 1 GHz. We then studied the SPM hit ratio across the various allocation policies discussed in this article and showed that on average the SPMCloud's priority-driven dynamic allocation policy achieves 93.5p SPM hit ratio, 0.6p higher hit ratio than the closest allocation policy. We then showed that the eNAS and eSAN achieve an average of 67.9p and 29p reduction in execution time, respectively, over the best competitor. Similarly, the eNAS and eSAN achieve an average of 82.7p and 82.3p energy savings, respectively, over the best competitor. Furthermore, we evaluated the scalability of the SPMCloud and its performance/energy efficiency when providing support for some of the heavier E-RAID levels, and showed that the eNAS/eSAN configurations with SECDED achieve an average of 51.5p and 34.9p reduction in execution time, respectively, over the best competitor with SECDED. Similarly, the eNAS/eSAN configurations with E-RAID Level 1, p SECDED achieve an average of 82.3p and 75.6p energy savings, respectively, over the best competitor.
FT-IR Spectroscopy Study of the Ester Crosslinking Mechanism of Cotton Cellulose

Polycarboxylic acids are being developed as new nonformaldehyde crosslinking agents for cotton fabrics to replace the traditional N-methylol reagents. In this research, the mechanism of esterification between polycarboxylic acids and cotton cellulose was elucidated using FT-IR spectroscopy. All the infrared spectroscopic data support the hypothesis that cyclic anhydrides are formed as intermediates, which in turn esterify with cotton cellulose. The infrared spectroscopic data also demonstrate that cyclic anhydrides are very reactive and are able to esterify with cotton cellulose without a catalyst present and at a temperature much lower than the curing temperatures used for polycarboxylic acids. Therefore, the chief role of catalysts such as sodium hypo phosphite is that they accelerate the formation of a cyclic anhydride from a polycar boxylic acid.
Tunable optical properties of colloidal quantum dots in electrolytic environments.

The absorption spectra of colloidal cadmium sulfide quantum dots in electrolytic solutions are found to manifest a shift in the absorption threshold as the concentration of the electrolyte is varied. These results are consistent with a shift in the absorption threshold that would be caused by electrolytic screening of the field caused by the intrinsic spontaneous polarisation of these wurtzite structured quantum dots. These electrolyte-dependent absorption properties provide a potential means of gaining insights on the variable extracellular and intracellular electrolytic concentrations that are present in biological systems.
Medical students and radiology residents: can they learn as effectively with the same educational materials?

Rationale and Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of resident-prepared, independent-learning materials for teaching chest radiology to medical students. Materials and Methods. Students from three U.S. medical schools enrolled in radiology clerkships between March 1998 and June 1998 were randomly divided into control ( n = 27) and experimental ( n = 31) groups. The experimental group studied 12 chest radiology independent-learning cases (intervention) used to teach radiology residents in a previous study. Both groups took a 36-item, multiple-choice test (previously used to test radiology residents) on three occasions (before intervention [pretest], 1 day after intervention [posttest], and 2–4 weeks after intervention [final examination]). Student scores were then compared with resident scores. Results. Mean scores were similar across institutions at pretest, but increases at posttest and final examination scores differed across time, school, and group ( P Conclusion. Independent study of resident-prepared chest radiology teaching cases increased medical student knowledge for at least 2 or 4 weeks after instruction. Although starting at lower knowledge levels, students experienced gains in knowledge comparable to those of residents, suggesting the same materials can be used to teach both students and residents.
Truncation-rod scattering: Analysis by the dynamical theory of x-ray diffraction.

The concept of truncation-rod scattering is analyzed in terms of standard dynamical theory, and specifically applied to grazing-incidence experiments on unreconstructed surfaces in which diffraction peaks are observed in the neighborhood of ``anti-Bragg'' points. A computer simulation of the (001) peak from the (110) surface of copper, based on a version of dynamical theory without approximations, is indeed able to reproduce the observed peak. The calculated penetration depth turns out to be 2700 \AA{}. It is found that the intensity along a truncation rod is a slow function of the angle of incidence, except when the scattered beam becomes evanescent. At this point the reflectivity has a sharp peak of asymmetric shape. For any given incident beam several scattered beams are simultaneously excited, with reflectivities in the range of ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}$\char21{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}9}$. It is shown how n-beam dynamical theory leads to a description of truncation-rod scattering in terms of diffraction from a two-dimensional lattice, and how the intensities of the scattered beams are obtained from first principles.
Heparin Reduces Neurological Impairment After Cerebral Arterial Air Embolism in the Rabbit

