cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Method for Optimal Robust Regional-Residual Separation of Geophysical Data

Prior to interpretation and further analysis, many datasets must first be separated into regional and residual components. Traditional techniques are either subjective (e.g., graphical methods) or nonrobust (e.g., all least-squares based methods). Bathymetric data, with their broad spectrum, pose serious difficulties to these traditional methods, in particular those based on spectral decomposition. Spatial median filters offer a solution that is robust, objective, and often defines regional components similar to those produced graphically by hand. Characteristics of spatial median filters in general are discussed and a new empirical method is presented for determining the width of the robust median filter that accomplishes an optimal separation of a gridded dataset into its regional and residual components. The method involves tracing the zero-contour of the residual component and evaluating the ratio between the volume enclosed by the surface inside this contour and the contour's area. The filter width giving the highest ratio (or mean amplitude) is called the Optimal Robust Separator (ORS) and is selected as the optimal filter producing the best separation. The technique allows a unique and objective determination of the regional field and enables researchers to undertake reproducible separations of regional and residual components. The ORS method is applied to both synthetic data and bathymetry/topography of the Hawaiian Islands; ways to improve the technique using alternative diagnostic quantities are discussed.
The Exchanged EF-Hands in Calmodulin and Troponin C Alter the Interaction with Orai1

CaM regulates a Ca2+-dependent inactivation process in store-operated Ca2+ entry, by interacting Orai1. To understand the relationship between Ca2+-induced hydrophobicity and CaM/Orai interaction, ...
Assessment of Goodness of Fit of Models for Block Haplotype Structure

Our aim is to formalize models for high-resolution haplotype structure in such a way that they can be useful in statistical methods for LD mapping. Some steps in that direction have been taken by Daley et al. ‘01, who outline a hidden Markov model (HMM) that allows for common haplotypes in each block. We propose somewhat different models that also use HMM. In this talk, we address the problem of assessing goodness of fit of particular models, where each model involves choices such as number and positions of blocks and common haplotypes in each block. Our models also allow for haplotypes in a block that are not one of the common types. We discuss choice of goodness-of-fit statistic, parametrization, and computational issues involved in assessing the fit of background LD models to data.
Groundwater recharge estimates in arid areas using channel morphology and a simulation model

Abstract In water-deficient areas, ground-water recharge by transmission loss along ephemeral-stream channels typically is an unmeasured water-budget residual. This value is poorly constrained and alternative approaches are sought. By combining channel-morphology techniques inferred from down-channel changes in streamflow with a simple distributed-parameter simulation model, estimates of recharge from transmission loss are made from direct measurements of watershed variables. Inputs for the simulation model, including rainfall, may be deterined indirectly using outflow estimates from selected basins or by estimating downstream changes in discharge as related to channel geometry. Recharge also can be estimated by routing discharge of an index storm down-channel, accounting for channel losses, and adjusting for inter-channel recharge during low-frequency storms.
Compact Heat Exchangers

This book is covered under the following headings: Basic {epsilon}-N{sub tu} analysis for complicated flow arrangements; Single-phase heat transfer and pressure drop measurements, correlations and predictions; and Applications of compact heat exchangers.
Myo-inositol action on gerbil intestine: reversal of a diet-induced lipodystrophy and change in microsomal lipase activity.

Abstract An intestinal lipodystrophy induced by dietary fat in female Mongolian gerbils ( Meriones unguiculatus ) was reversed to normal by myo -inositol given in the diet or by injection within 1–4 days. An increase m plasma chylomicron and lipid concentrations was observed before the occurrence of rapid disappearance of accumulated lipids from the intestine. Dietary myo -inositol also caused an increase in triacylglycerol release from everted gut sacs. Thus, myo -inositol might act on the intestine to stimulate the production and secretion of chylomicrons, travelling via the lymphatic pathway into the bloodstream. The activity of pH 9.0 microsomal lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) of gerbil intestine was decreased due to myo -inositol deficiency. The lowered activity could be restored to high levels by feeding or injecting myo -inositol in vivo. A time-course study during intestinal recovery indicates that the increase in microsomal lipase activity correlated with the rapid lipid removal phase of the intestine, but not the initial increase in plasma chylomicron and triacylglycerol concentrations.
Balancing accountability and privacy using e-cash (extended abstract)

In an electronic cash (e-cash) system, a user can withdraw coins from the bank, and then spend each coin anonymously and unlinkably. For some applications, it is desirable to set a limit on the dollar amounts of anonymous transactions. For example, governments require that large transactions be reported for tax purposes. In this work, we present the first e-cash system that makes this possible without a trusted party. In our system, a user's anonymity is guaranteed so long as she does not: (1) double-spend a coin, or (2) exceed the publicly-known spending limit with any merchant. The spending limit may vary with the merchant. Violation of either condition can be detected, and can (optionally) lead to identification of the user and discovery of her other activities. While it is possible to balance accountability and privacy this way using e-cash, this is impossible to do using regular cash. Our scheme is based on our recent compact e-cash system. It is secure under the same complexity assumptions in the random-oracle model. We inherit its efficiency: 2l coins can be stored in O(l+k) bits and the complexity of the withdrawal and spend protocols is O(l+k), where k is the security parameter.
BERMUDA T PHASES WITH LARGE CONTINENTAL PATHS

