cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive monitoring of respiratory volume: Experimental evaluation of a breath monitoring device

Summary The authors studied the accuracy of the noninvasive breath monitor (Voltek Enterprise, Willowdale, Ontario, Canada) in predicting the tidal volumes in five healthy human volunteers. The signals of the breath monitor were compared with the volumes estimated by a calibrated pneumotachograph. The results show that the breath monitor is considerably accurate and can be accepted as a reliable device for clinical applications.
Integrated Power Take-Off and Virtual Oscillator System for the VIVACE Converter: VCK System Identification

The first step in the development of an integrated system encompassing Power Take-Off (PTO) with virtual Mass-Damping-Spring (VMCK ) for the VIVACE Converter (Vortex Induced Vibration for Aquatic Clean Energy) is achieved. VIVACE converts hydrokinetic energy of ocean/river currents to mechanical energy using Vortex Induced Vibrations (VIV). Subsequently, its PTO converts the mechanical energy to electricity. The objective integrated system acts as VMCK to support the hydro-mechanical component of VIVACE. The second function of the system is to act as PTO to implement the electro-mechanical component converting the harnessed mechanical energy to electrical energy without suppressing the hydro-mechanical energy harnessing mechanism of VIV. Vortex Induced Vibrations (VIV) are motions induced on long elastic bodies with bluff cross-section placed with their long axis perpendicular to a fluid flow due to periodic irregularities in this fluid-structure interaction phenomenon. In this paper, a single cylinder of VIVACE is considered. Even in this simplest case, the underlying physics of this phenomenon is strongly nonlinear. Special care is needed in designing systems that either support or enhance VIV or harvest the energy of VIV oscillations. In the first physical model of VIVACE, a mass-damper-spring arrangement was employed in the Marine Renewable Energy Laboratory (MRELab) of the University of Michigan to transmit mechanically the power to an electrical generator, which converted it to useful electrical power. A Virtual mass-damping-spring (VMCK ) mechanism is intended to substitute the existing physical elements in the MRELab consisting of an electric motor driven by a power electronic converter allowing for programmable mass, stiffness and damping values. The integrated VMCK system enables improved control of the mechanism originally generating and supporting VIV as well as improved power take-off efficiency and capability. The VMCK system employs advanced switching control of the power transfer process so that VIV for a given damping is not affected. The first step taken in this paper towards development of the integrated system consists of the identification of the VCK system. The mechanical transmission system consists of a belt and two pulleys. The cylinder in VIV is attached to one side of the belt causing it to oscillate and in turn drive the pulleys.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
ARE THE CURRENT ACCOUNT IMBALANCES BETWEEN EMU COUNTRIES SUSTAINABLE? EVIDENCE FROM PARAMETRIC AND NON-PARAMETRIC TESTS

SUMMARY Using parametric and non-parametric estimation techniques, we analyze the sustainability of the recently growing current account imbalances in the euro area and test whether the European Monetary Union has aggravated these imbalances. Two alternative criteria for the assessment of external debt sustainability are considered: one based on the transversality condition of intertemporal optimization, and the other based on the stationarity properties of the stochastic process of the debt–GDP ratio. Econometric sustainability tests are performed using the pooled mean-group estimator and panel unit root tests, respectively. Variants of both test procedures with varying coefficients using penalized splines estimation are applied. We find empirical evidence suggesting that the introduction of the euro is associated with a regime shift from sustainability to unsustainability of external debt accumulation for the euro area. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long-Term Effectiveness of the SpeechEasy Fluency-Enhancement Device

Abstract The SpeechEasy has been found to be an effective device for reduction of stuttering frequency for many people who stutter (PWS); published studies typically have compared stuttering reduction at initial fitting of the device to results achieved up to one year later. This study examines long-term effectiveness by examining whether effects of the SpeechEasy were maintained for longer periods, from 13 to 59 months. Results indicated no significant change for seven device users from post-fitting to the time of the study (t = −.074, p = .943); however, findings varied greatly on a case-by-case basis. Most notably, when stuttering frequency for eleven users and former users, prior to device fitting, was compared to current stuttering frequency while not wearing the device, the change over time was found to be statistically significant (t = 2.851, p = .017), suggesting a carry-over effect of the device. There was no significant difference in stuttering frequency when users were wearing versus not wearing the device currently (t = 1.949, p = 0.92). Examinations of these results, as well as direction for future research, are described herein. Educational objectives: The reader will be able to: (a) identify and briefly describe two types of altered auditory feedback which the SpeechEasy incorporates in order to help reduce stuttering; (b) describe the carry-over effect found in this study, suggest effectiveness associated with the device over a longer period of time than previously reported, as well as its implications, and (c) list factors that might be assessed in future research involving this device in order to more narrowly determine which prospective users are most likely to benefit from employing the SpeechEasy.
The effects of a co-application of menthol and capsaicin on nociceptive behaviors of the rat on the operant orofacial pain assessment device.

