cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The mouse PcG gene eed is required for Hox gene repression and extraembryonic development

The Polycomb group (PcG) of genes was first identified in Drosophila as maintenance factors for long-term transcriptional repression of homeotic genes. In mice, the PcG protein Eed (Embryonic ectoderm development) is present in a distinct complex that interacts with histone deacetylase (HDAC) and the PcG member Ezh2 (Enhancer of zeste homolog 2), but not in the larger Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) formed by several other PcG proteins. eednull mutants manifest a distinct early gastrulation defect that occurs prior to homeotic gene expression. To determine whether Eed is also required for regulating homeotic genes, a later acting eedhypomorph mutation was analyzed. The anterior expression boundaries of several Hox genes were shifted rostrally by one segment, indicating that Eed is required for stable repression of homeotic genes. Furthermore, although the eednull/hypomorph compound heterozygotes die during mid-gestation stage, they did not show a more severe derepression of Hox genes than the eedhypomorph/hypomorph homozygotes. A detailed analysis of the mid-gestation lethality associated with the eednull/hypomorph compound heterozygotes revealed a novel function for eed in the development of secondary trophoblast giant cells during murine placenta formation. Tetraploid rescue experiments demonstrated that the defect is cell autonomous in the extraembryonic lineage. Mash2, a paternally imprinted gene important for trophoblast development, was ectopically expressed in the eed mutants. However, genetic crosses with a Mash2 null allele suggested that Eed was not required to maintain Mash2 imprinting, but could be required in a lineage specific fashion to suppress Mash2 expression.
Incorporating concept ontology to enable probabilistic concept reasoning for multi-level image annotation

To enable automatic multi-level image annotation, we have addressed two inter-related important issues:(1)more effective framework for image content representation and feature extraction to characterize the middle-level semantics of image contents;(2)new framework for hierarchical probabilistic image concept reasoning and detection. To address the first issue salient objects are used as the semantic building blocks to characterize the middle-level semantics of image contents effectively while reducing the image analysis cost significantly. We have proposed three approaches to designing the detection functions for automatic salient object detection,and automatic function selection is also supported to find the "right "assumptions of the principal visual properties for the corresponding salient object classes. To address the second issue wehaveproposed a novel framework to incorporate the concept ontology to achieve hierarchical probabilistic image concept reasoning for multi-level image annotation. The concept ontology for a large-scale public image database called Label Me is semi-automatically derived from the available image labels by using WordNet The image concepts at the first level of the concept ontology are used to characterize the most specific semantics of image contents with the smallest variations, and their correspondences with the semantic building blocks (i.e.,salient objects)are well-de fined and can be modeled accurately by using Bayesian networks. In addition,the predictions of the appearances of the higher-level image concepts with large variations are adopted by the underlying concept ontology or by combining the available predictions of the appearances of their children concepts through hierarchical Bayesian networks.Our experiments on a large public dataset have shown that our framework for hierarchical probabilistic image concept reasoning is scalable to diverse image contents (i.e.,large amount of salient object classes)with large within-category variations.
The Ptolemaic Astrological Tradition in the Seventeenth Century: An Example from Rome

This article describes a unique early seventeenth-century project at the monastery of Santa Prassede in Rome to adapt and prove the validity of Ptolemaic astrology by an empirical study of the lives and deaths of both eminent personages and common people in the neighborhood. In contextualizing this effort, it focuses on the life and career of the astrologer Orazio Morandi, abbot of the monastery and one-time general of the Vallombrosa order. On the basis of the activities of Morandi and the other monks, it then draws some conclusions regarding the fortunes and misfortunes of the Ptolemaic astrological tradition in the period.
Tumor biology and pathology

The correct pathologic diagnosis of tumor type affecting the veterinary patient is of utmost importance to the veterinary surgical oncologist. The surgical oncologist may be presented with benign or malignant diseases, and an accurate pathologic diagnosis may be necessary to distinguish between the two conditions. In either case, assessment of surgical margins to determine completeness of surgical removal is necessary. In cases of malignancy, the pathologist should grade the tumor, if appropriate, and be able to perform specialized techniques, such as immunohistochemistry, if a diagnosis is in question. The surgical oncologist needs to understand the principles of tissue collection, fixation, and submission to help the pathologist provide an accurate diagnosis. Finally, the oncologic surgeon and surgical pathologist need to establish a cooperative working relationship and function as a team to discuss difficult cases. This will ensure the best treatment for the veterinary patient.
A game of pool, a game of tag: AMPA trafficking in the post-synaptic density.

