cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MC(MC)MC: exploring Monte Carlo integration within MCMC for mark–recapture models with individual covariates

Summary Estimating abundance from mark–recapture data is challenging when capture probabilities vary among individuals. Initial solutions to this problem were based on fitting conditional likelihoods and estimating abundance as a derived parameter. More recently, Bayesian methods using full likelihoods have been implemented via reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling (RJMCMC) or data augmentation (DA). The latter approach is easily implemented in available software and has been applied to fit models that allow for heterogeneity in both open and closed populations. However, both RJMCMC and DA may be inefficient when modelling large populations. We describe an alternative approach using Monte Carlo (MC) integration to approximate the posterior density within a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling scheme. We show how this Monte Carlo within MCMC (MCWM) approach may be used to fit a simple, closed population model including a single individual covariate and present results from a simulation study comparing RJMCMC, DA and MCWM. We found that MCWM can provide accurate inference about population size and can be more efficient than both RJMCMC and DA. The efficiency of MCWM can also be improved by using advanced MC methods like antithetic sampling. Finally, we apply MCWM to estimate the abundance of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in 1982 allowing for capture probabilities to vary as a function body mass.
Unrestricted Hartree-Fock approach to cluster calculations. II. Interaction of cluster and environment

An $\mathrm{ab}$ initio approach to determining the appropriate potential in which to embed a cluster in order to simulate a large system is proposed. For ionic and covalent systems, simple approximations are presented as obtained by systematic simplifications of the more general theory. It is also seen that for metallic systems such a reduction is not obtained. The results obtained using the current approach for LiF simulated by a ${\mathrm{Li}}_{6}$F cluster are contrasted to those obtained using a more conventional Watson-sphere environment and also free-space boundary conditions.
Tissue Microenvironments Within Functional Cortical Subdivisions Adjacent to Focal Stroke

Stroke produces a region of complete cell death and areas of partial damage, injury, and gliosis. The spatial relationship of these regions of damage to the infarct core and within spared neuronal circuits has not been identified. A model of cortical stroke was developed within functional subsets of the somatosensory cortex. Infarct size, regions of apoptosis, oxidative DNA damage, heat shock protein induction, and subtypes of reactive gliosis were precisely mapped with the somatosensory body map, quantified, and interrelated. Three tissue microenvironments were recognized: zones of partial ischemic damage, heat shock protein induction, and distributed gliosis. These three zones involved progressively more distant cortical regions, each larger than the infarct core. The zone of partial ischemic damage represents an overlap region of apoptotic cell death, oxidative DNA damage, loss of synaptic connections, and local reactive gliosis. The zone of distributed gliosis occupies distinct functional areas of the somatosensory cortex. The tissue reorganization induced by stroke is much larger than the stroke site itself. Adjacent tissue microenvironments are sites of distinct reactive cellular signaling and may serve as a link between the processes of acute cell death and delayed neuronal plasticity after focal stroke.
Prognostic marker analysis in pediatric intracranial ependymomas.

Histologic grading methods dependent upon HE PFS, OS) in these patients. Intracranial ependymomas from patients aged 22 years or less were studied. The original histologic grade was recorded, HE median PFS was, 6.1 years. Original WHO grade did not correlate with PFS or OS. Peri-necrotic CA IX localization correlated with PFS (Log rank = 0.0181) and OS (Log rank p = 0.0015). All patients with a CA IX ≤ 5 % total area localization were alive at last follow-up. Perinecrotic CA IX staining was also associated with vascular proliferation (p = 0.006), though not with VEGF expression score. MIB-1 labeling index (LI) correlated with OS (HR 1.06, 95 % CI 1.01, 1.12) and PFS (HR 1.08, 95 % CI 1.02, 1.14). MIB-1 LI and perinecrotic CA IX individually correlated with PFS. The effect of perinecrotic CA IX remained when grade was added to a Cox model predicting PFS. Immunodetection of CA IX and MIB-1 expression are predictive biomarkers for survival in children with posterior fossa ependymomas. These markers represent objective indicators of survival that supplement H&E grading alone.
Electropolymerization of conjugated polymers in mesoporous titania for photovoltaic applications

We report the electropolymerization of poly(3-methylthiophene) (P3MT) in mesoporous titania. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) depth-profiling experiments confirm that the polymer filled the pores continuously from the bottom electrode to the top surface of the mesoporous titania. Photovoltaic cells with this structure show 0.23 % power efficiency under 3.3mW/cm 2 514 nm monochromatic illumination.
BCL2 translocation frequency rises with age in humans

