cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variation in tissue-specific gene expression among natural populations

Background: Variation in gene expression is extensive among tissues, individuals, strains, populations and species. The interactions among these sources of variation are relevant for physiological studies such as disease or toxic stress; for example, it is common for pathologies such as cancer, heart failure and metabolic disease to be associated with changes in tissue-specific gene expression or changes in metabolic gene expression. But how conserved these differences are among outbred individuals and among populations has not been well documented. To address this we examined the expression of a selected suite of 192 metabolic genes in brain, heart and liver in three populations of the teleost fish Fundulus heteroclitus using a highly replicated experimental design. Results: Half of the genes (48%) were differentially expressed among individuals within a population-tissue group and 76% were differentially expressed among tissues. Differences among tissues reflected well established tissue-specific metabolic requirements, suggesting that these measures of gene expression accurately reflect changes in proteins and their phenotypic effects. Remarkably, only a small subset (31%) of tissue-specific differences was consistent in all three populations. Conclusions: These data indicate that many tissue-specific differences in gene expression are unique to one population and thus are unlikely to contribute to fundamental differences between tissue types. We suggest that those subsets of treatment-specific gene expression patterns that are conserved between taxa are most likely to be functionally related to the physiological state in question.
HIV-1 transgene expression in rats induces differential expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha and zinc transporters in the liver and the lung

Highly effective antiviral treatment can suppress HIV-1 infection, but the chronic effects of HIV-1-related viral proteins, including gp120 and Tat, on organs such as the lungs can be damaging. HIV-1 transgenic rodent models are useful for studying the systemic effects of these proteins independently of viral infection. We have previously shown that HIV-1 transgene expression (and therefore, HIV-1-related protein expression) in rats decreases alveolar macrophage zinc levels and phagocytic capacity by unknown mechanisms. We hypothesized that HIV-1 transgene expression induces chronic inflammation and zinc sequestration within the liver and thereby decreases zinc bioavailability in the lung. We examined the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), the zinc storage protein, metallothionein (MT1), and the zinc exporter, ZNT1 in the livers and the lungs of wild type and HIV-1 transgenic rats ± dietary zinc supplementation. In addition, we measured zinc levels, the zinc importing protein ZIP1, and the phagocytic capacity in the alveolar macrophages. HIV-1 transgene expression increased the liver-specific expression of TNFα, suggesting a chronic inflammatory response within the liver in response to HIV-1-related protein expression. In parallel, HIV-1 transgene expression significantly increased MT1 and ZNT1 expression in the liver as compared to the lung, a pattern that is consistent with zinc sequestration in the liver as occurs during systemic inflammation. Further, HIV-1 transgene expression decreased intracellular zinc levels and increased expression of ZIP1 in the alveolar macrophages, a pattern consistent with zinc deficiency, and decreased their bacterial phagocytic capacity. Interestingly, dietary zinc supplementation in HIV-1 transgenic rats decreased gene expression of TNFα, MT1, and ZNT1 in the liver while simultaneously increasing their expression in the lung. In parallel, zinc supplementation increased alveolar macrophage intracellular zinc levels and bacterial phagocytic capacity in HIV-1 transgenic rats. Taken together, these findings suggest that chronic HIV-1-related protein expression causes liver inflammation and zinc sequestration, which in turn limits zinc bioavailability in the lung and thereby impairs alveolar macrophage phagocytic function. Importantly, dietary zinc supplementation decreases liver inflammation and zinc sequestration and restores alveolar macrophage phagocytic function in HIV-1 transgenic rats, a result with potential clinical implications for improving lung health in HIV-1-infected individuals.
Reduction of Blade-Vortex Interaction (BVI) noise through X-force control

Momentum theory and the longitudinal force balance equations of a single rotor helicopter are used to develop simple expressions to describe tip-path-plane tilt and uniform inflow to the rotor. The uniform inflow is adjusted to represent the inflow at certain azimuthal locations where strong Blade-Vortex Interaction (BVI) is likely to occur. This theoretical model is then used to describe the flight conditions where BVI is likely to occur and to explore those flight variables that can be used to minimize BVI noise radiation. A new X-force control is introduced to help minimize BVI noise. Several methods of generating the X-force are presented that can be used to alter the inflow to the rotor and thus increasing the likelihood of avoiding BVI during approaches to a landing.
PS2-17: What Happens When Adult Patients Cry in Primary Care Visits?

