cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The importance of methylation in the binding of (ferrocenylmethyl)tempammonium guests by cucurbit[n]uril (n = 7, 8) hosts

The extent of methylation of the central nitrogen in (ferrocenylmethyl)tempammonium guests determines the main binding site for complexation by the cucurbit[8]uril host.
Organizational control systems in research and development

Abstract This paper empirically examines an organizational control framework in research and development (R/D) settings. Data were collected from 76 R/D work group leaders. Analysis of the data indicates that the importance of controls is associated with knowledge of the task transformation process (technological uncertainty) but not with measurability of the work group's outputs, task complexity or task dependence. It is suggested that the results of this and other research indicate the need for a more complete theoretical framework as well as attention to measurement issues.
Efficient coupling technique for single-mode optical D-fiber to buried polymer acrylic waveguide

Single-mode optical D-fiber is fabricated and coupled to a buried polymer acrylic waveguide by a novel technique with a transcision and alignment ways. The D-fiber is fabricated by lapping the cladding layer of a single-mode fiber to the core. Optical waveguides and alignment ways are made with polymers by photodefinition. This technique combines the optical elements with a transcision placed perpendicular to the optical axis of the waveguide to offer an efficient coupling of single- mode fiber to optical waveguide with an excess coupling loss of 0.25 dB. This coupling loss is found using a cutback experiment and buried polymeracrylic waveguides. Also, this coupling technique has been used to achieve excess passive-coupling losses of 0.9 dB.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
International data transfers between the United States and the European Union: are the procedural provisions of the Safe Harbor solution adequate?☆

Abstract Data transfers out of the European Union are only admissible if the third country ensures an adequate level of protection. With regard to the United States, organizations may adhere to so-called Safe Harbor principles whereby an adequate level of protection is admitted. This article reviews the relevant procedural provisions on granting the Safe Harbor status. It concludes that the current system does not really safeguard compliance with the Safe Harbor principles.
Synthesis of a 11C-labeled NK1 receptor ligand for PET studies

Abstract Changes in substance P (SP) receptor concentration have been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and asthma. Since, SP and peptide analogs are rapidly metabolized and do not penetrate into the CNS, they are not useful for PET. Recently, a non-peptide SP antagonist, (+)-(2 S ,3 S )-3-(2-methoxybenzylamino)-2-phenylpiperidine (CP-99,994) was developed. As a prelude to PET studies, this compound was radiolabeled with 11 C and biodistribution was determined in hamsters. CP-99,994 was radiolabeled by methylation of tert -Boc, desmethyl CP-99,994 with 11 CH 3 I followed by deprotection and HPLC purification. The time required for the synthesis was 40 min from the end of bombardment. Radiochemical purity of the final product was >95% and specific activity was routinely >1000 mCi/μmol [EOS]. The biodistribution of 11 C-CP-99,994 was determined in groups of six Syrian hamsters at 5 and 30 min after injection. The results of these studies demonstrated that significant concentrations (%ID/g ± SEM) of CP-99,994 accumulate in most tissues of the hamster. The highest levels of drug were detected in the lung: 21.04 ± 1.26 (5 min) and 13.49 ± 1.71 (30 min). Brain accumulation was: 1.44 ± 0.06 (5 min), 1.32 ± 0.05 (30 min). These results indicate that 11 C-CP-99,994 can be prepared in high purity and specific activity. This new radiopharmaceutical may be useful for studying both central and peripheral SP receptors by PET.
A generalized greedy routing algorithm for 2-connected graphs

Geometric routing by using virtual locations is an elegant way for solving network routing problems. In its simplest form, greedy routing, a message is simply forwarded to a neighbor that is closer to the destination. One main drawback of this approach is that the coordinates of the virtual locations require @W(nlogn) bits to represent, which makes this scheme infeasible in some applications. The essence of the geometric routing is the following: When an origin vertex u wants to send a message to a destination vertex w, it forwards the message to a neighbor t, solely based on the location information of u,w and all neighbors of u. In the greedy routing scheme, the decision is based on decreasing distance. For this idea to work, however, the decision needs not be based on decreasing distance. As long as the decision is made locally, this scheme will work fine. In this paper, we introduce a version of greedy routing which we call generalized greedy routing algorithm. Instead of relying on decreasing distance, a generalized greedy routing algorithm uses other criteria to determine routing paths, solely based on local information. We present simple generalized greedy routing algorithms based on st-coordinates (consisting of two integers between 0 and n-1), which are derived from an st-orientation of a 2-connected plane graph. We also generalize this result to arbitrary trees. Both algorithms are natural and simple to be implemented.
Complex inheritance of the plasmodial surface anion channel in a Plasmodium falciparum genetic cross

