cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuromechanical Simulation of Hand Pronation and Supination Task in Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a prevalent and debilitating neurological disorder, where the severity of motor symptoms are frequently monitored using clinical tests that include a hand pronation and supination task. Objective quantification of motor symptoms in persons with Parkinson’s disease and detection of dopamine-induced dyskinesias during treatment is important for the management of the most common symptoms in persons with Parkinson’s disease. Thus, the development of a neuromechanical model of rhythmic hand pronation and supination may further our understanding of the mechanisms underlying motor symptoms during rhythmic upper extremity tasks in persons with Parkinson’s disease. The aim of this study was to create a model for a rhythmic hand pronation and supination task. This was done to create a simulation of a popular diagnostic task used in determining the severity of motor impairments in persons with Parkinson’s disease. It is imperative to understand the neural dynamics as well as the physiological constraints placed on a system such as this in both the creation of a usable model as well as understanding the neuromechanical interactions occurring during this diagnostic task. This model of either normal or slowed, clinical behavior, can then serve as a springboard for the creation of models that characterize disordered motor movement and perhaps even the creation of models that could be incorporated into the diagnostic process.
Systems Engineering for ASPIRE: A Low-Cost, High Risk Parachute Test Project

The Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research Experiment (ASPIRE)managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has developed a sounding rocket test architecture to test a strengthened parachute for JPL's Mars 2020 Rover. Categorized as a sub-orbital sounding rocket mission, the program is more risk tolerant than a typical JPL flight mission; thus more leeway is allowed in tailoring institutional requirements. However, since ASPIRE is a risk reduction activity for Mars 2020, its test results are significant to JPL and directly impact decisions for a flagship planetary mission. This, combined with the wide scope and complexity of ASPIRE - which spans multiple NASA sites, and includes distinct flight, ground, launch vehicle, and mission systems – creates unique programmatic challenges. Furthermore, as a program composed of multiple test missions, it is possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the systems engineering approach between launches. As a result, the project has developed an adapted version of typical systems engineering functions such as verification and validation (V&V), resource management, risk management, engineering change requests, and lifecycle management. A set of project guidelines has been established to accommodate the small team size, low budget, and higher risk posture of the project while also maintaining the highest possible chance of mission success and quality of engineering data products. This paper describes ASPIRE's unique approach to systems engineering functions, and evaluates successes and lessons learned.
Cryogenic packaging of an optomechanical crystal

There is an increasing need to simplify optical coupling techniques for low-temperature integrated photonics experiments. Various promising and scalable photonic packaging techniques have been under development, but few methods compatible with low-temperature operation have been reported. Here, we demonstrate 25% coupling efficiency from an optical fiber to a silicon optomechanical crystal at 7 mK in a dilution refrigerator without in-situ optical alignment at cryogenic temperatures. Our coupling scheme uses angle-polished fibers glued to the surface of the chip. The technique paves the way for scalable integration of optical technologies at low temperatures, circumventing the need for optical alignment in a highly constrained cryogenic environment. The technique is broadly applicable to studies of low-temperature optical physics and to emerging quantum photonic technologies.
Skin Lesion Classification Using GAN based Data Augmentation

Early detection and frequent monitoring are critical for survival of skin cancer patients. Unfortunately, in practice a significant number of cases remain undetected until advanced stages, reducing the chances of survival. An appealing approach for early detection is to employ automated classification of dermoscopic images acquired via low-cost, smartphone-based hardware. By far, the most successful classification approaches on this task are based on deep learning. Unfortunately, most medical image classification tasks are unable to leverage the true potential of deep learning due to limited sizes of training datasets. Investigation of novel data generation techniques is thus an appealing option since it can enable us to augment our training data by a large number of synthetically generated examples. In this work, we investigate the possibility of obtaining realistic looking dermoscopic images via generative adversarial networks (GANs). These images are then employed to augment our existing training set in an effort to enhance the performance of a deep convolutional neural network on the skin lesion classification task. Results are compared with conventional data augmentation strategies and demonstrate that GAN based augmentation delivers significant performance gains.
The history and current status of medical genetics and genomics system in the United States

医学遗传学与基因组学(Medical Genetics and Genomics)是临床医学的一个最新分支，主要研究人类遗传性疾病的病因、诊断和诊治。医学遗传和遗传组学体系的发展在美国已有近60年的历史并相对完善。本文就其发展历史和现状做一综述。
Design and application of a portable luminometer for bioluminescence detection

The silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) for low light detection has many advantages when compared to existing photon counting detectors, such as high sensitivity, low cost, robustness, and compact hardware. To facilitate the use of SiPM as a portable, field deployable device, an electrical circuit was designed consisting of an amplifier, comparator, and microcontroller. In addition, a 3D printing was used to create a portable cradle for housing the SiPM. To evaluate its detection ability, a laser experiment and bioluminescent experiments, including Pseudomonas fluorescens M3A detection, E. coli O157:H7 PhiV10nluc lysogen detection, and a luminescence-based detection of E. coli O157:H7 in ground meat using the engineered luminescent-based reporter phage PhiV10nluc, were conducted. In the same experimental setting, our previously developed smartphone-based luminometer called the bioluminescent-based analyte quantitation by smartphone and a conventional photomultiplier tube-based benchtop luminometer were used to compare detection levels and applicability for supporting luminescent phage-based pathogen detection. Results showed that the SiPM provides better performance in terms of time to detection and SNR and could be used as the light detection component of the PhiV10nluc phage-based detection format.
1,N6-Ethenoadenine: From Molecular to Biological Consequences†.

