cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnitude and significance of NAD turnover in human cell line D98/AH2.

IN the oxidation–reduction metabolism of a cell the pyridine nucleotide NAD is used catalytically; any NAD that is reduced is reoxidised. But NAD is consumed in certain metabolic reactions in which it serves as a substrate. In eukaryotic cells, the most intriguing of these reactions is the cleavage of NAD to form nicotinamide and a unique polymer, poly adenosine diphosphoribose (poly ADPR) (Fig. 1); the reaction is catalysed by the enzyme poly ADPR synthetase1–4. Other well studied reactions involving the destruction of NAD include the cleavage of NAD to form AMP and NMN by bacterial DNA ligases5,6 and the breakdown of NAD (with the concomitant inactivation of protein synthesis) by diphtheria toxin7,8.
WIDTHS OF NUCLEAR SINGLE-PARTICLE BOUND STATES

A relation between the widths and the imaginary part of the optical- model potential used to describe such states is derived. Analvsis of the relation shows that width measurements can help determine the rearrangement energy and the spatial distribution of the imaginary part of the potential. Previously obtained experimental results are explained. (D.C.W.)
Predictive clinicopathologic factors for limited response of T3 rectal cancer to combined modality therapy

Purpose The response of T3 rectal cancer to combined modality therapy (CMT) is highly predictive of long-term outcome following surgery. The aim of this study was to identify pretreatment factors associated with poor tumor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation.
Mandible reconstruction with the radial forearm flap

The radial forearm osteocutaneous flap is arguably the best flap for the restoration of intraoral function following oromandibular reconstruction: As well having ample surface area, its skin is thin, supple, capable of providing separate paddles for lining and cover, and most importantly, capable of reinnervation for sensate oral reconstruction. The donor site is remote from the recipient, allowing a two-team approach without respositioning. The vessels are large and the pedicle is long. The bone is strong but its usable length is short. It lacks vertical height as well as bulk. In low-volume resections the cosmetic results are excellent, but the cosmetic outcome is less satisfactory when bulky tissue has been resected. Bony defects exceeding 10 cm are probably unsuitable for reconstruction with this flap. Forearm skin may be hairy, and when much is taken, the donor site scar is a conspicuous cosmetic defect. Overzealous harvesting of bone, inadequate postoperative splintage, unusual forces, or sheer bad luck can result in a fractured radius. Yet the flap is reliable and the rates of bony union are high. Donor defects may be minimized by meticulous surgical technique, limiting the bone graft to one third of the distal radial circumference, direct wound closure when possible, and appropriate postoperative splintage. Fractures of the radius are rare under these circumstances. With the correct indications, the radial forearm flap has a distinct and unique role to play in reconstructing composite oromandibular defects.
Conjugated Estrogens Acutely Abolish Abnormal Cold-Induced Coronary Vasoconstriction in Male Cardiac Allografts

Background —Transplant-associated coronary arteriopathy is manifested in its early stages by paradoxical coronary artery constriction in response to endothelium-dependent vasodilator stimuli such as the cold pressor test (CPT) and is a major cause of death or retransplantation. Estrogen has vasoactive properties that abolish coronary artery endothelial dysfunction in native hearts. We hypothesized that estrogen attenuates inappropriate coronary artery constriction in cardiac allografts. Methods and Results —Coronary artery diameter and systemic hemodynamic responses to a 90-second CPT were measured before and 15 minutes after double-blind, randomized administration of intravenous conjugated estrogens (1.25 mg) or placebo in men with male cardiac allografts. Before estrogen, 9 men exhibited an abnormal 15.1±3.0% CPT-induced decrease in coronary artery diameter. However, repeat CPT did not induce significant coronary artery constriction when performed 15 minutes after estrogen. CPT responses before and after estrogen were significantly different ( P =.02). Placebo did not influence coronary artery responses to CPT in 6 men. Systemic hemodynamic responses to CPT were not influenced by estrogen or placebo. Estrogen was the only significant determinant of changes in coronary artery responses to CPT. Conclusions —Conjugated estrogens acutely abolish abnormal CPT-induced coronary artery constriction in male cardiac allografts. This favorable vasomotor effect suggests that estrogen may prevent inappropriate coronary artery constriction in men with cardiac transplants.
Using Baseball in Social Studies Instruction: Addressing the Five Fundamental Themes of Geography

(2005). Using Baseball in Social Studies Instruction: Addressing the Five Fundamental Themes of Geography. The Social Studies: Vol. 96, No. 3, pp. 113-117.
Hyperhemolysis Syndrome without Underlying Hematologic Disease

