cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oligonucleotide Sequence of Replicase Initiation Site in Qβ RNA

THE single stranded RNA genome of bacteriophage Qβ has been variously estimated to consist of from 3,5001 to 4,5002 nucleotides. It contains three known cistrons3, which correspond to three of the four Qβ-specific proteins synthesized in vivo and in vitro4–6. These are: (1) the gene for the maturation or A protein (molecular weight 41,000 (refs. 4, 5)), (2) that for the major coat protein of the virus (molecular weight 14,000 (ref. 9)) and (3) the gene for the phage-specific subunit of the Qβ replicase (molecular weight 64,000 (ref. 10) or 69,000 (ref. 24)), listed in the probable order7,8 that they occur on the Qβ RNA. The fourth Qβ-specific protein, A1 or IIb (molecular weight 36,000 (refs. 4–6, 10)), has recently been shown by Weiner and Weber to have an N-terminal sequence which is identical (for eight amino-acids) to that of the coat protein7. Because increased amounts of A1 appear in virus particles grown in cells containing a UGA suppressor, Weiner and Weber postulate7 that this protein is the product of natural read-through at the UGA termination signal of the Qβ coat cistron. Such read-through (involving about 600 nucleotides) could occur entirely within a large “intercistronic” region between the coat and replicase genes, or could involve translation, either in or out of phase, of the replicase cistron. In hopes of distinguishing between these alternatives, I have isolated and examined the nucleotide sequence of the region surrounding the initiator codon of the Qβ replicase gene.
Stochastic models and performance bounds for pose estimation using high-resolution radar data

Models for radar data have been pursued for many years. The classical work of Swerling and Marcum, and Gaussian and Rician models in general, have been most common. In contrast to these statistical models, there have been tremendous efforts expended to develop signature prediction code designed to predict radar returns from faceted objects. Ongoing research attempts to merge these efforts to yield good statistical models for radar data that are based in part on the outputs of signature prediction codes. Some of the issues are explored using simulated radar data from the University Research Initiative Synthetic Dataset. A general description of the class of Gaussian models for high resolution radar range profiles is given. These models include the possibility of having range profiles for different orientations that are correlated. The performance using these models for target orientation estimation and target recognition is described. A framework for analyzing the improvement in performance for using high resolution radar range profiles from multiple radar sensors, multiple polarizations, and multiple elevations is presented.
Picturing American Modernity: traffic, technology, and the silent cinema

Picturing American Modernity: traffic, technology, and the silent cinema KRISTEN WHISSEL Durham and London, Duke University Press, 2008 288 pp., illus., bibliography, index, $79.95 (cloth), $22.95 ...
Differential distribution of exchange proteins directly activated by cyclic AMP within the adult rat retina.

The recently discovered exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac), a guanine exchange factor for the G-protein RAP-1, is directly activated by cAMP independently of protein kinase A (PKA). While cAMP is known to be an important second messenger in the retina, the presence of Epac has not been investigated in this tissue. The goal of the present study was to determine if the Epac1 and Epac2 genes are present and to characterize their location within the retina. Western blot analysis revealed that Epac1 and Epac2 proteins are expressed within the retina, and the presence of mRNA was demonstrated with the aid of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Additionally, we used immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy to demonstrate that Epac1 and Epac2 have overlapping as well as unique distributions within the retina. Both are present within horizontal cells, rod and cone bipolar cells, cholinergic amacrine cells, retrograde labeled retinal ganglion cells, and Muller cells. Uniquely, Epac2 was expressed by cone photoreceptor inner and outer segments, cell bodies, and synaptic terminals. In contrast, Epac1 was expressed in vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGlut1) and C-terminal binding protein 2 (CtBP2) positive photoreceptor synaptic terminals. Together, these results provide evidence that Epac1 and Epac2 are differentially expressed within the retina and provide the framework for further functional studies of cAMP pathways within the retina.
Non-erythroid Rh glycoproteins: a putative new family of mammalian ammonium transporters.

