cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Density Functional Theory Study of Ferrihydrite and Related Fe-Oxyhydroxides

The atomic and magnetic structure and thermodynamic stability of ferrihydrite (Fe5O8H) are calculated based on the structure recently proposed by Michel et al. (Science 2007, 316, 1726). Ferrihydrite stability is compared with that of the Fe-oxyhydroxide polymorphs goethite (α-FeOOH) and lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) and the oxide hematite (α-Fe2O3). The GGA+U method is employed to correct known errors in treating correlated d-electrons in Fe atoms. GGA+U yields smaller errors in calculated thermodynamic quantities relative to experiment as compared with a standard GGA functional for all of the Fe-oxyhydroxides studied. Good agreement is obtained between the DFT-predicted and experimental ferrihydrite structure when the effects of varying crystallinity and particle size are taken into account. The magnetic properties of ferrihydrite are modeled using a Heisenberg model parametrized with DFT-based magnetic coupling constants. The groundstate magnetic ordering of bulk ferrihydrite is predicted to be ferrimagnetic...
Stimulation and sequence operation of cibarial and pharyngeal pumps during sugar feeding by mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)

Electromyograph activity of cibarial and pharyngeal pumps of mosquitoes was monitored to determine which mouthpart chemoreceptors initiate sucking. Eight species of Aedes, Anopheles, Culex, and Psorophora initiated sucking in response to stimulation of the labella with 1 M sucrose. Two specimens of Aedes triseriatus (Say) and one of Aedes vexans (Meigen) initiated contractions of pumps in response to labral stimulation alone. Six additional preparations of A. vexans were examined to determine the timing relationship between the cibarial and pharyngeal pumps. The cibarial pump initiated the pumping sequence with contractions that averaged 63.1 ms. Pharyngeal muscles contracted for 43.4 ms and began contracting, on average, 30.6 ms before termination of cibarial contraction. Pharyngeal muscles terminated contraction 12.8 ms after the cibarial muscles relaxed. A hypothesis is presented to account for a pumping mechanism in mosquitoes that allows oneway flow of fluid through the digestive tract.
Major aphthous-like ulcers in patients with AIDS

This report describes persistent, painful oral ulcers that occurred in nine patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). These ulcers resembled major aphthous ulcers in clinical appearance and response to therapy. They occurred less frequently in patients with AIDS than those caused by herpes simplex and were found in 4 of 346 (1.1%) patients with AIDS at one medical center. Lesions were typically painful. Identification and treatment with topical tetracycline and steroids led to resolution with relief of symptoms. Further study is necessary to understand the etiology and pathogenesis of these ulcers.
Interferon action: Two (2′-5′) (A)n synthetases specified by distinct mRNAs in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells treated with interferon

(2'-5')(A)n synthetase and RNAase L (a latent endoribonuclease) are among the mediators of interferon action. The product of (2'-5')(A)n synthetase (i.e., (2'-5')(A)n) binds, and thereby activates RNAase L. Interferons induce in Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) cells two mRNAs (sizes 1.5 kb and 3.8 kb), which can be translated in Xenopus oocytes into (2'-5')(A)n synthetases of 20,000 to 30,000 daltons and 85,000 to 100,000 daltons, respectively. (2'-5')(A)n synthetases of corresponding sizes are induced by interferons in EAT cells. In the cell extract the bulk of the larger enzyme is in the cytoplasmic fraction, and the bulk of the smaller one in the nuclear fraction. The only known function of (2'-5')(A)n is the activation of RNAase L, and RNAase L can be selectively crosslinked to a (2'-5')(A)n derivative in a cytoplasmic extract from EAT cells. The same (2'-5')(A)n derivative can be crosslinked to several proteins in the nuclear extract of EAT cells, and some of these proteins are induced by interferon.
Platelet factor and cerebral vascular endothelium: platelet-induced mitogenesis.