One mechanism of information storage in neurons is the plasticity in the strength of synaptic contacts. The strength of an excitatory synapse is partially due to the concentration of a particular type of ionotropic glutamate receptor (AMPAR) in the post-synaptic density (PSD). AMPAR concentration in the PSD has to be plastic, to allow the storage of new memories; but it also has to be stable to preserve important information. Although much is known about the molecular identity of synapses, the biophysical mechanisms by which AMPAR can enter, leave and remain in the synapse are unclear. We implemented Monte Carlo simulations to determine the influence of PSD structure and activity in maintaining homeostatic concentrations of AMPARs in the synapse. The model consisted of tracking the movement of individual AMPAR in and around a PSD. The membrane was simulated as a square mesh in which each position could be present a diffusing AMPAR, and anchored PSD molecule, or be empty. PSD molecules could be active, in which case, they could bind with a certain binding energy to AMPAR. If PSD molecules were inactive they acted as obstacles [1,2]. We found that, the high concentration and excluded volume caused by PSD molecules result in molecular crowding. Diffusion of AMPAR in the PSD under such conditions is anomalous. Anomalous diffusion due to molecular crowding is a physical process fundamentally different from the steady-state excluded volume analyses such as tortuosity [3]. Anomalous diffusion of AMPAR results in retention of these receptors inside the PSD for periods ranging from seconds to several hours in the absence of any binding of receptors to PSD molecules. Our simulations were capable of reproducing several recent experimental results [4,5]. Trapping of receptors in the PSD by crowding effects was very sensitive to the concentration of PSD molecules, showing a switch-like behavior for retention of receptors. Non-covalent binding of AMPAR to anchored PSD molecules allowed the synapse to become well-mixed, resulting in normal diffusion of AMPAR. Binding also allowed the exchange of receptors in and out of the PSD. We propose that molecular crowding is an important mechanism to maintain homeostatic synaptic concentrations of AMPARs in the PSD without the need of energetically expensive biochemical reactions. Binding of AMPAR with PSD molecules could collaborate with crowding to maintain synaptic homeostasis but could also allows synaptic plasticity by increasing the exchange of these receptors with the surrounding extra-synaptic membrane.
Structures of sodium alumino- and gallosilicate glasses and their germanium analogs

Abstract Polarized Raman spectra of SiO 2 and GeO 2 glasses are related on the basis of frequencies, band-shapes, and polarization characteristics. The spectra are consistent with structures composed of continuous networks of SiO 4 and GeO 4 tetrahedra. The presence of depolarized TO and LO components of the antisymmetric stretching mode in the high frequency region of both spectra indicates that these single component glasses retain some degree of intermediate range order. Features in the polarized spectra of NaAlSi 3 O 8 , NaAlSi 2 O 6 , and NaAlSiO 4 glasses and their Ga- (for Al) and/or Ge- (for Si) substituted counterparts are also consistent with the assignment of three-dimensional tetrahedral framework (TDTF) structures to these glasses. The gallosilicate and alumino- and gallogermanate glasses provide structural analogs for the framework aluminosilicate glasses of geological significance. The high-frequency antisymmetric stretching features in the Raman spectra of the TDTF aluminosilicate glasses and their Ga- and/or Ge-substituted analogs show an overlapping doublet of bands whose frequencies vary continuously with glass composition. Both the intensity and position of the higher frequency component are more strongly dependent on Al(Ga) content than is the lower frequency component. Some coupling of the antisymmetric stretching modes of Si(Ge)O 4 tetrahedra and Al(Ga)O 4 tetrahedra is indicated. The higher frequency component of the doublet is more strongly polarized than the lower frequency component, which results from the splitting of the antisymmetric stretching (F) mode of Si(Ge)O 4 tetrahedra. This splitting results from the lowering of the average of Si(Ge)O 4 tetrahedra site symmetries because of the presence of Al(Ga)O 4 units in the glass network.
SU-FF-I-59: MTF Measurement of Digital Imaging Systems Used In Radiotherapy-

Purpose: The pre-sampled MTF was used to investigate the resolution of a storage phosphor plate. Three commercial computed radiography (CR) cassettes (Kodak EC-L fast and regular, and Agfa fast) were used. The MTF of the CR system was compared to the MTF of an electronic portal imaging device (EPID) system. Method and Materials: The MTF was measured using the edge method. For kilo-voltage simulation images, the edge device was a 180×100×2 mm3 lead plate with a 104 mm polished edge, and the standard spectrum (RQA3) and geometry specified in IEC 62220-1 were used. The edge device for 6 MV portal images was a 75×50×50 mm3 lead block with one of the 75×50 mm2 surfaces polished. A new method based on multiple over-sampled edge profiles was developed to verify the edge angle determined by the other two methods, which were based on edge detection techniques. The line spread function was calculated by the finite-element difference method and then Fourier transformed to obtain the MTF. Results: For simulation images: the MTFs obtained with the Kodak regular cassette were slightly lower than those obtained using the two fast cassettes. The MTFs in the line scan direction fell off slightly faster than those in the perpendicular direction. The MTFs obtained with large and small pixel sizes were almost identical. For the portal images: the MTFs for the EPID and CR systems were similar at frequencies lower than 0.4cycles/mm. Conclusion: Although the cassettes were designed for film use, the fast cassette allows exposure reduction for the use of CR plates, and results in slightly better MTFs. For CR systems, the laser spot size remains the same regardless of the pixel size, so changes in pixel size have little impact on the MTF. The smaller-pixel-size CR system gives better MTFs than the EPID system.
The clinical diagnosis of compartment syndrome of the lower leg: are clinical findings predictive of the disorder?