The Rhesus (Rh) glycoproteins, originally described in human blood cells, are mostly recognized for their immunogenic characteristics and importance in pregnancy. The Rh proteins in the red blood cell are expressed as an "Rh complex" made up of one D-subunit, one CE-subunit and two Rh-associated glycoprotein (RhAG) subunits. In addition to its antigenic property, the Rh complex is thought to contribute to membrane stability and structure of red blood cells. The exact function is yet to be determined. Recently, two non-erythroid Rh glycoproteins were cloned from mice (Rhcg and Rhbg) and humans (RhCG and RhBG). RhCG is expressed at the membrane surface alone with no apparent need for heteromeric interaction with other glycoproteins. It is more similar to RhAG than to Rh CE/D, occurs late in development and is expressed abundantly and broadly in kidney and testis. In the kidney RhCG is localized to the apical cell membrane of the collecting duct. Rhbg and its human analog (RhBG) are expressed mainly in liver, skin and the kidney tubules. In the kidney collecting duct, Rhbg is localized to the basolateral membrane. Based on structural similarities to the methylammonium and ammonium permease/ammonium (MEP/Amt) transporters in yeast and their sequence homology, these proteins probably function as NH4 + transporters. An initial study has indicated that RhAG or RhCG promote efflux of NH4 +, whereas another study has suggested that RhAG functions as an NH4 +-H+ exchanger. Evidence for such a function is still circumstantial and data indicating that Rh proteins function as NH4 + transporters are indirect.
Role Fusion: The Occupational Socialization of Prison Chaplains

The conclusion that prisons, as total institutions, are “forcing houses” for the changing of persons can be extended beyond inmates to the prison staff. In this article I focus on one subset of prison staff that has received only scant examination: prison chaplains. Using qualitative interview data, I analyze the occupational socialization of stateemployed prison chaplains. I begin by discussing the initial expectations chaplains held about their work and what they hoped to accomplish. I describe the challenges of working in the correctional environment and note the occupational adjustments chaplains made in reaction to these challenges. I conclude with a theoretical examination of the role and identity processes that framed the occupational socialization of prison chaplains.
E.W. Chittenden and the early history of general topology

Abstract E.W. Chittenden's work and its influence on the early history of general topology are examined. Particular attention is given to his work in metrization theory and its role in the background of the Aleksandrov-Uryson Metrization Theorem. A recounting of Professor Chittenden's career, a list of his students and his publications and a chronology in the early history of General Topology are also included.
Analysis of the Transient Behavior of Deep-Bed Filtration

Abstract A model for clogged granular media which is presented and is based on the assumption that deposition leads to the presence of a deposit layer outside packing grains. The deposit layer is assumed to be nonuniform in thickness. The layer, however, is considered to be porous and therefore permits liquid flow through it. Conceptually, the model is an extension of the classical work of Happel and is a generalization of several sphere-in-cell models proposed by a number of investigators in recent years. With the presence of a porous deposit layer, liquid flows into the layer instead of being diverted away as in the case of a solid surface. As a result, deposition is enhanced. The extent of liquid flow into the deposit layer is a function of the layer thickness as well as its structure. The increase in deposition is expressed as the ratio of the instantaneous collection efficiency to the initial collection efficiency when the filter grains are free of deposited particles. The collection efficiency is calculated by assuming that the surface interactions between particle and filter grains are favorable and the dominant mechanism of collection is by interception, which is valid if the Brownian diffusion effect is insignificant. Predictions of effluent concentration histories based on this model were found in reasonably good agreement with experimental results.
Cubature Formulae and Polynomial Ideals

The structure of cubature formulae of degree 2n?1 is studied from a polynomial ideal point of view. The main result states that if I is a polynomial ideal generated by a proper set of (2n?1)-orthogonal polynomials and if the cardinality of the variety V(I) is equal to the codimension of I, then there exists a cubature formula of degree 2n?1 based on the points in the variety. The result covers a number of cubature formulae in the literature, including Gaussian cubature formulae on one end and the usual product formulae on the classical domains on the other end. The result also offers a new method for constructing cubature formulae.
Computational approaches to hippocampal function

The results of theoretical work have led researchers to suggest that the hippocampal formation may maximize its memory storage capacity by recoding events into patterns that are as dissimilar to one another, and which use as few neurons per event, as possible.
Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition is not protective in PCK rats

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition is not protective in PCK rats. Background Advances in the understanding of cystogenesis, identification of the PKHD1 gene and availability of a rat model (the PCK rat) caused by a Pkhd1 mutation facilitate testing of therapies for autosomal-recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). Considerable support exists for the importance of the epidermal growth factor (EGF)/transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α)/EGF receptor (EGFR) axis and of the adenylyl cyclase-adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) pathway in the pathogenesis of cyst formation and progressive enlargement. Methods To determine whether EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibition is protective in the PCK rat, male and female animals were treated with EKI-785 or EKB-569 or with vehicle alone between 3 and 10 weeks of age. Biochemical and histomorphometric analysis, immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, enzyme immunoassay, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to ascertain the effects of treatment. Results Contrary to other murine models of ARPKD, overexpression and apical mislocalization of EGFR were not detected in the PCK rats. Consistent with these expression results, EKI-785 or EKB-569 administration had no effect or worsened PKD, and had no effect on the development of fibrocystic liver disease. Increased renal cAMP and vasopressin V2 receptor expression were observed in the EKI-785–treated animals. Conclusion EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibition did not protect PCK rats from the development of PKD. This may be due to effects on collecting duct cAMP that counteract possible beneficial effects on the extracellular-regulated protein kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, particularly in the absence of EGFR overexpression or mislocalization. The relevance of these observations to the treatment of human cystic kidney diseases deserves further study.
Dementia Assessment and Management

