cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Secret sharers in the immune system: a novel RNA editing activity links switch recombination and somatic hypermutation

A new mechanism for regulation in the immune system has been identified: a cytidine deaminase is critical for both class switch recombination and somatic hypermutation, revealing an unanticipated link between these two processes.
On the Expressibility of Stable Logic Programming

Schlipf [Sch95] proved that Stable Logic Programming (SLP) solves all NP decision problems. We extend Schlipf's result to prove that SLP solves all search problems in the class NP. Moreover, we do this in a uniform way as defined in [MT99]. Specifically, we show that there is a single DATALOG¬ program PTrg such that given any Turing machine M, any polynomial p with non-negative integer coefficients and any input σ of size n over a fixed alphabet Σ, there is an extensional database edbM,p,σ such that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the stable models of edbM,p,σ ∪ PTrg and the accepting computations of the machine M that reach the final state in at most p(n) steps. Moreover, edbM,p,σ can be computed in polynomial time from p, σ and the description of M and the decoding of such accepting computations from its corresponding stable model of edbM,p,σ ∪ PTrg can be computed in linear time. A similar statement holds for Default Logic with respect to Σ2p-search problems. We also show that there is single program Meta which is a metainter-preter for SLP programs. That is, for any program Q, there there is an encoding of Q as an extensional data base edbQ such that the stable models of Meta ∪ edbQ are in one-to-one correspondence with the stable models of Q.
Terrorism, Dynamic Commitment Problems, and Military Conflict

Since 9/11, several states have initiated military conflicts in the name of fighting terrorism. However, studies indicate that the costs of terrorism are insignificant compared to the damage created by war. This raises the question: Why do states initiate costly wars when the risk posed by terrorism appears marginal? This study presents two explanations. First, we argue that while terrorists frequently fail to achieve their strategic objectives, terrorists can accomplish tactical objectives and may transition to insurgencies by seizing control of pockets of territory. States may respond by initiating preventive wars to stop terrorists from consolidating control over their strategically valuable territories (e.g., resource-rich areas). Second, rival states may opportunistically exploit terrorist violence by declaring that the government is a “weak state.” This allows rivals to seize portions of the government's territory under the cover of fighting terror. We test these hypotheses using post–Cold War African dyads from 1990 to 2006.
Simulating chemistry–aerosol–cloud–radiation–climate feedbacks over the continental U.S. using the online-coupled Weather Research Forecasting Model with chemistry (WRF/Chem)

Abstract The chemistry–aerosol–cloud–radiation–climate feedbacks are simulated using WRF/Chem over the continental U.S. in January and July 2001. Aerosols can reduce incoming solar radiation by up to −9% in January and −16% in July and 2-m temperatures by up to 0.16 °C in January and 0.37 °C in July over most of the continental U.S. The NO 2 photolysis rates decrease in July by up to −8% over the central and eastern U.S. where aerosol concentrations are high but increase by up to 7% over the western U.S. in July and up to 13% over the entire domain in January. Planetary boundary layer (PBL) height reduces by up to −23% in January and −24% in July. Temperatures and wind speeds in July in big cities such as Atlanta and New York City reduce at/near surface but increase at higher altitudes. The changes in PBL height, temperatures, and wind speed indicate a more stable atmospheric stability of the PBL and further exacerbate air pollution over areas where air pollution is already severe. Aerosols can increase cloud optical depths in big cities in July, and can lead to 500–5000 cm −3 cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) at a supersaturation of 1% over most land areas and 10–500 cm −3 CCN over ocean in both months with higher values over most areas in July than in January, particularly in the eastern U.S. The total column cloud droplet number concentrations are up to 4.9 × 10 6 cm −2 in January and up to 11.8 × 10 6 cm −2 in July, with higher values over regions with high CCN concentrations and sufficient cloud coverage. Aerosols can reduce daily precipitation by up to 1.1 mm day −1 in January and 19.4 mm day −1 in July thus the wet removal rates over most of the land areas due to the formation of small CCNs, but they can increase precipitation over regions with the formation of large/giant CCN. These results indicate potential importance of the aerosol feedbacks and an urgent need for their accurate representations in current atmospheric models to reduce uncertainties associated with climate change predictions.
Phase and size control of nanometer-size materials synthesized in supersonic jet expansions

Abstract We present results of experimental studies to control the phase and size of nanometer-size materials generated in supersonic jet expansions. The effects of expansion conditions such as initial temperature, stagnation pressure, mole fraction of sample in the carrier gas, geometry of the nozzle, and location in the jet have been examined. The experimental results indicate that relatively larger nanometer-size particles may be obtained by using lower starting temperature, higher carrier gas pressure, relatively lower mole fraction up to a point where the release of the heat from condensation is no longer the dominant control factor. Laval nozzles instead of tubular nozzles, and by taking the materials from the central core of the supersonic jet.
Transverse ionic mobility measured in a dynamic light scattering device.

