cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Waiting to win: elevated striatal and orbitofrontal cortical activity during reward anticipation in euthymic bipolar disorder adults.

OBJECTIVE: Bipolar disorder may be characterized by a hypersensitivity to reward-relevant stimuli, potentially underlying the emotional lability and dysregulation that characterizes the illness. In parallel, research highlights the predominant role of striatal and orbitofrontal cortical (OFC) regions in reward-processing and approach-related affect. We aimed to examine whether bipolar disorder, relative to healthy, participants displayed elevated activity in these regions during reward processing. METHODS: Twenty-one euthymic bipolar I disorder and 20 healthy control participants with no lifetime history of psychiatric disorder underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning during a card-guessing paradigm designed to examine reward-related brain function to anticipation and receipt of monetary reward and loss. Data were collected using a 3T Siemens Trio scanner. RESULTS: Region-of-interest analyses revealed that bipolar disorder participants displayed greater ventral striatal and right-sided orbitofrontal [Brodmann area (BA) 11] activity during anticipation, but not outcome, of monetary reward relative to healthy controls (p < 0.05, corrected). Whole-brain analyses indicated that bipolar disorder, relative to healthy, participants also displayed elevated left-lateral OFC (BA 47) activity during reward anticipation (p < 0.05, corrected). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated ventral striatal and OFC activity during reward anticipation may represent a neural mechanism for predisposition to expansive mood and hypo/mania in response to reward-relevant cues that characterizes bipolar disorder. Our findings contrast with research reporting blunted activity in the ventral striatum during reward processing in unipolar depressed individuals, relative to healthy controls. Examination of reward-related neural activity in bipolar disorder is a promising research focus to facilitate identification of biological markers of the illness.
Transfer function analysis using STFT for improvement of the fault detection sensitivity in transformer impulse test

Insulation of transformer windings may shift as a result of short circuit current or impact during transportation. The shift modifies the dielectric space between the layers of the windings and may cause an insulation breakdown, leading to a complete transformer failure. As transformers are very costly to replace, it is important that their condition determined accurately without having to dismantle the apparatus to visually inspect it. Testing of winding insulation is performed by using the standard impulse test, via applying fast Fourier transform (FFT) to analyze the transformer state (healthy or faulty) in the frequency domain, as a transfer function (TF). Nonetheless, one of the shortcomings of the FFT is that it cannot be used with non-stationary signals. Voltage and current waveforms in the transformer are treated as nonstationary signals, especially when there is a fault. In addition, FFT does not give any information on the time at which a frequency component occurs. To obtain better signature analysis and to increase the detection sensitivity, this paper suggests a new method using short time Fourier transform (STFT) in the transfer function analysis. It is hoped that this high resolution method will help to reduce the subjective judgments of technicians when making decisions about changes in the winding structure of the transformer.
Frequency of choroid plexus cysts by race/ethnicity and gender

GENDER ALAN BOLNICK, ADAM BORGIDA, CHRISTINE MAFFEO, CAROLYN ZELOP, ELISA GIANFERRARI, JAMES EGAN, University of Connecticut, OB/GYN, Farmington, CT OBJECTIVE: To determine the variation in the frequency of choroid plexus cysts (CPC) by race/ethnicity and gender. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective analysis at our tertiary community teaching hospital matching our ultrasound and delivery databases from January 1996 through June 2003.We reviewed all initial sonograms from 14 to 23 weeks’ gestation in singleton pregnancies. Race and ethnicity were provided by mothers on admission for delivery and gender was recorded upon delivery. Descriptive statistics and chi-square were performed. RESULTS: There were 8217 ultrasounds and deliveries that met study criteria. There were 4643 (57%) Caucasian, 2089 (25%) African-American, 1262 (15%) Hispanic, and 223 (3%) Asian subjects. There were 232 (2.8%) CPC detected. The frequency of CPC by race/ethnicity varied significantly (P < .0001). See Table. CPC did not vary significantly by gender (3.1% female, 2.6% male; P = .3). CONCLUSION: A previous study of 131 fetuses with CPC indicated no association with race (Landy, JUM 1999). Our large, population-based study indicates that the incidence of CPC varies significantly by race but not gender. This information should be helpful in counseling patients about the occurrence of CPC. Further information is needed to understand the association between CPC, race/ethnicity, and aneuploidy.
Relationships between body mass indices and surgical replacements of knee and hip joints

Abstract Background Osteoarthritis is both the most common form of arthritis and the most common reason for joint replacement surgery. Obese persons are believed to be more likely to develop generalized osteoarthritis that leads not only to knee but also to hip joint replacement surgeries. We hypothesized that obesity is also a risk for partial joint replacements and surgical revisions. Methods A frequency-matched case-control study was conducted in Utah. Between 1992 and 2000, 840 hip and 911 knee joint replacement surgery patients, aged 55 to 74 years, were included in this study. Cases were randomly matched to 5578 controls, defined as Utah residents enrolled in a cancer screening trial. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using ICD-9 (International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision) procedural codes and body mass index (BMI) groups. Results There was a strong association between increasing BMI and both total hip and knee replacement procedures. In males, the highest OR was for those weighing 37.50 to 39.99 kg/m2 (total hip: OR=9.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.64–33.31; total knee: OR=16.40; 95% CI 5, 19–51.86). In females, the highest OR was for those weighing ≥40 kg/m2 (total hip: OR=4.47; 95% CI, 2.13–9.37; total knee: OR=19.05; 95% CI, 9.79–37.08). There were slight gender-specific differences in risk found for partial hip replacement procedures. Unexpectedly, no statistically significant association was found between obesity and the risk for hip or knee revision procedures. Conclusions While there is an association between obesity and hip and knee joint replacement surgeries, obesity does not appear to confer an independent risk for hip or knee revision procedures.
Orthogonal quadruple systems and 3-frames

