cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TEMPERATURE AND DNA TURNOVER IN THE GOLDFISH

Whole body DNA turnover in the goldfish, as measured by the rate of loss of incorporated 125I-deoxyuridine, is remarkably invariant over a temperature range of 30 centigrade degrees. Apparently cell proliferation kinetics in this poikilotherm do not simply reflect chemical reaction rates but are under some sort of homeostatic control with respect to temperature. At the nearly lethal temperature of 37°C the rate of cell turnover increases and the absolute number of proliferating cells decreases.
Organic Molecular System For Nonlinear Optics

We report on the properties and synthesis of a class of organic nonlinear optical material and the value of the molecular hyperpolarizability β of these molecules. These compounds have been incorporated into molecules possessing surfactive diacetylenic moieties, and also been modified to exhibit liquid crystallinity with spontaneous homeotropic alignment. Properties of guest-host systems incorporating these compounds have also been investigated.
Shortest-path network analysis is a useful approach toward identifying genetic determinants of longevity.

Background Identification of genes that modulate longevity is a major focus of aging-related research and an area of intense public interest. In addition to facilitating an improved understanding of the basic mechanisms of aging, such genes represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention in multiple age-associated diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. To date, however, targeted efforts at identifying longevity-associated genes have been limited by a lack of predictive power, and useful algorithms for candidate gene-identification have also been lacking. Methodology/Principal Findings We have utilized a shortest-path network analysis to identify novel genes that modulate longevity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Based on a set of previously reported genes associated with increased life span, we applied a shortest-path network algorithm to a pre-existing protein–protein interaction dataset in order to construct a shortest-path longevity network. To validate this network, the replicative aging potential of 88 single-gene deletion strains corresponding to predicted components of the shortest-path longevity network was determined. Here we report that the single-gene deletion strains identified by our shortest-path longevity analysis are significantly enriched for mutations conferring either increased or decreased replicative life span, relative to a randomly selected set of 564 single-gene deletion strains or to the current data set available for the entire haploid deletion collection. Further, we report the identification of previously unknown longevity genes, several of which function in a conserved longevity pathway believed to mediate life span extension in response to dietary restriction. Conclusions/Significance This work demonstrates that shortest-path network analysis is a useful approach toward identifying genetic determinants of longevity and represents the first application of network analysis of aging to be extensively validated in a biological system. The novel longevity genes identified in this study are likely to yield further insight into the molecular mechanisms of aging and age-associated disease.
22. ADHERENCE OF SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM TO ENTEROCYTES

Adherence of S. typhimurium to intestinal epithelial cell surfaces is believed to play a primary role in the pathogenesis of this organism. The major known adherent component of S. typhimurium is the type-1 fimbriae. However, in vitro studies implicating type-1 fimbriae in the attachment of S. typhimurium to cultured non-intestinal cells (HeLa or HEp-2) have been controversial. To resolve this issue, we investigated the binding of 3H-labelled S. typhimurium to freshly isolated rat enterocytes. The results clearly established that fimbriated strains adhered in much higher numbers than non-fimbriated strains. Adherence was inhibited by mannose and alpha-methyl-D-mannoside. Cultivation under conditions that do not permit expression of fimbriae yielded bacteria which adhered in lower numbers than fimbriated bacteria. There was no difference between enterocytes from proximal or distal small intestine. The level of adherent bacteria increased significantly during postnatal development and reached adult levels at weaning time. The results indicate that the adherence of S. typhimurium to enterocytes is facilitated by type-1 fimbriae. There appears to be an age dependent postnatal development of available receptors on rat enterocytes for S. typhimurium.
Generating Usable Knowledge: Initial Development and Validation of the Usage Rating Profile for Interventions (URP-I)

In this study, a self-report measure of intervention usage, the Usage Rating Profile for Interventions (URP-I) is developed and empirically examined with regard to factor structure and internal consistency. Results supported that intervention usage is associated with at least 4 different constructs, and that a measure consisting of 25 items may provide a reliable index of the 4 factors. The 4 factors identified included Acceptability, Knowledge, Feasibility, and Integrity. Findings extend and integrate existing work-related items to acceptability research aimed at predicting usage. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Theories of second language acquisition: three sides, three angles, three points

Three recent books take up different positions in the on-going debate about how, and out of what, to construct a theory of second language (L2) acquisition. Johnson (2004) advocates a ‘dialogically...
On solution properties of poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate)

The refractive index increments,dn/dc, of poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate) in various solvents have been critically examined in respect to their dependence on the refractive index of the solvent. An unusual scatter of data for different solvents and disagreement among the values for the same solvent obtained in different laboratories have been noticed and commented upon. The significance of these findings for the interpretation of light scattering measurements of molecular parameters of this polymer in solution has been discussed.
On The Fire Brigade: Why Liberalism Won't Stop the Anti-Gay Campaigning of the Right