Abstract We describe here some novel experiments with a commercial dynamic light scattering device. By inserting a quarter-wave plate in the light beam of the HeNe laser used in the Malvern DLS ‘Zetasizer’, one can obtain right handed (RH) or left-handed (LH) circularly polarized light from the incoming horizontally polarized laser light. This RH vs LH light is used in the ionic mobility (ζ-potential) measuring mode to detect what we believe are phenomena related to transverse ionic mobility, i.e. speed of a particle (or portions of the particle) as a function of applied static electric field, in directions transverse to those fields, and which, we suggest, arise from surface impedence phenomena related to the (1) parity-biased mechanical flexing of charged molecular moieties at the surface of a chiral particle or of an achiral particle + chiral co-solvents, possibly driven by the electrophoresis field and (2) electro-optic effects (induced currents) arising from the interaction of chiral co-solvents upon the surface of charged colloid particles in the presence of a (high frequency) electric field. Fluctuations of structure induce currents which are chirally biased either in themselves (in a chiral particle) or which ‘borrow’ chirality from chiral co-solvents conditioning the local high frequency E-field, and advance or retard the scattered phase of RH or LH polarized light. In either case the ‘differential mobility’ observed is related to the relative extent of motion in internal portions of the colloid particle – i.e. ‘floppiness’ in the particle.
Orbital rhabdomyosarcoma metastatic to the placenta

Cancer coexisting with pregnancy is well reported; however, maternal malignancies that are metastatic to the products of conception are rare. We report a case of orbital rhabdomyosarcoma that metastasized to the placenta.
A Contribution to the Design of Linear Multivariable Systems

This paper studies some basic problems in the linear time-invariant multivariable systems by using the polynomial fraction description ?(s)=A-1(s)B(s)=N(s)D-1(s). The following results are presented: (1) In forming the generalized resultant, it is shown that if the coefficient matrices of N(s) and D(s) are arranged in the order of ascending power, then all rows formed from D(s) are linearly independent, and the degree of ?(s) is equal to the total number of linearly independent rows formed from N(s). (2) An algorithm is introduced so that A(s) and B(s) computed from the resultant of N(s) and D(s) are left coprime and A(s) is in the polynomial echelon form. It is also shown that the row degrees of A(s) are invariant of N(s) and D(s) used in the resultant. (3) The result in the state feedback and state estimator is extended and a simple design procedure is presented. The combination of the results in (1) and (3) can be viewed as parameterizations of compensators. Hence the results are useful in the design of control systems to achieve, in addition to arbitrary pole-placement, other design objectives such as sensitivity and steady-state errors. The design in this paper requires only solving linear algebraic equations, hence it is hoped that the method can be readily adopted by practicing engineers.
Lipid signals and insulin resistance

The metabolic syndrome, a cluster of metabolic derangements that include obesity, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia and hypertension, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Insulin resistance has been proposed to be the common feature that links obesity to the metabolic syndrome, but the mechanism remains obscure. Although the excess content of triacylglycerol in muscle and liver is highly associated with insulin resistance in these tissues, triacylglycerol itself is not causal but merely a marker. Thus, attention has turned to the accumulation of cellular lipids known to have signaling roles. This review will discuss recent progress in understanding how glycerolipids and related lipid intermediates may impair insulin signaling.
Ground state rotational constants of 13CD3F and 12CD3F

Abstract Ground state rotational parameters B0, D0J, and D0JK have been determined for 13CD3F. Spectra of 12CD3F taken independently in the same time period were also assigned and analyzed as a control on the 13CD3F determination. The study used data from most of the 5-μm absorption bands as observed using a 5-m Littrow spectrometer. The 13CD3F parameters recovered are: B 0 = 0.6708360(40) cm −1 , D J 0 = 1.1004(44) x 10 −6 cm −1 , D JK 0 = 7.292(42) x 10 −6 cm −1 where the quoted errors are 95% simultaneous confidence limits in the last digits quoted (approximately 3 standard deviations). The results are based on 412 nonzero weighted combination differences yielding a standard deviation of the regression equal to 0.00129 cm−1.
Sensitivity analysis of nonlinear feedback systems

Abstract This paper examines the effects of parameter perturbations in nonlinear feedback systems. Small and regular parametric perturbations and the associated linear sensitivity models for nonlinear systems are treated first. Singularly perturbed nonlinear feedback systems are reviewed next. The singular perturbation parameter is usually small, although the dynamics of the associated fast subsystem may be of high order. Large perturbations, which are not necessarily parametric, are then treated. Two classes are discussed. First, large nonlinear perturbations from nominally linear time-invariant feedback systems are analyzed. The close relationship between stability robustness and sensitivity robustness is reviewed and highlighted. Finally, large nonlinear perturbations from nominally nonlinear feedback systems are examined.
Large capacity equation solver for structural analysis

