cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age-associated changes in miRNA expression profiles in thymopoiesis

During adult life, the thymus involutes and thymic output of mature T cells drastically declines. The molecular events underlying this process are not well understood. Here, we present evidence of the importance of miRNAs in regulating T cell differentiation in the aged. miRNAs are a wide-ranging regulatory element influencing gene expression throughout the lifetime of the organism. To establish whether they play a role in the age-specific thymic decline, the miRNA expression pattern was examined in TN subsets of young and aged mice. Fifty-two percent of the miRNAs exhibited elevated expression levels in the aged TN1 cells. This expression profile leads us to hypothesize that the large number of highly expressed miRNAs, indicative of rigidly controlled protein expression, limits the developmental potential of this population and results in the age-induced decline in thymopoiesis.
Alveolar bone grafting: achieving the organisational standards determined by CSAG, a baseline audit at the Birmingham Children's Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Birmingham Children's Hospital (BCH) is the centre for a regional comprehensive cleft service attempting to implement the national guidelines for minimum standards of care. A national audit of cleft management (CSAG) found that 58% of alveolar bone grafts were successful; published series suggest that success rates can be of the order of 95%. We present the results of an audit of alveolar bone grafting over a 33-month period, after implementation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective clinical process audit was taken from the hospital notes and an analysis of radiological outcome by Bergland score was obtained by two independent assessors. RESULTS: The audit highlighted the difficulties of integrating the increased clinical workload. Other difficulties included poorly standardised pre- and postoperative occlusal radiography, inconsistent orthodontic management and a lack of prospective data collection. An 81% success rate for alveolar bone grafting compares favourably to the CSAG study. Of 82 patients, 68 had sufficient data for a retrospective review; 21 were our own patients and 47 were referred into the centralised service. The success of bone grafting as defined by CSAG (including Bergland scores) is based on only two-thirds of the patients as many have their orthodontic treatment managed in more distant units and radiographs are much harder to obtain. Bone grafting later than age 11 years, was true for 28% (6/21) of our BCH patients and 46% (22/47) for those referred to our service. CONCLUSIONS: This audit demonstrates what has been achieved in a re-organised service in the context of Real Politik in the NHS and suggests the areas that require improvement.
Sources Of Insolation Data

Hourly solar radiation (insolation) data bases have been prepared for use in the computer simulation of solar energy systems. These data collections have been based on actual insolation observations or closely related weather observations. The inadequacies of the presently available insolation data have required that portions of the data be estimated by the use of the statistical procedures discussed in detail in the paper.
Computational plasticity and viscoplasticity for composite materials and structures

Abstract The paper extends a recently developed theory of mathematical homogenization with eigenstrains to account for viscous effects. A unified mathematical and numerical model of plasticity and viscoplasticity is employed within the framework of the power-law and the Bodner–Partom models.
A Prospective Test of Cognitive Vulnerability Models of Depression With Adolescent Girls

This study sought to provide a more rigorous prospective test of two cognitive vulnerability models of depression with longitudinal data from 496 adolescent girls. Results supported the cognitive vulnerability model in that stressors predicted future increases in depressive symptoms and onset of clinically significant major depression for individuals with a negative attributional style, but not for those with a positive attributional style, although these effects were small. This model appeared to be specific to depression, in that it did not predict future increases in bulimia nervosa or substance abuse symptoms. In contrast, results did not support the integrated cognitive vulnerability self-esteem model that asserts stressors should only predict increased depression for individuals with a confluence of negative attributional style and low self-esteem, and this model did not appear to be specific to depression.
How companies assess technology

Abstract Technology assessment in the private sector has been a growing phenomenon. Corporations, through their planning mechanisms, are learning to ask and answer the tough social, political, and economic implications questions related to their technological development. The private sector has taken its cue from the activities of the public sector, but has performed these assessments mindful of how the private sector differs from the public sector.
Microscopic evidence for field-induced magnetism in CeCoIn5

We present NMR data in the normal and superconducting states of ${\mathrm{CeCoIn}}_{5}$ for fields close to ${H}_{c2}(0)=11.8\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{T}$ in the $ab$ plane. Recent experiments identified a first-order transition from the normal to superconducting state for $Hg10.5\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{T}$, and a new thermodynamic phase below 290 mK within the superconducting state. We find that the Knight shifts of the In(1), In(2), and the Co are discontinuous across the first-order transition and the magnetic linewidths increase dramatically. The broadening differs for the three sites, unlike the expectation for an Abrikosov vortex lattice, and suggests the presence of static spin moments in the vortex cores. In the low-temperature and high-field phase, the broad NMR lineshapes suggest ordered local moments, rather than a long-wavelength quasiparticle spin density modulation expected for an FFLO phase.
Access ThinkPad: The right information at the right time and place