This research contends that the rhetorical strategies employed in the Right's anti-gay battles have significant political implications. The Right defines queers as pathological behavior. Further, the Right's discursive attacks on queers simultaneously undermine the logic and legitimacy of civil rights. Analysis of discourse from the 1992 anti-gay campaign in Oregon shows that queer responses depend on liberal political theory, defend the status quo and do not de-pathologize queer sex; they ultimately re-enforce the Right's agenda.
Questioning the social intelligence hypothesis

The social intelligence hypothesis posits that complex cognition and enlarged ‘executive brains’ evolved in response to challenges that are associated with social complexity. This hypothesis has been well supported, but some recent data are inconsistent with its predictions. It is becoming increasingly clear that multiple selective agents, and non-selective constraints, must have acted to shape cognitive abilities in humans and other animals. The task now is to develop a larger theoretical framework that takes into account both inter-specific differences and similarities in cognition. This new framework should facilitate consideration of how selection pressures that are associated with sociality interact with those that are imposed by non-social forms of environmental complexity, and how both types of functional demands interact with phylogenetic and developmental constraints.
Survival of infants with spina bifida: a population study, 1979-94.

Summary This study aimed to investigate the survival of infants born with spina bifida between 1979 and 1994 from the population-based Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP) and to identify clinical and demographic factors associated with survival. Survival status was obtained from MACDP records and the National Death Index. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Risk factors potentially associated with survival were examined by the log-rank test. We assessed the independent effect of risk factors using the Cox proportional hazards model. Overall, 78.4% of children with spina bifida survived during the study period. Of the 235 infants born with spina bifida, 87.2% survived the first year of life. Survival to age 1 for the 1979–83, 1984–88 and 1989–94 birth cohorts was 82.7%, 88.5% and 91.0% respectively. In multivariable analysis, factors associated with increased mortality were low birthweight (<2500 g) (vs. ≥2500g, relative risk (RR) 2.3 [95% CI 1.1, 4.9]) and high lesions (vs. low lesions, RR 3.4 [95% CI 1.6, 7.1]). This study suggests a continuous improvement in survival among children born with spina bifida in Atlanta. Demographic and clinical factors are associated with length of survival. This information is useful for both clinicians and families who need to plan for the long-term care of these children.
FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH PRIMARY ANGIOPLASTY WITHIN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is the treatment of choice in treating acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and shorter door-to-balloon time is associated with lower mortality. The question remains: will performing primary PTCA within the Emergency
Isolated cilia in inner retinal neurons and in retinal pigment epithelium.

Isolated cilia have been studied in neurons of the inner nuclear and ganglion cell layers of human and guinea pig retinas and in human retinal pigment epithelial cells. No more than one cilium per given cell has been observed. In retinal pigment epithelium the cilium extends into an intercellular pocket. In the retinal neurons the cilia show a 9 + 0 filament pattern in the basal body and proximal segments. One filament becomes displaced centrally, and for the greater portion of the cilium there is an 8 + 1 pattern. In the distal portion the filaments become frayed and indistinct. The plasma membrane over the tip of the cilium appears darker and more indistinct.
Comment: The tribe in white coats

Anthropology is the comparative study of cultures. Its goal is to characterize those universal traits that make societies uniquely human, and at the same time account for the embedded cultural-historical logic that makes each human society different from the next. Ethnography is the major methodologic approach in anthropology. Ethnography is both a process—of data collection, analysis, and interpretation—as well as a product, typically a book or article. Neurologists constitute a subculture within societies and are thus legitimate subjects of ethnography.
Improved optimal seam selection blending for fast video stitching of videos captured from freely moving devices

We investigate the problem of stitching timely synchronized video streams captured by freely moving devices. Recently, it was shown that using frame-to-frame correlation can greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of video stitching algorithms [19]. In this paper, we address some of the shortcomings in [19], namely the simple blending approach, causing almost a third of stitching errors and the fact that the stitching algorithm is only tested on a frame-by-frame basis which does not realistically mimic the user perception of the output system quality as a complete video. We propose the use of a modified blending technique based on optimal seam selection and experimentally validate its superiority using precision, recall and F 1 measures on a frame-by-frame basis, while maintaining low computational complexity. Furthermore, we validate that the performance gains measured on a frame-by-frame basis are also evident when the stitched video output is evaluated as a single unit.
Adrenal suppression following a single dose of etomidate for rapid sequence induction: a prospective randomized study.