The background frequency of t(14;18) (q32;q21) chromosomal translocations at the locus associated with B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (BCL2) was determined from a survey of the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) of 53 living individuals and from tissues of 31 autopsies by using a nested PCR assay. The translocation was detected in 55% of PBLs and 35% of autopsied spleens with a frequency of between less than 1 to 853 translocations per million cells. Translocations copurified with B lymphocytes. The frequency of translocations significantly increased with age in PBLs and spleens, as does human risk for lymphoma. Average translocation frequency was more than 40 times greater in the spleen and 13 times greater in the peripheral blood in the oldest individuals (61 yr and older) compared with the youngest individuals (20 yr or younger). Particular t(14;18)-bearing clones persisted over a period of 5 months in two individuals. These findings demonstrate that clones harboring the oncogenic t(14;18) chromosomal translocation are commonly present in normal humans, that such clones are long-lived, and that they rise in frequency with age. A multihit model of lymphomagenesis involving t(14;18) translocation followed by antigen stimulation is proposed.
Surface-Enhanced Fluorescence of Fluorescein-Labeled Oligonucleotides Capped on Silver Nanoparticles

Tiopronin monolayer-protected silver nanoparticles with different core sizes (average diameter = 2, 5, 20 nm) were prepared by using different mole ratios of silver nitrate/tiopronin. Ligands on the silver particles were partially displaced by fluorescein-labeled thiolate single-stranded oligonucleotides or their complementary unlabeled oligonucleotides through ligand exchange. The fluorophores on silver particles showed a surface-enhanced fluorescence (SEF) dependent on the size of metallic cores. The particles could be coupled through hybridizations of oligonucleotides bound on the particles. The coupled particles were aggregated due to multiple displacements of oligonucleotides on each particle, resulting in stronger SEF. The dye-labeled oligonucleotides were assembled on the silver islands on the solid substrate, and the complementary oligonucleotide-displaced particles were coupled via oligonucleotide hybridization. The couplings between particles and islands resulted in an obvious fluorescence enhancement.
The Quest for an Ecosomatic Approach to Dance Pedagogy

Abstract As a dance teacher I am interested in finding ways to improve the quality and effectiveness of the dancers' learning process. My investigations toward this end have primarily focused on uncovering essential somatic characteristics as they relate to dance teaching and learning. The essential somatic concept that the senses and sensitization of the body facilitates awareness has provided the basis for this rather unconventional turn to my investigation. This discussion proposes that developing sensitization of the body's relationship—not only with itself or with others, but with the environment, the natural world at large—may shed new light on how to perceive a somatic perspective in dance. It uses an ecological model to reframe our thinking about somatic approaches to teaching and learning dance. Laura Sewell, an ecopsychologist who specializes in the neurophysiology of vision, has enumerated five skills of ecological perception: learning to attend; learning to perceive relationships, contexts and...
Assessing the Safety of Immunologic Modifiers for the Treatment of Chronic Disease: the Psoriasis Paradigm

Finally, the pace of innovation in psoriasis therapy is accelerating. For 50 years, only four systematic therapies (Methotrexate, PUVA, oral retinoids, and cyclosporine) enjoyed substantial use (Greaves and Weinstein, 1995). Although often effective, each of these therapies has associated risks. In the next few years, a large number of new systemic agents for psoriasis are likely to become available. Although differing in mechanism, many of these new treatments alter immunity and some should be considered immunosuppressive (Granstein, 2001;Griffiths, 2002). As a result, increased risks of infection and certain cancers as documented for cyclosporine in this issue of the JID and elsewhere for cyclosporine and other potentially immunosuppressive psoriasis therapies must be considered in determining the long-term safety of these agents (Paul, this issue JID;Marcil and Stern, 2001;Margolis et al, 2001).
Beacon creation and characterization for beam control in strong turbulence

There is strong interest in developing adaptive optics solutions for extreme conditions, such as laser beam projection over long, horizontal paths. In most realistic operational scenarios there is no suitable beacon readily available for tracking and wave front sensing. In these situations it is necessary to create a bacon artificially. In this paper we explore two strategies for creating a beacon: (1) scattering an initially focused beam from a surface accomplished compensation for part of the path. In many cases of practical interest, beacons created by scattering of the light from a surface in the scene results in beacons which are anisoplanatic, and hence provide poor beam compensation results. Partial path compensation based on a Rayleigh beacon provides comparable performance in some cases.
Programs and logics

We use the algebraic theory of programs as in Blikle [2], Mazurkiewicz [5] in order to show that the difference between programs with and without recursion is of the same kind as that between cut free Gentzen type formalizations of predicate and prepositional logics.
Rational Choice and Political Participation — Evaluating the Debate:

This paper evaluates rational choice models of political participation both at the theoretical and empirical levels. The theoretical discussion is con cerned with evaluating attempts which have bee...
Bonding and structure in cyclopentadienylcobaltmetallacycle complexes. The crystal structures of [η5-C5(CH3)5]Co[(NH)2C6H4] and [η5-C5(CH3)5]Co[(NH)SC6H4]