Background Transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels are involved in the perception of hot and cold pain and are targets for pain relief in humans. We hypothesized that agonists of TRPV1 and TRPM8/TRPA1, capsaicin and menthol, would alter nociceptive behaviors in the rat, but their opposite effects on temperature detection would attenuate one another if combined.
Extrinsic cytological determinants of basket and stellate cell dendritic pattern in the cerebellar molecular layer.

Golgi and ultrastructural features of mature and developing dendrites of cerebellar stellate and basket neurons were analyzed in relation to the genesis of parallel fibers in a timed series of rhesus monkeys. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the mature molecular layer demonstrates differences in dendritic patterns and systematic decreases in the volume of dendritic distribution from deep to superficially situated interneurons. Developmental analysis revealed that the earliest-forming interneurons (basket cells) assume a horizontal bipolar shape below the inner margin of the external granular layer. From their initial formation the bipolar processes lie in the sagittal plane (transverse to the folium) at a right angle to an earlier-formed bed of underlying parallel fibers. As more parallel fibers are laid down external to their predecessors during further development, the dendrites of basket cells expand mainly upwards among them and thereby acquire a final dendritic distribution within the space of a sagittally-flattened hemiellipsoid, its base facing the Purkinje layer and containing the basket cell soma. The interneurons destined to reside eventually in the middle of the molecular layer (stellate cells) similarly differentiate initially as sagittally-oriented bipolar cells at the inner edge of the external granular layer, but do so at stages when the molecular layer below has become thickened by the further accretion of parallel fibers; their dendrites grow both downward to contact earlier-formed parallel fibers and upward as new parallel fiber axons are being generated above. Hence their final dendritic distribution lies within a space shaped as a full ellipsoid flattened in the sagittal plane and with the stellate cell soma situated centrally. The more superficial stellate cells differentiate last from similar immature bipolar forms, but the direction of their dendritic growth is mainly downward, hence the space occupied by these dendrites takes the shape of an inverted, sagittally flattened hemiellipsoid, its base facing the pia and containing the stellate cell soma. A specific affinity of basket and stellate dendrites for parallel fibers was inferred from their exclusive growth within the axonal milieu of the molecular layer in the direction which allows the maximum number of interactions with individual parallel fibers, the contact points between them potentially developing as synaptic junctions. Such an hypothesis also explains the systematic variation of dendritic pattern and the relative flatness of their arborization in the plane transverse to the folium. The progressively decreased volumes of these dendritic spheres from deep to superficial cells presumably relates to the time- and space-dependent progressively decreasing synaptogenic activity of the parallel fibers. The present analysis, therefore, supports the idea that a changing local milieu rather than genetic specialization may be responsible for development of morphological diversity among neurons of essentially identical origin.
Measurement of sulfur dioxide in automobile exhausts and industrial stack gases with a coated piezoelectric crystal detector.

Abstract A portable instrument operating on a car battery and based on a quadrol-coated piezoelectric crystal detector has been successfully used for monitoring sulfur dioxide in auto exhausts and refinery stack gases. The concentrations of sulfur dioxide in the auto exhausts lie in the range 20–50 p.p.m. Up to 300 p.p.m. of sulfur dioxide occurs in the refinery stack gases.
BRST cohomology and highest weight vectors. I

We initiate a program to study certain recent problems in non-compact coset CFT by the BRST approach. We derive a reduction formula for the BRST cohomology by making use of a twisting by highest weight modules. As illustrations, we apply the formula to the bosonic string model and a rank one non-compact coset model [DPL]. Our formula provides a completely new approach to non-compact coset construction.
Irradiated and metamict materials: relevance to radioactive waste science

The relation of the structures of metamict mineral phases and non-crystalline solids is discussed; the question of radiation effects in solidified nuclear waste forms is considered in this regard. In ceramics, if the actinides can be concentrated in radiation-resistant phases such as uraninite or monazite, the overall radiation effects on the ceramics should be quite small.
Barriers to HPV immunization for African American adolescent females.

Abstract Purpose The objective of this study was to identify motivations and barriers to HPV vaccination and culturally relevant and meaningful opportunities for vaccine promotion among African American mothers and adolescent daughters. Qualitative methods were employed to identify barriers to HPV immunization and understand mothers motivations to vaccinate their daughters. We conducted in-depth interviews with 19 mother–daughter pairs focused on 5 key areas: health history, prior vaccine experience, knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccine, relationship with physician, and experience of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer (CD/CC). Results Four key factors drive HPV immunization among African-American mothers of adolescent daughters. First, mothers’ CD/CC disease experiences motivated a strong commitment to protect daughters from the trauma of CD/CC. Second, limited understanding of HPV and its connection to CD/CC made it difficult for mothers to assess the risk of infection or explain the medical benefits of the vaccine to their daughters. Third, mothers anticipate the sexual debut of adolescent daughters and advocate for healthcare interventions to protect them. Mothers were not deterred by multiple visits to complete the vaccine series; they likened HPV immunization to injectable contraceptives that require a series of injections and offer protection from the unintended consequences of sexual activity. Finally, mothers trusted physicians to initiate discussion of HPV immunization. Physicians who failed to initiate discussion and offer unconditional endorsement generated doubt about the vaccine among mothers and missed opportunities for immunization. Conclusions Our initial results indicate that physicians can engage in culturally relevant vaccine promotion in urban, underserved African American communities by initiating discussions of HPV immunization that (1) acknowledge mothers’ own CD/CC experiences, (2) support parenting strategies that aim to protect daughters from the unintended consequences of sexual activity, and (3) make explicit the connection between CD/CC and HPV infection, and between prevention of HPV infection and HPV immunization.
MRG1 Binds to the LIM Domain of Lhx2 and May Function as a Coactivator to Stimulate Glycoprotein Hormone α-Subunit Gene Expression

