cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asymmetry in the diurnal variation of surface albedo

Remote sensing of surface properties and estimation of clear-sky and surface albedo generally assume that the albedo depends only on the solar zenith angle. The effects of dew, frost, and precipitation as well as evaporation and wind can lead to some systematic diurnal variability resulting in an asymmetric diurnal cycle of albedo. This paper examines the symmetry of both surface-observed and top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) albedos derived from satellite data. Broadband surface albedos were measured at the Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program Southern Great Plains Central Facility near Lamont, Oklahoma and several extended facilities. GOES satellite radiance data are converted to broadband albedo using bidirectional reflectance functions and an empirical narrowband-to-broadband relationship. The surface and top-of-atmosphere albedos vary in a consistent fashion during both the morning and afternoon. The initial results indicate that surface moisture, probably in the form of dew, has a significant effect and can change the albedo by 10% at a given solar zenith angle between the morning and afternoon. Wind speed is well correlated with the diurnal albedo asymmetry. Light winds and small dew point depressions are associated with the greatest morning/afternoon albedo differences. Aerosols tend to moderate those differences. Changes in the surface properties from dew may alter the bidirectional reflectance characteristics of the scene, affecting the interpretation of remote sensing data. Errors in the diurnally averaged albedos derived from Sun-synchronous satellite measurements that arise from albedo asymmetry are generally less than 3%. Further examination of surface albedo asymmetry is needed to assess its influence on satellite measurements and the surface energy budget over a range of land surface types.
DEFORMATION QUANTIZATION OF CERTAIN NONLINEAR POISSON STRUCTURES

As a generalization of the linear Poisson bracket on the dual space of a Lie algebra, we introduce certain nonlinear Poisson brackets which are "cocycle perturbations" of the linear Poisson bracket. We show that these special Poisson brackets are equivalent to Poisson brackets of central extension type, which resemble the central extensions of an ordinary Lie bracket via Lie algebra cocycles. We are able to formulate (strict) deformation quantizations of these Poisson brackets by means of twisted group C*-algebras. We also indicate that these deformation quantizations can be used to construct some specific non-compact quantum groups.
Influence of intrachain interactions on the kinetics of styrene polymerization and copolymerization

In the free-radical polymerization of styrene, it has been observed that the onset of an acceleration of the polymerization due to increased solution viscosity can be quantitatively measured as occurring at a critical point. The product of the degree of polymerization of the polymer in solution at the critical point times its volume fraction can be represented by a temperature-dependent constant (Pn, Vc, = K ). The value of the constant passes through a maximum between 60 and 90°C. The value of the constant is somewhat lower than that for the phenomenon called chain entanglement. It is postulated that the temperature-dependent behavior of K is due to a previously reported solution phase transition which is believed to be caused by interaction between phenylgroups on the polystyrene chain. Observations on the ultraviolet absorbance of styrene copolymers and calculations on the absolute rate of copolymerization of styrene with methyl methacrylate are presented to support the postulated intrachain interactions.
Molecular and Functional Analyses of a Human Parvovirus B19 Infectious Clone Demonstrates Essential Roles for NS1, VP1, and the 11-Kilodalton Protein in Virus Replication and Infectivity

In an attempt to experimentally define the roles of viral proteins encoded by the B19 genome in the viral life cycle, we utilized the B19 infectious clone constructed in our previous study to create two groups of B19 mutant genomes: (i) null mutants, in which either a translational initiation codon for each of these viral genes was substituted by a translational termination codon or a termination codon was inserted into the open reading frame by a frameshift; and (ii) a deletion mutant, in which half of the hairpin sequence was deleted at both the 5′ and the 3′ termini. The impact of these mutations on viral infectivity, DNA replication, capsid protein production, and distribution was systematically examined. Null mutants of the NS and VP1 proteins or deletion of the terminal hairpin sequence completely abolished the viral infectivity, whereas blocking expression of the 7.5-kDa protein or the putative protein X had no effect on infectivity in vitro. Blocking expression of the proline-rich 11-kDa protein significantly reduced B19 viral infectivity, and protein studies suggested that the expression of the 11-kDa protein was critical for VP2 capsid production and trafficking in infected cells. These findings suggest a previously unrecognized role for the 11-kDa protein, and together the results enhance our understanding of the key features of the B19 viral genome and proteins.
Power curves for pattern classification networks

The authors discuss the development of a methodology for evaluating and predicting the goodness of a pattern classification neural network based on the statistical concept of power. Power is the ability of a statistical test to detect a phenomenon when it exists. An artificial neural network (ANN) analogy to the statistical concept of power is examined. Several experiments are presented to empirically support parallels drawn between the power of a statistic and the power of ANN trained on a 2-class pattern classification problem. The utility of power as a general neural network concept is discussed. >
A compact Petri net representation for concurrent programs