Abstract : Results are presented from an investigation of earthquakes of magnitude greater than 6 1.2 occurring in southern Mexico, Central America, and South America since the installation of Benioff short-period seismographs on Bermuda in 1951. Selected Benioff short-period vertical records from the San Juan station were also used in the investigation. A short-period arrival on records of the Bermuda-Columbia Seismograph Station is identified as the T phase. The following conclusions were reached i the study of T phases generated by inland earthquakes; (1) the energy travels as P before entering the water, and the S phase is not an effective generator of T at the Puerto Rico Scorp; (2) a deep-focus earthquake is a better generator of this T phase; (3) both magnitude and frequency of the P phase are critical in determining whether it will generate a T phase a T phase upon its arrival at a steep submarine slope; (4) a T phase will be generated by the arrival of a P phase at a steep submarine slope if the P phase contains energy within the characteristic frequency range of the T phase, and this T phase can be detected at distant stations if there are no obstacles in the path between the submarine slope and the station; (5) the P-T transmission could have been predicted by considerations of reciprocity from earlier observation at inland stations; and (6) background noises in the Sofar channel arise in some cases from earthquakes as much as several thousand miles inland.
Neurotoxicology Studies Utilizing Schwann Cell-Neuronal Interactions in Vitro

Publisher Summary This chapter presents neurotoxicology studies, which utilize Schwann cell-neuronal interactions in vitro. Schwann cell culture models are extremely useful in determining both the primary and secondary targets of peripheral nervous systems (PNS) toxic insults. Schwann cells retain most, if not all, of their functional capabilities in vitro. Schwann cells can be functionally evaluated after stimulation with either intact axons (neurites) or axonal plasma membrane preparations (AEF) to proliferate and differentiate. The in vitro systems described in this chapter include an overview of the Schwann cell lines that are available and primary Schwann cells that can be isolated from a number of different species. The in vitro culture of PNS neurons and their associated neurites are also described. Because Schwann cell function is closely related to axonal contact, in vitro systems useful for determining the ability of Schwann cells to respond to axonal contact, before and after a neurotoxic insult, are also described. The chapter also describes in vitro systems in which Schwann cells can be cultured with two sources of the neuronal axonal stimulus: living neurites associated with cultured dorsal root ganglia neurons and an isolated AEF.
Genesis of soils with an abrupt textural contrast in the United States

Abstract Identified from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service databases, soils with an abrupt textural change (ATC)occur in four orders (Alfisols > Mollisols, Ultisols > Aridisols), 14 suborders and 31 great groups and represent nearly 1000 series in the USA. More than three-quarters (79%) of the soils have an argillic horizon and 21% have a natric horizon. An albic horizon is present in 40% of the soils. More than half (58%) of the soils with an ATC occur in Pale- great groups, suggesting older materials. Soil series with an ATC occur primarily in fine (56%) and clayey (14%) particle-size classes; smectitic (49%) and mixed (40%) mineral classes; mesic (39%) and thermic (33%) soil-temperature classes; and ustic (31%), xeric (27%), and aridic (21%) soil-moisture classes. On average, the texture of the eluvial and illuvial horizons varies by two classes on the soil-textural triangle. Of the several theories accounting for the origin of soils with an ATC, clay illuviation from the eluvial to the illuvial horizon must be considered a major process. More than halfof the soils are derived from alluvium and other stratified materials; residual soils may also contain sedimentary layering, which is important in the development of an ATC. Elevenpercent of the soils have a lithologic discontinuity at the eluvial-illuvial junction, which may influence the development of an ATC. The ATC in soils with an aquic soil-moisture regime (13%), such as the Argialbolls, may reflect plugging of the argillic horizon with fine clays which causes lateral subsurface flow that removes clay from the albic horizon.Climate may be important in the development of ATC in the USA, in that many of the soils are subject to extended dry periods, followed by intense thunderstorms. A third (34%) of the soils with an ATC occur in Texas. There are about 271,000 km2 of soils with an ATC in the USA, which accounts for 3.2% of the total land area.
Characterizing Tumors Using Metabolic Imaging: PET Imaging of Cellular Proliferation and Steroid Receptors

