cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Rational Expectations Hypothesis Can Never, Ever Be Shown to Be True (False), Correct (Incorrect), Right (Wrong) or Proven (Not Proven): Ignoring Haavelmo’s Warning about Confusing Deduction (Mathematics, Logic) with Induction (Probability, Statistics, Econometrics) Leads to Oxymorons Such As 'Objectively True Probability Assessments'

Advocates and opponents of the rational expectations hypothesis have both confused statistics with mathematics (logic). Only in mathematics can I prove something to be true, false, correct, incorrect, right or wrong. The best one can do in statistics is, by the use of proper scoring rules, establish that one forecaster (model) is better, more accurate or reliable relative to another forecaster (model). A best forecast can never, ever be a true forecast. Definitions of what the rational expectations hypothesis is are confused, ambiguous, hazy, unclear, and foggy. Practically none of the definitions involve a correct use of statistics and probability. The one technical definition, given by R.Muth in 1961 in an article in Econometrica, is an intellectual mess due to Muth’s own misunderstandings of what statistics and probability meant when the terms subjective theory of probability and objective theory of probability are used. Subjective theories of probability involve degree of belief. Objective theories of probability involve empirical, relative frequencies based on the direct observation of outcomes in a very large number of repeated experiments carried out under identical conditions. An estimate of a subjective probability can never be an estimate of an objective probability. Muth’s definition was that “…for a given information set, the subjective probabilities (distributions) were distributed around a unique, objective probability distribution.” This definition is simply impossible and would be rejected by all of the existing theories of probability (limiting (relative) frequency, subjective, logical, propensity, classical). The Rational expectations hypothesis appears to mean no more than the claim that all producers and consumers, who are rational, make use of all available information so that they all have a complete information set. However, this definition is not substantially different from the very similar definition used by Jeremy Bentham in his disputes with Adam Smith over the nature of probability in 1787 in his revised The Principles of Moral and Legislation. Bentham argued that all men love money at all times, that all men calculate, especially outcomes involving pecuniary concerns, and that all the calculated probabilities were linear, exact, definite and precise,as were all of the outcomes, so that all rational people could calculate their Maximal Utility. Smith, on the other hand, argued that probability was inexact, imprecise and non linear, as risk was not proportional to returns. Keynes’s views on decision making and probability are very similar to Adam Smith’s views.
How do protein domains of low sequence complexity work

This review covers research findings reported over the past decade concerning the ability of low complexity (LC) domains to self-associate in a manner leading to their phase separation from aqueous solution. We focus our message upon the reductionist use of two forms of phase separation as biochemical assays to study how LC domains might function in living cells. Cells and their varied compartments represent extreme examples of material condensates. Over the past half century, biochemists, structural biologists and molecular biologists have resolved the mechanisms driving innumerable forms of macromolecular condensation. By contrast, we remain largely ignorant as to how 10-20% of our proteins actually work to assist in cell organization. This enigmatic 10-20% of the proteome corresponds to gibberish-like LC sequences. We contend that many of these LC sequences move in and out of a structurally ordered, self-associated state as a means of offering a combination of organizational specificity and dynamic pliability to living cells. Finally, we speculate that ancient proteins may have behaved similarly, helping to condense, organize and protect RNA early during evolution.
“Can I just be a human?” reading LGBTQ+ youths’ civics talk-as-text

Abstract Thinking at the axes of homonationalism, civic education, and queer-inclusive social studies, this article complicates the uneven relationships between lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) exclusion and belonging. Arguing that more attention should be paid to how Genders and Sexualities Alliance (GSA) spaces may function to render particular imaginaries of the queer civic subject, and the U.S. queer civic subject in particular, more viable than others, I extend both the conceptual and methodological directions of out-of-school social studies research to underscore how equity – as a concept – becomes connotative of particular types of civic action and life. Highlighting how LGBTQ + youths' talk can be discursively read and traced as a pedagogical text, I emphasize how a ‘good’ queer citizenry, and indeed a ‘good’ queer life, is one that follows the logics of cis-hetero-patriarchy and American exceptionalism. In so doing, I document the rhetorical reification and discursive production of queer complicity and community.
Markovian Queueing Systems

We begin our study of queueing systems by considering some simple models in which customers arrive in a Poisson process at a rate λ(0 < λ < ∞) and are served by s customers (1 ≤ s < ∞) in parallel on a first come, first served basis, the service times of customers having the exponential density μe -μx (0 < x < ∞). If no further assumptions are made this is then the M/M/s system. The case s = 1 (single server system) is discussed in Section 2.2 and the general case in Section 2.3.
Ribonucleic acids from yeast which contain a fifth nucleotide.