Human erythrocytes infected with the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum have increased permeabilities to many solutes. The plasmodial surface anion channel (PSAC) may mediate these changes. Despite good understanding of the biochemical and biophysical properties, the genetic basis of PSAC activity remains unknown. Functional polymorphisms in laboratory isolates and two mutants generated by in vitro selection implicate a parasite-encoded channel, although parasite-induced modifications of endogenous channels have not been formally excluded. Here, we identified stable differences in furosemide efficacy against PSAC activity induced by HB3 and 3D7A parasites. This difference was apparent in both single PSAC patch-clamp recordings and in sorbitol-mediated osmotic lysis measurements, confirming that Cl(-) and sorbitol are transported by a single-channel type. Examination of 19 progeny from a genetic cross between HB3 and 3D7A revealed complex inheritance with some cloned progeny exhibiting furosemide affinities outside the range of parental values. Isolates generated by selfing of the 3D7A clone also exhibited altered furosemide affinities, implicating changes in one or more alleles during meiosis or passage through a primate host. PSAC may be encoded by multiple parasite genes (e.g. a multi-gene family or multiple genes that encode distinct channel subunits) or a single polymorphic gene under strong selective pressure.
The characterization of charcoal and high-density carbon pellets produced from Douglas-fir bark

High-density carbon pellets (HDCP) produced from Douglas-fir bark could provide an alternate source of carbon for industry. The production of HDCP in vertical retorts is discussed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), carbon elemental analysis, and other analytical methods were used to characterize HDCP. HDCP produced from Douglas-fir bark in this work have 90% fixed carbon, an average density of 1.3 g/mL, and 1.18% average ash content with negligible metal impurities. These pellets should be particularly suited for use in the production of adsorbents, high-grade carbons, reductants, carbon black, carbon electrodes, and activated carbons.
A Test Fixture for Fully Reversed Axial Fatigue Characterization of Composites

Fatigue of fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites has been studied exhaustedly over the years. However, most fully reversed fatigue testing has concentrated on flexural fatigue. The resulting stress state through the laminate thickness is non-uniform and as such may give rise to unconservative life estimates. Fully reversed (R=−1) axial testing has not been heavily reported due to the difficulties associated with precluding local or global buckling of the axial specimen. The few reported fully reversed axial tests utilize either cylindrical specimens or fixturing that is very large, expensive to fabricate, and difficult to handle. Herein we report on a simple side support fixture that allows the use of standard ASTM tensile test specimens (D3039 or D638, depending on test material), which are readily prepared. The fixture allows fully reversed axial fatigue testing as well as static baseline compression and residual compression strength characterization. Also presented herein are tension-tension (R=0.1) and fully reversed tension-compression (R=−1) S-N diagrams for an E-glass/epoxy composite.
Food‐packaging interactions influencing quality and safety

Interactions between foods and packaging can be detrimental to quality and/or safety. Changes in product flavour due to aroma sorption and the transfer of undesirable flavours from packaging to foods are important mechanisms of deterioration when foods are packaged in polymer-based materials. Careful consideration must be given to those factors affecting such interactions when selecting packaging materials in order to maximize product quality, safety, and shelf-life while minimizing undesirable changes. Product considerations include sensitivity to flavour and related deteriorations, colour changes, vitamin loss, microbial activity, and amount of flavour available. Storage considerations include temperature, time, and processing method. Polymer considerations include type of polymer and processing method, volume or mass of polymer to product ratio, and whether the interaction is Fickian or non-Fickian. Methodology to determine the extent of such interactions must be developed. Direct interactions between food and packaging are not necessarily detrimental. The same principles governing undesirable interactions can be used to affect desirable outcomes. Examples include films which directly intercept or absorb oxygen, inhibit microorganisms, remove undesirable flavours by sorption, or indicate safety and product shelf-life.
State Ground-Water Protection Programs — A National Summarya

In order to discuss the adequacy or inadequacy of State ground-water protection programs, it is helpful to establish a base line which may be used as a frame of reference for the discussion. To provide that frame of reference, the 50 States were contacted and representatives were questioned as to the nature and extent of their existing ground-water programs. The survey of States produced a wealth of information relative to the structure of various State programs and this information is presented graphically in the neutral presentation. The subject of multiple agency involvement is addressed. In addition to looking at the structure of State programs, information was collected regarding the nature of existing State statutes and regulations. Tabulation and interpretation of this information is provided to illustrate how the institutions are providing for the protection of our ground-water resources. In addition to evaluating the various types of statutes, existing enforcement mechanisms were researched and are presented for review. Graphic presentations of the national data base are used and again several States’procedures are reviewed in detail. The topic of ground-water quality standards was specifically addressed during interviews in order to note the extent of this developing regulatory technique.
Dysfunctional α‐globin genes in hemoglobin H disease in blacks: Variation in restriction fragment size permits the detection of the ‐α/‐αT genotype