Treatment decisions in oncology are increasingly guided by information on the biologic characteristics of tumors. Currently, patient-specific information on tumor biology is obtained from the analysis of biopsy material. Positron emission tomography (PET) provides quantitative estimates of regional biochemistry and receptor status and can overcome the sampling error and difficulty in performing serial studies inherent with biopsy. Imaging using the glucose metabolism tracer, 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose (FDG), has demonstrated PET's ability to guide therapy in clinical oncology. In this review, we highlight PET approaches to imaging two other aspects of tumor biology: cellular proliferation and tumor steroid receptors. We review the biochemical and biologic processes underlying the imaging, positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals that have been developed, quantitative image-analysis considerations, and clinical studies to date. This provides a basis for evaluating future developments in these promising applications of PET metabolic imaging.
Automated deduction in a graphical temporal logic

ABSTRACT Real-time graphical interval logic is a modal logic for reasoning about time in which the basic modality is the interval. The logic differs from other logics in that it has a natural intuitive graphical representation that resembles the timing diagrams drawn by system designers. We have developed an automted deduction system for the logic, which includes a theorem prover and a user interface. The theorem prover checks the validity of proofs in the logic and produces counterexamples to invalid proofs. The user interface includes a graphical editor that enables the user to create graphical formulas on a workstation display, and a database and proof manager that tracks proof dependencies and allows graphical formulas to be stored and retrieved. In this paper we describe the logic, the automated deduction system, and an application to robotics.
Abstract 2480: Role of Stat1 in epithelial carcinogenesis

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Aberrant expression and/ or activity of STATs 1, 3, and 5 have been reported in multiple human cancers as well as in murine models of tumorigenesis. Previous work performed in our lab demonstrated a critical role for Stat3 in mediating the initiation and promotion stages of epithelial multi-stage carcinogenesis in mouse skin. In light of these findings, we have begun investigating the role of other STATs, particularly Stat1, in multistage skin carcinogenesis using both wild-type and Stat1 knockout (KO) mice. Western blot analyses revealed that topical application of the skin tumor promoters 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and chrysarobin induced phosphorylation of Stat1 in mouse epidermis. In addition, following treatment with chrysarobin, the level of total Stat1 protein was also dramatically elevated. To further investigate the role of Stat1 during epithelial carcinogenesis, Stat1 KO mice and wild-type littermates were initiated with 25 nmol DMBA and promoted with either 6.8 nmol TPA or 220 nmol chrysarobin. No significant differences were observed in either tumor incidence or multiplicity when TPA was used as the promoting agent, suggesting that Stat1 does not play a significant role in TPA-mediated skin tumor promotion. In contrast, Stat1 KO mice exhibited a dramatic reduction in both tumor multiplicity and incidence as compared to wild-type littermates when chrysarobin was used as the promoting agent. Additionally, following topical treatment with chrysarobin, Stat1 KO mice had a reduced epidermal proliferative response. To further investigate the impact of Stat1 deletion on chrysarobin-induced tumor promotion, Stat1 KO mice and wild-type controls were treated topically with chrysarobin and the inflammatory response was assessed. Stat1 KO mice displayed a significant reduction in Cox-2 induction compared to wild-type controls. Preliminary findings also showed that Stat1 KO mice have reduced immune cell influx following chrysarobin treatment. To investigate the potential role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the effects of chrysarobin on Stat1 activation, the dorsal skin of FVB mice were pre-treated topically with the anti-oxidants ascorbyl palmitate and α-tocopherol acetate. Topical application of α-tocopherol acetate significantly attenuated the epidermal proliferative response and Stat1 activation suggesting that chrysarobin-mediated generation of ROS may play a role in its effects on Stat1 during tumor promotion. Additional studies are underway to further determine the mechanistic basis for the role of Stat1 in chrysarobin-mediated tumor promotion. Supported by NIH grant CA 76520. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2480.
Neuropathology of Joubert Syndrome

Very little documentation of the neuropathologic changes in Joubert syndrome exists. This paper presents a detailed postmortem neuropathologic study of a clinically and radiographically well-documented case of Joubert syndrome. In addition to aplasia of the cerebellar vermis and fragmentation of the dentate nuclei, there was marked dysplasia of structures at the pontomesencephalic junction and caudal medulla. There was abnormal decussation of the superior cerebellar peduncles and an enlarged iter (rostral 4th ventricle) with elongated tegmental nuclei (including the locus coeruleus). Neurons of the basis pontis and reticular formation appeared reduced. Extensive malformations of the medulla included hypoplasia of the inferior olivary nuclei, solitary nuclei and tracts, and the nucleus and spinal tracts of trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). Even more striking was dysplasia of the caudal medulla at the cervicomedullary junction, which was characterized by the absence of a posterior median sulcus, neuronal ...
Analytical Dynamic Performance Modeling for Individual C-block Actuators