Background/Aims Didactic training in medical education on how to address significant emotional distress is inadequate. Even if unfamiliar with mental health assessment tools, any physician presumably can recognize distress when presented with an adult crying. This study describes the reasons disclosed during routine periodic health examinations (PHEs) for patient crying and how primary care physicians respond to this distress.
Factors associated with annual-interval mammography for women in their 40s

Abstract Background : Evidence is mounting that annual mammography for women in their 40s may be the optimal schedule to reduce morbidity and mortality from breast cancer. Few studies have assessed predictors of repeat mammography on an annual interval among these women. Methods : We assessed mammography screening status among 596 insured Black and Non-Hispanic white women ages 43–49. Adherence was defined as having a second mammogram 10–14 months after a previous mammogram. We examined socio-demographic, medical and healthcare-related variables on receipt of annual-interval repeat mammograms. We also assessed barriers associated with screening. Results : 44.8% of the sample were adherent to annual-interval mammography. A history of self-reported abnormal mammograms, family history of breast cancer and never having smoked were associated with adherence. Saying they had not received mammography reminders and reporting barriers to mammography were associated with non-adherence. Four barrier categories were associated with women's non-adherence: lack of knowledge/not thinking mammograms are needed, cost, being too busy, and forgetting to make/keep appointments. Conclusions : Barriers we identified are similar to those found in other studies. Health professionals may need to take extra care in discussing mammography screening risk and benefits due to ambiguity about screening guidelines for women in their 40s, especially for women without family histories of breast cancer or histories of abnormal mammograms. Reminders are important in promoting mammography and should be coupled with other strategies to help women maintain adherence to regular mammography.
Modeling Chromophore Order: A Guide For Improving EO Performance

The use of organic nonlinear optical (ONLO) materials in electro-optic (EO) modulators requires that the active molecular components (chromophores) be acentrically oriented. The fundamental molecular constituents are in a condensed, glassy phase. Molecular orientation in such systems is typically achieved by applying a DC poling field to the glassy material. We are developing efficient coarse-grained classical Monte Carlo (MC) methods to simulate the order of such systems. The most challenging aspects of these simulations are convergence to an experimentally relevant equilibrium ensemble and verification of simulation accuracy. We use a variety of molecular descriptions and a variety of MC methods to achieve proper order in the shortest number of computational cycles possible. Herein, we illustrate a few examples of the types of calculations and compare with experimental results with representative amorphous organic materials, including electro-optic chromophores.
Probabilities of negative estimates of genetic variances

The probability of negative analysis of variance estimates of genetic variance components due to sampling error (Ps) was investigated. The objectives were to evaluate the magnitude of Ps, to compare Ps for estimates of σ A (2) and σ D (2) , and to compare Ps for genetic variance component estimates from the nested and factorial mating designs. Ps was defined in terms of ratios of mean squares and the F distribution was used to calculate probabilities of the negative estimates. The results indicated that Ps is often greater than 0.20 for σ D (2) . It is generally lower for σ A (2) than for σ D (2) , and lower for the factorial mating design than the nested mating design.
A Coronagraphic Survey for Companions of Stars within 8 Parsecs

We present the technique and results of a survey of stars within 8 pc of the Sun with declinations δ > -35° (J2000.00). The survey, designed to find without color bias faint companions, consists of optical coronagraphic images of the 1' field of view centered on each star and infrared direct images with a 32'' field of view. The images were obtained through the optical Gunn r and z filters and the infrared J and K filters. The survey achieves sensitivities up to 4 absolute magnitudes fainter than the prototype brown dwarf, Gliese 229B. However, this sensitivity varies with the seeing conditions, the intrinsic brightness of the star observed, and the angular distance from the star. As a result, we tabulate sensitivity limits for each star in the survey. We used the criterion of common proper motion to distinguish companions and to determine their luminosities. In addition to the brown dwarf Gl 229B, we have identified six new stellar companions of the sample stars. Since the survey began, accurate trigonometric parallax measurements for most of the stars have become available. As a result, some of the stars we originally included should no longer be included in the 8 pc sample. In addition, the 8 pc sample is incomplete at the faint end of the main sequence, complicating our calculation of the binary fraction of brown dwarfs. We assess the sensitivity of the survey to stellar companions and to brown dwarf companions of different masses and ages.
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

There seems to be an association between exposure to intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a debilitating and sometimes fatal disease. This article addresses the relationship between GBCAs and NSF and answers some common questions. The policy deployed at Yale-New Haven Hospital for prevention of NSF and screening for patients at risk is delineated and discussed along with recommendations by the Food and Drug Administration.
Treatment of Axillosubclavian Vein Thrombosis: A Novel Technique for Rapid Removal of Clot Using Low-Dose Thrombolysis

l l Purpose: To report successful combined percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy and pharmacological lysis for axillosubclavian vein thrombosis, with rapid clot removal at a single setting using low-dose thrombolysis. Case Reports: Two consecutive patients presented with arm swelling; the diagnosis of axillosubclavian vein thrombosis was confirmed with duplex ultrasound. Both patients were treated percutaneously with the Solera mechanical thrombectomy device, after which 5 mg of tissue plasminogen activator were delivered within ;10 minutes via the Trellis infusion catheter to remove any residual thrombus. Completion venography and serial duplex ultrasound scans in follow-up demonstrated widely patent axillosubclavian veins with no residual thrombus in both cases. Conclusions: Standard treatment of axillosubclavian vein thrombosis may require 12 to 36 hours, with multiple trips to the angiography suite. The novel technique combining me- chanical thrombectomy and pharmacological lysis can be performed safely and success- fully at a single setting with a small dose of the lytic drug. J Endovasc Ther 2003;10:733-738
Device models in FDTD analysis of microwave circuits