This paper presents a compact Petri net representation that is efficient to construct for concurrent programs that use explicit tasking and rendezvous style communication. These Petri nets are based on task interaction graphs and are called TIG-based Petri nets (TPN)s. They form a compact representation by summarizing the effects of large regions of a program and making useful information about those regions available for program analysis. We present a flexible framework for checking a variety of properties of concurrent programs using the reachability graph generated from a TPN. We present experimental results that demonstrate the benefit of TPNs over alternate Petri net representations and discuss the applicability of Petri net reduction techniques to TPNs.
Rehabilitation of aquatic habitats in warmwater streams damaged by channel incision in Mississippi

Channel incision has major impacts on stream corridor ecosystems, leading to reduced spatial habitat heterogeneity, greater temporal instability, less stream-floodplain interaction, and shifts in fish community structure. Most literature dealing with channel incision examines physical processes and erosion control. A study of incised warmwater stream rehabilitation was conducted to develop and demonstrate techniques that would be economically feasible for integration with more orthodox, extensively employed watershed stabilization techniques (e.g., structural bank protection, grade control structures, small reservoirs, and land treatment). One-km reaches of each of five northwest Mississippi streams with contributing drainage areas between 16 and 205 km 2 were selected for a 5-year study. During the study two reaches were modified by adding woody vegetation and stone structure to rehabilitate habitats degraded by erosion and channelization. The other three reaches provided reference data, as two of them were degraded but not rehabilitated, and the third was only lightly degraded. Rehabilitation approaches were guided by conceptual models of incised channel evolution and fish community structure in small warmwater streams. These models indicated that rehabilitation efforts should focus on aggradational reaches in the downstream portions of incising watersheds, and that ecological status could be improved by inducing formation and maintenance of stable pool habitats. Fish and physical habitat attributes were sampled from each stream during the Spring and Fall for 5 years, and thalweg and cross-section surveys were performed twice during the same period. Rehabilitation increased pool habitat availability, and made the treated sites physically more similar to the lightly degraded reference site. Fish communities generally responded as suggested by the aforementioned conceptual model of fish community structure. Species composition shifted away from small colonists (principally cyprinids and small centrarchids) toward larger centrarchids, catostomids, and ictalurids. Fish density and species richness increased at one rehabilitated site but remained stable at the other, suggesting that the sites occupied different initial states and endpoints within the conceptual model, and differed in their accessibility to sources of colonizing organisms. These experiments suggest that major gains in stream ecosystem rehabilitation can be made through relatively modest but well-designed efforts to modify degraded physical habitats.
Anthropogenic refugia ameliorate the severe climate-related decline of a montane mammal along its trailing edge

We conducted detailed resurveys of a montane mammal, Urocitellus beldingi, to examine the effects of climate change on persistence along the trailing edge of its range. Of 74 California sites where U. beldingi were historically recorded (1902–1966), 42 per cent were extirpated, with no evidence for colonization of previously unoccupied sites. Increases in both precipitation and temperature predicted site extirpations, potentially owing to snowcover loss. Surprisingly, human land-use change buffered climate change impacts, leading to increased persistence and abundance. Excluding human-modified sites, U. beldingi has shown an upslope range retraction of 255 m. Generalized additive models of past distribution were predictive of modern range contractions (AUC = 0.76) and projected extreme reductions (52% and 99%, respectively) of U. beldingi's southwestern range to 2080 climates (Hadley and CCCMA A2). Our study suggests the strong impacts of climate change on montane species at their trailing edge and how anthropogenic refugia may mitigate these effects.
On wrinkled penny-shaped cracks

A nominally flat penny-shaped crack is subjected to a static loading. A perturbation method is developed for calculating the stress-intensity factors, based on an asymptotic analysis of the governing hypersingular boundary integral equation for the crack-opening displacement. Comparisons with known exact solutions for an inclined flat elliptical crack and for a crack in the shape of a spherical cap are made.
Vitamin B6-dependency and infantile convulsions.

Another patient with the rare convulsive disorder termed "vitamin B6 (or pyridoxine) dependency" is presented. The case of a deceased sibling, suspected of having had the same disorder, is also presented. The characteristic features of the syndrome, as illustrated in these patients, are discussed. The unusual daily requirement for 10 or 11 mg of pyridoxine supplementation has persisted during the first 20 months of the surviving child9s life. The response to pyridoxine is specific and impressive, suggesting a biochemical lesion underlying the convulsive disorder. The probable nature of this biochemical disorder, the significance of a peculiar pattern of urinary excretion of vitamin B6 and related products, and the sequence of vitamin B6 dependent enzyme involvement, are discussed; the disease may be an inborn error of metabolism involving an enzyme of the brain. Nothing can be lost, and perhaps much will be gained, if a diagnostic trial with pyridoxine therapy produces impressive improvement in any "idiopathic" convulsive disorder of infancy and childhood.
Relation of Arginine and Lysine to Feather Tyrosinase Activity

