cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural heterogeneity and purification of protein-free F430 from the cytoplasm of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum.

F430 is the nickel containing tetrapyrrole cofactor of S-methyl coenzyme M methylreductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the final step of methane production by methanogenic bacteria: the reduction of S-methyl coenzyme M (H3CSCH2CH2SO3-) to methane and coenzyme M (HSCH2CH2SO3-). The protein-free F430 obtained from the cytosol of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum, strain delta H, exists predominantly in two isomeric forms that differ in relative stereochemical disposition of acid side chains at the 12 and 13 positions of the macrocycle periphery (Pfaltz, A., Livingston, D. A., Jaun, B., Diekert, G., Thauer, R. K., and Eschenmoser, A. (1985) Helv. Chim. Acta 68, 1338-1358). A simple one-step chromatographic procedure for the large-scale separation of these isomers is described. X-ray absorption spectroscopic studies show that F430 (i.e. the native isomer) is 6-coordinate with long nickel-ligand bonds (approximately 2.1 A), suggesting an approximately planar macrocycle. In contrast, the 12,13-diepimer exhibits a 4-coordinate, square-planar structure with short nickel-nitrogen bonds (approximately 1.9 A), suggesting a ruffled macrocycle. Previous reports, based on other x-ray absorption spectroscopic data, of static disorder in F430 Ni-N distances are shown to be incorrect due to sample heterogeneity. The optical spectrum of F430 (whether purified from the protein-free cytosol or extracted at high ionic strength from the holoenzyme) differs significantly from that of the 12,13-diepimer. The optical spectral differences are correlated with the alterations in coordination number and geometry of the central nickel ion in the two F430 isomers.
Voices from the Margin of the Family

Chronic childhood illnesses such as cancer create enormous stress for all family members. Siblings of ill children often are overlooked, both in the psychosocial literature and in normal medical, social service, and family practices. This article reports the views and experiences of a small sample of siblings of children with cancer gathered during open-ended interviews. A qualitative analysis presents and conceplualizcs the voices and experiences of three young people themselves. Constant worry about their ill brother or sister, reactions to differential treatment and lack of attention, and a commitment to "take care of" other family members emerge as major themes. The siblings' comments indicated some positive changes in family life and in their own maturity. The authors offer suggestions for making more informed and compassionate responses to the situations of young cancer patients' siblings.
Un pueblo: menosprecio de corte y alabanza de al­dea en la poesía de Agustín Acosta

AI finalizar el siglo XVIII, Schiller se plantea el anorante suspirar del hombre civilizado por un ayer primitivo, bucolico, candoroso.
Patterns of Care for Localized Breast Cancer in Oklahoma, 2003–2006

Despite well-established clinical guidelines for breast cancer treatment, Standard of Care (SOC) is not universal in the U.S. The purpose of this study was to describe the extent to which patients receive guideline-based, stage-specific treatments for localized female breast cancer in Oklahoma. Data were obtained from the Oklahoma Central Cancer Registry for the period 2003–2006. We included localized, invasive female breast cancers and analyzed both treatment and demographic factors. We used the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) treatment guidelines to determine SOC. Among women who received breast conserving surgery (BCS), we used logistic regression to evaluate factors related to SOC. In Oklahoma, 92 percent of the 4,177 localized breast cancer patients were treated with recognized SOC. In women aged ≥65 years with BCS, those ≥75 years had a lower adjusted odds of meeting SOC than did those without insurance, with comorbid conditions, or whose comorbid status was unknown. Among women aged <6...
Measurements of the spectrum and energy dependence of X-ray transition radiation

The results of experiments designed to test the theory of X-ray transition radiation and to verify the predicted dependence of the characteristic features of the radiation on the radiator dimensions are presented. The X-ray frequency spectrum produced by 5- to 9-GeV electrons over the range 4 to 30 keV was measured with a calibrated single-crystal Bragg spectrometer, and at frequencies up to 100 keV with an NaI scintillator. The interference pattern in the spectrum and the hardening of the radiation with increasing foil thickness are clearly observed. The energy dependence of the total transition-radiation intensity was studied using a radiator with large dimensions designed to yield energy-dependent signals at very high particle energies, up to E/mc-squared approximately equal to 100,000. The results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.
Self Psychology and End of Life Pastoral Care

This paper explores salient concepts of Heinz Kohut's self psychology in relation to pastoral caregiving with dying persons and family members. Examination of a principle case study and other relevant clinical examples illumines the discussion. It is argued that the principles of Kohut's psychology can critically inform pastoral theological reflection. Strengths and limitations are considered throughout the analysis, and gestures are made toward beneficial end of life pastoral theological practices for clients and practitioners.
Occupational prestige: Exploration of a theoretical basis