Dementia is a common yet potentially underdiagnosed illness in the long-term care setting. Targeted screening for dementia should be routine practice, as a diagnosis of dementia will have benefits to the care of the patient. Assessment of dementia should proceed in a step-wise approach and should be tailored to the needs of the individual patient. Management of dementia involves care for the cognitive changes, behavioral changes, functional changes, and emotional issues. It also involves the management of other illnesses in light of the dementia, consideration of the needs and well-being of the caregiver, and particular attention to advanced care planning. Management techniques and goals should evolve as the patient's illness progresses. This comprehensive approach to management of dementia may reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this illness. This model of care provides patients and families with needed information and resources, a clear view of prognosis, and necessary attention to quality of life issues.
Smoothed Particle Methods and Their Applicability to Tribology

An in-house solver was created to simulate contact mechanics and hydrodynamic lubrication using smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH), SPH is a meshfree, particle-based method that can be used to solve continuum problems in solid and fluid mechanics. In this approach, the problem domain is represented by particles that move according to prescribed governing equations. Because smoothed particle methods have been shown to have the advantage of being able to model large deformations without concern of degradation in numerical accuracy, they have received recent interest for application to complex problems in tribology—the exploration of which is the focus of this study.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Inverse scattering for high-resolution interferometric microscopy

We extend the applicability of inverse scattering for optical coherence tomography (OCT) to the case of high numerical aperture focusing optics. We include the effects of tight focusing so that the approach is applicable to any interferometric microscopy method. The applicability to modalities, such as OCT and optical coherence microscopy, enables computed reconstruction of three-dimensional volumes from en face temporal ranging data. Simulations show that the computed structure outside of the focal plane exhibits spatially invariant resolution on par with the resolution achieved at the focal plane.
The Influence of Stimulus Exposure on Rated Preference: Effects of Age, Pattern of Exposure, and Stimulus Meaningfulness.

Abstract It has been reported that the rated preference of stimuli which have recently been exposed to S differs from the rated preference of similar stimuli which have not recently been exposed to S . The present experiment examined the effect of three potentially important variables in determining the magnitude and direction of that difference. The results suggest that for both adults and children, using either high- or low-meaningful stimuli, and either spaced or massed exposure patterns, S s rate stimuli to which they have recently been exposed as less preferred than stimuli with which they have not had recent exposure. The results are discussed in light of the literature which reports both positive and negative changes in preference following exposure to a stimulus.
Collaborative Roles for c-Jun N-terminal Kinase, c-Jun, Serum Response Factor, and Sp1 in Calcium-regulated Myocardial Gene Expression

Electrical stimulation of contractions (pacing) of primary neonatal rat ventricular myocytes increases intracellular calcium and activates a hypertrophic growth program that includes expression of the cardiac-specific gene, atrial natriuretic factor (ANF). To investigate the mechanism whereby pacing increases ANF, pacing was tested for its ability to regulate mitogen-activated protein kinase family members, ANF promoter activity, and thetrans-activation domain of the transcription factor, Sp1. Pacing and the calcium channel agonist BAYK 8644 activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Pacing stimulated ANF-promoter activity approximately 10-fold. Furthermore, transfection with an expression vector for c-Jun, a substrate for JNK, also activated the ANF promoter, and the combination of pacing and c-Jun was synergystic, consistent with roles for JNK and c-Jun in calcium-activated ANF expression. Proximal serum response factor and Sp1 binding sites were required for the effects of pacing or c-Jun on the ANF promoter. Pacing and c-Jun activated a GAL4-Sp1 fusion protein by 3- and 12-fold, respectively, whereas the two stimuli together activated GAL4-Sp1 synergistically, similar to their effect on the ANF promoter. Transfection with an expression vector for c-Fos inhibited the effects of c-Jun, suggesting that c-Jun acts independently of AP-1. These results demonstrate an interaction between c-Jun and Sp1 and are consistent with a novel mechanism of calcium-mediated transcriptional activation involving the collaborative actions of JNK, c-Jun, serum response factor, and Sp1.
Plasma-derived and recombinant FVIII

While plasma-derived and recombinant coagulation FVIII may largely share the same amino acid sequence and restore coagulation equally well, Qadura and colleagues demonstrate in this issue of Blood that these molecules appear quite different to the immune system.
Assessing Permethrin Resistance in the Stable Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) in Florida by Using Laboratory Selections and Field Evaluations

