cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lowering the Complexity of Multi-view Encoding through Dynamic Segmentation and Registration of Video Object

Exploitation of redundancies for superior coding efficiency is one of the major research issues in multi-view video coding (MVC). However, this incurs extra computation, counteracting the benefit gained from coding efficiency. This paper exploits inter-view correlations among video objects and background to lower the prediction complexity while achieving high coding efficiency in MVC. We propose an effective object-based scheme that utilizes video object information obtained from the coded base view. This information assists to predict disparity vectors and motion vectors in enhancement views (EVs) by employing object registration and warping. This leads to high compression and low-complexity coding scheme for EVs. The proposed scheme provides higher coding efficiency when compared to the segmentation-free scheme, while achieving lower computational complexity.
Experimentally, how does Cu TSV diameter influence its stress state?

In this work, an experimental study of the influence of Cu through-silicon via (TSV) diameter on stress build up was performed using synchrotron-based X-ray microdiffraction technique. Three Cu TSV diameters were studied; 3 µm, 5 µm and 8 µm, all of which were fabricated in a single chip. Prior to the measurements, the die was annealed at 420 °C (30 min), yielding a fully grown and stable microstructure. The measured mean hydrostatic stresses in the Cu TSV were 185±14 MPa (3 µm Cu TSV diameter), 147±10 MPa (5 µm Cu TSV diameter) and 205±15 MPa (8 µm Cu TSV diameter). As such, no conclusive stress dependence on Cu TSV diameter was determined. This is attributed to stress relaxation mechanisms including plastic deformation, grain boundary sliding, dislocation motion and the formation of cracks/ voids which are otherwise neglected in many reported finite element modeling based studies. Additionally, this study underscores that the stress-strain behavior of Cu TSVs are significantly dependent on their thermal history and microstructural characteristics.
A simple radioassay for dihydrofolate synthetase activity in Escherichia coli and its application to an inhibition study of new pteroate analogs

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses about a radioassay method for dihydrofolate synthetase activity in Escherichia coli. The method involves the measurement of the enzymic formation of dihydrofolate. Some of the characteristics of the enzyme were examined by the microbiological assay with Lactobacillus casei . This microbiological method was cumbersome and inaccurate. A simple, rapid, and accurate radioassay method, using L-[ 14 C]glutamic acid as substrate, is developed for a quantitative determination of dihydrofolate synthetase activity. Pteroic acid is synthesized, according to the method of Plante, and further purified by the method of Houlihan. The dihydro form used as substrate is prepared by reduction with sodium dithionite as described by Futterman. Chromatograms of reaction mixtures are analyzed for their ability to support the growth of L. casei . They are also carefully examined by serial sections and radioactive scans. The amount of product (dihydrofolic acid) formed is observed to increase linearly with time up to 50 min of incubation at 37° and to be directly proportional to the amount of protein added up to 2 mg/ml.
President Hayes, Congress and the Appropriations Riders Vetoes

President Rutherford B. Hayes is known as a statesman of reunion for removing the last of the federal troops from the south in 1877, thereby ending Reconstruction and opening the door to sectional ...
Posted prices vs. negotiations: an asymptotic analysis

The design of optimal auctions focuses on ways to negotiate with the bidders for eliciting relevant information that they hold. Sometimes, however, decisions should be made very quickly, and the auctioneer cannot allow a costly iterative procedure of negotiation or waiting for bidders to determine their exact valuation. One solution that has been used in practice is to post prices for the bidders, without collecting any information from the bidders, and ask for their immediate take-it-or-leave-it response.Our paper compares the expected revenue in full-revelation auctions to that in posted-price auctions. We focus on single-item auctions in a Bayesian model where the values that the bidders are willing to pay for the item are independently identically distributed according to a known distribution.This paper provides an exact asymptotic characterization of the optimal expected revenue achieved by each one of the above auctions. For posted price auctions, we also present the exact prices that achieve the optimal results.Our results are given up to terms with lower asymptotic order, that is, up to factor of 1--o(1). We provide two sets of results; one for distributions on a support that is bounded from above, and a second set for distributions on unbounded supports. In the first case we require a mild assumption on the way the distribution function approaches the end of the support, called the first von Mises condition; the latter case requires a similar mild condition called the second von Mises condition. These very weak conditions are taken from works on extreme-value theory and highest-order statistics.
Coupling the High Complexity Land Surface Model ACASA to the Mesoscale Model WRF