Abstract Drawing on the theory and research of psychophysics, a nonlinear model is hypothesized to explain the connection between education and income and occupational prestige. To achieve this, Weber's ( R. L. Gregory, 1981 , Mind in Science , Cambridge, Cambridge Univ. Press, pp. 501–503) and Stevens' ( S. S. Stevens, 1970 , Science 170 , 1043–1050) laws are brought together in an intrinsically nonlinear model. Guided by the earlier work of R. L. Hamblin (1971 , Sociometry , 34 , 423–452) and others, the work of O. D. Duncan ( 1961, in A. J. Reiss, Jr., O. D. Duncan, P. K. Hatt, & C. C. North (Eds.) , Occupations and Social Status , New York, Free Press) is reanalyzed testing the possibility that work on the socioeconomic index can be understood as a prestige allocation process which follows psychophysical principles. That is, prestige is assigned to occupations, given specifiable levels of educational and income attainment, in a manner parallel to the way in which individuals respond to changes in the intensity of other stimuli. Using first the data developed by Duncan (1961) to test the model and the 1963 NORC data ( R. W. Hodge, P. M. Siegel, & P. H. Rossi, 1964 , American Journal of Sociology , 70 , 286–302) to replicate it, a measurement model consistent with the theoretical model is evaluated. Comparing the results of the nonlinear model to that of the linear, it is concluded that a model is obtained yielding theoretical confirmation with no loss in predictive accuracy. The resultant nonlinear model yields alternative substantive implications concerning the relative influence of income and education on occupational prestige to those to be inferred from linear models. Perhaps most important, however, is the candidacy given by these results to psychophysics as the explanatory mechanism in the prestige allocation process.
Distorted-wave calculations of cross sections for electron-impact ionization of lithiumlike ions

We used distorted-wave and multiconfigurational Dirac-Fock methods to calculate direct and indirect contributions to cross sections for electron-impact ionization of ${\mathrm{C}}^{3+}$, ${\mathrm{N}}^{4+}$, ${\mathrm{O}}^{5+}$, and ${\mathrm{F}}^{6+}$. The features due to excitation autoionization and resonant excitation double autoionization observed in recent cross-beam measurements [G. Hofmann et al., Z. Phys. D 16, 113 (1990)] are well reproduced in our results. Our cross sections are also in good agreement with reported results of nonrelativistic close-coupling calculations [S. S. Tayal and R. J. W. Henry, Phys, Rev. A 42, 1831 (1990); 44, 2955 (1991)] over most of the energy range studied. We examine the effects of radiative decay on the intermediate states, and we show that neglect of certain channels in the close-coupling calculation results in overestimation of the cross sections in the region of the 1s2s2pnl resonances.
Circuit Simulation of Genetic Networks

Genetic networks with tens to hundreds of genes are difficult to analyze with currently available techniques. Because of the many parallels in the function of these biochemically based genetic circuits and electrical circuits, a hybrid modeling approach is proposed that integrates conventional biochemical kinetic modeling within the framework of a circuit simulation. The circuit diagram of the bacteriophage lambda lysislysogeny decision circuit represents connectivity in signal paths of the biochemical components. A key feature of the lambda genetic circuit is that operons function as active integrated logic components and introduce signal time delays essential for the in vivo behavior of phage lambda.
A New Model of Uncontrolled Hemorrhage That Allows Correlation of Blood Pressure and Hemorrhage

Objective: To compare hemodynamics, mortality rates, and bleeding rates at 3 severities of hemorrhage in a new model of uncontrolled intra-abdominal bleeding that uses an injury of varying severity and geometry unfavorable to thrombosis. Methods: Ten swine were bled through a flow-monitored shunt placed between the femoral artery and the peritoneal cavity. The shunt was connected to catheters of varying diameters placed in the femoral artery to create 3 rates of hemorrhage. Blood flow through the shunt was measured with an in-line Doppler probe. Arterial pressures, cardiac output (CO), and ECGs were monitored. Survival and blood loss were calculated. Results: The model successfully produced 3 hemorrhage severities. At all 3 rates of bleeding, blood flow was linearly related to mean arterial pressure, with R2 > 0.72. Bleeding was continuous in all groups. The mean numbers of minutes until death were 53, 45, and 25, respectively, at the increasing shock severities. Blood pressure (BP) and CO decreased continuously in all groups, but did so more rapidly with increasing severity of hemorrhage. Conclusions: In this model of uncontrolled hemorrhage, bleeding was continuous and linearly related to BP. The hemodynamic response to uncontrolled bleeding in this model differs markedly from those in previous wire aortotomy models where wound geometry is favorable to thrombosis. Hence, when injury geometry is favorable to thrombosis (as in aortotomy), thrombosis formation affects hemorrhage rates and hemodynamic responses.
SU-D-141-05: Transmission Verification Using the On-Board EPID