Genomic DNA is chemically reactive and therefore susceptible to damage by many exogenous and endogenous sources. Lesions produced from these damaging events can have various mutagenic and genotoxic consequences. This Perspective follows the journey of one particular lesion, 1,N6-ethenoadenine (eA), from its formation to replication and repair, and its role in cancerous tissues and inflammatory diseases. eA is generated by the reaction of adenine (A) with vinyl chloride or lipid peroxidation products. We present the miscoding properties of eA with an emphasis on how bacterial and mammalian cells can process lesions differently, leading to varied mutational spectra. But with information from these assays, we can better understand how the miscoding properties of eA lead to biological consequences and how genomic stability can be maintained via DNA repair mechanisms. We discuss how base excision repair (BER) and direct reversal repair (DRR) can minimize the biological consequences of eA lesions. Kinetic parameters of glycosylases and AlkB family enzymes are described, along with a discussion of the relative contributions of the BER and DRR pathways in the repair of eA. Because eukaryotic DNA is packaged in chromatin, we also discuss the impact of this packaging on BER and DRR, specifically in regards to repair of eA. Studying DNA lesions like eA in this context, from origin to biological implications, can provide crucial information to better understand prevention of mutagenesis and cancer.
Ouroboros Spaces: An Intuitive Approach to Self-Referential Functional Analysis with Applications to Probability Theory.

In this paper, we aim to introduce the concept of the Ouroboros space and the complimentary concept of the Ouroboros function by using the Ouroboros equation [1] as our starting point. We start with a few univariate definitions, and then move on to multivariate definitions. We contextualize and motivate these concepts with a few examples. Then, we discuss a few aspects from probability theory that are relevant to the idea of an Ouroboros space, eventually proving two critical theorems. We briefly introduce the case of mixed domains, and summarize our findings, while emphasizing the importance of self-referential functions.
MMPs in tissues retrieved during surgery from patients with TMJ disorders relate to pain more than to radiological damage score.

Orofacial pain is among the most common chronic pain conditions and can result from temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) drive degeneration of TMJ tissues and likely mediate pain in TMJ disorders given their role in nociception. However, few studies have assessed MMPs in the TMJ innervated tissues nor in the context of pain. This study defined the extent of MMP-1, MMP-9, and MMP-2 in TMJ tissues from patients undergoing total joint replacement (TJR) or arthroplasty discectomy for painful TMJ disorders. Protein expression was probed by Western blot in TMJ disc and capsular ligaments taken during TJR (n=6) or discectomy (n=3) for osteoarthritis or internal derangement in an IRB-approved study. Pro- and active MMP-1, active MMP-9, and pro- and active MMP-2 are detectable. MMP-1 and MMP-9 correlate positively to each other (Kendall's τ=0.63; p=0.01), strengthening the hypothesis that they are mechanistically related in regulatory cascades. Active MMP-1 and active MMP-9 correlate positively with self-reported pain scores (τ≥0.51; p≤0.04) suggesting their involvement in peripheral nociception. Overall, neither MMPs nor pain correlate with functional vertical opening of the jaw. MMP-1 varies with the observed stage of degeneration during surgery (p=0.04). Neither overall MMPs nor pain correlate with the overall MRI scores, corroborating the longstanding, but confounding, clinical observation that pain and radiological evidence of joint damage are not always related. Clinical significance: These findings suggest that MMPs mediate pain in innervated soft tissues and may be targets for diagnosing disease stage and treatments in painful TMJ disorders. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
DÉJÀ VU ALL OVER AGAIN: ON THE DISMAL PROSPECTS FOR THE FEDERAL BUDGET

This paper provides new estimates of the federal budget outlook over 10-year and long-term horizons under three sets of assumptions: the Congressional Budget Office baseline, which assumes no changes in current law; an extended policy scenario, in which it is assumed that future Congresses act more or less like previous Congresses in extending expiring provisions; and the Administration budget.
Barriers to housing in a grass-roots support group of individuals experiencing housing instability and homelessness

Secure housing remains unattainable for many experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Research on models like housing first and consumer choice offer options for the chronically homeless, ...
Clinical Outcomes of Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disease (PTLD): Role of Radiation Therapy in Improvement of Disease Response.