Abstract PROTEIN has a diversity of functions in animals; therefore, amino acid imbalances may display variuos types of symptoms. Some of these symptoms may be simply related to growth and efficiency of feed utilization, and some may be more subtle, such as differences in feather development or the well known bleaching or whitening of feathers as a result of lysine deficiency. Vohra and Kratzer (1957) reported that for both growth and feather pigmentation in poults, a single daily supplement of lysine was inferior to the same amount of lysine present in the feed, strongly suggesting a protein function of lysine in regard to feather pigmentation. This was further confirmed by the fact that these experiments did not separate the function of lysine for the formation of pigment from its requirement for growth. They further demonstrated that the compound preventing depigmentation in turkeys must have six carbons and two amino groups in …
Determining the lesion detectability index along the axial and radial direction for multi-pinhole SPECT

The improved resolution capabilities of pinhole SPECT makes it an ideal imaging modality to study various human disease models in small animals. However, the sensitivity profile of the sampled image space is non-uniform and depends on the relative location of the pinhole and the imaging geometry used. Hence, it will be desirable to place the target volume in the same plane as the pinhole for better count statistics. In this work we study the lesion detectability index of single pinhole (SP) and multi-pinhole (MP) for lesions placed at various locations in the field-of-view (FOV). A uniform cylinder filled with activity equivalent to those observed in a mouse scan was simulated (14 MBq, 10 minutes study). Lesions (1.4 mm) were placed at predetermined locations and multiple noise realizations were performed. The reconstructed images were evaluated using non-prewhitening (NPWF) analysis to accurately study the lesion detectability in the axial and radial directions. The overall lesion detectability of MP was found to be uniform and about 1.6 times better than that of the SP case. Our studies shows that the improved sensitivity (84 cps/MBq for SP and 612 cps/MBq for MP) and uniform sampling of the image space by the MP results in improved lesion detectability of a larger volume for the same acquisition time.
Congrats: a system for converting graphics to sound

Describes a prototype implementation of the Congrats system. The prototype which the authors have built is only a small subset of the actual system, and is meant more to show what can be done using sound and elucidate the concepts involved. When complete, it will provide a whole new range of educational aids for the visually impaired, and thereby open up subjects that have till now remained inaccessible. >
Reexamining the relationship between Apollinaris Patera and the basalts of the Gusev crater plains, Mars

[1] A possible source of the Gusev crater basalts analyzed by the Spirit rover is Apollinaris Patera. We test this hypothesis by identifying and analyzing potential lava flow paths using Thermal Emission Imaging System, Mars Orbiter Camera, High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment, and Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter data sets together with published geologic mapping. Image interpretation reveals three possible flow paths from Apollinaris onto Gusev crater floor via a breach in Gusev's northwest rim; an unnamed crater that must have postdated any potential flow along the paths currently blocks the breach. After correcting for the unnamed crater, topographic profiles constructed along possible flow paths demonstrate that elevation along each path increases from ∼80 to 430 m. For two of the pathways, this elevation change indicates that lavas could not have traversed through them. The third profile, though, is less conclusive as the topography may reflect a broad flexural arch. However, on the basis of two of the topographic profiles together with the lack of obvious lava flow structures that indicate flow south through the breach, we propose that Apollinaris was not the direct source of the Gusev basalts. Instead, we argue that it seems more likely that the Gusev basalts were sourced from below the crater itself. The similar ages (as derived from crater counts) of Apollinaris's south flank and the Gusev plains lavas, however, suggest that the two volcanic regions may be part of a common magmatic feature.
Shear-modulus resolution implications of the Cramer-Rao bound for vibration elastography in isotropic soft tissues

This paper demonstrates that the Cramer-Rao bound provides clear answers to the question of how large the data window needs to be to obtain satisfactory quantitative estimates of shear modulus in vibration elastography of isotropic soft tissues. This leads to an elucidation of the tradeoff between resolution and noise in the reconstructed shear-modulus. Reconstruction gain is defined as the ratio of output signal-to-noise ratio on the shear modulus estimate to the input signal-to-noise on the displacement measurements. The optimal reconstruction gain is derived and found to be dependent on the number of samples per local wavelength as well as the local-window size. The bound demonstrates that adequate reconstructions should be possible using data covering only 1/30th of the local shear wavelength.
Computing and Computation

In this essau we claim that omputing is the fourth great scientific domain, on par with the physical, life, and social sciences.
On multicast scheduling and routing in multistage Clos networks

Summary form only given. Multicast communication, which involves transmitting information from one node to multiple nodes, is a vital operation in both broadband integrated services digital networks (BISDN) and scalable parallel computers. Among different multicast switching networks, much work has been centered around the crossbar switches due to the simplicity of implementation. However, crossbars have the maximum number of crosspoints and implementation complexity among all switching fabrics. Multistage interconnect networks (MINs) such as Clos networks have attracted many attentions in recent years due to the nonblocking property as the crossbars, while at the same time possessing many advantages over crossbars. However, no multicast scheduling and routing algorithm have been applied to Clos network. This paper explores this aspect - we study some existing multicast scheduling and routing algorithms and apply them to Clos networks. Moreover, we propose two packet scheduling strategies to improve the system performance in terms of switch blocking probability and throughput, as shown by simulations.
The Remarkable Pliability and Promiscuity of Specialized Metabolism