Tissue-specific expression of the alpha-subunit gene of glycoprotein hormones involves an enhancer element designated the pituitary glycoprotein basal element, which interacts with the LIM homeodomain transcription factor, Lhx2. In the present studies we have explored the function of the LIM domain of Lhx2 in stimulating alpha-subunit transcription. When fused to the GAL4 DNA-binding domain, the LIM domain of Lhx2 was shown to contain a transcriptional activation domain. Furthermore, in the context of an alpha-subunit reporter gene in which a GAL4-binding site replaced the pituitary glycoprotein basal element, the LIM domain enhanced both basal and Ras-mediated transcription. In addition, a synergistic response to Ras activation was observed when the Lhx2 LIM domain and the transactivation domain of Elk1 are directed to a minimal reporter gene. A yeast two-hybrid screen identified the recently described melanocyte-specific gene-related gene 1 (MRG1) as an Lhx2 LIM-interacting protein. MRG1 was shown to bind Lhx2 in vitro, and a co-immunoprecipitation assay provided evidence that endogenous MRG1 forms a complex with Lhx2 in alphaT3-1 cells. Expression of MRG1 in alphaT3-1 cells enhanced alpha-subunit reporter gene activity. MRG1 was also shown to bind in vitro to the TATA-binding protein and the transcriptional coactivator, p300. These data suggest a model in which the Lhx2 LIM domain activates transcription through interaction with MRG1 leading to recruitment of p300/CBP and the TATA-binding protein.
Registration of ‘Brookings’ Soybean with High Yield and Good Seed Quality

Conventional cultivars with high yield, good seed quality and disease resistance are required for organic farming, soy food production, and some specific markets. Soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] ‘Brookings’ (Reg. No. CV-512, PI 667735) was developed at South Dakota State University (SDSU), Brookings, SD, and released by the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station in 2012, for its high yield potential, good seed quality, and resistance to Phytophthora root rot, as well as adaptability to South Dakota and similar regions. Brookings (experimental line SD05-240) is a maturity group (MG) I cultivar (relative maturity 1.7). It originated from the F 5 progeny of a single F 4 plant derived from the cross of A00-711063 × SD98595 by a single-pod descent method. Following yield trials within the SDSU soybean breeding program, it was further evaluated for yield and seed quality traits through the USDA Northern Regional Uniform Soybean Preliminary Tests (UPT) in 2008, Uniform Soybean Tests (UT) in 2009 and 2010, and the South Dakota Crop Performance Tests (CPT) in 2009 and 2010. The yield of Brookings in the SD CPT averaged 4257 kg ha -1 , 14.2% higher than the check cultivar Deuel and 8.9% higher than ‘MN1410’ (P < 0.05). In the MG II UPT (11 locations) and MG I UT tests (29 environments), Brookings exhibited a mean yield comparable to check cultivars IA1022 and MN1410. The average protein concentration of Brookings was higher than IA1022 but lower than MN1410, and its oil content was similar to MN1410 but lower than IA1022. It had the best seed quality among the test entries. In addition, Brookings has the Rps1k allele for resistance to Phytophthora sojae, which is derived from the parent SD98-595, and exhibited resistance to races 4 and 7 of P. sojae. Brookings is a conventional MG I cultivar and thus a good option for producers of non–genetically modified soybeans in South Dakota and similar regions.
HPLC ANALYSIS OF GINSENOSIDES IN THE ROOTS OF ASIAN GINSENG (PANAX GINSENG) AND NORTH AMERICAN GINSENG (PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUS) WITH IN-LINE PHOTODIODE ARRAY AND EVAPORATIVE LIGHT SCATTERING DETECTION

In-line connected ultraviolet (UV) and evaporative light scattering (ELS) detection were compared in the reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of ginsenosides in ginseng roots. Similar to all the QA/QC literature on ginseng and ginseng products, employing HPLC-UV, the UV detection showed a good linearity in the range of 100–2000 ng of ginsenosides, with minimum detectable concentration of 10 ng of ginsenosides on the column. In contrast, the sensitivity of the ELSD was found to be 5 times lower than that obtained with the UV, with minimum detectable concentration of 50 ng of ginsenosides on the column. Further, the calibration curve obtained with the ELSD was exponential linear in the range of 200–2000 ng of ginsenosides. Quantitative evaluation in terms of ginsenosides using both methods of detection showed similar results. But, in view of the better sensitivity and easier handling, the UV is still recommended for the routine analysis of ginseng samples.
Synthesis and Skeletal Muscle Relaxant Activity of Quaternary Ammonium Salts of Dantrolene and Clodanolene