Hemoglobin H (HbH) disease is most often due to deletion of three of the four alpha-globin genes (genotype --/--alpha). In black subjects although the -alpha/chromosome is common, the --/haplotype is very rare and few examples of HbH disease have been detected. We have studied three black siblings with HbH by restriction endonuclease mapping of the alpha-like gene complex (5'-zeta-psi zeta-psi alpha 2-psi alpha 1-alpha 2-alpha 1-3') using zeta- and alpha- specific probes. The presence of size differences in the previously described hypervariable region between the zeta and psi zeta genes results in a restriction fragment length polymorphism which permitted the detection of single alpha genes on both number 16 chromosomes in these subjects. Quantitative DNA hybridization by a slot-blot technique confirmed that their genomes contained two alpha-globin genes. The results establish that in these black subjects HbH disease is associated with dysfunctional alpha-globin genes (genotype: -alpha/-alpha T).
A Second Spore Stage Confirmed for Apioplagiostoma populi, the Causal Agent of Bronze Leaf Disease of Populus in Minnesota

Bronze leaf disease (BLD) affects several Populus species in North America but is particularly damaging to hybrids in section Populus (4). BLD, caused by the fungus Apioplagiostoma populi (syn. Plagiostoma populi) described by Cash and Waterman (1), takes its name from the characteristic dark purple to brown pigmentation of infected leaves. A. populi has not been cultured on artificial media either from diseased tissues or cast ascospores. An anamorph has not been conclusively identified but spores from blister-like acervuli on symptomatic leaves have been suggested to function as spermatia (3). In an attempt to describe the imperfect stage of A. populi, collections of diseased leaves of P. alba × sieboldii and P. alba × grandidentata‘Crandon’ growing in a plantation near Rosemount, MN, were made on September 14, 2011 (leaves attached to shoots, rolled inward), October 12, 2011 (leaves attached or on the ground, tightly rolled inward), and November 1, 2011 (most leaves on the ground), and examined in the ...
Optimizing large multiphase level-clocked circuits

Retiming is a powerful technique for optimizing sequential circuits. The transparent nature of level sensitive latches enables level-clocked circuits to operate faster and require fewer memory elements than edge-triggered circuits. However, this transparency makes the operation of level-clocked circuits very complex, and optimization of level-clocked circuits is a difficult task. This work presents efficient algorithms for retiming large level-clocked circuits. To provide us with a simpler view of the operation of level-clocked circuits, we present the relationship between retiming and clock skew optimization. We then utilize this relationship to develop efficient retiming algorithms for period and area optimization. For period optimization, we present an algorithm which produces near-optimal results, but is significantly faster than the traditional algorithms. In this approach, we first calculate the best possible clock period and the amount of motion required for each latch. The latches are then relocated in an attempt to achieve this period. Area, as measured by the number of latches in the circuit can be optimized by solving a linear program. We apply efficient pruning techniques to reduce the size of this linear program, while preserving optimality. Since generating the linear program is a major part of the computational requirements of minarea retiming, we present techniques for efficient generation of the reduced linear program. This enables us to perform area optimization of large circuits clocked by symmetric multiphase clocks in very reasonable time, without sacrificing optimality. We present results on circuits with up to 56000 gates, performing period optimization in under 20 s and area optimization in under 1.5 h.
The Mathematical Theory of Dynamic Load Balancing in Cellular Networks

While many interesting dynamic load balancing schemes have been proposed for efficient use of limited bandwidth and to increase the capacity of congested or hot spots (or cells) in wireless networks, to date, a comprehensive mathematical framework which encompasses all of these schemes does not exist. In this paper, we provide a unified mathematical framework for dynamic load balancing, which leads to closed-form performance expressions for evaluating the performance of some of the most important dynamic load balancing strategies proposed in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first generic theoretical framework that can be used to evaluate the performance of many different dynamic load balancing schemes with simple closed-form results. The accuracy of the results predicted by these analytical expressions derived from the theoretical framework is checked by comparing these results with simulation results provided in the literature for well-known schemes.
Regulation of 21-hydroxylase activity by steroids in cultured bovine adrenocortical cells: possible significance for adrenocortical androgen synthesis.

When primary bovine adrenocortical cells were cultured in a serum- and lipoprotein-free medium, the pattern of steroids synthesized from pregnenolone precursor was altered by prior treatment with ACTH and by prior exposure to pregnenolone. As evidenced by the high performance liquid chromatographic profile of steroids synthesized from pregnenolone, ACTH induced 17-hydroxylase activity, whereas, regardless of ACTH treatment, prior exposure to pregnenolone reduced 21-hydroxylase activity. Direct addition of possible secreted products of pregnenolone—androstenedione, progesterone, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione)—was found to cause loss of 21-hydroxylase activity measured as 21-deoxycortisol (llβ,17-dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione) conversion to cortisol. Several steroids that caused loss of 11β-hydroxylase activity did not affect 21-hydroxylase. Androstenedione suppressed both 21- and llβ-hydroxylase but did not affect 17-hydroxylase or C17,20-lyase activities. The time course o...
VON THÜNEN AND URBAN SPRAWL