Metabolic pathways are often considered "perfected" or at least predictable as substrates efficiently rearrange into products through the intervention of an optimized enzyme. Moreover, single catalytic steps link up, forming a myriad of metabolic circuits that are often modeled with a high degree of certainty. However, on closer examination, most enzymes are not precise with respect to their activity, using not just one substrate but often a variety and producing not just one product but a diversity. Hence, the metabolic systems assembled from enzymes possessing varying degrees of what can be termed catalytic promiscuity are not clear-cut and restrictive; rather, they may at times operate stochastically in the intracellular milieu. This "messiness" complicates our understanding of normal and aberrant cellular behavior, while paradoxically sowing the seeds for future advantageous metabolic adaptations for host organisms. Catalytic promiscuity is intrinsically associated with the dynamic nature of enzyme structures and their chemical mechanisms, both key to enzyme and metabolic evolvability. In addition to primary (core) metabolism, which is essential for survival, organisms also possess highly elaborated secondary (specialized) metabolic systems. These specialized enzymes and pathways often provide unique adaptive strategies for a myriad of organisms and their populations in challenging and changing ecosystems. Generally, enzymes of specialized metabolism show attenuated kinetic activities and expanded catalytic promiscuity compared with their phylogenetic relatives rooted in primary metabolism. We propose that evolvability may be a selected trait in many specialized metabolic systems spread across populations of organisms exposed to continually fluctuating biotic and abiotic environmental pressures. As minor metabolites arising from catalytic messiness provided enhanced population fitness, specificity relaxed, and catalytic efficiency was attenuated. This updated view provides a mechanistic basis for reaching a deeper understanding of the evolutionary underpinnings of the explosion of chemodiversity in nature.
TACE/ADAM-17: A Component of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Axis and a Promising Therapeutic Target in Colorectal Cancer

Purpose: Activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) requires cell surface cleavage of EGFR ligands, uptake of soluble ligand by the receptor, and initiation of EGFR tyrosine kinase activity. We define these collective events as the EGFR axis. Transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) and amphiregulin are two EGFR ligands that are delivered preferentially to the basolateral surface of polarized epithelial cells where the EGFR resides. TACE/ADAM-17 (tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme/a disintegrin and metalloprotease) has been implicated in ectodomain cleavage of TGF-α and amphiregulin. Experimental Design: Using a human polarizing colorectal cancer (CRC) cell line, HCA-7, and a tissue array of normal colonic mucosa and primary and metastatic CRC, we determined the intracellular localization of TACE and the effects of EGFR axis inhibition in CRC. Results: Herein, we show that TACE is localized to the basolateral plasma membrane of polarized HCA-7 cells. TACE is overexpressed in primary and metastatic CRC tumors compared with normal colonic mucosa; the intensity of its immunoreactivity is inversely correlated with that of TGF-α and amphiregulin. Pharmacologic blockade of HCA-7 cells with an EGFR monoclonal antibody, a selective EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and a selective TACE inhibitor results in concentration-dependent decreases in cell proliferation and active, phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase. Combining suboptimal concentrations of these agents results in cooperative growth inhibition, increased apoptosis, and reduced mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation. Furthermore, an EGFR tyrosine kinase–resistant clone of HCA-7 cells is growth-inhibited by combined monoclonal antibody and TACE inhibition. Conclusion: These results implicate TACE as a promising target of EGFR axis inhibition in CRC.
Evaluation of an Open-Path Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer Using an Exposure Chamber

Abstract This study investigated the use of a controlled outdoor exposure chamber to evaluate the accuracy of an open-path Fourier transform infrared (OP-FTIR) spectrometer, using path lengths that are found in the workplace. A range of stable homogenous pollutant concentrations of toluene and cyclohexane were generated in the chamber, multiple backgrounds were taken throughout each sampling day, and open-path measurements were compared with point samples taken in the chamber and analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection. For toluene, the OP-FTIR spectrometer either overestimated or underestimated concentrations by up to 36 percent, depending upon the spectral library (Environmental Protection Agency, Hanst, or ETG) used for quantification. The classical least-squares and subtraction analysis methods gave similar and lower results than the integration method. For cyclohexane, the OP-FTIR spectrometer overestimated concentrations by an average of 29 percent. The apparent overestimation, whe...
The Impact of Consumers’ Need for Uniqueness and Nationality on Generation Y's Retail Patronage Behaviors: Investigating American and Taiwanese Consumers