Abstract [η 5 -C 5 (CH 3 ) 5 ]Co[(NH) 2 C 6 H 4 ] (VII) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P 2 1 / c with a 9.530(3), b 15.960(4), c 9.987(3) A, β 96.89(2)dg, and Z = 4. Least-squares refinement of 2919 independent observed reflections, F obs ⩾ 3.0σ( F obs ), gives R F 5.20 and R wF 5.57%. [η 5 -C 5 (CH 3 ) 5 ]Co[(NH)SC 6 H 4 ] (VIII) crystallizes in P 2 1 / c with a 10.261(3), b 14.350(4), c 11.376(4) A, β 113.65(2)°, and Z = 4. Least-squares refinement of 2546 independent observed reflections, F obs ⩾ 2.5σ( F obs ), gives R F 4.66 and R wF 4.37%. Despite the low molecular symmetry, the cyclopentadienyl ring shows little tendency to distort to the “allyl-ene” or “diene” electron distribution. The metallacycle shows a slight preference for the imine electron distribution over other possibilities. Comparisons are made with other complexes having this molecular structure.
HYPOTHESIS FOR THE ORIGIN OF THE MAGNETIC FIELDS AND ANGULAR ROTATIONS OF STARS AND PLANETS

From theoretical considerations it is to be expected that gravitational contraction of ionized material across a magnetic field will produce an enhancement of the magnetic field and a rotational angular momentum of the mass. This process may be associated with the magnetic fields and rotations of galaxies, stars, and planets, and may possibly play a role in expanding universe.
Scaling of forced magnetic reconnection in the Hall-magnetohydrodynamical Taylor problem with arbitrary guide field

Two-dimensional, nonlinear, Hall-magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) numerical simulations are used to investigate the scaling of the rate of forced magnetic reconnection in the so-called Taylor problem. In this problem, a small amplitude boundary perturbation is suddenly applied to a tearing stable, slab plasma equilibrium. The perturbation is such as to drive magnetic reconnection within the plasma. This type of reconnection, which is not due to an intrinsic plasma instability, is generally termed “forced reconnection.” Hall effects are found to greatly accelerate the rate of magnetic reconnection, relative to the well-known Sweet–Parker rate. In the nonlinear Hall-MHD regime with arbitrary guide field, the peak reconnection rate is found to be independent of the resistivity, and to scale like dψ/dt∼[β/(1+β)]3/4di3/2Ⅺ02, where β is the plasma beta calculated using the guide field, di the collisionless ion skin depth, and Ⅺ0 the amplitude of the boundary perturbation.
"See one, do one, teach one, have one": a novel variation on regional anesthesia training.

Introduction Is it possible to determine the number of nerve blocks needed for residents to become competent in regional anesthesia? Several studies have focused on this question, and the Residency Review Committee (RRC) for Anesthesiology has now defined a “minimum clinical experience” for some aspects of regional anesthesia training. In our experience, personally being a regional block recipient can also serve to enhance training. Methods Many residents at Virginia Mason Medical Center have received regional anesthetics as volunteers in research projects. We designed questionnaires to define their perceptions in both performing and receiving regional anesthesia. Results Twenty-one residents were recipients of a total of 72 regional anesthetic procedures. Many residents’ comments focused on the discomfort of local anesthesia infiltration, the value of sedation, a better appreciation of the patients’ perspectives, and improved preoperative consultation. Residents experiencing paresthesias were more likely to consider paresthesias as bad (P = .0098). Conclusion The lessons learned from personally receiving a regional anesthetic are invaluable and can improve the quality of training, as well as the relationship between anesthesiologist and patient.
MYB108 Acts Together with MYB24 to Regulate Jasmonate-Mediated Stamen Maturation in Arabidopsis

In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), jasmonate is a key signal required for stamen and pollen maturation and thus for male fertility. Using transcriptional profiling, we have previously identified a set of 13 transcription factors that are proposed to be involved in controlling jasmonate responses in stamens. This finding suggests that a transcriptional cascade regulates the many developmental and biochemical pathways required to ensure fertility; however, the organization of this cascade is currently not understood. Here, we provide a genetic characterization of the role of MYB108 and map its relationship to MYB21 and MYB24, two other transcription factors involved in the jasmonate response in Arabidopsis stamens. Transcriptional profiling and analysis of plants expressing a MYB108:GUS fusion protein demonstrated that MYB108 expression is largely confined to sporophytic tissues of the stamen. Three allelic myb108 mutants exhibited reduced male fertility that was associated with delayed anther dehiscence, reduced pollen viability, and decreased fecundity relative to wild type. These phenotypes were all found to be exacerbated in myb108 myb24 double mutants, which also had shorter stamen filaments. Measurements of MYB108 transcript levels in wild-type and mutant flowers showed that expression of this gene is strongly dependent on MYB21. Taken together, our results indicate that MYB108 and MYB24 have overlapping functions and act downstream of MYB21 in a transcriptional cascade that mediates stamen and pollen maturation in response to jasmonate.
Psychological Aspects of Data Loss in Outcome Research

Data loss is a plague in outcome studies, particularly for research strategies using significant others to rate home and community adjustment of clients in treatment. This study asked, "Do psychological factors contribute to data loss?" for 169 consecutively admitted psychiatric clients who differed in outcome response rates. Clients who evidenced less favorable pretreatment adjustment on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and on psychiatrists' Brief Psychiatric Rating Scales ratings also turned out to be those for whom posttreatment outcome return rates were poorest. The findings suggest data loss is systematic: Clients who are less well-adjusted may be underrepresented in program evaluation.
The psychology of religion and spirituality? Yes and no.

