cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimation theory and statistical physics

Abstract : The construction of a non-linear filter involves an integration over function space which is exactly analogous to the construction of a measure on path space via the Feynman-Kac-Nelson Formula. In Kalman-Bucy filtering problem the filtering of Gauss-Markov processes in the presence of additive white Gaussian noise occupies the same role as the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process (finite or infinite-dimensional) in Quantum Mechanics or Quantum Field Theory. That this analogy is borne out by the fact that a solvable Lie algebra, the oscillator algebra which contains the Heisenberg algebra as a derived algebra is intrinsically attached to the Kalman-Bucy filtering problem. The problem of non-linear filtering of diffusion processes was shown to admit a stochastic variational interpretation. The objective of this paper is to strengthen these analogies further with a view to showing the close relationship of estimation theory to statistical mechanics. The motivation for this comes from problems of estimation and inverse problems related to image processing. In order to carry out this program it is necessary to generalize these ideas to filtering problems for infinite-dimensional processes. There are two types of processes involved: continuous processes such as infinite-dimensional Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes and their L2-functionals which represent intensities of images and processes of a discrete nature which will represent boundaries of images. The most interesting models are obtained when these processes are coupled according to a probabilistic mechanisms. The discrete processes should be thought of as gauge fields and will be a process on connection forms.
Outsourcing Service Processes to a Common Service Provider under Price and Time Competition

In many industries, firms consider the option of outsourcing an important service process associated with the goods or services they bring to the market. Often, competing firms outsource this service process to one or more common service suppliers. When they outsource to a common service provider, this gives rise to a service supply chain. We develop analytical models to characterize the benefits and disadvantages of outsourcing in service industries in which the retailers compete with each other in terms of the price they charge and/or the waiting time expectations and standards which they adopt and sometime advertise. To assess the benefits of outsourcing strategies, we give concrete answers to the following questions: (i) if a service supply chain wants to operate at maximum efficiency, what type of payment schemes does the service provider need to offer the retailers to coordinate the chain? (ii) Given optimally coordinating payment schemes for the outsourced service, when are firms better off if all of them choose to outsource rather than perform the service in-house? In addition, when will a service supply chain in which firms choose to outsource to a common provider be stable in the sense that no firm has an incentive to unilaterally abandon the chain and provide in-house service instead? How do the answers to these questions depend on the type of competition, the intensity of the competition, the number of firms in the industry and the sales volume of the firms? (iii) How do the answers to the questions raised in (i) and (ii) depend on whether the outside supplier pools the service processes or not and whether it is able to operate at lower cost rates than the service retailers themselves?
Correlation of folate metabolism and socioeconomic status in pregnancy and in patients taking oral contraceptives

Abstract The incidence of folate deficiency in pregnancy varies throughout the world. Ingestion of oral contraceptive agents may create food folate malabsorption. Since the only source of folate for the human being is diet, and since dietary intake of folate is directly correlated with socioeconomic status, we evaluated folate metabolism in pregnant patients of low socioeconomic status, similar patients taking oral contraceptives, and pregnant patients of upper socioeconomic status. The parameters evaluated were serum folate levels, average lobe score of circulating granulocytes, and packed cell volume. Low serum folate was found in late pregnancy no matter what the economic status. However, tissue folate deficiency, including anemia, was found only in pregnant patients of low socioeconomic status. Clinic patients taking oral contraceptives had generally normal folate levels. Patients of upper socioeconomic status showed no evidence of tissue folate depletion or anemia. The over-all dietary intake of folate is the most important consideration in the maintenance of adequate folate nutrition.
Performance Measurement of Interpreted Programs

In an interpreted execution there is an interdependence between the interpreter’s execution and the interpreted application’s execution; the implementation of the interpreter determines how the application is executed, and the application triggers certain activities in the interpreter. We present a representational model for describing performance data from an interpreted execution that explicitly represents the interaction between the interpreter and the application in terms of both the interpreter and application developer’s view of the execution. We present results of a prototype implementation of a performance tool for interpreted Java programs that is based on our model. Our prototype uses two techniques, dynamic instrumentation and transformational instrumentation, to measure Java programs starting with unmodified Java class files and an unmodified Java virtual machine. We use performance data from our tool to tune a Java program, and as a result, improve its performance by more than a factor of three.
Cautery-induced colour patterns in Precis coenia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Cautery of the dorsal hindwing in the butterfly, Precis coenia, induces the formation of a concentric colour pattern around the site of injury. The induced pattern is identical in pigmentation to the eyespots that normally develop on this wing surface. This response to cautery also occurs, though much less dramatically, on the ventral forewing. In addition to the peculiar response to cautery, the dorsal hindwing of Precis also develops a series of unique pattern aberrations in response to coldshock. These consist of irregular elongation of the anterior eyespot along the proximodistal axis of the wing. In the most dramatic aberrations the eyespot field covers the entire anterior half of the wing surface. An analysis is presented that attempts to reconcile the effects of cautery on the Precis hindwing with the very different morphological effects of cautery on the colour pattern of Ephestia kuhniella, described by Kuhn & Von Engelhardt. Computer simulations reveal that the finding presented in this paper, as well as the classical work on Ephestia, can both be explained by assuming that the site of cautery becomes a sink for one of the morphogens involved in colour pattern determination. The experimental findings furthermore indicate that minor perturbations of the wing epidermis can evoke the physiological conditions that attend normal eyespot determination. It is shown that this interpretation also helps to explain the unusual pattern modifications following coldshock.
Rheological study of viscosities and pipeline flow of concentrated slurries