A series of quaternary ammonium salts of dantrolene and clodanolene was prepared and evaluated for skeletal muscle relaxant activity. The quaternary ammonium salts exhibit greater aqueous solubility and, therefore, facilitate intravenous administration. One member of this series, although less effective orally, exhibited greater aqueous solubility than the sodium salt. When administered intravenously, it was a more potent antagonist of skeletal muscle contraction and yielded comparable therapeutic and muscle relaxant efficacy indexes.
Trajectories of life satisfaction in the first 5 years following traumatic brain injury.

Objectives: The trajectories of life satisfaction for 609 individuals who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) were studied. Hierarchical linear modeling analysis examined individual level growth trends over the first 5 years following TBI using gender, functional independence, age, and time to estimate life satisfaction trajectories. Measures: Participants completed the Functional Independence Measure and the Life Satisfaction Inventory at years 1, 2, 4, and 5 after sustaining TBI. Results: Participants who reported higher functional independence at year 1 also had higher life satisfaction at year 1. Participants with lower functional independence across the 5-year period had life satisfaction trajectories that decreased at significantly greater rates than the individuals with more functional independence. The life satisfaction trajectory declined for the sample, but participants reporting lower cognitive and motor functional independence had significantly greater declines in life satisfaction trajectories. Age and gender were not significant factors in predicting life satisfaction trajectories following TBI. Implications: Individuals with greater cognitive and motor impairments following TBI are likely to experience significant declines in life satisfaction within 5 years of living with TBI.
Depression of spontaneous activity in goldfish by magnesium pemoline

Two groups were used in an experiment designed to assess the influence of magnesium pemoline on spontaneous activity levels in goldfish. The first group of 36 was used to evaluate the stability of spontaneous activity over three ½-h trials, and the second group of 60, which was divided into 10 subgroups, received the drug treatment. The suspension was administered intracranially, and dosages varied from 0.005 to 2.5 mg. The results showed that spontaneous activity was depressed significantly under dose levels of 0.5 to 2.5, but no observable effect was seen at dosages of 0.005–0.1.
Static Image Generation

Ivan Sutherland's Sketchpad in 1963 is often referred to as the first milestone in computer graphics. It was a line drawing, two dimensional system that flickered from the slow refresh capacity of a random scan display. Yet in this first seminal effort in computer graphics, we also could have observed a har-binger of the field of graphical simulation and design. The demonstrations in Sketchpad were of a design nature signaling to future researchers the dividends that computer graphics and simulation could bring. But only today are we entering the greatly heralded era of using simulation extensively to aid the design process. Hence this conference is very timely. The following papers show in technical detail some of the ways in which simulation will be used to extend the creative design process.© (1975) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Plasma Calcitonin in Pycnodysostosis: Intermittently High Basal Levels and Exaggerated Responses to Calcium and Glucagon Infusions

ABSTRACT A child with osteopetrotic bones, developmental abnormalities of the skeleton and clinical features of pycnodysostosis was found to have high plasma levels of calcitonin (1.6 to 77 ng per ml) in one-third of her basal fasting samples, and an exaggerated response of plasma calcitoninto infusions of calcium and glucagon. It is not yet known whether the abnormality of calcitonin secretion is related etiologically to pycnodysostosis or whether it is a secondary feature of this rare disease.
γ-L-glutamyl-L-DOPA inhibits Na+-phosphate cotransport across renal brush border membranes and increases renal excretion of phosphate

γ-L-glutamyl-L-DOPA inhibits Na + -phosphate cotransport across renal brush border membranes and increases renal excretion of phosphate. Background For treatment of phosphate (Pi) overload in various pathophysiological states, an agent that selectively increases renal Pi excretion would be of major value. Previously, we have shown that dopamine (DA) inhibits Na + -Pi cotransport in renal epithelia. However, the administration of DA or its immediate precursor L-DOPA increases DA in multiple tissues. Synthetic dipeptide γ-L-glutamyl-L-DOPA (gludopa) can serve as an inactive precursor (pro-pro-drug) of DA. This study tested the hypothesis that, because of the unique colocalization of γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT), aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, Na + -Pi cotransporter, and Na + -L-DOPA cotransporter in brush border membrane (BBM) of proximal tubular cells, gludopa may elicit phosphaturia by action of DA generated within the kidney. Methods Thyroparathyrectomized rats were given placebo, or gludopa, or gludopa + γ-GT inhibitor acivicin. Urinary excretion of Pi, Ca 2+ , Na + , K + , DA, cAMP, and cGMP was determined, and Na + -Pi cotransport was measured in BBM prepared from kidneys of rats at the end of the experiment. Results The administration of gludopa resulted in: ( a ) an inhibition of Na + -Pi cotransport, but not cotransport of Na + -proline and Na + -alanine in BBM; ( b ) an increase (+300%) of fractional excretion (FE) of Pi and a drop (-35%) of plasma Pi, whereas the plasma levels and FEs of Ca 2+ , Na + , and K + were unchanged; ( c ) an increase in urinary excretion of cAMP, but not cGMP; ( d ) a 1000-fold increase of urinary excretion of DA, without a change in excretion of norepinephrine; and ( e ) an incubation of gludopa with BBM in vitro , which caused a release of L-DOPA, and the in vivo administration of acivicin, which blocked actions of gludopa to inhibit Na + -Pi cotransport and to increase urinary excretions of Pi and DA. Conclusions We conclude that colocalization of enzymes of biotransformation, BBM transporters, and the autocrine/paracrine DA system in cells of proximal tubules constitutes a cellular basis for the potent and specific phosphaturic action of gludopa.
Plasma membrane lipid diffusion and composition of sea urchin egg membranes vary with ocean temperature.