This article considers the question of whether our field should relabel itself the psychology of religion and spirituality. The meanings of religion and spirituality appear to be evolving. Religion is moving from a broadband construct-one that includes both the institutional and the individual, and the good and the bad-to a narrowband institutional construct that restricts and inhibits human potential. Spirituality, on the other hand, is becoming differentiated from religion as an individual expression that speaks to the greatest of human capacities. Several dangers in these trends are consiciered, including the danger of losing the sacred core of our field. An alternate approach to defining religion and spirituality is presented that preserves the heart of our discipline while encouraging the study of new pathways to the sacred and new meanings of the sacred itself.
The Achieving Success Everyday Group Counseling Model: Implications for Professional School Counselors.

This article presents the Achieving Success Everyday (ASE) group counseling model, which is designed to help school counselors integrate students’ academic and personal-social development into their group work. We first describe this group model in detail and then offer one case example of a middle school counselor using the ASE model to conduct a group counseling intervention in a school setting. Finally, implications for school counselors are presented.
Expression of the alpha subunit of 7S nerve growth factor in the mouse submandibular gland

α-NGF is an inactive serine protease that is associated in the mouse submandibular gland with a closely related serine protease, γ-NGF, and the neurotrophic factor, β-NGF. The heterogeneity of purified α-NGF has been examined by DEAE-cellulose chromatography and SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A possible explanation for the observed heterogeneity is presented. Antibodies have been prepared against α-NGF and purified by affinity chromatography so that they do not cross-react with γ-NGF. This antibody preparation recognizes two very similar proteins in male mouse submandibular gland RNA-directed cell-free translation mixtures. The expression of only one of these forms is regulated by testosterone. Oligonucleotide probes specific for each of the three NGF subunits have been prepared and used for Northern blot analysis of RNA from the mouse submandibular gland. The three subunits were found to be coordinately expressed and each were 30-fold more abundant in male than in female glands.
Short-term probing behavior of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) as affected by fasting, anesthesia, and labial manipulation.

Abstract An analysis was made of the probing behavior of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) during a 5-minute access period on yellow mustard seedlings, Brassica campestris L. Aphids anesthetized with carbon dioxide, with or without subsequent manual manipulation of the labium to expose the tips of the stylets, probed less frequently and effected fewer transmissions of cabbage mosaic virus than did unanesthetized aphids. Aphids that were fasted for 5 minutes after an acquisition probe also gave fewer transmissions, but this reduction was not associated with changes in probing behavior when compared to untreated insects. The lowest rate of transmission was by aphids which had been anesthetized and then manually manipulated to expose the tip of their stylets. But since the probing behavior of manipulated aphids was very similar to that of anesthetized ones, behavior alone could not explain the additional loss in transmission efficiency. In this work neither the duration of the intervals between probes, nor the duration of the probes themselves, appeared to be strongly associated with the variations in transmission that occurred in response to the various treatments.
Modeling of the Liquid Crystal/Lipid Interface for Bio-Sensing Applications

The control of the orientation of liquid crystal thin films at surfactant-decorated interfaces is of primary importance in the development of liquid crystalline devices as well as many applications in biological systems. Highly detailed molecular level modeling of these interfaces is needed to help us to create liquid crystal-based sensors that respond to specific chemical and biological signals. These liquid crystal/surfactant systems have been studied extensively due, in part, to both their birefringence optical properties and orientational sensitivity to surface interactions. It is therefore critical to understand the interplay between the conformational entropy of the surfactants, the rotational entropy of the liquid crystals, the intermolecular and molecule-surface interactions, and the packing at the interfaces to be able to create design platforms for sensing applications using these systems.In the absence of liquid crystal molecules, binary DPPC/DOPC lipid monolayers undergo phase transitions from liquid-expanded to liquid-condensed phases as the lipid areal density decreases. DPPC has two fully saturated fatty acid tails, and DOPC has two monounsaturated fatty acid tails. The area per molecule of this phase transition is highly dependent on the temperature and the composition of the monolayer. In this work, we present the effect of liquid crystal nematic elasticity on liquid-expanded/liquid-condensed phase diagram.We use theoretical model predictions for the phase behavior of liquid crystal thin films in the presence of various lipid monolayer mixtures to better understand the fundamental interactions that control molecular reorganization. These results shed light on the interplay between the conformational entropy of the lipids, the penetration of the liquid crystal into the lipid region, the propagation of the interfacial orientation to the bulk phase behavior of the liquid crystal film, and the effects of liquid crystal orientation on the phase transitions of the lipids themselves.
A Sub-Nyquist Rate Sampling Receiver Exploiting Compressive Sensing