Purpose: To provide in‐vivo dose and patient geometry verification for radiation therapy using an MV image acquired during treatment and a fast dose calculation method through the patient geometry. Methods: Dosimetric calibration of the EPID is performed using the known profile for a series of uniform phantoms with thickness between 0 to 22 cm. Phantom scattering within the EPID is corrected to minimize systemic error. The dose‐response of the EPID is linear with dose after correction. A fast ray‐tracing algorithm is used to calculate the total dose (separated into primary and scatter components from the patient geometry) on the EPID active imaging plane under perspective geometry. Attenuation of the primary dose as a function of radiological length is approximated by the attenuation function u. and off‐axis softening coefficient η. An iterative procedure is used to find a self‐consistent solution of total dose measured by the EPID and calculation through a series of phantoms with uniform thicknesses. 3D verification of the patient geometry is achieved through automatic 2D and 3D registration of a 2D radiograph kilovoltage OBI or megavoltage EPI to the 3D planning CT using one of three similarity measures: Pearson correlation coefficient, maximum likelihood measure with Gaussian noise [1] or mutual information. Results: The dose‐response curve for the amorphous‐silicon EPID was obtained. The fast ray‐tracing algorithm has been developed and tested on both phantom and Rando phantom patient geometry. First results have shown that the estimated patient dose is within 5% of that calculated by the treatment planning system. Conclusion: A fast in vivo 3D dose verification using EPID is demonstrated. Further development is warranted with a goal of clinical implementation, given its promise as a routine patient QA procedure for IMRT dose and geometry verifications. [1] Munbodh et al. Med. Phys. 36(10), 2009
Comparison of prophylactic tetracycline and clioquinol in a rabbit model of intestinal infection with Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli.

The ability of tetracycline and clioquinol to prevent intestinal colonization of Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli was tested in a rabbit model. In the model 1010 bacteria are given via oro-gastric tube following intravenous cimetidine and oral sodium bicarbonate and prior to intraperitoneal tincture of opium. Eighteen hours after challenge the rabbits are sacrificed, and the numbers of the challenge strain remaining in the jejunum and ileum are determined. Tetracycline interrupted the intestinal colonization of V. cholerae and E. coli. Clioquinol however, had minimal effect on the colonization process. Our studies demonstrate the efficacy of prophylactic tetracycline but do not support the use of clioquinol to prevent intestinal infection due to these organisms. This rabbit model may also be useful to study the efficacy of other antibiotics against these bacterial infections.
Allergic reactions to measles (rubeola) vaccine in patients hypersensitive to egg protein

We evaluated two children with allergy to egg-white protein (ovalbumin) who had generalizedurticaria, angioedema, and respiratory difficulty after immunization with live rubeola vaccine. In both patients, serum IgE reactive with ovalbumin-related antigens in the vaccine was demonstrated. Subsequent evaluation of 24 children with ovalbumin allergy revealed that those who had positive ovalbumin skin tests, but no clinical reaction to egg white, were skin test negative on prick and intradermal testing with measles vaccine and were safely immunized. They had no detectable IgE directed against the rubeola vaccine, although IgE directed at ovalbumin was present. Six patients who had severe allergic hypersensitivity reactions on exposure to ovalbumin had IgE antimeasles vaccine antibody and had positive reactions after intracutaneous or intradermal testing with the vaccine. These patients were safely immunized with increasing volumes (0.05 ml increments every 20 minutes) of measles vaccine to receive the full dose. These studies suggest that children with severe allergic hypersensitivity to egg white should be screened with an intracutaneous test prior to immunization with measles vaccine; however, children who have positive skin tests but no clinical reaction to ovalbumin exposure are at minimal risk for hypersensitivity reactions to measles immunization, as previously reported.
Understanding renal physiology leads to therapeutic advances in renal disease.

The final recommendations of the Kidney Research National Dialogue were published in October, 2014 ([1][1]). This publication resulted from a multi-year effort, initiated by the Division of Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Teaching New Orleans: A Cultural Immersion and Service Learning Travel Course

This article describes a travel course to New Orleans that allows students the opportunity to study a unique culture in the United States. Students in the course are able to study how the culture d...
Particle Aggregation due to Combined Gravitational and Electrophoretic Motion

Abstract The stability and pairwise aggregation rates of small spherical particles in a heterogeneous suspension under the collective effects of gravitational motion and electrophoretic migration are analyzed. The particles are assumed to be non-Brownian, with thin, unpolarized double layers and different zeta potentials. The gravity vector and the electric field are assumed to be oriented in either the same direction or opposite directions. The particle aggregation rates are always enhanced by the presence of an electric field for parallel alignment of the gravitational and electrophoretic velocities. For antiparallel alignment with the magnitude of the gravitational relative velocity exceeding the magnitude of the electrophoretic relative velocity between two widely separated particles, the particle aggregation rates are reduced by the presence of the electric field, and there is a “collision-forbidden” region in parameter space due to stronger hydrodynamic interactions of the particles for gravitational motion than for electrophoretic motion. For antiparallel alignment with the magnitude of the electrophoretic relative velocity exceeding the magnitude of the gravitational relative velocity between two widely separated particles, the particle aggregation rates are enhanced by the presence of the electric field.
Searching for valid psychiatric phenotypes: discrete latent variable models