ABSTRACT Generation Y (Gen Y) consumers are now one of the most influential buying segments in U.S. history. This article empirically assesses the extent to which American Gen Y consumers and same-aged Taiwanese consumers’ need for uniqueness serves as a meaningful discriminant across retail patronage behaviors for branded apparel products. Results indicate a great deal of similarity between the two cultures’ need for uniqueness. Empirical findings reveal that consumers’ need for uniqueness does influence retail patronage behaviors. The implications of the similarities and differences between American Gen Y consumers and their Taiwanese counterparts serve as potential managerial mechanisms for building and sustaining retail patronage in a globalization era.
CONTROL OF FORCED AND SELF-SUSTAINED OSCILLATIONS IN THE FLOW PAST A CAVITY

This paper presents a series of experiments aimed at model-based feedback control of oscillations in the compressible flow past a rectangular cavity. Zeronet-mass air injection is used with feedback from pressure transducers located inside the cavity to suppress the oscillations, and measurements of the shear layer above the cavity are made for both the natural and suppressed state. A system identification experiment is performed, and used to determine a linear model that describes the oscillations, and this model is used to derive feedback laws for acoustic suppression. The model accurately predicts the behavior of dierent feedback controllers, including frequencies where suppression occurs, as well as new resonant frequencies that may be introduced by the controller.
NUTRIENT RESERVES OF LESSER SCAUP (AYTHYA AFFINIS) DURING SPRING MIGRATION IN THE MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY: A TEST OF THE SPRING CONDITION HYPOTHESIS

Abstract The continental scaup population (Lesser [Aythya affinis] and Greater [A. marila] combined) has declined markedly since 1978. One hypothesis for the population decline states that reproductive success has decreased because female scaup are arriving on breeding areas in poorer body condition than they did historically (i.e. spring condition hypothesis). We tested one aspect of that hypothesis by comparing body mass and nutrient reserves (lipid, protein, and mineral) of Lesser Scaup at four locations (Louisiana, Illinois, Minnesota, and Manitoba) between the 1980s and 2000s. We found that mean body mass and lipid and mineral reserves of females were 80.0, 52.5, and 3.0 g higher, respectively, in the 2000s than in the 1980s in Louisiana; similarly, body mass and lipid and mineral reserves of males were 108.8, 72.5, and 2.5 g higher, respectively. In Illinois, mean body mass and lipid reserves of females were 88.6 and 56.5 g higher, respectively, in the 2000s than in the 1980s; similarly, body mass a...
Effects of Temperature and Nutrition on Juvenile Hormone Titers of Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Colony organization via caste specialization in the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, as in other species of termites, seems to be influenced by external factors such as nutrition and temperature. Here, we report on the influence of nutrition and temperature and the associated juvenile hormone levels on the regulation of the soldier caste. Two nutritional levels of food sources or five different temperatures were provided to C. formosanus workers in the laboratory. Juvenile hormone titers of these workers were monitored on 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 d after treatment. Termite survival and soldier-to-worker proportions also were recorded at each sample date. Workers fed a high-quality food source produced significantly more soldiers and this was associated with high worker juvenile hormone (JH) titers. JH titers in workers maintained at 20 and 36°C remained constant throughout the observational period with no presoldier or soldier formation. Under 24, 28, and 32°C temperature regimes, JH titers in workers climbed to a peak at day 48 and then sharply dropped at day 60 when soldier proportion increased to a specific value. At each sample date, JH titers in workers demonstrated a positive and statistically significant relationship to temperatures within the range of 24–32°C, but upon inclusion of temperatures below 24 and above 32°C, the correlation is no longer significant. The results show that favorable extrinsic conditions of temperature and nutrition allow for a higher soldier proportion threshold through the regulation of JH levels and caste differentiation in workers.
Analgesia during the first stage of labor

Summary In a series of 755 cases, 1/32 gr. of dilaudid and 1/130 gr. of scopolamine proved to be a satisfactory combination for the production of seminarcosis during the first stage of labor, providing a pleasing analgesia for the mother with little, if any, effect on the baby. In some cases a small dose of one of the barbiturates was administered in conjunction with dilaudid-scopolamine analgesia. When ethylene or nitrous oxide was used for anesthesia in the second and third stages, apnea occurred in only 4.2 per cent of the babies. With ether, respiratory difficulty was encountered more frequently.
Quantitative Studies on the Replacement of Body Chlorides.