This paper presents a sub-Nyquist rate sampling receiver architecture that exploits signal sparsity by employing compressive sensing (CS) techniques. The receiver serves as an analog-to-information conversion system that works at sampling rates much lower than the Nyquist rate. A parallel-path structure that employs current mode sampling techniques is used. The receiver performance is quantified analytically. Useful and fundamental design guidelines that are unique to CS are provided based on the analytical tools. Simulations with a 90-nm CMOS process verify the theoretical derivations and the circuit implementations. Based on these results, it is shown that an instantaneous receiver signal bandwidth of 1.5 GHz and a signal-to-noise-plus-distortion ratio of 44 dB are achievable. The receiver power consumption is estimated to be 120.8 mW. A comparison with state-of-the-art high-speed analog-to-digital conversions reveals that the proposed approach improves the figure of merit by a factor of three if the signal exhibits a 4% sparsity.
Promoting Transfer by Grounding Complex Systems Principles.

Understanding scientific phenomena in terms of complex systems principles is both scientifically and pedagogically important. Situations from different disciplines of science are often governed by the same principle, and so promoting knowledge transfer across disciplines makes valuable cross-fertilization and scientific unification possible. Although evidence for this kind of transfer has historically been controversial, experiments and observations of students suggest pedagogical methods for promoting transfer of complex systems principles. One powerful strategy is for students to actively interpret the elements and interactions of perceptually grounded scenarios. Such interpretation can be facilitated through the presentation of a situation alongside a description of how the agents in the situation are behaving, and by students exploring and constructing computational models of the situation. The resulting knowledge can be both concretely grounded yet highly perspective dependent and generalizeable. We ...
Stark hole-burning spectroscopy of a photosynthetic complex: LH2 of purple bacteria

Abstract Results from the first Stark hole-burning spectroscopic studies of photosynthetic complexes are reported. External electric field effects were determined as a function of laser burn frequency and polarization for the B800 band and the B870 band of Rhodobacter sphaeroides, where B870 is the lowest exciton level of the strongly coupled bacteriochlorophyll a molecules of the B850 ring. For either parallel or perpendicular polarization of the burn laser relative to the external Stark field, only broadening of the zero-phonon holes which is linear in field strength was observed. Near the center of the B870 and B800 bands, f(Δμ‖, Δμ⊥)=(1.1, 1.4) and (1.1, 0.8) Debye, respectively, where f is the local field correction factor. However, a dependence of the Δμ-values on location of the hole within the inhomogeneously broadened absorption bands is observed. For B870 they increase by 10–20% from the blue to red edge while for B800 an opposite trend is observed. Results for B870 of Rhodopseudomonas acidophila and Rhodospirillum molischianum are similar. A detailed discussion of the results and a comparison of them with those from classical Stark modulation spectroscopic studies of the entire B800 and B850 absorption bands are given. It is concluded for the B850 ring that mixing of charge transfer states with the Qy-exciton levels is of minor importance. The hole burning data, together with consideration of the Cn-symmetry and the effects of energy disorder from structural heterogeneity, suggest that localization effects from energy disorder are probably important for understanding the effects of external electric field on the B850 band which is comprised of several components.
Beam Steering in Global Positioning System Receivers using Synthetic Phased Arrays

This correspondence introduces a concept of synthetically generated phased arrays to the area of Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS antennas generated at different spatial locations are combined into a synthetic phased array to improve the beam sharpening performance without increasing the antenna's physical size. A fast Fourier transforms (FFT)-based method is applied for simultaneous steering of the synthetic array's beams in multiple directions. The synthetic beam-steering approach discussed can be applied for improving GPS robustness to RF interference and for simultaneous tracking of multiple signal sources (i.e., direct signal and multipath reflections). Simulation results and experimental test results are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of synthetic beam steering techniques for GPS antennas.
Articulation and nasality changes resulting from sustained palatal fistula obturation.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine differences in articulation and nasality with obturation over time in children with a palatal fistula. Design: Articulation and nasality were measured with the fistula open, immediately after obturation, and 4 to 7 weeks postobturation. Setting, Patients, Participants: Subjects were 15 patients with a palatal fistula secondary to a repaired cleft palate who were seen through the Orofacial Program, Utah Department of Health, ranging in age from 4 years 6 months to 13 years 1 month. Interventions: Acrylic palatal obturators were designed to provide coverage specific to the unique shape and location of each child's fistula. Obturators were cemented to molar teeth using wire clasps for control of usage. Main Outcome Measures: Measurements consisted of listener judgments of hypernasality, hyponasality, and nasal emissions; instrumental ratings of nasalance using the Nasometer 6200-2; and performance on a standardized articulation test. Results: Sign...
Critical factors in gene expression in postmortem human brain: Focus on studies in schizophrenia.