C-blocks are mid-range piezoelectric actuators that show promise for use in dynamic applications, such as noise and vibration control. This paper presents an analytical model of an individual C-block actuator, including the identification of the natural frequencies and the description of the amplitude response across the frequency spectrum. In addition, an experimental study with three case studies is presented investigating the accuracy of the model and the sensitivity of the overall dynamic performance to C-block design parameters. The experimental results showed a good match to the analytical model and outlined the trade-offs between displacement amplitude and bandwidth.
Studies of Propylthiouracil Using a Newly Developed Radioimmunoassay

A RIA for the antithyroid drug 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) has been developed. Antibodies to PTU were generated in rabbits after synthesizing 6-propionic acid-2-thiouracil and conjugating this derivative to either bovine serum albumin or porcine thyroglobulin. [35S]JPTU was used as a tracer. At a final antibody dilution of 1:400, the assay could detect PTU in amounts as low as 2.5 ng. Cross-reaction studies suggested that the thiol group of PTU was necessary for immunoactivity. The known circulating, urinary, and intrathyroidal metabolites of PTU had negligible cross-reactivity in the assay. It was observed that serum samples containing PTU lost immunoactivity over the course of several weeks. Gel filtration chromatography of [35S]PTU incubated in fresh human serum revealed that [35S]PTU radioactivity eluted in two peaks (peaks I and II). Peak I eluted with serum protein, was not immunoactive, and grew progressively larger with increasing incubation time in serum (15 min to 8 h). Peak II corresponded to f...
Isolation of glycopeptides containing O-linked oligosaccharides by lectin affinity chromatography on jacalin-agarose

Jacalin is a lectin which has high specificity and affinity for the core disaccharide, 1-beta-galactopyranosyl-3-(alpha-2-acetamido-2-deoxygalactopyranoside ), in O-linked oligosaccharides. Here, it is shown that this lectin can be used for isolation of glycopeptides bearing O-linked oligosaccharides. Peptides produced by digestion of reduced and carboxamidomethylated human plasminogen or of bovine protein Z were chromatographed on a column of jacalin-agarose. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that two peptides from plasminogen and one from protein Z were eluted from the jacalin-agarose column by alpha-methylgalactopyranoside. Amino acid sequence and compositional analysis showed that both of the peptides from plasminogen consisted of residues 330-357 and that the single peptide from protein Z represented residues 385-396. These sequences contain the single known site of attachment of O-linked oligosaccharides to these proteins. The present analysis suggested that there may be a fraction of plasminogen with two sites of O-linked glycosylation. The two tryptic peptides isolated from plasminogen represented the same segment of the protein but sequence analysis showed that one peptide was modified only at Thr346, the known site of glycosylation, and the other peptide contained a modification of Ser339 as well. Results of the present study indicate that lectin affinity chromatography using jacalin-agarose can be a useful technique for isolating glycopeptides containing O-linked oligosaccharides and thereby localizing sites of attachment of these oligosaccharides.
Task analysis method for procedural training curriculum development

A central venous catheter (CVC) is an important medical tool used in critical care and emergent situations. Integral to proper care in many circumstances, insertion of a CVC introduces the risk of central line-associated blood stream infections and mechanical adverse events; proper training is important for safe CVC insertion. Cognitive task analysis (CTA) methods have been successfully implemented in the medical field to improve the training of postgraduate medical trainees, but can be very time-consuming to complete and require a significant time commitment from many subject matter experts (SMEs). Many medical procedures such as CVC insertion are linear processes with well-documented procedural steps. These linear procedures may not require a traditional CTA to gather the information necessary to create a training curriculum. Accordingly, a novel, streamlined CTA method designed primarily to collect cognitive cues for linear procedures was developed to be used by medical professionals with minimal CTA training. This new CTA methodology required fewer trained personnel, fewer interview sessions, and less time commitment from SMEs than a traditional CTA. Based on this study, a streamlined CTA methodology can be used to efficiently gather cognitive information on linear medical procedures for the creation of resident training curricula and procedural skills assessments.
Stochastic analysis of unsaturated transport in soils with fractal log-conductivity distribution

Within the framework of stochastic theory and the spectral perturbation techniques, three-dimensional dispersion in partially saturated soils with fractal log hydraulic conductivity distribution is analyzed. Our analysis is focused on the impact of fractal dimension of log hydraulic conductivity distribution, local dispersivity, and unsaturated flow parameters, such as the soil poresize distribution parameter and the moisture distribution parameter, on the spreading behavior of solute plume and the concentration variance. Approximate analytical solutions to the stochastic partial differential equations are derived for the variance of asymptotic solute concentration and asymptotic macrodispersivities.
Preventing the synthesis of unused transcripts by Rho factor.

