cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On Intertemporal Preferences in Continuous Time: The Case of Certainty

Abstract Different topologies on the space of certain consumption patterns in a continuous time setting are discussed. A family of topologies which give an economically reasonable sense of closeness and have an appropriate intertemporal flavor is suggested. The topological duals of our suggested topologies are essentially spaces of Lipschitz continuous functions. Any utility functional whose felicity function at any time t depends explicitly on the consumption at that time and is not linear in it is not continuous in any one of our topologies. A class of utility functionals that are continuous in the suggested topologies and that capture the intuitively appealing notion that consumptions at nearby dates are almost perfect substitutes is provided. We then give necessary and sufficient conditions for a consumption plan to be optimal for this class of utility functionals. We demonstrate our general theory by solving in closed form the optimal consumption problem for a particular utility function. The optimal solution consists of a (possible) initial ‘gulp’ of consumption, or an initial period of no consumption, followed by consumption at the rate that maintains a constant ratio of wealth to an index of past consumption experience.
Induction of Autoantigen-Specific Th2 and Tr1 Regulatory T Cells and Modulation of Autoimmune Diabetes

Autoantigen-based immunotherapy can modulate autoimmune diabetes, perhaps due to the activation of Ag-specific regulatory T cells. Studies of these regulatory T cells should help us understand their roles in diabetes and aid in designing a more effective immunotherapy. We have used class II MHC tetramers to isolate Ag-specific T cells from nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice and BALB/c mice treated with glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 peptides (p206 and p221). Based on their cytokine secretion profiles, immunization of NOD mice with the same peptide induced different T cell subsets than in BALB/c mice. Treatment of NOD mice induced not only Th2 cells but also IFN-gamma/IL-10-secreting T regulatory type 1 (Tr1) cells. Adoptive transfer experiments showed that isolated tetramer(+) T cells specific for p206 or p221 could inhibit diabetes development. These cells were able to suppress the in vitro proliferation of other NOD mouse T cells without cell-cell contact. They performed their regulatory functions probably by secreting cytokines, and Abs against these cytokines could block their suppressive effect. Interestingly, the presence of both anti-IL-10 and anti-IFN-gamma could enhance the target cell proliferation, suggesting that Tr1 cells play an important role. Further in vivo experiments showed that the tetramer(+) T cells could block diabetogenic T cell migration into lymph nodes. Therefore, treatment of NOD mice with autoantigen could induce Th2 and Tr1 regulatory cells that can suppress the function and/or block the migration of other T cells, including diabetogenic T cells, and inhibit diabetes development.
Using Judicial Notice to Inform the Legal System in New York Family Court Proceedings Where Domestic Violence is Alleged

There seems to be a fundamental disconnect between what we know and what we do. That is, between what we, as a society, know and what we, in our family courts, actually do. Throughout domestic violence literature and cases there is a trend of courts falling prey to misleading appearances and making assumptions based upon those appearances with disastrous results for victims of domestic violence. For advocates and attorneys specializing in domestic violence issues the situation is heartbreaking and frustrating. In some cases perhaps the court and attorneys involved all fall prey to the misleading appearances. Many attorneys and judges may simply be well meaning but unaware. What can be done to make courts and attorneys aware? Requiring education on domestic violence issues would require legislation that may be slow-moving or impossible to enact. Some judges and attorneys may seek out education while others may not. This paper explores how judicial notice may be used to inform judges and attorneys in New York Family Courts. In section II, the types of judicial notice will be discussed along with applicable rules, standards and examples. In section III a series of 15 domestic violence “facts” that likely meet the standard of judicial notice are presented. Section IV will argue that judicial notice of certain “facts” concerning domestic violence will 1) inform judges and attorneys, 2) further judicial economy by reducing the need for expert witnesses in some cases, 3) promote a more just approach and resolution in family court proceedings, and 4) provide expert-like information that may be otherwise unavailable to victims. Finally, section V will address the criticisms that may be directed at judicial notice of the types of facts cited in section III.
Anti-fungal memory Tc17 cells persist as bona fide cells without plasticity (MPF6P.745)

The rising rates of fungal infections in immunocompromised hosts stress the need for fungal vaccines. We have shown that experimental fungal vaccine-induced CD8+ T cells are maintained as memory cells in the absence of CD4+ T-cell help and antigen. We also showed that IL-17A producing CD8+ T cells (Tc17) are indispensable for fungal vaccine immunity. Although we found that Tc17 cells evince long-lasting, memory signature molecules, any plasticity towards Tc1 may not be fruitful as IL-17A producing CD8+ T cells were necessary for fungal vaccine immunity. The persistence of memory Th17 cells is debated, but some work suggests the cells are maintained and undergo plasticity to Th1 cells and expressed T-bet. We investigated similar reprogramming of IL-17A producing CD8+ T (Tc17) cells after fungal vaccination. Using IL-17A fate mapping mice and adoptive transfer methods, we report that vaccine-induced Tc17 cells persisted as bona fide memory cells without plasticity in the absence of antigen and CD4+ T-cell help. Elicitation of Tc17 cells required IL-1 and IL-23 signaling in addition to IL-6. IL-23 was essential for memory Tc17 responses in the lung after pulmonary challenge despite the normal recruitment of global CD8+ T cells. Tc17 memory precursors expressed low levels of Eomes and Bcl-2 but not Bcl-xL compared to Tc1 cells suggesting an alternative survival program. We conclude that fungal vaccine-induced Tc17 cells persist as bona fide memory cells without plasticity.
Somatic control over the germline stem cell lineage during Drosophila spermatogenesis