Purpose/Objective(s) Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a rare disease complicating solid organ transplantation (SOT) and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Management of PTLD includes immunosuppression reduction, systemic therapy, surgery and radiation therapy (RT). Data regarding the efficacy and outcomes of radiation therapy in treatment of PTLD is limited. Here, we report our institution's experience with the treatment of PTLD including RT outcomes. Materials/Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients with biopsy proven PTLD who were treated at our institution. After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, patient demographics, disease characteristics, treatment modalities and follow-up data were recorded. Disease response before and after RT use was assessed per response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) 1.1 including complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan Meier method. Cox Proportional Hazards models were utilized to determine variables associated with OS. Results We identified and reviewed medical records of 48 patients with PTLD. Median follow up was 38 months. The median age was 58 (range:10-81). The majority were white (79%) and male (56%). 50% of the cohort were SOT recipients, 44% were HCT recipients and 6% underwent combined transplants. The most common site of PTLD was CNS (29%). Monomorphic PTLD was the most common histological type with EBV positivity in 75% of patients. Median time from SOT-to-PTLD was 77 months (range:5-322) and HCT-to-PTLD was 5 months (range: 2-46). Systemic therapy was the most commonly used modality in 92% of patients. The most commonly used regimen was Rituximab monotherapy. Surgery was employed in 10% of patients. RT was utilized after induction therapy in 37.5%. The most common treated site was the brain (61%). Overall response of the entire cohort was 87% (58% CR and 29% PR), 6% achieved SD and 7% had PD. Among the RT cohort, 55% achieved CR, 33% achieved PR and 12% had SD. Local control rate was 100%. Of 21 patients who did not respond completely to induction therapy, 6 patients with initial PR achieved CR, 1 patient with initial SD achieved CR, 1 patient with initial PD achieved CR, and 2 patients with initial PD achieved PR and SD, respectively, after RT receipt. The median RT dose was 3,600 cGy (range: 2400-4600). 3- and 5-year PFS were 90% and 85%, respectively, while 3- and 5-year OS were 70% and 55%, respectively. Cox hazards modeling confirmed that HCT receipt was associated with better OS on multivariate analysis (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.008- 0.671, P = 0.007). Conclusion RT provides excellent local control and improves overall disease response of PTLD. Further optimization and standardization of combined modality paradigms are needed to improve clinical outcomes of this rare entity.
Comprehensive Clinical Wound Evaluation

Pressure ulcers are skin lesions caused by unrelieved pressure or other forces resulting in damage to the underlying tissue. Usually, pressure ulcers are located over a boney prominence of the body. Pressure ulcers can be staged according to the extent of tissue damage. The staging was proposed by Shea in 1975 [1] and the Wound Ostomy Society (International Association of Enterostomal Therapy) in 1988, and was finally agreed upon in 1989 by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, United States.
Gaps in the gaze: Informatic practice and the work of public health surveillance

Many works that may be situated within the interdisciplinary field of Surveillance Studies have described dangerous potentialities associated with the pervasive, IT-mediated merger of once discrete data sets. In effect, these works cautioned about the rise of “big data” before it was named as such. Even so, they share an uncomfortable consonance with euphoric claims about the revolutionary transformation portended by big data. Situating both euphoric and critical accounts of the IT-mediated gaze within a larger informatic ethos — a spirit in the Weberian sense of this term, defined above all by its concealment of the labor that makes IT work — this article argues that discourse on the data-driven, information revolution must be supplemented by a more modest discourse empirically rooted in the everyday, pragmatic realities of IT. Where it departs from well-established social scientific analyses of IT, however, is in its development of a novel concept: informatic practice. Informatic practice may be defined as the sum of labor or activity that materializes information, including, for instance, such mundane activities as data entry. To empirically illustrate some complexities associated with informatic practice, this article discusses process challenges associated with the implementation of a large-scale (or “big”), regionally interconnected public health information system in Ontario, Canada. Informed by science and technology studies (STS) and actor-network theory (ANT), it uses documentary evidence and interviews with 38 key informants to describe informatic practice and to illustrate the mutations—the natural change—introduced into the IT-mediated gaze by everyday, material practices. This complicates both critical and euphoric claims about big data.
Battered Woman Syndrome in the Courts

The definition, validity, and applicability of the Battered Woman Syndrome to legal cases were reviewed to determine the current status and meaningfulness of this concept for battered women's cases. In light of definitional problems and research investigating factors considered markers of this syndrome, the Battered Woman Syndrome appears unsupportable as a true syndrome or as a well-defined and validated concept. The usefulness of this syndrome for court cases is considered along the following issues: problems with syndrome evidence in general, problems with placing this syndrome within the context of legal defenses of justification vs. excuse, problems with clarifying the uses of and purposes for the syndrome in these cases, and potential negative effects of introducing the Battered Woman Syndrome as it currently is conceptualized. The article addresses whether applying Battered Woman Syndrome to battered women defendants is a questionable practice both in terms of its validity and its direct links to legal concepts. While commentators generally conclude that the Battered Woman Syndrome is not a valid or useful concept, research data concerning battered women is still potentially applicable to inform aspects of battered women's cases. Examples of the usefulness of research about battered women for court cases are given. Ideas for assessment of battered women in reference to mental status issues in these cases were provided. Keywords: battered woman syndrome; battered women defendants; domestic violence; forensic evaluations; syndrome evidence
Electronic digital computers