John P. Richardson Department of Chemistry Programs in Biochemistry and Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana 47405 Transcriptional terminators have three important functions in gene expression. One is as asignal that defines the end of transcription unit for a gene or a group of genes. These operonic terminators are essential elements of gene orga- nization because they allow for the totally independent expression of adjacent sequences on a DNA molecule. In addition, terminators are found either between genes expressed under control of a single promoter or in the region between the promoter and the first gene of the operon. These intergenic terminators serve to modulate the relative level of expression of different genes in an operon or even the whole operon itself, as in the case of attenuator regulation. Finally, terminators have also been found within genes. However, these intragenic terminators are latent and func- tion only when translation becomes uncoupled from tran- scription either by a mutational change in the gene or by certain forms of metabolic stress, such as starvation for an amino acid. They thus prevent continued synthesis of an unused transcript. Although intragenic terminators have been known to exist for fifteen years, details of their properties have been largely ignored. Some recent papers on the analysis of details of the structure and function of several representative examples of intragenic terminators in E. coli has focused attention again on their role and on the mechanistic properties that give them their latency (Wek et al., 1987; Ruteshouser and Richardson, 1989; Tsurushita et al., 1989; Alifano et al., 1991). Transcripts synthesized by action of E. coli RNA poly- merase are terminated by two distinct mechanisms (re- viewed by Yager and von Hippel, 1987; Platt, 1988). One involves a spontaneous release of an RNA molecule at a particular set of sequences; the other requires the action of an RNA release factor called rho. Over most sequences, transcriptional elongation is highly processive-the na- scent RNA is very stably attached in its complex with RNA polymerase and the DNA template. However, at certain limited sets of sequences, this stability drops to the point that the RNA molecules are spontaneously released. These intrinsic terminators are characterized by 40 bp of DNA that start with a GC-rich segment with an interrupted dyad symmetry followed by about six adenosine residues on the template strand. Release occurs when the tran- script has been extended to the end of those residues. The details of why this particular set of sequences serve intrinsically to terminate transcription have been analyzed in depth (Yager and von Hippel, 1991) and are the focus of further intensive studies (Reynolds et al., 1991).
1-Methyl-4-(methylamino)piperidine-platinum(II) adducts with DNA bases

A series of platinum(II) monoadducts and diadducts of the type [PtII(mmap)LCl]NO3 and [PtII(mmap)L2](NO3)2 (where mmap = 1-methyl-4-(methylamino)piperidine and L = adenine, 9-methylguanine, 7-methylguanine, cytosine, or uracil) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses and by 1H, 13C, and 195Pt nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Two adjacent corners of the platinum plane were occupied by the two amino nitrogens of 1-methyl-4-(methylamino)piperidine and the other two positions were occupied by the chloride and nitrogen atoms of the DNA base in monoadducts and two nitrogen atoms of DNA bases in diadducts.
3D modeling to characterize lamina cribrosa surface and pore geometries using in vivo images from normal and glaucomatous eyes.

En face adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) images of the anterior lamina cribrosa surface (ALCS) represent a 2D projected view of a 3D laminar surface. Using spectral domain optical coherence tomography images acquired in living monkey eyes, a thin plate spline was used to model the ALCS in 3D. The 2D AOSLO images were registered and projected onto the 3D surface that was then tessellated into a triangular mesh to characterize differences in pore geometry between 2D and 3D images. Following 3D transformation of the anterior laminar surface in 11 normal eyes, mean pore area increased by 5.1 ± 2.0% with a minimal change in pore elongation (mean change = 0.0 ± 0.2%). These small changes were due to the relatively flat laminar surfaces inherent in normal eyes (mean radius of curvature = 3.0 ± 0.5 mm). The mean increase in pore area was larger following 3D transformation in 4 glaucomatous eyes (16.2 ± 6.0%) due to their more steeply curved laminar surfaces (mean radius of curvature = 1.3 ± 0.1 mm), while the change in pore elongation was comparable to that in normal eyes (−0.2 ± 2.0%). This 3D transformation and tessellation method can be used to better characterize and track 3D changes in laminar pore and surface geometries in glaucoma.
Self-ownership, Marxism, and Egalitarianism Part I: Challenges to Historical Entitlement

This two-part article offers a defense of a libertarian doctrine that centers on two propositions. The first is the self-ownership thesis according to which each individual possesses original moral rights over her own body, faculties, talents, and energies. The second is the anti-egalitarian conclusion that, through the exercise of these rights of self-ownership, individuals may readily become entitled to substantially unequal extra-personal holdings. The self-ownership thesis remains in the background during Part I of this essay, while the anti-egalitarian conclusion is supported in two ways. First, I offer a reconstruction of Robert Nozick's well-known `How Liberty Upsets Patterns' argument against all end-state and pattern theories of distributive justice; and I defend this reconstructed stance against what might (otherwise) seem to be telling criticisms. Second, I defend the two key principles of Nozickian historical entitlement theory (the principle of just transfer and the principle of just initial ...
Direct product based deep belief networks for automatic speech recognition