Introduction: A primary challenge in psychiatric genetics is the lack of a completely validated system of classification for mental disorders. Appropriate statistical methods are needed to empirically derive more homogenous disorder subtypes. Methods: Using the framework of Robins and Guze's (‘Establishment of diagnostic validity in psychiatric illness: its application to schizophrenia’, American Journal of Psychiatry, 1970, 126(7), 983–987) five phases, latent variable models to derive and validate diagnostic groups are described. A process of iterative validation is proposed through which refined phenotypes would facilitate research on genetics, pathogenesis, and treatment, which would in turn aid further refinement of disorder definitions. Conclusions: Latent variable methods are useful tools for defining and validating psychiatric phenotypes. Further methodological research should address sample size issues and application to iterative validation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cholesterol determination using protein-templated fluorescent gold nanocluster probes

We describe the development of a fluorescent biosensor platform for soluble cholesterol based on bovine serum albumin-stabilized gold nanocluster probes co-dissolved with cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) in a surfactant emulsion system. Selective enzymatic oxidation of cholesterol to cholest-4-en-3-one by ChOx produces stoichiometric amounts of H2O2 by-product, generating a quenching response signaling the presence of cholesterol at clinically relevant levels (LOD ∼12 μM).
Role of TRPM2 in cell proliferation and susceptibility to oxidative stress

The transient receptor potential (TRP) channel TRPM2 is an ion channel that modulates cell survival. We report here that full-length (TRPM2-L) and short (TRPM2-S) isoform expression was significantly increased in human neuroblastoma compared with adrenal gland. To differentiate the roles of TRPM2-L and TRPM2-S in cell proliferation and survival, we established neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell lines stably expressing either TRPM2 isoform or empty vector. Cells expressing TRPM2-S showed significantly enhanced proliferation, downregulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and increased protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation and cell surface glucose transporter 1 (Glut1) compared with cells expressing TRPM2-L or empty vector. ERK phosphorylation was increased, and forkhead box O 3a (FOXO3a) levels were decreased. Inhibitor studies demonstrated that enhanced proliferation was dependent on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, ERK, and NADPH oxidase activation. On the other hand, TRPM2-S-expressing cells were significantly more susceptible to cell death induced by low H2O2 concentrations (50–100 μM), whereas TRPM2-L-expressing cells were protected. This was associated with a significant increase in FOXO3a, MnSOD (SOD2), and membrane Glut1 in TRPM2-L-expressing cells compared with TRPM2-S expressing cells. We conclude that TRPM2 channels occupy a key role in cell proliferation and survival following oxidative stress in neuroblastoma. Our results suggest that overexpression of TRPM2-S results in increased proliferation through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and ERK pathways, while overexpression of TRPM2-L confers protection against oxidative stress-induced cell death through FOXO3a and SOD. TRPM2 channels may represent a novel future therapeutic target in diseases involving oxidative stress.
Use of ultrasound to determine ventricular capture in transcutaneous pacing

Determining ventricular capture when using transcutaneous pacing (TCP) can be difficult. Our objective was to evaluate the use of ultrasound (US) to determine capture in patients undergoing TCP. We studied 15 patients in a convenience sample. Videotaped US views were obtained during TCP with concurrent electrocardiographic monitoring on the US screen. The treating physician made capture determinations first by using clinical indicators, followed by US images. Two reviewing physicians blinded to the treating physician's findings and to each other determined capture on videotape. Kappa levels of agreement were calculated. A value of kappa = 0.84 was found for agreement of the treating physician's findings through clinical measures and US. Agreement between the first reviewer and the treating physician had kappa =.47 and between the second reviewer and the treating physician was had kappa =.67. All P values were <.05. US and clinical impression of ventricular capture have good to excellent agreement. US may be useful for determining ventricular capture in patients undergoing TCP.
The mediational effects of attributions and information processing in minority social influence

Minority influence research has focused on behavioural factors that lead to successful social influence, such as acting in a consistent manner, but has tended to ignore the psychological processes that may mediate successful influence. Moscovici (1976) posited that such psychological mediators include attributions concerning the causes for the minority's behaviour and a validation process in which subjects carefully consider the issues raised by the minority position. The current article examines the links between social cognition theories of stereotyping and attitudelimpression formation and minority influence by delineating the role of both attributions and systematic message appraisal in minority influence. Successful minority influence was predicted to be dependent on the types of attributions formed towards the minority because such attributions influence the manner in which we attend to and think about a minority position. The data reveal that subjects with positive attributions were more influenced by the minority message than subjects with negative attributions. More importantly, this difference in persuasiveness was shown to be mediated by different cognitive processing strategiessubjects with positive attributions were more likely to systematically process the minority message. In addition to exploring the cognitive underpinnings of successful minority influence, the impact of social pressure and power struggles between social groups is considered in evaluating the applied value of such process-otiented research. Finally, it is suggested that while consistent behaviour is one way in which the minority can draw attention to its position and increase the likelihood of influence, recent models and stereotyping and impression formation suggest another approach. Instead of the minority accepting the burden for instigating a validation process in members of the majority, such attention and validation can be instilled in those perceiving the minority through adopting goals that promote individuated and systematic information processing; through rejecting stereotypic and schematic processing strategies that promote biased impressions.
A new approach to determining asteroid masses from planetary range measurements