ABSTRACT In explaining agricultural patterns near urban areas, Von Thunen's theory is generally applicable where the primary force determining the pattern is transport cost to the market. When this is the case, the pattern of agricultural land use is one of decreasing intensity with distance from the city. Von Thunen's theory still applies in underdeveloped parts of the world, but his basic premise has been outdated in more developed areas. In many advanced industrialized parts of the world, the basic forces determining agricultural land use near urban areas are associated with urban expansion. Where these forces are in operation, the agricultural pattern quite often is one of increasing intensity with distance from the city, quite the reverse of the pattern generalized by Von Thunen's theory. A theory is developed to explain the agricultural pattern near such modern urban areas, and empirical evidence related to this theory is examined.
Physician Evaluation after Medical Errors: Does Having a Computer Decision Aid Help or Hurt in Hindsight?

Objective. The authors examined whether physicians’ use of computerized decision aids affects patient satisfaction and/or blame for medical outcomes. Method. Experiment 1: Fiftynine undergraduates ...
A W-band current combined power amplifier with 14.8dBm P sat and 9.4% maximum PAE in 65nm CMOS

We present a 101–117GHz power amplifier (PA) using two way current power combiner in 65nm bulk CMOS. It delivers up to 14.8dBm saturated output power with over 14dB power gain and better than 9.4% power added efficiency (PAE), which also achieves better than 11.6dBm output P 1dB . The PA features three stage transformer coupled differential architecture with integrated input and output baluns. To ensure the stability and improve efficiency, the PA first two stages adopt cascode structure and the last stage utilizes common source structure. A current power combiner is employed to combine the power from two separate PAs. The entire PA core occupies 0.106 mm2 chip area and dissipates about 200mW.
Cytoskeletal Reorganization Internalizes Multiple Transient Receptor Potential Channels and Blocks Calcium Entry into Human Neutrophils

Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is required for polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) activation in response to G protein-coupled agonists. Some immunocytes express proteins homologous to the Drosophila transient receptor potential gene (trp) calcium channel. TRP proteins assemble into heterotetrameric ion channels and are known to support SOCE in overexpression systems, but the evidence that TRP proteins support SOCE and are functionally important in wild-type cells remains indirect. We therefore studied the expression and function of TRP proteins in primary human PMN. TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPC4, and TRPC6 were all expressed as mRNA as well as membrane proteins. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated localization of TRPC1, TRPC3, and TRPC4 to the PMN cell membrane and their internalization after cytoskeletal reorganization by calyculin A (CalyA). Either TRPC internalization by CalyA or treatment with the inositol triphosphate receptor inhibitor 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borane resulted in the loss of PMN SOCE. Cytochalasin D (CytoD) disrupts actin filaments, thus preventing cytoskeletal reorganization, and pretreatment with CytoD rescued PMN SOCE from inhibition by CalyA. Comparative studies of CytoD and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borane inhibition of PMN cationic entry after thapsigargin or platelet-activating factor suggested that SOCE occurs through both calcium-specific and nonspecific pathways. Taken together, these studies suggest that the multiple TRPC proteins expressed by human PMN participate in the formation of at least two store-operated calcium channels that have differing ionic permeabilities and regulatory characteristics.
Expression, localization, and regulation of urea transporter B in rat urothelia

Although mammalian urothelia are generally considered impermeable to urinary constituents, in vivo studies in several species suggest urothelial transport of water, urea, and solutes under certain conditions. This study investigates the expression, localization, and regulation of urea transporter-B (UT-B) in rat renal pelvis, ureter, and bladder tissues. Immunoblots of homogenates of tissues identified characteristic approximately 40- to 55- and approximately 32-kDa bands in the ureter, bladder, and renal inner medulla, but not renal cortex. UT-B was localized by immunocytochemistry and was strongly expressed in all cell membranes (and to a limited extent in intracellular vesicles in the cytoplasm) of epithelial cells lining the rat bladder, ureter, and renal pelvis lumens except the apical membrane of the umbrella cells. It was also present in single-layer papillary surface epithelial cells. There was no difference in immunoblot expression of UT-B in the bladder or ureteral homogenates between groups of rats fed high- or low-protein or high- or low-sodium diets. Water restriction resulted in an increase in UT-B expression in ureters (49%, P = 0.001) but not in bladders (14%, P = not significant). The functional role of UT-B in the genitourinary tract epithelia is unknown. UT-B may participate in the regulation of epithelial cell volume and osmolality, in the dissipation of urea gradients, and in possible net urea transport across uroepithelia.
Differential effects of oral and transdermal menopausal hormone therapy on prostacyclin and thromboxane in platelets