Stem cells divide both to produce new stem cells and to generate daughter cells that can differentiate. The underlying mechanisms are not well understood, but conceptually are of two kinds. Intrinsic mechanisms may control the unequal partitioning of determinants leading to asymmetric cell divisions that yield one stem cell and one differentiated daughter cell. Alternatively, extrinsic mechanisms, involving stromal cell signals, could cause daughter cells that remain in their proper niche to stay stem cells, whereas daughter cells that leave this niche differentiate. Here we use Drosophila spermatogenesis as a model stem cell system to show that there are excess stem cells and gonialblasts in testes that are deficient for Raf activity. In addition, the germline stem cell population remains active for a longer fraction of lifespan than in wild type. Finally, raf is required in somatic cells that surround germ cells. We conclude that a cell-extrinsic mechanism regulates germline stem cell behaviour.
Caffeine selectivity of divinylbenzene crosslinked polymers in aqueous media

The selective binding of caffeine to polymers is of interest in developing caffeine-specific sensors. The influence of the nature and quantity of crosslinking agents and functional monomers on the selectivity and binding affinity of a polymer to caffeine is reported. A high binding affinity and selectivity of divinylbenzene (DVB) crosslinked polymers toward caffeine was exhibited by the binding competition of caffeine with several dimethylated and chlorinated xanthines and N-methylated uric acids in aqueous media. To understand the nature of the caffeine–polymer interaction, we performed binding studies with solvents of different polarities and ionic strengths. The binding properties of DVB-based polymers containing different functional monomers were compared with Amberlite® XAD resins. Analytes with hydrophilic and electron-withdrawing groups lowered their binding affinity with the polymer in comparison with caffeine and its dimethylated derivatives. The caffeine–polymer interaction appeared to be predominantly a hydrophobic π–π interaction but partly due to the presence of caffeine-specific sites. The reversibility of the caffeine–polymer binding was investigated, and the dissociation constants were approximated to be 27 and 6 mM. Dipole moments of caffeine and related molecules were estimated theoretically and were correlated with their corresponding B/T ratio, which is defined as the fraction of caffeine bound to the polymer. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 82: 195–205, 2001
Glucose uptake in rat extraocular muscles: effect of insulin and contractile activity.

Extraocular muscles are the effector arm of the ocular motor system and are involved in all voluntary and reflexive eye movements.1,2 The functional demands of extraocular muscles are different from those imposed on other skeletal muscles, leading to unique metabolic adaptations as demonstrated by gene expression profiling and by biochemical and functional studies.3–8 For example, extraocular muscles seem to have relatively low adenosine triphosphate (ATP)–buffering capacity, evidenced by decreased reliance on glycogenolysis and less creatine kinase activity.9–12 Moreover, extraocular muscles can reduce lactate to pyruvate for entry into the Krebs cycle to sustain their high activity demand.9,11,13 Another potential mechanism for enhancing ATP production in the extraocular muscles is enhanced glucose uptake by the muscle fibers, priming glycolysis and then mitochondrial energy pathways. In limb skeletal muscles, glucose enters muscle fibers by way of specific membrane transporters (GLUT1 and GLUT4) in a process influenced by insulin and contractile activity to match metabolic supply to demand.14 GLUT1 transporters mediate insulin- and activity-independent basal glucose uptake. On binding to its membrane receptors, insulin triggers a signaling cascade that activates protein kinase B (AKT), which in turn initiates the translocation of GLUT4-containing vesicles to the membrane, increasing glucose uptake over the basal rate.15,16 At the same time, glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is activated and phosphorylates glycogen synthase, stimulating glycogen production.17 Contractile activity has a similar effect on glucose uptake: it induces the translocation of a separate pool of GLUT4-containing vesicles to the membrane through activation of the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)–activated kinase (AMPK) pathway.18,19 Given their functional characteristics, extraocular muscles may have very high basal glucose uptake rates, negating the need for further regulation by insulin or contractile activity. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that glucose uptake into extraocular muscles is not influenced by insulin or contractile activity as in other skeletal muscles.
Tracking Bearing Spall Severity Through Inverse Modeling