Abstract We describe a new approach to estimate asteroid masses from planetary range measurements. The approach significantly simplifies the process of parameter estimation and allows an effective control of systematic errors introduced by the omission of asteroids from the dynamical model. All asteroid masses are adjusted individually thus avoiding the usual distinction between masses considered individually and masses based on densities within the C, S and M taxonomic classes. Regularization is achieved by accounting, on each mass, for a prior uncertainty determined from available estimations of asteroid diameters and densities. The new approach is used to fit the asteroid model of the JPL planetary ephemeris to Mars range data. The adjusted planetary solutions exhibit similar extrapolation capacity as previous releases of the JPL ephemeris. Up to 27 asteroid masses are determined to better than 35%. The masses agree well with estimates obtained independently by other authors. The determined masses are also robust with respect to cross-validation on a dataset with a shorter time-span and with respect to a different selection of asteroids in the model.
Muramyl-dipeptide, a macrophage-derived cytokine, alters neuronal activity in hypothalamus and hippocampus but not in the dorsal raphe/periaqueductal gray of rats

Muramyl-dipeptide (MDP) is derived in vivo by degradation of bacteria cell walls and is the minimum fragment that stimulates the acute phase response to bacterial infection. The present study investigates whether this specific product of an immune response affects central nervous system (CNS) function. To this end, the activity of single neurons within the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and dorsal raphe/periaqueductal gray region prior to and following systemic (i.p.) injection was studied. The results obtained from a total of 120 cells demonstrate that single hypothalamic and hippocampal neurons, sites previously shown to aid in the integration of various environmental stimuli into physiologic processes, alter their neuronal activity in site-specific manners following MDP administration. The specificity of the responses included both the threshold for activation of particular sites, effects of increasing dosages upon response pattern characteristics, and time course to the changes observed. These results therefore suggest that MDPs may play a role in the neuro-immunologic regulatory pathways during the immune response to bacterial infection.
Effects of twenty-eight days of resistance exercise while consuming the commercially available pre- and post-workout supplements, NO-Shotgun® and NO-Synthesize®, on body composition, muscle mass and performance, and clinical safety markers in men

Methods Nineteen non-resistance-trained males were baseline tested and then randomly assigned to participate in a group that engaged in a resistance training program (3 X 8-10-RM) 4 times/wk for 28 days while also ingesting 54 g/day of placebo maltodextrose(PLC) or 27 g/day of NO-Shotgunand 27 g/day of NO-Synthesize (NOSS). For PLC, 27 g were ingested 30 min prior to exerciseand 27 g within 30 min following exercise. NOSS ingested 27 g of NO-Shotgun 30 min prior to exercise and 27 g/day NO-Synthesizewithin 30 min following exercise. Immediately upon waking on non-training days, PLC ingested 27 g of the supplement, whereas NOSS ingested 27 g of NO-Synthesize. On day 29, participants were subjected to follow-up testing. Data were analyzed with separate 2 x 2 ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results For dietary intake, there were no significant differences in total calories/day (p = 0.129) or in the daily amount of protein (p = 0.216), carbohydrate (p = 0.106), and fat (p = 0.665) between groups. For total body mass, both groups increased with training (p = 0.01), but there was no difference between groups (p = 0.793). However, NOSS underwent significant improvements in fat mass (p = 0.226) and fat-free mass (p = 0.023) compared to PLC. Both groups significantly increased muscle strength with training; however, for bench press (p = 0.023) and leg press (p = 0.035) NOSS was significantly greater than PLC. Serum IGF-1 (p = 0.038) and HGF (p = 0.001) were significantly increased with training, but were not different between groups. Myofibrillar protein increased in both groups with training (p = 0.041), with NOSS being significantly greater than PLC (p = 0.050). The levels of Type I, IIA, and IIX MHC were increased in both groups with training; however, Type I (p = 0.013) and IIA (p = 0.05) were significantly greater in NOSS. Muscle c-met was increased with training for both groups (p = 0.030), but not different between groups (p = 0.496). For total DNA, there was no difference between groups (p = 0.322) and neither group was affected by training (p = 0.151). All of the myogenic regulatory factors were increased with training; however, NOSS was significantly greater than PLC for Myo-D (p Exercise and Biochemical Nutrition Lab, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation. Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA Spillane et al. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2011, 8(Suppl 1):P24 http://www.jissn.com/content/8/S1/P24
The Use of Transitional Care Models in Patients With Stroke