This paper describes the application of a User Engineering process to the design and development of product documentation in order to maintain customer satisfaction and provide market differentiation in an increasingly commoditized product segment. We present the challenges of transforming a print-centric product documentation strategy into a marketable intelligent on-screen information system called Access ThinkPadÂ®. First, we outline the intelligent information concept, forged from the tension between customer research and business reality. Second, we present the iterative design and validation processes used for the Access ThinkPad information system. Third, we discuss the realization of the project goals of improved customer satisfaction and product cost savings. We conclude with lessons learned from our experience and how they apply to future efforts.
Electrophysiologic Effects of the New Class III Antiarrhythmic Drug Dofetilide in an Experimental Canine Model of Pacing-induced Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: Dofetilide is a new class III antiarrhythmic drug currently under investigation for the treatment of supraventricular arrhythmias in humans. Dofetilide have been previously shown to be ...
The Evaluation of By-Product Protein Digestibility Utilizing Coomassie Blue Dye-Binding

Abstract The digestibility of animal by-product protein was measured using a direct colorimetric assay of protein in feed and excreta samples. Excreta samples were generated by using a modification of the true metabolizable energy procedure (Sibbald, 1979). Dried excreta and feed samples were extracted with .5N NaOH for 2 hr at 45 C in an orbital incubator, and the solubilized protein was quantitated directly using Coomassie brilliant blue dye-binding. Digestibility of meat and bone meal protein by this method ranged between 70.3 and 96.0%. The digestibility of feather meals ranged between 79.0 and 86.1%. Coomassie brilliant blue reacts specifically with intact protein molecules and is insensitive to uric acid nitrogen. This procedure may prove to be especially useful in the evaluation of protein digestibility in the chicken.
Polymer interphase structure near nanoscale inclusions: Comparison between random walk theory and experiment

We propose a theory for the structure of the interphase in polymeric nanocomposites based on the freely-jointed chain near an impermeable spherical inclusion. The theory considers only the entropic exclusion between a polymer and the inclusion. The radius of gyration of the polymer chain and its distortion from spherical symmetry are perturbed strongly when the chain end is closer than 3Rg0 from the surface of the sphere, where Rg0 is the unperturbed radius of gyration. Also, the maximum expansion of the chain is bounded by (4/3)½, equal to a 15% increase. The shape of the polymer chain is elongated tangentially to the surface when the chain end originates in the interphase, but elongates radially due to entropic repulsion when the chain end is very close to the surface of the sphere. All the distortions of the polymer conformation from ideality, and hence the spatial extent of the interphase, occur within the depletion region associated with colloids. The model is used to explain recent experimental results showing that polymer chain dimensions increase in the presence of nanoparticles. The model quantitatively reproduces the observations at low filler loadings using no adjustable parameters, suggesting that entropic arguments can describe the majority of the effect there.
A Limiting Speed for Protein Folding at Low Solvent Viscosity

Because protein folding dynamics are heavily overdamped, Kramers theory predicts the rate of folding to scale inversely with the reaction friction, which is usually interpreted to mean the solvent viscosity. This does not mean, however, that the speed of folding can increase without limit as solvent viscosity decreases. We show that, in a sufficiently fast-folding protein, the folding speed approaches a finite limit at low solvent viscosity, indicating a reaction controlled by internal friction.
The reproductive system from an immunologic perspective

This article provides an overview of the reproductive system in men and women, highlighting the interaction of immune processes with normal reproductive function. The genesis of the two sexes, development and function of male and female gonads, gametogenesis, fertilization, and implantation are discussed. The mechanisms by which developing embryos evade maternal immunologic attack also are reviewed.
Boundaries on spacetimes: causality, topology, and group actions

The future causal boundary on a spacetime serves to explicate the causal behavior of the spacetime at future infinity. The purely causal nature of this boundary has a categorically universal nature, the category being that of chronological sets. There is an associated topology with any chronological set, replicating the appropriate topology for a spacetime. Adding the future causal boundary (and using this topology) provides a quasi-compactification. The boundary for a product spacetime \(M \times \mathbb L^1\) can be detailed in terms of the Riemannian factor M.
Spectroscopic Analysis of Halothane Binding to the Plasma Membrane Ca2+-ATPase