Abstract Intact bovine platelets or their products were added to pre-confluent or contact-inhibited monolayers of endothelial cells isolated from mouse cerebral microvessels. Mitogenic responses of these cerebral microvascular endothelial cells were determined by tritiated thymidine incorporation. In pre-confluent cultures the incorporation produced by whole platelets and platelet-rich plasma serum approached that of whole blood serum controls. Serial platelet dilutions induced a graded response, with a discrete threshold. Whole blood plasma serum, platelet-rich plasma serum, and thrombin-activated platelet supernatant augmented the low incorporation produced by platelet-poor plasma serum. Contact-inhibited, complete monolayers did not respond. These results were reproducible, even after sera were frozen and retested at varied intervals.
Low dislocation density GaAs grown by the vertical Bridgman technique

We have developed a new growth process for GaAs that combines advantages found in several methods currently in commercial use, while at the same time minimizing many of the problems inherent in these presently used processes. The new technique, a form of vertical Bridgman (VB) growth, is capable of producing either doped (semiconducting) or undoped semi-insulating GaAs with very low dislocation density.
Solvent Polarities and Kamlet−Taft Parameters for Ionic Liquids Containing a Pyridinium Cation

Five recently synthesized pyridinium ionic liquids [(1-butyl-4-methylpyridinium, 1-octylpyridinium, 1-octyl-2-methylpyridinium, 1-octyl-3-methylpyridinium, and 1-octyl-4-methylpyridinium, all with anion bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide], were investigated to establish the influence of substituting a methyl group and the influence of alkyl chain length on the cation on polarity ETN and on three Kamlet−Taft parameters: dipolarity/polarizabilty (π*), hydrogen-bond acidity (α), and hydrogen-bond basicity (β). Experimental measurements cover the range 25 to 65 °C.
Illiquidity and Portfolio Risk of Thinly Traded Assets

This article addresses two major issues with the current practice of real estate investment analysis: 1) applying finance theory without modification and 2) ignoring illiquidity in formal analysis.The authors develop a new, closedform ex ante risk metric that quantifies illiquidity risk and integrates it with real estate price risk.Such integration provides a formal and easy-to-use analytical tool for real estate pricing and enables an apples-to-apples comparison between the performances of real estate and financial assets. Using commercial real estate data, the authors demonstrate that the conventional risk measure significantly understates the true risk of real estate.Their results also reveal the relative importance of price and illiquidity risk components to the total ex ante risk.
Ubiquitination without E3

In the current issue of Molecular Cell, Hoeller et al. (2007) demonstrated that proteins bearing ubiquitin-binding domains (UBDs) can be ubiquitinated directly by E2-conjugating enzymes, bypassing the requirement for E3 ubiquitin ligases.
Clinical psychological test interpretations by computer: Hardware outpaces software

Abstract The development of computers and related hardware for computer-assisted, psychological test interpretation represents an important advance in the field of psychological assessment. Unfortunately, development and validation of associated software is not as advanced as is the hardware. Yet software is the heart of packages being sold in unprecedented numbers to undertrained and unsuspecting purchasers of these systems. The author includes criticism of a representative narrative published for one MMPI codetype to buttress the opinion that valid sounding, computer-generated reports have the potential to lull the untrained service provider into believing that these narratives can be used in isolation without further reference to the clinical history of the individual. Furthermore, it is believed that when today's computer software is exposed to the scrutiny of our courts, it will fare relatively poorly against today's experienced and credentialed (albeit unvalidated) clinician. This assertion reflects the author's belief that the appropriately credentialed clinician is still better able than computer software to interrelate test findings with each client's unique, observable characteristics and history. Nevertheless, in the not too distant future it is very possible that further research will help give software and advantage over the clinician.
Differentiation of active and passive response to poliomyelitis vaccine.

Although I intend to make this presentation as brief as possible, I would like to have the opportunity to comment on a point made by Dr. Evans with reference to the possible necessity for developing new vaccines against the enteroviruses. I agree with him almost 100 per cent when he mentions tha t many of the enteroviruses other than poliomyelitis cause only a relatively mild form of disease. However, I would like to point out tha t in the last large epidemic of poliomyelitis which occurred in Michigan in 1958, we made both virological and serological studies on over 1,000 patients with particular reference to those patients who had received a full course of inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine. Many of the clinical illnesses which were diagnosed as poliomyelitis were paralytic and some of them were fatal. Laboratory studies, however, showed that some of these serious illnesses including deaths were actually caused by Coxsackie type B5 and by ECHO 9 viruses. Although this information is not new, I think it is well to keep in mind that some of these other enteroviruses can cause quite serious clinical illness. An additional fundamental serious consequence of infection with Coxsackie virus results when pregnant women or their newborn babies are infected with type B viruses, especially ]ate in pregnancy. These agents are frequently the cause of neonatal death in the young infant and in spite of this serious consequence the mother usually shows only very mild symptoms such as a slight upper respiratory infection with elevation of temperature. In fact, we recently had two such cases in less than one month. I t therefore seems to me tha t one of the next targets for immunization, in an effort to save the lives of young children, is to immunize pregnant women or women of childbearing age against the Coxsackie B viruses. I am sorry for this digression but felt tha t these points were sufficiently important to comment on.
Parametric study of pulsed thermal bumps in supersonic boundary layer