Background: The administration of etomidate for rapid sequence induction (RSI) has been linked to subsequent adrenocortical insufficiency in nontrauma patients. However, etomidate-related adrenocortical insufficiency has not been well studied in the trauma population. Purpose: We performed a prospective, randomized, controlled study to assess the effect of one dose of etomidate for RSI on adrenal function and its clinical significance during and after resuscitation in trauma patients. Methods: Adult trauma patients admitted to our Level I trauma center requiring RSI were randomized to receive etomidate 0.3 mg/kg and succinylcholine 1 mg/kg (E group) or fentanyl 100 μg, midazolam 5 mg, and succinylcholine 1 mg/kg (FM group) for induction. A baseline serum cortisol level was drawn before RSI. Four to six hours after RSI, a postintubation serum cortisol level was drawn. An ACTH stimulation test was performed. Results: Thirty patients were enrolled: 18 E group patients and 12 FM group patients. No statistical difference was detected between the two groups with respect to age, injury severity score, and baseline serum cortisol. Mean serum cortisol levels were significantly lower in E group patients than in FM group patients 4 to 6 hours after intubation (18.2 vs. 27.8 μg/dL, p < 0.05). Change in serum cortisol between baseline and postintubation levels was different (-12.8 μg/dL ± 9.6 /μg/dL vs. 1.1 μg/dL ± 7.6 μg/dL, p < 0.01). Patients in the E group had an average increase in cortisol after ACTH administration of 4.2 /μg/dL ± 4.9 μg/dL vs. 11.2 μg/dL ± 6.1 μg/dL in the FM group, p < 0.001. Patients in the E group required longer ICU lengths of stay (mean, 6.3 days vs. 1.5 days, p < 0.05), more ventilator days (mean, 28 days vs. 17 days, p < 0.01), and longer hospital lengths of stay (mean, 11.6 days vs. 6.4 days, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The use of etomidate for RSI in trauma patients led to chemical evidence of adrenocortical insufficiency and may have contributed to increased hospital and ICU lengths of stay and increased ventilator days. Further studies should be considered to evaluate the safety profile of this drug in trauma patients.
Geriatric Patients May Not Experience Increased Risk of Oligoanalgesia in the Emergency Department

Study objective The aim of this study is to compare the pain management practices in geriatric patients in the emergency department (ED) with that in other adult ED patients to determine whether these patients face increased risk of oligoanalgesia. Methods This study was a prospective analysis of a convenience sample of patients presenting to an urban academic tertiary care hospital ED from 2000 through 2010. We compared patients aged 65 years and older (geriatric) with adults younger than 65 years and evaluated analgesic administration rates, opioid administration and dosing, and pain and satisfaction scores (0 to 10 scale). Results A total of 15,387 patients presented to the ED during the 10-year study period and agreed to participate in the study; 1,169 patients were geriatric (7.6%). Geriatric patients had a mean age of 75.0 years (SD 7.2 years), whereas mean age of the 14,218 nongeriatric patients was 35.5 years (SD 12.2 years). Geriatric patients reported less pain at presentation (6.2 versus 6.9). After adjusting for presentation pain scores, geriatric patients were not less likely to receive an analgesic during the ED visit (odds ratio 0.90; 95% confidence interval 0.78 to 1.05) or less likely to receive an opioid (odds ratio 1.01; 95% confidence interval 0.87 to 1.18). Geriatric patients, on average, received lower doses of morphine (3.3 versus 4.2 mg) and had longer waiting times for their initial dose of an analgesic medication (65 versus 75 minutes). Conclusion Despite longer wait times for analgesia, geriatric and nongeriatric patients were similar in rates of analgesia and opioid administration for pain-related complaints. These findings contrast with previous studies reporting lower rates of analgesia administration among geriatric patients.
Thermoreversible gelation of helical polypeptide/single‐walled carbon nanotubes and their solid‐state structures

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been functionalized with poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate)s (PBLGs) having well-defined polymer molecular weight (Mn = 7.5–21.1 kg·mol−1) and molecular weight distribution (PDI = 1.05–1.20) by a graft-to method. Toluene solutions containing 5 wt % free PBLG and variable amounts of PBLG-functionalized SWCNTs (PBLG-SWCNTs) form gels at room temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis reveals that the gelation occurs thermoreversibly, in accord with previous studies on the pristine PBLG/toluene gels. The heat of gel melting (ΔHm) is slightly elevated for the composite gels compared with the pristine gel, which suggests enhanced interactions between PBLGs in the former. But the gelation temperatures of the composites are unaffected by the presence of PBLG-SWCNTs. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis of the composite and pristine gels at different temperatures by the Guinier method suggests that PBLG-SWCNTs promote interactions between PBLG rods, as indicated by the larger PBLG bundle size with increasing PBLG-SWCNT content in the gel and the melt state. W/SAXS analysis of the dry gels reveals that PBLG-SWCNTs induce significant changes in the PBLG packing order, resulting in a nematic phase, in contrast to a weakly ordered smectic C phase containing tilted PBLG rods that is observed in the pristine gel. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Economically significant stock market forecasts