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the functions an automatic digital computer should perform. The focus is on Whirlwind and SEAC computers. An automatic digital computer should perform five functions— namely, an input, an arithmetic organ, a control organ, a storage organ (or memory), and an output from the system. The Whirlwind flip-flop is basically the familiar Eccles- Jordan circuit. The features are that the cathodes of both tubes are connected and returned to ground by means of a resistor, which permits triggering by a positive pulse in the cathode circuit, and the cross-over resistors have condensers connected parallel to them to improve switching speed. Negative grid inputs also provide triggering action. Cathode triggering is used in the “restoration” process. Grid triggering is used for two purposes: to clear the flip-flop to a specified state and to transmit information to it. In SEAC, logical operations are performed by crystal diodes in various combinations, while beampower tubes with pulse transformers in the output circuit are essentially used only to supply power. The usual output signal amplitude is 18 v and up t o 120 ma can be delivered safely to the load, 5:1 and 7:1 step-down ratios being used in the pulse transformers.
ON MULTIPLIERS OF DIFFERENCE SETS.

Abstract : Let D be an Abelian difference set v,k, lambda with k-lambda = n = 2n sub 1, n sub 1 odd. For every prime divisor of q of n sub 1 let t be identically equal to q(superscript (f sub q)) (v). If n > lambda, (n sub 1, lambda) = 1 then t is multiplier of D. Necessary conditions are given for the existence of a difference set with v = 9 q squared -2, k = 6 q squared -2, lambda = 4 q squared -2.
Recent progress in parallel stochastic approximations

Parallel recursive algorithms of stochastic approximation type are discussed. The basic idea is to utilize a collection of parallel processors in lieu of using a single one alone as in the classical algorithms. The processors compute and communicate with each other asynchronously. By asynchronous implementations, we mean that each processor updates on its own pace, and uses the most recently received information from other processors. Several procedures are dealt with. These include distributed communicating schemes via convexifications, parallel algorithms with interacting processors and renewal type of computation times, and real time implementable procedures with pipeline arrangements. It appears that from the closed connection between real world applications and mathematical theories, the study of parallel stochastic approximation methods gains not only much of its special appeal, but also much of its intrinsic tension. The main emphasis and interest are the asymptotic properties of the algorithms. The parallel interacting algorithm and its variation are used as representatives for illustrating various limiting results. Convergence and rate of convergence issues are addressed, and robustness analysis is carried out.
Models for orthopyroxene–plagioclase and other corona reactions in metanorites, Dahomeyide orogen, West Africa

Coronal reaction textures occur in metanorite and related intrusions in the Pan-African Dahomeyide orogen of West Africa; they apparently formed by retrograde subsolidus reactions during cooling of the intrusions from 900 to 700 °C at c. 9±1 kbar. The coronas that formed around orthopyroxene (Opx) consist of sequential layers of diopside (Dio), hornblende (Hbl), garnet (Grt) and plagioclase (Pl) with inclusions of kyanite (Ky) or sillimanite (Sil). Three well-organized mineral assemblage sequences have been identified and modelled using steady-state diffusion theory for closed and open systems. The mineral sequence Opx|Hbl+Qtz|Hbl|Pl+Ky, formed by diffusion-controlled reactions in a closed system as layer thicknesses are very sensitive to relative component mobilities defined by Onsager diffusion coefficient (Lii). Models of this corona (type i) that satisfy modes require LCaCa≥LMgMg≥LFeFe>LAlAl∼LSiSi ; however, small open-system fluxes involving loss of Al and gain of Ca are required to obtain the best fit between model and observed mineral proportions. Under steady-state diffusion, the monomineralic hornblende layer grew by replacing plagioclase whereas the |Hbl+Qtz| grew by Opx replacement. The type ii corona, which consists of the sequence Opx|Dio|Grt+Dio|Pl+Sil, is also stable under steady-state diffusion in a closed system. Modelling results show that the diopside grew by replacing Opx whereas most of Grt+Dio grew by replacing plagioclase. Stable solutions to the closed-system diffusion model that approximate the mode are restricted to the L-ratio regions where Fe, Mg and Ca are more mobile than Si and Al but are unstable when LAlAl>100 LSiSi . However, type ii corona mineral proportions were only closely matched when open-system loss of Al and gain of small amounts of Fewere considered in the diffusion models and relative mobilities were LFeFe≥LCaCa≥LMgMg>LAlAl∼LSiSi . The modelling results indicate that Ca and Mg were the most mobile elements in the formation of type i corona whereas Fe and Ca were the most mobile components in the growth of type ii coronas. A third corona type, consisting of the mineral sequence Act|Hbl|Grt|Pl+Sil, is only stable in open systems and requires large external fluxes involving gain of Fe, Al, Mg and Na and loss of Ca to obtain a solution of the diffusion model that approximates the estimated mineral proportions. Extensive recrystallization of plagioclase to produce sillimanite or kyanite inclusions accompanying corona formation may explain the open-system behaviour indicated by the diffusion models.
On Possibilistic Automata