Orthogonal quadruple systems are defined and investigated. Orthogonal quadruple systems with an additional nesting property are shown to provide a new construction of 3-frames F(3,4, n{2}) (Design Codes Cryptogr. 4 (1994) 5). Constructions for pairs of nested orthogonal quadruple systems are provided. Applications to 2-resolvable Steiner quadruple systems and highly nonlinear functions are discussed.
The Darwinian Evolutionary Perspectives of Engels and Veblen

Many writers have addressed the similarities and differences between the analytical approaches of Marx and Veblen. The crucial concerns in these interpretations centre on Darwinian evolution and the analysis of capitalism. By focusing on the analysis of capitalism, most Marxists have found considerable compatibility between Veblen′s writings and those of Marx. Many institutionalists, on the other hand, have tended to stress the Darwinian content of both Veblen and Marx and have found Marx′s analysis decidedly inferior to Veblen′s. It is argued that it was Engels rather than Marx who attempted to incorporate Darwin into Marxism. As a consequence, Engels is compared with Veblen and the attempts of both writers to develop a Darwinian content to their analytical approaches are found to lead to a common bond, namely the stress on procreation.
Light absorption and scattering in colloidal suspensions of strongly absorbing substances

Abstract A discussion based on exact Mie Theory calculations is given of light absorption and scattering behavior for highly absorbing colloidal materials. Values of total extinction coefficient and forward scattering are calculated for relative particle size α = 2πγ/λ for the range α 0.05(0.05)10, and for values of m and m′ of the complex refractive index, m — im′ , in the range 1–3 and 0–6, respectively. For certain particle sizes the occurrence of absorption causes a reverse dissymmetry similar to that predicted for totally reflecting spheres, i.e., the ratio (forward scattering)/(backward scattering) is less than unity.
Improved dynamic neural filtering technique by Widrow-recurrent learning algorithm

Neural network based image processing algorithms present numerous advantages due to their supervised adjustable weight and bias coefficients. Among various neural network architectures, dynamic neural networks, Hopfield and Cellular neural networks have been found inherently suitable for filtering applications. These kind of neural networks present two important features; supervised learnable and optimization properties. Using these properties, dynamic neural filtering technique has been developed based on Hopfield neural networks. The filtering structure involves adjustable a filter mask and 2D convolution operation instead of weight matrix operations. To improve the supervised training properties, Widrow-recurrent learning algorithm has been proposed in this paper. Since the proposed learning algorithm requires less computation, consumption time in the training stage has been decreased considerably compared to previous reported supervised techniques for dynamic neural filtering.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Relationship of stream ecological conditions to simulated hydraulic metrics across a gradient of basin urbanization

AbstractThe relationships among urbanization, stream hydraulics, and aquatic biology were investigated across a gradient of urbanization in 30 small basins in eastern Wisconsin, USA. Simulation of hydraulic metrics with 1-dimensional unsteady flow models was an effective means for mechanistically coupling the effects of urbanization with stream ecological conditions (i.e., algae, invertebrates, and fish). Urbanization, characterized by household, road, and urban land density, was positively correlated with the lowest shear stress for 2 adjacent transects in a reach for the low-flow summer (p < 0.001) and autumn (p < 0.01) periods. Urbanization also was positively correlated with Reynolds number and % exposed stream bed during months with moderate to low flows. Our study demonstrated the value of temporally and spatially explicit hydraulic models for providing mechanistic insight into the relationships between hydraulic variables and biological responses. For example, the positive correlation between filte...
Studies on the Evolution of Immunologic Unresponsiveness Following Hapten Feeding

The establishment of immune tolerance after feeding a single large dose of picryl chloride to previously starved guinea pigs requires a minimal induction period of approximately 48 to 72 hours. Resistance to anaphylactic sensitization is regularly present at two days and reaches the highest levels by four days. In contrast, contact tolerance occurs sporadically at 72 hours and gradually increases in frequency to reach the maximum rate of inhibition over an interval of 18 to 21 days.
Dynamic Shear Modulus and Damping in Iron-Copper and Steel-Based Metal Matrix Composites