ABSTRACT:Background: Transitional care (TC) models are used to reduce adverse outcomes and hospital readmissions. This article reviews the scholarly literature to identify TC models that have been used successfully in patients with stroke. Methods: Literature in CINAHL, PubMed, and the Cochrane Data
On High Dimensional Indexing of Uncertain Data

In this paper, we will examine the problem of distance function computation and indexing uncertain data in high dimensionality for nearest neighbor and range queries. Because of the inherent noise in uncertain data, traditional distance function measures such as the Lq-metric and their probabilistic variants are not qualitatively effective. This problem is further magnified by the sparsity issue in high dimensionality. In this paper, we examine methods of computing distance functions for high dimensional data which are qualitatively effective and friendly to the use of indexes. In this paper, we show how to construct an effective index structure in order to handle uncertain similarity and range queries in high dimensionality. Typical range queries in high dimensional space use only a subset of the ranges in order to resolve the queries. Furthermore, it is often desirable to run similarity queries with only a subset of the large number of dimensions. Such queries are difficult to resolve with traditional index structures which use the entire set of dimensions. We propose query-processing techniques which use effective search methods on the index in order to compute the final results. We discuss the experimental results on a number of real and synthetic data sets in terms of effectiveness and efficiency. We show that the proposed distance measures are not only more effective than traditional Lq -norms, but can also be computed more efficiently over our proposed index structure.
Measurement of vascular permeability in spinal cord using Evans Blue spectrophotometry and correction for turbidity

Vascular permeability can be visualized by Evans Blue (EB) extravasation and quantified by spectrophotometry after formamide extraction of the tissue. However, formamide extracts show significant turbidity, which may contribute to the total optical density at the wavelength of measurement (e.g., 620 lambda). We developed a simple method for estimating the component of the total optical density of a dyed specimen contributed by turbidity. Our method, which uses a determination of turbidity made at another point of the light spectrum (740 lambda), was more precise than two other EB quantification techniques. We therefore recommend it for individual correction of formamide extracts of spinal cord specimens. The application of this technique to the brain remains to be determined.
Investment and Hysteresis

It seems that firms behave contrary to the standard economic theory of investment. We observe that firms do not invest as soon a price rises above long-run average cost; instead firms wait until price rises substantially above long-run average cost. On the downside, firms stay in business for lengthy periods while absorbing operating losses, and price can fall substantially below average variable cost without inducing disinvestment or exit. Recent developments in the theory of investment under uncertainty offer an interesting new explanation. The new approach builds on an interesting analogy between real investments and options in financial markets: In the timing of investment, waiting has positive value because time brings more information about the future prospects of a project. This new approach suggests that textbook pictures of the dynamics of a competitive industry need to be substantially redrawn. More generally, it says that a great deal of inertia is optimal when dynamic decisions are being made in an uncertain environment.
Experimental determination of iron isotope fractionations among Feaq2+–FeSaq–Mackinawite at low temperatures: Implications for the rock record

Abstract The Fe isotope fractionation factors among aqueous ferrous iron ( Fe aq 2 + ), aqueous FeS clusters (FeSaq), and nanoparticulate mackinawite under neutral and mildly acidic and alkaline pH conditions have been determined using the three-isotope method. Combined voltammetric analysis and geochemical modeling were used to determine the Fe speciation in the experimental systems. The equilibrium 56Fe/54Fe fractionation factor at 20 °C and pH 7 has been determined to be −0.32 ± 0.29 (2σ)‰ between Fe aq 2 + (minor FeSaq also present in the experiment) and mackinawite. This fractionation factor was essentially constant when pH was changed to 6 or 8. When equal molarity of HS− and Fe aq 2 + were added to the system, however, the isotopic fractionation at pH 7 changed to −0.64 ± 0.36 (2σ)‰, correlating with a significant increase in the proportion of FeHS+ and FeSaq. These results highlight a more important role of aqueous Fe–S speciation in the equilibrium Fe isotope fractionation factor than recognized in previous studies. The isotopic fractionation remained constant when temperature was increased from 20 °C to 35 °C for fractionation factors between Fe aq 2 + , and mackinawite and between dominantly FeHS+ and mackinawite. Synthesis experiments similar to those of Butler et al. (2005) and Guilbaud et al. (2010) at pH 4 show consistent results: over time, the aqueous Fe–mackinawite fractionation decreases but even after 38 days of aging the fractionation factor is far from the equilibrium value inferred using the three-isotope method. In contrast, at near-neutral pH the fractionation factor for the synthesis experiment reached the equilibrium value in 38 days. These differences are best explained by noting that at low pH the FeS mackinawite particles coarsen more rapidly via particle aggregation, which limits isotopic exchange, whereas at higher pH mackinawite aggregation is limited, and Fe isotope exchange occurs more rapidly, converging on the equilibrium value. These results suggest that mackinawite formed in natural environments at near-neutral or alkaline pH are unlikely to retain kinetic isotope fractionations, but are more likely to reflect equilibrium isotope compositions. This in turn has important implications for interpreting iron isotope compositions of Fe sulfides in natural systems.
Day hospital in the context of a community mental health program.