Background Studies of postmortem human brain are important for investigating underlying pathogenic molecular mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders. They are, however, confounded by pre- and postmortem factors. The purpose of this study was to identify sources of variation that will enable a better design of gene expression studies and higher reliability of gene expression data. Methods We assessed the contribution of multiple variables to messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of reference (housekeeping) genes measured by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) by multiple regression analysis in a large number ( N = 143) of autopsy samples from the hippocampus and white and grey matter of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of patients with schizophrenia and normal control subjects. Results The strongest predictor of gene expression was total RNA quality. Other significant factors included pH, postmortem interval, age and the duration of the agonal state, but the importance of these factors depended on transcript measured, brain region analyzed, and diagnosis. The quality of RNA obtained from the DLPFC white matter was also adversely affected by smoking. Conclusions Our results show that normalization of expression data of target genes with a geometric mean of multiple housekeeping genes should be used to control for differences in RNA quality between samples. The results also suggest that accurate assessment of other confounding factors and their inclusion as regressors in the analysis is critical for obtaining reliable and accurate quantification of mRNA expression.
The fourth B

Recent developments in computer generation of music have been impressive. Such diverse musical styles as Country and Western music [1] and Victorian Hymns [2] have been successfully simulated. Advanced works have allowed for increased flexibility of stylistic capabilities [3], and have dealt with such complex musical problems as anticipations and delayed resolutions [4]. Despite the increased flexibility and intricacy of these programs, the basic approach has been to restrict the program to a preordained style of composition.
Electromyographic study of human jaw-closing muscle endurance, fatigue and recovery at various isometric force levels

Abstract The effect of a sustained isometric clenching, at various force levels or maximum voluntary bite-force levels, was evaluated on normal jaw-function subjects. Surface electromyographic (EMG) recordings of the masseter and temporalis were taken and bite force was measured using an intra-oral force transducer placed unilaterally in the 2nd premolar-1st molar region. Subjects sustained isometric force at the 25, 50, 75 and 100 per cent force level. Maximal bite force and EMG contraction levels were measured before, during and after these sustained isometric tasks. Subjects showed no change in their brief maximal contraction or force levels during or after various fatigue-inducing isometric tasks. The findings suggested a lack of contractile failure in the jaw-closing muscles. Pain intolerance rather than neuro-muscular fatigue is the limiting factor of a sustained submaximal or even maximal clenching effort.
Subtype-specific reduction of voltage-gated calcium current in medium-sized dorsal root ganglion neurons after painful peripheral nerve injury

Sensory neurons express a variety of voltage-gated Ca2+ channel subtypes, but reports differ on their proportionate representation, and the effects of painful nerve injury on each subtype are not established. We compared levels of high-voltage activated currents in medium-sized (30-40 μm) dorsal root ganglion neurons dissociated from control animals and those subjected to spinal nerve ligation, using sequential application of semiselective channel blockers (nisoldipine for L-type, SNX-111 or ω-conotoxin GVIA for N-type, agatoxin IVA or ω-conotoxin MVIIC for P/Q-type, and SNX-482 for a component of R-type) during either square wave depolarizations or action potential waveform voltage commands. Using sequential administration of multiple blockers, proportions of total Ca2+ current attributable to different subtypes and the effect of injury depended on the sequence of blocker administration and type of depolarization command. Overall, however, N-type and L-type currents comprised the dominant components of ICa in sensory neurons under control conditions, and these subtypes showed the greatest loss of current following injury (L-type 26-71% loss, N-type 0-51% loss). Further exploration of N-type current identified by its sensitivity to ω-conotoxin GVIA applied alone showed that injury reduced the peak N-type current during step depolarization by 68% and decreased the total charge entry during action potential waveform stimulation by 44%. Isolation of N-type current by blockade of all other subtypes demonstrated a 50% loss with injury, and also revealed an injury-related rightward shift in the activation curve. Non-stationary noise analyses of N-type current in injured neurons revealed unitary channel current and number of channels that were not different from control, which indicates that injury-induced loss of current is due to a decrease in channel open probability. Our findings suggest that diminished Ca2+ influx through N-type and L-type channels may contribute to sensory neuron dysfunction and pain after nerve injury.
Design of long passive oscilloscope probes to simplify maintenance of large digital computers

THE cathode-ray oscilloscope is a powerful tool for the maintenance of digital computers, but its use on a mobile cart is often awkward and does not permit the oscilloscope to be used to its fullest advantage. If, however, the oscilloscope could be permanently mounted at the maintenance console and supplied with signals from a network of long probe lines running into the computer, operators at the console could view a comprehensive display of computer wave forms and direct maintenance activities accordingly.
The Industrial Buying Function:Changing Role and Relevance