The intrinsic tryptophan (Trp) fluorescence of the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) is significantly quenched by halothane, a volatile anesthetic common in clinical practice. It has been proposed that halothane inhibition of the Ca2+-ATPase activity results from conformational changes following anesthetic binding in the enzyme. We have investigated whether the observed quenching reflects halothane binding to PMCA. We have shown that the quenching is dose dependent and saturable and can be fitted to a binding curve with an equilibrium constant K(Hal) = 2.1 mM, a concentration at which the anesthetic approximately half-maximally inhibits the Ca2+-ATPase activity. The relatively low sensitivity of halothane quenching of Trp fluorescence to the concentration of phosphatidylcholine and detergent in the PMCA preparation concurs with the quenching resulting from anesthetic binding in the PMCA molecule. Analysis of the Trp fluorescence quenching by acrylamide indicates that the Trp residues are not considerably exposed to the solvent (Stern-Volmer quenching constant of 2.9 M(-1)) and do not differ significantly in their accessibility to halothane. Other volatile anesthetics, diethyl ether and diisopropyl ether, reduce the quenching caused by halothane in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting halothane displacement from its binding site(s). These observations indicate that halothane quenching of intrinsic Trp fluorescence of PMCA results from anesthetic binding to the protein. The analysis, used as a complementary approach, provides new information to the still rudimentary understanding of the process of anesthetic interaction with membrane proteins.
Evidence for functionally distinct subclasses of γ-aminobutyric acid receptors in rabbit retina

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian retina, where it serves many roles in establishing complex response characteristics of ganglion cells. We now provide biochemical and physiological evidence that at least three subclasses of GABA receptors (A1, A2, and B) contribute to different types of synaptic integration. Receptor binding studies indicate that approximately three-fourths of the total number of [3H]GABA binding sites in retina are displaced by the GABAA receptor antagonist, bicuculline, whereas one-fourth are displaced by the GABA-B receptor agonist, baclofen. GABAA receptors can be described by a three-site binding model with KD values of 19 nM, 122 nM, and 5.7 microM. Benzodiazepines and barbiturates potentiate binding to the GABAA site, which suggests that significant numbers of GABAA receptors are coupled to regulatory sites for these compounds and thus are classified as GABAA1 receptors. The response to pentobarbital appears to involve a conversion of low-affinity sites to higher-affinity sites, and is reflected in changes in the densities of sites at different affinities. Functional studies were used to establish which of the different receptor subclasses regulate release from cholinergic amacrine cells. Our results show that GABA suppresses light-evoked [3H]acetylcholine release via GABAA2 receptors not coupled to a benzodiazepine or barbiturate regulatory site, and enhances release via GABAB receptors. GABAA1 sites do not appear to control acetylcholine release in rabbit retina.
Sidestepping our “scare words”: Genre as a possible bridge between L1 and L2 compositionists

Abstract In light of the increasing student diversity in U.S. university composition classrooms, there is a strong need for collaboration between L1 and L2 writing specialists. Differences in the lexicons of our two fields, however, as well as the philosophical differences embedded in our word choices, can hinder productive L1–L2 communication. The purpose of our paper is to examine how genre can transcend disciplinary “scare words” and promote collaboration between L1 and L2 compositionists. We recognize, however, that genre is a fragile disciplinary bridge, as it has been approached differently in L1 and L2 language teaching. The paper therefore explores where our two fields share common ground in approaching genre, where we can learn from each other, and where we can accept our differences. We do this through analyzing our own experiences collaborating on common curricular guidelines and sharing genre-based teaching materials.
Specificity of aeromonas aminopeptidase toward oligopeptides and polypeptides.

A variety of oligopeptides and polypeptides was subjected to the action of Aeromonas amino-peptidase and the sequential release of amino acid residues was determined quantitatively. The residues that proved susceptible to hydrolysis included all hydrophobic, aromatic and basic amino acids plus proline. Aspartyl, glutamyl and cysteic acid residues were not removed from the amino-terminus of any substrate tested, even at high enzyme concentrations but in contrast, asparagine, glutamine and aminoethylated cysteine were released. Glycine was generally resistant to hydrolysis, but was slowly released from some substrates dependent upon the adjacent residues. The specificity and ease of purification of this aminopeptidase should make it a useful tool for sequence determination.
Calculations of force constants and dipole moment derivatives in silane

Abstract Force constants and dipole moment derivatives were calculated for the symmetric stretching and asymmetric stretching and bending vibrational modes for the silane molecule. The orbital exponents of small basis sets of Slater orbitals were optimized for silane in several geometrical configurations. It was determined that the addition of d orbitals to the silicon basis set has negligible effect on the calculated properties.
A Practical Paradigm and Platform for Video-Based Human-Computer Interaction

New technologies that use multimodal input, human experience, and modern hardware's full computational power could mitigate current limitations in human-computer interaction. The 4D Touchpad, a video-based interaction platform, makes robust, natural interaction between humans and computers possible.
Micro air vehicle autonomous obstacle avoidance from stereo-vision