Background and Purpose Neurological injury after cerebral air embolism may be due to thromboinflammatory responses at sites of air-injured endothelium. Because heparin inhibits multiple thromboinflammatory processes, we hypothesized that heparin would decrease neurological impairment after cerebral air embolism. Methods To first establish a dose of air that would cause unequivocal neurological injury, anesthetized New Zealand White rabbits received either 0, 50, 100, or 150 μL/kg of air into the internal carotid artery (n=5 in each group). One hour later, anesthesia was discontinued. Animals were neurologically evaluated at 24 hours with the use of a scale ranging from 0 (normal) to 97 (coma) points. In a subsequent experiment, anesthetized rabbits received either heparin (n=17) or saline (n=15) 5 minutes before air injection (150 μL/kg). Heparin was given as a 200-IU/kg bolus and followed by a constant infusion of 75 IU · kg−1 · h−1 for 2 hours. Equal volumes of saline were given to control rabbits. Two hours later, anesthesia was discontinued. Animals were neurologically evaluated 24 hours after air embolism. Results There was a monotonic relationship between dose of air and severity of neurological impairment at 24 hours ( P =1.1×10−7). Animals receiving 150 μL/kg of air were unequivocally injured (score, 60±16). In the second experiment, heparin animals had significantly less neurological impairment at 24 hours (34±14) than saline controls (52±8) ( P =.0013). Conclusions When given prophylactically, heparin decreases neurological impairment caused by severe cerebral arterial air embolism.
On bit reduction of chain coded line drawings

A bit reduction scheme is proposed for storing the chain code of line drawings. The chain code sequence is broken into digital straight line segements, which are encoded using a table lookup. For the case of high accuracy using a small grid size a significant reduction is achieved over conventional coding.
Covering all the bases in genetics: simple shorthands and diagrams for teaching base pairing to biology undergraduates.

Explaining base pairing is an important element in teaching undergraduate genetics. I propose a teaching approach that aims to close the gap between the mantra “A pairs with T, and G pairs with C” and the “intimidating” chemical diagrams. The approach offers a set of simple “shorthands” for the key bases that can be used to quickly deduce all canonical and wobble pairs that the students need to know. The approach can be further developed to analyze mutagenic mismatch pairing.
Generating the Measures of n-Balls

(2000). Generating the Measures of n-Balls. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 107, No. 3, pp. 256-258.
Computation of the Precise Worst-Case Response Time of FlexRay Dynamic Messages

FlexRay is a communication bus (and associated protocol) that supports transmission of time-triggered and event-triggered frames. A method for determining the worst-case response-time of FlexRay frames is proposed by Pop in 2008, and is formulated as iterative sequence of Integer Linear Programming (ILP) problems. As we show, the method of Pop is conservative (overestimates the response time). We propose a new ILP formulation that computes a precise value of the worst-case response time of FlexRay frames transmitted in the dynamic segment. Furthermore, our approach is non-iterative as it requires the solving of a single ILP for computing, respectively, the delay of full bus cycles and the delay of a partial (last) bus cycle. The proposed solution is also validated by applying it to a SAE benchmark and can be used for formally guaranteeing that no message will miss its deadline during system operation.
Protein structural fluctuations during a period of 100 ps

A RECENT 9-ps molecular dynamics simulation1 of the bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (PTI) at 295 K revealed a rich variety of motional phenomena at the atomic level on a picosecond time scale. To obtain information about longer time processes, and to characterise more accurately the short time results, a 96-ps dynamical simulation of PTI at an average temperature of 306 K has been completed with the techniques used previously1; an extended equilibration period of 72 ps before simulation served to eliminate internal stresses. Analysis of the present simulation has confirmed most of the conclusions of the earlier study but has shown in addition that there are significant features of the dynamics that can be observed only over a longer period, ∼100 ps.
Digital lithography for large-area electronics on flexible substrates