General automata are considered with respect to normalization over semirings. Possibilistic automata are defined as normal pessimistic fuzzy automata. Possibilistic automata are analogous to stochastic automata where stochastic (+/×) semirings are replaced by possibilistic (∨/∧) semirings; but where stochastic automata must be normal, fuzzy automata may be (resulting in possibilistic automata) or may not be (resulting in fuzzy automata proper). While possibilistic automata are direct generalizations of nondeterministic automata, stochastic automata are not. Some properties of possibilistic automata are considered, and the identity of possibilistic automata strongly consistent with stochastic automata is shown.
INFLUENCE OF BILIARY STASIS ON THE ACTIVITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF MALTASE, SUCRASE, ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE, AND LEUCYLNAPHTHYLAMIDASE IN THE SMALL INTESTINE OF THE MOUSE

Ligation of the common bile duct results in loss of the type of alkaline phosphatase peculiar to duodenum in the mouse, but activity increases in jejunum and ileum. Leucylnaphthylamidase activity decreases slightly in duodenum and jejunum. Sucrase and maltase increase, substantially everywhere except in the most proximal part of the duodenum. Despite the fact that biliary stasis leads to loss of intestinal weight, total sucrase and maltase activities are higher than in the heavier intestines of sham-operated control mice.
Advanced Multifrequency Eddy-Current System for Steam-Generator Inspection

A research project conducted for the Electric Power Research Institute has resulted in substantial improvements in the assessment of steam-generator integrity. The objective of the work was to determine the maximum advantage of multifrequency methods for the inspection of steam generators. Advanced multifrequency technology has been developed under the program and has been implemented into a prototype system that uses both differential and absolute data simultaneously from four test frequencies. Multiparameter processing of the data results in very effective elimination of unwanted parameters such as support plates, probe wobble, dents, and other dimensional variations. The information of interest, flaw depth, is preserved in this process and is no longer masked or altered by the unwanted data. The availability of both differential and absolute multifrequency data significantly extends the range and accuracy of the flaw-sizing process, and enables the profiles or contours of larger volume flaws to be obtained.
GENERALIZED WAVE DIFFRACTION DIAGRAMS

Wave diffraction is the phenomenon in which water waves are propagated into a sheltered region formed by a breakwater or similar barrier which interrupts a portion of a regular wave train (Fig. 1). The principles of diffraction have considerable practical application in connection with the design of breakwaters as discussed by Dunham (1951) at the Long Beach Conference. The phenomenon is analogous to the diffraction of light, sound, and electromagnetic waves. Two general types of diffraction problems usually are encountered: one, the passage of waves around the end of a semi-infinite impermeable breakwater (Putnam and Arthur, 1948), and, second, the passage of waves through a gap in a breakwater (Blue and Johnson, 1949t Carr and Stelzriede, 1951). In general, the theoretical solutions have been found to apply with conservative results, that is, the predicted wave heights in the lee of a breakwater are found to be slightly larger than the height of waves that may be expected under actual conditions. The use of the diffraction theory in breakwater design is made convenient when summarized in the form of diagrams with curves of equal values of diffraction coefficients on a coordinate system in which the origin of the Bystem is at the tip of a single breakwater (Figs. 2a-2b, and 3) or at the center of a gap (Figs. 2c, and 4-6). The diffraction coefficient in this instance is defined as the ratio of the diffracted wave height to the incident wave height and usually is designated by the symbol K». The procedure in preparing diffraction diagrams appears elsewhere (Johnson, 1950). The purpose of this paper is to present diffraction diagrams to supplement the material of Dunham (1951). For complete details on the application of diffraction diagrams to typical harbor problems the reader is referred to this latter paper.
Carcinogenicity and mutagenicity of heterocyclic amines in transgenic mouse models.