Objective To assess whether published studies support basing the diagnosis of compartment syndrome of the lower leg on clinical findings. Data Sources A MEDLINE search of the English literature from 1966 to 2001 was performed using “compartment syndromes” as the subject. A manual search of the bibliographies of retrieved articles and of major orthopaedic texts was also performed. Study Selection and Extraction Of 1,932 titles identified, 433 abstracts of potential relevance were reviewed, and 104 articles from relevant abstracts were examined in their entirety. Four studies met all eligibility criteria. Criteria for inclusion included the following: (a) target population, traumatic or iatrogenic tibia injuries; (b) diagnostic test, presence of data needed to calculate both the sensitivity and specificity of clinical findings; (c) outcome, the presence or absence of compartment syndrome; and (d) methodologic criteria, prospective study design. Data Synthesis The likelihood ratio form of Bayes' theorem was used to assess the discriminatory ability of the clinical findings as tests for the compartment syndrome. Conclusions There are limited data from which to define the usefulness of clinical findings for the diagnosis of compartment syndrome. Data from eligible studies suggest that the sensitivity of clinical findings for diagnosing compartment syndrome is low (13% to 19%). The positive predictive value of the clinical findings was 11% to 15%, and the specificity and negative predictive value were each 97% to 98%. These findings suggest that the clinical features of compartment syndrome of the lower leg are more useful by their absence in excluding the diagnosis than they are when present in confirming the diagnosis. Likelihood ratio calculations found that the probability of compartment syndrome with one clinical finding was approximately 25%, and the probability was 93% with 3 clinical findings present. However, these findings are based on limited information; because of the paucity of data available, the predictive value of the clinical findings for the diagnosis of compartment syndrome has yet to be defined.
Examining evapotranspiration trends in Africa

Surface temperatures are projected to increase 3–4°C over much of Africa by the end of the 21st century. Precipitation projections are less certain, but the most plausible scenario given by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is that the Sahel and East Africa will experience modest increases (~5%) in precipitation by the end of the 21st century. Evapotranspiration (Ea) is an important component of the water, energy, and biogeochemical cycles that impact several climate properties, processes, and feedbacks. The interaction of Ea with climate change drivers remains relatively unexplored in Africa. In this paper, we examine the trends in Ea, precipitation (P), daily maximum temperature (Tmax), and daily minimum temperature (Tmin) on a seasonal basis using a 31 year time series of variable infiltration capacity (VIC) land surface model (LSM) Ea. The VIC model captured the magnitude, variability, and structure of observed runoff better than other LSMs and a hybrid model included in the analysis. In addition, we examine the inter-correlations of Ea, P, Tmax, and Tmin to determine relationships and potential feedbacks. Unlike many IPCC climate change simulations, the historical analysis reveals substantial drying over much of the Sahel and East Africa during the primary growing season. In the western Sahel, large increases in daily maximum temperature appear linked to Ea declines, despite modest rainfall recovery. The decline in Ea and latent heating in this region could lead to increased sensible heating and surface temperature, thus establishing a possible positive feedback between Ea and surface temperature.
The effects of prey depletion on the patch choice of foraging blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata)

Abstract Blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) were trained to hunt for non-cryptic moths, presented in projected images. On each trial, the jays chose one of two patches to hunt in: (1) a uniform, ‘non-depleting’ patch with constant prey density of 0·25; or (2) a ‘depleting’ patch in which prey density changed during the foraging bout. In the depleting patch, the initial prey density was 0·50, declining to zero in a single step part-way through each foraging bout (session). The patch choices of the jays were greatly affected by these conditions. The jays chose the depleting patch early in the session, and then switched to the uniform patch. They obtained nearly all of the prey available. Analysis of the events preceding switches between patches suggested that the jays used different rules to switch out of each of the two patches.
Physical evaluation system to determine medical risk and indicated dental therapy modifications

A structured physical evaluation system developed at the University o f Southern California can be used to quickly and easily classify dental patients according to medical risk. A structured physical evaluation system developed at the University of Southern California can help to quickly and easily classify patients according to medical risk. The evaluation system serves as a guide to the level of dental treatment, management decisions, and treatment modification for the medically compromised patient.
Where in the World Is Asra Acutepop

Progress continues on American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA) AcutePOP. Highlights include selection of data fields and creation of definitions for complications jointly accepted by clinical registries for ASRA, American Society of Anesthesiologists, Regional Anesthesia Surveillance System, Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology, and Society for Pediatric Anesthesia. Development of a Web site and applications continues, and a demonstration is planned for the ASRA 2009 meeting.
Partition of excretory nitrogen in amphibia.