In this paper, we present new methods for parameterizing the connections of neural networks using sums of direct products. We show that low rank parameterizations of weight matrices are a subset of this set, and explore the theoretical and practical benefits of representing weight matrices using sums of Kronecker products. ASR results on a 50 hr subset of the English Broadcast News corpus indicate that the approach is promising. In particular, we show that a factorial network with more than 150 times less parameters in its bottom layer than its standard unconstrained counterpart suffers minimal WER degradation, and that by using sums of Kronecker products, we can close the gap in WER performance while maintaining very significant parameter savings. In addition, direct product DBNs consistently outperform standard DBNs with the same number of parameters. These results have important implications for research on deep belief networks (DBNs). They imply that we should be able to train neural networks with thousands of neurons and minimal restrictions much more rapidly than is currently possible, and that by using sums of direct products, it will be possible to train neural networks with literally millions of neurons tractably-an exciting prospect.
Gene therapy: Advances and limitations

Recombinant adenovirus vectors are efficient at transferring genes into somatic tissues but are limited for use in clinical gene therapy by immunologic factors that result in the rapid loss of gene expression and inhibit secondary gene transfer. This study demonstrates that systemic coadministration of recombinant adenovirus with soluble CTLA4lg, which is known to block co-stimulatory signals between T cells and antigen presenting cells, leads to persistent adenovirus gene expression in mice without long-term immunosuppression. This form of immunotherapy greatly enhances the likelihood that recombinant adenovirus vectors will be useful for human gene therapy. Recombinant adenoviruses are attractive vehicles for liver-directed gene therapy because of the high efficiency with which they transfer genes to hepatocytes in vivo. First-generation recombinant adenoviruses deleted of E1 sequences also express recombinant and early and late viral genes, which lead to development of destructive cellular immune responses. Previous studies indicated that class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play a major role in eliminating virusinfected cells. The present studies utilize mouse models to evaluate the role of T-helper cells in the primary response to adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to the liver. In vivo ablation of CD4+ cells or interferon γ (INF-γ) was sufficient to prevent the elimination of adenovirus-transduced hepatocytes, despite the induction of a measurable CTL response. Mobilization of an effective TH1 response as measured by in vitro proliferation assays was associated with substantial upregulation of MHC class I expression, an effect that was prevented in IFN-γ-deficient animals. These results suggest that elimination of virus-infected hepatocytes in a primary exposure to recombinant adenovirus requires both induction of antigen-specific CTLs as well as sensitization of the target cell by the TH1-mediated activation of MHC class I expression.
X‐ray absorption, particle orientation, and rheological behavior of talc–calcite mixed‐particle compounds in a polystyrene matrix

This article presents experimental studies of (a) X-ray absorption, (b) particle orientation, and (c) the shear viscosity of ternary talc–calcite–polystyrene compounds. A quantitative investigation of X-ray absorption using a wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) intensity method for binary mixture (PS/talc, PS/calcite) systems and ternary mixtures (PS/talc/calcite) systems is reported. The Alexander–Klug equation was used to interpret the data. X-ray diffraction pole figures indicate that talc particles orient in shear flows perpendicular to the direction of shear with their surfaces parallel to die/mold walls. There was a general tendency in mixed particle systems for the talc particles to decrease in orientation with increasing calcite content. The shear viscosity of the compounds was measured and found to increase with increasing particle loading and vary with particle composition. The talc, calcite, and talc/calcite-filled thermoplastic melts at higher loadings were found by creep measurements to exhibit yield values, i.e., stresses below which there is no flow. We found a viscosity–shear stress plateau at low shear stress. The true yield values are much lower than yield values measured by extrapolation of higher shear stress data. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 37: 1787–1802, 1999
International Exposure Through Network Relationships: Implications for New Venture Internationalization

Abstract Drawing on the network literature and attention-based view, we examine the extent to which international exposure from key informal (geographically proximate firms) and formal (alliance partners) network relationships impacts new venture internationalization. Our findings are three-fold. First, international exposure from both types of network relationships positively influence new venture internationalization, and serve as substitutes for each other. Second, the effects differ based on the age of the venture. While older ventures benefit more from international exposure from alliance partners, younger ventures are more influenced by international exposure from geographically proximate firms. Third, our analysis confirms a three-way interactive effect of age and international exposure from informal and formal relationships on new venture internationalization.
Reassessment of the care of the patient with chronic kidney disease

The paper by Fischer et al. focuses attention on the striking prevalence of depressive symptoms in non-dialyzed chronic kidney disease patients. The presence of depressive symptoms correlated with various health-related quality of life measures and economic status. These findings suggest that our view of providing care needs to broaden to incorporate not only thorough medical care, education, and dietary support, but also psychosocial assessments. They also underscore the importance of providing this care to those who are most vulnerable.
The Distinct Roles of JAM-A in Reovirus Pathogenesis