All recent methods for the isolation of the ribonucleic acids from yeast yield only 20 to 70 per cent of the ribonucleic acids that can be assumed to be present on the basis of quantitative analyses. There have been no studies regarding the nature of the ribonucleic acids that are lost during isolation, but it has tacitly been assumed that those which are lost have the same properties as those which are isolated. In the procedure of Crestfield, Smith, and Allen (I), 60 to 70 per cent of the ribonucleic acids from bakers’ yeast is isolated by a final precipitation from a 1 M solution of sodium chloride at 0”. 10 to 20 per cent of the total ribonucleic acids of the yeast is soluble in a 1 M solution of sodium chloride, together with certain proteins and deoxyribonucleic acids. The present communication deals with the isolation, purification, and characterization of the ribonucleic acids which are soluble in sodium chloride, and also describes the isolation and certain properties of a fifth nucleotide component which became evident in studying the action of ribonuclease on these ribonucleic acids. Preparation of Fractions
Overexpression of a potassium channel gene perturbs neural differentiation

Functional regulation of potassium currents in developing neurons is pivotal for changes in excitability and action potential waveform. Here, we test whether an excess of potassium channel transcripts is sufficient to drive functional expression of potassium current and shortening of the duration of the action potential. Injection of Shaker-like potassium channel transcripts into two-cell stage embryos achieves increases in RNA levels. The elevated levels of potassium channel RNA produce larger delayed-rectifier currents. Action potential durations are briefer, indicating that larger potassium currents are not compensated by changes in inward currents. Strikingly, overexpression of potassium current RNA leads to a reduction in the number of morphologically differentiated neurons in culture. We suggest that, by prematurely reducing the duration of the impulse, early overexpression of potassium channel activity suppresses normal developmental cues.
Valuing preferences over stormwater management outcomes including improved hydrologic function

[1] Stormwater runoff causes environmental problems such as flooding, soil erosion, and water pollution. Conventional stormwater management has focused primarily on flood reduction, while a new generation of decentralized stormwater solutions yields ancillary benefits such as healthier aquatic habitat, improved surface water quality, and increased water table recharge. Previous research has estimated values for flood reduction from stormwater management, but no estimates exist for the willingness to pay (WTP) for some of the other environmental benefits of alternative approaches to stormwater control. This paper uses a choice experiment survey of households in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, to estimate the values of several attributes of stormwater management outcomes. We analyzed data from 131 surveyed households in randomly selected neighborhoods. We find that people value reduced basement flooding more than reductions in yard or street flooding, but WTP for basement flood reduction in the area only exists if individuals are currently experiencing significant flooding themselves. Citizens value both improved water quality and improved hydrologic function and aquatic habitat from runoff reduction. Thus, widespread investment in low impact development stormwater solutions could have very large total benefits, and stormwater managers should be wary of policies and infrastructure plans that reduce flooding at the expense of water quality and aquatic habitat.
A modified defuzzifier for control of the inverted pendulum using learning

The paper introduces a novel defuzzification procedure to segment the input domains and assign selectable gain factors. With proper factor values in the defuzzifier, a fuzzy logic controller can speed-up the transient response without affecting stability. In addition, an instability due to inappropriate control rules can be accommodated. Also, the proposed defuzzifier can improve the system performance by using a genetic algorithm to learn the gain factors.
Protein Kinase C: Relaying Signals from Lipid Hydrolysis to Protein Phosphorylation

Publisher Summary PKC isozymes play pivotal roles in cell signaling by relaying information from lipid mediators to protein substrates. The relay of this information is under exquisite conformational, spatial, and temporal regulation, and extensive studies on the molecular mechanisms of this control have provided much insight into how PKC is regulated. This chapter summarizes the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of how protein kinase C transduces information from lipid mediators to protein phosphorylation. The normal function of PKC is under the coordinated regulation of five major mechanisms illustrated: phosphorylation, dephosphorylation, membrane targeting modules, degradation, and anchor proteins. The conserved maturation phosphorylations have been best characterized for conventional PKC isozymes and are described. The control of subcellular localization of kinases by scaffold proteins is emerging as a key requirement in maintaining fidelity and specificity in signaling by protein kinases. Protein kinase C activation is integral to an abundance of intracellular signaling pathways; specific isozymes play roles in most key cellular functions, including survival vs apoptotic pathways, proliferative vs quiescent pathways, receptor desensitization, and cytoskeletal architecture, among many others. New understanding of the regulatory inputs of protein kinase C will likely provide novel therapeutic targets in the coming years.
The characterization of flow signals from tubal and ovarian arteries using intraoperative continuous wave Doppler.