Menopausal hormone therapies (MHT) may increase thrombotic risk but modulate endothelial function and reduce development of vascular lesions. This study compared effects of MHT on prostanoid‐modulated adenosine triphosphate (ATP) secretion from platelets in relationship with endothelial reactive hyperemia (RH) index and carotid intima medial thickness (CIMT). Participants were healthy, recently menopausal women of the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) randomized to one of three treatments: oral conjugated equine estrogen (oCEE, 0.45 mg/day), transdermal 17β‐estradiol (tE2, 50 μg/day) each with intermittent oral progesterone or placebo pills and patch (PL). Prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 were assessed by quantification of their stable metabolites (6‐keto‐prostaglandin F1α, 6‐k‐PGF1α; thromboxane B2, TXB2), using ELISA. Dense granule ATP secretion from activated platelets was determined by bioluminescence; RH and CIMT were determined by fingertip tonometry and ultrasound, respectively. After 48 months of treatment, platelet content of 6‐k‐PGF1α and TXB2 was significantly lower in oCEE compared to the PL. Inhibition of ATP secretion by exogenous activation of cAMP associated with platelet 6‐k‐PGF1α (r = −0.41, P = 0.04) and TXB2 (r = 0.71, P = 0.0005) only in the oCEE group. Serum and platelet content of 6‐k‐PGF1α and TXB2 associated positively in the PL and tE2 groups. Serum 6‐k‐PGF1α positively associated with RH in the oCEE group (r = 0.73, P = 0.02), while serum TXB2 positively associated with CIMT in the tE2 group (r = 0.64, P = 0.01). Thus, oCEE and tE2 differentially affect prostanoid‐mediated platelet secretory pathways but alone would not account for an increased thrombotic risk for oral MHT. Furthermore, platelet‐derived prostanoids may contribute to RH and vascular remodeling in healthy menopausal women.
Selective CO oxidation over Pt/alumina catalysts for fuel cell applications

It has been demonstrated that even traces of CO present in the hydrogen rich feed gas to proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells can poison the platinum anode electrode and dramatically reduce the power output. The tolerable level of CO is around 10 ppm. In this paper, we present the results of selective CO oxidation in simulated reformate gas over single-step sol–gel prepared Pt/alumina catalysts. The effect of water vapor, carbon dioxide, CO and oxygen concentrations, temperature, and Pt loading on the activity and selectivity are presented. Our results show that a 2% Pt/alumina sol–gel catalyst can selectively oxidize CO down to a few ppm with constant selectivity and high space velocity. Water vapor in the feed increases the activity of the catalysts dramatically and in the absence of water vapor, CO 2 in the feed stream decreases the activity of the catalysts significantly. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
A Conversation with Ray Myers

Raymond H. (Ray) Myers is an award-winning retired professor of statistics, former director of the Statistical Consulting Center and author or coauthor of six books. In this interview he talks about his career in the field of statistics. He discusses hi..
Route of Nicotine Administration Influences In Vivo Dopamine Neuron Activity: Habituation, Needle Injection, and Cannula Infusion

Mesolimbic dopamine (DA) systems play a critical role in tobacco addiction driven by nicotine. Nicotine activates midbrain DA neurons and, consequently, elevates DA concentrations in targets, especially in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of the ventral striatum. The route of drug administration influences the impact of addictive drugs. Here, we examine whether the nature of the administration alters DA neuron activity and DA concentrations in the NAc. Using unhabituated naive freely moving rats, microdialysis measurements showed that nicotine administered via needle injection caused greater DA release in the NAc than the same dose administered via an implanted chronic cannula. After habituation to the needle injections, however, there was no significant difference in DA signaling between the needle and cannula routes of administration. Consistent with these microdialysis results after habituation, our in vivo tetrode unit recordings showed no significant difference in midbrain DA neuron activity in response to nicotine delivered by needle or cannula as long as predictive cues were avoided.
Genetic isolation and characterization of a splicing mutant of zebrafish dystrophin

Sapje-like (sapcl100) was one of eight potential zebrafish muscle mutants isolated as part of an early-pressure screen of 500 families. This mutant shows a muscle tearing phenotype similar to sapje (dys−/−) and both mutants fail to genetically complement suggesting they have a mutation in the same gene. Protein analysis confirms a lack of dystrophin in developing sapje-like embryos. Sequence analysis of the sapje-like dystrophin mRNA shows that exon 62 is missing in the dystrophin transcript causing exon 63 to be translated out of frame terminating translation at a premature stop codon at the end of exon 63. Sequence analysis of sapje-like genomic DNA identified a mutation in the donor splice junction at the end of dystrophin exon 62. This mutation is similar to splicing mutations associated with human forms of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Sapje-like is the first zebrafish dystrophin splicing mutant identified to date and represents a novel disease model which can be used in future studies to identify therapeutic compounds for treating diseases caused by splicing defects.
Abstract 10: The PROMIS Physical Function Scale- a Promising Scale for use in Stroke