Insecticide resistance in the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), has been demonstrated previously, but mostly with insecticides that are no longer used, such as the organochlorines. Resistance to commonly used pyrethroids has been evaluated twice, but only in the midwestern United States. Stable fly susceptibility to a commonly used pyrethroid, permethrin, was determined in Florida to assess the possibility of resistance development. Diagnostic concentration evaluations of three stable fly field strains demonstrated a maximum of 57 and 21% survival to permethrin residues of 3× and 10× the LC99 of a susceptible strain, respectively. Stable flies from an equine facility with no reported insecticide use demonstrated ≈20% survival with a 3× diagnostic concentration. Despite a distance of 91-km between field collection sites, survival profiles of field-collected stable fly strains were similar. Although an established stable fly colony collected from a local dairy previously expressed low level resistance to permethrin residues, five generations of laboratory permethrin selection increased resistance 15-fold.
Inverse Z-transform by Mobius inversion and the error bounds of aliasing in sampling

A general algorithm based on two special Mobius inversion formulae is developed to compute the inverse Z-transform. This approach to Fourier analysis uses what is called the arithmetic Fourier transform (AFT). With the new AFT algorithm. One can compute the inverse Z-transform of an infinite two-sided sequence. It is compared with the conventional DFT approach. Both methods have aliasing errors due to sampling. The error bounds of the aliasing effects in the DFT and the new proposed method are established and compared. In general, the AFT algorithm is not so vulnerable to the aliasing errors in the high-frequency components as the DFT approach. >
Foveal dark adaptation, photopigment regeneration, and aging.

Foveal dark adaptation in 58 subjects and photopigment regeneration in 60 subjects from 10–78 years of age exhibit parallel slowing of recovery rate with increasing age, with significant correlation of the two functions among individuals. The data are suggestive of an initial slight decline in rate before age 50, followed by a greater decline occuring at different ages in different ages in different individuals. Longitudinal data for one subject from age 40–65 show an increase in pigment regeneration time constant consistent with this idea. Foveal sensitivity and photopigment density both decrease with increasing age and are significantly correlated among individuals, although sensitivity declines more with age than does photopigment density. In contrast to earlier proposals based upon the Rushton-Dowling equation, we found no universal constant of proportionality to relate log relative threshold to photopigment within our population.
Mechanisms of Direct Radiation Damage in DNA, Based on a Study of the Yields of Base Damage, Deoxyribose Damage, and Trapped Radicals in d(GCACGCGTGC)2

Dose-response curves were measured for the formation of direct-type DNA products in X-irradiated d(GCACGCGTGC)(2)prepared as dry films and as crystalline powders. Damage to deoxyribose (dRib) was assessed by HPLC measurements of strand break products containing 3' or 5' terminal phosphate and free base release. Base damage was measured using GC/ MS after acid hydrolysis and trimethylsilylation. The yield of trappable radicals was measured at 4 K by EPR of films X-irradiated at 4 K. With exception of those used for EPR, all samples were X-irradiated at room temperature. There was no measurable difference between working under oxygen or under nitrogen. The chemical yields (in units of nmol/J) for trapped radicals, free base release, 8-oxoGua, 8-oxoAde, diHUra and diHThy were G(total)(fr) = 618 +/- 60, G(fbr) = 93 +/- 8, G(8-oxoGua) = 111 +/- 62, G(8-oxoAde) = 4 +/- 3, G(diHUra) = 127 +/- 160, and G(diHThy) = 39 +/- 60, respectively. The yields were determined and the dose-response curves explained by a mechanistic model consisting of three reaction pathways: (1) trappable-radical single-track, (2) trappable-radical multiple-track, and (3) molecular. If the base content is projected from the decamer's GC:AT ratio of 4:1 to a ratio of 1:1, the percentage of the total measured damage (349 nmol/J) would partition as follows: 20 +/- 16% 8-oxoGua, 3 +/- 3% 8-oxoAde, 28 +/- 46% diHThy, 23 +/- 32% diHUra, and 27 +/- 17% dRib damage. With a cautionary note regarding large standard deviations, the projected yield of total damage is higher in CG-rich DNA because C combined with G is more prone to damage than A combined with T, the ratio of base damage to deoxyribose damage is approximately 3:1, the yield of diHUra is comparable to the yield of diHThy, and the yield of 8-oxoAde is not negligible. While the quantity and quality of the data fall short of proving the hypothesized model, the model provides an explanation for the dose-response curves of the more prevalent end products and provides a means of measuring their chemical yields, i.e., their rate of formation at zero dose. Therefore, we believe that this comprehensive analytical approach, combined with the mechanistic model, will prove important in predicting risk due to exposure to low doses and low dose rates of ionizing radiation.
AGE: defining breakpoints of genomic structural variants at single-nucleotide resolution, through optimal alignments with gap excision