It has been known for some time that a small, but statistically significant portion of the monthly variation in excess returns on the S&P 500-stock index is predictable using ex ante information. This paper presents a model whose out-of-sample forecasts have economic significance. Specifically, a switching rule conditioned on out-of-sample forecasts of stock excess returns, produces investment outcomes that mean-variance dominate the buy-and-hold. The switching strategy yields superior risk-adjusted returns as judged by the composite performance measures of Treynor, Sharpe, and Jensen.
Numerical methods for nuclear mean-field dynamics

Abstract We present an overview of the recent developments in the time-dependent mean-field description of nuclear dynamics. The emphasis is on the numerical aspects of such calculations. The derivation of the lattice equations and their solution is discussed in some detail. We introduce a new approach for performing highly accurate lattice calculations using the basis-spline collocation method. Applications to the study of fusion, deep-inelastic reactions, and nuclear molecules are presented.
The Enola, Arkansas, Intraplate Swarm of 2001

The 2001 Enola earthquake sequence started with an M 4.4 mainshock and was followed by 2,500 earthquakes in two months, confined in a crustal volume of 8 km 3 , at depths between 4 and 6 km. We have computed precise absolute and relative hypocentral locations using relative travel times based on waveform cross-correlation and a double-difference relative hypocentral location method. Focal mechanisms were computed using P-, SV -, and SH -wave polarities. Highly similar strike-slip focal mechanisms are consistent with the stress regime of the mid-continent province. The swarm volume produced two clusters of earthquakes at different depths and times. We speculate that these clusters represent a system of conduits possibly filled by fluids. The focal mechanisms of the first, seismically deeper sequence show a strong thrust component, while the later and shallower cluster solutions show predominant strike-slip motion. Daily seismicity rates reveal short and sudden increases in activity rather than typical aftershock decay. A b -value of 0.9 is observed for the entire swarm. The sequence appears to recapitulate aspects of a more intense earthquake swarm in the same area in 1981.
A note on the existence and characteristics of fair deposit insurance premia

Abstract This paper treats the fair deposit insurance premium as a fixed point of the value of insurance per dollar of deposits. Using the standard model of the value of deposit insurance and treating the premium as an up-front cost to a bank it is shown that the fixed-point premium exists and is unique under fairly general conditions. It is shown that ignoring the premium as an up-front cost may lead to underestimation of the fair premium. In addition, the fixed-point model suggests that premium rates should vary with the ratio of deposits to total liabilities.
Electrical resistivities of the intermetallic compounds ThPt, UPt, NpPt, and PuPt

Abstract Resistivity measurements on four actinide-platinum compounds were carried out in the range 1.5 to 300°K. ThPt exhibits normal metallic behavior: UPt shows evidence for a magnetic transition, as has been reported previously; and NpPt and PuPt exhibit resistivity anomalies at low temperatures which may also be indicative of magnetic ordering.
Immobilization of mice following envenomation by cobras (Naja mossambica pallida)

Mice (Mus musculus, average weight = 20.8 g), envenomated by red spitting cobras (Naja mossambica pallida), were immobilized significantly sooner if the cobra delivered multiple strikes (3) than if it delivered only a single strike. Many viperid snakes (e.g., rattlesnakes) strike only once per predatory episode, whereas elapids (e.g., cobras) typically strike two to three times. The present study indicates that the number of strikes delivered by cobras is correlated positively with the severity of envenomation and inversely with the probability of losing potential rodent prey. Poststrike behavior of red spitting cobras is discussed, and is compared with that of rattlesnakes.
Ceremony and Citizenship: African American Weddings, 1945–60

Following the Second World War, many Americans embraced the white wedding – an event marked by conspicuous consumption, gendered roles and responsibilities, and welcoming of ‘traditions’ such as formal dress, proper vows and post-ceremony reception. For aspiring, middle-class and elite African Americans, the wedding served a dual purpose. Through the ceremony, they demonstrated adherence to the ideals of post-war American citizenship while preserving distinct cultural practices and values. Focusing primarily on the upwardly mobile black community of Indianapolis between 1945 and 1960, this article emphasises the wedding as a site of both personal and public significance. Adoption and enactment of the white wedding reinforced the strength of the black family and declared African Americans’ rightful belonging to the American middle-class community.
Generation of Transduction-Competent Retroviral Vectors by Infection with a Single Hybrid Vaccinia Virus

Recombinant vaccinia viruses that express defective retroviral vectors upon a single infection event in normal host cells were constructed. The gag-pol and envelope genes and a retroviral vector unit were inserted as vaccinia virus promoter-controlled transcription units at three separate loci. The triple recombinant virus was used to infect such diverse cell types as monkey and rabbit kidney, human lung, and primary chicken cells, resulting in the production of transduction-competent defective retroviral vectors. Infection of Chinese hamster ovary cells, which are nonpermissive for vaccinia virus replication, also resulted in production of retroviral vectors and secondary permanent transduction of the host cells. Since vaccinia virus supports the expression of cytotoxic proteins, the vesicular stomatitis virus G glycoprotein could be chosen as the envelope allowing a broad host range of transduction. Functionality of particles was monitored by expression of the green fluorescent protein in transduced 3T3 cell clones. This is the first description of a single chimeric virus encoding and releasing functional retroviral vectors, providing proof of principle of the new concept. No replication-competent retrovirus was detectable by sensitive reverse transcriptase assays. Since vaccinia virus has a broad host range, is extremely robust, and can be obtained at high titers and safe nonreplicating vaccinia virus strains are available, the hybrid system may open new perspectives for gene delivery.
Trends of fruit and vegetable availability in neighbourhoods in Albany, NY, USA, 2003-2012.