Abstract This paper extends the procedures and ideas presented in an earlier paper [1] to the out-of-core solution of sets of equations of almost unlimited size. Block partitioning of the coefficient matrix and load vectors is considered and an illustrative example presented. The data transfer procedures, for input to or output from low speed storage, which are essential for an equation solver of this type, are explained in detail. Based on these procedures, a listing of a large capacity general purpose equation solver is presented. Example problems are solved to demonstrate the computational efficiency of the equation solver.
Effects and Detection of Raw Material Variability on the Performance of Near‐Infrared Calibration Models for Pharmaceutical Products

ABSTRACT The impact of raw material variability on the prediction ability of a near-infrared calibration model was studied. Calibrations, developed from a quaternary mixture design comprising theophylline anhydrous, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, and soluble starch, were challenged by intentional variation of raw material properties. A design with two theophylline physical forms, three lactose particle sizes, and two starch manufacturers was created to test model robustness. Further challenges to the models were accomplished through environmental conditions. Along with full-spectrum partial least squares (PLS) modeling, variable selection by dynamic backward PLS and genetic algorithms was utilized in an effort to mitigate the effects of raw material variability. In addition to evaluating models based on their prediction statistics, prediction residuals were analyzed by analyses of variance and model diagnostics (Hotelling's T 2 and Q residuals). Full-spectrum models were significantly affected by lactose particle size. Models developed by selecting variables gave lower prediction errors and proved to be a good approach to limit the effect of changing raw material characteristics. Hotelling's T 2 and Q residuals provided valuable information that was not detectable when studying only prediction trends. Diagnostic statistics were demonstrated to be critical in the appropriate interpretation of the prediction of quality parameters.
A New Mechanism for Achieving Secure and Reliable Data Transmission in Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks must be designed to be both secure and reliable, especially when they are used in national security and safety-critical applications. In this paper, we propose a new mechanism, called MVMP (multi-version multi-path), which integrates data segmentation, Forward Error Correction coding, multiple paths, and multiple versions of cryptographic algorithms for achieving both secure and reliable data transmission in sensor networks. The MVMP is also energy-aware in that each piece of the original data will be encrypted by a single encryption algorithm once, and it will be transmitted only once. The proposed MVMP mechanism is compared with existing mechanisms, in particular, the secret sharing mechanism using performance criteria including redundancy level, self-healing capability, and security.
Collimation of a /sup 137/Cs point source for transmission scanning in PET

Transmission scanning with /sup 137/Cs allows high photon flux and is cost effective due to the long half-life of the source. However, it suffers from a high scatter fraction and from emission contamination (EC) in the transmission (TX) sinogram. Both effects lead to an underestimation of the attenuation values, which is about 10-15 % each. On our systems, EC is measured in the transmission energy window and subtracted, while scatter is compensated by scaling the /spl mu/-values. In this paper we have investigated possibilities to improve the transmission signal rather than applying extensive corrections. The ratio between EC and TX can be reduced by increasing the source strength, however, the current source activities are already at the upper limit regarding dead-time and detector pile-up. Scatter can be suppressed by axial collimation, which has been shown by other authors before. To address both issues, scatter and EC, we investigated transaxial and axial collimation for our brain NaI-system, the HEAD PENN-PET and our GSO-brain scanner (GPET). Simulations were performed to investigate object and collimator scatter for both approaches. First results showed that transaxial collimation allows to increase the source strength and suppresses scatter in the center of the sinogram, however this scatter suppression leads to an artifact in the transmission image. Axial collimation improves the accuracy of the attenuation values.
IMMUNOLOGIC RELATIONS AMONG VARIOUS ANIMAL COLLAGENS

By the use of complement fixation and in vivo immunofluorescence with cross-absorption studies it was shown that acid soluble collagens prepared from rat, mouse, guinea pig, chicken, carp, and man exhibit species specificity. Rat and mouse collagens were found to be indistinguishable and to cross-react with guinea pig collagen. Cross-reactions also occurred between the collagens of rat and man and chicken and man. Tissue specificity, or an antigen common to all of the collagens, was not demonstrated. There was complete agreement in the results of the two immunologic methods. The findings in this study support the conclusion that collagen in some form is present in the renal glomerular basement membranes.
Open reduction and internal fixation of the distal radius

Abstract Fractures of the distal radius are one of the most common problems treated by orthopaedic surgeons. The managementof unstable fractures is now almost routinely surgical, and multiple techniques have been developed to accomplish this including pins and plaster, external fixation, and internal fixation. Recent studies and classification systems have stressed the importance of identification of specific fracture fragments. Given that the goal of operative management of the fracture is an anatomic reduction and stable fixation, open reduction and internal fixation has been utilized recently to a greater degree. This allows direct reduction of the fracture with a stable construct. Advantages over external fixation or pins and plaster include a more anatomic reduction, establishment of early range of motion, and avoidance of complications associated with external pins. A dorsal or volar approach can be employed depending on fracture pattern and associated bony or soft tissue injuries. A variety of plating systems are now available, many of which are contoured specifically for the distal radius. Results of open reduction and internal fixation for distal radius fractures have generally shown greater than 80% good results. Complications can also occur including tenosynovitis, tendon rupture, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
MULTIPLE FORMS OF MONOAMINE OXIDASE IN DEVELOPING BRAIN: TISSUE AND SUBSTRATE SPECIFICITIES