Abstract Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film transistors (TFTs) were fabricated at growth temperatures no greater than 150 °C. The transistor device performance was comparable to conventional high-temperature processed devices. Typical field-effect mobility for these low-temperature devices were ∼1 cm2/V s, on–off ratios of >108, and sub-threshold slopes of 0.5 V/decade were measured. The low-temperature process allowed the integration of the TFTs with flexible polymeric substrates. Device fabrication for these devices was performed using jet-printed etch masks in place of photolithography. The devices fabricated on the flexible substrates using jet printing were comparable to devices fabricated on glass.
Large duodenal diverticulum simulating pancreatic mass by computed tomography

Abstract A case is presented to illustrate that the CT appearance of unopacified duodenal diverticulum may be misinterpreted as a retroperitoneal mass such as a pancreatic carcinoma or a peripancreatic lymphadenopathy. The need for correlation between CT and other standard radiological procedures is emphasized in the management of a patient.
Allosteric modulators induce distinct movements at the GABA-binding site interface of the GABA-A receptor

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) and barbiturates exert their CNS actions by binding to GABA-A receptors (GABARs). The structural mechanisms by which these drugs allosterically modulate GABAR function, to either enhance or inhibit GABA-gated current, are poorly understood. Here, we used the substituted cysteine accessibility method to examine and compare structural movements in the GABA-binding site interface triggered by a BZD positive (flurazepam), zero (flumazenil) and negative (3-carbomethoxy-4-ethyl-6,7-dimethoxy-β-carboline, DMCM) modulator as well as the barbiturate pentobarbital. Ten residues located throughout the GABA-binding site interface were individually mutated to cysteine. Wild-type and mutant α(1)β(2)γ(2) GABARs were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and functionally characterized using two-electrode voltage clamp. We measured and compared the rates of modification of the introduced cysteines by sulfhydryl-reactive methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagents in the absence and presence of BZD-site ligands and pentobarbital. Flurazepam and DMCM each accelerated the rate of reaction at α(1)R131C and slowed the rate of reaction at α(1)E122C, whereas flumazenil had no effect indicating that simple occupation of the BZD binding site is not sufficient to cause movements near these positions. Therefore, BZD-induced movements at these residues are likely associated with the ability of the BZD to modulate GABAR function (BZD efficacy). Low, modulating concentrations of pentobarbital accelerated the rate of reaction at α(1)S68C and β(2)P206C, slowed the rate of reaction at α(1)E122C and had no effect at α(1)R131C. These findings indicate that pentobarbital and BZDs induce different movements in the receptor, providing evidence that the structural mechanisms underlying their allosteric modulation of GABAR function are distinct.
New Insights into the Efficacy of Naltrexone Based on Trajectory-Based Reanalyses of Two Negative Clinical Trials

Background The heterogeneity of clinical findings in studies evaluating the efficacy of naltrexone in the treatment of alcohol dependence has led to growing efforts to explore novel approaches to data analysis. The objective of this study was to identify distinct trajectories of daily drinking over time in two negative clinical trials and to determine whether naltrexone affected the probability to follow a particular trajectory. Methods The Veterans Affairs (VA) Cooperative Study #425 and the Women's Naltrexone Study failed to demonstrate efficacy on primary outcome variables. Separately for each study, we analyzed daily indicators of any drinking and heavy drinking using a semiparametric group-based approach. Results We estimated three distinct trajectories of daily drinking (both any and heavy drinking) which we described as "abstainer," "sporadic drinker," and "consistent drinker." Naltrexone doubled the odds of following the abstainer trajectory instead of the consistent drinker trajectory but did not significantly change the odds of following the abstainer trajectory as contrasted with the sporadic drinker trajectory. Conclusions Naltrexone may have a clinically meaningful effect for alcohol-dependent patients with a high chance of consistent drinking, even in studies where it failed to show efficacy in planned analyses.
MDM2–HDAC1-mediated deacetylation of p53 is required for its degradation