The ability to track the severity of a spall in a bearing in operation is desirable for bearing condition monitoring and remaining life estimation. Existing technology estimates spall severity from bearing vibration r.m.s which can be affected by many factors such as operating conditions, and other nearby machine components, and therefore is of little practical use. The proposed method is a model based one and therefore is much more robust. When a spall is present, the impact between rollers and the spall produces a train of impulses which then excite the bearing and its nearby structure. The proposed method identifies a bearing dynamic model from a measured bearing vibration using a system identification method. This bearing dynamic model is then properly inverted to create a stable high fidelity inverse model that recovers the impact impulse behind a measured bearing vibration. Given the vibration of the bearing measured at a different time and therefore a possible different spall size, the inverse model estimates the impulse that excites the bearing vibration. A modeling error compensation scheme then refines the recovered impulse. Subsequently, the spall severity is estimated from the magnitude of impulse by removing the effect of bearing speed. This study also conducted experimental validations to ascertain the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in assessing spall severity.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Estimating hydroperiod suitability for breeding amphibians in southern Rhode Island seasonal forest ponds

In New England, seasonal forest ponds provide primary breeding habitat for several amphibian species, including Rana sylvatica (LeConte) and Ambystoma maculatum (Shaw). Because each species requires a minimum duration of inundation to complete its breeding cycle, one of the most important factors determining habitat suitability is a pond’s hydroperiod. The objective of this research was to develop a method for estimating pond hydroperiod from site characteristics such as pond morphology, geology, chemistry, and vegetation structure, and to use the estimates to assess the suitability of individual ponds for breeding amphibians. We monitored the duration of surface inundation in 65 ponds in the Pawcatuck River watershed of southern Rhode Island during 2001 and 2002. Pond hydroperiods, measured from 1 March, ranged from 19 to 44 weeks in 2001 and from 2 to 44 weeks in 2002; mean values were 30 and 21 weeks, respectively. Akaike’s Information Criterion was used to select a multivariate hydroperiod estimation model (R2 = 0.59, p < 0.0001) that permitted identification of ponds with hydroperiods suitable for breeding by R. sylvatica (95.4% correct classification rate [CCR]) and A. maculatum (75.4% CCR). Canopy cover, open basin depth, and specific conductance of surface water were among the most useful site characteristics for estimating hydroperiod, while surficial geology and the texture of soil parent material made smaller contributions. The CCR using open basin depth alone was 95.4 and 73.8%, respectively. These findings indicate that it is possible to estimate the hydroperiod of seasonal ponds – and to assess their suitability for individual species of breeding amphibians – without prolonged periods of hydrologic monitoring. Such techniques could have considerable value to wetland regulatory agencies and for planning amphibian habitat management and acquisition at the landscape scale.
ESCHERICHIA COLI DNAA PROTEIN : THE N-TERMINAL DOMAIN AND LOADING OF DNAB HELICASE AT THE E. COLI CHROMOSOMAL ORIGIN

Initiation of DNA replication at the Escherichia coli chromosomal origin occurs through an ordered series of events that depends first on the binding of DnaA protein, the replication initiator, to DnaA box sequences followed by unwinding of an AT-rich region. A step that follows is the binding of DnaB helicase at oriC so that it is properly positioned at each replication fork. We show that DnaA protein actively mediates the entry of DnaB at oriC. One region (amino acids 111-148) transiently binds to DnaB as determined by surface plasmon resonance. A second functional domain, possibly involving formation of a unique nucleoprotein structure, promotes the stable binding of DnaB during the initiation process and is inactivated in forming an intermediate termed the prepriming complex by removal of the N-terminal 62 residues. Based on similarities in the replication process between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, these results suggest that a similar mechanism may load the eukaryotic replicative helicase.
Relationships between partition coefficients and cholinesterase inhibition of carbamoylpiperidinoalkanes

Partition coefficients (benzene/water) of members of a series of carbamoylpiperidinodecanes have been determined. A parallel was observed between this property and the ability of the compounds to inhibit human plasma pseudo-cholinesterase.
An Optimization Approach to Modeling Sea Ice Dynamics. Part 1: Lagrangian Framework

A new model for the dynamics of sea ice is proposed. The pressure field, instead of being derived from a local rheology as in most existing models, is computed from a global optimization problem. Here the pressure is seen as emerging not from an equation of state but as a Lagrange multiplier that enforces the ice’s resistance to compression while allowing divergence. The resulting variational problem is solved by minimizing the pressure globally throughout the domain, constrained by the equations of momentum and mass conservation, as well as the limits on ice concentration (which has to stay between 0 and 1). This formulation has an attractive mathematical elegance while being physically motivated. Moreover, it leads to an analytic formulation that is also easily implemented in a numerical code, which exhibits marked stability and is suited to capturing discontinuities. In order to test the theory, the equations for a one‐dimensional model are cast in terms of Lagrangian mass coordinates. The solution to ...
Auditory brainstem response results as predictors of behavioral auditory thresholds in severe and profound hearing impairment