Objective: To investigate a 9-year trend of fresh fruit and vegetable availability and factors associated with the net availability change in two contrasting neighbourhoods. Design: Longitudinal design. Data were collected in 2003, 2009 and 2012 through in-store observations. Fresh fruit and vegetable availability was presented by weight-adjusted counts of stores having designated varieties per 10 000 population. Setting: A low-income minority neighbourhood and an adjacent middle-income racially mixed neighbourhood in Albany, NY, USA. These neighbourhoods became sites of fresh produce interventions after baseline data were collected. Subjects: A total of 111, 128 and 146 eligible food stores in respective years. Results: Fresh fruit availability (two or more varieties) increased in both neighbourhoods. Inventory expansion of existing stores and the convenience store intervention contributed to the significant increase (P for trend=0·04) of fresh fruit availability in the minority neighbourhood. Although not statistically significant (P>0·05), the availability of two or more dark-coloured fresh vegetables also increased in the mixed neighbourhood, but declined slightly in the minority neighbourhood. The secular (non-intervention) fresh vegetable availability rate ratio by neighbourhood reached 3·0 in 2012 (P<0·01). The net decline of fresh vegetable availability in the minority neighbourhood was primarily attributed to inventory reduction of existing stores. Conclusions: Longitudinal observations revealed narrowed neighbourhood disparities of fresh fruit availability and widened gaps of fresh vegetable availability. Inventory shifts of existing stores impacted the net availability change more profoundly than store opening or closing in the minority neighbourhood. Findings support increasing the programme capacity of the convenience store intervention to address the fresh vegetable disparity.
Effects of Inert Gas and Vacuum Packagings on Storage Stability of Mechanically Deboned Poultry Meats

Abstract Mechanically deboned chicken and turkey meats (MDCM and MDTM) were individually mixed under inert atmospheres, packaged with N2 or CO2 gases or under vacuum, and frozen at −18 C, immediately after packaging or after holding for 72 hr at 4 C. After specific storage periods, samples were evaluated for oxidative rancidity by following the decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids (C18:3−22:6) and the development of 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reactive substances. Vacuum and N2 packaged samples from most treatments gave significantly higher unsaturation ratios and lower TBA numbers than CO2 packaged samples of corresponding treatments. Vacuum and N2 packaged samples showed similar development of TBA reactive substances. Significantly higher losses of polyunsaturated fatty acids and increases in TBA numbers were found in all samples which were held at 4 C 72 hr before freezing. High correlation coefficients between phospholipid unsaturation ratios and TBA numbers were found for most of the treated samples during frozen storage.
Reactions of derivatives of anthranilic acid with 3‐chloropropyl isocyanate

The urea 1 obtained from anthranilonitrile and 3-chloropropyl isocyanate is converted into 3-(3-chloropropyl)-2,4(1H,3H)quinazolinedione (4) when heated with hydrochloric acid, whereas it undergoes a double cyclization to form 2,3,4,7-tetrahydro-6H-pyrimido[1,2-c]quinazolin-6-one (3) upon heating, or treatment with ammonia. On the other hand, the urea 5 formed from methyl anthranilate and 3-chloropropyl isocyanate cyclizes in three different ways, when treated with ammonia, potassium bicarbonate, or concentrated sulfuric acid, to yield compound 4, 3,4-dihydro-2H,6H-[1,3]oxazino[2,3-b]quinazolin-6-one (9), or 2-[(3-chloropropyl)amino]-4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one (6), respectively. Acid-catalyzed reactions of compound 9 with nucleophilic reagents proceed with opening of the oxazine ring and readily yield various 3-substituted 2,4(1H,3H)-quinazolinediones.
MetaRanker 2.0: a web server for prioritization of genetic variation data

MetaRanker 2.0 is a web server for prioritization of common and rare frequency genetic variation data. Based on heterogeneous data sets including genetic association data, protein–protein interactions, large-scale text-mining data, copy number variation data and gene expression experiments, MetaRanker 2.0 prioritizes the protein-coding part of the human genome to shortlist candidate genes for targeted follow-up studies. MetaRanker 2.0 is made freely available at www.cbs.dtu.dk/services/ MetaRanker-2.0.
Experiment Luxembourg: Cross modulation at high latitude, low height. Part II: Experimental aspects