The paper focuses on the role of the day hospital within the framework of total care delivery in community mental health programs and stresses its unique position in the continuity of care cycle. The day hospital lies midway in the service continuum between inpatient and outpatient services and can provide a bridge between community and intramural resources. As such it can serve as a “ center for change” where inputs from the entire network of services merge to test solutions for care delivery problems. Experiences with a specific day are used to illustrate relevant issues for those currently engaged in planning or implementing day hospital services.
Stress nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging versus stress echocardiography: Prognostic comparisons

The use of noninvasive stress cardiac imaging for stratifying risk in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease is growing as a tool for identification of the subgroup most likely to benefit from the expense and risk of more invasive procedures, including cardiac catheterization and coronary revascularization. In this setting, it is especially important that a test be able to identify patients with sufficiently low risk that clinicians are comfortable in deferring such interventions, especially in those with other markers of increased risk. Previous data have shown that cardiac risk is most closely related to the presence and extent of jeopardized viable myocardium on noninvasive stress cardiac imaging. Although stress echocardiography may have comparable ability to detect coronary artery disease, current data suggest that stress echocardiography detects significantly less jeopardized viable myocardium than stress nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging and consequently fewer patients at risk for cardiac events. Stress nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging may therefore have important advantages for risk stratification and the direction of future care of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.
Salivary gland choristoma (heterotopic salivary gland tissue) on the anterior chest wall of a newborn

Salivary gland choristoma (heterotopic salivary gland tissue) is a rare condition typically seen in the newborn period. This developmental heterotopia is generally nonprogressive, with little risk of malignant transformation. We present the second known reported case of a salivary gland choristoma located on the anterior chest wall. Knowledge of this rare entity will allow for accurate diagnosis and management of this benign anatomic variant.
BODY FAT IN IDENTICAL TWINS REARED APART : ROLES FOR GENES AND ENVIRONMENT

We report analyses of data on body fat from a cohort of 34 separated monozygotic twin pairs (MZA) and a matched sample of 38 pairs of monozygotic twins reared together (MZT) originally studied by James Shields. The correlation for MZA pairs was .61 and the correlation for MZT pairs was .75. These correlations did not differ significantly, nor did correlations differ between MZA pairs subclassified as having been raised in relatively more or less similar environments. Our results suggest important roles for both genes and environment in the accumulation of body fat and support other adoption studies in suggesting that adult environments rather than rearing environments are the most important nongenetic determinants of levels of body fat in adults.
Hypoxic neuronal damage in the absence of hypoxic depolarization in rat hippocampal slices: the role of glutamate receptors.

Abstract The propensity of neurons to undergo profound and precipitous depolarization is believed to contribute to their characteristic vulnerability to hypoxic injury. The length of time a neuron spends in a depolarized state following hypoxic depolarization (HD) is a critical determinant of the extent of irreversible cell damage. It is less clear, however, what the effects of moderate hypoxia are when HD does not occur. The present study examined the effects of prolonged, moderate hypoxia which does not elicit HD in rat hippocampal slices. Extracellularly-recorded population excitatory postsynaptic potentials (pEPSPs) in stratum radiatum of CA1 were eliminated 10–15 min after initiating hypoxia. Physiological damage was related to the hypoxic duration: full, intermediate, or poor recovery of pEPSP slope was observed after 30, 60, or 120 min of hypoxia, respectively. The glutamate receptor antagonists, d,l -2-amino-5-phosphono-valeric acid (APV) or 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX), enhanced the post-hypoxic recovery of synaptic responses. These findings demonstrate that profound HD is not necessary to elicit physiological damage during moderate hypoxia; moreover, the neuroprotective actions of excitatory transmitter antagonists are not limited to their capacity to delay HD. The precise characterization of cellular responses under these conditions will be of particular importance for understanding the pathophysiology of an ischemic penumbra.
Exact and approximate polynomial decomposition methods for signal processing applications