Abstract. In this study, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is coupled with the Advanced Canopy–Atmosphere–Soil Algorithm (ACASA), a high-complexity land surface model. Although WRF is a state-of-the-art regional atmospheric model with high spatial and temporal resolutions, the land surface schemes available in WRF, such as the popular NOAH model, are simple and lack the capability of representing the canopy structure. In contrast, ACASA is a complex multilayer land surface model with interactive canopy physiology and high-order turbulence closure that allows for an accurate representation of heat, momentum, water, and carbon dioxide fluxes between the land surface and the atmosphere. It allows for microenvironmental variables such as surface air temperature, wind speed, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration to vary vertically within and above the canopy. Surface meteorological conditions, including air temperature, dew point temperature, and relative humidity, simulated by WRF-ACASA and WRF-NOAH are compared and evaluated with observations from over 700 meteorological stations in California. Results show that the increase in complexity in the WRF-ACASA model not only maintains model accuracy but also properly accounts for the dominant biological and physical processes describing ecosystem–atmosphere interactions that are scientifically valuable. The different complexities of physical and physiological processes in the WRF-ACASA and WRF-NOAH models also highlight the impact of different land surface models on atmospheric and surface conditions.
Efficient, Air‐Stable Bulk Heterojunction Polymer Solar Cells Using MoOx as the Anode Interfacial Layer

The use of molybdenum oxide as the anode interfacial layer in conventional bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells leads to an improved power conversion efficiency and also dramatically increases the device stability. This indicates that the engineering of improved anode interface materials is an important method by which to fabricate efficient and stable polymer solar cells.
Secondary organic aerosol formation from naphthalene roadway emissions in the South Coast Air Basin of California

Naphthalene is the simplest and most abundant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in California fuels, with concentrations of up to 2,600 mg L -1 in gasoline and 1,600 mg L -1 in diesel fuel. In this work, naphthalene emission factors for gasoline and diesel vehicles are combined with an activity-based automobile inventory to characterise anthropogenic naphthalene
Outcome of Grade I and II Hamstring Injuries in Intercollegiate Athletes: A Novel Rehabilitation Protocol

Background: Hamstring muscle strains represent a common and disabling athletic injury with variable recurrence rates and prolonged recovery times.
A bayesian analysis of a random coefficient model in a simple keynesian system

Abstract The marginal propensity to consume in a simple Keynesian model is treated as a random coefficient. This gives rise to the problem of quotient of random variables, i.e., the Fieller-Creasy problem. The Bayesian and maximum likelihood estimators are compared in sampling experiments. The Bayesian estimators have smaller mean squared errors than the maximum likelihood estimators. Marginal posterior probability density functions for a given sample are also presented.
Targeted creation and Purcell enhancement of NV centers within photonic crystal cavities in single-crystal diamond

We demonstrate Purcell enhancement of single NV centers in L3 photonic crystal cavities made from high-purity single-crystal diamond. Furthermore, NV centers were created using an implantation mask in the cavity high field region.
Metabolism of Indoleacetic Acid in Rust Diseases. II. Metabolites of Carboxyl-labeled Indoleacetic Acid in Tissues.

In a previous paper (6), we reported different rates of decarboxylation of indoleacetic acid (IAAC14OOH) by healthy and rust-affected wheat leaves in the dark. As a result of infection the rate of decarboxylation first increased, but several days later, as the rust began to sporulate, declined to become much lower than that of healthy leaves. This was in agreement with other data (26, 27) at the sporulating stage of fungus development. The depression could be caused by inhibition of the enzyme mediating decarboxylation, and might result in the accumulation of IAA during sporulation as suggested by Shaw and co-workers (27, 28) but there are alternative explanations. One possibility is that CO2 released from IAA might be reutilized into organic acids, and that the rate of decarboxylation of IAA cannot be measured by the radioactivity in CO2 alone. A higher rate of fixation in diseased tissue could lead to the erroneous conclusion that the reaction generating CO, from IAA is inhibited. In previous work we noted also that the lower rate of decarboxylation in diseased tissue was associated with high residual radioactivity in the bathing solutions from which IAA was supplied to the tissues. This raised a question as to whether relative failure of diseased tissue to decarboxylate IAA might reside in reduced ability to remove IAA from solution. This explanation was difficult to accept because IAA uptake is dependent upon metabolism, which is particuarly rapid in rust-affected leaves. However, no information was obtained on the radioactive compounds present in the bathing solution. It is possible that IAA is taken up by tissues and converted to other materials, which then are released back into solution. The above considerations are not only important for understanding hormonal metabolism during fungal infections, but also for evaluation of data showing changes in destruction of IAA during normal plant development. The present study was designed to obtain quantitative information orn the fate of carboxyl-labeled IAA in rusted and normal wheat leaves. While it was in progress, Srivastava and Shaw (28) reported on the radioactive compounds produced from IAA. Their results appear to differ from those presented below.
A purified fraction containing RNA polymerase I that can accurately transcribe rat ribosomal RNA gene.