Ovarian vascular Doppler is a promising screening test for early ovarian cancer detection. However, disagreements on flow indices used, flow signal shapes and ovarian vessel localization cause continuing controversy. We aimed at clarifying some of this confusion by directly measuring the adnexal arterial blood flow during laparotomy. A 10-MHz continuous Doppler probe was used to examine adnexal vessels in 24 patients undergoing laparotomy for benign gynecological pathology. Resistance (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indices were calculated for each vessel and the shape of the flow signals was noted. The tubal arteries showed a low-velocity flow pattern with relatively high end-diastolic flow when compared to the ovarian artery signals obtained from the infundibulopelvic ligament. The mean RIs for the tubal artery and ovarian artery in the infundibulopelvic ligament were 0.59 ± 0.02 and 0.73 ± 0.02, respectively. The mean PIs for the tubal and ovarian artery in the infundibulopelvic ligament were 1.11 ± 0.09 and 1.53 ± 0.1, respectively. The tubal artery showed a significantly lower RI and PI when compared to the ipsilateral ovarian artery at the infundibulopelvic ligament (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively) and its hilar branches (p = 0.03 for RI and p = 0.03 for PI). We conclude that tubal artery flow signals, which are measured directly for the first time in this study, are characteristic and are distinct from the ovarian artery signals. Tubal artery signals might be erroneously picked up during transvaginal color Doppler sonography of the ovaries, especially in the presence of conditions causing a decreased impedance to blood flow in the pelvis, such as ovarian tumors. Recognizing the flow signal from the tubal artery may help in differentiating ovarian and tubal vessels detected during color Doppler sonography.
Scan patterns when viewing natural scenes: Emotion, complexity, and repetition

Eye movements were monitored during picture viewing, and effects of hedonic content, perceptual composition, and repetition on scanning assessed. In Experiment 1, emotional and neutral pictures that were figure-ground compositions or more complex scenes were presented for a 6-s free viewing period. Viewing emotional pictures or complex scenes prompted more fixations and broader scanning of the visual array, compared to neutral pictures or simple figure-ground compositions. Effects of emotion and composition were independent, supporting the hypothesis that these oculomotor indices reflect enhanced information seeking. Experiment 2 tested an orienting hypothesis by repeatedly presenting the same pictures. Although repetition altered specific scan patterns, emotional, compared to neutral, picture viewing continued to prompt oculomotor differences, suggesting that motivationally relevant cues enhance information seeking in appetitive and defensive contexts.
Photometric search for atmospheres on Europa and ganymede

Possible atmosphere detection on J-II and J-III satellites revealed by excess brightness on eclipse reappearance
Ab initio characterization of the HCOx (x = -1, 0, +1) species: structures, vibrational frequencies, CH bond dissociation energies, and HCO ionization potential and electron affinity

The potential energy surfaces of the HCOx (x = +1, 0, −1) species near their equilibrium geometries have been calculated employing coupled cluster methods with augmented correlation consistent basis sets. The equilibrium structures, vibrational frequencies, zero point energies, and dissociation energies were computed for all three species. Valence−electron CCSD(T) calculations with the aug-cc-pV5Z basis set predict CH bond dissociation energies, D0, of 140.3 kcal/mol for HCO+, 14.0 kcal/mol for HCO, and 4.5 kcal/mol for HCO-, in good agreement with experiment (140.1 ± 1, 13.9−14.3, and 5.2 ± 0.2 kcal/mol, respectively). The same calculations predict the electron affinity, EA0, and ionization potential, IP0, of HCO to be 7.7 and 187.3 kcal/mol; these values are within 0.5 kcal/mol of the measured values. Inclusion of core−valence correlation corrections has only a minor effect on the calculated energetics.
A provably-robust sampling method for generating colormaps of large data

First impressions from initial renderings of data are crucial for directing further exploration and analysis. In most visualization systems, default colormaps are generated by simply linearly interpolating color in some space based on a value's placement between the minimum and maximum taken on by the dataset. We design a simple sampling-based method for generating colormaps that high-lights important features. We use random sampling to determine the distribution of values observed in the data. The sample size required is independent of the dataset size and only depends on certain accuracy parameters. This leads to a computationally cheap and robust algorithm for colormap generation. Our approach (1) uses perceptual color distance to produce palettes from color curves, (2) allows the user to either emphasize or de-emphasize prominent values in the data, (3) uses quantiles to map distinct colors to values based on their frequency in the dataset, and (4) supports the highlighting of either inter- or intra-mode variations in the data.
Interaction of Exercise Training and Chronic Ethanol Ingestion on Hepatic and Plasma Antioxidant System in Rat

This study was undertaken in order to investigate the interactive effects of exercise training and chronic ethanol consumption on the antioxidant system in rat liver and plasma. Fisher-344 rats were treated in separate groups as follows: sedentary control (SC); exercise training (ET) for 6.5 weeks; ethanol 20% (2.0 g kg−1, p.o.) for 6.5 weeks; and ET and ethanol administration. In liver, ET significantly decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level (73% of SC). Chronic ethanol significantly increased catalase (CAT) activity and MDA levels (126% and 135% of SC), respectively, and also depleted the reduced glutathione (GSH) level and the reduced to oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio (81% and 38% of SC), respectively. Exercise training plus ethanol significantly increased CAT and glutathione reductase (GR) activity (126% and 118% of SC), respectively, and decreased the MDA level (67% of SC). In plasma, ethanol significantly enhanced CAT activity and MDA levels (173% and 221% of SC), respectively. Ethanol ingestion also increased the CAT/superoxide dismutase (SOD) ratio (216% of SC) in plasma. Training plus ethanol ingestion significantly increased CAT activity and MDA levels (208% and 148% of SC), respectively, and increased CAT/SOD and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)/SOD ratios (279% and 142% of SC), respectively. The data indicate that the combination of exercise and ethanol ingestion resulted in an enhanced hepatic CAT and GR activity to eliminate H2O2 and to maintain endogenous GSH levels. Thus, training ameliorated the ethanol-induced oxidative injury in the liver. The ratio of CAT/SOD in plasma increased twofold due to chronic ethanol intake and threefold due to the combination, which may be used as an index of oxidative stress. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Value Orientations of Preservice Teachers