Abstract A diverse and complex array of lipids plays a vital role in structuring and organizing cell membranes. However, the details of lipid requirements for global membrane organization are poorly understood. One obstacle to this understanding is the difficulty of accurately manipulating the lipid composition of commonly studied mammalian cells. In contrast, the lipid composition of cells of ectotherms changes with changes in environmental temperatures. Thus, comparison of lipid probe diffusion in cells from animals living at different temperatures, together with biochemical analysis, can be used toward understanding membrane organization. We used two dialkyindocarbocyanine iodide (DiI) probes, of differing chain length, to probe lipid organization in terms of their lateral diffusion in eggs of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. The lateral diffusion of our probes changed in urchins developing in the year of an “El Nino” weather event, which raised the ocean temperature by several degrees, suggesting alterations in membrane domain composition and structure. Indeed the changes in lateral diffusion were correlated with lower levels of unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol in animals of the “El Nino” year than in animals of the preceding or following years. We found similar trends comparing DiI diffusion in membranes of eggs from 15 °C waters with those from 10 °C. Our findings establish a new approach for manipulating and studying membrane organization.
Neural basis of wind-receptive fields of cockroach giant interneurons

Abstract The pattern of connectivity between the nine most prominent columns of sensory hairs of one cercus and ipsilateral giant interneurons (GIs) 1 and 2 of the cockroach Periplaneta americana was studied using intracellular methods. GI 1, a somewhat directionally selective interneuron receives excitatory synaptic input from all hair columns of the ipsilateral cercus. GI 2, an omni-directional cell, also receives excitatory synaptic input from all ipsilateral hair columns. However, for 2 of the 9 columns of hairs the response in GI 2 is greater than in GI 1. This difference in response magnitude represents a real difference in the functional strength of connection and not the number of synapsing afferents since the response in both GI 1 and 2 declines stepwise as the number of hairs tested was reduced one-by-one. Thus, the difference in the shapes of the wind-receptive fields of GI 1 and 2 can be explained by differences in the functional strength of connection of certain identified afferents.
Multi-flux-transformer MRI detection with an atomic magnetometer

Recently, anatomical ultra-low field (ULF) MRI has been demonstrated with an atomic magnetometer (AM). A flux-transformer (FT) has been used for decoupling MRI fields and gradients to avoid their negative effects on AM performance. The field of view (FOV) was limited because of the need to compromise between the size of the FT input coil and MRI sensitivity per voxel. Multi-channel acquisition is a well-known solution to increase FOV without significantly reducing sensitivity. In this paper, we demonstrate twofold FOV increase with the use of three FT input coils. We also show that it is possible to use a single atomic magnetometer and single acquisition channel to acquire three independent MRI signals by applying a frequency-encoding gradient along the direction of the detection array span. The approach can be generalized to more channels and can be critical for imaging applications of non-cryogenic ULF MRI where FOV needs to be large, including head, hand, spine, and whole-body imaging.
Comparing variant calling algorithms for target-exon sequencing in a large sample

Background: Sequencing studies of exonic regions aim to identify rare variants contributing to complex traits. With high coverage and large sample size, these studies tend to apply simple variant calling algorithms. However, coverage is often heterogeneous; sites with insufficient coverage may benefit from sophisticated calling algorithms used in low-coverage sequencing studies. We evaluate the potential benefits of different calling strategies by performing a comparative analysis of variant calling methods on exonic data from 202 genes sequenced at 24x in 7,842 individuals. We call variants using individual-based, population-based and linkage disequilibrium (LD)-aware methods with stringent quality control. We measure genotype accuracy by the concordance with on-target GWAS genotypes and between 80 pairs of sequencing replicates. We validate selected singleton variants using capillary sequencing. Results: Using these calling methods, we detected over 27,500 variants at the targeted exons; >57% were singletons. The singletons identified by individual-based analyses were of the highest quality. However, individual-based analyses generated more missing genotypes (4.72%) than population-based (0.47%) and LD-aware (0.17%) analyses. Moreover, individual-based genotypes were the least concordant with array-based genotypes and replicates. Population-based genotypes were less concordant than genotypes from LD-aware analyses with extended haplotypes. We reanalyzed the same dataset with a second set of callers and showed again that the individual-based caller identified more high-quality singletons than the population-based caller. We also replicated this result in a second dataset of 57 genes sequenced at 127.5x in 3,124 individuals. Conclusions: We recommend population-based analyses for high quality variant calls with few missing genotypes. With extended haplotypes, LD-aware methods generate the most accurate and complete genotypes. In addition, individual-based analyses should complement the above methods to obtain the most singleton variants.
Why Is CO2 so soluble in imidazolium-based ionic liquids?