We introduce a new approach for on-board autonomous obstacle avoidance for micro air vehicles flying outdoors in close proximity to structure. Our approach uses inverse-range, polar-perspective stereo-disparity maps for obstacle detection and representation, and deploys a closed-loop RRT planner that considers flight dynamics for trajectory generation. While motion planning is executed in 3D space, we reduce collision checking to a fast z-buffer-like operation in disparity space, which allows for significant speed-up compared to full 3d methods. Evaluations in simulation illustrate the robustness of our approach, whereas real world flights under tree canopy demonstrate the potential of the approach.
System Identification with Analog and Counting Process Observations II: Mutual Information

We develop new formulae for the mutual information between jointly observed analog signals and point processes allowing also that there may be an underlying unobserved state. Our derivation method delivers existing results as special cases while throwing new light on them.
Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activation by synthetic amphipathic peptides.

The amphipathic helical theory of Segrest and colleagues (FEBS Lett.: 38: 247–253, 1974) proposes that the lipid-binding segments of serum apolipoproteins are in an alpha helical conformation. Furthermore the helices have a hydrophobic face and a hydrophilic face with a specific distribution of positively and negatively charged residues. The importance of the pattern of the charged residues in the lipid binding and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activation by the segments is still debated. We designed a 30-residue peptide, GALA, which in the alpha helical conformation hs a hydrophilic face composed of glutamic acid residues (Sabbarao et al.: Biochemistry 26: 2964–2972, 1987). GALA behaves like the serum apolipoproteins in its interaction with dimyristoylphospatidylcholine (DMPC) at neutral pH; the amino terminal tryptophan of GALA undergoes a blue shift in its fluorescence emission spectrum, and the circular dichroism (CD) spectrum indicates that GALA acquires alpha helical structure in the presence of DMPC. A DMPC-GALA:19/1 (molar ratio) complex can be isolated by gel-permeation chromatography. This complex has a discoidal structure with the approximate dimensions of 44-A diameter. GALA edge thickness and a 170- to 350-A diameter. GALA activates LCAT with DMPC but not with unsaturated phospholipids as the substrate. The apparent partition coefficient of GALA into DMPC vesicles is 100-fold larger than into egg phosphatidlylcholine vesicles. The interaction of GALA with unsaturated lipids at neutral pH is so weak that no detectable change in the spectroscopic properties of GALA or the structure of the liposomes can be detected under the conditions used here. The sequence of GALA differs from previously studied model Apo A1 peptides by the absence of positively charged residues on the hydrophilic face. This indicates that positive charges in Apo A1-like peptides are not required in order to form discoidal structures with saturated phospholipids or to activate LCAT with such lipid substrates.
RECOGNIZING OVERDIFFERENCED TIME SERIES

Abstract. Differencing is often used to render a time series stationary. The decision of how much differencing to do is usually based on plots of data, the autocorrelation function or a statistical test. Hence, it may happen that an analyst mistakenly differences a stationary series. When that happens, the inverse autocorrelation function takes on a specific pattern. We characterize this pattern and discuss the behavior of sample estimates of the inverse autocorrelation function for such overdifferenced series.
Experimental Evaluation of Heuristic Optimization Algorithms: A Tutorial

Heuristic optimization algorithms seek good feasible solutions to optimization problems in circumstances where the complexities of the problem or the limited time available for solution do not allow exact solution. Although worst case and probabilistic analysis of algorithms have produced insight on some classic models, most of the heuristics developed for large optimization problem must be evaluated empirically—by applying procedures to a collection of specific instances and comparing the observed solution quality and computational burden. This paper focuses on the methodological issues that must be confronted by researchers undertaking such experimental evaluations of heuristics, including experimental design, sources of test instances, measures of algorithmic performance, analysis of results, and presentation in papers and talks. The questions are difficult, and there are no clear right answers. We seek only to highlight the main issues, present alternative ways of addressing them under different circumstances, and caution about pitfalls to avoid.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Hydrogen Peroxide in Milk