Abstract 1. The pattern of excretory nitrogen partitioning in Amphibia is reviewed. Of the two major hypotheses currently in vogue, only the Physiological Radiation Hypothesis (nitrogen excretion is related to the enzymatic capacity to produce said products) could be used to predict the pattern and/or rate of nitrogen excretion during dehydration stress, the Classical Hypothesis (relating water availability to nitrogen excretion) being unadaptable. 2. Little ammonia is present in blood, and that present in urine is formed and secreted in the kidney as a means for conserving blood sodium. 3. Urea normally represents a passive component in blood serving an unknown function under normal or dehydrating conditions. 4. Following dehydration, elevated levels of serum and body urea initially result from reductions in urine flow, and then secondarily in response to increased amino acid metabolism. 5. The increase in amino acid metabolism is a primary vehicle for regenerating carbohydrates during stress in certain Amphibia with seasonally reduced carbohydrate reserves, or secondarily from corticosteroid induced elevated amino acid metabolism associated with enhanced mineral metabolism.
Solution structure, mutagenesis, and NH exchange studies of the MutT enzyme-Mg2+-8-oxo-dGMP complex

Abstract The MutT pyrophosphohydrolase from E. coli (129 residues) catalyzes the hydrolysis of nucleoside triphosphates (NTP), including 8-oxo-dGTP, by substitution at Pβ, to yield NMP and pyrophosphate. The product, 8-oxo-dGMP is an unusually tight binding, slowly exchanging inhibitor with a KD=52 nM, (ΔG°=−9.8 kcal/mol) which is 6.1 kcal/mol tighter than the binding of dGMP (ΔG°=−3.7 kcal/mol). The higher affinity for 8-oxo-dGMP results from a more favorable ΔHbinding (−32 kcal/mol) despite an unfavorable −TΔS°binding (+22 kcal/mol). The solution structure of the MutT–Mg2+-8-oxo-dGMP complex shows a narrowed, hydrophobic nucleotide-binding cleft with Asn-119 and Arg-78 among the few polar residues. The N119A, N119D, R78K and R78A single mutations, and the R78K+N119A double mutant all showed largely intact active sites, on the basis of small changes in the kinetic parameters of dGTP hydrolysis and in 1H–15N HSQC spectra. However, the N119A mutation profoundly weakened the active site binding of 8-oxo-dGMP by 4.3 kcal/mol (1650-fold). The N119D mutation also weakened 8-oxo-dGMP binding but only by 2.1 kcal/mol (37-fold), suggesting that Asn-119 functioned both as a hydrogen bond donor to C8O, and a hydrogen bond acceptor from N7H of 8-oxo-dGMP, while aspartate at position −119 functioned as an acceptor of a single hydrogen bond. Much smaller weakening effects (0.3–0.4 kcal/mol) on the binding of dGMP and dAMP were found, indicating specific hydrogen bonding of Asn-119 to 8-oxo-dGMP. While formation of the wild type MutT–Mg2+-8-oxo-dGMP complex slowed the backbone NH exchange rates of 45 residues distributed throughout the protein, the same complex of the N119A mutant slowed the exchange rates of only 11 residues at or near the active site, indicating an increase in conformational flexibility of the N119A mutant. The R78K and R78A mutations weakened the binding of 8-oxo-dGMP by 1.7 and 1.1 kcal/mol, respectively, indicating a lesser role of Arg-78 than of Asn-119 in the selective binding of 8-oxo-dGMP, likely donating a single hydrogen bond to its C6O. The R78K+N119A double mutant weakened the binding of 8-oxo-dGMP (KIslope=3.1 mM) by 6.5±0.2 kcal/mol which overlaps, within error with the sum of the effects of the two single mutants (6.0±0.3 kcal/mol). Such additive effects of the two single mutants in the double mutant are most simply explained by the independent functioning of Asn-119 and Arg-78 in the binding of 8-oxo-dGMP. Independent functioning of these two residues in nucleotide binding is consistent with their locations in the MutT–Mg2+-8-oxo-dGMP complex, on opposite sides of the active site cleft, with a distance of 8.4±0.5 A between their side chain nitrogens.
Ontologies and tools for analyzing and synthesizing LVC confederations

Establishing and maintaining interoperability among heterogeneous systems is a major challenge and expense for large business and military projects. Data interoperability and service-oriented architecture (SOA) approaches, while essential, do not provide a complete solution. We describe a complementary approach that uses Web Ontology Language (OWL) and Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL) to capture information about the roles and capabilities required to complete a task, and the attributes of candidate resources. Our toolset applies automated reasoning to determine whether each candidate resource has the requisite capabilities and is compatible with other resources. If there are multiple candidates for a role, the reasoner ranks the relative goodness of each with respect to constraints and metrics that are appropriate for the specific task needs of the exercise or deployment. We also describe a further application of the ontologies and toolset to assist in the creation of composable data exchange models.
Immediate and follow-up effects of a brief disability curriculum on disability knowledge and attitudes of PM&R residents: a comparison group trial.