A three-dimensional numerical study is performed to explore the effect of pulsed spanwise-periodic surface thermal perturbation (also denoted as thermal bump) in a Mach 1.5 flat plate laminar boundary layer. A high-resolution upwind-biased Roe method is used with the compressive Van Leer harmonic limiter on a suitably refined mesh. The dependence of flow stability characteristics on the variation of thermal bump geometry (shape and dimension) and pulsing properties (disturbance amplitude and frequency) is assessed. It is shown that the finite-span thermal bumps generate streamwise vortices. When the thermal bump is pulsed, vortex shedding is observed, and the streamwise vorticity grows with the downstream distance. Analysis of the integrated disturbance energy indicates that the streamwise kinetic disturbance energy dominates over those associated with other two velocity and thermodynamic components. Immediately downstream of the bump, the dominant frequency corresponds to that of the imposed excitation while higher harmonic components are observed farther downstream. An analysis of parametric variation of bump shape and dimension indicates that finite bump span is important in injecting three dimensionality and that the rectangular shape results in faster disturbance growth than the circular one. The study also concludes that disturbance growth is non-linear with bump temperature and has a strong connection with pulsing frequency.
Hydrogen bonding. Part 82. Thermodynamic and infrared study of dimethonium and pentamethonium halide dihydrates

Abstract We have carried out equilibrium dissociation vapor pressure measurements on dimethonium bromide dihydrate and pentamethonium chloride and bromide dihydrates. None of these salts forms a monohydrate. Surprisingly the thermodynamic parameters for the two pentamethonium hydrates are nearly identical, although the properties of these hydrates are quite different. This is explained by a larger negative differential lattice enthalpy for the chloride dihydrate dissociation, which lowers the observed enthalpy of H 2 O removal, and greater stabilization of saturated solution by chloride ion which makes the chloride dihydrate deliquescent while the bromide dihydrate is efflorescent. Infrared comparison suggests that tetramethonium chloride dihydrate and pentamethonium chloride and bromide dihydrates have the ladder type halide–water structure determined by X-ray analysis in tetramethonium bromide dihydrate.
Market-Based Solutions for Improving Telecommunications Access and Choice For Consumers With Disabilities

Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires telecommunications equipment and services to be accessible to and usable by consumers with disabilities if “readily achievable” (47 U.S.C. § 255(a)(b)(c)). This article suggests that the narrow application of the “readily achievable” standard using a product line approach limits access and choice with respect to telecommunications products for consumers with disabilities. As defined by Congress, the efforts that manufacturers must take to comply with section 255 are limited to those that can be accomplished “without much difficulty or expense.” Product manufacturers have discretion in choosing which of their products are accessible to and usable by consumers with disabilities. The author suggests that a broader application of the readily achievable standard using a universal design approach will maximize consumer and company goals and conserve public resources. Implications for telecommunications access policy reform are discussed.
Resistance of the scrapie agent to inactivation by psoralens.