Abstract A method was developed using titanium salts for quantitative determination of hydrogen peroxide in milk. Samples of sterilized reconstituted (11%) nonfat dry milk, sterilized homogenized whole milk, and raw clarified whole milk were prepared for analysis by precipitating the proteins with 70% (w/v) trichloroacetic acid. The yellow-colored complex of hydrogen peroxide and titanium salts was measured at the absorption maxima of 400 and 415 m μ for titanium sulfate and titanium tetrachloride, respectively, and levels of hydrogen peroxide determined from standard curves. Analyses of known quantities of hydrogen peroxide in milk indicated that both reagents reacted stoichiometrically to give accurate determinations of the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. The titanium tetrachloride method was more accurate, with coefficients of variability ranging between 0.79 to 3.83% for replicate determinations of several different samples of each of the three types of milk and between 0.49 to 1.71% for replicate determinations of single samples of each of the three types of milk.
Hospital and unit characteristics associated with nursing turnover include skill mix but not staffing level: An observational cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Nursing turnover is expensive and may have adverse effects on patient care. Little is known about turnover's association with most hospital and nursing unit characteristics, including nurse staffing level and registered nurse skill mix. Objective To explore associations between nursing unit turnover rates and several hospital- and unit-level variables, including staffing level and skill mix. Design Observational cross-sectional study of longitudinal data. Settings 1884 nursing units in 306 U.S. acute care hospitals. Methods During a 2-year period units reported monthly data on staffing and turnover. Total nursing staff turnover and registered nurse turnover rates were modeled as dependent variables in hierarchical Poisson regression models. The following hospital characteristics were considered as predictors: Magnet ® status, ownership (government or non-government), teaching status, locale (metropolitan, micropolitan, or rural), and size (average daily census). The U.S. state in which the hospital was located was included as a covariate. Unit-level variables included total nursing hours per patient day, size of nursing staff, registered nurse skill mix, population age group (neonatal, pediatric, or adult), and service line (critical care, step-down, medical, surgical, medical/surgical, psychiatric, or rehabilitation). Results Government ownership, Magnet designation, and higher skill mix were associated with lower total turnover and registered nurse turnover. Neonatal units had lower total and registered nurse turnover than pediatric units, which had lower total and registered nurse turnover than adult units. Unit service line was associated only with total turnover. Psychiatric, critical care, and rehabilitation units had the lowest mean turnover rates, but most differences between service lines were not significant. The other explanatory variables considered were not significant. Conclusions Several hospital and unit characteristic variables have significant associations with nursing turnover; these associations should be taken into account in nursing turnover research and need to be explored further. Controlling for hospital ownership, Magnet status, unit service line, and unit population age group, registered nurse skill mix is apparently more important than total nurse staffing level in predicting nursing turnover.
Lower-Extremity Strength Differences Predict Activity Limitations in People With Chronic Stroke

Background: Body system impairments following stroke have a complex relationship with functional activities. Although gait and balance deficits are well-documented in people after stroke, the overlapping influence of body impairments makes it difficult to prioritize interventions. Objective: This study examined the relationship between prospectively selected measures of body function and structure (body mass index, muscle strength, sensation, and cognition) and activity (gait speed, gait endurance, and functional balance) in people with chronic stroke. Design: This was a cross-sectional, observational study. Methods: Twenty-six individuals with mean (SD) age of 57.6 (11) years and time after stroke of 45.4 (43) months participated. Four variables (body mass index, muscle strength difference between the lower extremities, sensation difference between the lower extremities, and Mini-Mental Status Exam score) were entered into linear regression models for gait speed, Six-Minute Walk Test distance, and Berg Balance Scale score. Results: Lower-extremity strength difference was a significant individual predictor for gait speed, gait endurance, and functional balance. Cognition significantly predicted only gait speed. Limitations: The authors did not include all possible factors in the model that may have influenced gait and balance in these individuals. Conclusions: Strength deficits in the hemiparetic lower extremity should be an important target for clinical interventions to improve function in people with chronic stroke.
The Accuracy of the ‘Ethnic Conflict’ Paradigm: A Reply to Aaron Edwards

Aaron Edwards questions the ‘ethnic conflict’ model of Northern Irish politics using the Northern Ireland Labour party (NILP) and Progressive Unionist party (PUP) to demonstrate both the existence of cross-community politics in Northern Ireland, and class politics within the unionist community. However, understood in context, this history is actually in accord with what the ‘ethnic conflict’ model would predict. The key lies in the contemporary relative strength and weakness of political unionism and nationalism. The weakness of political nationalism allowed second-order politics safely to emerge within the unionist community and presented nationalists in many constituencies with the choice of voting NILP as the only alternative to the Unionist party.
The Effect of Saline Iontophoresis on Skin Integrity in Human Volunteers I. Methodology and Reproducibility