Measurements were made of the density, dynamic shear modulus, damping, strain amplitude, and resistivity in iron-copper and steel-based metal matrix composites. The density was determined using the Archimedes method and was found to be in the range of 7463 to 8257 kg/m3. The shear modulus, damping, and strain amplitude were determined using the piezoelectric ultrasonic composite oscillator technique (PUCOT). The shear modulus was in the range of 73 to 81 GPa. Electrical resistivity measurements were performed to assess the change in the conductivity of the composites by adding copper. Metallographic studies and microhardness testing were performed to assess the distribution and hardness of the fibers in the composites. The variation of shear modulus and electrical conductivity with respect to the percentage of copper in some of the composites followed the rule of mixtures. The damping in the specimens was near 3 × 10-3 and independent of strain amplitude.
Lead-Free Flip Chip Assembly

It is well established that Pb free alloys tend to solder less readily than Sn/Pb. It is not clear that this is always a major problem, but two factors combine to make it more of a concern for flip chip than for other applications. Not surprisingly, wetting and spreading appears to become less effective as the solder volume is reduced and a larger fraction of it is near the surface. At the same time assembly yields tend to become more sensitive to this. The present paper addresses the assembly of flip chips with Sn/Ag/Cu bumps onto Ni/Au and OSP coated copper pads on organic substrates. Soldering defects observed included incomplete wetting and collapse, as well as poor self centering. The sensitivity to fluxes, reflow profiles, and substrate pads were investigated and potential consequences for assembly yields calculated numerically.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Protein-Based MRI Contrast Agents for Molecular Imaging of Prostate Cancer

Purpose The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a novel protein-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent that has the capability of targeting prostate cancer and which provides high-sensitivity MR imaging in tumor cells and mouse models.
Mammalian mutagenesis using a highly mobile somatic Sleeping Beauty transposon system

Transposons have provided important genetic tools for functional genomic screens in lower eukaryotes but have proven less useful in higher eukaryotes because of their low transposition frequency. Here we show that Sleeping Beauty (SB), a member of the Tc1/mariner class of transposons, can be mobilized in mouse somatic cells at frequencies high enough to induce embryonic death and cancer in wild-type mice. Tumours are aggressive, with some animals developing two or even three different types of cancer within a few months of birth. The tumours result from SB insertional mutagenesis of cancer genes, thus facilitating the identification of genes and pathways that induce disease. SB transposition can easily be controlled to mutagenize any target tissue and can therefore, in principle, be used to induce many of the cancers affecting humans, including those for which little is known about the aetiology. The uses of SB are also not restricted to the mouse and could potentially be used for forward genetic screens in any higher eukaryote in which transgenesis is possible.
Partnering with IT to Help Disadvantaged Students Achieve Academic Success.

This case study will describe how the Stony Brook University Libraries instruction program partnered with another student support service (student computing office) to nurture a relationship with the Educational Opportunities Program (EOP) over several years to provide their students with the library research and computer skills needed to succeed in college. EOP is a state-funded program aimed at economically disadvantaged students whose high school education has not fully prepared them for college success.
Cardiovascular effects of central administration of clonidine in conscious cats

Abstract We previously reported that cardiovascular effects elicited by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of clonidine result from stimulation of central α2-adrenergic and/or H2-histaminergic receptors, but not via activation of I1-imidazoline receptors in conscious cats. In this study, we investigated the effects on arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) following an intravenous (i.v.) administration of clonidine using conscious cats. Injection of clonidine (2–10 μg/kg i.v.) elicited a decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) dose-dependently. The dose of 10 μg/kg of clonidine decreased MAP and HR by 30±4 mmHg and 62±15 bpm, respectively. Intravenous or i.c.v. pretreatment with yohimbine, the α2-adrenoceptor and 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, blocked the cardiovascular responses to a subsequent i.v. injection of 10 μg/kg clonidine. However, i.v. or i.c.v. preadministration of cimetidine, the H2-histamine receptor antagonist, failed to antagonize the decreases in MAP and HR to a subsequent i.v. injection of 10 μg/kg clonidine. In addition, i.c.v. or i.v. pretreatment with the I1-imidazoline receptor blocker, efaroxan, failed to inhibit the cardiovascular effects of an i.v. administration of clonidine. These results demonstrate that i.v. clonidine evokes decreases in MAP and HR possibly via central α2-adrenoceptor and/or 5-HT1A receptors and not through H2-histamine or I1-imidazoline receptors.
Eigenmode Approach for a Periodic Composite Transducer Subject to Fluid Loading

A hybrid finite element eigenmode-Floquet mode representation is formulated and numerically implemented to study the performance of composite transducers subject to fluid loading. The periodic distribution of the piezoelectric elements in the form of rods in a dielectric host material permits consideration of only one unit cell of the distribution in the finite element solution. Again, due to periodicity, the acoustic field in the infinite fluid is represented as superposition of plane wave Floquet modes. The finite element method is used to solve the eigenmodes of vibration of the transducer and an eigenmode superposition with unknown weighting coefficients is interfaced with the Floquet representation. Continuity at the boundary is used to solve for both sets of unknown coefficients. The effect of rod cross section, concentration, material damping are studied as a function of frequency. Useful transducer parameters such as transmission efficiency and the conductance spectrum as well as reflection and transmission spectrum of the array are simulated numerically.
Characterization of zinc transport by divalent metal transporters of the ZIP family from the model legume Medicago truncatula