A systematic study of variables affecting viscosity and pipeline flow of concentrated slurries was made. They include volume fraction of plastic beads, shear rate, particle size, size distribution and L/D. Ranges covered were for shear rates 100 to 700 per sec., particle size 57 to 136 micrometers and volume fraction 0.20 to 0.55.
Clinical and sociodemographic predictors of response to augmentation, or dose increase among depressed outpatients resistant to fluoxetine 20 mg/day.

Objective: Patients with major depressive disorder often show only partial or no response to antidepressants, necessitating next-step interventions such as dose increase or augmentation. Factors moderating response to these next-step interventions are not well-studied. Method: In this randomized, double-blind investigation of next-step treatments in 101 outpatients who failed to respond to fluoxetine 20 mg for 8 weeks, the impact of depressive course and sociodemographic factors on likelihood of treatment response following dose increase or lithium or desipramine augmentation was examined. Results: After controlling for depression severity at baseline, current marriage and earlier onset of depression were associated with greater likelihood of response in a logistic regression. Intervention strategy was not predictive of response. Conclusion: Marital status and earlier onset of depression may be clinically useful in predicting outcome following any next-step intervention for treatment resistance, rather than with particular strategies.
Incorporating National Priorities Into the Curriculum

There are many aspects of care that need an overhaul to function safely, efficiently, and effectively. There needs to be a new culture in health care that focuses on safety and quality, and it will take many shareholders working together to make this possible. The National Priorities Partnership is a group of 28 national organizations from across the health care spectrum collaborating to change the health care delivery system. The Partners acknowledged four challenges individuals face in the current U.S. system: harm, disparity, disease burden, and waste. To meet these challenges and improve performance, the Partners identified six priorities: patient and family engagement, population health, safety, care coordination, palliative and end-of-life care, and overuse (National Priorities Partnership). It is hopeful that when put into practice, these essentials will have a significant impact on improving health care. It comes down to creating a culture of safety and quality. This culture should start during entry-level education for health care providers, such as nursing schools. The priorities and goals provide a framework that can be incorporated into the curriculum so future nurses are aware of the issues and challenges in health care today. Each challenge needs evidence-based strategies for achieving the desired results. It is time to create a culture of safety and quality in health care.
A comprehensive framework for the evaluation of metacommunity structure

Th e metacommunity framework is a powerful platform for evaluating patterns of species distribution in geographic or environmental space. Idealized patterns (checkerboard, Clementsian, evenly spaced, Gleasonian and nested distributions) give the framework shape. Each pattern represents an area in a multidimensional continuum of metacommunity structures; however, the current approach to analysis of spatial structure of metacommunities is incomplete. To address this, we describe additional non-random structures and illustrate how they may be discerned via objective criteria. First, we distinguish three distinct forms of species loss in nested structures, which should improve identifi cation of structuring mechanisms for nested patterns. Second, we defi ne six quasi-structures that are consistent with the conceptual underpinnings of Clementsian, Gleasonian, evenly spaced and nested distributions. Finally, we demonstrate how combinations of structures at smaller spatial extents may aggregate to form Clementsian structure at larger extents. Th ese refi nements should facilitate the identifi cation of best-fi t patterns, associated structuring mechanisms, and informative scales of analysis and interpretation. Th is conceptual and analytical framework may be applied to network properties within communities (i.e. structure of interspecifi c interactions) and has broad application in ecology and biogeography.
SEC proton prediction model: verification and analysis

Abstract This paper describes a model that has been used at the NOAA Space Environment Center since the early 1970s as a guide for the prediction of solar energetic particle events. The algorithms for proton event probability, peak flux, and rise time are described. The predictions are compared with observations. The current model shows some ability to distinguish between proton event associated flares and flares that are not associated with proton events. The comparisons of predicted and observed peak flux show considerable scatter, with an rms error of almost an order of magnitude. Rise time comparisons also show scatter, with an rms error of ∼28 h. The model algorithms are analyzed using historical data and improvements are suggested. Implementation of the algorithm modifications reduces the rms error in the log10 of the flux prediction by 21%, and the rise time rms error by 31%. Improvements are also realized in the probability prediction by deriving the conditional climatology for proton event occurrence given flare characteristics.
Automatic seam-tracking of friction stir welded T-joints