Abstract Transcription of a cloned rat rDNA containing the transcription initiation region was studied using purified fractions derived from whole cell extract. The cell extract obtained from rat mammary adenocarcinoma cells was fractionated successively on DEAE-Sephadex and heparin-Sepharose columns. The fractions eluted by 175 mM (NH4)2SO4 (DE-B) from the DEAE-Sephadex column and those eluting with RNA polymerase I on the subsequent heparin-Sepharose column (HS-B) were used in a run-off transcription assay using Xho I-cleaved cloned rat rDNA. Both fractions that contained greater than 90% of the RNA polymerase I activity produced the anticipated 635-nucleotide-long transcript. Fractionation of fraction DE-B on a phosphocellulose column also resulted in a RNA polymerase I-containing complex that, by itself, could transcribe the rDNA accurately. The major polypeptides obtained after NaDodSO4/PAGE of fraction HS-B had Mr values of 190,000, 120,000, 65,000, 42,000, and 25,000, corresponding to the major subunits of RNA polymerase I. Purified nuclear RNA polymerase I did not produce the correct transcript. These studies have shown that a purified fraction containing RNA polymerase I from whole cells can support accurate transcription of rDNA.
Analytical and numerical solutions of the density dependent diffusion Nagumo equation

Abstract In this Letter, we obtained solutions to a class of density dependent diffusion Nagumo equations. In particular, series solutions are obtained, along with a bound for the range of the convergence. Also, numerical solutions are obtained by the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg 45 method. Moreover, the dependence of the traveling wave solutions on various parameters is discussed. Furthermore, we compare the series solutions with the numerical solutions to validate the numerical method. The results obtained in this study reveal many interesting behaviors that warrant further study on the Nagumo equation.
E rosette formation in the presence of α-fetoprotein and ferritin

Abstract Formation of E rosettes has been reported to be inhibited by amniotic fluid and two carcinofetal proteins, α-fetoprotein (AFP) and α-2H, have been associated with the inhibition. α-2H has been reported to be immunologically identical with ferritin. This study has sought to evaluate the inhibition using amniotic fluid containing 5.8–150 μg of AFP per ml, two hepatoma sera containing 6.4 and 11 μg of AFP per ml, and solutions of ferritin containing 0.1–2.0 mg of protein per ml. Lymphocytes were obtained from 10 donors. Control lymphocyte preparations exhibited 74% (range 68–81%) E rosettes, lymphocytes incubated with amniotic fluid exhibited 73% (range 69–81%) rosettes, and those treated with ferritin 72% (range 68–79%) rosettes. It is concluded that neither AFP nor ferritin inhibits lymphocytes from forming E rosettes with sheep red blood cells.
Estrogen synthetase activity in human term placental cells in monolayer culture.

Human term placental cells, isolated by trypsin treatment, were grown in culture with medium 199 and 10% fetal bovine serum for up to 1 week. Aromatase specific activity (±SE) of freshly isolated cells was low (0.63 ± 0.04 pmol/minmg protein; n = 15) compared to that of placental tissue before trypsin treatment (21.30 ± 0.40 pmol/min-mg protein; n = 6). This activity in attached cells increased 10-fold 24 h after plating (6.32 ± 0.75 pmol/min-mg protein; n = 19) and continued to increase up to 72–96 h (14.78 ± 1.09 pmol/min-mg protein; n = 13) before declining to 6.50 ± 1.40 pmol/min-mg protein (n = 4) after 120 h. The functional activity of the cells was assessed by daily measurements of hCG secretion into the medium. Secretion of hCG was maintained at about 0.3 μg/flask up to 48 h in culture, then rose rapidly to about 6.2 μg/flask from 96–168 h. The addition of 1 mm (Bu)2cAMP plus 1 mm theophylline to the culture medium 24 h after plating stimulated hCG secretion 7- to 8-fold relative to that by contro...
Enzymatic determination of ethanol using 'reagentless' electrocatalyzed luminol chemiluminescence

Abstract Flow analysis methodology is presented for the determination of aqueous ethanol in concentrations between 3–340 μM. Alcohol oxidase catalyzes the production of hydrogen peroxide which is detected by luminol chemiluminescence. Adjustment of the pH to alkaline conditions and addition of the luminophore are implemented using in-line flow-through beds containing crystalline media. The requirement for a homogeneous catalyst is eliminated by electrochemical initiation of luminescence. Traditional laboratory reagents are replaced by packed beds containing immobilized enzyme, solid phase basification media, and crystalline luminol. The methodology is suitable for application in both continuous flow and flow injection analysis configurations.
Teaching Against the Text: The Case of Qualitative Methods:

Although all of us must teach against the text at times, I find myself doing this most often when teaching about qualitative methods in the context of a general introductory methods course. Myths a...
Leishmania-released nucleoside diphosphate kinase prevents ATP-mediated cytolysis of macrophages

Leishmania amazonensis was found to release nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NdK)-a stable enzyme capable of decreasing extracellular ATP. The release of this enzyme from Leishmania results in its progressive accumulation extracellularly as they replicate, peaking at the stationary phase in vitro. The released NdK is immunoprecipitable and constitutes approximately 40% of its total activities and proteins. The retention of a known cytosolic protein by wild type cells and a fluorescent protein by DsRed transfectants at stationary phase, which release NdK, indicates that this is a spontaneous event, independent of inadvertent cytolysis. Recombinant products of Leishmania NdK prepared were enzymatically and immunologically active. Both recombinant and native Leishmania NdK utilized ATP to produce expected nucleoside triphosphates in the presence of nucleoside diphosphates in excess. Both native and recombinant Leishmania NdK were also found to prevent ATP-induced cytolysis of J774 macrophages in vitro, as determined by assays for lactate dehydrogenase release from these cells and for their mitochondrial membrane potential changes. The results obtained thus suggest that Leishmania NdK not only serves its normal house-keeping and other important functions true to all cells, but also prevents ATP-mediated lysis of macrophages, thereby preserving the integrity of the host cells to the benefit of the parasite.
Eigenvalue bounds for an alignment matrix in manifold learning