Experiment Luxembourg, based on cross modulation of two radio waves, was put into operation at College, Alaska, at the beginning of the summer in 1960 to study the D -region ionization. Part I of this paper presents an extensive analysis of the radio-wave interaction mechanism. It discusses how the cross modulation can be produced not only by changing the electron collision frequency (the classical Luxembourg effect), but also by changing the electron density. It shows that both contributions can be significant. The changes in electron density that are considered are not related to ionization processes, but to perturbation of the attachment processes. Part II of this paper gives a critical examination of the analytical results derived in Part I. Important experimental aspects related to the operation of Experiment Luxembourg are illustrated. Some of the records obtained during the first period of operation are presented and discussed. From the discussion of the experimental results, it is clear that 1) ionization was detected at heights as low as 30 km, and 2) the electrons, at least at 40 km, are not in thermal equilibrium with the atmosphere, but show a temperature of about 1200\deg K.
Optical liquid-crystal-television correlator for particle-image-velocimetry processing

An application of an inexpensive liquid-crystal television as a processor for full-field velocity measurement techniques that require two-dimensional correlation is presented. With the use of nonspecialized optics, the results compare well with digital correlations.
Compressive Sensing on a CMOS Separable-Transform Image Sensor

This paper demonstrates a computational image sensor capable of implementing compressive sensing operations. Instead of sensing raw pixel data, this image sensor projects the image onto a separable 2-D basis set and measures the corresponding expansion coefficients. The inner products are computed in the analog domain using a computational focal plane and an analog vector-matrix multiplier (VMM). This is more than mere postprocessing, as the processing circuity is integrated as part of the sensing circuity itself. We implement compressive imaging on the sensor by using pseudorandom vectors called noiselets for the measurement basis. This choice allows us to reconstruct the image from only a small percentage of the transform coefficients. This effectively compresses the image without any digital computation and reduces the throughput of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The reduction in throughput has the potential to reduce power consumption and increase the frame rate. The general architecture and a detailed circuit implementation of the image sensor are discussed. We also present experimental results that demonstrate the advantages of using the sensor for compressive imaging rather than more traditional coded imaging strategies.
Testing the Life-Cycle Hypothesis With a Norwegian Household Panel

This article reports the results of progressive refinements in the models used to test the permanent-income hypothesis. These tests are undertaken with a household panel, constructed from diaries, by the Norwegian Central Bureau of Statistics. The data combine detailed expenditure and price information with income and wealth data from the government's tax files for 1975–1977. Using a model that takes account of relative price change and demographic variables, recognizes the effects of durables, and incorporates explicit recognition of the effects of differences in the timing of observations or income innovations and spending, the results indicate that the data are consistent with the permanent-income/life-cycle hypothesis.
Simultaneous Earth observations from two satellites

Simultaneous co-located observations from two different orbits lead to several advantages (i.e., cross calibration of sensors and a wider range of solar-zenith and sensor look angles). The question was asked how many times per year (on the average) do the sub-satellite points of two satellites simultaneously come within D kilometers of each other?. For the Space Station (altitude: 500 km, inclination: 28 deg) and a Sun synchronous satellite (altitude 705 km, inclination 98.21 deg) the answers are 16, 41 and 82 times per year for encounter distances D of 20, 50, and 100 km espectively. The relationship between encounters per year and distance D is linear. The answers were obtained in two ways: (1) a closed form statistical approach which led to a simple algebraic expression, and (2) a Monte Carlo type computer solution. The largest difference between the two solutions was less than 12%.
The optical thickness of the molecular atmosphere

Rayleigh's original expression for the extinction coefficient is modified so that it can be used with respect to thestratified atmosphere composed of two or more gases mixed in a proportion that changes vertically. Using a model of the earth's molecular atmosphere based on the most recent rocket data available, some numerical values of this extinction coefficient are tabulated as a function of height, for three wavelengths (375, 520 and 835 mμ). By an integration of these values with respect to height, the normal optical thickness of the atmosphere is evaluated for different levels up to 30 km, and tabulated in sufficient detail to ensure a more accurate knowledge of this parameter than hitherto. The effect of seasonal changes in atmospheric density on the optical thickness is also determined. The expression for themass extinction coefficient derived on the above basis shows that it should be very nearly constant with respect to height in the stratified molecular atmosphere, and it is suggested that this might be used as an independent-check of upper atmospheric densities determined by other methods.
A hybrid multi-group approach for privacy-preserving data mining