Double transgenic mice bearing fusion genes consisting of mouse albumin enhancer/promoter-mouse c–myc cDNA and mouse metallothionein1 promoter-human TGFα cDNA were generated to investigate the interaction of these genes in hepatic oncogenesis and to provide a general paradigm for characterizing both the interaction of nuclear oncogenes and growth factors in tumorigenesis. In addition, these mice provide an experimental model to test how environmental chemicals might interact with the c–myc and TGFα transgenes during the neoplastic process. Treatment of the double transgenic mice with both genotoxic agents such as diethylnitrosamine and 2-amino-3-methylimidazo-[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) as well as the tumor promoter phenobarbital greatly accelerated the neoplastic process. To investigate the role of mutagenesis in the carcinogenic process, 2-amino-3,8-dimethyl-imidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) induced mutagenesis and hepatocarcinogenicity was examined in C57BL/lacZ (MutaTMMice) and double transgenic c–myc/lacZ mice that carry the lacZ mutation reporter gene. The MelQx hepatocarcinogenicity was associated with an increase in in vivo mutagenicity as scored by mutations in the lacZ reporter gene. These results suggest that transgenic mouse models may provide important tools for testing both the carcinogenic potential of environmental chemicals and the interaction/cooperation of these compounds with specific genes during the neoplastic process.
Time of replication of yeast centromeres and telomeres

The time of replication of centromeres and telomeres of the yeast S. cerevisiae was determined by performing Meselson-Stahl experiments with synchronized cells. The nine centromeres examined become hybrid in density early in S phase, eliminating the possibility that a delay in the replication of centromeres until mitosis is responsible for sister chromatid adherence and proper chromosome segregation at anaphase. The conserved sequence element Y', present at most telomeres, replicates late in S phase, as do the unique sequences adjacent to five specific telomeres. The early and late replication times of these structural elements may be either essential for their proper function or a consequence of some architectural feature of the chromosome.
The changing face of knowledge

A change is occurring in how people think about who in the organization has credible and valuable knowledge that the organization can use to solve its difficult problems. This shift is a movement away from the idea that knowledge is found only in a select group of experts or “best” practitioners and toward the idea that useful knowledge is distributed throughout the whole of an organization. Knowledge‐sharing systems at Ford, British Petroleum and Lockheed‐Martin reflect this change.
Predicting subjective judgment of best focus with objective image quality metrics.

PURPOSE To determine the impact of higher-order monochromatic aberrations on lower-order subjective sphero-cylindrical refractions. METHODS Computationally-aberrated, monochromatic Sloan letters were presented on a high luminance display that was viewed by an observer through a 2.5mm pupil. Through-focus visual acuity (VA) was determined in the presence of spherical aberration (Z40) at three levels (0.10, 0.21 and 0.50D). Analogous through-astigmatism experiments measured visual acuity in the presence of secondary astigmatism (Z4+/-2) or coma (Z3-1). Measured visual acuity was correlated with 31 different metrics of image quality to determine which metric best predicts performance for degraded retinal images. The defocus and astigmatism levels that optimized each metric were compared with those that produced best visual acuity to determine which metric best predicts subjective refraction. RESULTS Spherical aberration, coma and secondary astigmatism all reduced VA and increased depth of focus. The levels of defocus and primary astigmatism that produced the best performance varied with levels of spherical aberration and secondary astigmatism, respectively. The presence of coma, however, did not affect cylindrical refraction. Image plane metrics, especially those that take into account the neural contrast sensitivity threshold (e.g. the visual Strehl ratio, VSOTF), are good predictors of visual acuity in both the through-focus and through-astigmatism experiments (R = -0.822 for VSOTF). Subjective sphero-cylindrical refractions were accurately predicted by some image-quality metrics (e.g., pupil fraction, VSOTF and standard deviation of PSF light distribution). CONCLUSION Subjective judgment of best focus does not minimize RMS wavefront error (Zernike defocus = 0), nor create paraxial focus (Seidel defocus = 0), but makes the retina conjugate to a plane between these two. It is possible to precisely predict subjective sphero-cylindrical refraction for monochromatic light using objective metrics.
Large cardiac registries: the path to higher quality and lower cost in our healthcare system.

This observer agrees with Stanford economist Victor Fuchs that the 3 major reasons to undertake systematic reform of the US healthcare system are (1) to provide coverage for the uninsured, (2) to correct significant lapses in quality, and (3) to control the high and rapidly increasing cost of care.1 The “how to” for achieving each of these objectives is clear. It merely requires defining who is to be covered under universal coverage, insisting that we have “effective care,” and deciding the best way to achieve payment reform. On the other hand, the devil is in the details, as became abundantly clear during this past year of congressional debate before the passing of the Patient Protection and Affordability Act. Of the 3 issues cited, coverage is the most clearly addressed in this legislation, although, as it now stands, some millions of uninsured will still remain. The other 2 issues, quality and cost of care, appear the most threatening. Michael Chernow of the Harvard Department of Health Care Policy, in discussing the increasingly larger annual deficits ($1.3 trillion dollars in 2010) and their resultant debt burden ($8.8 trillion at the end of 2010), representing 60% of the gross domestic product, underscores how unsustainable these figures are and cautions that the result will be a financial Armageddon.2 Accordingly, it is imperative that we members of the cardiovascular community provide workable solutions to improve quality and reduce the cost of care because, if we fail, it will bankrupt us. Article see p 2635 In this regard, and equally pertinent to the “devilish details” accompanying health reform law (PL 111–148; PL 111–152), is an informative article published in this issue of Circulation by Hannan and colleagues.3 This “tale of two cities” examines differences in utilization rates, practice patterns, and facilities available for …
Repeat hospitalization and mortality in older adult burn patients