Signal processing is a discipline in which functional composition and decomposition can potentially be utilized in a variety of creative ways. From an analysis point of view, further insight can be gained into existing signal processing systems and techniques by reinterpreting them in terms of functional composition. From a synthesis point of view, functional composition offers new algorithms and techniques with modular structure. Moreover, computations can be performed more efficiently and data can be represented more compactly in information systems represented in the context of a compositional structure. Polynomials are ubiquitous in signal processing in the form of z-transforms. In this paper, we summarize the fundamentals of functional composition and decomposition for polynomials from the perspective of exploiting them in signal processing. We compare exact polynomial decomposition algorithms for sequences that are exactly decomposable when expressed as a polynomial, and approximate decomposition algorithms for those that are not exactly decomposable. Furthermore, we identify efficiencies in using exact decomposition techniques in the context of signal processing and introduce a new approximate polynomial decomposition technique based on the use of Structured Total Least Norm (STLN) formulation.
Subglacial Lake Vostok (Antarctica) Accretion Ice Contains a Diverse Set of Sequences from Aquatic, Marine and Sediment-Inhabiting Bacteria and Eukarya

Lake Vostok, the 7th largest (by volume) and 4th deepest lake on Earth, is covered by more than 3,700 m of ice, making it the largest subglacial lake known. The combination of cold, heat (from possible hydrothermal activity), pressure (from the overriding glacier), limited nutrients and complete darkness presents extreme challenges to life. Here, we report metagenomic/metatranscriptomic sequence analyses from four accretion ice sections from the Vostok 5G ice core. Two sections accreted in the vicinity of an embayment on the southwestern end of the lake, and the other two represented part of the southern main basin. We obtained 3,507 unique gene sequences from concentrates of 500 ml of 0.22 µm-filtered accretion ice meltwater. Taxonomic classifications (to genus and/or species) were possible for 1,623 of the sequences. Species determinations in combination with mRNA gene sequence results allowed deduction of the metabolic pathways represented in the accretion ice and, by extension, in the lake. Approximately 94% of the sequences were from Bacteria and 6% were from Eukarya. Only two sequences were from Archaea. In general, the taxa were similar to organisms previously described from lakes, brackish water, marine environments, soil, glaciers, ice, lake sediments, deep-sea sediments, deep-sea thermal vents, animals and plants. Sequences from aerobic, anaerobic, psychrophilic, thermophilic, halophilic, alkaliphilic, acidophilic, desiccation-resistant, autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms were present, including a number from multicellular eukaryotes.
Dynamic simulation of a kinematically redundant manipulator system

A number of methods have been proposed for the control of kinematically redundant manipulators, that is, those with more than the minimum number of degrees of freedom. This article uses a dynamic simulation to test whether proposed schemes should, in fact, work well when the dynamics of the actual system are considered. In order to perform a realistic simulation, a nine-degree-of-freedom arm has been designed using commercially available motors. The simulation shows the effects that specifying a secondary goal has on the satisfaction of the primary goal. Also shown is the dependence of servo performance on modeling the load.
A Functional Parathyroid Gland Adenoma of Transitional Oxyphil Cells. A Light and Ultrastructural Study

This report describes light and ultrastructural features of a functional parathyroid gland adenoma, principally composed of transitional oxyphil cells, in a 64-yr-old hypertensive black woman. She was hospitalized for repeated episodes of headaches, lethargy, and dizzy spells. Her serum calcium level was 2.92 mmol/l and immunoassay for parathormone was 390 pg/ml. On neck exploration, the left lower parathyroid gland was found enlarged and therefore removed in toto. The serum calcium and phosphate levels returned to normal following parathyroidectomy. Microscopically, the diagnosis of functional oxyphil adenoma was made. On ultrastructural examination, the tumour was composed principally of transitional cells, occasional typical, and degenerating oxyphil cells. The predominant transitional cells were rich in mitochondria and contained multiple active Golgi complexes, stacked profiles of rough endoplasmic reticulum, and a few secretory granules. On the other hand, typical oxyphil cells were tightly packed w...
Liberal moments and democracy’s durability: Comparing global outbreaks of democracy—1918, 1945, 1989

Liberal Moments are constructed by ideational as well as more materials phenomena; by the crisis situations of war, the moments of peace that follow, and the liberal norms at play at each junsture. Understanding Liberal Moments is crucial to understanding the development of the international syaytem in the 20th century and the prospects for democracy or dictatorship across polities. These Moments have been times of heady enthusiasm, when the most liberal ambitions of key actors in the world community have been put forward. The patterns and extent of their unraveling are key indicators of the character of national politics thereafter.
Recognition of Environmental Sounds in Autistic Children

Abstract Environmental sound recognition was tested in children with an autistic disorder, along with recognition of spoken words for the same target items, using a picture-matching task. No overall difference between sound and word recognition scores was observed for either autistic or normal subjects. However, those autistic children found to achieve high scores on the sounds also scored highly on a visual pattern matching task. Thus, a pattern-matching ability was found across two modalities, visual and auditory, in this subgroup of children with an autistic disorder. Possible relevance of this finding to hemispheric dominance (as reflected by handedness studies) in autism, and to the putative inabilities of these children to recognize affectual cues, are considered. These findings also have implications for clinical assessment, indicating that tests of pattern-matching may provide more specific information about preserved skills in the individual child with an autistic disorder. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry , 1988, 27, 4:423–427.