In this paper, we propose a hybrid multi-group approach for privacy preserving data mining. We make two contributions in this paper. First, we propose a hybrid approach. Previous work has used either the randomization approach or the secure multi-party computation (SMC) approach. However, these two approaches have complementary features: the randomization approach is much more efficient but less accurate, while the SMC approach is less efficient but more accurate. We propose a novel hybrid approach, which takes advantage of the strength of both approaches to balance the accuracy and efficiency constraints. Compared to the two existing approaches, our proposed approach can achieve much better accuracy than randomization approach and much reduced computation cost than SMC approach. We also propose a multi-group scheme that makes it flexible for the data miner to control the balance between data mining accuracy and privacy. This scheme is motivated by the fact that existing randomization schemes that randomize data at individual attribute level can produce insufficient accuracy when the number of dimensions is high. We partition attributes into groups, and develop a scheme to conduct group-based randomization to achieve better data mining accuracy. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed general schemes, we have implemented them for the ID3 decision tree algorithm and association rule mining problem and we also present experimental results.
The inplane elastic properties of circular cell and elliptical cell honeycombs

The inplane elastic properties of perfectly circular and elliptic cell honeycombs are derived through an analytical method and validated numerically. In the case of perfectly circular cell hexagonally packed honeycomb, the inplane elastic properties are shown to be isotropic. However, a departure from circularity of the cells leading to cell ellipticity results in the inplane properties becoming orthotropic. The orthotropic elastic constants are also derived analytically and validated numerically.
Designing Tools for Assumption-Proof Brain Mapping

Can we develop technologies to systematically map classical mechanisms throughout the brain, while retaining the flexibility to investigate new mechanisms as they are discovered? We discuss principles of scalable, flexible technologies that could yield comprehensive maps of brain function.
The P2Y12 receptor regulates microglial activation by extracellular nucleotides

Microglia are primary immune sentinels of the CNS. Following injury, these cells migrate or extend processes toward sites of tissue damage. CNS injury is accompanied by release of nucleotides, serving as signals for microglial activation or chemotaxis. Microglia express several purinoceptors, including a G(i)-coupled subtype that has been implicated in ATP- and ADP-mediated migration in vitro. Here we show that microglia from mice lacking G(i)-coupled P2Y(12) receptors exhibit normal baseline motility but are unable to polarize, migrate or extend processes toward nucleotides in vitro or in vivo. Microglia in P2ry(12)(-/-) mice show significantly diminished directional branch extension toward sites of cortical damage in the living mouse. Moreover, P2Y(12) expression is robust in the 'resting' state, but dramatically reduced after microglial activation. These results imply that P2Y(12) is a primary site at which nucleotides act to induce microglial chemotaxis at early stages of the response to local CNS injury.
Philosophical foundations of computer simulation validation

Innovations in information technology (IT) have been responsible for the rapid growth of computer simulation, which in turn has encouraged IT innovation. However, there is a striking contrast between the technological sophistication that drives and is driven by computer simulation and the rudimentary, underdeveloped state of theory underpinning the simulation endeavor. This article attempts to provide computer simulation with a theoretical framework by the application of philosophy of science to simulation validation. The authors discuss the key elements of Popper's theory of falsification and explore how simulation validation is in fact anchored to Popper's theory. Moreover, this article suggests that a Popperian perspective encourages the review of a validated model's continuing validity, thereby potentially leading to the construction of a new, improved model. Finally, we contrast Popper's falsificationist philosophy of science with Quine's philosophical system of holism and early-period Putnam's scientific realism, both of which discourage the building of better models.
Uric Acid Predicts Clinical Outcomes in Heart Failure Insights Regarding the Role of Xanthine Oxidase and Uric Acid in Disease Pathophysiology

In the current issue of Circulation , Anker and colleagues1 report that elevated levels of uric acid (UA) predict mortality and the need for heart transplantation in patients with congestive heart failure (HF). Serum concentrations of UA added important prognostic information alone and when combined with measures of cardiac function (ejection fraction) and patient functional status (maximal oxygen consumption with exercise) and were independent of renal function, serum sodium, serum urea, diuretic usage, and patient age. Receiver operating curve analysis identified a cutoff of 585 μmol/L (9.8 mg/dL) as the best mortality predictor. This finding is not only potentially of value in patient management but also raises extremely interesting questions regarding the pathophysiological underpinnings of this finding. See p 1991 A consideration of the mechanism of UA production and metabolism offers insight into the relationship between UA levels and HF outcomes. Indeed, accumulating data support the idea that UA, in addition to being a potentially valuable prognostic marker, possesses specific toxic or other properties that could contribute to HF pathophysiology. Moreover, UA levels may reflect xanthine oxidase (XO) pathway activity, which has the potential to contribute to the progression of left ventricular dysfunction by interfering with myocardial energetics2 and myofilament calcium sensitivity.3 UA is a metabolic byproduct of purine metabolism (Figure). Serum UA may increase in the failing circulation because of increased generation, decreased excretion, or a combination of the 2 factors. There are several possible contributors to increased UA production in HF, including increased abundance and activity of XO,4 increased conversion of …
Evidence for a major gene influence on abdominal fat distribution: the Minnesota Breast Cancer Family Study.