In this research, a method for implementing automatic seam-tracking for friction stir welding, referred to hear as WeaveTrack, is presented. In this extrumum-seeking control technique, the tool weaves back and forth during welding to maintain the location where axial force is greatest, which is shown to be the center of the weld. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique in tracking both known and unknown weld seams. Comparisons of tensile test results of weaved and nonweaved welds, and findings in related literature, indicate that weaving’s impact on weld quality could be positive. Finally, methods for incorporating WeaveTrack seam-tracking into existing friction stir welding control systems (such as load control) are discussed.
The role of perceived system knowledge in predicting appraisal reactions, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment.

Summary There is a very large research base in Applied Psychology on the importance of affective reactions on organizational functioning. Likewise, performance appraisal has been a heavily researched area within the field. The present field studies attempt to bridge our understanding of these two areas by studying the relationship between performance appraisal process variables and employee affective reactions. In particular, the current studies examine the effects of a relatively new performance appraisal variable, Perceived System Knowledge (Williams and Levy, 1992), on appraisal reactions and job attitudes. In both studies, there was a strong relationship between employees' levels of perceived system knowledge and their appraisal reactions and job attitudes. In Study 1, when controlling for performance rating, PSK was positively related to appraisal reactions, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. The findings from Study 1 were replicated in the second study which employed a longitudinal design. In addition, Study 2 found a relationship between PSK and fairness perceptions. Implications for these results and suggestions for approaching performance appraisal from an organizational perspective are proposed. ? 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Targeted expression of human CuZn superoxide dismutase gene in mouse central nervous system.

Copper–zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) is an important enzyme for the detoxification of reactive oxygen species. Particularly in the central nervous system (CNS), reactive oxygen species are often associated with acute brain injuries and chronic neurodegeneration. It has been demonstrated in vivo that there is an inverse correlation between CuZnSOD activity and neuronal death after acute brain injury. To further understand the protective role of CuZnSOD upon neurons, we have generated transgenic mouse lines with targeted expression of the human CuZnSOD gene (SOD1) that is driven by a rat neuron-specific enolase gene promoter in neurons of the CNS. The transgenic SOD1 expression was restricted to the CNS identified by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and SOD gel electrophoresis assays. The CuZnSOD activity was significantly increased in the brain stem of the transgenic mice. Immunostaining of human CuZnSOD activity showed that Purkinje cells in the cerebellar cortex were the most intensely stained neurons in the CNS of the transgenic mice.
Expression of β-Amyloid Precursor Protein-CD3γ Chimeras to Demonstrate the Selective Generation of Amyloid β1–40and Amyloid β1–42 Peptides within Secretory and Endocytic Compartments

Amyloid β-protein (Aβ) is the main constituent of amyloid fibrils found in senile plaques and cerebral vessels in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is derived by proteolysis from the β-amyloid precursor protein (APP). We have analyzed the amyloidogenic processing of APP using chimeric proteins stably transfected in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The extracellular and transmembrane domains of APP were fused to the cytoplasmic region derived from the CD3 γ chain of the T cell antigen receptor (CD3γ). CD3γ contains an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention motif (RKK), in the absence of which the protein is targeted to lysosomes without going through the cell surface (Letourneur, F., and Klausner, R.D. (1992)Cell 69, 1143–1157). We used the wild-type sequence of CD3γ to create an APP chimera predicted to remain in the ER (γAPPER). Deletion of the RKK motif at the C terminus directed the protein directly to the lysosomes (γAPPLYS). A third chimera was created by removing both lysosomal targeting signals in addition to RKK (γAPPΔΔ). This last construct does not contain known targeting signals and consequently accumulates at the cell surface. We show by immunofluorescence and by biochemical methods that all three APP chimeras localize to the predicted compartments within the cell, thus providing a useful model to study the processing of APP. We found that Aβ1–40 is generated in the early secretory and endocytic pathways, whereas Aβ1–42 is made mainly in the secretory pathway. More importantly, we provide evidence that, unlike in neuronal models, both ER/intermediate compartment- and endocytic-derived Aβ forms can enter the secretable pool. Finally, we directly demonstrate that lysosomal processing is not involved in the generation or secretion of either Aβ1–40 or Aβ1–42.
Ethnic Conflict, Unit Performance, and the Soviet Armed Forces