This study, conducted in 36 human volunteers, was an evaluation of the effects of saline iontophoresis on skin temperature, irritation, and barrier function. The major objectives were to assess the effects of low-level ionic currents, to validate the proposed methodology of assessment, and to establish reproducibility in repeated saline iontophoresis applications. This was the first of a multistage study designed to assess the safety of 24-hr saline iontophoresis episodes at selected currents and current densities. Since an iontophoresis patch challenges the skin barrier both by occluding the skin surface and by passing ionic current through the skin, the experimental protocol was designed to permit measurement of the contribution of each of these processes to the overall response. In this first stage we investigated the effect of 10 min of current delivery, at 0.1 mA/cm2 on a 1-cm2 area patch and 0.2 mA/cm2 on a 6.5-cm2 area patch compared to unpowered control patches. Twelve subjects were tested under each condition on two separate occasions to examine reproducibility of the response variable measurements. A further 12 subjects were tested once under the 0.2 mA/cm2, 6.5-cm2 condition. Skin irritation was evaluated via repeated measurements of transepidermal water loss, capacitance, skin temperature, skin color, and a visual scoring system, before the iontophoresis episode and after patch removal. No damage to skin barrier function in terms of skin-water loss or skin-water content was detected. Slight, subclinical, short-lasting erythema was observed for both conditions. Assessment of correlation coefficients showed highly statistically significant indications of reproducibility for all five response variables measured. The experimental design, in combination with a repeated measures analysis, provided clear separation of the occlusion and ionic current components of the iontophoretic patch challenge. Further, the repeated measures analysis gave a highly sensitive assessment of skin irritation and resolution after patch removal. We conclude that the experimental methodology is appropriate for assessing possible changes in skin integrity resulting from saline iontophoresis under similar operating conditions for longer durations and for other skin challenges from which a subclinical response is expected.
Wastewater pollution abatement across an international border

A differential game model is developed to compare incentives for wastewater pollution abatement of upstream and downstream countries under cooperative and noncooperative strategies. The Tijuana River is the empirical setting of water flow from south (Mexico) to north (US) where pollution stock accumulates. Asymmetry between the upstream and downstream countries for costs, damages, and emissions influences incentives to abate pollution. Cost minimization is achieved as the US can finance pollution abatement in Mexico. Game sharing rules (Shapley value, Chander–Tulkens rule, Helsinki rule, egalitarian rule) are analyzed. Financial transfers from two North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) institutions are examined. In most cases of cooperation, transfer payments are positive from downstream to upstream for reductions in flow and stock of pollution. Transfer size varies according to the rule and sensitivity analysis of changes in abatement costs and damages. The two institutions follow a variation of the Helsinki rule.
The repression of IRS2 gene by ATF3, a stress-inducible gene, contributes to pancreatic β-cell apoptosis

OBJECTIVE —β-Cell failure is an essential component of all types of diabetes, and the insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) branch of signaling plays a key role in β-cell survival and function. We tested the hypothesis that activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), a stress-inducible proapoptotic gene, downregulates the expression of IRS2 in β-cells. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —We used both the gain- and loss-of-function approaches to test the effects of ATF3 on IRS2 gene expression. We also analyzed the binding of ATF3 to the IRS2 promoter by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and the transcription of the IRS2 gene by polymerase II occupancy assay. Furthermore, we tested the ability of IRS2 to alleviate the proapoptotic effects of ATF3 in cultured β-cells and in transgenic mice using the rat insulin promoter to drive the transgenes. RESULTS —Expression of ATF3 is sufficient to reduce IRS2 gene expression; in contrast, knockdown or knockout of ATF3 reduces the ability of stress signals to downregulate IRS2 expression. ATF3 binds to the IRS2 promoter in vivo, and the binding of ATF3 correlates with decreased IRS2 gene transcription. Functionally, expression of IRS2 protects β-cells from ATF3-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS —IRS2 is a target gene of ATF3, and its repression by ATF3 contributes, at least partly, to the apoptosis induced by ATF3. Because ATF3 is a stress-inducible gene, our work provides a direct link to explain how environmental stress factors can modulate IRS2 gene transcription.
Automobile navigation using a magnetic flux-gate compass

The classic technology of the saturable core may be combined with the microcomputer to yield an improved version of the magnetic flux-gate compass. General description and fundamental principles are discussed with application to mass-produced automobiles. A transfer function between the earth's magnetic field and the fluxgate output voltages is developed. The introduction of the microcomputer allows a faster calibration which does not require any type of nulling or feedback circuit.
Structure of the negative regulatory domain of p53 bound to S100B(betabeta)

A Ca2+ dependent conformational change in dimeric S100B(betabeta) is required for it to bind p53 and inhibit phosphorylation of this tumor suppressor in its C-terminal negative regulatory domain. A peptide derived from this region of p53 (residues 367-388) was found to have no regular structure in its native form by NMR spectroscopy, but becomes helical when bound to Ca2+ loaded S100B(betabeta). The three-dimensional structure of this complex reveals several favorable hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between S100B(betabeta) and the p53 peptide in the binding pocket, where S100B(betabeta) sterically blocks sites of phosphorylation and acetylation on p53 that are important for transcription activation.
3D analytic cone-beam reconstruction for multiaxial CT acquisitions