Introduction. Hyperhemolysis is characterized by a life-threatening hemolytic transfusion reaction, with hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) dropping markedly lower than before transfusion. This phenomenon, commonly described in sickle cell disease, is a rare occurrence in patients without hemoglobinopathies. Case Report. A 55-year-old male presented to the hospital after a motorcycle crash and received 10 units of cross-matched blood for active bleeding. The patient was blood group O, with a negative antibody screen. Ten days later, he represented complaining of dyspnea and was found to have a hematocrit of 12%. The direct antiglobulin test was positive for anti-immunoglobin G and complement. Indirect antiglobulin test was positive for anti-Jka alloantibodies. The presence of Jka antigen was revealed in one unit of previously transfused blood; patient's RBCs were negative for the Jka antigen. Laboratory data demonstrated findings consistent with DHTR, as well as reticulopenia and elevated ferritin levels. He continued to show signs of active hemolysis, requiring a total of 4 subsequent units of pRBCs. Each transfusion precipitated a drop in Hb and Hct to levels lower than before transfusion; once transfusions were held, the patient slowly recovered. Discussion. Hyperhemolysis in the setting of a DHTR can occur in patients without hematologic disease.
Epitaxial growth of quaternary (Zn,Mg)(S,Se) for pseudomorphic separate confinement heterostructure (SCH) laser structures

We report the molecular beam epitaxial growth of the quaternary (Zn,Mg)(S,Se) compound as well as the incorporation of this quaternary into a pseudomorphic SCH blue-green laser diode configuration. X ray diffraction and TEM imaging indicate that the quaternary (Zn,Mg)(S,Se) can accommodate substantially more strain than the binary ZnSe; pseudomorphic epilayers with thickness of about 2 micrometers could be grown within a strain range of -0.225% (tension) and 0.137% (compression) at room temperature. Room temperature continuous wave operation of diode lasers having the quaternary as cladding layers was achieved with a lifetime of longer than 20 seconds. These index-guided laser diodes, employing the Zn(Se,Te) graded ohmic contact (adopted to contact p-type (Zn,Mg)(S,Se), have provided a significant reduction in lasing threshold voltage to 4.2 V.
Healing texts and healing techniques in indigenous Balinese medicine

Case histories of three prominent Balinese healers illustrate various ways that indigenous medical texts are used in healing. Most healers employ mantras, spells and inscriptions from the texts because they believe them to have innate power which can heal. A smaller group of healers are literate in the archaic language used in the palm-leaf medical manuscripts. However, their use of these manuscripts often differs from the literal and unambiguous way that Westerners read medical documents. An examination of Balinese medical manuscripts, in the context of the conventions of Balinese literature, demonstrates the use of these texts to align the body with the macrocosm and to reaffirm the beliefs of the ancestors.
An economic and technological analysis of the key factors affecting the competitiveness of electric commercial vehicles: A case study from the USA market

Abstract Electric commercial vehicles’ (ECVs) energy costs are almost four times less expensive than conventional diesel trucks, on a per-mile basis, at current USA market values. However, ECVs are approximately three times more expensive in terms of vehicle purchase costs. In addition, electric vehicles are simpler and cheaper to maintain there are more uncertainties associated to the life and long-term costs of the ECV batteries. Furthermore, there are limitations in terms of miles driven per day without recharging. These economic and technological tradeoffs motivate this research. Utilizing a fleet replacement optimization framework, a wide range of scenarios, and current USA market data this research finds the key economic and technological breakeven values where ECVs become competitive against conventional diesel counterparts. The results clearly indicate that only in scenarios with high utilization (over 16,000 miles per year per truck) the electric vehicles are competitive, this is especially valid if a battery replacement is not required before the electric commercial vehicle is replaced. The breakeven analysis results show that a 9–27% ECV price reduction can greatly increase their competitiveness when vehicles are driven over 12,000 miles per year.
Change-point detection using wavelets

The change-point detection problem is one of the central problems in statistical inference and nonstationary signal processing. In this research, we incorporate the wavelet transform technique into the change-point detection framework and address several arising issues. We first apply the change detection algorithm in the wavelet domain, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the approach. Then, we consider the effect of down-sampling and the use of non-wavelet filters. Finally, we propose a new scheme for change detection based on the local energy feature, which shows some clear advantage of the wavelet transform approach.
Low dose interferon-ribavirin therapy is as efficacious as regular strength RebetronR for the treatment of naive hepatitis C patients

Low dose interferon-ribavirin therapy is as efficacious as regular strength Rebetron R for the treatment of naive hepatitis C patients
Monoclonal Gammopathy Presenting as Recurrent Nephrotic Syndrome: Therapeutic Implications

Most forms of renal disease associated with monoclonal gammopathy result from deposition of monoclonal immunoglobulins or their subunits in different compartments of the kidney. Renal monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (MIDD) is defined by linear deposits of monoclonal light-chain components in renal basement membranes, often producing a nodular sclerosing glomerulopathy. Clinical features of renal MIDD include proteinuria, with or without renal failure, and an association with dysproteinemias. Three types of renal MIDD have been reported, namely, light-chain deposition disease (LCDD), light- and heavy-chain deposition disease (LHCDD), and heavy-chain deposition disease (HCDD). Reports on LHCDD are rare. At present, follow-up data are limited on the management of renal monoclonal protein deposition disease. We present a case of monoclonal protein deposition in the kidney containing both heavy and light chains with unique characteristics that did not conform to any of the above previous established classes. Its follow-up revealed an unusual relapsing and remitting course in response to treatment.
Emerging strategies for pegylated interferon combination therapy.