The aim of this study was to examine 2-year postdischarge outcomes-including hospital readmissions, complications, and mortality-for a cohort of older adults with burn injury. In a statewide hospital discharge database, we identified all patients ≥ 45 years of age admitted for acute burn injury from 1996 to 2005 and followed each patient for any hospital admissions 2 years following discharge. We then linked the state database to the National Death Index to identify patients who died within the 2-year period. Kaplan-Meier survival functions estimated proportion of patients who died or were readmitted. Logistic regression was used to estimate mortality risk at 2 years for each age group. A total of 2573 patients were admitted with burn injuries, and 2388 (93%) survived to discharge. Of all index patients, 1077 (45%) had at least one rehospitalization, with those in the older age groups having more rehospitalizations. Of patients rehospitalized within 30 days, 25% were admitted for wound coverage or burn infection, 14% for rehabilitation, 10% for sepsis, and 9% for psychiatric reasons. Compared to those discharged home, more patients discharged to nursing facilities had ≥1 rehospitalization (71.5 vs 31.5%, P Language: en
Inhibition of growth hormone action improves insulin sensitivity in liver IGF-1–deficient mice

Liver IGF-1-deficient (LID) mice have a 75% reduction in circulating IGF-1 levels and, as a result, a fourfold increase in growth hormone (GH) secretion. To block GH action, LID mice were crossed with GH antagonist (GHa) transgenic mice. Inactivation of GH action in the resulting LID + GHa mice led to decreased blood glucose and insulin levels and improved peripheral insulin sensitivity. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp studies showed that LID mice exhibit severe insulin resistance. In contrast, expression of the GH antagonist transgene in LID + GHa mice led to enhanced insulin sensitivity and increased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in muscle and white adipose tissue. Interestingly, LID + GHa mice exhibit a twofold increase in white adipose tissue mass, as well as increased levels of serum-free fatty acids and triglycerides, but no increase in the triglyceride content of liver and muscle. In conclusion, these results show that despite low levels of circulating IGF-1, insulin sensitivity in LID mice could be improved by inactivating GH action, suggesting that chronic elevation of GH levels plays a major role in insulin resistance. These results suggest that IGF-1 plays a role in maintaining a fine balance between GH and insulin to promote normal carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
A reexamination of stability in randomly varying versus deterministic environments with comments on the stochastic theory of limiting similarity.

Abstract The focus of this paper is a general relationship proposed by May ( Amer. Natur. 107 (1973)) between the stability properties of stochastic models incorporating environmental variation and the stability properties of the deterministic models from which they are derived. The concepts of stochastic stability underlying this conjectured relationship are discussed and compared to the standard definitions of deterministic stability as well as alternative criteria for stability in stochastic models. It is shown by example that May's qualitative stability criterion does not ensure stability in any sense unless restrictive conditions on the form of the model are satisfied. Even under these conditions, the criterion, which is based on linearization, generally provides information only about the local dynamics of multispecies models. The applicability of such information to stochastic limiting similarity theory is discussed and alternative methods of analysis are proposed.
Genetics of childhood disorders: XXXII. Autoimmune disorders, part 5: streptococcal infection and autoimmunity, an epidemiological perspective.

There is increasing recognition that microbial infections are important contributors to a wide range of chronic conditions. Peptic ulcer disease may be due to the bacterium Helicobacter pylori rather than to emotional stress and diet. For years the conventional wisdom had been that no microbe could survive the acidic conditions of the stomach. Until recently the blood-brain barrier was considered impenetrable to plasma proteins, such as antibody and complement. Now it is purported that several neuropsychiatric disorders of childhood are rooted in a microbetriggered autoimmune response. Clearly, a contributing role for microbial infections in chronic diseases of the CNS needs to be reassessed. Inflammation, sometimes accompanied by a specific immune response, is often a critical component of chronic diseases associated with infection. A role for microorganisms in autoimmunity has been suggested for decades, although for many diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and type I diabetes, the unequivocal identification of the etiological agent(s) has been met with difficulty. Perhaps the best-recognized link between autoimmunity and infection lies with acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A β-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS). Diagnosis of ARF can be tricky, and it generally includes one or more of the following major manifestations: (1) carditis, typically involving the mitral valve; (2) a polymigratory arthritis, which resolves without permanent damage to the joints; and (3) Sydenham chorea, a disorder of gross motor function. Essential to the diagnosis of ARF is evidence of a recent GABHS infection. Documentation can take the form of a positive throat culture or an elevated antibody titer to GABHS antigens. However, exceptions are made for some cases of “pure chorea.” Unlike carditis or polymigratory arthritis, there is the possibility of a delay of several months between the primary GABHS infection and the onset of Sydenham chorea symptoms. By this time, the organism is long gone from the host and anti-streptococcal antibody titers, as well as plasma markers for
Complex Representation of Optical Fields in Coherence Theory

The problem of making an envelope representation of the fluctuating classical wave amplitude of a stationary optical field is investigated. The condition that the envelope function fluctuates as slowly as possible, in a least-squares sense, is shown to lead naturally to the complex analytic signal representation first introduced by Gabor. Besides being in correspondence with the quantum-mechanical description of the optical field, this representation is the only one in accord with intuitive notions about the envelope of a random process.
Morphological organization of thalamocortical relay cells in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the North American opossum.