Background: Functional status is a critically important outcome measure after stroke. The ability to electronically capture this through self-report is increasing. The Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) uses computer adaptive testing (CAT), which can increase score precision and reduce patient burden. The number of questions depends on the patient’s responses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the PROMIS physical function scale (PROMIS PF) compared to the validated Stroke Impact Scale 16 (SIS16) in an ambulatory stroke clinic. Methods: Patient-reported PROMIS PF (CAT version) and SIS16 were electronically collected on patients seen in the stroke clinic using the Knowledge Program platform. Patient completion rates were > 70%. Distribution of scores was compared to assess ceiling/floor effects. Internal consistency was assessed by calculating the SEM for PROMIS PF and Cronbach’s alpha for SIS16. Correlations with NIHSS were performed to assess con...
Testing the Strength of Market Discipline in Some Developing Countries

In the current paper we examine the two major hypotheses related with depositor discipline. The first hypothesis is called ‘the interest rest channel’-hypothesis. The second one is called ‘the deposit growth rate channel’- hypothesis. According to the first hypothesis, if depositor discipline is at work, as some of us believe, then a decrease in the quality of assets of banks should be accompanied by an increase in interest rate asked for by the depositors. Why? Because depositors, like other investors, will like to be compensated for taking higher risk. Otherwise, they will invest in less risky banks even if those banks have lower interest rate. This is perfectly rationale. According to ‘the deposit growth rate’ channel hypothesis, if quality of assets held by banks decrease, then depositors should punish the banks by withdrawing deposits. As a result, growth of total deposit should decrease. In the present paper we explore both of these channels with the help of a multi-country panel data set and find evidence that both of these channels work. This knowledge of the vital role played by depositor discipline is especially important today when the banking sector of many countries around the world is in trouble. Policy makers and regulators should take steps to develop and enhance depositor discipline even further. This will go a long way to help overcome both the adverse selection and moral hazard problem in the loan market.
The Subunits of Cytochrome C Oxidase

Cytochrome c oxidase, the key to aerobic life, has been the subject of a number of excellent recent reviews written from general points of view (e.g., 1–14) and there is no need for another. However, within the last five years it has become apparent that the structures and functions of the subunits that comprise the enzyme hold the secrets to ultimate organization of the enzyme, its biosynthesis and assembly, and its overall functions in electron transfer, proton pumping, and reduction of O2 to water in the context of mitochondrial structure. The subunits have proved to be difficult experimental materials with which to obtain results consistent from laboratory to laboratory. What is really established about them? and what remains to be accomplished?
The Whittier Narrows, California Earthquake of October 1, 1987—Response of Elevators

Abstract The Whittier Narrows earthquake has been the first earthquake to affect a significant number and many of the same elevator systems that now conform to the more stringent code provisions introduced after the 1971 San Fernando earthquake. While the relative damage potential of the two earthquakes is not now known, much less manchine room and rope damage was observed. The incidence of counterweights coming out of their guide rails was much less than it was from the San Fernando earthquake but still quite common. The performance and operation of elevator earthquake protection devices, seismic switches and counterweight derail detection devices, did not fully meet expectations but they did significantly reduce damage and the potential for injury. There was some inconsistency in the triggering of seismic switches. The seismic performance of elevators suggest that several changes to codes should be considered including a requirement to report earthquake damage and prevent seismic devices from being rese...
Evolution analysis of structural protein(VP1) of enterovirus 71 strain of Fuzhou in 2008

Objective:To analyze phylogenic tree of FZ06008 and FZ17408 based on the VP1 gene sequences.Methods:Specimens from patients with HFMD symptom in Fuzhou during June 2008 were collected and inoculated for RD cell.They were detected by a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).And VP1 gene was cloned and sequenced,then the phylogenic tree was completed by DNASTAR software.Result:Compared with BrCr,FZ06008 and FZ17408 were without nucleotide absence and insert in VP1 gene,and amino acid homology was about 94.6%,and the nucleotide homology was about 79.1%.Among FZ06008,FZ17408,SHZH03 and 703813-Fuyang-08 strains,amino acid homology was about 99%～99.3%.Conclusion:FZ06008 and FZ17408 may have the same genotype with Shenzhen predominant strains in 2003,and its evolution path is similar to 703813-Fuyang-08 strain.
Temporal discharge patterns evoked by rapid sequences of wide- and narrowband clicks in the primary auditory cortex of cat.