Several advances afford promise for improving the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Current therapies primarily target the immune system; the now proven ability to culture the entire virus in vitro could ultimately facilitate the identification of therapies directly targeting viral replication. Several therapies are presently in development. Taribavirin hydrochloride (Viramidine®, Valeant Pharmaceutical International, Singapore), a ribavirin prodrug, has shown promise, although the rate of sustained virologic response with this agent has been disappointing. The next generation of antivirals will consist of protease and polymerase inhibitors, a number of which are undergoing investigation, initially as monotherapy and subsequently in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Challenges include the prevention of recurrent HCV infection in liver-transplant recipients and development of a safe and effective HCV vaccine.
Expanding the design space for intimacy: supporting mutual reflection for local partners

The design space for intimate partners has largely been populated with technologies that support distant partners via abstracted presence. We seek to expand the design space to include a wider range of potential users and designs. To this end, we present findings from qualitative interviews with Family Studies experts in the form of a stage-based model of couple connection---Re-pattern, Reflect, Re-story, Reconnect. From this analysis, we identify two new regions in the couples design space, local partners and deep interpersonal sharing. Finally, we share the design of a technology that sits at the intersection of these regions. These findings present new opportunities for designers of intimate collaborative technologies.
Lipids of ocular tissues. II. The phospholipids of mature bovine and rabbit whole retina.

Abstract The phospholipid class composition and the fatty acid composition of the individual phospholipids of mature bovine and rabbit whole retina were determined. Both species have identical phospholipid class compositions; phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine are the most abundant. Moreover, the same phospholipid classes of each species have near identical fatty acid compositions. The major acids of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine are 18:0 and 22:6; phosphatidylcholine contains mostly saturated and monoenic acids, 16:0 being the major component. The phosphatidyl inositols are characterized by high levels of 18:0 and 20:4.
Analytical gel electrophoresis of high-molecular-weight RNA in acrylamide-agarose gels containing methylmercuric hydroxide

A method of electrophoresis combining the resolving power of acrylamide, the structural stability of agarose, and the denaturing properties of methylmercuric hydroxide has been developed for the analysis of high-molecular-weight RNA. Composite gels containing 0.5% (w/v) agarose, 10 m m methylmercuric hydroxide, and 1.8 to 2.4% (w/v) acrylamide were used to analyze the electrophoretic mobilities of RNA species ranging in molecular weights from 0.529 × 10 6 to 2.0 × 10 6 . The migration of RNA was found to comply with the theoretical foundations established for the behavior of fully denatured nucleic acids in an electric field. Two RNA species separated by 1 mm on a composite-methylmercuric hydroxide gel containing 2.2% (w/v) acrylamide need differ in their molecular weights by as little as 34 bases at the molecular weight of 0.529 × 10 6 . Procedures are described for the detection and quantitation of 3 H-labeled RNA that had been separated on these gels.
Quantitative autoradiographic analysis of excitatory amino acid receptors in the cat spinal cord.

Abstract Using quantitative autoradiography, we have studied the density and distribution of N- methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA), kainate and AMPA receptors and the binding site for the sodium-dependent EAA transporter in sections from the cat spinal cord. NMDA, kainate and AMPA receptors were found in highest concentrations in laminae I and II of the dorsal horn. Lower levels of all receptors were seen in other regions of the spinal cord grey matter. The distribution of the sodium-dependent transporter was unlike that of any of the receptor populations with highest levels found in the ventral horn with slightly lower levels in other regions of grey matter. The pattern of binding sites was consistent throughout all levels of the spinal cord.
Wave dynamics in a hyperbolic metamaterial excited by a two-dimensional periodic array of sources at its surface

In general, uniaxial materials exhibit ellipsoidal wave vector dispersion relations. Interestingly, under particular conditions, the material dispersion relation may turn into a hyperbola. This fact theoretically imposes no actual maximum bound on the spatial spectrum that is able to propagate within the uniaxial material leading to very interesting physical properties. Recently, there has been emphasis in the development of practical realizations of hyperbolic metamaterials (HMs) that are able to support waves with large transverse wavenumber, which would otherwise be evanescent in free space. It has been shown that homogenized models for HMs are inaccurate for very large spatial spectrum of waves because realistic HMs exhibit a large, but finite, propagating spectrum. Nonetheless, this large spatial spectrum has been shown to enhance the power emitted by impressed dipoles in proximity of the HM surface and to redistribute the radiated power mostly toward the HM (C. Guclu, et al., Phys. Rev. B., 86, 205130, 2012). These physical properties are of key importance and may lead to improvement of bandwidth and angular range of absorption when scattering is created by locating many micro or nano-scatterers at the HM surface, also supported by preliminary experimental data from other researchers. However, the analytical modeling of such structure has not yet been developed and it is of extreme importance as it would provide guidelines for future experimental developments.Therefore, in this paper we analyze the field emitted by a two-dimensional periodic array of impressed sources with a given spatial spectrum on top of a hyperbolic metamaterial. We employ Green's functions and spectral theory to model the system. We calculate the amount of power that is directed inside the HM and study its dependence onto the geometrical parameters of the array of sources, sources' spectra, and the electromagnetic properties of the HM. These results represent a significant advancement to the understanding of the problem of periodic scatterers located on top of a HM.
C1 neurons: the body's EMTs