A new era for management is emerging. Staying closer to the business of the company's primary expertise with an action‐based, value‐driven philosophy is being emphasised. A simple flexible organisational form directed at generating customer satisfaction is becoming more dominant. This requires more effective supply management than ever before. An enlarged role with greater significance for purchasing is resulting.
The Beginnings of Modern Growth in Europe: An Essay in Synthesis

This article is an essay in both historical synthesis and in the theory of growth. It seeks to explain the process at work in Europe which led up to the surge of British industrial expansion at the end of the eighteenth century as the result of three distinct, partially related, converging forces: public policies induced by the endemic international struggle for power; the expansion of international commerce and of the world trading area; and the complex impact of the scientific revolution. This historical view is then related to the concept of the preconditions for take-off and take-off, as well as to the case of increasing returns.
Progress and Plans for RaD and the Conceptual Design of the ILC High Gradient Structures

Gradients and Q□s in the dominant ILC candidate structure have shown steady improvement, reaching 35 — 40 MV/m over the last year using the best techniques of electropolishing, high pressure rinsing and 120... C baking for 48 hours. Progress and plans for these structures are reviewed. Above 40 MV/m, the surface magnetic field encroaches the range of the rf critical magnetic field, believed to fall between 1750 and 2000 Oe, depending on the theory. One way to circumvent the limit is to modify the cavity shape to reduce the ratio of peak magnetic to accelerating field. ° Two candidate shapes have evolved, the Re-entrant shape and the Low-Loss shape. Although field emission is aggravated by higher electric fields, it does not present a brick wall limit because high pressure rinsing at 100 bar eliminates microparticles which cause field emission. Results of single and multicell cavities will be presented. The record field in a single cell re-entrant cavity is now 46 MV/m corresponding to a surface magnetic field of 1750 Oe and a surface electric field of 101 MV/m.
ENHANCEMENT OF POWDERED SOFT DRINK MIXES WITH ANTHOCYANIN EXTRACTS

Anthocyanin extracts derived from blueberries and red cabbages using two extraction methods, a S02 extraction procedure and a methanol extraction/ion exchange purification procedure, were compared as colorants in powdered soft drink mixes. Total anthocyanins, total flavonols and ascorbic acid retention did not change significantly during 6 wk of storage of the dry mixes at 21°C and 35°C. However, loss of anthocyanins was observed in the reconstituted beverages containing purified methanol extracts during 9 days of storage at 4°C. Degradation of ascorbic acid in the reconstituted beverages containing ion exchange-purified extracts and the commercial control, proceeded at a rapid rate reaching 95% reduction after 9 days storage at 4°C. SO2 -extracted powders exerted a protective effect on ascorbic acid retention during the same period of reconstituted storage. Sensory color evaluation of the products indicated that beverages containing methanol-derived blueberry extracts were preferred to commercial cherry controls.
Macronutrient profiles of wetland plants consumed by the Hawaiian Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis)

Understanding the nutritional quality of wildlife foods is important for management and conservation efforts. We report the gross energy and macronutrient content of 10 plant species consumed by endangered Hawaiian Moorhens (Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis) along with gross energy and macronutrient content of three plant species not known to be consumed by moorhen. We also report the same information for Urochloa mutica that is consumed when it is , 10 cm tall, but not when it is taller. We also compared macronutrient composition of plant species collected from sites with different soil moisture levels. Energy density, fat, ash, nitrogen, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber of these wetland plants were similar across soil moisture categories, but differed among plant species. We tested for rank consistency of nutrient values across species to determine if some were consistently high across measures, and we tested whether there were differences in energy and protein content between natives and non- natives, and between species consumed versus not eaten. Rank values of macronutrients were inconsistent across species, and we found no differences in energy or protein across groups of species. Information on Hawaiian Moorhen nutritional requirements and the species' ability to metabolize these different plants will help inform wetland managers.
NMDA receptor-mediated control of protein synthesis at developing synapses.

We demonstrate a rapid and complex effect of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activation on synaptic protein synthesis in the superior colliculi of young rats. Within minutes of receptor activation, translation of alpha Ca2+/calmodulin dependent kinase II (αCamK II) was increased, whereas total protein synthesis was reduced. NMDAR activation also increased phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2), a process known to inhibit protein translation by reducing peptide chain elongation. Low doses of cycloheximide, which reduce elongation rate independently of eEF2 phosphorylation, decreased overall protein synthesis but increased αCaMK II synthesis. These observations suggest that regulation of peptide elongation via eEF2 phosphorylation can link NMDAR activation to local increases in the synthesis of specific proteins during activity-dependent synaptic change.
Dual response modes in lateral geniculate neurons: Mechanisms and functions