SummaryA simple formula is presented for determining the optimal sodium chloride retention to restore body chlorides to normal in patients with hypochloremia. On the basis of this formula it has been found that for clinical purposes the administration of 0.5 gm. of sodium chloride per kilo of body weight for each 100 mg. % that the plasma chlorides need to be raised may be expected to restore the body chlorides to normal.
Fuel Vaporization and Combustion with the use of Porous Inert Media

Abstract The effect of vaporization/mixing length on the combustion performance of kerosene fuel using a SiC coated, C-C composite porous inert media was investigated. NOx and CO emissions data were obtained for combustion occurring on the surface and inside of the porous inert media. Increasing the vaporization/mixing length beyond a minimum value had no measurable effect on the combustion performance. However, as the vaporization/mixing length was decreased below a threshold, the CO emissions increased significantly. The increase was associated with poor fuel/air mixing, producing local hot spots in the combustion zone.
Comparative Analysis of GC Content Variations in Plant Genomes

The GC content, one of the important compositional features of the genome, varies significantly among different genomes and different regions within a genome. Identifying the driving force that shaped the GC content and deciphering the biological meaning of variations in the GC content will help us to understand genome evolution. We analyzed and compared the GC contents of 20 selected plant species, representing the major evolutionary lineages. Our result revealed the highest GC content and GC heterogeneity in the grass genomes followed by the non-grass monocot and dicot genomes. The detailed analysis of GC content in genic regions showed higher GC content in terminal exons than in internal exons in all selected species except Volvox carteri. A strong correlation between the GC contents of exons and their neighboring introns at terminals of genes was observed in all the grasses, Musa acuminata, Spirodela polyrhiza and Nelumbo nucifera genomes. Our result suggested that the widely reported negative gradient of GC3 along the coding sequences from 5′ to 3′ was likely an artifact caused by GC content calculations on an admixture of genes with variable lengths and exon numbers. Our findings supported the role of the GC biased gene conversion in shaping the nucleotide composition landscapes in monocots. The U shape pattern of the GC content along the genes may have resulted from variable degrees of interactions among transcription, replication and DNA repair machineries. The transcription-associated recombination might play a major role in GC content evolution.
The real miss-specification in the forward rate premium puzzle

While a number of papers have attempted to explain the forward rate premium puzzle the issue nevertheless endures. Hall et al. (Stud Nonlinear Dyn E 17(3):265–279, 2013) argue that the standard regression approach is the cause for the empirical conundrum observed in the investigation of forward-spot relationship. In this paper we identify embedded variables to be the real cause for the miss-specification in the forward rate premium puzzle. Using the Fama (J Financ Econ 13:509–528, 1984) approach along with simulated independent and uniformly distributed data, we demonstrate the forward-spot approach to have spurious reliable forecast ability.
A practical approach to determining the center of the femoral head in subluxated and dislocated hips

Background Mistaking the ossific nucleus as the surrogate for the center of the femoral head affects treatment decisions in hip dysplasia. Previous studies of ossific nucleus position within the femoral head have been qualitative, or, have not included both subluxated and dislocated hips. The purpose of this study was, first, to determine the most accurate radiographic landmark to define the center of the immature femoral head in hip dysplasia, and, second, to quantitatively analyze the position of the ossific nucleus relative to the center of the femoral head. Methods The center of the femoral head was determined from hip arthrograms for 19 consecutive patients with untreated hip dysplasia. Three radiographic proxies for the center were defined on each film: (1) the center of the proximal physis; (2) the center of the ossific nucleus; and (3) a modification of Mose's concentric circles. Each point was compared with the true center of the head on an arthrogram. Results Nineteen patients of an average age of 35.5 months (range, 9 to 76 mo) yielded 22 dysplastic hips. Modified Mose circle was the most accurate technique. In subluxated hips, the center of the femoral physis was equally accurate. The ossific nucleus was the poorest estimation of the center of the femoral head. All of the ossific nuclei were located cephalad and lateral to the center of the femoral head as determined on arthrogram. Conclusions The modified Mose technique is the most accurate technique for determining the center of the femoral head. In subluxated hips, the center of the physis is a practical, equivalent, technique. The ossific nucleus is a poor proxy for the center of the head in hip dysplasia. Clinical relevance A modification of Mose's technique is the most accurate assessment of the center of the femoral head in both subluxated and dislocated hips. The center of the physis is a practical, reliable, surrogate for the center of the head in subluxated hips without requiring an arthrogram.
Long-term follow-up after radical prostatectomy. Identification of prognostic variables.

SUMMARY We report one of the largest series of patients treated by radical prostatectomy followed for a minimum of 10 years. The tumor-free survival rate at 10 years seems superior to that achieved with alternative methods of treatment. Pathologic stage, DNA histograms, and tumor grade all correlate with prognosis but none is sufficiently powerful as an independent factor to allow selection of patients for surgery. Although a survival benefit has not been demonstrated, adjuvant treatment such as postoperative irradiation or early hormonal therapy may be indicated in patients with established poor prognostic factors.
Genomic Selection in Plants: Empirical Results and Implications for Wheat Breeding