The Commonwealth of Independent States is struggling to create a central military command at the same time that individual members of the Commonwealth are forging their own national armies. Although the former task appears to be more daunting, the difficulties in creating stable, functional territorial armies should not be underestimated. Difficulties will arise because the states themselves are multinational in makeup and will have to contend with ethnic problems among their servicemen. Utilizing data from a survey of former Soviet citizens, the author tested two competing hypotheses about the impact of the Soviet military on ethnic relations in the now defunct Soviet empire in order to increase understanding of some of the difficulties that the newly independent states will confront as they establish their own militaries. The impact of ethnic tensions on military performance was also examined. The results provide no basis for claims that the Soviet military either exacerbated or mitigated ethnic conflic...
TIME-DISTANCE HELIOSEISMOLOGY: THE FORWARD PROBLEM FOR RANDOM DISTRIBUTED SOURCES

The forward problem of time-distance helioseismology is computing travel-time perturbations that result from perturbations to a solar model. We present a new and physically motivated general framework for calculations of the sensitivity of travel times to small local perturbations to solar properties, taking into account the fact that the sources of solar oscillations are spatially distributed. In addition to perturbations in sound speed and flows, this theory can also be applied to perturbations in the wave excitation and damping mechanisms. Our starting point is a description of the wave field excited by distributed random sources in the upper convection zone. We employ the first Born approximation to model scattering from local inhomogeneities. We use a clear and practical definition of travel-time perturbation, which allows a connection between observations and theory. In this framework, travel-time sensitivity kernels depend explicitly on the details of the measurement procedure. After developing the general theory, we consider the example of the sensitivity of surface gravity wave travel times to local perturbations in the wave excitation and damping rates. We derive explicit expressions for the two corresponding sensitivity kernels. We show that the simple single-source picture, employed in most time-distance analyses, does not reproduce all of the features seen in the distributed-source kernels developed in this paper.
A survey of the interactions between psychiatry residency programs and the pharmaceutical industry.

Objective: The authors report a survey of the American Association of Directors of Psychiatry Residency Training (AADPRT) on interactions between the pharmaceutical industry and psychiatry residency programs. Methods: American Association of Directors of Psychiatry Residency Training membership was anonymously surveyed by e-mail and by paper distribution at the 2002 annual meeting. Results: Twenty-seven percent of AADPRT members participated. Lunches for residents were the most common interaction, reported by 93% of programs, nearly all of which permitted literature and gifts to be distributed. Only 4% required faculty to be present. Retreats (27%) and travel funds (34%) were sponsored less frequently. One third of programs had written policies governing these interactions, but half of respondents did not know if their parent institutions had such policies. A minority of programs (40%) had formal didactic instruction for residents on this topic. Support for more information, direction, and teaching was widespread. Conclusions: The authors recommend more structured teaching and the establishment of formal program and institutional policies to govern these interactions.
CD40 expression on graft infiltrates and parenchymal CD154 (CD40L) induction in human chronic renal allograft rejection

CD40 expression on graft infiltrates and parenchymal CD154 (CD40L) induction in human chronic renal allograft rejection. Background CD40-CD154 (CD40L) costimulatory signaling plays a pivotal role in the effector mechanisms of transplant graft rejection. In animal models, CD40-CD154 blockade induces long-term graft acceptance concurrent with an absence of chronic rejection (CR) lesions. Given the critical importance of CD40-CD154 interactions in the development of chronic transplant allograft rejection, the relevance of in situ CD40 and CD154 expression was assessed in human chronic renal allograft rejection. Methods The expression of CD40, CD154, CD68, and T-cell receptor (TCR)α/β was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Serial cryostat sections of snap-frozen core renal allograft biopsies were obtained from 30 renal transplant patients. Biopsy specimens received diagnoses of CR ( N = 23) according to the Banff classification and were compared with controls ( N = 7) consisting of stable allografts and normal kidney tissue. Results Striking CD40 staining of graft cellular infiltrates ( P = 0.016) was observed in renal allografts with CR compared with controls. The CD40 + cellular infiltrates in CR were predominantly TCRα/β + T cells and some CD68 + macrophages. These findings were contrasted by the low-level CD40 expression detected in glomeruli and tubules of CR and controls. However, glomerular induction of CD154 was observed in CR allografts ( P = 0.028) as compared with controls. CD154 immunoreactivity was demonstrated on glomerular endothelial, epithelial, and mesangial cells. Moderate CD154 expression was detected on tubular epithelial cells, and only weak CD154 immunoreactivity was observed on the infiltrates in isolated CR cases. Conclusion In human chronic renal allograft rejection, CD40 is expressed on graft-infiltrating cells of the T cell and macrophage compartments. CD154 expression is induced on glomerular and tubular epithelial cells during CR, demonstrating another novel source of CD154 expression. The data substantiate the potential contributory role of an interaction between CD40 + graft-destructive effector T cells and macrophages with CD154 + renal allograft parenchymal cells in the development of chronic renal allograft rejection.
Method for removing hypopharyngeal salivary bypass tubes.