Abdominal fat has been shown to be an important risk factor for many chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and breast cancer. The objective of this study was to provide evidence for a major gene influence on the ratio of waist to hip circumference (WHR), a measurement commonly used in large scale studies to indicate the presence of abdominal fat. Segregation analysis was conducted on three subsets of families from the Minnesota Breast Cancer Family Study. One analysis was conducted among families with WHR measurements on all women. Two additional analyses were conducted on subsets of women stratified on menopausal status. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with WHR expressed as a continuous trait. Complex segregation analyses were performed on the continuous trait of WHR and the covariates identified in the regression analysis. In the analysis of all women, all hypotheses were rejected. Among premenopausal women, the environmental hypothesis with no heterogeneity between generations fit the data best (P = 0.85). However, among postmenopausal women, the requirements for conclusion of the presence of a major gene were met. All non-Mendelian hypotheses were rejected (P < 0.0001), but the additive hypothesis was not rejected (P = 0.19) and provided the best fit to the data. The putative major gene identified by this model accounted for 42% of total phenotypic variance in WHR among these postmenopausal women. The allele for high WHR had a frequency of 27%. These findings support the hypothesis that the distribution of abdominal fat in postmenopausal women is under genetic control. Genet. Epidemiol. 20:458–478, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Intimate Politics: Marriage, the Market, and State Power in Southeastern China

Intimate Politics: Marriage, the Market, and State Power in Southeastern China. Sara L. Friedman. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2006. 344 pp.
Impact of the United States propofol ban on emergency providers' procedural sedation agent choice and patient length of stay.

Background In the recent past, propofol was temporarily removed from the emergency department (ED) for use in procedural sedation. We sought to determine which agents replaced it in clinical practice and the impact this change had on turnaround times (TAT) for sedated patients. Methods This study is a retrospective chart review at a level one trauma center. Patients receiving sedative agents (propofol, ketamine, midazolam, and etomidate) were identified by pharmacy codes, and their charts were then reviewed for demographics and TAT. Propofol was unavailable in the emergency department (ED) between May 2010 and February 2011. The study period extended from May 2009 until May 2011. Patients receiving sedation by non-emergency medicine physicians and those receiving sedation related to intubation were excluded. Results In total 2466 charts were reviewed and 209 met inclusion criteria. When propofol was available, the most commonly used sedative agent was etomidate (40%), followed by propofol (28%), ketamine (20%), and midazolam (6%). When propofol was unavailable, etomidate remained the most commonly used agent (43%), followed by ketamine (41%), and midazolam (11%). When propofol was available, the median TAT for sedated patients was 163 minutes compared to 178 minutes when propofol was unavailable (P=0.83). When propofol was the primary sedative agent used, the median TAT was 166 minutes as compared with a median TAT of 172 minutes for all other sedative agents combined (P=0.87). Conclusion When propofol was unavailable, ketamine became a preferred ED sedation agent. Removal of propofol from the sedation armamentarium did not affect ED TAT.
Utility-Driven Spatiotemporal Sampling Using Mobile Sensors

Many real-world applications for sensor networks require event sampling with sufficient resolution over both spatial and temporal dimensions. When the deployed nodes are insufficient to fully cover the sensor field to satisfy this spatiotemporal sampling requirements of all events, nodes with intelligent mobility are crucial to improve the sampling quality. We measure the sampling quality using a utility function that incorporates both the importance and spatiotemporal properties of events. We then describe a Utility Driven Mobility (UDM) scheme, which enables autonomous mobility scheduling of nodes in a distributed fashion. We evaluate the performance of UDM via extensive simulation studies. Our work provides a practical framework for spatiotemporal sampling using mobile sensor networks.
Analysis of a multiple bus multiprocessor

A multiple-bus architecture capable of supporting a large number of processors is analyzed. The bandwidth of this architecture is studied. The results of a trace-driven simulation used to investigate the performance of the system are given. The performance advantage of the architecture is demonstrated. >
The β-strategy : An alternative and powerful cognitive strategy when performing sensory discrimination tests

For discrimination tests not requiring the nature of the difference to be specified in the instructions, such as the triangle, duo-trio and same-different protocols, it is usually assumed that the decision rule used by the subject in order to generate an answer involves the comparison of the relative sensory distances between the samples. However, there is evidence that an alternative cognitive strategy, the β-strategy, involving the absolute categorization of the sensations could be used by the subject when performing these protocols. This paper introduces the characteristics of this alternative strategy by discussing its statistical power (higher than the traditional strategies) and by describing means of investigating which strategy is used by the subject during an experiment as well as illustrating the experimental conditions that might facilitate the use of this particular decision rule. Dans les tests de discrimination, un procede cognitif a lieu, il permet au degustateur d'evaluer les echantillons en faisant reference a son experience. Une strategie alternative existe, la strategie β qui consiste en une categorisation absolue des sensations. Les caracteristiques de cette strategie et ses potentialites sont exposees ici.