Abstract This paper presents a spectral analysis for an alignment matrix that arises in reconstruction of a global coordinate system from local coordinate systems through alignment in manifold learning. Some characterizations of its eigenvalues and its null space as well as a lower bound for the smallest positive eigenvalue are given, which generalize earlier results of Li et al. (2007) [4] to include a more general situation that arises in alignments of local sections of different dimensions. Our results provide a theoretical understanding of the Local Tangent Space Alignment (LTSA) method (Zhang and Zha (2004) [12] ) for nonlinear manifold learning and address some computational issues related to the method.
Studies on the in vitro synthesis of ppGpp and pppGpp.

Abstract The effect of a number of inhibitors of protein synthesis on ppGpp and pppGpp synthesis in vitro has been examined. As expected from in vivo results, chloramphenicol is without effect on this reaction. Aurintricarboxylic acid and chlortetracycline, on the other hand rapidly and specifically inhibit ppGpp synthesis. Fusidic acid in the presence of saturating amounts of EF G also inhibits the reaction completely, suggesting that an empty ribosomal acceptor site is necessary for this reaction. On the other hand, the 50-S subunit proteins L7 and L12 are not required for stringent factor activity. Ribosomes from Pseudomonas fluorescens can replace those from Escherichia coli in the complete system, while ribosomes from Ehrlich ascites cannot. A small but reproducible synthesis of ppGpp is observed when the ribosomal wash from E. coli is complemented with ribosomes from wheat germ cytoplasm.
Using Consumer Health Information to Meet the Needs of the Underserved

Librarians can be major contributors at multihealth profession community outreach efforts. East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine Library (ETSU QCOML) partnered with the Remote Area Medical Group (RAM) at two health “expeditions” in northeastern Tennessee to provide consumer health information to the people who came to the event for medical, dental, and vision care. A booth staffed by library workers that utilized MedlinePlus.gov was set up at each event. Preselected handouts were used along with online searching. The library booth was able to provide consumer health information to 1,310 people. By participating in this event, it allowed not only the library workers to assist the public with consumer health questions but also exposed other health care professionals to what medical librarians can do to directly help patients.
Molecule formation as a diagnostic tool for second-order correlations of ultracold gases

We calculate the momentum distribution and the second-order correlation function in momentum space, ${g}^{(2)}(\mathbf{p},{\mathbf{p}}^{\ensuremath{'}},t)$ for molecular dimers that are coherently formed from an ultracold atomic gas by photoassociation or a Feshbach resonance. We investigate using perturbation theory how the quantum statistics of the molecules depend on the initial state of the atoms by considering three different initial states: a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC), a normal Fermi gas of ultracold atoms, and a BCS-type superfluid Fermi gas. The cases of strong and weak coupling to the molecular field are discussed. It is found that BEC and BCS states give rise to an essentially coherent molecular field with a momentum distribution determined by the zero-point motion in the confining potential. On the other hand, a normal Fermi gas and the unpaired atoms in the BCS state give rise to a molecular field with a broad momentum distribution and thermal number statistics. It is shown that the first-order correlations of the molecules can be used to measure second-order correlations of the initial atomic state.
A unified theory of the dynamics of linear chain macromolecules: From unentangled to entangled polymer fluids

We present an analytically tractable model of the dynamics of a flexible linear polymer. The polymer is represented by a freely jointed chain that undergoes two types of motion. The first motion is a slithering along its contour that mimics reptation. The second type of motion is a generalization of the Stockmayer ‘‘kink–jump’’ algorithm that includes the effects of a medium that relaxes with a finite time scale. A fixed fraction of the beads are immobilized by obstacles that relax with a rate whose magnitude may be smaller than, larger than, or comparable to the rate at which a bead executes jumps in the absence of obstacles. The calculation of observables such as the autocorrelation function of the end‐to‐end vector, viscoelastic moduli, and the diffusion coefficient is related to the solution of a set of random walk problems with dynamical disorder. Analytical results based on the dynamical effective medium approximation are presented. Our results recover the behavior of an isolated (Rouse) chain and o...
Sclerotium dispersal of Aspergillus flavus and Eupenicillium ochrosalmoneum from maize during harvest

The natural occurrence of sclerotia produced by Aspergillus or Penicillium spp. is reported for the first time. Sclerotia of A. flavus and immature sclerotioid cleistothecia of Eupenicillium ochrosalmoneum were detected in samples of insect-damaged and mouldy maize ears from a field that was left unharvested following the 1981 growing season. At harvest in 1982, it was found that very mouldy grain contained the greatest number of sclerotia both before harvest and subsequently in combine debris. Their dispersal into soil from the combine was demonstrated during harvest. Sclerotia could not be readily found in the soil due to their low frequency. The propagule density of A. flavus in soil generally increased following harvest, but E. ochrosalmoneum was infrequently found. Sclerotia may serve as propagules for overwintering in soil. Because A. flavus and E. ochrosalmoneum produce aflatoxin and citreoviridin, respectively, these observations have significance in relation to problems of mycotoxin contamination of preharvest cereals.
Effects of Social Influences and Waiting on Time Judgment