Objective: To describe a novel method for the removal of the salivary bypass tube (SBT) that precludes the need for extraction under general anesthesia. Study Design: Retrospective case series. Methods/Technique: Patients who had undergone laryngectomy/laryngopharyngectomy with subsequent development of pharyngocutaneous fistula and intraoperative placement of a salivary bypass tube were included in this series. The tubes were removed at the bedside or in clinic utilizing a Fogarty-type method over a Foley catheter. Results: Three patients underwent removal of hypopharyngeal salivary bypass tubes 1 to 2 weeks after placement. Inflation of the Foley catheter within the lumen of the salivary bypass tube facilitated successful removal without the need for additional procedures. All three patients required only topical anesthetic and tolerated the procedure with minimal discomfort. Conclusions: Compared to current methods, this technique is cost-effective and time-efficient while not compromising patient safety or comfort. Laryngoscope, 2011
Mictomagnetism in austenitic stainless steels

Abstract Mictomagnetism provides a useful qualitative description of the magnetic behaviour of austenitic stainless steels, alloys which occupy a transition region between long-range ferromagnetism and long-range antiferromagnetism. Near the ferromagnetic side, large-cluster superparamagnetism dominates the magnetic properties; in the middle region, mictomagnetism exhibiting superparamagnetism in a short-range antiferromagnetic matrix is evident. Eventually the superparamagnetic clustering begins to disappear as long-range antiferromagnetism sets in, but a region does seem to exist in which both kinds of property are present. Within the framework of mictomagnetism in general, this Paper discusses the magnetization versus temperature and magnetization versus field characteristics of three selected austenitic stainless steels and the conditions under which they exhibit magnetic remanence during field cycling at constant low temperature, and thermomagnetic remanence during low-temperature thermal cycling at constant field.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Confers Resistance to Hypoxic Injury in the Adult Mammalian Cardiac Myocyte

Background—Previous studies in isolated cardiac myocytes have shown that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α provokes increased expression of 27- and 70-kD stress proteins as well as manganese superoxide dismutase, suggesting that TNF-α might play a role in mediating stress responses in the heart. Methods and Results—To determine whether TNF-α stimulation would protect isolated cardiac myocytes against environmental stress, myocyte cultures were pretreated with TNF-α for 12 hours and then subjected to continuous hypoxic injury (O2 content, 3 to 5 ppm) for 12 hours, followed by reoxygenation. Cell injury was assessed in terms of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) release, 45Ca2+ uptake, and MTT metabolism. Pretreatment with TNF-α concentrations ≥50 U/mL significantly attenuated LDH release by hypoxic cells compared with diluent-treated hypoxic cells. Similar findings were observed with respect to 45Ca2+ uptake and MTT metabolism in TNF-α–pretreated cells that were subjected to prolonged hypoxia. To determine the mechani...
The role of feelings of intimacy on perceptions of risk for a sexually transmitted disease and condom use in the sexual relationships of adolescent African–American females

Objectives A core construct targeted by behavioural interventions is the perception that one is at risk for acquiring a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The objective of this analysis was to examine the role of intimacy on perceptions of risk for an STD (PRSTD) and condom use within late adolescent females9 main relationships. Methods A clinical sample of African–American women aged 14–19 years at enrolment were followed prospectively for 3 years. At each semiannual interview, participants reported their partner-specific PRSTD, feelings of intimacy, perceptions of partner9s concurrency and condom use at last sex for each of their main sex partners. Results A total of 285 individuals reported 724 main relationships. Using generalised estimating equations, intimacy was negatively associated with risk perception, after adjusting for perceptions of partner concurrency (OR: 0.68; 95% CI 0.60 to 0.76). PRSTD was no longer associated with condom use after adjusting for intimacy (OR: 1.30; 95% CI 0.83 to 2.02. Conclusions Intimacy was found to be associated with risk perception and condom use within adolescent main relationships. Adolescents may not view their intimate partners as sources of infection. The success of individual-level STD prevention efforts, such as condom promotion, might be limited as condoms may be in conflict with adolescents9 expectations about intimate relationships.
Likelihood‐based tests for localized spatial clustering of disease

Numerous methods have been proposed for detecting spatial clustering of disease. Two methods for likelihood-based inference using parametric models for clustering are the spatial scan statistic and the weighted average likelihood ratio (WALR) test. The spatial scan statistic provides a measure of evidence for clustering at a specific, data-identified location; it can be biased towards finding clusters in areas with greater spatial resolution. The WALR test provides a more global assessment of the evidence for clustering and identifies cluster locations in a relatively unbiased fashion using a posterior distribution over potential clusters. We consider two new statistics which attempt to combine the specificity of the scan statistic with the lack of bias of the WALR test: a scan statistic based on a penalized likelihood ratio and a localized version of the WALR test. We evaluate the power of these tests and bias of the associated estimates through simulations and demonstrate their application using the well-known New York leukemia data. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of gametocyte ultrastructure in avian haemosporidia.