–In searching for a nucleic acid within the scrapie agent, we employed psoralens which penetrate the coats of most conventional viruses, form photoadducts with their genomes, and block replication of the viruses. Five psoralens, at concentrations up to 500 times greater than those required to inactivate conventional viruses, did not influence scrapie agent titers in partially purified preparations from murine spleen and hamster brain. 3H-psoralens were used to monitor the formation of photoadducts within nucleic acid standards added to preparations of the scrapie agent. Since no inhibition of psoralen photoadduct formation was observed in these preparations, one of three possibilities seems likely: the scrapie agent is devoid of nucleic acid, the psoralens failed to penetrate the protein coat of the agent, or its nucleic acid is unreactive with psoralens.
Gaps in the Glycation Gap Hypothesis

Patients with diabetes mellitus are at risk for developing severe debilitating complications, including retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Randomized trials have documented that lowering hemoglobin A1c (Hb A1c)4 concentrations significantly reduces the onset and rate of progression of microvascular complications (1, 2). Moreover, Hb A1c, which is formed by the nonenzymatic attachment of glucose (termed glycation) to hemoglobin and reflects the mean glucose concentration over the preceding 8 to 12 weeks (3, 4), correlates with the risk for developing microvascular and cardiovascular complications in diabetes (5, 6). Hb A1c measurement is widely used to monitor glycemic control and to adjust therapy. More recently, its use has been advocated for diagnosing diabetes (7). Although intraindividual variation in Hb A1c values is minimal in nondiabetic persons (8), considerable interindividual variation has been reported (9, 10). Evidence that has accumulated over the last few years suggests that race influences Hb A1c. Mexican Americans and blacks have higher mean Hb A1c values than whites (9, 10). Similarly, Hb A1c values increase with age (11). In addition to these factors, some investigators have proposed that interindividual variation is due to differences in the glycation rate (9, 12), a premise that is not accepted by all (13). A large retrospective observational analysis that appears in this issue (14) provides additional information to consider. Cohen et al. suggested that a “glycosylation gap,” defined as the difference between the Hb A1c concentration and that predicted by the fructosamine concentration, could explain the excess interindividual variation in Hb A1c (15). They also suggested that the glycosylation gap predicted the progression of nephropathy, although Hb A1c in their small cohort was not itself associated with such …
Herpes simplex virus type 1 infection imposes a G1/S block in asynchronously growing cells and prevents G1 entry in quiescent cells

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection disrupted cell cycle regulation in at least two ways. First, infection of quiescent human embryonic lung cells simultaneously with readdition of serum caused inhibition of cyclin D/cyclin- dependent kinase (CDK) 4,6-specific and cyclin E/CDK2-specific phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein pRb. The inhibition of cyclin D/CDK4,6 kinase activity corresponded to a loss of cyclin D1 protein and a failure of CDK4 and CDK6 to translocate to the nucleus. Failure to detect cyclin E/CDK2 kinase activity was accompanied by a loss of cyclin E protein and a failure of CDK2 to translocate to the nucleus. Levels of pocket protein p130 persisted, whereas p107 did not accumulate. As a result of these effects on cyclin kinase, G 0-infected cells failed to reenter the cell cycle. The second type of HSV-induced cell cycle dysregulation was observed in asynchronously dividing cell cultures. A rapid inhibition of preexisting cyclin E/CDK2 and cyclin A/CDK2 activities was observed in human embryonic lung cells, as well as two other human cell lines: C33 and U2OS. HSV-1 immediate-early gene expression was necessary for the inhibition of CDK2 kinase activity. Cyclin and CDK subunit protein levels, intracellular localization, and complex stability were unaffected by infection. In addition, levels of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, p27 and p21, were not affected by HSV-1. Previous experiments demonstrated that in asynchronous infected cells, hypophosphorylated pRb and pocket protein-E2F complexes accumulated, and cellular DNA synthesis was rapidly inhibited. Coupled with the present results, this indicates that HSV-1 has evolved mechanisms for preventing cells in G 1 from proceeding through the restriction point and for cells in S from completing a round of DNA replication. © 2000 Academic Press
A gene deletion ending at the midpoint of a repetitive DNA sequence in one form of hereditary persistence of fetal haemoglobin