Despite their fundamental role in host defense, many components of epithelial and endothelial tight junctions serve as viral receptors. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Antar et al. (2009) provide striking in vivo evidence that the broadly expressed reovirus receptor JAM-A plays a specific role in reovirus dissemination.
The Self-Efficacy Variable in Behavioral Information Security Research

There is a lack of consistent use of measurements for factors related to people's information security behavior. Specifically, a conceptually relaxed utilization of the variable "self-efficacy" makes it difficult for researchers to perform meaningful cross-study comparisons in behavioral information security research. This study examines how self-efficacy is defined and measured when used as a research variable in behavioral information security research and provides suggestions to better define and measure self-efficacy in behavioral information security research.
An analysis of the impact of securities lending on the performance of ETFs

Securities lending has been a lucrative business for mutual funds and ETFs over the past decade. The authors examine the impact of securities lending activities on the return performance of U.S. equity ETFs. They find that income from securities lending has surged in recent years and was at extreme levels during the financial crisis years of 2008 and 2009. They further document that income from securities lending activities has been used by these ETFs as a means of considerably reducing tracking errors over time. These findings have important implications for investors, particularly those who use tracking error to evaluate the performance of ETFs.
Prelude to a Divorce? The Prague Spring as Dress Rehearsal for Czechoslovakia's ‘Velvet Divorce’

On 15 March 1968, the Slovak National Council issued a proclamation calling for the federalisation of Czechoslovakia. Two weeks later, as public discussion of this and other reforms of the Prague S...
Santeria as a mental health care system: An historical overview

Abstract During the last 20 years, Santeria, an Afro-Cuban cult organization which had previously nourished in certain parts of the island of Cuba, has taken root in several areas of the United States, primarily in Florida, New York, New Jersey and California. This Afro-Cuban religious system has an essentially African world view and rituals. It has not only survived the impact of acculturation but has expanded its influence. It may be said that Santeria now constitutes a vital and dynamic mental health care system. Using Dade County, Florida, as context, this article examines some of the reasons for Santeria's broadened scope and its success in attracting more followers. The author's extensive experience is drawn upon to provide, first, an abbreviated description of this religious institution. Second, an overview is offered of the historical process that led to its inception and helped shape the religious and health-seeking behavior of Cubans in their homeland. Third, a phenomenological view is introduced which touches upon some of the problems confronting Cubans in Dade County. Finally, consideration is given to the function of Santeria in this setting, the kind of people who look to it for support and the type of support it provides. It is concluded that Santeria's intrinsic flexibility, eclecticism and heterogeneity have been advantageous. These characteristics have allowed functional, dogmatic and ritual changes which enable it to meet the different needs of its many followers. In its continuing adaptation, Santeria today has the potential to become a collaborating institution which can handle matters of the soul; while the orthodox health care system deals with matters of the mind. There is no conflict between the two in the eyes of either santeros/priests or clients.
Parameter nonstationarity in retail choice models

Abstract The question of spatial nonstationarity in retail choice models generally has been ignored in the literature. This paper discusses why such nonstationarity might arise and presents an empirical test of nonstationarity in grocery choice data collected from a midwestern city. Based on these findings a nonstationarity retail choice model is proposed. The nonstationary model predicts data from a hold-out sample better than the stationary model.
A reliable multicast webcast protocol for multimedia collaboration and caching

Large-scale, multi-point, multimedia conferencing applications designed to facilitate long-distance collaboration are enjoying growing popularity. Usually composed of real-time audio, video and shared-drawing applications, these collaborative environments help render the geographical location of collaborators irrelevant. To complement these existing collaborative applications, it would be useful to have the ability to distribute documents synchronously over the World Wide Web (WWW). One model for synchronized information dissemination within the Web is webcasting in which data are simultaneously distributed to multiple destinations. The WWW's traditional unicast client/server communication model suffers, however, when applied to webcasting; solutions which require many clients to simultaneously fetch data from the origin server using the client/server model will likely cause server and link overload.A number of webcasting solutions have been proposed. Many have limited scalability because they are based on unicast while others use multicast for more scalable data delivery but require server modification or have rigid architectures. We believe that successful webcasting solutions will provide scalable, reliable delivery yet still be compatible with the existing Web infrastructure.In this paper we describe a webcast design that improves upon previous designs by leveraging application level framing (ALF) design methodology. We build upon the Scalable Reliable Multicast (SRM) framework, which is based upon ALF, to create a custom protocol to meet webcast's scalability needs. We employ the protocol in an architecture consisting of two reusable components: a webcache component and a browser control component. We have implemented our design using the MASH multimedia application toolkit and a SRM protocol module called libsrm. We present the results of a simple performance evaluation and report on lessons learned while using MASH and libsrm.
Application of the solution of the dynamical scattering problem for electrons to surface structure analysis