SYNOPSIS The fine structure of gametocytes of 3 avian haemosporidian parasites Plasmodium gallinaceum, Haemoproteus columbae, and Leucocytozoon simondi has been studied and compared by electron microscopy. The gametocytes of all 3 species are bounded by a 3-layered limiting membrane system, possess a cytostome during some portion of their residence within host cells, and their sex can be distinguished by both nuclear and cytoplasmic characteristics. L. simondi differs most significantly from P. gallinaceum and H. columbae in possessing large intranuclear granules, mitochondria associated with pocket infoldings of the nuclear envelope near the atypical centriole complex and compartmentalization of the cytoplasm by segments of closely aligned unit membranes. Further, the cytostome of L. simondi does not appear to be a persistent structure as in the other 2 species and pigment is not present within food vacuoles. L. simondi also is capable of infecting a wider variety of host cells and within leukocytes produces striations of the host nucleus and an apparent spiral banding of the host cell surface. The comparison of P. gallinaceum, H. columbae, and L. simondi gametocytes by electron microscopy leads to the conclusion that Plasmodium and Haemoproteus are more closely related to each other than either of them is on Leucocytozoon. The terminology used to describe certain organelles within the gametocyte's cytoplasm has been reexamined and the relationship of the nucleolus to parasite maturation also is described.
Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH): neurotransmitter regulation of secretion by mouse hypothalamic tissue in vitro

The regulation of thyrotropinreleasing hormone (TRH) secretion by putative neurotransmitters was studied in vitro by measuring the release of radioactive TRH from mouse hypothalamic fragments which had been pulselabelled with tritiated TRH precursor amino acids. Both dopamine and norepinephrine, when added to the incubation media in a concentration of 10-4M or 1O-5M, increased the release of 3H TRH. The TRH stimulatory effects of dopamine, but not of norepinephrine were abolished by Disulfiram, a β-oxidase inhibitor, thus suggesting that dopamine was effective after conversion to norepinephrine. Release of 3H-TRH was decreased upon addition of serotonin at 10-4M. Acetylcholine in the presence of either Eserine or the acetylcholine analogue, carbachol, had no effect on TRH release. These findings suggest that the regulation of TRH release is under a dual monoaminergic control system with a positive noradrenergic and a negative serotoninergic component. (Endocrinology 93: 626, 1973)
The cloudy crystal ball: Electronic devices for logic

The invention of the transistor revolutionized electronics and brought new attention to solid-state physics. Transistors soon replaced relays and vacuum tubes in the logic of computing machinery and have made computers with many millions of devices possible. In the half-century since the advent of the transistor, scientists have invented and extolled a variety of other devices as replacements for it in electronic logic circuits. None has had any impact on computing. Only transistors provide the high gain with three-terminal control that is essential to the working of very large digital systems.
Cells of origin of sympathetic pre‐ and postganglionic cardioacceleratory fibers in the pigeon

The pre- and postganglionic cardioacceleratory innervation is described in the pigeon. The peripheral course of the postganglionic cardiac nerves has been determined using microdissection and electrical stimulation. Using these techniques and retrograde degeneration methods, the distribution within the sympathetic ganglia of the cells of origin of these fibers has been localized to the three right caudal cervical ganglia (12, 13 and 14). It has also been shown on the basis of electrical stimulation combined with selective ablation of the right sympathetic chain that cardioaccelerator preganglionic fibers probably arise from the most caudal cervical segment of the spinal cord (14), always arise from the upper two thoracic segments (15 and 16), and occasionally arise from a mid-thoracic segment (17). The left sympathetic chain was shown to have an inconsistent influence on heart rate. On the basis of retrograde degeneration, the cells of origin of sympathetic preganglionic fibers have been localized to a welldefined cell column dorsal to the central canal (column of Terni).
Hartshill rectangle: failure of spinal stabilisation in acute spinal cord injury.

A high rate of failure of the internal fixation of unstable spinal fractures in complete cord injured patients was noted in patients referred to the Salisbury Spinal Centre who had been stabilised with a Hartshill rectangle. This prompted a review of the operative notes, radiographs and clinical outcomes of all patients referred to the centre with a Hartshill rectangle in situ. All patients identified with a complete spinal cord injury and Hartshill rectangle were identified. Forty-three such patients referred from 13 different centres were found. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were assessed for fracture pattern and for spinal correction. Operative outcome in terms of pain and complications relating to surgery were identified. The most recent radiographs were assessed for signs of loss of reduction or stabilisation. Follow-up averaged 84 months (range 36–132 months). Of the 43 identified patients, 19 were found to have unsatisfactory stabilisation. Persistent pain, broken implants and worsening kyphosis were the main complications. The failure to use bone graft at the time of stabilisation was significantly (P < 0.001) related to risk of failure. The application and use of the Hartshill is not a technically challenging procedure; however, if the system is to be used, it must be used correctly. Failure to correctly apply the rectangle and to use bone graft will lead to an unacceptably high rate of failure.
Social issues in spatial economics