To understand how plants from the Fabaceae family maintain zinc (Zn) homeostasis, we have characterized the kinetics of three Zn transporting proteins from the ZIP family of divalent metal transporters in the model legume Medicago truncatula. Of six ZIP’s studied, MtZIP1, MtZIP5 and MtZIP6 were the only members from this family determined to transport Zn and were further characterized. MtZIP1 has a low affinity for Zn with a Km of 1 μM as compared to MtZIP5 and MtZIP6 that have a higher affinity for Zn with Km of 0.4 μM and 0.3 μM, respectively. Zn transport by MtZIP1 was more sensitive to inhibition by copper (Cu) concentrations than MtZIP5 and MtZIP6, because 3 μM Cu inhibited Zn transport by 80% in MtZIP1 while 5 μM Cu was required to achieve the same inhibition of Zn transport in MtZIP5 and MtZIP6. Cadmium (Cd) had a greater effect on the ability of MtZIP1 to transport Zn than MtZIP5 and MtZIP6, because at a concentration of 3 μM Cd, the Zn transport by MtZIP1 was inhibited 55% and the transport of Zn by MtZIP5 and MtZIP6 was inhibited by 20–30%. However, only MtZIP6 transported Cd at higher rates than those observed in the control plasmid pFL61, demonstrating a low affinity for Cd based on a Km of 57 μM. These results suggest that Medicago truncatula has both high and low affinity Zn transporters to maintain Zn homeostasis and that these transporters may function in different compartments within the plant.
Components of variability of umbilical arterial Doppler velocimetry--a prospective analysis.

This study prospectively analyzed the components of variance and error contributions of umbilical arterial Doppler indices in a normal pregnant population (308 women) with gestational ages ranging from 27 to 40 weeks. A continuous-wave Doppler instrument with a 4 MHz transducer was used. The Doppler indices measured were systolic/ diastolic ratio, diastolic/ average ratio, pulsatility index, and resistance index. The contributions of gestational age, fetal heart rate, location of measurement, interobserver variability, and intraobserver variability on the variance were studied. The investigation demonstrated that the gestational age and fetal heart rate contributed to 33% to 46% and 15% to 18% of the variance, respectively. The location of the Doppler measurement contributed to 29% to 46% of the error variance. Additionally, the interobserver and intraobserver error variance amounted to 10% to 14% and 5% to 9%, respectively. Of these various factors, the interobserver and intraobserver variance were related to the nonhemodynamic phenomena and therefore represented error components. It is obvious that these factors that affect the variance of the Doppler indices should be considered before the diagnostic reliability of this technique can be critically evaluated.
Phase I trial of sodium salicylate in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myelogenous leukemia

Sodium salicylate is an inexpensive, readily available anti-inflammatory agent which inhibits NF-κB in in vitro models. We examined whether it was possible to safely achieve and maintain salicylate levels known to inhibit NF-κB in vitro in 11 patients with MDS or AML taking sodium salicylate. Most patients achieved the target blood salicylate level (20-30mg/dL) with acceptable toxicity, including reversible grade 1/2 elevations of hepatic transaminases (n=4) and ototoxicity (n=4). One patient had grade 3/4 elevations in AST/ALT. This study suggests that sodium salicylate may be safely combined with conventional chemotherapy regimens which are not associated with significant ototoxicity or hepatotoxicity.
High frequency of triplicated α-globin loci and absence or low frequency of α thalassemia in Polynesian Samoans

Most of the population in certain areas of Melanesia have one α-globin gene deletion (α thal2). It is thought that the high frequencies of α thal2 in this population is due to a selective advantage given by malaria infection to carriers of α thal2. We are interested in neighboring Polynesia which, although adjacent to Melanesia, has always been free of malaria due to the absence of the vector anopheles. We studied 60 Polynesian Samoans and 150 Malaysians by restriction endonuclease gene mapping using Eco RI, Bam HI, and Bgl II and hybridization to 32P-labeled α-globin gene probe. Seven among the 60 (11.7%) Samoans had triplicated α-globin loci type 1, while none had α thal2. On digestion with Bgl II the third α-globin gene was found in an additional 3.7kb fragment in all seven Samoans with triplicated α-globin loci, while digestion with Bam HI produced an abnormal elongated 18.2 kb fragment carrying α-globin genes in addition to the normal 14.5 kb fragment. None of the Polynesian Samoans had α thal2 or α thal1. Only two of the Malaysians had triplicated α-globin loci.
Actomyosin Regulation by Conserved Sites of Tm5NM1 (Tpm3.1), a Nonmuscle Tropomyosin