The C1 neurons reside in the rostral and intermediate portions of the ventrolateral medulla (RVLM, IVLM). They use glutamate as a fast transmitter and synthesize catecholamines plus various neuropeptides. These neurons regulate the hypothalamic pituitary axis via direct projections to the paraventricular nucleus and regulate the autonomic nervous system via projections to sympathetic and parasympathetic preganglionic neurons. The presympathetic C1 cells, located in the RVLM, are probably organized in a roughly viscerotopic manner and most of them regulate the circulation. C1 cells are variously activated by hypoglycemia, infection or inflammation, hypoxia, nociception, and hypotension and contribute to most glucoprivic responses. C1 cells also stimulate breathing and activate brain stem noradrenergic neurons including the locus coeruleus. Based on the various effects attributed to the C1 cells, their axonal projections and what is currently known of their synaptic inputs, subsets of C1 cells appear to be differentially recruited by pain, hypoxia, infection/inflammation, hemorrhage, and hypoglycemia to produce a repertoire of stereotyped autonomic, metabolic, and neuroendocrine responses that help the organism survive physical injury and its associated cohort of acute infection, hypoxia, hypotension, and blood loss. C1 cells may also contribute to glucose and cardiovascular homeostasis in the absence of such physical stresses, and C1 cell hyperactivity may contribute to the increase in sympathetic nerve activity associated with diseases such as hypertension.
Enucleation of Exotic Pets

Abstract Enucleation is often the final option when considering ocular treatment for an exotic pet patient. There are many considerations when performing the surgical procedure to remove the eye. It is incumbent on the surgeon to be familiar with the anatomy of the individual species' globe and orbit to reduce hemorrhage, optic nerve trauma, and postsurgical complications. This review of enucleation procedures will focus on ocular anatomical differences and techniques that should be used to maximize surgical success.
Polluted Fish, Sources of Knowledge, and the Perception of Risk: Contextualizing African American Anglers' Sport Fishing Practices

Risk reduction advisories exist for the Great Lakes because exposure to chemicals in sport fish could lead to adverse health effects in sport fish consumers. Concern has focused on minority anglers who consume more sport fish than white anglers. To determine the fishing and sport fish consumption context, including concepts of pollution and perceptions of risk, focus groups were conducted with African American anglers in western New York. Anglers viewed fishing as a beneficial, low-risk activity in which they engaged in their sport of choice, relaxed by the water, and socialized. Participants were either unaware or tended not to use health advisory information to direct their fishing practices, preferring to rely on traditional knowledge gained by personal experience or by learning from other anglers. Local waters were considered polluted, but this pollution was not thought to be typically hazardous or unavoidable. Judgments about pollution were empirical, based on what anglers could detect with their unaided senses. Specific waters and fish were purposely avoided based on personal judgments of safety. Discussion focuses on lay models of pollution and risk, the role of culture, and application of findings to risk communication.
Editor's Notes: Forebearer, Trailblazer, Heritage, Role Model … Legacy

This Editor’s Note contains Michael Segawa’s opening session speech from the 2010 NASPA National Conference. Mr. Segawa outlined the importance of legacies within the student affairs field and traced his personal history as a way to discuss this important aspect of the student affairs field.
Triggering regeneration and tackling apoptosis: a combinatorial approach to treating congenital muscular dystrophy type 1 A

Merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the laminin-α2 gene (OMIM: 607855). Currently, no treatment other than palliative care exists for this disease. In our previous work, genetic interventions in the Lama2(Dy-w) mouse model for MDC1A demonstrated that limited regeneration and uncontrolled apoptosis are important drivers of this disease. However, targeting one of these disease drivers without addressing the other results in only partial rescue of the phenotype. The present study was designed to determine whether utilizing a combinatorial treatment approach can lead to a more profound amelioration of the disease pathology. To accomplish this task, we generated Bax-null Lama2(Dy-w)mice that overexpressed muscle-specific IGF-1 (Lama2(Dy-w)Bax(-/-)+IGF-1tg). Further to test the translational potential of IGF-1 administration in combination with Bax inhibition, we treated Lama2(Dy-w)Bax(-/-) mice postnatally with systemic recombinant human IGF-1 (IPLEX™). These two combinatorial treatments lead to similar, promising outcomes. In addition to increased body and muscle weights, both transgenic overexpression and systemic administration of IGF-1 combined with Bax-inhibition resulted in improved muscle phenotype and locomotory function that were nearly indistinguishable from wild-type mice. These results provide a fundamental proof of concept that justifies the use of a combination therapy as an effective treatment for MDC1A and highlights a compelling argument toward shifting the paradigm in treating multifaceted neuromuscular diseases.
The North-South Security Dialogue in Brazil's Technology Policy:

During much of the Cold War era, the West kept critical advanced technology from flowing east for fear of the military threat such technology might pose to international security. With the end of the Cold War, attention has turned to the North-South dimension Armed Forces & Society/Sprin 1995 of technology flows and its implications for international security. This emerging security dialogue between technology suppliers and recipients has as its roots the rapid industrial development of certain Third World countries after World War II, and this article examines how Brazil fits into this North-South dialogue. Its main objective is to uncover the dynamic of Brazilian technological development and explore how that has affected its security relations with the United States.
Adaptive Scheduling of Array-Intensive Applications on Mixed-Mode Reconfigurable Multiprocessors

Array-based applications are normally computation-intensive and many customized designs have been proposed targeting FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) implementations to accelerate their real-time solutions. Most often a time-consuming procedure to convert floating-point representations for a fixed-point implementation is necessary due to insufficient hardware resources. Recent remarkable advances in state-of-the-art FPGAs provide new opportunities. This paper presents a dynamic scheduling strategy that applies novel application characterization and adaptive allocation of processors among the active tasks; we show results for our in-house developed mixed-mode MPoPC (MultipProcessor-on-a- Programmable-Chip) HERA (Heterogeneous Reconfigurable Architecture) machine. The innovative adaptive parallelization technique combined with the unique flexibilities provided by the reconfigurable logic help to achieve high utilization of resources and potentially minimum execution times. Experimental results for parallel Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) on Xilinx Virtex II FPGAs are reported.
Ear Oximeter Calibration Using Alveolar Po2Measurements

An indirect method of calibrating an ear oximeter using alveolar Po2measurements has been tested in 10 normal subjects. An oximeter calibration curve was constructed for each individual subject by comparing the output of an ear oximeter with arterial oxygen saturation calculated from alveolar Po2and PCO2during 10 to 20 seconds of hypoxia produced by breathing low oxygen mixtures in the supine position. Hypoxia is terminated by having the subject breathe oxygen, and it is assumed that arterial saturation reaches 100% and that discrepancies between end-expired and arterial gas tensions due to ventilation-perfusion imbalance, impaired diffusion, and right-to-left shunts are negligible under the conditions of calibration. The accuracy of the indirect calibration method was tested by comparing it with direct calibration using arterial blood samples. It is concluded that the indirect calibration method gives a reasonably accurate measure of arterial oxygen saturation in the range of 25–100%.
Model-based sequential base calling for Illumina sequencing

In this paper, we study the efficacy of a model-based base-calling approach for Illumina's sequencing platforms. In particular, we investigate Genome Analyzer I reads and provide a detailed biochemical model of the sequencing process, incorporating various non-idealities evident in such systems. Parameters of the model are estimated via a supervised learning based on the particle swarm optimization technique. A computationally efficient sequential decoding method is proposed for base-calling. It is demonstrated that the performance of the proposed approach is comparable to Illumina's base-calling method.
A model-driven approach to manage evolving clinical and translational data in relational databases

In this paper, we present a model-driven code generation process that allows for adaptation capability to respond to required changes in evolving and expanding clinical and translational data management. Given an Entity Relationship (ER) model over an ontology, our tools are able to generate new database schema, create the new database and generate new queries to access the new database rapidly. Our experience with four distributed databases (involving imaging, biomarker, clinical, and metabolomics data) shows that model-driven code generation is a promising approach for clinical data management systems that must evolve as the application and data sources change.
A multicomponent complex is involved in the splicing of messenger RNA precursors

A multicomponent complex termed spliceosome (splicing body) is unique to the splicing of messenger RNA precursors in vitro. This 60S RNA-protein complex contains RNAs from the previously characterized bipartite splicing intermediate, the 5' exon RNA, and the lariat intervening sequence-3' exon RNA, as well as some intact 455 nucleotide precursor RNA. This complex contains snRNPs, particularly U1 RNP, as shown by immunoprecipitation with specific antisera. Formation of the 60S complex appears to be an early and essential step in splicing, because the 60S complex forms during the early stage, or lag time, of the reaction before the first covalent modification, cleavage at the 5' splice site of precursor RNA. The 60S complex forms only under conditions that permit splicing; both ATP and a precursor RNA containing authentic 5' and 3' splice sites are required for formation, while antiserum specific for U1 RNP inhibits its formation. RNA within the 60S complex, predominantly precursor RNA, was chased into products with accelerated kinetics and more complete conversion than purified precursor RNA.
Asymmetric Information in Fads Models