Pediatric cochlear implantation is restricted to patients with stable, bilateral profound sensorineural hearing losses who derive no benefit from conventional amplification. Obtaining reliable audiologic thresholds in a young child with sudden or early-onset hearing loss can be challenging. This study examines the accuracy with which auditory brain-stem response evaluation can predict unaided and aided behavioral thresholds in a child with severe-to-profound hearing loss. Reliable behavioral thresholds were obtained on 119 children who had no measurable click-evoked auditory brainstem responses at instrumentation limits of 100 dB HLn. These data show that an absent auditory brainstem response at 100 dB HLn does not necessarily indicate the absence of measurable unaided hearing for test frequencies ranging from 250 Hz to 4000 Hz. Average aided thresholds of better than 60 dB were present in 43% of the children for 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz and in 53% for 500 and 1000 Hz. Therefore, the absence of a click-evoked auditory brainstem response at 100 dB HLn in a young child is not prima facie evidence of the child's cochlear implant candidacy.
Cefonicid in a Once-Daily Regimen for Treatment of Osteomyelitis in an Ambulatory Setting

Fifteen patients with bone joint infections were treated with 1.0 g of cefonicid administered intravenously or intramuscularly once daily. Single organisms isolated included Staphylococcus aureus (from six patients), Staphylococcus epidermidis (three), and Peptococcus species (one). For four patients infection was polymicrobial, and for one patient no organism was isolated. The mean duration of therapy was 40.4 days, only 10.9 days of which were spent in the hospital. The remainder of therapy was administered intramuscularly in an ambulatory setting. Therapy was successful in all 12 assessable patients. No clinical or bacteriologic relapse occurred in the follow-up period of three to 13 months. The occurrence of adverse effects prompted discontinuation of cefonicid therapy in three patients. Minimum savings in hospital-bed costs alone were $64,350, with 390 hospital days avoided. The minimum savings in work income were $10,010, with 182 days of absenteeism avoided. These data are preliminary but suggest efficacy of cefonicid in a mode of therapy that could have profound cost benefits. The prolonged serum half-life of cefonicid and the minimal pain experienced with its administration im suggest the usefulness of cefonicid in the outpatient treatment of infections due to susceptible organisms when prolonged parenteral antibiotic therapy is required (Smith Kline & French, Philadelphia; unpublished data). Patients with osteomyelitis and septic arthritis frequently require hospitalization only for maintenance of venous access and administration of multiple daily doses of antibiotics. We treated such a group of patients with cefonicid administered im once daily mainly in an ambulatory setting.
Flow-mediated vasodilatation of the brachial artery in children with chronic kidney disease

We sought to determine flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery and to assess the relationship of FMD with multiple demographic, clinical and biochemical parameters and cardiac and vascular structure and function in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 2–4. Forty-three patients, aged 6–20 years, with CKD [mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 47 ± 21 ml/min per 1.73 m2 body surface area, range 16–89 ml/min per 1.73 m2] and 34 healthy age-matched controls were included and studied cross-sectionally between 2001 and 2005. The peak FMD was similar in the CKD and control subjects (mean 6.3% vs 6.7%, P = 0.85). However, abnormally low FMD (< 1.1%) was found in ten (23%) children with CKD. Among children with CKD, those with low FMD were younger, shorter, lighter, and had lower body mass index (BMI) than children with normal FMD, but the difference reached statistical significance only for weight and BMI. Serum triglyceride levels were significantly lower in those with low FMD; otherwise, the two groups were similar with respect to multiple clinical and biochemical parameters. Cardiac and vascular structure was similar in children with normal and low FMD. In conclusion, children with CKD stage 2–4 appear to have increased prevalence of decreased FMD of the brachial artery. However, our study identified few significant factors associated with low FMD in children with CKD.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL MOVEMENT OF THE FOOT DURING THE STANCE PHASE OF WALKING

This study presents research on typical movement of the rearfoot during walking. The data demonstrate the global nature of foot pronation and supination during gait. Study participants (N = 153) walked along a walkway while the angular displacement of the calcaneus, navicular, and first metatarsal relative to the tibia was measured; three-dimensional movement patterns for all three bones were very similar. This study provides additional information on how the foot functions during walking. This information should help to define and refine clinical management strategies for treating foot dysfunction.
The effects of equivalence ratio on the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and soot in premixed methane flames

The formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and soot has been investigated in atmospheric pressure, laminar, methane/oxygen/argon premixed flames as a function of mixture equivalence ratio. Mole fraction profiles of major products, trace aromatic, substituted aromatic, and PAH were quantified by direct gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. In addition, soot-particle diameters, number densities, and volume fractions were determined using classical light scattering. The dependencies of flame species on equivalence ration, using the expression X i max =A i ni were also determined; results reveal that the sensitivity parameter n for stable aliphatic species exhibit the following rank order: c-C 5 H 6 (4.2)>C 3 H 4 (3.9)>C 4 H 6 (3.3)>C 4 H 4 (2.8)>C 4 H 2 (2.2)>C 2 H 2 (1.8). For aromatic species, the values of n were in the following order: phenylacetylene (10.8)>benzene (10.2)>indene (7.5)>toluene (5.5). In comparison, PAH species were extremely sensitive to flame equivalence ratios, with the following n values: acenaphthylene (14.2)>fluoranthene (14.1)>pyrene (13.2)>anthracene (13.1)>phenanthrene (11.7)>naphthalene (10.8). Similarly, the sensitivity of soot volume fraction to equivalence ratio was about 13. These results suggest that PAH and soot formation are closely related and their levels are not strongly influenced by the levels of acetylene present in the flame under the conditions investigated.
Applications of molecular simulation

Abstract Molecular simulation methods and intermolecular potential models for the determination of phase equilibria are discussed. Recent advances for fluids of complex or nonspherical molecules, including ionic fluids, water and aqueous mixtures, hydrocarbons and chain molecules are considered.
Residues of encapsulated Rabón in poultry manure and its larvicidal activity to house flies.