Brains, hearts and livers from newborn and adult rats were assayed for monoamine oxidase activity using gel electrophoretic techniques. The results suggest that each of the tissues possesses multiple forms (isoenzymes) of monoamine oxidase and that these forms are different for the various tissues. Further, the forms of monoamine oxidase in the neonatal tissues differ from those in the corresponding adult tissue. These different forms of monoamine oxidase have different substrate specificities. Using 5-hydroxy[14C]tryptamine as substrate, we have demonstrated that the monoamine oxidase patterns appearing on the gel do indeed possess monoamine oxidase activity.
On exactness and isoperimetric profiles of discrete groups

Abstract We introduce a quasi-isometry invariant related to Property A and explore its connections to various other invariants of finitely generated groups. This allows to establish a direct relation between asymptotic dimension on one hand and isoperimetry and random walks on the other. We apply these results to reprove sharp estimates on isoperimetric profiles of some groups and to answer some questions in dimension theory.
Resveratrol in combination with other dietary polyphenols concomitantly enhances antiproliferation and UGT1A1 induction in Caco-2 cells

Aims The only FDA approved medication for colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention is celecoxib. Its adverse effects underline the need for safer drugs. Polyphenols like resveratrol are in clinical trials for this purpose. This study aimed at examining effects of resveratrol alone and in combination with curcumin or chrysin on UGT induction in Caco-2 cells. Phytochemical combinations were selected using drug combination analyses of various anti-proliferation ratios of resveratrol + curcumin and resveratrol + chrysin.
A freeze-frame view of eukaryotic transcription during elongation and capping of nascent mRNA.

Ribonuclease footprinting of nascent messenger RNA within ternary complexes of vaccinia RNA polymerase revealed an RNA binding site that encompasses an 18-nucleotide RNA segment. The dimensions of the binding site did not change as the polymerase moved along the template. Capping of the 59 end of the RNA was cotranscriptional and was confined to nascent chains 31 nucleotides or greater in length. Purified capping enzyme formed a binary complex with RNA polymerase in solution in the absence of nucleic acid. These findings suggest a mechanism for cotranscriptional establishment of messenger RNA identity in eukaryotes.
Optimized pattern grading

Purpose – To evaluate current apparel industry Misses grading practices in providing good fit and propose grading practices to improve fit.Design/methodology/approach – Participants representing Misses sizes 6‐20 based on ASTM D 5585 were selected. The fit of garments from traditionally graded patterns was assessed. Garments were fit‐to‐shape on participants. Traditionally graded patterns were compared to fit‐to‐shape patterns using quantitative and qualitative visual analysis.Findings – Current apparel industry grading practices do not provide good fit for consumers. The greatest variation between the traditionally graded patterns and the fit‐to‐shape patterns occurred between sizes 14 and 16. For size 16 and up, neck and armscye circumferences were too large and bust dart intakes were too small.Research limitations/implications – This study was limited to a sheath dress in Misses sizes 6‐20. Future research should assess the fit of garments from traditionally graded patterns for other size ranges.Practi...
Incorporation of Radioactive Amino Acids into Oral Tissue Proteins

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUAINCORPORATION DE RADIOACTIVE AMINO-ACIDOS AD IN LE PROTEINAS DEL TISSU ORAL.—Le characteristicas del incorporation de leucina a C14 ad in le raphe palatal del porco de India esseva studiate. Raphe palatal incorporava le radioactive amino-acido ad in su proteina plus rapidemente que un equivalente systema de trenchos hepatic. Anaerobiose, 24 horas de jejuno, elimination de glucosa, e varie inhibitores educeva le incorporation. Radioautographia monstrava que le plus grande parte del proteina a marcation radioactive appareva in le stratos epithelial. Le resultatos suggere que le circuitos del biosynthese de proteina in le tissu oral es simile a illo previemente reportate pro altere tissus e que iste systema in vitro provide possibilemente un medio pro studiar le metabolismo de proteina in varie disordines oral.
Phase 2 Safety Trial Targeting Amyloid β Production With a γ-Secretase Inhibitor in Alzheimer Disease