Fads models were introduced by Shiller (Am Econ Rev 71:421–436, 1981) and Summers (J Finance 41:591–601, 1986) as plausible alternatives to the efficient markets/constant expected returns assumptions. Under these models, logarithms of asset prices embody both a martingale component, with permanent shocks, and a stationary component, with temporary shocks. We study a continuous-time version of these models both from the point of view of informed agents, who observe both fundamental and market values, and from that of uninformed agents, who only observe market prices. We specify the asset price in the larger filtration of the informed agent, and then derive its decomposition in the smaller filtration of the uninformed agent using the Hitsuda representation of Gaussian processes. For uninformed agents we obtain a non-Markovian dynamics, which justifies the use of technical analysis in optimal trading strategies. For both types of agents, we solve the problem of maximization of expected logarithmic utility from terminal wealth, and obtain an explicit formula for the additional logarithmic utility of informed agents. Finally, we apply the decomposition result to the problem of testing the presence of fads from market data. An application to the NYSE-AMEX indices from the CRSP database shows that, if the fads component prevails, then the mean-reversion speed must be slow.
Two-phase flow and maldistribution in gas channels of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell

Liquid water transport in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is a major issue for automotive applications. Mist flow with tiny droplets suspended in gas has been commonly assumed for channel flow while two-phase flow has been modeled in other cell components. However, experimental studies have found that two-phase flow in the channels has a profound effect on PEFC performance, stability and durability. Therefore, a complete two-phase flow model is developed in this work for PEFC including two-phase flow in both anode and cathode channels. The model is validated against experimental data of the wetted area ratio and pressure drop in the cathode side. Due to the intrusion of soft gas diffusion layer (GDL) material in the channels, flow resistance is higher in some channels than in others. The resulting flow maldistribution among PEFC channels is of great concern because non-uniform distributions of fuel and oxidizer result in non-uniform reaction rates and thus adversely affect PEFC performance and durability. The two-phase flow maldistribution among the parallel channels in an operating PEFC is explored in detail.
Using Groups of Items for Preference Elicitation in Recommender Systems

To achieve high quality initial personalization, recommender systems must provide an efficient and effective process for new users to express their preferences. We propose that this goal is best served not by the classical method where users begin by expressing preferences for individual items - this process is an inefficient way to convert a user's effort into improved personalization. Rather, we propose that new users can begin by expressing their preferences for groups of items. We test this idea by designing and evaluating an interactive process where users express preferences across groups of items that are automatically generated by clustering algorithms. We contribute a strategy for recommending items based on these preferences that is generalizable to any collaborative filtering-based system. We evaluate our process with both offline simulation methods and an online user experiment. We find that, as compared with a baseline rate-15-items interface, (a) users are able to complete the preference elicitation process in less than half the time, and (b) users are more satisfied with the resulting recommended items. Our evaluation reveals several advantages and other trade-offs involved in moving from item-based preference elicitation to group-based preference elicitation.
Synip Arrests Soluble N-Ethylmaleimide-sensitive Factor Attachment Protein Receptor (SNARE)-dependent Membrane Fusion as a Selective Target Membrane SNARE-binding Inhibitor

The vesicle fusion reaction in regulated exocytosis requires the concerted action of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) core fusion engine and a group of SNARE-binding regulatory factors. The regulatory mechanisms of vesicle fusion remain poorly understood in most exocytic pathways. Here, we reconstituted the SNARE-dependent vesicle fusion reaction of GLUT4 exocytosis in vitro using purified components. Using this defined fusion system, we discovered that the regulatory factor synip binds to GLUT4 exocytic SNAREs and inhibits the docking, lipid mixing, and content mixing of the fusion reaction. Synip arrests fusion by binding the target membrane SNARE (t-SNARE) complex and preventing the initiation of ternary SNARE complex assembly. Although synip also interacts with the syntaxin-4 monomer, it does not inhibit the pairing of syntaxin-4 with SNAP-23. Interestingly, synip selectively arrests the fusion reactions reconstituted with its cognate SNAREs, suggesting that the defined system recapitulates the biological functions of the vesicle fusion proteins. We further showed that the inhibitory function of synip is dominant over the stimulatory activity of Sec1/Munc18 proteins. Importantly, the inhibitory function of synip is distinct from how other fusion inhibitors arrest SNARE-dependent membrane fusion and therefore likely represents a novel regulatory mechanism of vesicle fusion.
Loss of Very-Long O-Antigen Chains Optimizes Capsule-Mediated Immune Evasion by Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi

ABSTRACT Expression of capsular polysaccharides is a variable trait often associated with more-virulent forms of a bacterial species. For example, typhoid fever is caused by the capsulated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, while nontyphoidal Salmonella serovars associated with gastroenteritis are noncapsulated. Here we show that optimization of the immune evasive properties conferred by the virulence-associated (Vi) capsular polysaccharide involved an additional alteration to the cell envelope of S . Typhi, namely inactivation of the fepE gene, encoding the regulator of very-long O-antigen chains. Introduction of the capsule-encoding viaB locus into the nontyphoidal S. enterica serovar Typhimurium reduced complement deposition in vitro and intestinal inflammation in a mouse colitis model. However, both phenotypes were markedly enhanced when the viaB locus was introduced into an S . Typhimurium fepE mutant, which lacks very-long O-antigen chains. Collectively, these data suggest that during the evolution of the S . Typhi lineage, loss of very-long O-antigen chains by pseudogene formation was an adaptation to maximize the anti-inflammatory properties of the Vi capsular polysaccharide. IMPORTANCE Genomic comparison illustrates that acquisition of virulence factors by horizontal gene transfer is an important contributor to the evolution of enteric pathogens. Acquisition of complex virulence traits commonly involves horizontal transfer of a large gene cluster, and integration of the gene cluster into the host genome results in the formation of a pathogenicity island. Acquisition of the virulence-associated (Vi) capsular polysaccharide encoded by SPI7 ( Salmonella pathogenicity island 7) was accompanied in the human-adapted Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi by inactivation of the fepE gene, encoding the regulator of very-long O-antigen chains. We show that the resulting loss of very-long O-antigen chains was an important mechanism for maximizing immune evasion mediated by the Vi capsular polysaccharide. These data suggest that successful incorporation of a capsular polysaccharide requires changes in the cell envelope of the hosting pathogen.
Day-specific pregnancy probability estimation in barrier contraceptive effectiveness trials.

Summary We apply an extension of a statistical model developed in the fertility research setting to the barrier contraceptive trial setting to obtain estimates of the probability of pregnancy per cycle day in the presence or absence of barrier use among participants of a randomised trial of female barrier contraceptives. The per cycle day pregnancy curve for the barrier trial participants was similar to previously published results from a fertility study that included a precise indicator of ovulation day. In addition, our analysis showed strong contraceptive effects for the diaphragm. The proposed modelling approach should allow evaluation of the effects of other coitus-specific exposures on the chance of pregnancy in other prospective studies, including fertility studies.
PTAS for Densest $$k$$k-Subgraph in Interval Graphs

Given an interval graph and integer $$k$$k, we consider the problem of finding a subgraph of size $$k$$k with a maximum number of induced edges, called densest k -subgraph problem in interval graphs. This problem is NP-hard even for chordal graphs (Perl and Corneil in Discret Appl Math 9(1):27---39, 1984), and there is probably no PTAS for general graphs (Khot and Subhash in SIAM J Comput 36(4):1025---1071, 2006). However, the exact complexity status for interval graphs is a long-standing open problem (Perl and Corneil in Discret Appl Math 9(1):27---39, 1984), and the best known approximation result is a $$ 3 $$3-approximation algorithm (Liazi et al. in Inf Process Lett 108(1):29---32, 2008). We shed light on the approximation complexity of finding a densest $$ k $$k-subgraph in interval graphs by presenting a polynomial-time approximation scheme (PTAS), that is, we show that there is an $$ (1+\epsilon ) $$(1+∈)-approximation algorithm for any $$ \epsilon > 0 $$∈>0, which is the first such approximation scheme for the densest $$ k $$k-subgraph problem in an important graph class without any further restrictions.
Costs of repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm with different devices in a multicenter randomized trial

Objective Prior analysis in the Open vs Endovascular Repair Veterans Affairs (VA) Cooperative Study (CSP #498) demonstrated that survival, quality of life, and total health care costs are not significantly different between the open and endovascular methods of repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm. The device is a major cost of this method of repair, and the objective of this study was to evaluate the costs of the device, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, and total health care costs when different endograft systems are selected for the endovascular repair (EVR). Within each selected system, EVR costs are compared with open repair costs. Methods The study randomized 881 patients to open (n = 437) or EVR (n = 444). Device selection was recorded before randomization; therefore, open repair controls were matched to each device cohort. Data were excluded for two low-volume devices, implanted in only 13 individuals, leaving 423 control and 431 endovascular patients: 166 Zenith (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind), 177 Excluder (W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz), and 88 AneuRx (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minn). Mean device, hospitalization, and total health care costs from randomization to 2 years were compared. Health care utilization data were obtained from patients and national VA and Medicare data sources. VA costs were determined using methods previously developed by the VA Health Economics Resource Center. Non-VA costs were obtained from Medicare claims data and billing data from the patient's health care providers. Results Implant costs were 38% of initial hospitalization costs. Mean device (range, $13,600-$14,400), initial hospitalization (range, $34,800-$38,900), and total health care costs at 2 years in the endovascular (range, $72,400-$78,200) and open repair groups (range, $75,600-$82,100) were not significantly different among device systems. Differences between endovascular and corresponding open repair cohorts showed lower mean costs for EVR (range, $3200-$8300), but these were not statistically different. Conclusions The implant costs of endovascular aneurysm repair are substantial. When evaluating total health care system expenditures, there is large individual variability in costs, and there is no significant difference at 2 years among systems or when an individual system is compared with open repair.
The Geology of Plate Margins