Genotyping-by-sequencing technology is rapidly reducing marker costs and increasing genome coverage allowing the widespread use of molecular markers and methods in plant breeding. Marker assisted selection (MAS) and recurrent selection are based on the selection of statistically significant, marker-trait associations. However, MAS strategies are not well suited for complex traits controlled by many genes. Genomic selection (GS) incorporates genome-wide marker information in a breeding value prediction model, thereby minimizing biased marker effect estimates and capturing more of the variation due to small effect QTL. In GS, a training population related to the breeding germplasm is genotyped with genome-wide markers and phenotyped in a target set of environments. That data is used to train a prediction model that is used to estimate the breeding values of lines in a population using only the marker scores. Prediction models can incorporate performance over multiple environments and assess G x E effects to identify a highly predictive subset of environments. Because of reduced selection cycle time, annual genetic gain for GS is predicted to be two to threefold greater than for a conventional phenotypic selection program. We have developed a new methodology for using genome-wide marker effects to group environments and identify outliers. In addition, environmental covariates can be identified that increase prediction accuracy and facilitate performance prediction in climate change scenarios. This new approach to crop improvement will facilitate a better understanding of the dynamic genome processes that generate and maintain new genetic variation.
Implementers’ Perspectives on Fidelity of Implementation: “Teach Every Single Part” or “Be Right With the Curriculum”?

Fidelity of implementation is an essential factor in realizing outcomes of evidence-based interventions. Yet perspectives vary on the degree to which fidelity is necessary or desirable, implementers may receive limited guidance on fidelity, and research on implementers' understanding and operationalization of fidelity is lacking. We conducted key informant interviews with 20 individuals who implemented an evidence-based teen dating violence prevention curriculum in seven sites. Interviews addressed how implementers defined fidelity and the adaptations they made in implementing the curriculum. Although all implementers reported delivering the curriculum with fidelity, their definitions of fidelity varied. Most defined fidelity in terms of adherence to the published curriculum, although definitions sometimes allowed modifications of pedagogy or adding or subtracting materials. A smaller group of implementers defined fidelity in terms of their perceptions of the curriculum's core messages. All implementers described variations from the published curriculum, which were frequently inconsistent with their own definitions of fidelity. Implementers committed to the value of implementation with fidelity may need support in its definition and application. Developers can support implementers by communicating program theory in terms that implementers will understand, clarifying expectations for fidelity and allowable adaptations, and codifying lessons learned from previous implementation.
Mechanistic Models of Physiological Control Systems

Dynamic modeling has played an important role in advancing and integrating the fields of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. However, the vast majority of models in the literature do not take into account the fact that pharmacological responses are frequently affected by the homeostatic mechanisms inherent in physiological control systems. This article provides a short tutorial presenting examples that illustrate the basic properties of closed-loop control and how these can influence model predictions of drug responses in both the steady-state and under dynamic conditions. Physiological control systems can be modeled using two basic approaches: (a) “minimal modeling”, in which all model parameters for individuals can be estimated from experiment; and (b) “structured modeling ”, in which the model parameters are isomorphic to key physiological entities, but not all can be identified from the measurements. A discussion of these two approaches is presented, along with a case study of how minimal modeling can be applied to extend a larger structured model. Finally, the importance of modeling functional linkages and interactions across organ systems and across scales is highlighted through a brief exposition of a recently developed structured model of cardiorespiratory, sleep-wake state and metabolic control .
The Effect of Revaluation on the Foreign Travel Balance of Germany (L'incidence de la rÃ©Ã©valuation sur la balance du poste "Voyages" de l'Allemagne) (El efecto de la revaluaciÃ³n sobre la balanza alemana de viajes al exterior)

Le prA©sent document s'efforce de mesurer la faA§on dont les recettes et les dA©penses du poste "Voyages" de l'Allemagne rA©agissent aux prix en formulant et en calculant les fonctions d'importation et d'exportation pour les services au titre des voyages A l'A©tranger. Ces fonctions sont ensuite utilisA©es pour A©tablir des prA©visions de la valeur des recettes et des dA©penses allemandes au titre des voyages pour l'annA©e 1970, et A©valuer l'incidence de la rA©A©valuation sur la balance de ce poste pour 1970 et 1971. Il ressort de cette A©tude que la sensibilitA© aux prix des recettes et des dA©penses du poste "Voyages" de l'Allemagne est A©levA©e. On ne constate aucun dA©calage en ce qui concerne l'effet des prix sur les dA©penses, mais l'incidence principale sur les recettes semble se manifester avec un dA©calage d'un an. Suivant les prA©visions, les dA©penses et les recettes se monteront respectivement A 2.806 millions de dollars (Â±155 millions de dollars) et A 1.203 millions de dollars (Â±58 millions de dollars) en 1970. On s'attend A ce que la rA©A©valuation du deutsche mark augmente le dA©ficit du poste "Voyages" de 500 A 600 millions de dollars en 1970 et de 700 A 850 millions de dollars en 1971, selon l'hypothA¨se adoptA©e au sujet de l'incidence de la rA©A©valuation sur le niveau des prix en Allemagne. /// En este trabajo se presenta un intento de mediciA³n de la sensibilidad, con respecto al precio, de los gastos e ingresos de Alemania por concepto de viajes, formulando y calculando las funciones de importaciA³n y de exportaciA³n por los servicios de viajes al exterior. En una segunda etapa, se utilizan esas funciones para predecir el valor de los gastos e ingresos de Alemania pro concepto de viajes en 1970, y para evaluar el efecto de la revaluaciA³n sobre la balanza alemana de viajes para 1970 y 1971. La sensibilidad, con respecto al precio, de los gastos e ingresos alemanes por concepto de viajes resultA³ ser elevada. No se encontrA³ ningAon desfase en cuanto al efecto del precio sobre el gasto; sin embargo, parece que el principal efecto sobre los ingresos se deja sentir tras un desfase de un aA±o. Los gastos e ingresos previstos para 1970 son de US$2.806 millones (Â±US$155 millones) y US$1.203 millones (Â±US$58 millones), respectivamente. Se calcula que la revaluaciA³n del marco alemAin ha de elevar el dA©ficit de Alemania por concepto de viajes en unos US$500-600 millones en 1970 y US$700-850 millones en 1971, segAon el supuesto que se haga con respecto al efecto de la revaluaciA³n sobre el nivel de precios en Alemania.
Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: More Work to Be Done.