Abstract Curriculum theorists have acknowledged, the critical role that beliefs and values play in the decisions that teachers make, but very little is known about how teachers' value profiles develop. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the educational value orientations of a group of physical education preservice teachers (N = 16) enrolled in an elementary methods course and to investigate the link between value profiles and teacher behaviors. Value profiles were assessed using the Value Orientation Inventory (Ennis & Hooper, 1988). The results indicated that teachers in training entered field-based experiences with defined value profiles, but that these profiles were not stable constructs. Priorities within competing value orientations fluctuated over the course of a semester. Possible explanations for the changes that occurred and implications for teacher education programs are discussed.
Understanding platelets in malaria infection.

Purpose of review Platelets are most identified as the cellular mediator of thrombosis. It is becoming increasingly evident that platelets also have complicated roles in vascular inflammatory and infectious diseases. Platelets have been linked to initiating or accelerating the pathogenesis of diverse pathologies, such as atherosclerosis acute and chronic transplant rejection, arthritis, influenza, and malaria infection. Platelets may also have protective roles in killing microbes, such as bacteria. Malaria kills over 500,000 people per year, so understanding the multifaceted roles for platelets in malaria infection is of critical importance. Recent findings Recent literature has on the surface made the role of platelets in malaria infection somewhat confusing, with seemingly contradictory studies indicating a protective role for platelets in malaria infection by direct parasite killing, although others have indicated that platelets have an adverse proinflammatory role. However, what can appear to be mechanistic discrepancies are likely best explained through a better understanding and appreciation of platelet immune functions, especially in the context of the disease outcome or model systems used. Summary In this review, we will first briefly highlight platelet immune cell functions. We will then discuss how platelet immune and inflammatory functions may affect responses to malaria infection in a disease outcome and animal model context.
Orientation, oxygen activity and temperature dependencies of the diffusion of manganese in manganese orthosilicate, Mn2SiO4

Abstract The diffusion of manganese in manganese silicate, Mn2SiO4, in equilibrium with MnSiO3 was experimentally studied as a function of crystallographic orientation, oxygen activity and temperature using high purity synthetic single crystals of manganese silicate. The oxygen activity dependence of the manganese cation diffusion in Mn2SiO4 along the three principle orientations at 1200 °C suggests that, at high oxygen activities, manganese cations move via different types of vacancies, most likely isolated manganese vacancies, ( V Mn 2 + )″, and possibly neutral associates, {2(MnMn2 +3 +) ⋅ ( V Mn 2 + )″}×, the latter being minority defects. At lower oxygen activities, the oxygen activity dependence of the manganese tracer diffusion becomes smaller than that at higher oxygen activities and eventually becomes negative at very low oxygen activities. The latter is attributed to an increased concentration of manganese interstitials at lower oxygen activities. The temperature dependence of the manganese tracer diffusion along the three principle orientations was experimentally investigated between 1150 and 1250 °C at log a O 2 = − 2.7 ( a O 2 = P O 2 / P O 2 o with PO2o = 1 atm) and between 1150 and 1300 °C at log a O 2 = − 9.8. The results obtained suggest that the orientation dependence of the diffusion of manganese in Mn2SiO4 does not vary very significantly with temperature. When using the space group Pbnm to describe crystal orientations, the ratio found for the manganese tracer diffusion coefficients at log a O 2 = − 2.7 is approximately DMn[001]∗:DMn[010]∗:DMn[100]∗ = 5.3:2.2:1.
Theory for the observed isotope effects from enzymatic systems that form multiple products via branched reaction pathways: Cytochrome P-450

By use of cytochrome P-450 as the prototype, kinetic descriptions are derived for the observed isotope effects for several models of enzymatic systems which are capable of generating multiple products from single substrates. The models include rapid and slow equilibria between enzyme-substrate orientations as well as multiple simultaneous and multiple sequential isotope effects. When an equilibrium is established between enzyme-substrate complexes that are responsible for the oxidation of different positions of the substrate, the kinetics can be represented by competing pathways from the same intermediate. When direct interchange between the complexes does not occur, the alternate pathway mimics the presence of a competitive inhibitor in the substrate solution. In general, the presence of alternate pathways in competition with the isotopically sensitive step will tend to unmask the intrinsic isotope effect.
Overview of classical test theory and item response theory for the quantitative assessment of items in developing patient-reported outcomes measures.