Background: Humanistic attitudes are essential in physicians and therefore supporting them is a key component in graduate medical education (GME). The importance of a physician's attitude toward people with disability is especially relevant within the rehabilitation discipline, as prevailing attitudes and misconceptions can be potential barriers to successful diagnosis and treatment.Aim: This study was designed to examine the relationship between participation in a brief disability sensitivity training and knowledge of disability and attitudes of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) residents toward people with disability.Methods: A daylong training for residents consisted of lectures and a panel presentation that covered (1) disability facts, (2) personal stories of people with disabilities, and (3) medical evaluation of disability. The presentations were followed by a simulation experience where resident pairs (one assigned to a wheel chair, the other a “caretaker”) performed various tasks. This ...
Therapeutic Targeting of BRCA1-Mutated Breast Cancers with Agents That Activate DNA Repair

Cancers due to germline mutations in the BRCA1 gene tend to lack targets for approved chemoprevention agents. This study aimed at a targeted chemoprevention strategy for BRCA1-associated malignancies. Mutant BRCA1 limits the base-excision DNA repair activity that addresses oxidative DNA damage, the accumulation of which heightens one's risk for cancer. Therefore, we conducted a high-throughput chemical screen to identify drug candidates that could attenuate the inhibitory effects of mutant BRCA1 on this repair activity, thereby describing a new class of DNA repair-activating chemopreventive agents. In the screen design, such drugs functioned by enhancing base-excision DNA repair of oxidative DNA damage in the presence of mutant BRCA1, with minimal cytotoxicity. We identified at least one new agent that decreased malignant properties associated with tumorigenesis, including anchorage-independent growth and tumor progression. This work offers a preclinical proof-of-concept for a wholly new approach to chemoprevention in carriers of BRCA1 mutations as a strategy to reduce the prevalence of BRCA1-associated malignancy.
Annual Research Review: Epigenetic mechanisms and environmental shaping of the brain during sensitive periods of development

Experiences during early development profoundly affect development of the central nervous system (CNS) to impart either risk for or resilience to later psychopathology. Work in the developmental neuroscience field is providing compelling data that epigenetic marking of the genome may underlie aspects of this process. Experiments in rodents continue to show that experiences during sensitive periods of development influence DNA methylation patterns of several genes. These experience-induced DNA methylation patterns represent stable epigenetic modifications that alter gene transcription throughout the lifespan and promote specific behavioral outcomes. We discuss the relevance of these findings to humans, and also briefly discuss these findings in the broader contexts of cognition and psychiatric disorder. We conclude by discussing the implications of these observations for future research.
Ideals and idealists: striving to achieve our societal imperative.

This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. —Hamlet Standing high above the departure pier and gripping the guard rail on the ship’s upper deck, the eight-year-old boy felt the adventure and fear of the moment
Diffuse Pontine Astrocytoma With Lipocytic Differentiation

A 7-year-old boy was treated with radiation and chemotherapy for a diffuse pontine glioma. At autopsy, 8 months after diagnosis, the tumor was a diffuse grade II fibrillary astrocytoma with prominent lipocytic differentiation. Literature review suggests that lipocytic differentiation in low-grade astrocytomas occurs in a variety of patient ages, anatomic sites, grades, and astrocytic subtypes. Although the majority of low-grade lipoastrocytomas have behaved benignly, this child's lipoastrocytoma was the underlying cause of death. This outcome suggests that the outcomes of low-grade lipoastrocytic tumors may be expected to be the same as the underlying tumor subtype.
Spatial Interpolation of Daily Maximum and Minimum Air Temperature Based on Meteorological Model Analyses and Independent Observations

Abstract Hourly meteorological forecast model initializations are used to guide the spatial interpolation of daily cooperative network station data in the northeastern United States. The hourly model data are transformed to daily maximum and minimum temperature values and interpolated to the station points after standardization to station elevation based on the model temperature lapse rate. The resulting bias (interpolation − observation) is computed and then interpolated back to the model grids, allowing daily adjustment of the temperature fields based on independent observations. These adjusted data can then be interpolated to the resolution of interest. For testing, the data are interpolated to stations that were withheld during the construction of the bias field. The use of the model initializations as a basis for interpolation improves upon the conventional interpolation of elevation-adjusted station data alone. When inverse-distance-weighted interpolation is used in conjunction with data from a 40-k...
Estimation of all-pole model parameters from noise-corrupted sequences

Least-squares estimates of the parameters of all-pole signal models are biased when applied to noise-corrupted all-pole sequences. This bias has been shown to be proportional to the inverse of the signal-to-noise ratio. An autocorrelation-like procedure is shown to increase (under some circumstances) the signal-to-noise ratio while retaining the pole locations when the noise is white. The signal-to-noise ratio improvement varies for each mode in the all-pole sequence with modes corresponding to pole locations close to the unit circle showing the most improvement. A signal-to-noise ratio cutoff exists for each mode below which no improvement can be obtained. This cutoff depends on the proximity of the pole location to the unit circle, approaching zero as the pole nears the origin. This cutoff corresponds to the point at which a mode's spectral value just equals the level of the noise floor. This procedure can be applied recursively until an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio is obtained. The all-pole parameters can then be estimated from the processed sequence using least-squares estimation. >
Chapman Conference Probes Water Vapor in the Climate System