Actin filaments carry out diverse cellular functions including cell division, intracellular transport, and muscle contraction. Tropomyosin (Tm) is an α-helical coiled-coil protein that regulates actin in most eukaryotic muscle and nonmuscle cells. Nonmuscle isoforms of Tm, particularly Tm5NM1 (Tpm3.1) (short isoform, 247 a.a., TPM3 gene), play an important role in cellular functions such as cell migration, and cytokinesis as well as in the transformation and metastasis of cancer cells. In previous work, mutation of evolutionarily-conserved residues in striated muscle αTm (Tpm1.1) (long isoform, 284 a.a., TPM1 gene) revealed the regions important for actomyosin regulation. In the present study, we have mutated evolutionarily-conserved residues in Tpm3.1 to determine the molecular basis for isoform-specificity of actomyosin regulation by Tms. We mutated surface residues in nonmuscle Tpm3.1 in periods P1-P7 at positions homologous to the residues that are important for actomyosin regulation by striated muscle Tpm1.1 (Barua et al., 2012). In vitro motility assays were carried out to determine the effect of mutations on actin filament velocities. Actin-Tm velocities with skeletal myosin are inhibited by Tpm1.1 (∼60%) but activated by Tpm3.1 (∼60%) relative to actin alone. The Tpm3.1 mutants had little or no effect on velocity, except for the P3 and P6 mutants that showed a ∼50-60% inhibition in filament velocity relative to WT Tpm3.1. In comparison, amongst the Tpm1.1 mutants, the P3 and P6 mutants also showed the largest inhibition (∼70-80%) in filament velocity relative to WT Tpm1.1. These results indicate that the same regions of Tm (periods 3 and 6) are important for regulation of skeletal myosin by two different isoforms that have contrasting effects (inhibition by Tpm1.1 vs. activation by Tpm3.1) on filament velocity. Supported by NIH.
Bipartite Q -Polynomial Distance-Regular Graphs

Let Γ denote a bipartite distance-regular graph with diameter D≥12. We show Γ is Q-polynomial if and only if one of the following (i)–(iv) holds: (i) Γ is the ordinary 2D-cycle. (ii) Γ is the Hamming cube H(D,2). (iii) Γ is the antipodal quotient of H(2D,2). (iv) The intersection numbers of Γ satisfy * where q is an integer at least 2. We obtain the above result using the Terwilliger algebra of Γ.
Theoretical Transport Coefficients for Polar Semiconductors

The mobility, thermoelectric power and weak field Hall coefficient have been calculated when the charge carriers of a polar semiconductor are scattered by an optical mode of vibration of the lattice. The collision operator derived by Frohlich, and Howarth and Sondheimer was used, and the Boltzmann transport equation was integrated directly on an electronic computer. Results are given for 2θ ≥ T ≥ θ/2 and 5 ≥ η ≥ -2. (η is the reduced Fermi level, θ = ν1h/k, and ν1 is the frequency of the longitudinal optical mode.) These results are compared where possible with those obtained from a different method of calculation by Howarth, Lewis and Sondheimer. Rough values are also given for the Lorenz number and weak field Ettingshausen coefficient.
Repeatability of Response to Asthma Medications

Background Pharmacogenetic studies of drug response in asthma assume that patients respond consistently to a treatment but that treatment response varies across patients; however, no formal studies have demonstrated this. Objective To determine the repeatability of commonly used outcomes for treatment response to asthma medications: bronchodilator response, FEV 1 , and PC 20 . Methods The Childhood Asthma Management Program was a multicenter clinical trial of children randomized to receiving budesonide, nedocromil, or placebo. We determined the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for each outcome over repeated visits over a period of 4 years in the Childhood Asthma Management Program by using mixed-effects regression models. We adjusted for the covariates age, race/ethnicity, height, family income, parental education, and symptom score. We incorporated each outcome for each child as repeated outcome measurements and stratified by treatment group. Results The ICC for bronchodilator response was 0.31 in the budesonide group, 0.35 in the nedocromil group, and 0.40 in the placebo group, after adjusting for covariates. The ICC for FEV 1 was 0.71 in the budesonide group, 0.60 in the nedocromil group, and 0.69 in the placebo group, after adjusting for covariates. The ICC for PC 20 was 0.67 in the budesonide and placebo groups and 0.73 in the nedocromil group, after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion The within–treatment group repeatability of FEV 1 and PC 20 is high; thus, these phenotypes are heritable. FEV 1 and PC 20 may be better phenotypes than bronchodilator response for studies of treatment response in asthma.
Two-photon spectroscopy of Rubrene single crystals

We report on the two-photon spectroscopy of Rubrene single crystal.We experimentally observed strong anisotropy of two-photon absorption coefficient and photolumineasece. The two-photon absorption spectrum was measured between 740-840 nm.
Some Components of Socialization for Trance

Let me be clear from the beginning that by “components” I do not mean events or pieces of events that can be counted to become members of a statistical sample. I am doubtful whether in human behavior there are any such. In certain games, such as baseball and cricket, the named actions of the players appear to be repeated many times over and upon the samples so created a sort of statistic can be computed, assigning “batting averages” and the like to the various players; and such “averages” are indeed a rough indication of “better” and “worse.” But it is clear that every play of the game is unique and that every ball pitched or bowled is conceptually inseparable from others, forming with them a larger strategy. The most elementary requirement of statistics – uniformity of sample – is therefore not met.
Automating 24x7 Support Response To Telephone Requests