The present study investigated neural responses to rapid, repetitive stimuli in the primary auditory cortex (A1) of cats. We focused on two important issues regarding cortical coding of sequences o...
Tacrine Reduces the Secretion of Soluble Amyloid Beta-Peptides in a Neuroblastoma Cell Line

One of the major hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease is the deposition of the 39–43 amino acid residue (Mw ∼4 kDa) amyloid beta-peptide as a major constituent of extracellular plaques which are detected in certain areas of the brain (Selkoe, 1997). This peptide is synthesized as part of the larger 110-120 kDa amyloid beta-protein precursor which is a type I integral membrane glycoprotein with a large N-terminal extracellular domain, a single transmembrane domain and a short cytoplasmic tail. The Aβ sequence spans portions of the extracellular and transmembrane domains of βAPP. Secreted derivatives arise after cleavage of βAPP at three different sites which are close to the transmembrane domain (Selkoe, 1997). The cleavage by (a-secretase occurs within the Aβ sequence after residue 16 and does not contribute to amyloid fon-nation. Other cleavage sites by enzymes referred to as ‘β’- and ‘γ’-secretase, occur at the amino- and carboxyl-ends of Aβ, respectively, resulting in secretion of soluble βAPP and Aβ, some forms of which are potentially amyloidogenic. The identification and characterization of the βAPP secretases are currently progressing in several laboratories. The pathological relevance of these proteolytic currently progressing in several laboratories. The pathological relevance of these proteolytic processes lies in the fact that at least five mutations in βAPP, all located in or near the Aβ domain, were identified in families with early onset of familial Alzheimer’s disease (Hisama and Schllenberg, 1996; Selkoe, 1997). Recently a correlation among memory deficits, Aβ elevation and amyloid plaques has been demonstrated in transgenic mice overexpressing βAPP containing one of these mutations (Hsiao et al., 1996). Different factors and agents that regulate amyloid depositions are central to understanding cerebrovascular depositions of Aβ in AD (Checler, 1995).
Populations: r- and K-Selection

Density-independent and density-dependent factors and events differ fundamentally in their effects on natural selection and on populations. Populations that experience crowded conditions at high population densities and keen competition have been called ‘equilibrium populations’. In contrast, competition is lax in populations that exist at low densities, which are known as ‘opportunistic populations’. Natural selection favors different adaptations under such varying conditions. For example, r-strategists exhibit early reproduction, small body size, high fecundity, and poor competitive ability, whereas K-strategists show delayed reproduction, larger body size, reduced fecundity, and higher competitive abilities. A continuum exists from density-dependent to density-independent selection. Any statement about the position of a particular species along this r–K-selection continuum is invariably comparative. Compared to a microbe, a mouse would be considered to be a K-strategist, but when compared to a larger longer-lived mammal, the same mouse would be labeled an r-strategist.
FPGA, GPU, and CPU implementations of Jacobi algorithm for eigenanalysis

Parallel implementations of Jacobi algorithm for eigenanalysis of a matrix on most commonly used high performance computing (HPC) devices such as central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) are discussed in this paper. Their performances are investigated and compared. It is shown that CPU, even with multi-threaded implementation, is not a feasible option for large dense matrices. For the GPU implementation, performance impact of the global memory access patterns on the GPU board and the memory coalescing are emphasized. Three memory access methods are proposed. It is shown that one of them achieves 81.6% computational performance improvement over the traditional GPU methods, and it runs 68.5 times faster than a single-threaded CPU for a dense symmetric square matrix of size 1,024. Furthermore, FPGA implementation is presented and its performance running on chips from two major manufacturers are reported. A comparison of GPU and FPGA implementations is quantified and ranked. It is reported that FPGA design delivers the best performance for such a task while GPU is a strong competitor requiring less development effort with superior scalability. We predict that emerging big data applications will benefit from real-time and high performance computing implementations of eigenanalysis for information inference and signal analytics in the future.
Four-Station Group Observed Structured Clinical Encounter for Formative Assessment of Communication Skills for Internal Medicine Clerks.

Abstract Introduction Communication with patients and among colleagues is critical to effective clinical care. A group observed structured clinical encounter (GOSCE) is an effective and resource-sa...
MultiSense—Context-Aware Nonverbal Behavior Analysis Framework: A Psychological Distress Use Case

During face-to-face interactions, people naturally integrate nonverbal behaviors such as facial expressions and body postures as part of the conversation to infer the communicative intent or emotional state of their interlocutor. The interpretation of these nonverbal behaviors will often be contextualized by interactional cues such as the previous spoken question, the general discussion topic or the physical environment. A critical step in creating computers able to understand or participate in this type of social face-to-face interactions is to develop a computational platform to synchronously recognize nonverbal behaviors as part of the interactional context. In this platform, information for the acoustic and visual modalities should be carefully synchronized and rapidly processed. At the same time, contextual and interactional cues should be remembered and integrated to better interpret nonverbal (and verbal) behaviors. In this article, we introduce a real-time computational framework, MultiSense, which offers flexible and efficient synchronization approaches for context-based nonverbal behavior analysis. MultiSense is designed to utilize interactional cues from both interlocutors (e.g., from the computer and the human participant) and integrate this contextual information when interpreting nonverbal behaviors. MultiSense can also assimilate behaviors over a full interaction and summarize the observed affective states of the user. We demonstrate the capabilities of the new framework with a concrete use case from the mental health domain where MultiSense is used as part of a decision support tool to assess indicators of psychological distress such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this scenario, MultiSense not only infers psychological distress indicators from nonverbal behaviors but also broadcasts the user state in real-time to a virtual agent (i.e., a digital interviewer) designed to conduct semi-structured interviews with human participants. Our experiments show the added value of our multimodal synchronization approaches and also demonstrate the importance of MultiSense contextual interpretation when inferring distress indicators.
Hormonal Circadian Rhythm in the Wing-Polymorphic Cricket Gryllus firmus: Integrating Chronobiology, Endocrinology, and Evolution