Utilizing social judgment theory, the relationships of three social cues to time judgment under low physical temporal-cue conditions were explored. These social influences were as follows: being free to interact with another person, being told by the experimenter to expect to wait a specified period of time, and seeing another person's time judgment. 72 college students, randomly assigned to conditions of free social interaction (alone-interactive) and of waiting expectancy (expected-unexpected), made time estimates after 4 min., 7 sec. Each person under interactive conditions made another judgment after seeing a partner's judgment. Mean estimation was lower alone than under interactive conditions and lower under expected than unexpected waiting conditions. Under interactive conditions, correlations were positive between the individual's first and second judgments, between the partners' second judgments, and between the individual's second and the partner's first judgments. Social cues may influence time judgment.
CD25 and CD69 induction by α4β1 outside-in signalling requires TCR early signalling complex proteins

Distinct signalling pathways producing diverse cellular outcomes can utilize similar subsets of proteins. For example, proteins from the TCR (T-cell receptor) ESC (early signalling complex) are also involved in interferon-α receptor signalling. Defining the mechanism for how these proteins function within a given pathway is important in understanding the integration and communication of signalling networks with one another. We investigated the contributions of the TCR ESC proteins Lck (lymphocyte-specific kinase), ZAP-70 (ζ-chain-associated protein of 70 kDa), Vav1, SLP-76 [SH2 (Src homology 2)-domain-containing leukocyte protein of 76 kDa] and LAT (linker for activation of T-cells) to integrin outside-in signalling in human T-cells. Lck, ZAP-70, SLP-76, Vav1 and LAT were activated by α4β1 outside-in signalling, but in a manner different from TCR signalling. TCR stimulation recruits ESC proteins to activate the mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase). α4β1 outside-in-mediated ERK activation did not require TCR ESC proteins. However, α4β1 outside-in signalling induced CD25 and co-stimulated CD69 and this was dependent on TCR ESC proteins. TCR and α4β1 outside-in signalling are integrated through the common use of TCR ESC proteins; however, these proteins display functionally distinct roles in these pathways. These novel insights into the cross-talk between integrin outside-in and TCR signalling pathways are highly relevant to the development of therapeutic strategies to overcome disease associated with T-cell deregulation.
Allosteric mechanism for translational repression in the Escherichia coli alpha operon.

Abstract The ribosomal protein S4 is a translational repressor that binds to a complex mRNA pseudoknot structure containing the ribosome binding site for the first gene of the alpha operon. Either 30S subunits or S4 protein bound to the mRNA causes Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase to pause near the 3' terminus of the pseudoknot. There is no competition between subunits and S4 for mRNA binding. The kinetics of forming S4-30S-mRNA complexes are biphasic, and the fraction of mRNA molecules reacting more rapidly decreases as the temperature is increased from 30 degrees C to 40 degrees C. The complex cannot be detected with mRNA mutants that cannot be repressed. We have previously shown similar kinetic behavior for the formation of tRNA(fMet) initiation complexes with tRNA(fMet), 30S subunits, and mRNA, except that the fraction reacting rapidly increases when the temperature is increased over the same 30-40 degrees C range. Thus the two sets of experiments show that there are two forms of 30S-mRNA complexes that differ in their abilities to bind S4 and tRNA(fMet). The results support an allosteric model for translational repression in which S4 traps the mRNA in a conformation able to bind 30S subunits but unable to form an initiation complex with tRNA(fMet).
The Influence of Energetic Condition on Flight Initiation and Orientation of Migratory Songbirds in the Gulf of Maine Region

ABSTRACT. Energetic condition influences migratory decisions made by songbirds. Over-water or coastal flights are often the shortest routes but may be dangerous for landbirds because they may get caught over water where they are not able to rest and refuel. We investigated how various components of energetic condition were related to the likelihood that a migrant songbird in the Gulf of Maine region would initiate a migratory flight and the direction that it would choose. We used release tests and measurements of energy stores (fat score), plasma triglycerides, and within-day changes in body mass to investigate whether these measures of condition were related to the decisions migrants must make about when to resume migration and which direction they should go. Our results indicated that the amount of fat that a bird had at the time of release influenced the decision to initiate a flight, whereas directional decisions were influenced by both fat and within-day changes in body mass. Plasma triglyceride leve...
Interpretation of Rank Histograms for Verifying Ensemble Forecasts