The form of hereditary persistence of fetal haemoglobin (HPFH) that commonly occurs in black populations is an inherited disorder of haemoglobin synthesis characterized by a uniformly high level of fetal haemoglobin (HbF) synthesis in all the erythroid cells of affected adult individuals1,2. The precise molecular basis of the HPFH phenotype remains unknown, but is of great interest because of the knowledge that could be gained, through its understanding, of the mechanisms that regulate the expression of globin genes during development. The most common form of HPFH in black populations is associated with an extensive deletion that includes the normal adult (δ and β) globin genes and adjacent flanking DNA3–8. To investigate this disorder in more detail, we have cloned the DNA encompassing the region of the gene deletion in a case of HPFH and have determined the nucleotide sequence across the 5′ end point of the deletion within the non-α-globin gene complex. We report here that this end point maps at the midpoint of a member of the ‘AluI’ family of repetitive sequences located approximately 4 kilobases (kb) to the 5′ side of the δ-globin gene. Such repetitive sequences may be ‘hot spots’ of recombination, and are possibly involved in regulating gene expression.
Imaging of a compact range using autoregressive spectral estimation (radiation patterns measurement)

The spurious scattering mechanisms of a compact range, which cause spurious signals as well as the desired plane wave to illuminate the test zone, are addressed. It is shown that an accurate estimation of the direction-of-arrival and amplitude of spurious signals in a compact range is beyond the resolution available from the Fourier transform. An estimation technique based on autoregressive (AR) modeling of field probe data is developed to locate and quantify the spurious signal sources. The probe aperture is divided into a number of overlapping subapertures so that the far-field criterion for each subaperture is satisfied. Then, the subaperture data are modeled as an AR process. Singular value decomposition and forward-backward linear prediction are used to estimate the model order and the AR parameters. Examples of probe measurements and analysis for an actual compact range are given. >
AUDITORY AND VISUAL‐AUDITORY PERCEPTION OF LONG AND SHORT VOWEL SOUNDS

(1964). AUDITORY AND VISUAL‐AUDITORY PERCEPTION OF LONG AND SHORT VOWEL SOUNDS. The Slow Learning Child: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 29-39.
Maximizing current treatment options: exploring psychological barriers to change

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia that represents a significant public health problem, affecting some 2.3 million people in the United States alone.1 The risk of stroke in AF patients is increased by approximately five-fold, resulting in a significant increase in the risk of mortality.2 As AF becomes more common with age—the risk doubling with every decade after the age of 55—an increasingly elderly population means that the burden of this condition will continue to grow.3,4 As detailed by Heinz Voller in the previous article in this supplement,5 there are ample data demonstrating that oral anticoagulation therapy with vitamin K antagonists, such as warfarin, significantly reduces the risk of stroke in patients with AF. In particular, warfarin has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke in AF patients by up to 62%.6 However, warfarin has several drawbacks, including a narrow therapeutic window leading to increased risk of bleeding and unpredictable anticoagulant activity that is subjected to numerous drug and food interactions, all of which necessitate regular coagulation monitoring.7–9 For optimal anticoagulation benefit in AF, the international normalized ratio (INR) needs to be maintained within a relatively narrow target range (2.0–3.0)10 and many patients treated with warfarin do not achieve this target INR.11 These potential problems have resulted in the underuse of warfarin, leading to considerable burden on both patients and healthcare systems.12–16 It has been suggested that warfarin use in AF can be maximized and its limitations minimized by implementing strategies such as improving INR control through greater use of anticoagulation clinics or patient self-management and greater adherence to relevant treatment guidelines.5 The problem is that, in practice, the simple dissemination of clinical guidelines is rarely sufficient to persuade practitioners to adopt …
Histidyl and tyrosyl residue ionization studies of subtilisin novo

Abstract The low field portion of the 360 MHz 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of phenylmethanesulfonyl-subtilisin Novo (EC 3.4.21.14) has been studied as a function of pH. Analysis of the pH-induced chemical shift changes occurring between 6 to 7 ppm revealed five classes of ionizable residues with p K values (uncorrected) of 10.3, 10.7, 10.7, 10.8, and 11.0. With a single exception, the titration curves can be fit by assuming a simple proton ionization equilibrium. Four classes of low intensity broad resonances, assigned to the histidyl residues, are observed between 8 and 9 ppm. Uncorrected p K values of 5.4, 5.7, 6.0, and 6.4 were determined for the residues comprising each of these classes. The spectral data are consistent with protonation of one or more histidyl residues upon acid induced denaturation of the protein. These results are compared with those of analogues studies performed by the use of other techniques.
Interleukin-10 Promotes Pathological Angiogenesis by Regulating Macrophage Response to Hypoxia during Development