A conventional 3rd generation Computed Tomography (CT) system with a single circular source trajectory is limited in terms of longitudinal scan coverage since extending the scan coverage beyond 40mm results in significant cone-beam artifacts. A multiaxial CT acquisition is achieved by combining multiple sequential 3rd generation axial scans or by performing a single axial multisource CT scan with multiple longitudinally offset sources. Data from multiple axial scans or multiple sources provide complementary information. For full-scan acquisitions, we present a window-based 3D analytic cone-beam reconstruction algorithm by tessellating data from neighboring axial datasets. We also show that multi-axial CT acquisition can extend the axial scan coverage while minimizing cone-beam artifacts. For half-scan acquisitions, one cannot take advantage of conjugate rays. We propose a cone-angle dependent weighting approach to combine multi-axial half-scan data. We compute the relative contribution from each axial dataset to each voxel based on the X-ray beam collimation, the respective cone-angles, and the spacing between the axial scans. We present numerical experiments to demonstrate that the proposed techniques successfully reduce cone-beam artifacts at very large volumetric coverage.
In response to “Scope of shared decision making in patients with psychologic complaints”

We read with great pleasure the work by Reschke et al [1]. The authors have done commendable work in emphasizing the significance of shared decisionmaking (SDM) in improving patient satisfaction and reducing health care cost [2]. In spite of its inherent challenges, SDM is rightly being increasingly implemented in the emergency department (ED) resulting in enhanced patient-centric care [3]. Although the burden of shared effective decision making in terms of options, risks, and benefits may appear challenging in an individual with psychologic complaints, SDM has become important in establishing the long-term goal of care in these subgroupofpatients aswell. In thepresented study,however, authors did not enroll patientswith psychologic complaints.Wewould like to highlight our views on the shifting paradigm of SDM in psychiatric patients. Prior studies have shown that patients with psychiatric illnesses do prefer to be involved in SDM [4]. In addition, there is increasing evidence that SDM has improved overall care provided to patients with psychiatric illnesses [5]. For instance, a randomized study proved that SDM played major role in improving the 2-year outcome in schizophrenic patients by augmenting social recovery and by providing opportunity for individual empowerment in health care decision making as compared with control group [6]. In addition, involving patients in SDM is an important ethical responsibility for health care providers and should be offered to all subsets of patients, regardless of their presenting complaints and settingsof care.Moreoften thannot, theEDremains thepatient'sfirst interface with a health care provider. Physicians in the ED should take this opportunity to embark on the process of patient-centered care using SDM tools. Therefore,webelieve that anattempt shouldbemade to includeall patients in SDM regardless of the (psychologic condition) presenting to the ED.
A method for the optimization of a CMOS driven, center tap terminated (CTT) network in a shared bus design

In this paper, a theoretical method is described for the optimization of a CMOS driven, center tap terminated network. This method is verified by circuit simulations. In the simulations, we have assumed a 70 ohm characteristic impedance of the board interconnects and at the same time, n number of various loads connected at different points on that line. Each of these loads has some stub length that can vary from 1.0 inch to 1.5 inch depending on the packaging technology. The above example is a shared bus situation. This method will also work on other topologies as long as the effective characteristic impedance of that topology is less than Zmin, where Zmin is the minimum characteristic impedance that the CMOS driver can support for a given noise criteria. >
A formulation of stability for spacecraft formations

A formulation of stability for a set of spacecraft in formation flight is presented. First, a formation is defined in a precise mathematical form in terms of control interactions. Then, stability is formulated based on input-to-output stability with respect to a partitioning of the formation dynamics. This formulation of stability is shown to be useful in characterizing disturbance propagation in the formation as a function of the partition interconnection topology, and also in analyzing the robustness of sensing, communication, and control topologies. Stability results are presented for hierarchical, cyclic, and disturbance attenuating formations.
Distinguishing Blocking From Attenuation in Visual Selective Attention

Sensory information must be processed selectively in order to represent the world and guide behavior. How does such selection occur? Here we consider two alternative classes of selection mechanisms: In blocking, unattended stimuli are blocked entirely from access to downstream processes, and in attenuation, unattended stimuli are reduced in strength but if strong enough can still access downstream processes. Existing evidence as to whether blocking or attenuation is a more accurate model of human performance is mixed. Capitalizing on a general distinction between blocking and attenuation—blocking cannot be overcome by strong stimuli, whereas attenuation can—we measured how attention interacted with the strength of stimuli in two spatial selection paradigms, spatial filtering and spatial monitoring. The evidence was consistent with blocking for the filtering paradigm and with attenuation for the monitoring paradigm. This approach provides a general measure of the fate of unattended stimuli.
Missile trajectory optimization using a modified ant colony algorithm