Provides a focus on the significance of the spatial dimension in economics and the principal questions and issues which accompany considerations of the spatial dimension. Indicates that regional/spatial disparities in economic growth and performance, in income per capita, in the access of citizens to government and private services, in standards of living, and indeed in most economic and social indicators, would be expected as a natural result of human activity. Poses questions regarding the acceptability of the market outcome in terms of the spatial distribution of economic activity and population, the criteria for intervention in this outcome, and raises a number of issues in the trade‐off between spatial efficiency and equity considerations. Provides a brief discussion of regional/spatial policy implications.
Clinical esophageal pH recording: A technical review for practice guideline development

Abstract Our present concept of peptic esophagitis dates back to 1935, when Winkelstein suggested that gastric secretions were the cause of mucosal damage observed in peptic esophagitis. 1 GASTROENTEROLOGY 1996;110-1982-1996
Human-Specific Evolution and Adaptation Led to Major Qualitative Differences in the Variable Receptors of Human and Chimpanzee Natural Killer Cells

Natural killer (NK) cells serve essential functions in immunity and reproduction. Diversifying these functions within individuals and populations are rapidly-evolving interactions between highly polymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I ligands and variable NK cell receptors. Specific to simian primates is the family of Killer cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIR), which recognize MHC class I and associate with a range of human diseases. Because KIR have considerable species-specificity and are lacking from common animal models, we performed extensive comparison of the systems of KIR and MHC class I interaction in humans and chimpanzees. Although of similar complexity, they differ in genomic organization, gene content, and diversification mechanisms, mainly because of human-specific specialization in the KIR that recognizes the C1 and C2 epitopes of MHC-B and -C. Humans uniquely focused KIR recognition on MHC-C, while losing C1-bearing MHC-B. Reversing this trend, C1-bearing HLA-B46 was recently driven to unprecedented high frequency in Southeast Asia. Chimpanzees have a variety of ancient, avid, and predominantly inhibitory receptors, whereas human receptors are fewer, recently evolved, and combine avid inhibitory receptors with attenuated activating receptors. These differences accompany human-specific evolution of the A and B haplotypes that are under balancing selection and differentially function in defense and reproduction. Our study shows how the qualitative differences that distinguish the human and chimpanzee systems of KIR and MHC class I predominantly derive from adaptations on the human line in response to selective pressures placed on human NK cells by the competing needs of defense and reproduction.
Heat flux contours on a plane for parallel radiation specularly reflected from a cone, a hemisphere and a paraboloid

Abstract Explicit formulas are derived for the heat flux per unit area on a general receiver surface after planar incident radiation is specularly reflected from a cone, a paraboloid of revolution, and a hemisphere. The formulas for flux density are inverted so that the coordinates of receiver points on the receiver surface are expressed in terms of flux density. These provide closed analytical expressions for flux density contours. Typical results are plotted as contours of constant illumination on a planar receiver surface which is perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the reflector.
Coincidence of compact supernova remnants with three COS-B γ-ray sources

POSITIONAL coincidences and a ‘near miss’ of four small-diameter supernova remnants (SNR) with three of the 11 unidentified COS-B γ-ray sources1 are reported here. I argue that it is unlikely that all four SNR–γ-ray source associations are accidental, and that their compactness probably indicates that their ages are not greater than about 104 yr. Although these four SNR are not associated with known pulsars, the radio emission2–4 in each case is centrally peaked which admits the possibility of a central pulsar. If these associations are physical the γ rays could originate from a remnant pulsar or could be due to cosmic ray interactions in the vicinity of the remnant5. The only two previously identified6,7 and confirmed8 γ-ray sources are the Crab pulsar and the Vela pulsar ,both of which are associated with young (≲ 2×4 yr) SNR. In these two cases the γ-ray emission is predominantly pulsed and therefore comes directly from the remnant short-period pulsars.
Fourier Transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy of trace molecular species of importance for the elucidation of atmospheric phenomena

Abstract Fourier Transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra of nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen chloride and sulfur dioxide have been recorded in the spectral region 400–4000 cm −1 with 1–4 cm −1 resolution under quasi-static and flow-through conditions through tubings of aluminum, copper, stainless-steel and Teflon. Qualitative and quantitative spectral changes in the FT-IR data are discussed in the context of atmospheric phenomena.
Cancer pain and depression: management of the dual-diagnosed patient