Background: The US Food and Drug Administration’s guidance for industry document on patientreported outcomes (PRO) defines content validity as “the extent to which the instrument measures the concept of interest” (FDA, 2009, p. 12). According to Strauss and Smith (2009), construct validity "is now generally viewed as a unifying form of validity for psychological measurements, subsuming both content and criterion validity” (p. 7). Hence, both qualitative and quantitative information are essential in evaluating the validity of measures. Methods: We review classical test theory and item response theory (IRT) approaches to evaluating PRO measures, including frequency of responses to each category of the items in a multi-item scale, the distribution of scale scores, floor and ceiling effects, the relationship between item response options and the total score, and the extent to which hypothesized “difficulty” (severity) order of items is represented by observed responses. Results: If a researcher has few qualitative data and wants to get preliminary information about the content validity of the instrument, then descriptive assessments using classical test theory should be the first step. As the sample size grows during subsequent stages of instrument development, confidence in the numerical estimates from Rasch and other IRT models (as well as those of classical test theory) would also grow. Conclusion: Classical test theory and IRT can be useful in providing a quantitative assessment of items and scales during the content-validity phase of PROmeasure development. Depending on the particular type of measure and the specific circumstances, the classical test theory and/or the IRT should be considered to help maximize the content validity of PRO measures. (Clin Ther. 2014;36:648–662) & 2014
Metabolism of 12(R)-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (12(R)-HETE) in corneal tissues: Formation of novel metabolites

Abstract 12( R )-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid [12( R )-HETE], a cytochrome P450 arachidonate metabolite, is metabolized by corneal tissues via three distinct metabolic pathways: β-oxidation, ω-hydroxylation, and keto-reduction. The major metabolite released from the intact rabbit corneal epithelium or cultured cells was identified by mass spectrometric analysis as 8-hydroxy-4,6,10-hexadecatrienoic acid, the tetranor metabolite derived following two steps of β-oxidation from the carboxy terminus. The β-oxidation pathway was expressed in both microsomes and mitochondria isolated from bovine corneal epithelium and was dependent on the addition of oxidizing equivalents. The major metabolite of 12( R )-HETE in subcellular fractions of bovine corneal epithelial cells was a dihydro compound, 12-hydroxy-5,8,14-eicosatrienoic acid (12-HETrE). This derivative is presumably formed by an oxidation of the hydroxyl group followed by two keto-reduction steps, since its formation was accompanied by the appearance of a keto metabolite identified as 12-oxo-5,8,14-eicosatrienoic acid. The ω-hydroxylation, in contrast to other cell types, was a minor route for 12( R )-HETE metabolism in these tissues. Since 12( R )-HETE has been implicated as a modulator of Na + -K + -ATPase activity and its related functions in ocular tissues, these findings raise the possibility that the newly described metabolites may be involved in regulating corneal functions. In addition, the presence of a keto reductase in the cornea may be of great importance following injury since 12( R )-HETrE resulting from 12( R )-HETE by this activity is a potent ocular proinflammatory compound.
Structure of the Sir3 protein bromo adjacent homology (BAH) domain from S. cerevisiae at 1.95 Å resolution

Sir3p is a silent-information-regulator (SIR) protein required for the assembly of a transcriptionally “silent” chromatin structure at telomeres and the cryptic HM mating-type loci in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sir3p contains a putative “bromo adjacent homology” (BAH) domain at its N terminus that shares strong sequence similarity with the BAH domain of a subunit of the origin recognition complex (ORC), Orc1p. The Orc1p–BAH domain forms a well-defined complex with the ORC interaction region (OIR) of another Sir protein, Sir1p, which targets formation of silent chromatin to the HM-loci. Interestingly, despite sequence similarity of the Sir3p and Orc1p BAH domains and Sir3p's established importance in silencing, Sir3p does not bind the Sir1p–OIR. Here we report the 1.95 A resolution crystal structure of the Sir3p–BAH domain. The structure reveals two key features that can account for Sir3p–BAH domain's inability to interact with Sir1p. First, several Orc1p–BAH domain residues known to directly contact Sir1p are altered in the Sir3p–BAH domain. Second, a critical OIR-binding pocket present on the surface of the Orc1p–BAH domain is “filled” in the Sir3p–BAH domain structure, potentially making it inaccessible to Sir1p. These findings imply that the Sir3p–BAH domain structure has evolved for functions distinct from those of the Orc1p–BAH domain.
Non-raster sampling in atomic force microscopy: A compressed sensing approach

Atomic force microscopy is a powerful tool that has had a tremendous impact in understanding systems with nanometer-scale features. In this work we explore the use of compressed sensing as a means of sampling data and generating an image. Under this approach only a small number of the pixels in an image, typically as few as 10%, need to be sampled to generate an accurate image. We show that when combined with time-optimal control to move the tip of the microscope between measurement locations, the imaging time is comparable to high-speed AFM systems while also greatly reducing the interactions with and force applied to the sample. In addition, the approach can significantly reduce the imaging time in applications such as force mapping in which the tip is moved point-by-point through a sequence of measurement locations rather than continuously scanned as in standard imaging.
Tissue characteristics of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in diabetic patients.