Copies of this attractive chart will be hung in the halls of many earth science departments. Types of plate margins and intraplate features are presented in semicircular array in logical order from maximally divergent to maximally convergent: intraoceanic spreading (fast, moderate, slow); passive continental margins; intracontinental rifts and basins; transtensional, transform, and transpressional systems; convergent oceanic arcs (“migratory,” “detached,” “stationary”); convergent continental margins (“noncontracted,” “contracted”); and continent-continent collision. Each type is illustrated by a cross-sectional diagram, examples of the type are named, and its attributes are described briefly in wedged boxes narrowing toward the center of the semicircle: volcanism and plutonism, seismicity, metamorphism, structures, mineral deposits, and sedimentary basins and sediments.
Effects of material, shape and mouthpiece venting on liner performance

It is well known that liners have a major influence on milking performance. The majority of research on liners has been done using natural and synthetic rubber liners that are round in cross-section. Silicon has been used as a liner material and triangular, square and ‘tri-circular’ cross-sections have been for several decades. A more recent addition to the wide variety of liner designs is the addition of vents to the liner mouthpiece. This paper presents the results of a series of experiments designed to develop methods for characterizing liner performance and investigate the effects of material, shape and mouthpiece venting. The two primary measures of the gentleness of milking are the prevalence of teat-end hyperkeratosis and congestion of teat tissues during milking. The primary milking machine influence on teat-end hyperkeratosis is the compression applied to the teat-end during the D-phase of pulsation. A new dynamic method using the start of milk flow was used to rank the compression applied by a range of commercial liners. These differences in overpressure were highly correlated with teat end hyperkeratosis scores in field studies. Tissues can become congested at the end of the teat due to insufficient liner compression and/or in the teat barrel due to high mouthpiece vacuum. We have developed a method of estimating teat-end tissue congestion and made observations of teat barrel congestion for a range of liner types. The completeness of milking is usually measured by the stripping yield, amount of milk left in the udder after the detachment, which can be measured manually or by machine striping. we have developed a method using the change in milk yield as a measure of completeness of milking to avoid the difficulties associated with hand-stripping.
Soluble Prion Protein Binds Isolated Low Molecular Weight Amyloid-β Oligomers Causing Cytotoxicity Inhibition.

A growing number of observations indicate that soluble amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers play a major role in Alzheimer’s disease. Recent studies strongly suggest that at least some of the neurotoxic effects of these oligomers are mediated by cellular, membrane-anchored prion protein and that Aβ neurotoxicity can be inhibited by soluble recombinant prion protein (rPrP) and its fragments. However, the mechanism by which rPrP interacts with Aβ oligomers and prevents their toxicity is largely unknown, and studies in this regard are hindered by the large structural heterogeneity of Aβ oligomers. To overcome this difficulty, here we used photoinduced cross-linking of unmodified proteins (PICUP) to isolate well-defined oligomers of Aβ42 and characterize these species with regard to their cytotoxicity and interaction with rPrP, as well the mechanism by which rPrP inhibits Aβ42 cytotoxicity. Our data shows that the addition of rPrP to the assembling Aβ42 results in a shift in oligomer size distribution, decreasing the pop...
NEW OR NOTEWORTHY TAXA OF ARGENTINEAN AND CHILEAN BRASSICACEAE (CRUCIFERAE)

Menonvillea filifolia subsp. marticorenae is described, and its distinguishing characters from M. filifolia subsp. filifolia are given. The genus Grammosperma is reduced to synonymy of Sarcodraba. A key to the four species of Sarcodraba is presented, and the new combination S. dusenii is proposed. Skottsbergianthus sorianoi is lectotypified and reduced to synonymy of Xerodraba colobanthoides.
Foreign Affiliates in Japan: Entry, Industry Presence, Performance, and Strategy

An inquiry into the progress foreign affiliates have made in cracking the Japanese market, this paper finds that foreign affiliates are present in every sector of the Japanese economy, especially in manufacturing. Profit margins of foreign affiliates surpassed those of domestic corporations. Adapting to the conditions of the local market, developing new products, and promoting them aggressively is the three-fold strategy which accounts for the success of foreign affiliates in the Japanese market.
Spatiotemporal Frequent Pattern Mining on Solar Data: Current Algorithms and Future Directions

In this paper, we present the current work and future directions on spatiotemporal frequent pattern mining algorithms for mining solar data. The current spatiotemporal pattern mining algorithms focus on spatiotemporal co-occurrence patterns. We reveal four types of spatiotemporal concepts that can be mined from solar data: event sequences, periodicity, spatiotemporal convergence and propagation. Throughout the paper, we exhibit examples of these concepts in the solar physics domain, and present related algorithms and the challenges of mining these concepts from solar data.