Demands for uninterrupted availability of systems that were hitherto not viewed as critical to the success of the enterprise has placed a burden upon support infrastructures for those systems. The small-to-medium help desk for a system that comprises part of an enterprise information system is under increasing pressure to provide round-the-clock support, while staffing budgets may not have caught up with the fiscal realities of covering second- or third-shift on-site personnel. While the volume of calls outside normal hours may be small, a guaranteed turnaround and response to emergencies is essential for many IT operations to gain the trust of their customers. This paper describes a system for automated answering of the help desk telephone during non-peak hours, and for notifying on-call staff of emergencies within minutes. The system uses two voice-capable modems on a well-maintained computer for presenting to the caller a typical phone menu hierarchical menu which may include an option to record a message about some type of emergency. In this event, the system will notify the staff who are on call at that time for that type of emergency, contacting them by means they have specified in advance, such as voice telephone, numeric or alphanumeric pager, or other means. The system is currently undergoing testing in the Enterprise Information System File Service at JPL.
Comparison of luminescent properties of Y 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ and LaPO 4 :Ce 3+ , Tb 3+ phosphors prepared by various synthetic methods

Abstract The crystallite and particle sizes, morphology and corresponding photoluminescence (PL) properties of nanocrystalline phosphors Y2O3:Eu3 + and LaPO4:Ce3 +, Tb3 +, produced by combustion synthesis, co-precipitation, hydrothermal reaction, sol–gel, spray pyrolysis, and solid-state reaction protocols, are compared. In general, phosphor particles with a relatively large crystallite size with a spherical and agglomerated morphology are favored for emitting the highest PL intensity. However, spray-pyrolyzed particles with a uniform spherical morphology and narrow size distribution produced the lowest PL emission intensity, which is attributed to the small crystallite size. For both compositions, the PL emission intensity increased with increasing crystallite size, but was not noticeably dependent on the particle size.
RANK Ligand: Effects of Inhibition

Receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cells (RANK) and its ligand (RANKL) belong to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily. RANK mRNA is expressed widely in bone and bone marrow. It has a significant role in stimulating osteoclast differentiation and maturation, and also in preventing apoptosis. Because osteoclast activity is an important aspect of bone resorption in malignancy, targeting these cells is a good rationale for preventing skeletal-related events in malignancies. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of denosumab in preventing bone loss in mice and improving bone mineral density. Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody against RANKL, which has been shown to be effective in reducing signaling via RANK and thus osteoclast activity. It has been demonstrated in large, randomized, phase 3 studies to be effective in preventing fractures and bone loss, and improving the bone mineral density in various cancerous and noncancerous settings. This article reviews the latest evidence of RANKL inhibition and its clinical implications.
Application of the concept of dynamic trim control and nonlinear system inverses to automatic control of a vertical attitude takeoff and landing aircraft

A full envelope automatic flight control system based on nonlinear inverse systems concepts has been applied to a vertical attitude takeoff and landing (VATOL) fighter aircraft. A new method for using an airborne digital aircraft model to perform the inversion of a nonlinear aircraft model is presented together with the results of a simulation study of the nonlinear inverse system concept for the vertical-attitude hover mode. The system response to maneuver commands in the vertical attitude was found to be excellent; and recovery from large initial offsets and large disturbances was found to be very satisfactory.
Acidification of endocytic compartments and the intracellular pathways of ligands and receptors

Several hormones, serum proteins, toxins, and viruses are brought into the cell by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Initially, many of these molecules and particles are internalized into a common endocytic compartment via the clathrin-coated pit pathway. Subsequently, the ligands and receptors are routed to several destinations, including lysosomes, the cytosol, or the plasma membrane. We have examined the mechanism by which sorting of internalized molecules occurs. A key step in the process is the rapid acidification of endocytic vesicles to a pH of 5.0-5.5 This acidification allows dissociation of several ligands from their receptors, the release of iron from transferrin, and the penetration of diphtheria toxin and some viral nucleocapsids into the cytoplasm. Transferrin, a ligand that cycles through the cell with its receptor, has been used as a marker for the recycling receptor pathway. We have found that in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transferrin is rapidly segregated from other ligands and is routed to a complex of small vesicles and/or tubules near the Golgi apparatus. The pH of the transferrin-containing compartment is approximately 6.4, indicating that it is not in continuity with the more acidic endocytic vesicles which contain ligands destined to be degraded in lysosomes.
Antioxidant Activity of Grains

Epidemiological studies have shown that consumption of whole grains and grain-based products is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases. The health benefits of whole grains are attributed in part to their unique phytochemical composition. However, the phytochemical contents in grains have been commonly underestimated in the literature, because bound phytochemicals were not included. This study was designed to investigate the complete phytochemical profiles in free, soluble conjugated, and insoluble bound forms, as well as their antioxidant activities in uncooked whole grains. Corn had the highest total phenolic content (15.55 ± 0.60 μmol of gallic acid equiv/g of grain) of the grains tested, followed by wheat (7.99 ± 0.39 μmol of gallic acid equiv/g of grain), oats (6.53 ± 0.19 μmol of gallic acid equiv/g of grain), and rice (5.56 ± 0.17 μmol of gallic acid equiv/g of grain). The major portion of phenolics in grains existed in the bound form (85% in corn, 75% in oats and wheat, and 62% in rice), ...
Fast ion conductors: future trends