Experimental and molecular modeling studies are conducted to investigate the underlying mechanisms for the high solubility of CO2 in imidazolium-based ionic liquids. CO2 absorption isotherms at 10, 25, and 50 °C are reported for six different ionic liquids formed by pairing three different anions with two cations that differ only in the nature of the “acidic” site at the 2-position on the imidazolium ring. Molecular dynamics simulations of these two cations paired with hexafluorophosphate in the pure state and mixed with CO2 are also described. Both the experimental and the simulation results indicate that the anion has the greatest impact on the solubility of CO2. Experimentally, it is found that the bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion has the greatest affinity for CO2, while there is little difference in CO2 solubility between ionic liquids having the tetrafluoroborate or hexafluorophosphate anion. The simulations show strong organization of CO2 about hexafluorophosphate anions, but only small diffe...
Diffusion Weighted Imaging Evaluated the Early Therapy Effect of Tamoxifen in an MNU-Induced Mammary Cancer Rat Model

Purpose To assess the optimal time point of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for early prognosis of breast cancer following tamoxifen therapy using a methylnitrosourea (MNU)-induced ER-positive breast-cancer model.
Inherited legal systems and effective rule of law: Africa and the colonial legacy

The question of whether particular types of legal institutions influence the effectiveness of the rule of law has long been answered with conjecture. Common law lawyers and judges tend to believe that the common law system is superior. This opinion is based on the idea that the common law system inherited from the British is more able to protect the rights of the individual than civil law judicial systems. Quite the opposite point of view can be found in lawyers from civil law countries, who may view the common law system as capricious and disorganised. This paper compares the effectiveness of the rule of law in common law and civil law countries in Africa, through a cross-national statistical comparison using Freedom House and Political Risk Services data. The comparison reveals that common law countries in Africa are generally better at providing ‘rule of law’ than are civil law countries.
Selected Measures of Angular Displacement, Strength, and Flexibility in Subjects With and Without Shin Splints

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if angular displacement between the calcaneus and the midline of the lower leg while running is related to shin splints. A secondary purpose was to compare the strength and flexibility of ankle-joint plantar flexion, dorsal flexion, inversion, and eversion of shin-splint-injured and non-shin-splint-injured subjects. Two groups of conditioned female athletes were randomly selected to participate in this study. One group had a previous history of chronic shin splints, and the other group had no history of shin-splint injury. Angular displacement between the calcaneus and the midline of the lower leg was measured from motion picture film (100 frames/second) taken while the subjects were running at two speeds, 3m/second and 5m/second. A cable tensiometer was used to measure plantar flexion, dorsal flexion, and inversion and eversion strength at the ankle joint; and a goniometer was used to measure the flexibility of the plantar flexors, dorsiflexors, inverto...
Regular Outpatient Medical and Drug Abuse Care and Subsequent Hospitalization of Persons Who Use Illicit Drugs

Results Hospitalization occurred in 55.6% of HIV-positive and 37.5% of HIVnegative drug users, with a mean of 27.5 and 24.5 inpatient days, respectively. In HIVpositive drug users, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for hospitalization was lowest among those with both regular medical and drug abuse care (AOR, 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67-0.85) followed by those with regular medical care alone (AOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.74-0.91) and regular drug abuse care alone (AOR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.760.96) vs those with neither. In HIV-negative drug users, the AOR of hospitalization was lower for those with regular medical and drug abuse care (AOR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.68-0.79), regular drug abuse care alone (AOR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.66-0.76), and regular medical care (AOR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86-0.95) vs those with neither. Both types of care showed favorable effects for all but drug abuse‐related hospitalizations. Conclusion Our data indicate that regular drug abuse care with regular medical care for drug users is associated with less subsequent hospitalization. JAMA. 2001;285:2355-2362 www.jama.com
The vincula to the flexor tendons of the hand

Four groups of vincula were identified within the flexor tendon sheath of 116 cadaver specimens. Each group originated from an individual arterial digital arcade. The V1 and V2 vincula were the primary carriers of blood supply to the superficialis tendon. The V3 and V4 vincula were the main supply to the profundus tendom. A simplified nomenclature is suggested to clarify this complex anatomic area. The terms "brevia" and "longa" are only useful to describe the shape of the vincula in these four positions.
Behavioral Medecine Review: The Lifestyle Factor