About 125 scientists from 11 countries met in Jekyll Island, Ga., in October to discuss the unique role that water vapor plays in the climate system. Water vapor links the surface and atmospheric branches of the global hydrologic cycle. Its horizontal and vertical fluxes are key to the energy cycle, and its radiative effects are the major factor in the atmospheric greenhouse effect. Theoretical calculations indicate that global climate is highly sensitive to small changes in humidity at all levels in the atmosphere, but observations to test this hypothesis are lacking. Because few high-quality humidity observations exist, especially in the upper troposphere, researchers are uncertain of the nature and strength of climate feedback mechanisms involving water vapor and its distribution and long-term changes. Consequently, water vapor is not well treated in global climate models and requires more attention.
Development of an audiovisual speech perception app for children with autism spectrum disorders

Perception of spoken language requires attention to acoustic as well as visible phonetic information. This article reviews the known differences in audiovisual speech perception in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and specifies the need for interventions that address this construct. Elements of an audiovisual training program are described. This researcher-developed program delivered via an iPad app presents natural speech in the context of increasing noise, but supported with a speaking face. Children are cued to attend to visible articulatory information to assist in perception of the spoken words. Data from four children with ASD ages 8–10 are presented showing that the children improved their performance on an untrained auditory speech-in-noise task.
Interleaving Thinned Sum and Difference Linear Arrays

Interleaving elements of multiple arrays is one way to efficiently use aperture area. This paper demonstrates that it is possible to interleave a thinned sum array with a thinned difference array to make efficient use of an existing aperture. The GA moderates the sidelobe levels of both arrays while devoting approximately half of the elements to each array
Stable digital control networks for continuous passive plants subject to delays and data dropouts

This paper provides a framework to synthesize l2- stable networks in which the controller and plant can be subject to delays and data dropouts. This framework can be applied to control systems which use "soft-real-time" cooperative schedulers as well as those which use wired and wireless network feedback. The approach applies to passive plants and controllers that can be either linear, nonlinear, and (or) time-varying. This framework is based on fundamental results presented here related to passive control and scattering theory which are used to design passive force-feedback telemanipulation systems. Theorem 3 states how a (non)linear (strictly input or strictly output) passive plant can be transformed to a discrete (strictly input) passive plant using a particular digital sampling and hold scheme. Furthermore, theorem 4(5) provide new sufficient conditions for l2 (and L2)-stability in which a strictly - output passive controller and plant are interconnected with only wave-variables. Lemma 2 shows it is sufficient to use discrete wave-variables when data is subject to fixed time delays and dropouts in order to maintain passivity. Lemma 3 shows how to safely handle time varying discrete wave-variable data in order to maintain passivity. We then present a new cooperative scheduler algorithm to implement a I2-stable control network. We also provide an illustrative simulated example followed by a discussion of future research.
A SCANNING LASER TECHNIQUE FOR MODAL TESTING OF DISTRIBUTED PARAMETER SYSTEMS

A scanning Laser Doppler Velocimeter has been used to develop a method for measuring velocities in distributed parameter structural dynamic system. It has been applied to the problem of modal identification of a cantilever beam. The identified dynamic characteristics of the cantilever beam have been compared with analytical solutions. The developed technique employs a noninvasive, noncontact procedure that avoids the problem of transducer mass loading on lightweight structures and makes possible measurements on hard to reach and hazardous surfaces.
Sample size determination for case‐control studies: The influence of the joint distribution of exposure and confounder

In case-control studies, the results about how the exposure distribution affects sample size are well known. This paper extends previous results by incorporating the effect of a confounder into the calculation of sample size for a desired size and power of a statistical test. The paper also includes a quantitative discussion on the influence of the joint distribution for exposure to a putative cause and a a confounder on required sample sizes. The results show that, to detect a specified alternative for a given size and power, the required sample size decreases as either the variance of exposure or the effect of exposure on disease increases. The required sample size, however, increases as either the variance of the confounder or the effect of the confounder on disease increases. Generally, the higher is the absolute value of the simple correlation between the exposure and the confounder, the larger is the required sample size.
Epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease, the infection and inflammation of the female upper genital tract, is a common cause of infertility, chronic pain and ectopic pregnancy. Diagnosis and management are challenging, due largely to a polymicrobial etiology which is not fully delineated. Signs and symptoms of this syndrome vary widely, further complicating diagnosis and treatment. Due to the potential for serious sequelae, a low threshold for diagnosis and treatment is recommended. Since pelvic inflammatory disease has a multimicrobial etiology including Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and anaerobic and mycoplasmal bacteria, treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease should be broad spectrum. Recent treatment trials have focused on shorter duration regimens such as azithromycin and monotherapies including ofloxacin, although data are sparse. Research comparing sequelae development by differing antimicrobial regimens is extremely limited, but will ultimately shape future treatment guidelines. Several promising short-duration and monotherapy antibiotic regimens should be evaluated in pelvic inflammatory disease treatment trials for compliance, microbiological and clinical cure, and reduction of subsequent adverse reproductive and gynecological morbidity.
Progress in calculating the potential energy surface of H3