Depressive disorders and pain syndromes are very common in the experience of cancer patients and may be experienced simultaneously. There is an intuitive association between cancer pain and cancer depression, both of which are multidimensional entities. Research has suggested, but not conclusively proven a cause-effect relationship. Suicidal ideation is a common concern in cancer patients with severe depression or pain. Antidepressant therapy is a mainstay of management of depression. That some antidepressants have use in the management of cancer pain may influence choice of drug selection in depressed patients. Antidepressant side effects and the patient's drug history are relevant variables. Because antidepressants that are effective as coanalgesics may not be tolerated at doses effective for depression, the clinician must be familiar with newer classes of antidepressants and psychostimulants. Combination drug therapy may be required. Psychotherapy also is common to the treatment of cancer pain and depression. With or without the intervention of pain and mental health specialists, ongoing supportive therapy from the primary clinician is essential.
Tidal inlet sequence, Sundance Formation (Upper Jurassic), north-central Wyoming

The sandstones and coquinas of the upper 20 m of the Sundance Formation are interpreted as a tidal inlet, back-barrier shoal and sandy tidal-flat sequence deposited at the close of marine Jurassic sedimentation in north-central Wyoming. The barrier strandline maintained a generally E-W trend as it prograded to the north. The lateral migration of inter-barrier tidal inlets along the regressive shoreline of the late Sundance sea caused the coquinas and sandstones of the uppermost Sundance Formation to be deposited as tabular, laterally-extensive units. Tidal bundles, sigmoidal reactivation surfaces, herringbone cross-lamination and abundant mud drapes within the sandstones are evidence of considerable tidal influence during the deposition of the uppermost Sundance Formation. Earlier models, which attach an offshore environment of deposition to the sequence, do not explain the tabular geometries of the sandstone and coquina units and their conformable stratigraphic relationship with the overlying non-marine sediments of the Morrison Formation.
Changes in Human Genomics

I would like to welcome you to the second issue of Volume 5 and also to announce several changes to the Journal including new members of our Editorial Board, the introduction of a new section 'Research Highlights' and, crucially, the introduction of open-access papers. First and foremost, I am delighted to confirm that the Journal is now accepting submissions for open-access papers. We recognise the importance of open access to experts in the field - and the necessary speed with which work needs to be published - but also that the cost to authors is of course significant. In recognition of this we are offering all authors the opportunity to publish papers on an open-access basis, with full indexing in PubMed, Medline and Chemical Abstracts, at a fee of only US$750/£500 to cover production costs. We would be delighted if you would like to submit an open-access paper and would welcome any queries you might have. This opportunity is open to individuals as well as genetics associations, research institutions and universities wishing to publish collections of research papers, review articles and proceedings of meetings in a special issue of the Journal. For further details of the Journal and how to submit open-access papers, please contact me directly at: http://Vasilis.Vasiliou@ucdenver.edu. You can also find further details at: http://www.henrystewart.com/hg.aspx. It is with great pleasure that we welcome Mirella Filocamo, (G. Gaslini Institute, Italy), Tadashi Imanishi (Biomedicinal Information Research Center, Japan), Hidetoshi Inoko (Tokai University School of Medicine, Japan), Poh-San Lai (National University of Singapore, Singapore), George P. Patrinos (University of Patras, Greece) and Sumio Sugano (University of Tokyo, Japan) to our Editorial Board. We also welcome Thomas Schlitt, (King's College London, UK) who is replacing Mike Weale, (King's College London, UK) as the Software Review Editor. Mike remains on the Editorial Board of the Journal and we thank him for all the support he has given to this regular feature. Finally, this issue sees the first installment of the new regular feature for Human Genomics entitled 'Research Highlights', which collates and reviews some of the most cutting-edge research papers from the field. Robert Scheinman (University of Colorado) is the Editor of this Section. We hope you enjoy it.
Altered muscle metaboreflex control of coronary blood flow and ventricular function in heart failure.

We investigated the effect of muscle metaboreflex activation on left circumflex coronary blood flow (CBF), coronary vascular conductance (CVC), and regional left ventricular performance in consciou...
Abundance, attachment sites, and density estimators of lone star ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting white-tailed deer.

From March to November 1985 and March to October 1986, we examined 97 white-tailed deer (approximately 6 deer per month) for ticks at Land Between the Lakes (LBL) in western Kentucky and Tennessee. The largest monthly half-body mean densities ($\bar x$ ± SE) of Amblyomma americanum (L.) were 66.8 ± 22.2 females and 147.7 ± 60.1 males in May, 479.2 ± 329.6 nymphs in June, and 1,493 ± 114.7 larvae in August. A. americanum attached to all body regions; however, adults attached mainly to the outer ear, head, udder, and escutcheon; nymphs to the inner and outer ear; and larvae to the inner and outer ear and foreleg. The ear alone (inner and outer combined) had 54% of the females, 67% of males, 97% of nymphs, and 81% of larvae. Significantly different densities were found on the left side versus right side of the body for adult and larval A. americanum. We found no Dermacentor variabilis (Say) on deer, even though this tick is common throughout LBL. Regression models were developed using counts of ticks attached to selected body regions as predictors of A. americanum density on deer. Use of the density estimators contributes greatly to the interpretation of sampling results.