Hormonal circadian rhythms, an important aspect of endocrinology, have been extensively studied in vertebrates, but much less so in insects. Moreover, adaptive evolutionary change of these rhythms has been barely investigated in any species. In the wing-polymorphic cricket, Gryllus firmus, the key insect hormone, juvenile hormone (JH), exhibits a large-amplitude (ca. tenfold change) circadian rhythm in the flight-capable (long-winged, LW(f)) morph that delays reproduction, but a much shallower (twofold change) rhythm in the flightless, reproductive morph (SW, short-winged). The morph-specific cycle is a genetic polymorphism and occurs in both the laboratory and field in G. firmus, as well as in several other cricket species. The cycle is primarily driven by a circadian rhythm in the rate of JH biosynthesis. The function of the morph-specific cycle is unknown at present, but possibly regulates some aspect of flight, which is also circadian in crickets (only occurs at night), and which first occurs when the morph-specific JH titer cycle is also first manifest. Endocrine circadian cycles are likely common and functionally important in insects but have largely been unstudied. Recent transcriptome profiling has identified numerous morph-specific diel changes in transcript abundance that are more common in the LW(f) than in the SW morph and thus are correlated with the greater circadian change in the JH titer in the LW(f) morph. Thus, morph-specific daily change in the JH titer and global transcript abundance appear to be key features of wing polymorphism in Gryllus. These studies in Gryllus are contributing significantly to the synthesis of the previously independent subdisciplines of chronobiology, endocrinology, and life history evolution.
Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Characteristics among White- and Black-Americans: a Cross Sectional Study

Abstract Background : Compared to Whites, Black-Americans may have a 40% higher incidence of idiopathic VTE. However, whether other VTE characteristics vary by race is uncertain. Objective : To compare demographic and baseline characteristics among White- and Black-Americans with VTE. Methods : Using a standardized data-collection form, demographic and baseline characteristics were prospectively collected from consecutive consenting patients enrolled in seven Thrombosis and Hemostasis Centers from August 2003 to March 2008. For patients with objectively diagnosed VTE, demographic and baseline characteristics were compared among White- and Black-American VTE patients, both overall, and by age and gender. Results : Among 1960 White- and 368 Black-Americans with VTE, compared to Whites, Blacks had significantly less isolated DVT (73.9% vs. 86.5%, p Conclusion : White- and Black-Americans with VTE differ significantly regarding demographic and baseline characteristics that may be risk factors for VTE.
Attribute agenda setting and information overload: Computer-assisted analysis for understanding compelling arguments

The compelling argument concept, one of the least studied components of attribute agenda setting, suggests that some attributes increase the salience of an object on the public agenda of issues. By conducting two studies, this article examines the compelling argument concept applying both manual content analysis (Study 1) and computerized-analysis tools (Study 2), considering frequency and degree centrality as measures of attribute salience. Results show that the application of computer-aided methods and mathematical techniques can efficiently identify attributes and estimate degree centrality, which are the core elements of the second and third level of the agenda-setting theory, respectively. Also, findings indicate that absolute frequency, rather than the presence or absence of an attribute in a news story, is a more parsimonious measure of redundancy to identify compelling arguments in news stories. This study proposes methodological innovations that further expand the scope of attribute agenda setting in the big data landscape.
Universal Multimode Background Subtraction

In this paper, we present a complete change detection system named multimode background subtraction. The universal nature of system allows it to robustly handle multitude of challenges associated with video change detection, such as illumination changes, dynamic background, camera jitter, and moving camera. The system comprises multiple innovative mechanisms in background modeling, model update, pixel classification, and the use of multiple color spaces. The system first creates multiple background models of the scene followed by an initial foreground/background probability estimation for each pixel. Next, the image pixels are merged together to form mega-pixels, which are used to spatially denoise the initial probability estimates to generate binary masks for both RGB and YCbCr color spaces. The masks generated after processing these input images are then combined to separate foreground pixels from the background. Comprehensive evaluation of the proposed approach on publicly available test sequences from the CDnet and the ESI data sets shows superiority in the performance of our system over other state-of-the-art algorithms.