This paper describes the investigation of two different approaches to model microwave active devices using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) analysis. Norton-equivalent and Thevenin-equivalent approaches are used in the extended FDTD method to model the interaction between the three-terminal active device and the electromagnetic field by placing equivalent sources in the active region. A typical microwave amplifier is analyzed, and the simulation results agree well with expectation.
Design of an inspection system for electrical characteristics of a PC board

The authors present the design of an inspection system that measures electrical characteristics of a printed circuit board (PCB) in a manufacturing assembly environment. The design utilizes two robots, a microswitch table, a linear conveyor belt, a GPIB (general-purpose interface bus), and the CPU (central processing unit) of a personal computer. In general this project demonstrates a very flexible, economical, and efficient inspection system. The products can be inspected on-line, and operator labor for inspection can be eliminated. Moreover, it is also very easy to adapt this design to other manufacturing systems. The individual pieces of equipment in the proposed flexible inspection system can be divided into five sections: printed circuit board, data acquisition, interface bus, microswitch table and contact probe. The integration of these pieces of equipment is described, and a design configuration is shown. >
A Hybrid Disk-Aware Spin-Down Algorithm with I/O Subsystem Support

To offset the significant power demands of hard disk drives in computer systems, drives are typically powered down during idle periods. This saves power, but accelerates duty cycle consumption, leading to earlier drive failure. Hybrid disks with a small amount of non-volatile flash memory (NVCache) are coming on the market. We present four I/O subsystem enhancements that exploit the characteristics of hybrid disks to improve system performance: 1) artificial idle periods, 2) a read-miss cache, 3) anticipatory spin-up, and 4) NVCache write-throttling. These enhancements reduce power consumption, duty cycling, NVCache block-erase impact, and the observed spinup latency of a hybrid disk, resulting in lower power consumption, greater reliability, and faster I/O.
Improving Intelligibility of Speakers with Profound Dysarthria and Cerebral Palsy

Many individuals with cerebral palsy use natural speech as one mode of communication. Recent research suggests that, for these individuals, speech supplementation strategies, such as topic cues, alphabet cues, and combined cues, can have a significant impact on intelligibility; however, the impact of these strategies when speakers actually implement them while producing connected speech is largely unknown. In the present study, the effects of speaker-implemented topic cues, alphabet cues, and combined cues (compared with a no cues control condition) were studied for three individuals with profound dysarthria secondary to cerebral palsy. Also of interest were listener rankings of each strategy, which were based on speakers' perceived effectiveness. Group results showed that combined cues yielded higher intelligibility scores than no cues, topic cues, and alphabet cues. Conversely, no cues resulted in lower intelligibility scores than alphabet cues and topic cues; and alphabet cues resulted in higher intell...
Aviation Weather Observations vs. LAMP Forecasts with the Onset of Precipitation

DOI:10.1175/2009BAMS2709.1 Rules (VLIFR), Low Instrument Flight Rules (LIFR), Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), Marginal Visual Flight Rules (MVFR), and Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Table 1 outlines the ceiling and visibility conditions that define each one of these flight categories. Since IFR, LIFR, and VLIFR conditions adversely affect the aviation industry, they comprise a common group of hazardous conditions. As such, it is convenient to delineate the five flight groups into two categories: 1) IFR, LIFR, and VLIFR (hereafter referred to as IFR or worse), and 2) MVFR and VFR. Understanding the variations in the relative frequency distributions of visibility, ceiling height, and aviation flight categories just prior to and shortly after precipitation begins is crucial for generating accurate aviation forecasts.
Role of Autophagy in the Maintenance of Intestinal Homeostasis

Genome-wide association studies of inflammatory bowel disease have identified several risk loci in genes that regulate autophagy, and studies have provided insight into the functional effects of these polymorphisms. We review the mechanisms by which autophagy contributes to intestinal homeostasis, focusing on its cell type-specific roles in regulating gut ecology, restricting pathogenic bacteria, and controlling inflammation. Based on this information, we are beginning to understand how alterations in autophagy can contribute to intestinal inflammation.
IL-17 can promote tumor growth through an IL-6–Stat3 signaling pathway