Objective To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and amyloid β (Aβ) response to the γ-secretase inhibitor LY450139 in Alzheimer disease. Design Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, dose-escalation, placebo-controlled trial. Setting Community-based clinical research centers. Patients Fifty-one individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease were randomized to receive placebo (n=15) or LY450139 (100 mg [n=22] or 140 mg [n=14]), with 43 completing the treatment phase. Intervention The LY450139 groups received 60 mg/d for 2 weeks, then 100 mg/d for 6 weeks, and then either 100 or 140 mg/d for 6 additional weeks. Main Outcome Measures Primary outcome measures were adverse events, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid Aβ levels, vital signs, electrocardiographic data, and laboratory safety test results. Secondary outcome measures included the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale cognitive subscale and the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study Activities of Daily Living Scale. Results Group differences were seen in skin and subcutaneous tissue concerns ( P =.05), including 3 possible drug rashes and 3 reports of hair color change in the treatment groups. There were 3 adverse event‐related discontinuations, including 1 transient bowel obstruction. The plasma Aβ 40 concentration was reduced by 58.2% for the 100-mg group and 64.6% for the 140-mg group ( P Conclusions LY450139 was generally well tolerated at doses of up to 140 mg/d for 14 weeks, with several findings indicating the need for close clinical monitoring in future studies. Decreases in plasma Aβ concentrations were consistent with inhibition of γ-secretase. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00244322
Social network online communities: information sources for apparel shopping

Purpose – This study aims to understand how social network online communities affect information seeking behavior and decision making for apparel shopping.Design/methodology/approach – An empirical study was conducted using a developed research model that hypothesized the effects of selected variables on information seeking behavior at social network online communities. The analyzed data were 186 samples collected from female college students who had more than three months of experience at a social network online community.Findings – The results confirmed the positive relationship between commitment to a social network online community and information seeking behavior at the community. This relationship was expected to be moderated by individuals' sensitivity to group conformity. A visual inspection of the plot suggested a meaningful implication, but no significant statistical results were identified in a following test. Results also found commitment will be developed when the individuals are psychologica...
A Revision on Classical Solutions to the Cauchy Boltzmann Problem for Soft Potentials

This short note complements the recent paper of the authors (Alonso, Gamba in J. Stat. Phys. 137(5–6):1147–1165, 2009). We revisit the results on propagation of regularity and stability using Lp estimates for the gain and loss collision operators which had the exponent range misstated for the loss operator. We show here the correct range of exponents. We require a Lebesgue’s exponent α>1 in the angular part of the collision kernel in order to obtain finiteness in some constants involved in the regularity and stability estimates. As a consequence the Lp regularity associated to the Cauchy problem of the space inhomogeneous Boltzmann equation holds for a finite range of p≥1 explicitly determined.
Caregiving in Attachment Relationships: A Perspective for Counselors

This article examines how caregiving, an aspect of attachment theory, can be applied in counseling. Discussion begins with an overview of attachment theory, then focuses on the counselor's position as caregiver, adult relationship issues, and termination of counseling.
“Facts available” dumping allegations: when will foreign firms cooperate in antidumping petitions?

Abstract Foreign firms accused of dumping in the World Trade Organization (WTO) system may face punitive duties if they do not cooperate with domestic investigative authorities. The punitive tariffs are typically based on domestic firms' allegations, or so-called “facts available” dumping margins. This paper considers a number of questions relating to “facts available” dumping allegations. Given that governments' use of facts available margins are credible, why do foreign firms still sometimes choose not to cooperate? Furthermore, why do domestic firms, knowing that an administering authority might use their allegations to determine punitive duties, not always announce alleged dumping margins high enough to eliminate all imports? Is it always in the domestic firm's interests to force foreigners not to cooperate and thereby be “punished” with facts available margins? And what is the administering authority's optimal decision concerning compliance costs faced by foreign firms?
Intermediate dirichlet boundary conditions for operator splitting algorithms for the advection-diffusion equation

Abstract When operator splitting algorithms are used to solve the advection-diffusion equation, it is necessary to derive boundary conditions applicable to the split advection and diffusion equations. In this paper intermediate Dirichlet boundary conditions are formulated for Strang type splitting algorithms for the one-dimensional advection-diffusion equation. The derived boundary conditions are applicable to advection dominated problems and are O (min(kϵ3, k2ϵ2)) accurate, where k is the computational time step and ϵ
CD4 Augments the Response of a T Cell to Agonist but Not to Antagonist Ligands

Abstract The recognition of peptide variants by the T cell receptor (TCR) has revealed a wide range of possible responses. Here, using a series of CD4 + and CD4 − variants of the same T cell hybridoma, we find that while the expression of CD4 converts weak agonists into full agonists, none of the antagonist peptides are efficiently recognized as agonists. Furthermore, in antagonist assays, little difference can be seen in the response of CD4 + and CD4 − T cells. Together with previous work showing a marked difference in stability between TCR binding to agonist versus antagonist ligands, these data suggest that CD4 engagement occurs after a TCR-peptide/MHC complex has formed and that it requires a certain minimal half-life of the ternary complex to be fully engaged in signaling.
Prevalence and Predictive Value of Hypoalbuminemia in Appalachians With Chronic Kidney Disease