The most accurate electronic structure calculations are performed using wave function expansions in terms of basis functions explicitly dependent on the inter-electron distances. In our recent work, we use such basis functions to calculate a highly accurate potential energy surface (PES) for the H + ion. The functions are explicitly correlated Gaussians, which include inter-electron distances in the exponent. Key to obtaining the high accuracy in the calculations has been the use of the analytical energy gradient determined with respect to the Gaussian exponential parameters in the minimization of the Rayleigh–Ritz variational energy functional. The effective elimination of linear dependences between the basis functions and the automatic adjustment of the positions of the Gaussian centres to the changing molecular geometry of the system are the keys to the success of the computational procedure. After adiabatic and relativistic corrections are added to the PES and with an effective accounting of the non-adiabatic effects in the calculation of the rotational/vibrational states, the experimental H + rovibrational spectrum is reproduced at the 0.1 cm −1 accuracy level up to 16 600 cm −1 above the ground state.
Delay Calculation and Back Annotation in VHDL Addressing the Requirements of ASIC Design

The timing model in VHDL was developed to allow very sophisticated modelling of complex inter-process interactions that occur at the system level. The unique characteristics of this model allow timing computations to be freely mixed between behavioral and structural elements of the design. However, this flexible model creates problems for typical ASIC designers since there is no industry accepted standard practise for the representation of timing data in VHDL models or libraries. Furthermore, language restrictions make delay calculations that are dependent on connectivity data cumbersome and inefficient while concepts that are familiar to ASIC designers, such as pin-to-pin timing, are difficult to express in VHDL and generally alien to the underlying timing model of the language.
Proposed polarized-target-beam test for 3S1-3S1 radiative transitions in thermal n-p capture

Abstract The development of techniques for producing polarized-proton targets and polarized-neutron beams may make it possible to set an upper limit on the probability of transitions from the 3 S 1 states in the continuum of the low-energy n+p system to the 3 S 1 part of the deuteron ground state. The absence of such transitions has been assumed in traditional theories of the thermal-energy neutron capture, as a consequence of the orthogonality of two eigenfunctions of a Schrodinger equation corresponding to two different energies. The applicability of this reasoning to the physical situation is discussed with the conclusion that it is not necessarily valid even apart from the slight effect of the admixture of the 3 D 1 to the 3 S 1 state. The density matrix of the colliding particles with arbitrarily assigned polarization vectors of beam and target is then used to calculate the angular distribution and degree of polarization of the capture gamma rays. It is found that if the whole of the approximately 9% “interaction effect” of Austern is to to be accounted for by 3 S 1 → 3 S 1 transitions, without any modification of the spin-flip transition intensity, asymmetries in the gamma-ray angular distribution ranging from 23% to 1.98% at a geometric-mean target-beam polarization of 0.954 to 0.577 respectively may be found. Larger or smaller effects may result depending on whether the spin-flip transitions are inhibited or enhanced by n-p interaction and structure effects. Appreciable effects on gamma-ray polarization are expected under conditions leading to appreciable gamma-ray angular distribution effects.
Mitochondrial Disorders Associated with the Mitochondrial DNA Polymerase g: A Focus on Intersubunit Interactions

The mitochondrion contains only one DNA polymerase, DNA polymerase gamma (pol γ), to repair and replicate the mitochondrial genome. Human pol γ is a heterotrimer consisting of a 140 kDa catalytic subunit, p140, and a ~ 110 kDa homodimeric accessory subunit, p552. The catalytic p140 subunit harbors DNA polymerase, 5′-deoxyribose phosphate lyase, and 3′-5′ exonuclease activities while the accessory subunit confers processivity to the holoenzyme. The nuclear POLG gene encodes p140 while the nuclear POLG2 gene encodes p552. Mitochondrial diseases associated with mutations in these genes, POLG- and POLG2-related disorders, are composed of early-childhood-onset diseases and late-adulthood-onset diseases. For over a decade, POLG-related diseases have been intensively studied and include Alpers–Huttenlocher syndrome (AHS), Childhood myocerebrohepatopathy spectrum (MCHS), myoclonic epilepsy myopathy sensory ataxia (MEMSA), ataxia neuropathy spectrum (ANS), autosomal recessive progressive external ophthalmoplegia (arPEO), and autosomal-dominant progressive external ophthalmoplegia (adPEO). In this chapter, we review recently identified POLG2 mutations associated with mitochondrial disease as well as key POLG mutations that encode variants that disrupt the interface between p140 and p552. In the absence of POLG2 family genetics, we discuss enzymatic deficiencies of protein variants, amino acid residue conservation, clinical evidence as well as other indicators of mutation pathogenicity. Recent biochemical studies suggests that p552 contributes to balancing p140 DNA polymerase and exonuclease activities and disruption of this balance may contribute to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion in vivo. Classifying mutations as either pathogenic or neutral is further challenged by syntenic and compound heterozygous mutations and emphasizes the importance of understanding family genetics and biochemically characterizing p140 and p552 variants.
Reining in the Administrative State: World War Ii and the Decline of Expert Administration