Although the Th17 subset and its signature cytokine, interleukin (IL)-17A (IL-17), are implicated in certain autoimmune diseases, their role in cancer remains to be further explored. IL-17 has been shown to be elevated in several types of cancer, but how it might contribute to tumor growth is still unclear. We show that growth of B16 melanoma and MB49 bladder carcinoma is reduced in IL-17−/− mice but drastically accelerated in IFN-γ−/− mice, contributed to by elevated intratumoral IL-17, indicating a role of IL-17 in promoting tumor growth. Adoptive transfer studies and analysis of the tumor microenvironment suggest that CD4+ T cells are the predominant source of IL-17. Enhancement of tumor growth by IL-17 involves direct effects on tumor cells and tumor-associated stromal cells, which bear IL-17 receptors. IL-17 induces IL-6 production, which in turn activates oncogenic signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat) 3, up-regulating prosurvival and proangiogenic genes. The Th17 response can thus promote tumor growth, in part via an IL-6–Stat3 pathway.
An Approach for Increasing Base-Station Anonymity in Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) are becoming an attractive choice for many critical applications, such as border protection and combat field reconnaissance. In these applications, sensors probe their surroundings and send their findings to a base-station (BS) over multi-hop paths. Given the important role of the BS, an adversary who likes to disrupt the network operation would eagerly look for where the BS could be and target it with attacks in order to inflict maximum damage. The continuous flow of traffic towards the BS creates a pronounced pattern of wireless links that may expose the BS position and thus make the network more vulnerable. This paper investigates means for boosting the anonymity of the BS. First, we adapt three models -Entropy based model, GSAT test and Evidence theory model, to quantify anonymity in the context of WSN. We further customize models that conventionally measure anonymity of the entire network, to suit the BS. Then, a novel approach for boosting the anonymity of the BS is proposed. The idea is for the BS to disguise itself by transmitting some of the data packets it receives with varying intensity. The goal is to create a perception that the BS node is just another sensor node sending data and thus confuse the adversary. The approach is validated through simulation.
Influence of menopause on mood: a systematic review of cohort studies.

Objective This systematic evidence review evaluates the independent influence of the menopausal transition on mood including depression, anxiety, and other psychological symptoms.Methods Community-based, prospective cohort studies of mid-life women transitioning through menopause that assessed at least one mood symptom on two or more occasions were identified by searches of MEDLINE (1966–2007) and PsycINFO (1974–2007) databases. Articles were selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each study was quality-rated by three authors; poor quality studies were excluded.Results Nine studies met inclusion criteria. They varied broadly in design, outcome measures, statistical methodology, and in consideration of and adjustment for important confounders. Five found no association between the menopausal transition and depression, negative mood, major depressive disorder, other psychological symptoms, and general mental health. Three found that women entering or completing the menopausal tran...
Performance and Characterization of Nanoenergetic Materials at Los Alamos

Novel properties associated with nanostructured materials, including nanoenergetic materials, have attracted a great deal of interest recently. Metastable Intermolecular Composite (MIC) materials are comprised of a mixture of oxidizer and fuel with particle sizes in the nanometer range. They can have high energy densities and exhibit combustion velocities above 1 km/s. These properties make them very attractive in a number of applications, including lead-free primers and igniters. However characterizing these materials is challenging, and the mechanism responsible for the propagation of reaction in loose compacts is not well understood. In this paper I will present an overview of efforts at Los Alamos to characterize and better understand the reaction mechanisms of these advanced energetic materials. We also have continuing efforts to make new MIC materials. Two applications are illustrated for MIC materials.
Effect of liquid dietary supplements on energy intake in the elderly

Background: Undernutrition is a risk factor for increased mortality in older adults. Therapeutic intervention includes the administration of liquid dietary supplements. Objective: We investigated the effect of liquid dietary supplements on satiation, satiety, and energy intake in older adults. Design: This study had 2 phases in a within-subject, repeatedmeasures design. The energy intake of 15 elderly (aged > 70 y) and 15 younger (aged 20‐40 y) healthy subjects was measured after 4 liquid preloads: water, high fat, high carbohydrate, and high protein. The preloads were administered within 5 min of a test meal in phase 1 and ≥ 60 min before the test meal in phase 2. Palatability, fullness, and hunger were assessed by using visual analogue scales. Results: Mean energy consumption of the test meals was significantly lower in the older than in the younger subjects (P = 0.001), as was mean macronutrient consumption of fat and carbohydrate (P = 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). Mean energy intake and macronutrient consumption were higher in phase 2 than in phase 1 in both older and younger subjects (P < 0.05). Satiety lasted longer in older than in younger subjects after the high-protein and high-fat preloads (P = 0.001). Conclusion: In the elderly, administration of dietary supplements between meals instead of with meals may be more effective in increasing energy consumption. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;75:944‐7.
Polyphenol Oxidase in Wheat Grain: Whole Kernel and Bran Assays for Total and Soluble Activity

ABSTRACT Color is a key quality trait of wheat products, and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is implicated as playing a significant role in darkening and discoloration. In this study, total and soluble PPO activities were characterized in whole kernel assays and bran extracts. In whole kernel assays similar to AACC Approved Method 22–85, four wheat cultivars were ranked the same for both total and soluble (leached) PPO activity with L-DOPA (diphenol) as the substrate. Total kernel PPO activity was much greater than soluble PPO activity in three hexaploid wheat cultivars, indicating that insoluble PPO was the major contributor to kernel PPO measurements. Tyrosine (monophenol) was an excellent PPO substrate in kernel assays as expected but had no activity as a substrate for soluble PPO. However, soluble PPO activity with tyrosine was activated by the addition of the diphenols chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. When PPO was assayed in homogenized bran, 89–95% of total PPO activity remained insoluble, associated wit...
African-Americans: The Idealization of Light Skin