Aberrant angiogenesis in the eye is the most common cause of blindness. The current study examined the role of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in ischemia-induced pathological angiogenesis called neovascularization during postnatal development. IL-10 deficiency resulted in significantly reduced pathological retinal angiogenesis. In contrast to the choroicapillaris where IL-10 interferes with macrophage influx, IL-10 did not prevent anti-angiogenic macrophages from migrating to the retina in response to hypoxia. Instead, IL-10 promoted retinal angiogenesis by altering macrophage angiogenic function, as macrophages from wild-type mice demonstrated increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide (NO) compared to IL-10 deficient macrophages. IL-10 appears to directly affect macrophage responsiveness to hypoxia, as macrophages responded to hypoxia with increased levels of IL-10 and STAT3 phosphorylation as opposed to IL-10 deficient macrophages. Also, IL-10 deficient macrophages inhibited the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells in response to hypoxia while wild-type macrophages failed to do so. These findings suggest that hypoxia guides macrophage behavior to a pro-angiogenic phenotype via IL-10 activated pathways.
Surgery for otosclerosis in children

Although otosclerosis in childhood is not common in the United States, we have done 62 stapes procedures in 43 patients who were under age 20 at the time of their initial surgery. There were 16 males and 27 females who developed a conductive hearing loss due to otosclerosis between age 6 and 17. The most common age at onset was 12 and 13 years, perhaps suggesting a relationship to puberty. Of these children and teenagers, 42% had severe oval window otosclerosis. Teflon wire prostheses were used in 33% of the operations and wire loop prostheses in most of the remainder; 27% had preoperative bone conduction of 25 dB or worse, indicating the presence of cochlear otosclerosis. The results of stapedectomy were good and approximately equal to that of adult patients.
The Conservative Ascendancy: How the GOP Right Made Political History – By Donald T. Critchlow

This author's new book is a history of American conservatism since the rise of the New Right. Donald T. Critchlow performs a valuable service in bringing together various aspects of the recent hist...
Contamination of Health Care Personnel During Removal of Personal Protective Equipment

Importance Contamination of the skin and clothing of health care personnel during removal of personal protective equipment (PPE) contributes to dissemination of pathogens and places personnel at risk for infection. Objectives To determine the frequency and sites of contamination on the skin and clothing of personnel during PPE removal and to evaluate the effect of an intervention on the frequency of contamination. Design, Setting, and Participants We conducted a point-prevalence study and quasi-experimental intervention from October 28, 2014, through March 31, 2015. Data analysis began November 17, 2014, and ended April 21, 2015. Participants included a convenience sample of health care personnel from 4 Northeast Ohio hospitals who conducted simulations of contaminated PPE removal using fluorescent lotion and a cohort of health care personnel from 7 study units in 1 medical center that participated in a quasi-experimental intervention that included education and practice in removal of contaminated PPE with immediate visual feedback based on fluorescent lotion contamination of skin and clothing. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were the frequency and sites of contamination on skin and clothing of personnel after removal of contaminated gloves or gowns at baseline vs after the intervention. A secondary end point focused on the correlation between contamination of skin with fluorescent lotion and bacteriophage MS2, a nonpathogenic, nonenveloped virus. Results Of 435 glove and gown removal simulations, contamination of skin or clothing with fluorescent lotion occurred in 200 (46.0%), with a similar frequency of contamination among the 4 hospitals (range, 42.5%-50.3%). Contamination occurred more frequently during removal of contaminated gloves than gowns (52.9% vs 37.8%, P = .002) and when lapses in technique were observed vs not observed (70.3% vs 30.0%, P P P P = .45). Conclusions and Relevance Contamination of the skin and clothing of health care personnel occurs frequently during removal of contaminated gloves or gowns. Educational interventions that include practice with immediate visual feedback on skin and clothing contamination can significantly reduce the risk of contamination during removal of PPE.
Effective computer methods for the calculation of Rademacher-Walsh spectrum for completely and incompletely specified Boolean functions