Abstract Rank histograms are a tool for evaluating ensemble forecasts. They are useful for determining the reliability of ensemble forecasts and for diagnosing errors in its mean and spread. Rank histograms are generated by repeatedly tallying the rank of the verification (usually an observation) relative to values from an ensemble sorted from lowest to highest. However, an uncritical use of the rank histogram can lead to misinterpretations of the qualities of that ensemble. For example, a flat rank histogram, usually taken as a sign of reliability, can still be generated from unreliable ensembles. Similarly, a U-shaped rank histogram, commonly understood as indicating a lack of variability in the ensemble, can also be a sign of conditional bias. It is also shown that flat rank histograms can be generated for some model variables if the variance of the ensemble is correctly specified, yet if covariances between model grid points are improperly specified, rank histograms for combinations of model variables...
Critical Thinking and Values Clarification through Socratic Seminars

The authors of this article were asked to assess the effectiveness of the Socratic seminar method as employed at the Lookout Valley Middle School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Relying on qualitative research approaches to data collection, the authors observed middle school students engaged in Socratic seminars, conducted focus groups, and semi structured interviews with both teachers and students. The findings suggest that the seminars are useful in promoting (a) higher order thinking, (b) appropriate conflict resolution strategies, and (c) enhanced interest in learning. Seminars that focused on topics viewed as relevant or real life were extrememly well received. Those that placed students in metaphorical learning situations were viewed as less valuable.
Strophanthidin inotropy: Role of intracellular sodium ion activity and sodium-calcium exchange

The relation among the ratio of extra- and intra-cellular sodium ion activities (aoNa/aiNa), contractile force and action of strophanthidin was studied in cardiac Purkinje fibers when transmembrane Na+ and Ca2+ gradients were changed. The aiNa, contractile force and action potential were simultaneously measured. Simultaneous reduction of [Na+]o and [Ca2+]o to 80.8 and 1.08 mM respectively, decreased aiNa from 8.0 +/- 1.1 mM (mean +/- S.D., n = 17) to 6.0 +/- 0.9 mM (n = 17) whereas contractile force transiently increased and then recovered toward the level similar to that in Tyrode solution. Reduction of [Ca2+]o alone increased aiNa by 1.7 +/- 0.4 mM (n = 5) and decreased contractile force by 87 +/- 5% (n = 5). Raising osmolarity of Tyrode solution with sucrose increased both aiNa and contractile force. Substitution of sucrose with Na+ (high [Na+] solution) increased aiNa by 1.2 +/- 0.3 mM (n = 5) and decreased contractile force by 31 +/- 9% (n = 5). Strophanthidin (2 X 10(-7) M) increased aiNa by 0.4 +/- 0.1 mM (n = 6) and contractile force by 24 +/- 8 (n = 6) in a low [Na+] - [Ca2+] solution. These changes were smaller than those in Tyrode solution (1.1 +/- 0.3 mM); 96 +/- 32%, n = 6). On the other hand, strophanthidin increased aiNa and contractile force more in a low [Ca2+] (2.7 +/- 0.5 mM; 220 +/- 24%, n = 5) or a high [Na+] (2.3 +/- 0.9 mM; 164 +/- 37%, n = 5) solution than in Tyrode solution. In the solutions containing the altered [Na+]o and/or [Ca2+]o, the increases in aiNa and force by strophanthidin were parallel. Therefore, the parallel increase in aiNa and contractile force due to strophanthidin depends on the initial level of aiNa, suggesting the dependence of digitalis inotropy on the rate of Na+ extrusion by the Na+ -K+ pump. The results also indicate that the ratio of aoNa/aiNa is an important and powerful factor in the control of contractile force. Presumably this is mediated through the Na+ -Ca2+ exchange.
Prognostic factors in non-small cell lung cancer.

Identification of prognostic factors is critical in optimizing treatment for patients with cancer. The purpose of this work is to review the modern literature with regard to prognostic factors for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) taking into account ongoing advances in clinical evaluation, staging, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and molecular biology in this widely heterogeneous patient population.
Trapeziometacarpal abnormalities in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

We studied 24 patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome with particular attention to the thumb and the trapeziometacarpal joint. The 11 males and 13 females had a mean age of 15.9 years. Symptomatic complaints included pinch, grip and twisting weakness; measurements showed dominant hand strength deficits of 71% for tip pinch, 55% for palmar pinch, 46% for key pinch, and 70% for grip. All finger joint ranges of motion were increased. Sixty-six percent of all the patients had trapeziometacarpal subluxation; 29% had dislocation. Sixteen percent had radiographic evidence of arthritis. Early occupational therapy evaluation and education can help these patients better understand and adapt to their limitations.
Clinical and molecular genetics of parathyroid neoplasms

Primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) results from the excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone from parathyroid tumours. While most HPT is sporadic, it is associated with a familial syndrome in a minority of cases. The study of these syndromes has helped define the pathophysiology of both familial and sporadic parathyroid neoplasms. Investigation of kindred with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) and the hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumour syndrome (HPT-JT) led to the discovery of the tumour suppressor genes MEN1 and HRPT2. We now recognise that somatic mutations in MEN1 and HRPT2 tumour suppressor genes are frequent events in sporadic parathyroid adenomas and carcinomas, respectively. Parathyroid tumours in the MEN2A syndrome result from mutational activation of the RET oncogene. The CCND1/PRAD1 oncogene was discovered by analysis of sporadic parathyroid tumours. Studies of familial isolated HPT and analysis of chromosomal loss and gain in parathyroid tumours suggest that other genes relevant to parathyroid neoplasia await identification.
Structure and reactivity of zinc sulfide precipitates formed in the presence of sulfate-reducing bacteria