Along with many other antebellum traditions was a strong race-based belief system that was all but totally and factually irrelevant. That belief system dictated that whites by virtue of race alone were entitled to what America had to offer because they were a superior race. Such belief, without interference of an alternative view, preceded the guiltless discrimination against victim-group African-Americans regarding quality of life. Whenever whites lost the ability to exercise political or otherwise superior power, they inevitably sought ways to gain advantage by advocating discriminatory policies. The objective of this Eurocentric activism was to reinforce colonial traditions, making white access to wealth a birthright.
Early mammalian radiations

T he seventy-fifth anniversary of the Journal of Paleontology presents a felicitous opportunity to review major changes in interpretation of mammalian phylogeny. Founding of the journal coincides with the nascence of the career of the most influential paleomammalogist of the past century, George Gaylord Simpson (1902–1984). It occurred at a time when now-archaic models for mammalian systematics and evolution, such as the aristogenesis of H. F. Osborn (1857–1935) and the typological concept of taxa, were prevalent (e.g., Simpson, 1945). These models were soon to give way to “new ways of going at things” (Laporte, 2000, p. 87); most significantly, the incorporation of quantitative methods and the evolutionary synthesis (Simpson, 1944). Subsequent decades witnessed the rise and/or sophistication of other applications and perspectives in fossil-based interpretation of mammalian systematics, including form-function analysis (e.g., Szalay, 1994) and, particularly, cladistic approaches (e.g., McKenna, 1975). Within these broad ideological frameworks, major paradigm shifts have resulted from new discoveries, conceptual changes, or (most commonly) a combination of both. Finally, mammalian systematics currently lie at the verge of a monumental paradigm shift, providing important direction for the future. Given the brevity of this review, I focus mainly on the base and early branches of the mammalian tree: separate chapters would be required to undertake more than superficial coverage of Cenozoic radiations of placentals and marsupials. Likewise, despite the increasingly important role that molecular data have come to play in interpreting mammalian relationships (e.g., summary by Novacek, 1993), I deal here mainly with the primary subject matter of the journal itself: the fossil record. For organizational purposes, it is convenient to follow some broad systematic framework for mammals, notwithstanding the fact that placement of several major groups is unsettled and the subject of intense debate. Herein, I generally follow the phylogeny proposed by Luo et al. (2001) …
MoS2 Heterojunctions by Thickness Modulation

In this work, we report lateral heterojunction formation in as-exfoliated MoS2 flakes by thickness modulation. Kelvin probe force microscopy is used to map the surface potential at the monolayer-multilayer heterojunction, and consequently the conduction band offset is extracted. Scanning photocurrent microscopy is performed to investigate the spatial photocurrent response along the length of the device including the source and the drain contacts as well as the monolayer-multilayer junction. The peak photocurrent is measured at the monolayer-multilayer interface, which is attributed to the formation of a type-I heterojunction. The work presents experimental and theoretical understanding of the band alignment and photoresponse of thickness modulated MoS2 junctions with important implications for exploring novel optoelectronic devices.
Coordination Module: Planning and Controlling Operations

This note describes the Coordination Module in the core-curriculum Operations Management course at the Darden School.
Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on the Ventilatory Response to CO2 in Preterm Infants

The effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on the ventilatory response to CO2 in newborn infants is unknown. The CO2 response to 4% CO2 in air was studied in nine preterm infants without lung disease before and during administration of CPAP (4 to 5 cm H2O) delivered by face mask. Minute ventilation, tidal volume, respiratory frequency, and end-tidal PCO2 were measured, and the slope and intercept of the CO2 response were calculated. Respiratory pattern and changes in oxygenation were also analyzed by measuring inspiratory and expiratory time, mean inspiratory flow, mean expiratory flow, effective respiratory timing, end-tidal PO2, and transcutaneous PO2. CPAP significantly decreased minute ventilation from 278.7 to 197.6 mL/min/kg (P less than .001). Tidal volume and respiratory frequency were also significantly decreased. The slope of the CO2 response during CPAP was not significantly different from the slope before CPAP (36 v 33 mL/min/kg/mm Hg, P greater than .1), but the intercept was shifted to the right (P less than .001). The decrease in respiratory frequency was primarily due to a prolongation of expiratory time (P less than .05). In addition, transcutaneous PO2 increased during administration of CPAP (P less than .001). These findings indicate that: (1) CPAP significantly decreases ventilation in preterm infants without lung disease, affecting both tidal volume and respiratory frequency; (2) CPAP does not appreciably alter the ventilatory response to CO2; (3) the changes in respiratory frequency are primarily accounted for by a prolongation of expiratory time; (4) CPAP improves oxygenation.
Analysis of relative change and initial value in biological studies