Abstract OBJECTIVES The purposes of this study were to analyze coronary specimens from patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and to compare them with specimens from patients without DM. BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased incidence of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Increased hypercellular smooth muscle cell proliferation with exaggerated intimal hyperplasia formation may be responsible for this predisposition. METHODS Eighteen coronary atherectomy specimens with restenosis after PTCA from patients with DM were compared with 18 coronary atherectomy specimens with restenosis after PTCA from patients without DM. Total and segmental areas were quantified on trichrome-stained tissue of hypercellular tissue, collagen-rich sclerotic tissue, atheroma and thrombus. Demographic and angiographic data were similar in both groups. RESULTS The percentage of total plaque area composed of hypercellular tissue was lower in restenotic specimens from patients with DM than in restenotic specimens from patients without DM (19 ± 6% vs. 44 ± 5%; p = 0.003). The percentage of collagen-rich sclerotic tissue area was larger in restenotic specimens from patients with DM than in restenotic specimens from patients without DM (77 ± 9% vs. 53 ± 4%; p = 0.004). The percentages of atheroma and thrombus were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Intimal hypercellular tissue content is reduced in restenotic tissue from patients with DM. Collagen-rich sclerotic content is increased in restenotic lesions from patients with DM. These results suggest an accelerated fibrotic rather than a proliferative response in diabetic lesions from patients with restenosis after PTCA.
Presettlement and modern disturbance regimes in coast redwood forests: Implications for the conservation of old-growth stands

Coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), a western North American conifer of ancient lineage, has a paradoxical combination of late-successional characteristics and strong adaptations to disturbance. Despite its shade tolerance and heavy dominance of the canopy on many sites, redwood saplings are uncommon in upland old-growth stands. Information needed to ensure the conservation of old-growth redwood forests has been limited. In this review paper, we integrate evidence on redwood biology with data on the historic and modern disturbance regimes to help clarify the degree to which key attributes of redwood forests may have been dependent upon periodic disturbance. Available evidence suggests that episodes of fire, flooding, and slope failure prior to European settlement were frequent but predominantly of low to moderate severity and extent, resulting in broadly uneven-aged forests. The majority of fires prior to European settlement were apparently of human origin. Frequency and severity of the major disturbance agents have been radically changed in modern times. Fires have been largely excluded, and flooding has been altered in ways that have often been detrimental to old-growth redwoods on alluvial terraces. However, because of the apparent anthropogenic origin of most presettlement fires, the long-term evolutionary role of fire for coast redwood is ecologically ambiguous. With fire exclusion, redwood possibly could be displaced to some extent on upland sites by increasing abundance of fire-sensitive competitors. Alternatively, redwood may be able to maintain dominance by vegetative sprouting and new seedling establishment on root-wad mounds, fallen logs, and on soil exposed by slope failure. Future research priorities are suggested that will help resolve some of the current ambiguities.
On Multidecadal Variability of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation in the Community Climate System Model Version 3

Abstract Multidecadal variability of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC) is investigated diagnostically in the NCAR Community Climate System Model version 3 (CCSM3) present-day simulations, using the highest (T85 × 1) resolution version. This variability has a 21-yr period and is present in many other ocean fields in the North Atlantic. In MOC, the oscillation amplitude is about 4.5 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1), corresponding to 20% of the mean maximum MOC transport. The northward heat transport (NHT) variability has an amplitude of about 0.12 PW, representing 10% of the mean maximum NHT. In sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface salinity (SSS), the peak-to-peak changes can be as large as 6°–7°C and 3 psu, respectively. The Labrador Sea region is identified as the deep-water formation (DWF) site associated with the MOC oscillations. In contrast with some previous studies, temperature and salinity contributions to the total density in this DWF region are almost equal and in phase. The he...
Theoretical and experimental study of polarized light scattering by helices

Comparisons are made between a refined model using coupled-dipole theory and the first Born approximation for light scattering from helices. The use of the first Born approximation to model polarized light scattering from a thin wire helix is further developed in order to include all sixteen Mueller scattering matrix elements. (The Mueller matrix fully describes how a structure alters the polarization state of light upon scattering). Comparisons of predicted Mueller matrices between the two theories show that, in some cases, good agreement is obtained. The predicted Mueller matrix for an ensemble of randomly oriented helices using the first Born approximation is calculated. The models based on the first Born approximation and on coupled-dipole theory were also compared to data taken from octopus sperm. We conclude that the first Born approximation may be useful for predicting some elements such as S14 (the matrix element that describes the depolarization of incident circularly polarized light), but for other elements the coupled-dipole theory is better suited.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The nucleus of comet P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1