Motivation: Defining the precise location of structural variations (SVs) at single-nucleotide breakpoint resolution is an important problem, as it is a prerequisite for classifying SVs, evaluating their functional impact and reconstructing personal genome sequences. Given approximate breakpoint locations and a bridging assembly or split read, the problem essentially reduces to finding a correct sequence alignment. Classical algorithms for alignment and their generalizations guarantee finding the optimal (in terms of scoring) global or local alignment of two sequences. However, they cannot generally be applied to finding the biologically correct alignment of genomic sequences containing SVs because of the need to simultaneously span the SV (e.g. make a large gap) and perform precise local alignments at the flanking ends. Results: Here, we formulate the computations involved in this problem and describe a dynamic-programming algorithm for its solution. Specifically, our algorithm, called AGE for Alignment with Gap Excision, finds the optimal solution by simultaneously aligning the 5′ and 3′ ends of two given sequences and introducing a ‘large-gap jump’ between the local end alignments to maximize the total alignment score. We also describe extensions allowing the application of AGE to tandem duplications, inversions and complex events involving two large gaps. We develop a memory-efficient implementation of AGE (allowing application to long contigs) and make it available as a downloadable software package. Finally, we applied AGE for breakpoint determination and standardization in the 1000 Genomes Project by aligning locally assembled contigs to the human genome. Availability and Implementation: AGE is freely available at http://sv.gersteinlab.org/age. Contact: gro.balnietsreg@ip Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A convergence: special relativity, zitterbewegung, and new models for the subcomponent structure of quantum particles

Hestenes has presented an integration of Schrodinger's zitterbewegung with the spin matrices of the Dirac equation, suggesting the electron can be modeled by a rapidly rotating dipole moment and a frequency related to the de Broglie frequency. He presents an elegant spacetime algebra that provides a reformulation of the Dirac equation that incorporates these real spin characteristics. A similar heuristic model for quantum particles has been derived by this author from a different, quasi-classical premise: That the most fundamental subcomponents of quantum particles all travel at a constant speed of light. Time is equated with the spatial displacement of these subcomponents – the speed of light is the speed of time. This approach suggests a means of integrating special relativity and quantum mechanics with the same concept of time. The relativistic transformation of spinning quantum particles create the appearance of additional, compactified spatial dimensions that can be correlated with the complex phase of the spin matrices as in the Dirac formalism. This paper further examines the convergence on such new models for quantum particles built on this rapid motion of particle subcomponents. The modeling leverages a string-like heuristic for particle subcomponents and a revised description for the wave-like properties of particles. This examination provides useful insights to the real spatial geometries and interactions of electrons and photons.
The optimal BPSK demodulator with a 1-bit A/D front-end

An unconventional, simple BPSK demodulator is proposed. The complexity of the conventional BPSK demodulator is reduced by utilizing a 1-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) converter front-end The optimal detection rule is derived for BPSK signals going through the 1-bit A/D front-end. The key element of the optimal demodulation process is a pair of weighting factors that act as phase references. A simple algorithm for estimating the weighting factors is proposed and shown to be effective. Simulations are performed and the results are compared with the conventional BPSK demodulator.
Allometry and heterochrony in an Eocene echinoid lineage; morphological change as a by-product of size selection

Three closely related species of the irregular echinoid Oligopygus succeed one another in the late Eocene deposits of Florida. This apparent lineage, where each species is similar but larger than the preceding species, offers an excellent opportunity to examine relationships between heterochrony and environmental change. Bivariate and multivariate techniques illustrate patterns of simple and complex allometry and indicate that simple size increase related to changes in the timing of maturation account for most of the morphological differences among species. Those differences that are not the by-products of size increase are due to heterochronic changes dissociated from the otherwise global (i.e., whole organism) hypermor- phosis and were probably needed to increase the relative food intake of the larger forms. Unlike the vast majority of allometric studies, which show constant growth ratios, the ontogenies analyzed here often exhibit curvilinear trajectories. Thus, heterochronic events are seen as systematic alterations of already changing growth ratios. It is suggested that these heterochronic changes provided quick, efficient responses to selective pressures on a plurality of characters and behaviors. As the Florida carbonate environment became more stable, responses associated with K-type life history strategies were favored, resulting in "size selection." Thus, the morphological differentia among these species may not have resulted from selection directed at those traits, but were either simple sequelae of size increase or of changes which occurred to permit the size increase.
Bayesian MCMC flood frequency analysis with historical information

This paper explores Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods for evaluation of the posterior distributions of flood quantiles, flood risk, and parameters of both the log-normal and Log-Pearson Type 3 distributions. Bayesian methods allow a richer and more complete representation of large flood records and historical flood information and their uncertainty (particularly measurement and discharge errors) than is computationally convenient with maximum likelihood and moment estimators. Bayesian MCMC provides a computationally attractive and straightforward method to develop a full and complete description of the uncertainty in parameters, quantiles and performance metrics. Examples illustrate limitations of traditional first-order second-moment analyses based upon the Fisher Information matrix.
On The Art Of Nō Drama: The Major Treatises Of Zeami . Translated by J. Thomas Rimer and Yamazaki Masakazu. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1984. xlx, 298 pp. Illustrations, Glossaries, Selected Bibliography in Western Languages, Index. $35 (cloth); $15 (paper).