In analyzing longitudinal data, the relationship between initial value (x1) and change in response to a maneuver or over time is often of interest. This relationship is often determined by the Pearson correlation between x1 and subsequent change (x2 - x1), but a correlation will often be obtained by mathematical necessity even when x1 and x2 are uncorrelated. It has been suggested that use of relative change, or (x2 - x1)/x1, avoids these mathematical artifacts. By reference to early work by Pearson (Proc. R. Soc. London 60: 489-498, 1897) on an approximation to the correlation between ratios and by computer simulations, this paper shows that this solution is frequently not valid. An alternative approach to the analysis of the relationship between x1 and relative change is presented and is illustrated by a study of renal blood flow.
Negative reagent controls in diagnostic immunohistochemistry: do we need them? An evidence-based recommendation for laboratories throughout the world.

During the development and application of immunohistochemical techniques to diagnostic pathology, controls have played an important role in ensuring that the appropriate result has been obtained. The positive control is a tissue or collection of cells that contains the target protein (antigen) and confirms that the primary antibody and detection system have worked properly. The negative control, used primarily for primary antibody validation, is a specimen that does not contain the target protein and, as a result, should show no immunoreactivity. The negative reagent control (NRC) is an additional tissue section (frozen or paraffin) or cytology smear prepared from the patient specimen that is treated identically to that of the test slide(s) except for the omission of the primary antibody. Its primary purpose is to identify nonspecific reactivity due to factors or components other than the primary antibody. In the early days of diagnostic immunohistochemistry, the NRC was important because of the use of crude detection systems that often showed cross-reactivity with endogenous immunoglobulins (Fig. 1A) or with other proteins present in the test specimen that could be confused with specific immunoreactivity. In addition, with the introduction of avidin-biotin–based detection, nonspecific reactivity with endogenous biotin was frequently observed, especially following heat-induced epitope retrieval complicating interpretation (Fig. 1B). The introduction of sensitive and specific polymer-based detection systems has eliminated most of these issues.1 A critical examination of the use of NRCs in diagnostic immunohistochemistry today reveals several issues in play. First and foremost, they consume precious tissue or cells that could be used for additional testing. This is especially true today, when laboratories are seeing more fine-needle aspirate biopsy specimens and diagnostic needle cores that require ancillary immunohistochemical and/or molecular testing for targeted therapies for patients with cancer. Second, depending on the type of laboratory running the immunohistochemical tests (eg, general surgical pathology vs. a specialty laboratory such as urology, GI, or GYN), NRCs can represent as much as 50% of the slides in a given run (personal observation). This overwhelming volume can be a major burden on the staff and the instruments processing these slides. Finally, laboratories incur a major expense in terms of labor, supplies, and reagents for running these additional slides, for which there is no reimbursement. As a result, the routine use of NRCs in diagnostic immunohistochemistry has been challenged.2 In 2008, I made a decision to stop running NRCs routinely except for antibodies requiring avidin-biotin detection. My decision was based on 3 factors: (1) the
The Effect of the Organophosphate 0,0 Diethyl S-[(Ethylthio) Methyl] Phosphorodithioate on the Chick

Abstract Fertile White Leghorn chicken eggs were injected on the 10th day of incubation with 0, 1.50, or 2.00 p.p.m. Thimet and allowed to hatch. The following parameters were examined: hatchability, incidence of deformities, thyroid weight, thyroid histology, thyroid 125 I uptake, and brain cholinesterase activity. As the Thimet dosage was increased, the hatchability decreased, and the incidence of deformities increased. There was a significant increase in thyroid weight in the 2.00 p.p.m. Thimet injected group. The rate of 125 I uptake by the thyroid in the treated groups was also significantly different. The histological picture revealed an increase in follicular resorption vacuoles in the treated groups. These results suggest that the Thimet injected chick embryos have hyperthyroid tendencies in the immediate post-hatched life. Although these effects were evident, brain cholinesterase activity was not significantly different among the groups.
Prevalence, characteristics, and treatment outcomes of reflux hypersensitivity detected on pH-impedance monitoring.