Background : Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has reached epidemic proportions worldwide and in the United States, racial minorities reach end stage renal disease (ESRD) at a disproportionate rate. A rural state in the heart of Appalachia, West Virginia leads the nation in rates of incident ESRD, despite its predominantly Caucasian population. Characteristics of this racially homogeneous CKD population are herein examined for their impact on progression to ESRD or death. Methods : Retrospective analysis of demographic and clinical information for 4258 patients seen between 2001 and 2010. Associations between risk factors and outcomes were assessed for significance using Cox Proportional Hazards models. Results : Patients with CKD were largely Caucasian (94.3%), 39% diabetic, with a mean age of 60.1 ± 16.7; 39% presented with serum albumin levels ? 3.5 g/dl. Patients with higher albumin levels had better survival and less progression to dialysis than those with lower levels (P < 0.0001). Hypoalbuminemia, hypocalcemia, hyperparathyroidism and anemia independently correlated with reduced survival and more rapid progression to ESRD (P < 0.0001). Compared to those from more affluent counties, patients from poorer counties had lower albumin levels (3.36 ± 0.014 vs 3.68 ± 0.079 gm/dl; P < 0.04) and higher rates of progression to dialysis or death (P < 0.016). Conclusions : In this predominantly Caucasian population of central Appalachia, hypoalbuminemia and residence in a county of low socioeconomic status independently predicted overall survival and progression to dialysis, suggesting that poverty and culture, irrespective of race, warrant further study for their impact on outcomes in patients with CKD. doi:10.4021/wjnu3e
Tracing the metaphors of ADHD: a preliminary analysis with implications for inclusive education

The rising incidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses and consequent medication prescriptions has stirred great controversy in the USA. The very meaning and social utility of the disorder are hotly contested in the public sphere and in the schools. Since 1997, changes in federal law have led to increased involvement of students with ADHD diagnoses in American special education. This paper undertakes a preliminary metaphor analysis of ADHD in the writings of leading expert Russell A. Barkley. Two dominant metaphors are identified: the brain as a cybernetic control system; and people with ADHD as prisoners. Implications of these metaphors for inclusive education are examined.
Robust 3D reconstruction using LiDAR and N - visual image

3D image reconstruction is desirable in many applications such as city planning, cartography and many vision applications. The accuracy of the 3D reconstruction plays a vital role in many real world applications. We introduce a method which uses one LiDAR image and N conventional visual images to reduce the error and to build a robust registration for 3D reconstruction. In this method we used lines as features in both the LiDAR and visual images. Our proposed system consists of two steps. In the first step, we extract lines from the LiDAR and visual images using Hough transform. In the second step, we estimate the camera matrices using a search algorithm combined with the fundamental matrices for the visual cameras. We demonstrate our method on a synthetic model which is an idealized representation of an urban environment.
Chronic ΔFosB expression and increased AP-1 transcription factor binding are associated with the long term plasticity changes in epilepsy

NMDA receptor activation during status epilepticus (SE) has previously been shown to be required for epileptogenesis as well as the persistent upregulation of serum response factor (SRF) in the in vivo pilocarpine model of epilepsy. SRF is established as a regulator of the FosB gene which expresses FosB and DeltaFosB components of the AP-1 transcription factor complex. Therefore we investigated whether DeltaFosB expression and AP-1 DNA binding were also persistently elevated in pilocarpine-treated rats which chronically displayed spontaneous seizures. Using hippocampal nuclear extracts, DeltaFosB expression and AP-1 DNA binding were significantly elevated for up to one year in the epileptic animals. The expression of other fos and jun proteins was not persistently altered in epilepsy. Neuronal upregulation of DeltaFosB was correlated with regions of the brain that were involved in seizure generation and propagation. The increase in AP-1 DNA binding was shown to be dependent on NMDA receptor activation during SE. Hippocampal DeltaFosB immunostaining was seen predominately in the neuronal nuclei as opposed to other cell types. The data indicate that recurrent seizures which persistently occur in this model were not responsible for the increased DeltaFosB expression. Chronic DeltaFosB expression in epilepsy may be playing a role in the altered expression of other genes in this model and may be involved in some of the neuronal plasticity changes associated with epileptogenesis.
The productivity effects of employee ownership within command economies: Evidence from Poland

The effects of employee ownership, broadly defined, are estimated for a sample of Polish producer co-operatives in three industries during 1976-8, i.e. when Poland was a centrally planned economy. The results indicate that, in general, increasing either worker participation in control and/or in economic returns provides positive effects on productivity. The pattern of the different effects of employee ownership varies significantly across sectors. This new evidence strongly suggests that workers within Soviet-type economies are responsive to economic incentives. Together with existing theoretical and empirical evidence for both Eastern and Western European firms, the findings suggest a larger role for employee ownership than typically either currently exists or that is under serious consideration in most restructuring economies.
Manifest Reasons for Jogging