Although there are several iterations of the same theme, Albert Einstein once proclaimed, “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” An interpretation of this notion is that each step forward in discovery simply leads to more questions to answer. The expanding experience with balloon pulmonary angioplasty worldwide in the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is reminiscent of Einstein’s assertion. In this month’s issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes , Ogawa et al1 report the combined outcomes from 7 institutions in Japan performing balloon pulmonary angioplasty on patients with inoperable CTEPH. And although the information provided in this article is of considerable value, many unanswered questions remain. See Article by Ogawa et al The aggregate data presented in this multicenter Japanese balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) registry provides a clearer characterization of patients undergoing this intervention—80% were female, medical conditions previously reported to be associated with CTEPH were uncommon, thrombophilic disorders were seen in 8.8% of patients, only 15.3% of patients had a prior episode of acute pulmonary embolism, and 34.7% were with a deep venous thrombosis history. This patient phenotype is distinctly different from that reported in large series of CTEPH patients where the male to female ratio is nearly even and a much higher percentage of patients having been identified as experiencing a previous pulmonary embolic event.2 This raises the issue as to whether the patient type is distinct in this series and, as a consequence, whether the reported outcomes are transferable to other BPA-experienced centers. It might be argued that the patient characteristics in the Japanese Registry may be reflective of those at risk for developing inoperable chronic thromboembolic disease. However, published information from several European BPA centers are more …
Conceptual Effects of Audience Design in Human-Computer and Human-Human Dialogue.

Speakers in conversation often tailor referring expressions in ways that reflect beliefs about the knowledge and perspectives of specific addressees. In this study we examined whether such audience...
Sin and Self-Functioning, Part 2: Grace, Guilt and Psychological Adjustment:

Grace and an intrinsic religious orientation were generally consistent with healthy psychological characteristics as revealed in relationships with self-consciousness, depression, hopelessness and/...
Descending Aortopexy and Posterior Tracheopexy for Severe Tracheomalacia and Left Mainstem Bronchomalacia

Posterior descending aortopexy can relieve posterior intrusion of the left mainstem bronchus that may limit the effectiveness of posterior tracheobronchopexy. We review outcomes of patients undergoing both descending aortopexy and posterior tracheopexy for severe tracheobronchomalacia with posterior intrusion and left mainstem compression to determine if there were resolution of clinical symptoms and bronchoscopic evidence of improvement in airway collapse. All patients who underwent both descending aortopexy and posterior tracheopexy from October 2012 to October 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical symptoms, tracheomalacia scores based on standardized dynamic airway evaluation by anatomical region, and persistent airway intrusion requiring reoperation were collected. Data were analyzed by Wald and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Thirty-two patients underwent descending aortopexy and posterior tracheopexy at median age of 18 months (interquartile range 6-40 months). Median follow-up was 3 months (interquartile range 1-7 months). There were statistically significant improvements in clinical symptoms postoperatively, including cough, noisy breathing, prolonged and recurrent respiratory infections, ventilator dependence, blue spells, and brief resolved unexplained events (all P
What the pharmacological management of migraine can tell us about the future of migraine patient care

Some of the principles of the pharmacologic management of migraine are echoed in urgent discussions of the future of headache care in the USA and around the world. From adverse events to tolerance, addiction, medication overuse and medication persistence, solutions to the pathophysiologic puzzles, and management difficulties in migraine can be found by paying closer attention to patient reports and by facilitating greater patient involvement in the treatment process. Similarly, listening to the patient as customer in the process of value-based care, so adaptable for the problem of migraine, is the solution to the health care crisis we face in so many countries.