This annotated translation is the first systematic rendering into any Western language of the nine major treatises on the art of the Japanese No theater by Zeami Motokivo (1363-1443). Zeami, who transformed the No from a country entertainment into a vehicle for profound theatrical and philosophical experience, was a brilliant actor himself, and his treatises touch on every aspect of the theater of his time. His theories, mixing philosophical and practical insights, often seem strikingly contemporary. Since their discovery early in this century. these secret treatises have been considered among the most valuable and representative documents in the history of Japanese aesthetics. They discuss subjects from the art of the playwright to the reciprocal nature of the relationship between performer and audience.
Iterative Gram-Schmidt orthonormalization for efficient parameter estimation

We present an efficient method for estimating nonlinearly entered parameters of a linear signal model corrupted by additive noise. The method uses the Gram-Schmidt orthonormalization procedure in combination with a number of iterations to de-bias and re-balance the coupling between non-orthogonal signal components efficiently. Projection interpretation is provided as rationale of the proposed iterative algorithm. Computer simulations are conducted to show the effectiveness of the algorithm.
A unified integrated teaching-learning modular approach to education: application to computer engineering education and to machine learning

We propose a unified integrated teaching-learning modular (UITLM) approach to education. It is based on a breakdown of knowledge to integrated modules of information. The basic level of breakdown is to be used in education to buildup concepts, while the higher ones are to be used to buildup complex concepts of knowledge, including those of experts. Key to the success of this breakdown is the relational integration of the information leading to the concept under consideration. This approach lends itself smoothly to a unified teaching-learning concept of education. The information handler, being a teacher, a student, or another educational environment, is at the center of this educational model. The main inherent characteristics of this model are extreme flexibility, integration, ease of interaction, and being evolutional. The last leads to the development of the educational environment to grow in complexity, approaching that of an expert, by its own internal behavior and interaction with the information handler. As examples of the proposed UITLM, we discuss its application to computer engineering education and to machine learning.
Beyond Traits in the Study of Personality Coherence

People exhibit coherent patterns of experience and action that cannot be fully described or explained by personality trait models. Rather, personality coherence is expressed in dispositional tendencies that violate the structure of common trait categories. Across contexts, people display predictable patterns of behavioral variation that cannot be captured by trait constructs, which correspond to mean levels of response. In addition to these empirical findings, theoretical work in both psychology and philosophy challenges the conceptual strategies through which trait models explain personality coherence. These empirical and theoretical points can be addressed by alternative theoretical models that specify how underlying psychological systems give rise to both common and idiosyncratic patterns of personality consistency and variability.
The Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles Part I: Reliability and Preliminary Validity

This article describes the evolution, standardization, and preliminary validation of the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS), an instrument designed to measure thinking styl...
Strain effects on oxygen transport in tetragonal zirconium dioxide

Temperature accelerated dynamics and molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the strain effects on oxygen interstitial and vacancy migration in tetragonal zirconium dioxide. At zero external strain, the anisotropic migration mechanisms of oxygen defects are characterized. At non-zero strains, both the crystal structure and defect migration barriers are modified by strain. Under compressive strains, the defect migration barrier increases with the increasing strain for both interstitials and vacancies. The crystal structure transforms from a tetragonal to a nearly cubic fluorite structure. Accordingly, the defect migration becomes nearly isotropic. Under dilative strains, the migration barrier first decreases then increases with increasing strain for both types of defects. The tetragonal phase transforms to a lower symmetry structure that is close to the orthorhombic phase. In turn, the defect migration becomes highly anisotropic. Under both compressive and dilative strains, interstitials respond to strain more strongly than vacancies. At small dilative strains, an oxygen interstitial has comparable diffusivity to a vacancy, suggesting that both types of defects can contribute to oxygen transport, if they are present. Although currently no previous result is available to validate oxygen interstitial diffusion behavior, the trend of strain effects on oxygen vacancy diffusion is in good agreement with available experimental and theoretical studies in the literature.
Guaranteed error estimation in uncertain systems