The thermal flux in the 20-micron Q filter band of comet P/Schwassmann-Wachman was measured some 77 days after the most recent previous eruption, and when the visual magnitude was abut 17.6. Considerations of the eruptive history of the comet, and in particular its tendency to fade to a minimum threshold brightness level between eruption, suggest that the measurement refers to an essentially bare nucleus. Using the standard photometric/radiometric technique for calculating the diameters and geometric albedos of asteroids and planetary satellites, and the assumption that the bare nucleus is measured, it is found that the diameter of the nucleus is 40 + or - 5 km, and the geometric albedo is 0.13 + or - 0.04.
Towards solving similarity search problems using fuzzy concept for multi-dimensional data

In this paper, we present continuous research on data analysis based on our previous work on similarity search problems. PanKNN[13] is a novel technique which explores the meaning of K nearest neighbors from a new perspective, redefines the distances between data points and a given query point Q, and efficiently and effectively select data points which are closest to Q. It can be applied in various data mining fields. In this paper, we applied the Fuzzy concept to improve the performance of PanKNN, targeting the better decision making for the calculation of the distance between a data point and Q. This approach can assist to improve the performance of existing data analysis approaches.
Electrostatic discharge protection framework for mixed-signal high voltage CMOS applications

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection requirements for high voltage (HV) MOS technology are continuously evolving and increasingly stringent. To address the ever changing technology ESD constraints, a method for design, characterization, and integration of reliable mixed-signal HV MOS ESD solutions is introduced in this study. The dynamic response, design trade-offs and ESD verification in two HV CMOS-based technologies are discussed and depicted via fast transient and quasi-static measurements in the ESD-time domain.
Differences in the DNA of the inactive X chromosomes of fetal and extraembryonic tissues of mice

Abstract We have examined the role of DNA modification in X chromosome inactivation of fetal tissues of the mouse using DNA-mediated gene transfer for the gene hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT). Two types of tissues have been examined with respect to randomness of inactivation in 14-day mouse conceptuses: 1) fetal tissue, which under-goes random inactivation of either the maternal or paternal X; and 2) yolk sac endoderm tissue, an extraembryonic membrane, which normally undergoes nonrandom inactivation of the paternal X. Exploiting an electrophoretic variant of HPRT as a means to mark the active and inactive HPRT alleles we provide evidence that: 1) inactive X DNA of the fetus at 14 days behaves like that of both adult tissue and cell lines in that the inactive X DNA is not efficient in gene transfer; and 2) in contrast, inactive X DNA from yolk sac endoderm is functional in gene transfer. Thus, despite the similarity in single active X chromosome expression in yolk sac endoderm and somatic tissues, there appears to be a difference at the level of DNA modification between these two tissues.
Surface studies of α-copper phthalocyanine films

Abstract Measurements of the field effect and surface photovoltage on α-copper phthalocyanine films have revealed the presence of a high density of acceptor-like surface states (approximately 10 13 cm 2 ) which seem to have their origin adsorbed oxygen. Passification by a strong electron donor such as phenothiazine seems possible but only with the formation of a surface dipole layer which hinders field effect modulation.
Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy for the Differentiation of Normal from Neoplastic Barrett's Mucosa

Abstract Confocal laser endomicroscopy allows for in vivo microscopic scanning of the Barrett's segment and might improve the detection of neoplastic lesions. Here the basic principles of this innovative technique are shown and how to differentiate between normal gastric mucosa, nonneoplastic Barrett's mucosa, and Barrett's neoplasia is demonstrated. This article is part of an expert video encyclopedia.
Distal fibular notch: a frequent manifestation of the rheumatoid ankle

Objective. To describe the distal fibular notch, an infrequently described manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis, and to speculate on its etiology through gross dissection, histologic correlation and MR imaging. Design and patients: One hundred and twenty-one conventional ankle radiographs were obtained and reviewed in 76 patients with clinically diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis. Additional imaging of three ankles was obtained utilizing CT and MR imaging. In addition to evaluating erosive changes, note was made of the presence and location of a well-defined scalloped defect along the medial border of the distal fibula. Ankle specimen dissection and histoanatomic examination was performed in an attempt to determine the exact pathogenesis of this fibular notch. Results. The distal fibular notch was identified in 52 of 121 ankles (43%). Seventy-five percent of notches were syndesmotic and extended down to the horizontal ankle joint level, while 25% of notches were syndesmotic with extension below the joint. The majority of ankles (79%) demonstrated coexistent marginal erosions and/or joint narrowing. Ankle specimen dissection revealed a single-celled synovial fold within the distal tibiofibular syndesmotic recess without underlying articular cartilage extension. Conclusion: The fibular notch within the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis is a frequent manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis and appears to result from synovial proliferation rather than from mechanical instability.
Inhibition of 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene-induced rat mammary tumorigenesis by 2,5-di-O-acetyl-D-glucaro-1, 4:6,3-dilactone, an in vivo β-glucuronidase inhibitor