Reasons people give for why they began to jog regularly versus why they n o w jog differ significantly over time according to Johnsgard ( 1985). Johnsgard found that in terms of rankings, concerns for weight control and physical fitness decreased in importance over time, while interest in tension reduction, positive mood-feelings, and a sense of personal identity became stronger. Joggers responded to 45 f o ~ c e d choices of 10 motives for running, in a pairedcomparison format. In the present study, an open-ended survey was distributed by mail to members of a local jogging association to elicit manifes t reasons (written responses) for jogging. The survey compared early reasons for jogging with current reasons (Vitulli, 1986). A total of 23 members completed the survey over a 2-mo. period. There were 17 men and 6 women. The mean age of the sample was 45.91 yr. (SD = 12.33, Range = 32-70). Their mean years of jogging was 8.29 yr. (SD = 6.92, Range = 1-25), and the mean miles jogged per week was 26.74 mi (SD = 17.41, Range = 8-85). A content analysis of these data, compared to Johnsgard's (1985) results, suggested that "health and physical fitness" remained the top priorities for both early and later reasons for jogging. Similar co Johnsgard's findings was the relatively high status given by our sample to self-esteem, personal identity, and enjoyment of running for psychological reasons, with respect to later motives for jogging.
Shareholder intervention, managerial resistance, and corporate control: a Nash equilibrium approach

Abstract Anecdotal and empirical evidence suggest that some large shareholders initiate takeover attempts while others remain passive, and that target managements sometimes cooperate and sometimes resist. We model the takeover mechanism using a two-player game of incomplete information. The results of the paper are contained in three broad classes of equilibria: separating, pooling and partial pooling. The partial pooling equilibria offer the best match to the anecdotal evidence. In these equilibria, all strong and some weak investors attempt to takeover; some managers cooperate while others resist. The model offers various testable implications and links to the empirical corporate control literature.
Sox3 expression in undifferentiated spermatogonia is required for the progression of spermatogenesis.

Abstract Sox3, a member of the high mobility group (HMG) family of transcription factors, is expressed in neural progenitor cells and in the gonads. Targeted deletion of Sox3 in mice causes abnormal development of the diencephalon and Rathke's pouch, the progenitor of the anterior pituitary gland. Male and female mice are also infertile and exhibit a primary defect in gametogenesis. In this study, we examined the expression and function of Sox3 in C57BL/6 mice to better understand its role in spermatogenesis. Testis development was normal during embryogenesis. However, spermatogenesis failed to progress during the postnatal period, with germ cell loss beginning at postnatal day 10 (P10). By P14, Sox3 null mice were nearly agametic, retaining only Sertoli cells and undifferentiated spermatogonia. Pituitary gonadotropin and testosterone levels were normal, suggesting a defect in Sertoli cell and/or germ cell function. Immunostaining revealed that Sox3 was expressed in a subpopulation of germ cells localized at the base of the seminiferous tubules. Sox3 expression was restricted to proliferating germ cells and colocalized with neurogenin 3 (Ngn3), a helix–loop–helix transcription factor implicated in spermatogonial differentiation. The absence of Sox3 decreased Ngn3 and increased expression of Oct4, a marker of undifferentiated spermatogonia. We conclude that Sox3 is expressed in As, Apr and Aal spermatogonia and is required for spermatogenesis through a pathway that involves Ngn3.
Activation energy for thermally induced escape from a basin of attraction

Abstract In the limit of low temperature the most probable path for escape from a basin of attraction is the path which minimizes the available thermal noise energy required for escape. This minimum energy is the activation energy of escape.
The dietary regulation of stearyl coenzyme A desaturase activity and membrane fluidity in the rat aorta

Numerous studies have demonstrated that alterations in membrane composition or fluidity are often associated with alterations in the properties of membrane-bound enzymes. In order to obtain membranes of varying fluidity, rats were fed diets that were either fat-free or supplemented with 15% safflower oil, and two properties associated with aorta and liver microsomal membranes were selected for study: stearyl CoA desaturase activity, and fluidity as monitored by fatty acid composition and microviscosity (measured by fluorescence depolarization). If fluidity directly modulates desaturase activity, one would predict that a low fluidity would stimulate the desaturase activity. Ten times more desaturase activity is present in aorta microsomes from rats on a fat-free diet than in microsomes from rats on a safflower oil supplemented diet. However, on the fat-free diet, these aorta microsomes were more fluid than those of rats fed safflower oil supplemented diet. The fluidity of liver microsomal membranes was not altered in response to diet, despite significant changes in desaturase enzyme content. The contrasting evidence presented here suggests that no correlation exists between desaturase enzyme activity and membrane fluidity in the two tissues studies. We have demonstrated that the aorta has appreciable capacity to desaturate stearyl CoA and that dietary manipulation causes significant changes in aorta membrane fluidity that may be of sufficient magnitude to affect the overall metabolism of aorta cells.
Discrimination Between Reservoir Models in Well-Test Analysis