In this short paper bounding estimators for uncertain systems are developed using the concept of Fuzzy Dynamic Programming. The estimator gives an upper bound to the error for any allowed system parameter variation. A dynamic system is considered where the uncertainty in initial state, additive plant disturbance measurement errors are modeled aS unknown but bounded (UBB). It is further assumed that there is a UBB uncertainty in the system parameters. The estimation problem for a nonlinear system with parameter uncertainty is first formulated as a constrained optimization problem and then using fuzzy dynamic programming the class of bounding estimators is derived. The results are applied to obtain a linear estimator for linear uncertain system. It is shown that such an estimator is precomputable and that it reduces to the optimum filter for a linear system with additive disturbances as the model uncertainty vanishes.
Circumcision Using the Mogen Clamp

The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of 313 circumcisions using the Mogen clamp. This procedure was done between 1 day and 2 years of age in all but four patients. The complication rate was low (1.6%). Two patients had local infection, one mild hemorrhage, one concealed penis, and one postcircumcision phimosis. Circumcision using the Mogen clamp is a simple, quick, and safe procedure.
Collective Efficacy: A Multilevel Analysis

A full understanding of how efficacy beliefs influence collective action requires considering the social nature of groups. The authors focus on collective efficacy, a shared belief that individuals hold about the group. Collective efficacy can be influenced by both individual- and group-level variables. A multilevel framework is employed to analyze the antecedents and consequences of collective efficacy in college basketball teams. Individual-level influences on collective efficacy included self-efficacy, optimism, perceptions of leader effectiveness, and perceptions of recent team performance. Group-level influences included group size, past team performance, and confident leadership. The authors also found support for collective efficacy as a shared belief. This support came from showing within-team agreement and the interdependence of team members’ collective efficacy beliefs. Collective efficacy beliefs were persistent and affected group performance. Finally, the role of leadership in the creation, ma...
Dielectric Anisotropy of Organic Interlayer Dielectrics Confined in Submicron

Dielectric anisotropy was studied using two fluorinated polymers(fluorinated polyirnide and fluorinated poly(aryl ether)), which are promising candidate as interlayer dielectrics(LLD). From the measurement of the optical anisotropy, the fluorinated polyimide has larger birefringence than fluorinated poly(aryl ether) because the fluorinated polyimide is a rigid rod-like polymer, while the fluorinated poly(arly ether) has an ether linkage to allow the flexibility. The large optical birefringence in the fluorinated polyimide may indicate the large dielectric anisotropy. The dielectric anisotropy of more flexible fluorinated poly(arly ether) was very similar to the expected anisotropy from optical birefringence, but the fluorinated polyimide with rigid rod-like chains has much smaller dielectric anisotropy than expected in the spin-coated film. From the FTLR spectra of the rigid rod-like polymer, the olecular orientation of the rod-like polymer confined in the submicron gaps is shown to be different from that of the blanket film spin-coated on the substrate. This change of the molecular orientation in the confined submicron gap is responsible for the change of the dielectric anisotropy.
An Evidence-Based Comparison of Operational Criteria for the Presence of Sarcopenia

Low muscle mass and weakness are potential contributors to disability in older persons. Although the term “sarcopenia” has become widespread, the criteria for an operational definition vary among studies and experts. Initial work on defining sarcopenia was based on measures of muscle mass alone, and the prevalence of sarcopenia when compared with a young reference population ranged between 13% and 24% among adults younger than 70 years to more than 50% among adults older than 80 years (1). However, a growing body of research suggests that there is a disconnect between muscle mass and strength. Thus, recent definitions of sarcopenia have incorporated elements of strength and physical performance in addition to muscle mass in the criteria for sarcopenia (2–5). However, these consensus statements were based on expert opinions and lacked access to large data sets to validate their recommendations. Thus, the goal of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) Sarcopenia Project was to create a data-driven set of criteria for clinically relevant weakness and low lean mass using pooled data from multiple studies. This is the fifth report of the FNIH Sarcopenia Project. The first manuscript describes the rationale for the FNIH Sarcopenia Project and characteristics of the participating studies. The second and third manuscripts describe in detail the development of cutpoints for weakness and low lean mass; and the fourth manuscript demonstrates the predictive validity of these cutpoints. The purpose of the analyses presented here is to compare the criteria developed by the FNIH project to other published criteria, in order to assess prevalence, agreement, and discrepancies between candidate criteria. Our goal is to provide data-driven evidence to the field in order to advance professional consensus regarding clinically relevant cutpoints and terminology.
Development of specific muscle and cutaneous sensory projections in cultured segments of spinal cord