Abstract The biologically mediated formation of metal sulfide precipitates in anoxic sediments represents a potentially important mechanism for the sequestration of toxic metals. Current knowledge of the structure and reactivity of these biogenic metal sulfides is scarce, limiting the ability to effectively assess contaminant sequestration in, and remobilization from, these solids. In this study, SO 4 -reducing bacteria ( Desulfovibrio sp . ) were grown for 5 days in a high-SO 4 , minimal metal media amended with Zn at either 30 or 300 micromolar. Zinc speciation in the reactor solids was determined using X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and the results compared to spectra of known metal sulfide mineral phases and freshly formed metal sulfides synthesized through purely chemical processes. Biogenically mediated Zn sulfides showed significantly more short range crystallographic order than the abiotically prepared amorphous precipitates. The presence of dissolved Fe 2+ at similar concentrations did not affect the nature of the Zn precipitates formed. The biogenic ZnS solids were also more resistant to re-oxidation than the chemical precipitates but more soluble than sphalerite mineral samples. These results suggest that Zn sulfides formed in anaerobic sediments are likely to be more resistant to re-oxidation than would be expected based on dissolution of Fe sulfides and/or sediment acid volatile sulfides.
Causality and “Natural” Disasters:

power from the church and assumed primary responsibility for response, recovery, and rebuilding. In the process, a void was created that would later open the way for a naturalistic explanation of disasters to rival the prevailing belief that they were acts of God. In 1755, the priests of Lisbon continued to preach that the earthquake was divine retribution for the "sins" of Portugal (Dynes 2000b, p. 14), and, as predictions of future earthquakes mounted, clerics of the Portuguese Inquisition held an auto-da-f6 on June 20, 1756, in order to avert further catastrophes (see Arouet de Voltaire 1966 [17591, p. 12 and footnote 3, same page). By the time Hurricane Katrina made landfall in August 2005, the cultural repertoire of causal explanations for disasters had grown considerably. Four ideal-type models were available: natural disasters as acts of God, as acts of nature, as products of human agency, and as merely chance or coincidence. All were put to use to explain what had happened to the city of New Orleans. Evangelical ministers preached that God was punishing the city for past sins and for plans to host a gay and lesbian convention. Several scientists and environmentalists speculated that the intensity of Katrina and the subsequent parade of hurricanes including Rita and Wilma demonstrated that indeed the balance
Philanthropy in America: A History

Olivier Zunz (2011), x+381, Princeton University Press, Princeton and Oxford, $29.95/£19.95 Almsgiving has been an integral part of western religious tradition and political culture for centuries. ...
Clinical applications of BION/sup TM/ microstimulators

Injectable, wireless microstimulators have the potential to provide low-cost and easily administered electrical stimulation to a variety of neuromuscular sites for a variety of clinical disorders. We are studying one version of this new technology platform in several different clinical studies currently underway or in the final stages of preclinical development. Preliminary results suggest that the approach is safe and effective for muscle activation. They also suggest enhancements of the technology that should improve its ease and reliability of use.
Cocaine treatment alters oxytocin receptor binding but not mRNA production in postpartum rat dams

Gestational cocaine treatment in rat dams results in decreased oxytocin (OT) levels, up-regulated oxytocin receptor (OTR) binding density and decreased receptor affinity in the whole amygdala, all concomitant with a significant increase in maternal aggression on postpartum day six. Rat dams with no gestational drug treatment that received an infusion of an OT antagonist directly into the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) exhibited similarly high levels of maternal aggression towards intruders. Additionally, studies indicate that decreased OT release from the hypothalamic division of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is coincident with heightened maternal aggression in rats. Thus, it appears that cocaine-induced alterations in OT system dynamics (levels, receptors, production, and/or release) may mediate heightened maternal aggression following cocaine treatment, but the exact mechanisms through which cocaine impacts the OT system have not yet been determined. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that two likely mechanisms of cocaine’s action would be, increased OTR binding specifically in the CeA, and decreased OT mRNA production in the PVN. Autoradiography and in situ hybridization assays were performed on targeted nuclei in brain regions of rat dams on postpartum day six, following gestational treatment twice daily with cocaine (15 mg/kg) or normal saline (1 ml/kg). We now report cocaine-induced reductions in OTR binding density in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), but not the CeA. There was no significant change in OT mRNA production in the PVN following cocaine treatment.
Effects of Gamma Radiation on FcεRI and TLR-Mediated Mast Cell Activation