2,5-Di-O-acetyl-D-glucaro-1,4:6,3-dilactone ( DAGDL ) is a slow release form of D-glucaro-1,4-lactone (GL), a non-toxic natural inhibitor of beta-glucuronidase. When administered orally to female rats in conjunction with a carcinogenic dose of 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA), this compound caused a 70% reduction in the number of rats with mammary tumors and 72% reduction in the number of mammary tumors per rat. Co-administration also reduces the induction by DMBA of a 60 kd oncofetal protein, previously shown to be associated with carcinogenesis and tumorigenesis. DAGDL administration depressed beta-glucuronidase activity both in the absence and presence of concurrent treatment with DMBA and also markedly reduced binding of DMBA to organ DNA. The anti-carcinogenic effect of DAGDL appears to be independent of route of administration of DMBA. It is proposed that inhibition of beta-glucuronidase increases the proportion of DMBA which is sequestered and excreted as the glucuronide and therefore unavailable for activation to the proximal carcinogen.
Preparation and analysis of low molecular weight RNAs and small ribonucleoproteins.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the preparation and analysis of low molecular weight RNAs and small ribonucleoproteins. For routine preparation of total RNA, mechanical breakage can be employed with glass beads in the presence of the chaotropic agent guanidine thiocyanate to obtain high yields of good quality RNA. To determine in which cell compartment the RNA of interest resides, or to enrich for a species if its localization is known, it is often desirable to fractionate cells before extracting RNA. Small cytoplasmic RNAs relatively free of contamination with ribosomal RNAs or their breakdown products can be obtained from a postribosomal supernatant. It is reported that one-dimensional gels provide adequate resolution of both tRNAs and snRNAs in yeast. Therefore a semidenaturing two-dimensional system is adopted for analysis of RNAs labeled either in vivo or in vitro. For bigger RNAs, northern blot analysis is used by electrophoretically transferring the RNA from a high-resolution gel.
Extreme solvent effects on reaction rate constants at supercritical fluid conditions

The reaction rate constant was adjusted continuously over two orders of magnitude for the unimolecular decomposition of α-chlorobenzyl methyl ether using the supercritical fluid solvent 1, 1 diffluoroethane. Activation volumes were observed as low as −6,000 cm3/mol, which is about an order of magnitude more negative than those reported previously in the literature for a homogeneous reaction. Spectral shift (solvatochromic) data were measured for phenol blue in the same fluid in order to interpret the rate data. A method is presented to predict solvent effects on rate constants at supercritical fluid conditions.
A computer simulation study of pocosin hydrology

The hydrology of pocosins is dependent on plant, soil, site, and climatological factors. A simulation study was conducted to determine the effects of natural factors, such as depressional storage, and changes in drainage and land use on pocosin hydrology. The water management model DRAINMOD was used to simulate the hydrology of drained and undrained pocosins. Hourly rainfall data from a 33-year period of climatological record were used in DRAINMOD to predict evapotranspiration (ET), subsurface drainage, runoff, and water table depth on a day-by-day basis. Results were summarized to determine annual and long-term average effects. Pocosins with a large amount of surface depressional storage have water ponded on the surface during most of the year, high ET, and low surface runoff. As the depth of depressional storage decreases, average annual ET decreases, and runoff increases. Average annual runoff predicted for a natural pocosin on a Portsmouth soil near Wilmington, North Carolina increase from 277 mm to 384 mm as the depth of depressional storage was decreased from 300 mm to 5 mm. However, year-to-year variation in annual runoff was much greater than the effects of all other factors considered. Drainage ditches at spacings greater than 400 m had no effect on average annual runoff for constant surface depressional storage and conditions analyzed in this study. Decreasing the ditch spacing from 400 to 100 m increased average total annual outflow by only 7%. However, more than half of the predicted outflow for the 100 m spacing occurred as subsurface flow compared to less than 5% of the total for the 400 m spacing. Conversion from natural pocosin vegetation to a managed pine forest with a deeper rooting zone decreased predicted annual outflow by about 9%. Conversion to agricultural uses increased predicted average outflow by 7% compared to natural conditions.
Degradation of ATP by membrane-bound enzymatic activities in Dictyostelium discoideum monitored by high-pressure liquid chromatography.

Abstract This report describes the separation of ATP, ADP, AMP, adenosine, adenine, and cAMP using reverse phase high-pressure liquid chromatography on μBondapack C18, ATP, ADP, AMP, and adenine could be eluted with ammonium phosphate while 9% methanol was required to elute adenosine and cAMP. The fate of ATP following its incubation with plamsa membranes from Dictyostelium discoideum was determined using reverse phase high-pressure liquid chromatography to analyze reaction components. Degradation of ATP was noted, as well as the formation of hydrolytic products such as ADP, AMP, and adenosine. The amount of AMP formed ( 46.3 nmol 30 min ), as determined by separation from reaction components by high-pressure liquid chromatography, corresponds to the amount of AMP formed ( 55.8 nmol 30 min ) as determined when the separation was made by thinlayer chromatography.