Abstract The characteristics of various fast ion conductors (FICs) are reviewed with an emphasis on correlating their structural and transport properties. This approach leads toward an improved understanding of the cause of fast ion conduction in solids and suggests avenues for future research and applications. All three categories of fast ion conductors—extrinsic, intrinsic and amorphous—are briefly reviewed. Special attention is focused on (a) some of the newer, intrinsically disordered oxygen conductors such as α-Ta 2 O 5 and the pyrochlore system Gd 2 (Zr x Ti 1−x ) 2 O 7 , (b) amorphous cation conductors both organic and inorganic and (c) two-phase composite systems. Some of the more promising new FICs are discussed in relation to applications which will probably become increasingly important before the end of the century including fuel cells, batteries, sensors, electrochemical pumps and smart windows.
Effects of nutritional status on diarrhea in Peruvian children.

Abstract Objectives: We conducted a 4-year (1995-1998) field study in a Peruvian peri-urban community (pueblo joven) to examine the relation between diarrhea and nutritional status in 230 children Methods: We followed the birth cohort daily for diarrhea and monthly for anthropometry. We modeled diarrheal incidence with a multivariate time-to-event regression model to account for multiple episodes per child and irregular follow-up periods and diarrheal duration with a mixed-effects gamma regression model to account for disease heterogeneity across children. Results: During 159,551 child-days of follow-up, we identified 1387 diarrheal episodes, which yielded an average incidence of 3.2 episodes per child-year. Diarrhea was seasonal, for example, infants had up to 8 diarrheal episodes during the summer; however, these variations decreased noticeably with age. Nutritional status was significantly associated with diarrheal incidence. The frequency of diarrhea increased by 15% per standard deviation decrease in height-for-age z score. Diarrheal episodes in children Conclusions: These results identify infants and children of poor nutritional status as priority risk groups for prevention efforts aimed at reducing the burden of acute childhood diarrhea. (J Pediatr 2002;140:210-8)
Wide-line proton magnetic resonance in the solid solution phase of the yttrium-hydrogen system

Abstract The proton magnetic resonance and its temperature dependence have been studied in the solid solution phase of the yttriumhydrogen system, yielding information on hydrogen locations and diffusion in yttrium metal and on the phase boundaries at 300 K of the two-phase, yttrium + yttrium dihydride, region.
A polarizing situation.

The physical location of key proteins may turn out to significantly influence the differentiation tack that a cell takes. If clusters of antigen receptors include interferon-γ receptors in their midst, the fate of that T cell may be tipped.
Modulating the bioluminescence emission of photoproteins by in vivo site-directed incorporation of non-natural amino acids.

The in vivo incorporation of non-natural amino acids into specific sites within proteins has become an extremely powerful tool for bio- and protein chemists in recent years. One avenue that has yet to be explored, however, is whether or not the incorporation of non-natural amino acids can tune the color of light emitted by bioluminescent proteins, whose light emission mechanisms are more complex and less well understood than their fluorescent counterparts. Bioluminescent proteins are becoming increasingly important in a variety of research fields, such as in situ imaging and the study of protein−protein interactions in vivo, and an increased spectral variety of bioluminescent reporters is needed for further progress. Thus, herein we report the first successful spectral shifting (44 nm) of a bioluminescent protein, aequorin, via the site-specific incorporation of several non-natural amino acids into an integral amino acid position within the aequorin structure in vivo.
System‐bath decomposition of the reaction path Hamiltonian. II. Rotationally inelastic reactive scattering of H+H2 in three dimensions

Earlier work of the authors [J. Chem. Phys. 77, 2378 (1982)] has shown how the reaction path Hamiltonian of Miller, Handy, and Adams [J. Chem. Phys. 72, 99 (1980)] can be divided into a ‘‘system’’ of the reaction coordinate and modes strongly coupled to it, plus a ‘‘bath’’ of more weakly coupled modes. Quantum mechanical perturbation theory was used to show how one can combine an exact description of the system dynamics with an approximate (perturbative) treatment of the effect of the bath. The present paper applies this approach to the 3d H+H2 reaction, where the two collinear degrees of freedom constitute the system, and the two bending modes the bath. Comparison with the accurate scattering calculations of Schatz and Kupermann [J. Chem. Phys. 65, 4668 (1976)] shows it to provide a good description of the coupling between bending (i.e., rotational) and collinear modes.
Acetyl-CoA synthetase overexpression in Escherichia coli demonstrates more efficient acetate assimilation and lower acetate accumulation: a potential tool in metabolic engineering

The overexpression of acetyl-CoA (CoA) synthetase (ACS) in Escherichia coli showed significant reduction in acetate during glucose fermentation. It also greatly enhanced acetate assimilation when acetate was used as a carbon source. These features are ideal for applications in metabolic engineering. ACS overexpression can be strategically applied to reduce acetate byproduct, recover wasted carbon, and redirect carbon flux toward more favorable pathways. The native acs gene was cloned and overexpressed in E. coli. Studies showed significant effects on acetate production and assimilation in cultures grown in minimal and complex media with glucose or acetate as the carbon source.
Genetics of Alagille syndrome