Martinsen and Raglin provide a persuasive, evidence-based rationale for lifestyle approaches to the management of anxiety, depressive disorders, and their comorbidities. Yet, their review prompts discussion of the complexities navigating this terrain, including barriers to the identification and management of these common psychological problems in medical settings, the potential of these disorders to complicate health care, and challenges to the implementation of lifestyle interventions for depression and anxiety-related concerns.
Self‐concept and gifted girls: A cross sectional study of intellectually gifted females in grades 3, 5, 8

This study examines self‐concept scores of 134 female subjects (104 gifted and 30 non‐gifted) in grades 3,5,8. The students were administered the Piers‐Harris Self‐Concept Scale and the mean total self‐concept scores and scores obtained in six self concept cluster areas were compared. The findings support the related research. The data indicates that the total self‐concept scores of gifted girls declined significantly between grades 3 and 8 and between grades 5 and 8. The mean total self‐concept scores of the control group in grades 3 and 8 also declined significantly, while the difference in scores between the control in grades 5 and 8 was not statistically significant. Eighth grade gifted girls had a much more negative sense of self in the cluster areas of behavior, intellectual and school status, and popularity than non‐gifted girls in the same grade.
Switchable piezoelectric transduction in AlGaN/GaN MEMS resonators

This work presents a new switching mechanism in piezoelectric transduction of AlGaN/GaN bulk acoustic resonators. A piezoelectric transducer is formed in the AlGaN, between a top Schottky electrode and a 2D electron gas (2DEG) as a second electrode. In the off state, this 2DEG can be depleted by applying a negative bias to the top electrode, suppressing transduction and reducing capacitive loading. Switchable AlGaN/GaN resonators are demonstrated from 240MHz to 3.5GHz with frequency-quality factor products up to 1.7×1012 in air. Switching is shown in both devices with passive piezoelectric and HEMT sensing, with >19dB suppression in the off state.
Preconception and the Young Cancer Survivor

All women should be counseled about the impact of cancer treatment on fertility prior to undergoing chemotherapy, ovarian surgery or BMT, and offered fertility preservation options, of which ovarian stimulation with IVF is the most successful. Once women achieve pregnancy, the risk for birth defects or genetic conditions is not increased because of either radiation or chemotherapy. Because treatment options may increase the risk for adverse pregnancy outcome, review of therapy records is essential for determining potential risk to the pregnancy. For most young cancer survivors, fertility can be preserved and a successful pregnancy achieved, but discussing these issues prior to treatment is essential.
Current flow in skin frozen in experimental cryosurgery.

Abstract Experiments were performed correlating tissue temperature and current flow during freezing canine skin. Current flow fell gradually to negligible levels as the tissue froze. Tissue temperature of −31 °C correlated with current flow of 5 μA. Tissue temperature of −55 °C correlated with zero current flow. The observations indicated that current flow was related to tissue temperature and that either or both could be used to predict tissue destruction in cryosurgery. However, tissue temperature measurement is the more accurate method of quantification.
Comorbidity of hypertension and diabetes : The Fosinopril versus amlodipine Cardiovascular Events Trial (FACET)

Macrovascular disease is the major cause of mortality in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension is an important factor contributing to this high prevalence. High blood pressure is about twice as common in persons with diabetes mellitus as in those without. Up to 75% of diabetes-related cardiovascular complications are attributed to hypertension. These observations are part of the rationale for recommendations for more aggressive lowering of blood pressure (to <130/85 mm Hg) in persons with coexistent diabetes and hypertension. This may require therapy with a combination of antihypertensive agents. The Fosinopril versus Amlodipine Cardiovascular Events Trial (FACET), discussed herein, supports the case for combination therapy with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and a calcium antagonist in diabetic patients with hypertension.
Treatment of erotomania using cognitive behavioural psychotherapy approaches

Purpose – This case report seeks to describe successful treatment of erotomania using cognitive behavioural psychotherapy in concert with community support providers applying similar psychotherapeutic approaches.Design/methodology/approach – A case report is presented illustrating successful treatment of an individual with erotomania and intellectual disability. Pharmacotherapy assessment suggested its ineffectiveness and medicines were slowly reduced and discontinued. Cognitive behavioural psychotherapy provided a venue to discuss personal issues and work on solutions. The community support system was enlisted to approach the problem using two main psychotherapeutic strategies: eliminate social attention for the delusion; and increase social relationships.Findings – Cognitive behavioural psychotherapy working in collaboration with the community support system resulted in great improvement. Within three years, the individual returned to previous functioning with no symptoms of the delusional disorder.Orig...
The parser doesn't ignore intransitivity, after all

Several previous studies (B. C. Adams, C. Clifton, & D. C. Mitchell, 1998; D. C. Mitchell, 1987; R. P. G. van Gompel & M. J. Pickering, 2001) have explored the question of whether the parser initially analyzes a noun phrase that follows an intransitive verb as the verb's direct object. Three eye-tracking experiments examined this issue in more detail. Experiment 1 replicated the finding that readers experience difficulty on this noun phrase in normal reading and found that this difficulty occurs even with intransitive verbs for which a direct object is categorically prohibited. Experiment 2, however, demonstrated that this effect is not due to syntactic misanalysis but to disruption that occurs when a comma is absent at a subordinate clause/main clause boundary. Experiment 3 replicated the finding (M. J. Pickering & M. J. Traxler, 2003; M. J. Traxler & M. J. Pickering, 1996) that when a noun phrase "filler" is an implausible direct object for an optionally transitive relative clause verb, processing difficulty results; however, there was no evidence for such difficulty when the relative clause verb was strictly intransitive. Taken together, the 3 experiments undermine the support for the claim that the parser initially ignores a verb's subcategorization restrictions.
Is the CPI-Based EAC a Lower Bound to the Final Cost of Post A-12 Contracts?