This article argues that World War II had a profound effect on the relationship between courts and the administrative state in the United States. Between 1940 and 1950, administrative law changed dramatically. During the 1930s, it allowed administrative agencies to function with a great deal of autonomy. By 1950, the judiciary had asserted considerably more control over the administrative state. There is a direct link between the United States’ involvement in World War II and this change. In particular, three aspects of the wartime experience caused changes in American political culture that, in turn, contributed to this transformation. First, America’s encounter with totalitarianism – both abroad and on the home front – diminished people’s trust in the administrative state, which they began to associate with the unchecked power of fascism. Second, the track record of the wartime agencies – particularly the War Production Board and the Office of Price Administration – did little to assure Americans that administrative power could be used in a manner that was both efficient and consistent with democratic principles. Finally, the prosperity the War created caused one-time advocates of the administrative state to question the value of economic planning and to refocus their attention on curing economic maladjustments through Keynesian fiscal policy rather than through administrative control of economic actors. Thus, by the end of the War there were few advocates of extreme administrative autonomy left. Ideological, political, and economic changes dictated that the judiciary be put firmly in control of the administrative state.
Lithium Diisopropylamide-Mediated Lithiation of 1,4-Difluorobenzene under Nonequilibrium Conditions: Role of Monomer-, Dimer-, and Tetramer-Based Intermediates and Lessons about Rate Limitation

Lithiation of 1,4-difluorobenzene with lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) in THF at −78 °C joins the ranks of a growing number of metalations that occur under conditions in which the rates of aggregate exchanges are comparable to the rates of metalation. As such, a substantial number of barriers vie for rate limitation. Rate studies reveal that rate-limiting steps and even the choice of reaction coordinate depend on subtle variations in concentration. Deuteration shifts the rate-limiting step and markedly alters the concentration dependencies and overall rate law. This narrative is less about ortholithiation per se and more about rate limitation and the dynamics of LDA aggregate exchange.
Better Communication for Better Public Health: Perspectives From an Interdisciplinary Training Program

Myriad factors determine the health of young people-biological, psychological, familial, contextual, environmental, and political, to name a few. Improving the health of adolescents means that leaders in health care and public health must have the requisite skills for translating research into priorities, practices, and policies that influence a wide array of health determinants. While adolescent health training programs may give emphasis to effective communication with adolescents as patients or as priority populations in health education/promotion efforts, are we adequately preparing our future leaders with the skill sets necessary for moving scientific evidence into practice, programs, and policies? Internship and fellowship programs may invest heavily in teaching skills for conducting research and health education/promotion, but they may not focus enough on how to translate scientific evidence into practice, programs, and policy. In this commentary, we share our experiences equipping professionals working with adolescents in health care and public health settings with skills for scientific writing, public speaking, and advocacy on behalf of young people, and discuss the need for more collaboration across disciplines.
The Pipeline program at the University of Washington School of Dentistry.

This chapter presents an overview of the Pipeline, Profession, and Practice: Community-Based Dental Education program as it was conducted at the University of Washington School of Dentistry from 2002 to 2007. Pipeline programs, sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The California
Study on the size estimation in three types of AIDS high-risk populations of Shijiazhuang City

Objective To estimate the size of AIDS high-risk populations in Shijiazhuang City, so as to provide evidence for AIDS epidemic situation. Methods The census method, the multiplier method and the capture-recapture method were applied for size estimation of commercial sex workers(CSWs), drug/injection drug users(IDUs), and men sex with men(MSM), respectively. Results The estimated number was respectively 6369 and 11878 among population of CSWs and MSM in Shijiazhuang. The estimated number was 5598 in population of drug users, including 933 IDUs.Conclusion Three types of population proportion are lower. However, the results of size estimation are higher than the reality. In the future, should further implement the comprehensive measures such as propaganda, intervention and monitoring.
The central role of progesterone receptors and progestational agents in the management and treatment of breast cancer

This article summarizes the role of progesterone receptors (PgRs) as markers of hormone-dependent breast cancers and the use of progestational agents in breast cancer treatment. We discuss the structure of PgRs, their purification, the production of anti-PgR monoclonal antibodies, and the use of these antibodies for clinical assays.