Three formulations of encapsulated Rabon® (2-chloro-1-2,4,5-trichlorophenyl) vinyl dimethyl phosphate were fed mixed with poultry mash to laying hens for a treatment period of 14 days. The dosages administered were 50, 100, 400, and 800 ppm of actual Rabon. Samples of manure collected on the 14th day were analyzed by gas chromatography using an electron capture detector, and amounts of actual Rabon were determined. On seeding the manure from the Rabon-fed hens with larvae of Musca domestica L., excellent control of susceptible and organophosphate-resistant flies was obtained.
China's Divorce and Remarriage Rates: Trends and Regional Disparities

China's rapid economic growth and significant increase in divorce and remarriage rates since the early 1980s provide an excellent case for studying the divorce and remarriage patterns in economic transition. Following extremely low divorce and remarriage rates in the 1960s and 1970s, China's crude divorce rate increased from 0.33 in 1979 to 1.59 in 2007, and the percentage of remarriages among the people who married each year increased from 3.05% in 1985 to 10.24% in 2007. Our graphical and econometric analyses based on the most recently available data suggest that the variations in divorce rate and remarriage rate across regions and over time were associated with regional factors, per-capita income, and education level. Also, there was a positive trend in both divorce and remarriage rates across all regions in China over the study period.
The Local Discontinuous Galerkin Method for the Fourth-Order Euler---Bernoulli Partial Differential Equation in One Space Dimension. Part II: A Posteriori Error Estimation

In this paper new a posteriori error estimates for the local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) method for one-dimensional fourth-order Euler---Bernoulli partial differential equation are presented and analyzed. These error estimates are computationally simple and are obtained by solving a local steady problem with no boundary condition on each element. We use the optimal error estimates and the superconvergence results proved in Part I to show that the significant parts of the discretization errors for the LDG solution and its spatial derivatives (up to third order) are proportional to $$(k+1)$$ ( k + 1 ) -degree Radau polynomials, when polynomials of total degree not exceeding $$k$$ k are used. These results allow us to prove that the $$k$$ k -degree LDG solution and its derivatives are $$\mathcal O (h^{k+3/2})$$ O ( h k + 3 / 2 ) superconvergent at the roots of $$(k+1)$$ ( k + 1 ) -degree Radau polynomials. We use these results to construct asymptotically exact a posteriori error estimates. We further apply the results proved in Part I to prove that, for smooth solutions, these a posteriori LDG error estimates for the solution and its spatial derivatives at a fixed time $$t$$ t converge to the true errors at $$\mathcal O (h^{k+5/4})$$ O ( h k + 5 / 4 ) rate. We also prove that the global effectivity indices, for the solution and its derivatives up to third order, in the $$L^2$$ L 2 -norm converge to unity at $$\mathcal O (h^{1/2})$$ O ( h 1 / 2 ) rate. Our proofs are valid for arbitrary regular meshes and for $$P^k$$ P k polynomials with $$k\ge 1$$ k ? 1 , and for periodic and other classical mixed boundary conditions. Our computational results indicate that the observed numerical convergence rates are higher than the theoretical rates. Finally, we present a local adaptive procedure that makes use of our local a posteriori error estimate.
Colorimetric method for measuring polyester degradation due to weathering

Chemical changes occurring in thermoset polyesters during exposure to solar and carbon-arc radiant energy were determined quantitatively by a color reaction with a diamine, N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine, in a methanol–benzene solution. The amount of diamine reacting with a specimen and the color change of the treated specimen, as measured by differential reflectance, varied directly with exposure time. Three commercial polyesters (glass fiber-reinforced) exposed under identical conditions showed widely different degradation rates as measured by the amount of N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine used per specimen. The relative stability of the three materials was independent of irradiation source. The color of the treated specimen was dependent on exposure time.
A new method for heterokaryon formation in Phycomyces.