The morphology of relay cells in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the North American opossum was studied by using both Golgi-Cox material and cells stained from retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase. In general, soma sizes were largest in the part of the nucleus representing the central retina and decreased from the middle third of the nucleus to the anterior to posterior poles. Relay cells labeled with horseradish peroxidase were found to constitute approximately 90% of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus cells and have larger soma diameters than most unlabeled cells. From morphometric analysis of several structural characteristics, three classes of relay cells were identified in both Golgi-Cox and horseradish peroxidase material. Type 1 cells, the predominant class, exhibited radially arranged primary dendritic fields, symmetrically organized relative to projection lines. Type 2 cells had relatively few primary dendrites, and complex dendritic fields that were oriented parallel to projection lines. Least numerous were Type 3 cells, which were characterized by relatively sparse dendritic fields oriented perpendicular to projection lines. An additional class of neuron, Type 4 cells, with small somata and sparse dendritic branching, was found only in Golgi-Cox material. Cells with Type 4 dendritic morphology were not found with retrograde horse-radish peroxidase labeling and may represent interneurons. The classification of morphologically characterized cells in the opossum dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus was evaluated quantitatively with multivariate discriminant analysis. The classes are compared to physiologically identified Y-, X-, and W-like relay cells in the opossum and to relay cell classes in other species.
Function replacement vs. kernel trick

Abstract A simple function replacement operation can reproduce the same nonlinear algorithms obtained using the kernel trick in some cases. This new perspective provides us with insights into the kernel trick, and suggests a natural direction to speedup those kernelized nonlinear algorithms.
4-Fluoro-3-nitrophenyl azide binding sites on purified beef liver monoamine oxidase B

Previous work from this laboratory has shown that 4-fluoro-3-nitrophenyl azide (FNPA) is an effective photoaffinity labeling probe for MAO-B (Chen et al., Biochem. Pharmac.34, 781-785, 1985). The FNPA binding sites have been further studied by using [(3)H]FNPA. When [(3)H]FNPA was photolyzed with purified beef liver MAO, then subjected to tryptic and chymotryptic digestion, three radioactive peaks were observed after Sephadex G-25 column chromatography procedure. The extent of [(3)H]FNPA incorporation varied directly with [(3)H]FNPA concentration. They could be protected by the presence of the substrate (phenylethylamine) or inhibitors (pargyline and trans-phenylcyclopropylamine) of MAO-B during photolysis. These protections were concentration dependent. Furthermore, the decrease in [(3)H]FNPA labeling in the presence of inhibitors paralleled the decrease in MAO catalytic activity. These results suggest that the FNPA binding sites were related to the active site of MAO-B. Under the same conditions, the separation profiles of [(3)H]FNPA labeled and [(3)H]pargyline labeled tryptic-chymotryptic peptides after Sephadex G-25 column chromatography are distinctly different. This result suggests that FNPA labeling sites may be different from the pargyline binding site. Since pargyline binds to the prosthetic group(-FAD) of MAO, [(3)H]FNPA may label different domains of the active site. This probe may be useful for the characterization of the active site of MAO-B.
An image recorded by the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS)

The airborne visible/infrared imaging spectrometer (AVIRIS) is described, and an example of a false-color image recorded by this device is provided. The AVIRIS is capable of sensing in 209 visible and near-infrared wavebands with an 11km swath and a 20m spatial resolution. Evaluation flights for AVIRIS were made at an altitude of approximately 20km x 10.2km of low-lying and relatively flat irrigated land near Yuba City and Sacramento, California. Raw data were converted from digital numbers to radiance and radiometrically corrected at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Notch filtering in the frequency domain of the image was used to remove periodic noise. The illustration of both spatial and spectral properties on the false-color image are explained. AVIRIS is designed to be flown in an ER-2 aircraft and will serve as a test-bed sensor for the High-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (HIRIS) planned for the Earth Observing System.
On specifying and monitoring epistemic properties of distributed systems

We present an epistemic temporal logic which is suitable for expressing safety requirements of distributed systems and whose formulae can be efficiently monitored at runtime. The monitoring algorithm, whose underlying mechanism is based on symbolic knowledge vectors, is distributed, decentralized and does not require any messages to be sent solely for monitoring purposes. These important features of our approach make it practical and feasible even in the context of large scale open distributed systems.