Development of sensory projections was studied in cultured spinal segments with attached dorsal root ganglia. In spinal segments from stage 30 (E6.5) and older chicken embryos, prelabeled muscle and cutaneous afferents established appropriate projections. Cutaneous afferents terminated solely within the dorsolateral laminae, whereas some muscle afferents (presumably Ia afferents) projected ventrally towards motoneurons. Development of appropriate projections suggests that sufficient cues are preserved in spinal segments to support the formation of modality-specific sensory projections. Further, because these projections developed in the absence of muscle or skin, these results show that the continued presence of peripheral targets is not required for the formation of specific central projections after stage 29 (E6.0). Development of the dorsal horn in cultured spinal segments was assessed using the dorsal midline as a marker. In ovo, this midline structure appears at stage 29. Lack of midline formation in stage 28 and 29 cultured spinal segments suggests that the development of the dorsal horn is arrested in this preparation. This is consistent with earlier reports suggesting that dorsal horn development may be dependent on factors outside the spinal cord. Because dorsal horn development is blocked in cultured spinal segments, this preparation makes it possible to study the consequences of premature ingrowth of sensory axons into the spinal cord. In chicken embryos sensory afferents reach the spinal cord at stage 25 (E4.5) but do not arborize within the gray matter until stage 30. During this period dorsal horn cells are still being generated. In spinal segments, only those segments that have developed a midline at the time of culture support the formation of midline at the time of culture support the formation of specific sensory projections.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Jane Carlton: It's an Omics World After All

Dozens of parasite reference genomes and field isolates have been sequenced over the past few years. The expectation is that this boom of genomic data can answer many important questions about parasite biology and evolution. Jane Carlton, Professor of Biology and Director of the Center for Genomics and Systems Biology at New York University, is at the forefront of this global effort. She was directly involved in the sequencing of the first genome of the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, the agent of the most common curable sexually transmitted disease, trichomoniasis.
Abstract #4725: Enhanced expression of AREG and FGFR2 and increased activity of peptide growth factor signaling pathways induces resistance to fulvestrant and tamoxifen

In the normal breast, estrogen (E2) induces mammary cell proliferation and mammary gland ductal elongation. In this process, E2 stimulation is the initiating event causing a subsequent stepwise release of growth factors such as AREG and FGFs from ER+ and breast stromal cells, respectively. The growth factors released from stromal cells stimulate breast stem cells to proliferate. In ER+ breast cancers, E2 also induces release of growth factors that function in autocrine loops causing tumor cells to proliferate. The ER antagonists tamoxifen and fulvestrant inhibit ER activities and block E2 induced proliferation of breast cancer cells. Despite the success of endocrine therapy, a large proportion of ER+ tumors eventually develop resistance to ER antagonists. We investigated mechanisms of acquired resistance to endocrine therapy by developing two resistant sub-lines from the highly tamoxifen and fulvestrant sensitive cell line, MCF-7. Microarray analysis and other confirmatory assays indicate that E2 independent expression of AREG is highly increased in the resistant sub-lines, MCF-7R1 and MCF-7R2. Moreover in comparison to the parental cell line, higher levels of FGFR2, FGFR3, p-ERK1/2 and p-AKT were detected in MCF-7R1 and MCF-7R2. Both resistant sub-lines showed greater sensitivity to inhibitors of AREG function, i.e. cetuximab and lapatinib. Moreover, inhibition of AREG expression by SiRNA decreased the resistance of MCF-7R1 and MCF-7R2 cell lines to fulvestrant by several fold. In addition, inhibition of FGFR2 expression by SiRNA also enhanced the sensitivity of MCF-7R1 and MCF-7R2 cell lines to ER antagonistic drug fulvestrant. As parental MCF-7 and three other ER+ cell lines were stimulated by AREG, FGFs or AREG plus FGFs, we found that in MCF-7 and two other cell lines (T-47D and ZR-75-1) combination of these growth factors significantly enhanced the E2 independent growth and resistance to ER antagonists. We, therefore conclude that ER+ tumor cells can acquire resistant to endocrine therapy by ER independent and autonomous production of AREG, overexpression of receptors for FGF growth factors and enhancing activity of peptide growth factor signaling. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 4725.
A Framework of Statistical Methods for Identification of Subgroups with Differential Treatment Effects in Randomized Trials

The problem of identifying subgroups of patients with differential treatment effects in randomized trials plays an important role in the effort to tailor therapies to patients who are most likely to get benefit from them. It has attracted active research effort in recent years, and a growing number of statistical methods have been developed. In this chapter, after first examining the major challenges with subgroup identification that these methods are designed to address, we create a structured framework into which many of the methods can be placed. Such a framework provides insight into the subgroup identification problem and methods, and can be utilized to generate additional methods from existing ones. Using a small simulation study, we also demonstrate a recently proposed approach to systematically evaluate the performance of subgroup identification methods. Together, the methodological framework and systematic assessment of performance can help to determine the optimal analyses for various applications.