Ionizing gamma radiation has several therapeutic indications including bone marrow transplantation and tumor ablation. Among immune cells, susceptibility of lymphocytes to gamma radiation is well known. However, there is little information on the effects of gamma radiation on mast cells, which are important in both innate and acquired immunity. Previous studies have suggested that mast cells may release histamine in response to high doses of gamma radiation, whereas other reports suggest that mast cells are relatively radioresistant. No strong link has been established between gamma radiation and its effect on mast cell survival and activation. We examined both human and murine mast cell survival and activation, including mechanisms related to innate and acquired immune responses following gamma radiation. Data revealed that human and murine mast cells were resistant to gamma radiation-induced cytotoxicity and, importantly, that irradiation did not directly induce β-hexosaminidase release. Instead, a transient attenuation of IgE-mediated β-hexosaminidase release and cytokine production was observed which appeared to be the result of reactive oxygen species formation after irradiation. Mast cells retained the ability to phagocytose Escherichia coli particles and respond to TLR ligands as measured by cytokine production after irradiation. In vivo, there was no decrease in mast cell numbers in skin of irradiated mice. Additionally, mast cells retained the ability to respond to Ag in vivo as measured by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice after irradiation. Mast cells are thus resistant to the cytotoxic effects and alterations in function after irradiation and, despite a transient inhibition, ultimately respond to innate and acquired immune activation signals.
Turn-Intent Analysis Using Body Pose for Intelligent Driver Assistance

Human-centric, pervasive computing environments, with integrated sensing, processing, networking, and displays, provide an appropriate framework for developing effective driver-assistance systems. Also essential when developing such systems are systematic efforts to understand and characterize driver behavior. In an attempt to make such a predictive turn-assistance safety system a reality, we equipped an experimental vehicle with cameras and sensors to capture the vehicle dynamics, view of the road ahead, and driver's body pose. We investigated how and to what extent we could use body-pose information to detect and predict driver activities. We analyzed the detection performance of a two-class pattern classifier using receiver-operator-characteristic curves, which describe the classifier's ability to suppress missed detections and false alarms. The curves provide a ratio indicating the system's attainable proactivity (ability to foresee a user's needs) versus its transparency (ability to avoid user annoyance). Our goal is to eventually develop vision-based body-pose-recovery and behavior-recognition algorithms for driver-assistance systems
A generalized analytical model for the quantum well injection transit time diode

A generalized small-signal model of the quantum well injection transit time (QWITT) diode derived from the authors' previous large-signal model (see. ibid., vol.35, p.2315-2322, Dec. 1987), which includes not only the carrier space-charge effects but also the velocity transient effects and the carrier diffusion effects is presented. Simple closed forms for the device impedance have been obtained for efficient computation, where only one-dimensional integrations are required. It can be applied to any fashion of time dependence of the velocity transient and diffusivity transient, adopting a Gaussian form for the spatial profile of injected carriers. Using the formulas, the small-signal behavior and the design criteria for the QWITT diode are analyzed. Large-signal impedance of the device can also be estimated by the formulas. >
Positive and negative magnetoresistance phenomena observed in magnetic electrospun polyacrylonitrile-based carbon nanocomposite fibers

Unique temperature dependent resistance behavior (positive/negative temperature coefficient switching at 240 K), and tunable negative and positive magnetoresistance switching phenomena were observed in the magnetic carbon nanocomposite fibers prepared from heat treatment of the nitrate soaked oxidation stabilized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers. The physical mechanisms were revealed by considering the variable range hopping electron transportation model, electron quantum interference and spin-dependent scattering effects.
Renal function after low central venous pressure-assisted liver resection: assessment of 2116 cases.

Abstract Objectives Low central venous pressure (LCVP)‐assisted hepatectomy is associated with decreased blood loss and lower transfusion rates. Concerns about its impact on renal function have prevented widespread application. This study was conducted to review the dynamics of renal function after LCVP‐assisted hepatectomy. Methods A retrospective analysis of a prospective surgical database was carried out. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. The RIFLE ( r isk– i njury– f ailure– l oss– e nd‐stage) criteria were used to define postoperative biochemical acute kidney injury (bAKI). Occurrences of clinically relevant AKI (cAKI) were identified in the study center postoperative database. Results During the period 2003–2012, 2116 LCVP‐assisted hepatectomies were performed. The median patient age was 61 years [interquartile range (IQR): 51–70 years] and 51% of patients were male. The median number of resected segments was two; resections involved from one to four segments. Median estimated blood loss was 300 ml (IQR: 200–600 ml). Rates of morbidity and 90‐day mortality were 21% and 2%, respectively. Low baseline eGFR ( n = 350) of patients. Biochemical AKI with low eGFR was seen in 336 patients, representing 16% of the whole cohort; 13% of patients had been at risk, 2% experienced injury and 1% experienced failure. Kidney function had normalized at discharge in 159 of these patients. Nine patients ( Conclusions The majority of patients in the study cohort had low baseline eGFR. Biochemical alterations in eGFR are transient in the vast majority of patients after LCVP‐assisted hepatectomy and their clinical impact is limited. The present data suggest that clinically relevant renal dysfunction is a very uncommon event in patients undergoing LCVP‐assisted liver resection.