Abstract Christensen (1994b, 1999) describes several methods to evaluate the predicted final cost of a defense acquisition contract, termed the “Estimate at Completion” (EAC). One of the methods uses the EAC derived from the cumulative Cost Performance Index (CPI) as a lower bound to the final cost of a defense contract. The method was derived from Department of Defense (DOD) experience on hundreds of defense programs completed in the 1970s and 1980s. This study tests the validity of the rule on contracts completed after 1991. Based on an analysis of 52 defense acquisition contracts completed after 1991, the rule is still valid for CPI-based EACs computed in the early and middle stages of a contract, but not valid in the late stage.
Macroalgal communities from an acid mine drainage impacted watershed

Twenty-eight streams were sampled seasonally and a subset of 10 streams was sampled monthly for one year throughout the Hocking River drainage basin, Ohio, USA. Streams ranged from those receiving acid mine drainage (AMD), to reclaimed sites, to those never receiving mine wastes. Physical and chemical parameters were measured and macroalgal taxa were collected with estimations of percent cover. Canonical correspondence analysis showed AMD and seasonal parameters to be influential in grouping streams and macroalgal communities. The macroalgal composition was only useful in distinguishing between heavily impacted AMD streams and all others. We were unable to utilize the macroalgal community to detect differences among reclaimed sites and clean streams. This result was most likely due to the spatially heterogeneous occurrence of many macroalgal taxa. Two taxa, Klebsormidium rivulare and Microspora tumidula, did appear to be useful assessors of intense AMD impact. A total of 40 infrageneric taxa were recorded with the greatest species richness occurring in the spring (27 taxa). Chlorophytes were the dominant group throughout the watershed with 19 species. Percent macroalgal cover of stream reaches varied throughout the year within a single stream and among lotic systems. Our results showed that numerous taxa were overlooked in the seasonal versus monthly sampling, but that sampling more streams on a less frequent basis compensated to provide a complete listing of taxa for the watershed.
Concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy in the treatment of childhood and adolescent Hodgkin's disease

A treatment program of combination chemotherapy and concurrent radiotherapy was designed for children and adolescents with all stages of Hodgkin's disease. From September, 1967 to April, 1972, 49 patients with previously untreated disease were admitted to the study. They were given 12 weeks of initial chemotherapy in combination with simultaneous radiotherapy at a tumor dose of 3500 to 4000 R. For Stages II-IV chemotherapy was continued for 1 to 2 years. Forty-seven patients responded to therapy with complete remissions; two had no response. Of the patients responding, 40 have been in continuous complete remission for periods of 6 to 58 months, four have relapsed, and three have died in remission. Twenty-six patients have been off all therapy for periods of 4 to 54 months without evidence of active disease. In most instances complications of therapy including drug toxicity, infections and nutritional disturbances have been reversible by modification of chemotherapy and judicious supportive care. We conclude that combination chemotherapy and concurrent irradiation are tolerated by children and adolescents with Hodgkin's disease and result in a high frequency of complete remission. Results to date suggest that the majority of children, even those with advanced stages, will have lengthy complete remissions.
Pitch Oriented Automatic Singer Identification in Pop Music

In this paper, we proposed two novel methods used to distinguish the singer of a pop music. We focused on a single singer and single track case. These two methods are “Pitch Extraction” method and “1/12 OFCC” method. The Pitch Extraction method is composed of three stages and they are Singing pitch estimation stage, Exact pitch calculation stage and GMM classification stage. “1/12 OFCC” method is composed of “Pitch Feature Calculation” and GMM classification. We also compare these two methods with OFCC [1] based method. With “Pitch Extraction” and “1/12 OFCC” method, we have some improvement on works of singer identification using single feature.
Flipping with physics: motion editing for acrobatics

Complex acrobatic stunts, such as double or triple flips, can be performed only by highly skilled athletes. On the other hand, simpler tricks, such as single-flip jumps, are relatively easy to master. We present a method for creating complex, multi-flip ballistic motions from simple, single-flip jumps. Our approach also allows an animator to interact with the system by introducing modifications to a ballistic phase of a motion. Our method automatically adjusts motion trajectories, to assure physical validity of the motion after the modifications. The presented technique is efficient and produces physically valid results without resorting to computationally expensive optimization. To validate our approach we present the results of a study of user sensitivity to errors in angular momentum and take-off angle. The study shows that small changes of these parameters introduced by our method are not perceptible to a viewer.