Abstract The solution of the low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) problem at a crystal-vacuum interface by the layer-KKR method is shown to apply readily to transmission and reflection of electrons at crystal-crystal interfaces. A simple model of the scattering potential is described, which can be readily constructed for any configuration of atoms. The LEED spectra it yields are shown to give good agreement with experiment for several simple metals, when the effects of electron absorption and lattice motion are included. It is shown that LEED probes the first few surface layers of a crystal and is sensitive to changes in these layers, including parallel and perpendicular displacements of the first layer. Thus it is concluded that, in conjunction with multiple scattering calculations as described above, LEED is potentially a valuable tool for the determination of the structures of these layers.
Intravitreal human chorionic gonadotropin decreases intraocular pressure in rabbits: Mechanism of action

Intravitreal injection of purified human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in rabbits decreased intraocular pressure (IOP). A dose-dependent decrease in IOP was observed with intravitreal hCG concentrations at 30 nM and 100 nM. The onset of this effect was later than 10 hr following the injection and it lasted for more than 24 hrs. The purified beta-subunit of hCG caused a similar decrease in IOP with a short duration. The threshold intravitreal concentration was 10 nM. Unlike the intact hCG, the hCG beta-subunit was inactive as a gonadotropic agent to activate the adenylate cyclase in the rat testis. Intravitreal injection of rabbit luteinizing hormone, which was active as a gonadotropic agent, had no effect on IOP in 4 intravitreal concentrations ranging from 1 nM to 30 nM. These observations indicate that the mechanism of IOP decrease by intravitreal hCG is not related to its gonadotropic action. The IOP decrease in rabbits due to intravitreal hCG or its beta-subunit is probably related to a contaminant or an immune reaction.
Pulmonary Tumor Embolism

A 36-year-old woman with breast cancer was admitted with shortness of breath. A computed tomography angiogram was obtained and was negative for pulmonary embolism. She quickly developed hypoxemic respiratory failure and was transferred to the intensive care unit. She appeared to be improving when she suffered sudden cardiac death. Autopsy showed extensive lymphatic and vascular tumor emboli, which were the immediate cause of death. Tumor emboli are rarely diagnosed before death but seem to be more common than realized. It is important to recognize this entity, because there have been some case reports of cure. The usual mechanism of death is progressive right heart failure; sudden death from tumor embolism has rarely been described.
SU‐E‐T‐748: Comparison of Three Treatment Planning Techniques for Adjuvant Radiation of the Bladder

Purpose: To compare the bowel and rectal dose distribution in patients who have had a prior cystectomy receiving pelvic node irradiation using 3D conformal photon therapy (3DCT), intensity modulated radiotherapy(IMRT) or intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) planning technique. Methods: We performed treatment planning for five patients generating plans with IMPT, IMRT, and 3DCT. The planning target volume (PTV) is nodal region including a 4 mm expansion for setup errors, and dosimetric uncertainty. The normal tissues of concern are rectum and combined small and large bowel. The dosimetric requirements for PTV includes a total prescription dose (PD) of 50.4 Gy for each plan with 95% of PD covers 98% of PTV volume (V95%=98%) and the maximum dose not to exceed 107% of PD. Bowels and rectum dose constraints is D30% &#8804; 40 Gy and the maximum dose not exceed 105% and 107% of PD for rectum and bladder respectively. For evaluation, each plan is normalized to PTV coverage criteria and V35% and V65%, V95% and mean dose are compared for bowels and rectum. Results: The V95% for both IMPT and IMRT plans for rectum and bladder are much lower than 3D CT plans. The mean doses for bladder and rectum is 9.9 and 6.8 Gy for IMPT plans as compared to 23.7 Gy and 12.4 Gy for IMRT plans. These doses are higher for the 3DCT plan with the values of 32.3 and 28.2 Gy. Conclusions: With equivalent target coverage, both IMPT and IMRT improve normal tissue sparing compared to 3DCT. The IMPT technique results in plans with better PTV coverage and lower dose to organ at risk as compared to plans with IMRT and 3DCT.
Comparison of urine collection methods for evaluating urinary nuclear matrix protein, NMP22, as a tumor marker

AbstractPurpose: The nuclear matrix protein, NMP22, has been shown to be a useful tumor marker for identifying patients with a high likelihood of rapid recurrence of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary tract after surgical treatment. Currently measurement of NMP22 involves 3 urine voids collected during a 24-hour period, which are pooled and assayed as a single sample. This study was performed to determine whether any single void would yield similar results to the pooled 3-void sample.Materials and Methods: A total of 2,018 urine samples (3 voids per sample) was included in the study. All analyses were performed using the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank test for matched pairs.Results: Analysis showed that the NMP22 level of a single void collected between midnight and noon was similar to the NMP22 level of the pooled 3-void sample. Receiver operating characteristics curves of the midnight-to-noon single void and the pooled 3-void sample were similar for predicting recurrence postoperatively in p...