An efficient method is described for obtaining heterokaryons in Phycomyces by grafting stage I sporangiophores of two strains to one another. The grafts are successful in over 70% of the cases and success may be ascertained after 10 hours. The successful grafts in almost all cases regenerate one or more sporangiophores and sporangia, and about 85% of the regenerates are heterokaryotic.
Baseline Correction for NMR Spectroscopic Metabolomics Data Analysis

Background We propose a statistically principled baseline correction method, derived from a parametric smoothing model. It uses a score function to describe the key features of baseline distortion and constructs an optimal baseline curve to maximize it. The parameters are determined automatically by using LOWESS (locally weighted scatterplot smoothing) regression to estimate the noise variance.
Frequency Domain Response at Pacific Coast Harbors to Major Tsunamis of 2005–2011

Tsunamis waves caused by submarine earthquake or landslide might contain large wave energy, which could cause significant human loss and property damage locally as well as in distant region. The response of three harbors located at the Pacific coast (i.e. Crescent City Harbor, Los Angeles/Long Beach Port, and San Diego Harbor) to six well-known tsunamis events generated (both near-field and far-field) between 2005 and 2011 are examined and simulated using a hybrid finite element numerical model in frequency domain. The model incorporated the effects of wave refraction, wave diffraction, partial wave reflection from boundaries, entrance and bottom energy dissipation. It can be applied to harbor regions with arbitrary shapes and variable water depth. The computed resonant periods or modes of oscillation for three harbors are in good agreement with the energy spectral analysis of the time series of water surface elevations recorded at tide gauge stations inside three harbors during the six tsunamis events. The computed wave induced currents based on the present model are also in qualitative agreement with some of the reported eye-witness accounts absence of reliable current data. The simulated results show that each harbor responded differently and significantly amplified certain wave period(s) of incident wave trains according to the shape, topography, characteristic dimensions and water depth of the harbor basins.
Are those phospholipids in your pocket

The identification of phospholipids ligands for the nuclear receptors SF-1 and LRH-1 raise exciting new questions in the areas of signaling and metabolism. Do these receptors provide cells with a mechanism to alter genomic activities in response to phospholipid flux? The tools now exist to address these questions, and more.
Migratory Stomatitis: A Case Report

This case report discusses a 42-year-old male patient who presented with migratory stomatitis located on the labial and buccal mucosa and the lateral tongue border. The lesions were circumscribed, flat, smooth, and red in color with a slightly raised white border varying in size from 3 mm to over 1 cm. Duration was between 7 and 14 days and healing transpired without scarring. Follow-up continued for approximately 1 year and at each visit several lesions were seen. The possibility of stress and heredity as positive factors was considered, but with so few reported cases conclusions would be purely speculative. The absence of dermatologic pathology does not aid in establishing a relationship with psoriasis, however there is a microscopic similarity. An almost total lack of clinical symptoms may contribute to this sparse documentation, therefore dental practitioners should be articularly observant when examining oral soft tissues. Further recognition and investigation is necessary before a cause can be discovered.
The Formation and Healing of Osseous Lesions in a Patient With Localized Juvenile Periodontitis: Case Report

A case is presented of a 12-year-old female with localized juvenile periodontitis. Both the progression of the lesions from about the time of onset and the healing of the lesions following treatment are documented with radiographs over a 3-year period. In addition, a radiolucent-radiopaque area, resembling a calcifying supernumerary tooth, developed at the site of one of the lesions during the period of observation.
Preparation and Characterization of Reaction Products Between 2-Phenylquinone and Several Aliphatic Amines

Abstract Polymers prepared by reacting diamines with quinones are known for their extraordinary affinity towards metals. This affinity is so strong that they can displace water from wet. rusty steel surfaces. Previously, methods were developed to use less expensive and less aggressive hydroquinone in lieu of benzoquinone. In this article we describe a series of compounds prepared by using 2-phenylquinone and various amines.
Factors predisposing to fatal stroke in longshoremen.

Abstract Nearly 4000 longshoremen, aged 35 years or over at initial examination in 1951, were traced for 18.5 years for occurrence of fatal stroke. Six factors were found to be associated with increased risk of fatal stroke: systolic blood pressure above average, preexisting heart disease, preexisting coronary heart disease, EKG abnormality, diabetes mellitus, and abnormal glucose metabolism. Sedentary work habits showed similar tendencies but not at significant levels. The findings perhaps represent a minimal assessment as they did not include effects of changes in risk-factors during the follow-up period. A comparison with other studies suggests that reassessment of changes in physical activity would sharpen the distinction observed.
A reversible ischemia model in gerbil cochlea.

Abstract A completely reversible cochlear-ischemia animal model was developed, and an initial study of ischemia/reperfusion-induced cochlear function change is presented. The bulla of the anesthetized gerbil was opened through a ventral approach and the anterior inferior cerebellar artery and its branches were exposed. Cochlear blood flow (CBF) from the basal turn of the cochlea was monitored with a laser Doppler flowmeter. An electrically isolated microclamp was used to occlude the labyrinthine artery (LA). During LA clamping, the cubic distortion product (DP) was continuously recorded. The LA was repeatedly clamped for different durations in all animals, and CBF consistently showed full recovery after clamp release. No obvious change in vessel diameter or flow pattern was observed under a stereomicroscope. Mean blood pressure did not show significant change during clamping. Immediately upon LA clamping, CBF decreased rapidly nearly to zero. After clamp release, CBF demonstrated an immediate rapid increase, followed by a secondary gradual recovery to baseline. CBF recovery patterns were clamp duration-related. Within a few seconds of occlusion, DP decreased and reached a minimum of approximately 24% of the initial level in less than 30 s. Following reperfusion of the cochlea, DP gradually increased, decreased again, then slowly recovered. Time delay between CBF reperfusion and the first increase of DP was proportional to clamping duration, and the increased amplitudes demonstrated a negative relationship to clamp duration. We assume that the first decrease in DP during clamping was caused by ischemia in the cochlea; the second decrease, during the cochlear reperfusion, could be a form of reperfusion-induced change in cochlear function. This ischemia/reperfusion model in gerbil cochlea demonstrates excellent repeatability and reversibility. Since DP and other measurements can be used to dynamically monitor cochlear or hair cell functions, this model is useful in studies of auditory physiology and pathophysiology.
Pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis

Although bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common cause of interstitial lung disease in chronically intubated premature neonates, other interstitial lung disease in nonintubated infants is rare. We present a case of pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis that developed in a nonintubated, 31-week gestation infant in whom infectious etiologies had been excluded. The infant was well initially and then developed respiratory distress at 18 days of life. Radiographs at first day of life were normal, but CT and radiographic findings at 18 days of life showed severe interstitial lung disease, mimicking BPD. Lung biopsy showed pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis. This entity is not well described in the pediatric radiology literature and is important to consider, as the condition is responsive to a course of corticosteroids.
Quadratic control of stochastic hybrid systems with renewal transitions

We study the quadratic control of a class of stochastic hybrid systems with linear continuous dynamics for which the lengths of time that the system stays in each mode are independent random variables with given probability distribution functions. We derive a condition for finding the optimal feedback policy that minimizes a discounted infinite horizon cost. We show that the optimal cost is the solution to a set of differential equations with unknown boundary conditions. Furthermore, we provide a recursive algorithm for computing the optimal cost and the optimal feedback policy. The applicability of our result is illustrated through a numerical example, motivated by stochastic gene regulation in biology.
A self-pollinating mutant of Petunia hybrida

Abstract A Petunia hybrida mutant that self-pollinates was identified in an M1 generation of plants mutagenized with ethyl methanesulfonate. A change in floral morphology of the self-pollinating (SP) mutant resulted in flowers with the stigma and anthers in direct contact. Other phenotypic changes in the SP line, which are maintained in M2 and M3 progeny, included alterations to leaf, fruit, and seed morphology. Flow cytometry and cytogenetic analysis found that the SP mutant had twice the nuclear DNA content and chromosome number of the parental line ‘Mitchell Diploid’. Polyploidy may be responsible for some, but not all, of the phenotypic changes in the SP mutant. Both self-pollination and polyploidy could be advantageous for the genetic screening of petunia for induced mutations in candidate genes.
The Use of Cathodoluminescence in Gallium Nitride During Growth to Determine Substrate Temperature

The Use of Cathodoluminescence in Gallium Nitride During Growth to Determine Substrate Temperature Accurate measurement of the substrate temperature during growth of gallium nitride by molecular beam epitaxy is crucial. Typically, thermocouples are usually used to measure the temperature of the back side of block which is holding the substrate. Alternatively, pyrometers are often used. However, there is a big range of an error. In-situ cathodoluminescence (CL) occurring during reflection high energy electron diffraction is a strong candidate to determine the growth temperature. The electron beam supplied by our RHEED gun has an energy of 13keV which was used for each measurement. CL was easily detected up to and beyond typical growth temperatures. The CL was directed into a monochromator using fiber optics. The final signal was detected with a photomultiplier tube. This technique appears quite useful to accurately and reproducably determine substrate temperature during growth. The CL could also be observed using a ccd camera. Thus, we investigated using the CL to image the sample during growth. This could be used to see temperature inhomogenaities, and potentially to map alloy composition fluctuations. We calibrated the wavelength vs. growth temperature by using narrow band-pass interference filters. Background subtraction with blanking the e-beam could be used to remove black body radiation and other undesired sources of light. For gallium nitride, the photon energy at the growth temperature of 750°C is about 3.0eV. Using different filters, we can take a picture of e-beam on the surface of substrate for each filter and analyze the peak intensity using the line profile. We will present CL images of various samples at differing temperatures. This work was supported by the AFOSR MURI F49620-03-1-0330 monitored by Todd Steiner and Gerald Witt and by ONR Grants N00014-02-1-0974 and N00014-01-1-0571, both monitored by Colin E. C. Wood.
Three Conceptions of Teacher Learning: Exploring the Relationship Between Knowledge and the Practice of Teaching.

This is the first in a series of articles addressing conceptions of teacher learning, and the implications of these conceptions for improving the practice of teaching. This article provides descriptions of three perspectives on teacher learning: knowledge-for-practice, knowledge-in-practice, and knowledge-ofpractice (Cochran-Smith & Lytle, 1999). Examples of the application of each of these conceptions of teacher learning from the special education literature are provided. In subsequent articles, the implications of each of these perspectives are addressed relative to pre-service teacher education, professional development, research and the application of research to practice, and school change/improvement.
Precise measurement of the Lamb shift and fine structure of the 2S-2P transition in triplet helium.