A modified ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm is applied to a single-stage solid missile design problem involving six degrees of freeedom (6-DOF) flight trajectory modeling. A local search procedure is also integrated with the algorithm, adding a search intensification ability that compliments the ability of ACO to thoroughly explore a solution space. The goal of this work is to evaluate the effectiveness of the ant colony optimization scheme by comparing its solution output quality with those of other, well-known optimization methods. Performance is based on solution “fitness”, or how closely each solution matches a specific set of performance objectives, as well as the number of calls to the objective function that are required in order to reach that solution. Additionally, an important performance criterion is to determine each algorithm0s capabilities of finding, not only a single quality solution to a design problem, but also a diverse set of additional, near-optimal solutions. The results of this study demonstrate that the modified ACO algorithm is a viable candidate as a high-performance optimization method, while the added local search method may or may not be a worthwile addition for the attempted optimization problem.
APOA5 genotype modulates 2-y changes in lipid profile in response to weight-loss diet intervention: the Pounds Lost Trial

Background: The apolipoprotein A5 gene (APOA5) is a major gene that regulates lipid metabolism and is modulated by dietary factors. A novel variant rs964184 in APOA5 was identified to be associated with lipids in genome-wide association studies. Objective: We examined whether this variant modified changes in lipid concentrations in response to a 2-y weight-loss diet intervention in a randomized trial. Design: The current analyses were secondary analyses of a data set from the Pounds Lost Trial. We genotyped APOA5 rs964184 in 734 overweight or obese adults who were randomly assigned to one of 4 diets that differed in percentages of energy derived from fat, protein, and carbohydrate for 2 y. We evaluated changes in fasting serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride from baseline to 2 y of follow-up. Results: After a 2-y dietary intervention, we showed significant interactions between the APOA5 rs964184 polymorphism and dietary fat intake (low compared with high) in the determination of changes in TC, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol (P-interaction = 0.007, 0.017, and 0.006, respectively). In the low-fat intake group (20% of energy derived from fat), carriers of the risk allele (G allele) exhibited greater reductions in TC and LDL cholesterol than did noncarriers (P = 0.036 and 0.039, respectively), whereas in the high-fat diet group (40% of energy derived from fat), participants with the G allele had a greater increase in HDL cholesterol than did participants without this allele (P = 0.038). Conclusion: Our data showed better improvement in lipid profiles from long-term low-fat diet intake in the APOA5 rs964184 risk allele. The Pounds Lost Trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT00072995","term_id":"NCT00072995"}}NCT00072995.
Effect of Wet and Dry Heat on Structure of Cellulose

SUMMARY Heating of cellulose (purified cotton and cuprammonium-regenerated cellulose) under nitrogen in the presence of liquid water at 100° and at 150°C brought about a small amount of hydrolysis and some dehydration, the extent of which was directly proportional to the temperature. Heating in the absence of water caused a much greater amount of hydrolysis and dehydration, which was particularly marked at the higher temperature. Heating affects the amorphous regions of cellulose more than the crystalline regions; hence changes are more evident in the less crystalline regenerated cellulose than in purified cotton cellulose.
Detecting differential gene expression with a semiparametric hierarchical mixture method

SUMMARY Mixture modeling provides an effective approach to the differential expression problem in microarray data analysis. Methods based on fully parametric mixture models are available, but lack of fit in some examples indicates that more flexible models may be beneficial. Existing, more flexible, mixture models work at the level of one-dimensional gene-specific summary statistics, and so when there are relatively few measurements per gene these methods may not provide sensitive detectors of differential expression. We propose a hierarchical mixture model to provide methodology that is both sensitive in detecting differential expression and sufficiently flexible to account for the complex variability of normalized microarray data. EM-based algorithms are used to fit both parametric and semiparametric versions of the model. We restrict attention to the two-sample comparison problem; an experiment involving Affymetrix microarrays and yeast translation provides the motivating case study. Gene-specific posterior probabilities of differential expression form the basis of statistical inference; they define short gene lists and false discovery rates. Compared to several competing methodologies, the proposed methodology exhibits good operating characteristics in a simulation study, on the analysis of spike-in data, and in a cross-validation calculation.
Minimal order Wiener filter for a linear system with exact measurements

Formulas are derived for the minimal order Wiener filter for both a continuous and discrete detectable system when some measurements are noiseless and when such a filter exists. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of an optimal steady-state state estimator are derived under the assumption that this estimator is a linear functional of the measurements and a finite number of derivatives of the exact measurements for the continuous system. For the discrete time system, the estimator is a linear functional of the measurements and a finite number of time delays of the exact measurements. Our conditions are shown to be dual to the generalized Legendre-Clebsch conditions of the dual optimal singular regulator. It is shown that as all process and measurement noise vanishes the error covariance of our filter converges to a null matrix. A separation principle is derived.