Relay cells of the lateral geniculate nucleus, like those of other thalamic nuclei, manifest two distinct response modes, and these represent two very different forms of relay of information to cortex. When relatively hyperpolarized, these relay cells respond with a low threshold Ca2+ spike that triggers a brief burst of conventional action potentials. These cells switch to tonic mode when depolarized, since the low threshold Ca2+ spike, being voltage dependent, is inactivated at depolarized levels. In this mode they relay information with much more fidelity. This switch can occur under the influence of afferents from the visual cortex or parabrachial region of the brain stem. It has been previously suggested that the tonic mode is characteristic of the waking state while the burst mode signals an interruption of the geniculate relay during sleep. This review surveys the key properties of these two response modes and discusses the implications of new evidence that the burst mode may also occur in the waking animal.
Presence of diabetes-inhibiting, glutamic acid decarboxylase-specific, IL-10-dependent, regulatory T cells in naive nonobese diabetic mice

Immunization of NOD mice with autoantigens such as glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 221-235 peptide (p221) can induce Ag-specific CD4(+) T regulatory (Tr) cells. However, it is unclear whether these Tr cells acquire their regulatory capacity due to immunization or whether they are constitutively harbored in unimmunized naive mice. To address this question, we used an I-Ag7 tetramer to isolate p221-specific T cells from naive NOD mice (N221(+) cells) after peptide-specific in vitro expansion. The N221(+) T cells produced IFN-gamma and IL-10, but very little IL-4, in response to p221 stimulation. These T cells could function as regulatory cells and inhibit in vitro proliferation of diabetogenic BDC2.5 cells. This suppressive activity was cell contact-independent and was abrogated by Abs to IL-10 or IL-10R. Interestingly, IL-2 produced by other T cells present in the cell culture induced unactivated N221(+) T cells to exhibit regulatory activities involving production of IL-10. In vivo, N221(+) cells inhibited diabetes development when cotransferred with NOD splenocytes into NOD/scid recipients. Together, these results demonstrate that p221-specific IL-10-dependent Tr cells, including Tr type 1 cells, are present in naive NOD mice. The use of spontaneously arising populations of GAD peptide-specific Tr cells may represent a promising immunotherapeutic approach for preventing type 1 diabetes.
Adaptive antenna arrays for the reverse link of CDMA cellular communication systems

The use of an antenna array in the reverse link of cellular communication systems is proposed. A recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm is used to adjust the weight coefficients of the array. The improvement in performance is quantified by comparison with the omnidirectional antenna system using realistic simulations.
Identifying Hot Moments in Road-Mortality Risk for Freshwater Turtles

Risk assessments can be used to identify threats, which vary both in space and time, to declining species. Just as hot spots describe locations where threat processes operate at a higher rate than in surrounding areas, hot moments refer to periods when threat rates are highest. However, the identification of hot moments can be challenging because the temporal complexity of some threat processes makes their effects on population viability difficult to predict. Declining throughout much of their range, Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) populations are potentially most vulnerable to road mortality where road densities and traffic volumes are high. The temporal variations in road-mortality risk faced by these and other semiaquatic turtles at the population level are a consequence of several factors, including sex-specific movement characteristics and seasonal changes in traffic volume. We examined these risk factors for Blanding's turtle populations in Maine, USA, by integrating temporally explicit roadkill probabilities with demographic parameters informed by local and range-wide studies. Specifically, we used population simulations to estimate the relative risk for 14 2-week periods during the turtles' active season. Our analysis clearly identified early summer as a period of elevated risk, with June through mid-July signaling a road-mortality hot moment for Blanding's turtles (for both M and F). These findings provide guidance for the implementation of temporally explicit conservation measures such as cautionary road signage, traffic management, and public outreach that, if timed strategically, could help to mitigate population impacts from road mortality.
Problems in Parole Prediction: A Historical Analysis

A review of past efforts to predict parole outcome indicates that, although there have been some recent improvements in the methodology, there has been no appreciable increase in predictive power. Two related reasons for this are evident. First, the prevalent use of prison files as a data source limits the kind of research question which can be asked. Second, the non-theoretical nature of this research has prevented a systematic accumulation of knowledge relative to this problem. The success of future efforts depends on whether parole prediction research conforms to the basic requirements of scientific investigation which include utilizing theoretical guidelines and selecting variables on the basis of their theoretical relevance instead of on their availability in prison files.
Chapter 14 The employment relationship: Job attachment, work effort, and the nature of contracts

Publisher Summary In the U.S. economy, approximately 100 million workers are matched with market work activities on any given day. Millions more are matched with the nonmarket activities of various kinds, including child rearing, the home production of a variety of goods and services, and schooling. Economic efficiency requires that (1) specific individuals and activities be appropriately matched and (2) the individuals, once matched, undertake the activity with an appropriate level of effort or intensity. This chapter discusses the economic forces that influence and define the important aspects of elements of the employment relationship in a market economy. In the chapter, three aspects of the employment relationship are reviewed: (1) the supply of work effort by the employee, (2) the investment in employer–employee match specific skills, and (3) the provision of earnings insurance by the employer. The supply and demand for work effort of individual workers is an obvious and crucial factor in the employment relationship. Employers have preferences about the intensity with which employees undertake their tasks, which may be quite at variance with those of the employees.