Background Positive symptom association probability (SAP) with physiologic esophageal acid exposure time (AET) on pH-impedance monitoring defines reflux hypersensitivity (RH), a correlate of acid sensitivity on pH monitoring. We evaluated prevalence, clinical characteristics, and symptomatic outcomes of RH in a prospective observational cohort with reflux symptoms undergoing pH-impedance monitoring. Methods Reflux hypersensitivity was diagnosed when SAP was positive with pH- and/or impedance-detected reflux events with physiologic AET. Symptom burden was assessed using dominant symptom intensity (DSI, product of symptom severity and frequency on 5-point Likert scales) and global symptom severity (GSS, global esophageal symptoms on 100-mm visual analog scales) by questionnaire, both at baseline and on prospective follow-up. Clinical characteristics and predictors of symptomatic improvement were assessed with univariate and multivariate analyses. Key Results Seventy-seven patients (29%) met criteria for RH, of which 53 patients (53.7 ± 1.8 years, 66% F) were contacted after 3.3 ± 0.2 years for follow-up. Reflux hypersensitivity was detected on pH-impedance testing both on and off antisecretory therapy; pH alone missed 51% of RH. About 57% reported ≥50% GSS improvement. Sixteen patients undergoing antireflux surgery (ARS) reported better symptom improvement compared to 37 patients treated medically (GSS change: p = 0.005; DSI change: p = 0.04). Hiatus hernia (p = 0.03) and surgical management (p ≤ 0.04) predicted symptom improvement on univariate analysis, while acid sensitivity was a negative predictor for outcome on both univariate (p = 0.02) and multivariate analyses (p ≤ 0.04). Conclusions & Inferences Reflux hypersensitivity is a mechanism for persistent reflux symptoms in almost one-third of patients undergoing pH-impedance testing. While acid sensitivity predicts suboptimal symptom improvement, antireflux therapy may improve RH in select settings.
Shakespeare's The Tempest: The Wise Man as Hero

ANYONE WHO HAS SEEN A GOOD PRODUCTION of The Tempest knows how effective the play can be on the stage. But if one were merely to recount the plot to someone otherwise unfamiliar with it, he might begin to wonder how such material could hold an audience's interest. Consider what happens in The Tempest, or rather what does not happen. A pair of would-be murderers are just about to strike their helpless victim in his sleep, when he awakens to prevent the crime. A handsome youth and a beautiful maiden fall in love, but on the advice of her father decide to keep their passion in check until they are married. A group of low-born conspirators set out to overthrow the island's ruler, but on the way notice a display of gaudy clothing and forget about their rebellion. Stated abstractly, the plot of The Tempest seems lacking in sustained dramatic tension. Whenever a decisive event is about to take place, something happens to forestall it. Action seems to evaporate into inaction, and the passions portrayed in the play seem more notable for the ease with which they are eventually restrained than for the force with which they are originally set loose. We have, of course, been discussing only the subplots of The Tempest, and one might object that they become dramatically exciting solely in the context of the play's main plot, the story of Prospero's return to power in Milan. Every frustration of the schemes or desires of the subordinate characters in The Tempest marks an advance in the overarching plan of the play's protagonist. But grounding the dramatic quality of The Tempest in the story of Prospero merely shifts the problem of the play's peculiarity to a new level. Prospero is not a
A global perspective on food systems

First paragraphs: There is a widespread perception, particularly among observers in the United States, that the world's food system is broken. Obesity rates now rival hunger rates in developed and developing countries. Both afflictions are more prevalent than they should be given the rising prosperity and technological advances that have occurred in many parts of the world in recent decades. Private corporations dominate large segments of the global agricultural economy—most notably in seed development and distribution—and unhealthy food products are marketed widely at prices affordable to most consumers. Agricultural development strains water and land resources, and farming operations generate nutrient and chemical pollution. Food and agricultural policies in many countries favor certain interest groups with only limited consideration for the larger social good. Yet as 2015 unfolds it is clear that a growing appreciation for the biophysical and socioeconomic complexities of food systems is enabling communities throughout the world to manage agriculture in ways that promote healthy food products, rural income growth, and environmental services. Strategies for enriching food systems are numerous and highly varied at local to global scales. No silver bullet exists to assure food-system success, and it is particularly important for critics to keep an open mind with respect to the evolving opportunities and challenges of achieving food and nutrition security both at home and abroad....
Another Look at Retail Diversification: Some Evidence and Some Contradictions

The current study focuses on two specific groups of retailers: those firms that became less diversified over a five year period, and those firms that remained diversified over the same five year period. The goal is to see if there is a relationship between either strategy and the operating profits-to-sales ratios for the business segments of the firms involved. The current study makes a secondary contribution by utilizing an entropy measure to determine the degree of retail diversification. The entropy measure has proven more reliable than other classification schemes but has yet to be applied to retail firms.
Combined Equivalent Salt Deposit Density Prediction Model of Insulator Surface Contamination

Equivalent salt deposit density(ESDD) is one of the most important parameters that determine the contamination level of insulators.Thus,two ESDD prediction models were set up based on leakage current monitoring,artificial pollution tests and natural contamination tests in order to get an effective way to determine the insulator surface contamination and its trends.One model was established based on measured data of leakage current,the other was set up based on non-linear time series through analyzing ESDD data characteristics.Then a combined prediction model consisting of the two models was proposed.The comparison between model prediction and test data shows that it is difficult to improve the predicting accuracy of a single model by modified the model itself.However,by using the second model as a correcting model for the first model,the predicting accuracy of this combination prediction model can be effectively improved by appropriately selecting correction factor.Results of the proposed combination model can guide protections against insulator contamination in power transmission projects.
Biophysical Properties of Recombinant γ2- and δ-subunit Containing GABAA Receptors