The Lamb shift and fine structure of the ${2}^{3}$S-${2}^{3}$P transition in helium has been precisely measured using laser excitation of an atomic beam. The Lamb shift is 5311.27(7) MHz, agreeing with the best previous measurement but a factor of 40 more precise. The 13 parts per ${10}^{6}$ precision makes this Lamb shift one of the most precisely known in atomic physics. The results for the fine structure intervals have precisions equal to or exceeding the best previous rf measurements but are not in good agreement with them. Our results provide timely benchmarks for the testing of atomic theory and QED in helium.
The impact of Switzerland's money laundering law on capital flows through abnormal pricing in international trade

The objective of this research is to determine the impact of Switzerland's money laundering law on the movement of money through false invoicing in international trade. This study evaluates every reported import and export transaction between the USA and Switzerland during the period 1995–2000. The study indicates that there were significant changes in the degree of abnormal international trade pricing subsequent to the enactment of Switzerland's antimoney laundering law. The study supports the view that individuals and companies will find substitute techniques and channels to launder money when central banking authorities enact legislation that only focuses on financial institutions.
First-principles molecular dynamics modeling of the LiCl–KCl molten salt system

Abstract Properties of molten salts are of interest for a wide-range of applications, including nuclear waste partitioning, heat transfer fluids, and synthesis methods. While there has been extensive work showing the value of molecular modeling with interatomic potentials to predict molten salt properties there have been very limited studies of molten salts from a fully first-principles approach. In order to establish optimal approaches and their strengths and limitations in first-principles molten salt modeling, this work provides extensive first-principles molecular dynamics simulations of the LiCl–KCl molten salt system that are validated against existing literature. The basic thermokinetic properties of volume, thermal expansion, bulk modulus, and diffusivity, are calculated for LiCl, KCl and the eutectic LiCl–KCl liquids at multiple temperatures. Convergence testing reveals 216-atom unit cells and simulation times of 6–12 ps are sufficient to provide results with acceptable uncertainties and agreement with experimental data. The results provide a framework of first principles molecular dynamics simulations in the LiCl–KCl molten salt system that can be extended in future research to predict less well-established properties, e.g., the behavior of solutes.
The effects of head-mounted display mechanical properties and field of view on distance judgments in virtual environments

Research has shown that people are able to judge distances accurately in full-cue, real-world environments using visually directed actions. However, in virtual environments viewed with head-mounted display (HMD) systems, there is evidence that people act as though the virtual space is smaller than intended. This is a surprising result given how well people act in real environments. The behavior in the virtual setting may be linked to distortions in the available visual cues or to a person's ability to locomote without vision. Either could result from issues related to added mass, moments of inertia, and restricted field of view in HMDs. This article describes an experiment in which distance judgments based on normal real-world and HMD viewing are compared with judgments based on real-world viewing while wearing two specialized devices. One is a mock HMD, which replicated the mass, moments of inertia, and field of view of the HMD and the other an inertial headband designed to replicate the mass and moments of inertia of the HMD, but constructed to not restrict the field of view of the observer or otherwise feel like wearing a helmet. Distance judgments using the mock HMD showed a statistically significant underestimation relative to the no restriction condition but not of a magnitude sufficient to account for all the distance compression seen in the HMD. Indicated distances with the inertial headband were not significantly smaller than those made with no restrictions.
System-centric control architecture for wide area monitoring and control of power system

The main objective of this paper is to design and implement secured coordinated control and optimization algorithms and test it for improved power system dynamic stability. The method is to design a brain like control and coordination architecture using optimal control that are modular. Then an intelligent agent knowledge base is developed that can interact with each of the intelligent controllers and optimization algorithms on each bus in the power system providing multi-level and multi-objective capabilities. Such a robust intelligent coordinated controllers with fully functional and fault tolerant Multi-Agent Methodology (MAM) architecture are the important back-bone of next generation smart grid. The main advantage of such a design is its ability to make smart and intelligent control decisions in the presence of drastic system nonlinear movement.
An eosinophilic fibrohistiocytic lesion of bone marrow in a patient with Hodgkin's disease. A potential for morphologic confusion

The eosinophilic fibrohistiocytic lesion of bone marrow (EFLBM) is characterized by collections of elongated “ fibrohistiocytic” cells in association with lymphocytes, eosinophils, and plasma cells. The fibrohistiocytic cells are mast cells, and many investigators include this lesion (EFLBM) as a localized form of mastocytosis. The etiology and clinical significance of these lesions remains unclear. The morphologic features of these lesions point to a wide differential diagnosis that includes Hodgkin's disease. Currently, however, there are no recorded cases of well-defined Hodgkin's disease with these lesions. A case of Hodgkin's disease in which such lesions complicated the interpretation of serial bone marrows is reported. This case illustrates how the presence of these lesions could potentially influence therapeutic intervention.