Alagille syndrome is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder that is caused by mutations in JAG1 or NOTCH2, two genes that are integral components of Notch signaling. Clinical diagnostics is currently able to identify roughly 96% of mutations in patients through a combination of gene sequencing (JAG1 and NOTCH2) and deletion/duplication analysis (JAG1). The disease shows variable expressivity, and functional studies have not been able to establish any link between type or location of mutation and corresponding phenotype. The high number of reported loss-of-function variants, as well as data on a limited selection of missense mutations that show inappropriate protein folding, trafficking, or function, suggests that Alagille syndrome is due to gene haploinsufficiency. Ongoing research efforts in the genetics of Alagille syndrome are currently focused on identifying causes for the observed variable expressivity. A hypothesis in the field is that another gene may function to modify features of the disease, and a growing number of candidate gene modifiers have now been proposed. We hope that further understanding of both the variable expressivity of this disease and the molecular function of reported missense mutations will drive therapeutics to treat the more severe features of this disease.
Fiber support technology for thermal isolation and mechanical stability

Conventional methods for supporting cold components in optical systems and instruments often lead to excessive conductive heat loads. The need for better thermal isolation while maintaining structural rigidity motivated work on a tension system utilizing high performance fibers to support a focal plane assembly in an instrument to be flown in space. Utilizing Kevlar 49 fibers in an approach referred to as fiber support technology, we were able to reduce the conducted parasitic heat loads from 85 mW to less than 2 mW while increasing the 1st resonant frequency form about 50 Hz to 700 Hz. Various radiation suppression and wiring schemes were necessary to further reduce the total parasitic heat loads on this system. This paper outlines the details of this development effort making the use of a low input power miniature mechanical cooler possible. This approach seems consistent with the 'smaller', better, cheaper, faster' attitude of the nineties.
A network of sensor-based framework for automated visual surveillance

This paper presents an architecture for sensor-based, distributed, automated scene surveillance. The goal of the work is to employ wireless visual sensors, scattered in an area, for detection and tracking of objects of interest and their movements through application of agents. The architecture consists of several units known as Object Processing Units (OPUs) that are wirelessly connected in a cluster fashion. Cluster heads communicate with the Scene Processing Units which are responsible for analyzing all the information sent by the former. Object detection and tracking is performed by cooperative agents, named as Region and Object Agents. The area under surveillance is divided into several sub-areas. One camera is assigned to each sub-area. A Region Agent (RA) is responsible for monitoring a given sub-area. First, a background subtraction is performed on the scene taken by the camera. Then, a computed foreground mask is passed to the RA, which is responsible for creating Object Agents dedicated to tracking detected objects. Object detection and tracking is done automatically and is performed on the OPU. The tracking information and foreground mask are sent to a Scene Processing Unit that analyzes this information and determines if a threat pattern is present at the scene and performs appropriate action.
Somatostatin secretion in diabetic rabbits

Abstract Glucose, somatostatin-like immunoreactivity (SLI), and glucagon were measured in the portal vein during a glucose infusion (0.5 mg/kg) in 9 diabetic and 7 normal rabbits. The diabetic animals were from a colony of New Zealand white rabbits which develop spontaneous hyperglycemia characterized by low basal and stimulated serum insulin levels and lack of obesity. SLI and insulin were also extracted from pancreatic islets isolated from the diabetic and normal animals. The concentrations of SLI and glucagon, although quite variable, were similar in the portal and peripheral plasma in diabetic and control animals. The insulin content/islet was moderately decreased in the diabetic rabbits, however the content of insulin/μg protein was similar to the controls. In contrast, SLI content/islet was no different than controls, but was increased when expressed/μg of protein. Thus, this rabbit colony develops diabetes characterized by some decrease in beta cell mass. The remaining beta cells appear to have a severe defect in the release of insulin.
The Benefits of Psychiatric Hospitalization for Older Nursing Home Residents

OBJECTIVE To examine the demographic characteristics and treatment outcomes of nursing home residents admitted to a geropsychiatric inpatient unit. DESIGN A retrospective cohort design based on an ongoing data base effort. SETTING The geropsychiatric inpatient unit of the Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center Hospital. PARTICIPANTS All admissions to the unit from nursing homes during an 18-month period. MEASUREMENTS Mini-Mental State Examination, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory, Rating Scale for Side Effects, and Global Assessment of Functioning were administered on admission and discharge. RESULTS Paired t tests comparing change scores revealed significant decreases in general psychiatric symptoms (P < .001), depression (P < .001), and agitation (P < .001); significant improvement in global functioning (P < .001); with no significant changes in cognitive status (P = .485) or side effects (P = .120). When the patients were subgrouped according to reasons for admission, paired t tests revealed decreases in violence (CMAI Factor 1; P = .000), psychosis (BPRS thought disorder scale; P = .000 and hostility subscale; P < .008), and depression (HAM-D; P = .002). Four patients were discharged to less restrictive environments, all with chronic mental illnesses. CONCLUSION Inpatient psychiatric hospitalization significantly benefits nursing home residents with and without dementia who are admitted for severe behavior problems.