GABAA receptors mediate the majority of GABAergic signaling in the mammalian brain and are thus primarily responsible for maintaining inhibitory tone. GABAA receptors mediate two modes of inhibitory neurotransmission, phasic synaptic inhibition and tonic extra- or perisynaptic inhibition. Phasic inhibition is mediated primarily by activation of subsynaptic αβγ2 receptors, whereas tonic inhibition is mediated primarily by extrasynaptic or perisynaptic αβδ GABAA receptors. The biophysical properties of γ2 and δ subunit-containing receptors are complex yet quite different, consistent with the unique demands of phasic and tonic inhibitory systems. Mutations in GABAA receptor genes (GABRs) have been associated with genetic epilepsies in humans. However, genetic epilepsies are more commonly associated with γ-aminobutyric acid-A receptor γ2 (GABRG2) mutations than γ-aminobutyric acid-A receptor δ (GABRD) mutations, suggesting considerable differences in the role of αβγ2 and αβδ receptors in regulating thalamocortical excitability.
Can Cr(III) substitute for Al(III) in the structure of boehmite

The dissolution of boehmite is a technical issue for Al industry because of its recalcitrant nature. In fact, a similar problem exists with boehmite in nuclear waste sludge at the Hanford site in Eastern Washington State, USA. Dissolution of Al phases is required to reduce the waste loadings in the final borosilicate glass waste form. Although not the most common Al-bearing species in the sludge, boehmite may become a rate limiting step in the processing of the wastes. Hanford boehmite is an order of magnitude more resistant to dissolution in hot caustic solutions than expected from surface-normalized rates. We are exploring potential intrinsic and extrinsic effects that may limit boehmite reactivity; one clue comes from microstructural analyses that indicate an association of Cr with Al in the Hanford nuclear waste. Hence, in this first paper, we investigated the potential role of chromium on the reactivity of boehmite in caustic solution. An important finding was that irrespective of the synthesis pathway, amount of Cr(III), or the resultant morphology, there was no evidence for Cr incorporation in the bulk structure, in agreement with QM calculations. In fact, electron microscopic (EM) and spectroscopic analyses showed that Cr was enriched at the (101) edges of the boehmite. However, Cr had no measurable effect on the morphology during the synthesis step. In contrast, comparison of the morphologies of the synthetic Cr-doped and pure boehmite samples after exposure to caustic solutions provided evidence that Cr inhibited the corrosion. TEM showed that Cr was not homogeneously distributed at the surface. Consequently, Cr may have partially passivated the surface by blocking discrete energetic sites on the lateral surfaces of boehmite.
On the predominance of unstable atmospheric conditions in the marine boundary layer offshore of the U.S. northeastern coast

The marine boundary layer of the northeastern U.S. is studied with focus on wind speed, atmospheric stability, and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), the three most relevant properties in the context of offshore wind power development. Two long-term observational data sets are analyzed. The first one consists of multilevel meteorological variables measured up to 60 m during 2003–2011 at the offshore Cape Wind tower, located near the center of the Nantucket Sound. The second data set comes from the 2013–2014 IMPOWR campaign (Improving the Modeling and Prediction of Offshore Wind Resources), in which wind and wave data were collected with new instruments on the Cape Wind platform, in addition to meteorological data measured during 19 flight missions offshore of New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. It is found that, in this region: (1) the offshore wind resource is remarkable, with monthly average wind speeds at 60 m exceeding 7 m s−1 all year round, highest winds in winter (10.1 m s−1) and lowest in summer (7.1 m s−1), and a distinct diurnal modulation, especially in summer; (2) the marine boundary layer is predominantly unstable (61% unstable vs. 21% neutral vs. 18% stable), meaning that mixing is strong, heat fluxes are positive, and the wind speed profile is often nonlogarithmic (~40% of the time); and (3) the shape of the wind speed profile (log versus nonlog) is an effective qualitative proxy for atmospheric stability, whereas TKE alone is not.
Reducing density-driven error without exact exchange.

The errors in density functional theory (DFT) calculations can be decomposed into contributions from the exchange–correlation density functional approximation (DFA), and contributions from the approximate electron density generated by that DFA. Standard “semilocal” DFAs have large density-driven delocalization errors for dissociating bonds, radical complexes, metal–ligand complexes, reaction intermediates, and reaction barriers. Several recent studies use Hartree–Fock exchange to reduce these density-driven errors. However, Hartree–Fock calculations can be formally and computationally problematic in periodic systems. I show that Rung 3.5 DFAs, which project the Kohn–Sham one-particle density matrix onto a localized model density matrix at each point in space, can provide a practical alternative. Rung 3.5 densities reduce the aforementioned density-driven errors without empirical parametrization, without the orbital rotation dependence of self-interaction corrections, and without any exact exchange whatsoever. While existing Rung 3.5 DFAs cannot reduce density-driven errors as much as Hartree–Fock exchange, these results offer new prospects for broadening the reach of density-corrected DFT.