The tumor suppressor p53 is stabilized and activated in response to cellular stress through post-translational modifications including acetylation. p300/CBP-mediated acetylation of p53 is negatively regulated by MDM2. Here we show that MDM2 can promote p53 deacetylation by recruiting a complex containing HDAC1. The HDAC1 complex binds MDM2 in a p53-independent manner and deacetylates p53 at all known acetylated lysines in vivo. Ectopic expression of a dominant-negative HDAC1 mutant restores p53 acetylation in the presence of MDM2, whereas wild-type HDAC1 and MDM2 deacetylate p53 synergistically. Fibroblasts overexpressing a dominant negative HDAC1 mutant display enhanced DNA damage-induced p53 acetylation, increased levels of p53 and a more pronounced induction of p21 and MDM2. These results indicate that acetylation promotes p53 stability and function. As the acetylated p53 lysine residues overlap with those that are ubiquitylated, our results suggest that one major function of p53 acetylation is to promote p53 stability by preventing MDM2-dependent ubiquitylation, while recruitment of HDAC1 by MDM2 promotes p53 degradation by removing these acetyl groups.
A Hierarchical Distributed Fog Computing Architecture for Big Data Analysis in Smart Cities

The ubiquitous deployment of various kinds of sensors in smart cities requires a new computing paradigm to support Internet of Things (IoT) services and applications, and big data analysis. Fog Computing, which extends Cloud Computing to the edge of network, fits this need. In this paper, we present a hierarchical distributed Fog Computing architecture to support the integration of massive number of infrastructure components and services in future smart cities. To secure future communities, it is necessary to build large-scale, geospatial sensing networks, perform big data analysis, identify anomalous and hazardous events, and offer optimal responses in real-time. We analyze case studies using a smart pipeline monitoring system based on fiber optic sensors and sequential learning algorithms to detect events threatening pipeline safety. A working prototype was constructed to experimentally evaluate event detection performance of the recognition of 12 distinct events. These experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the system's city-wide implementation in the future.
Lambertson Magnet Design for the Tevatron Extraction Channel

The beam splitting requirements of the Tevatron extraction system necessitated the design of two different high field (11 kG and 15 kG) magnetic septa. We present details of the magnet design with emphasis of the construction techniques used to achieve good vacuum behaviour and septum straightness while maintaining magnetic field quality.
Asymptomatic Sinus Bradycardia Following Bariatric Surgery

Approximately 121,000 bariatric surgical procedures are performed annually, and salutary effects include a reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, risk factor modification, and improvement in sympathovagal tone. There are anecdotal accounts of unexplained sinus bradycardia (SB) after significant weight loss but no systematic studies have been conducted. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of incident SB, its timing, and association with weight loss, clinical characteristics, and predictors. We evaluated various clinical characteristics including resting heart rate, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), heart rate reserve (HRR), basal metabolic rate, and exercise regimen in 151 consecutive patients who underwent bariatric surgery. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of SB. Twenty-five of 137 patients (18%) experienced postoperative SB. Patients with SB had significantly greater reduction in BMI than those without bradycardia (35 ± 9.6% and 25.7 ± 13%, respectively, p = 0.002). HRR was significantly greater in patients with SB (116 ± 14 beats/min) compared with those without bradycardia (105 ± 14 beats/min, p = 0.007). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of developing SB were 1.96 and 1.91 and associated with the percent decrease in BMI (95% confidence interval 1.3 to 3.0, p = 0.002) or increase in HRR (95% confidence interval 1.28 to 2.85, p = 0.002), respectively. In conclusion, SB occurred 14 ± 11 months postoperatively and its predictors were the percent reduction in BMI or increase in HRR.
Current and vestigial effects of overweight among women: Fear of fat, attitudinal body image, and eating behaviors

College females completed multiple, standardized measures of their fear of fat, attitudinal body image, and binge eating and dieting. Situational weigh-in measures were taken, including latency to get on the scale and anxiety while being weighed. Based on current weight and a structured weight history questionnaire, three groups were constructed: normal-weight subjects without an overweight history (NW; n=24), normal-weight subjects who were formerly overweight (FOW; n=16), and those currently overweight (OW; n=24). Group comparisons revealed, as expected, that OW females, relative to their NW peers, had more weight-related anxieties, more negative body experiences, and more frequent past-year dieting. Consistent with Stunkard's original proposition, the FOW group regarded their bodies as fatter and less affectively satisfying and expressed more weigh-in anxiety than NW participants. Currently normal-weight FOW subjects seldom differed from the currently OW individuals. Clinical and research implications are considered, particularly with regard to the psychological sequelae of weight loss.