In well-test analysis with nonlinear regression, discrimination between candidate reservoir models is a key procedure. Graphical analysis now performs this step, with the pressure derivative plot and confidence intervals used to select an adequate model. Human bias may influence the selection by graphical analysis, however, and the result may vary according to the interpreters. Confidence intervals can give a quantitative evaluation of model discrimination, but it sometimes provides inappropriate results. The authors propose a new quantitative method, the sequential predictive probability method, to discriminate between candidate reservoir models. This method is based on Bayesian inference, in which all information about the reservoir model and, subsequently, the reservoir parameters deduced from well-test data, is expressed in terms of probability and is regarded as a direct extension of the idea of confidence intervals. This method gives a unified measure of model discrimination. They demonstrate the applications of this method to synthetic and actual field well-test data.
Circadian Rhythms and Period Expression in the Hawaiian Cricket Genus Laupala

Daily activity times and circadian rhythms of crickets have been a subject of behavioral and physiological study for decades. However, recent studies suggest that the underlying molecular mechanism of cricket endogenous clocks differ from the model of circadian rhythm generation in Drosophila. Here we examine the circadian free-running periods of walking and singing in two Hawaiian swordtail cricket species, Laupala cerasina and Laupala paranigra, that differ in the daily timing of mating related activities. Additionally, we examine variation in sequence and daily cycling of the period (per) gene transcript between these species. The species differed significantly in free-running period of singing, but did not differ significantly in the free-running period of locomotion. Like in Drosophila, per transcript abundance showed cycling consistent with a role in circadian rhythm generation. The amino acid differences identified between these species suggest a potential of the per gene in interspecific behavioral variation in Laupala.
Novel Templating Effect in the Macrocyclization of Functionalized Diynes by Zirconocene Coupling

A zirconocene double act: The course of zirconocene-mediated macrocyclization is controlled by templating effects. In macrocyclizations of bipyridine-containing diynes, the zirconocene reagent [Cp2 Zr(py)(Me3 SiC≡SiMe3 )] (1; py=pyridine) acts as both coupling and templating agent. Thus, by controlling the stoichiometry, dimeric or trimeric macrocycles are obtained.
Harmonic balance analysis of the bistable piezoelectric inertial generator

Abstract This paper applies the method of Harmonic Balance to analytically predict the existence, stability, and influence of parameter variations on the intrawell and interwell oscillations of bistable piezoelectric inertial generator. Existing work on the bistable piezoelectric harvester in the presence of varying harmonic environmental loading has been relegated to simulation and experimental analyses. Furthermore, linear piezoelectric behavior and linear damping has always been presumed. This paper improves upon an existing model for the bistable piezoelectric harvester by incorporating nonlinear dissipation and cubic softening influences in the electroelastic laminates before applying analytical methods. A framework for theoretically predicting empirical observations, such as optimal impedance loads for steady-state motions, is provided as well as other dynamic considerations such as potential well escape phenomena.
Drug therapy of the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: predictors of response to prednisone, azathioprine, and methotrexate and a comparison of their efficacy

Abstract purpose: To identify factors associated with responses to treatment with prednisone, methotrexate, or azathioprine in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, and to compare the efficacy of these drugs. patients and methods: Data were collected on 113 adult patients meeting criteria for definite idiopathic inflammatory myopathy in this retrospective cohort study. Patients were categorized as responding completely, partially, or not at all to each therapeutic trial based upon clinical and laboratory criteria. results: Clinical group, presence of certain myositis-specific autoantibodies, and time from disease onset to diagnosis influenced rates of complete clinical response to these therapeutic agents. Patients with inclusion body myositis responded comparatively poorly to prednisone and the other drugs: 43% had no clinical response to prednisone and none responded completely to any medication. Patients with autoantibodies to aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases or to signal recognition particle proteins were likely to respond partially, but not completely, to prednisone. No patient with a long delay to diagnosis (greater than 18 months) responded completely, compared with 34% of those with a short delay (less than 3 months). A patient's response to the first course of prednisone predicted subsequent responses to prednisone and to azathioprine better than response to methotrexate. Men responded to methotrexate better than women. Among certain subgroups of patients, responses to methotrexate were better than to either azathioprine or retreatment with prednisone. conclusion: Determining the clinical group, autoantibody status, and time from disease onset to diagnosis of patients with myositis provides useful information in predicting clinical responses to therapy, and these factors should be considered in designing future therapeutic trials. Methotrexate therapy may be superior to either azathioprine or further steroid treatment alone in certain patients who do not respond completely to an initial adequate course of prednisone.
ON THRESHOLD PION PHOTOPRODUCTION AND LOW-ENERGY THEOREMS

We show that low-energy data from the neutral-pion photoproduction reaction can be adequately described without resort to exotic mechanisms. An apparent discrepancy, which has been linked to recent measurements, appears to be due to assumptions regarding the rescattering correction and coupling constants. Consequences of this result are discussed.