A theory has been developed to calculate the Rademacher-Walsh transform from a cube array specification of incompletely specified Boolean functions. The importance of representing Boolean functions as arrays of disjoint ON- and DC-cubes has been pointed out, and an efficient new algorithm to generate disjoint cubes from nondisjoint ones has been designed. The transform algorithm makes use of the properties of an array of disjoint cubes and allows the determination of the spectral coefficients in an independent way. The programs for both algorithms use advantages of C language to speed up the execution. The comparison of different versions of the algorithm has been carried out. The algorithm and its implementation provide the fastest and most comprehensive program (having many options) known to the authors for the calculation of the Rademacher-Walsh transform. It successfully overcomes all drawbacks in the calculation of the transform from the design automation system based on spectral method-the SPECSYS system from Drexel University, which uses fast Walsh transform. >
Cargo ships routing and scheduling: Survey of models and problems

Abstract When a ship costs thousands of dollars per day, significant savings can be achieved by proper fleet routing and scheduling. In contrast to vehicle scheduling, relatively little work has been done in ship routing and scheduling. This paper discusses briefly the differences between vehicle and ship routing and scheduling and the reasons for the low attention to ship scheduling in the past. The various modes of operation of cargo ships are described and a classification scheme for ship routing and scheduling models and problems is proposed. A review of ship routing, scheduling and related models is provided. The review is broken down into the following categories: transportation system models, liner operations, tramp shipping, industrial operations and other models. Finally, recent trends in ship scheduling, shortcomings in existing models and requirements from realistic models are discussed.
RORα coordinates reciprocal signaling in cerebellar development through Sonic hedgehog and calcium-dependent pathways

The cerebellum provides an excellent system for understanding how afferent and target neurons coordinate sequential intercellular signals and cell-autonomous genetic programs in development. Mutations in the orphan nuclear receptor RORα block Purkinje cell differentiation with a secondary loss of afferent granule cells. We show that early transcriptional targets of RORα include both mitogenic signals for afferent progenitors and signal transduction genes required to process their subsequent synaptic input. RORα acts through recruitment of gene-specific sets of transcriptional cofactors, including β-catenin, p300, and Tip60, but appears independent of CBP. One target promoter is Sonic hedgehog and recombinant Sonic hedgehog restores granule precursor proliferation in RORα-deficient cerebellum. Our results suggest a link between RORα and β-catenin pathways, confirm that a nuclear receptor employs distinct coactivator complexes at different target genes, and provide a logic for early RORα expression in coordinating expression of genes required for reciprocal signals in cerebellar development.
The Genetics of Major Depression: Moving Beyond the Monoamine Hypothesis

Efforts to unlock the biology of major depressive disorder (MDD) are proceeding on multiple fronts. In this article, the authors review the current understanding of epidemiological evidence for a heritable component to MDD risk, as well as recent advances in linkage, candidate gene, and genome-wide association analyses of MDD and related disease subtypes and endophenotypes. While monoamine signaling has preoccupied the bulk of scientific investigation to date, nontraditional gene candidates such as PCLO and GRM7 are now emerging and beginning to change the landscape for future human and animal research on depression.
Psychiatric disorders from childhood to adulthood in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: results from the International Consortium on Brain and Behavior in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.

ObjectiveChromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a neurogenetic disorder associated with high rates of schizophrenia and other psychiatric conditions. The authors report what is to their knowledge the first large-scale collaborative study of rates and sex distributions of psychiatric disorders from childhood to adulthood in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. The associations among psychopathology, intellect, and functioning were examined in a subgroup of participants.MethodThe 1,402 participants with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, ages 6–68 years, were assessed for psychiatric disorders with validated diagnostic instruments. Data on intelligence and adaptive functioning were available for 183 participants ages 6 to 24 years.ResultsAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was the most frequent disorder in children (37.10%) and was overrepresented in males. Anxiety disorders were more prevalent than mood disorders at all ages, but especially in children and adolescents. Anxiety and unipolar mood disorders were o...
Iterative Methods for Searching Optimal Classifier Combination Function

Traditional classifier combination algorithms use either non-trainable combination functions or functions trained with the goal of better separation of genuine and impostor class matching scores. Both of these approaches are suboptimal if the system is intended to perform identification of the input among few enrolled classes or templates. In this work we propose training combination functions with the goal of minimizing the misclassification rate. The main idea of proposed methods is to use a set of best or strong impostors, and attempt to construct a classifier combination function separating genuine and best impostor matching scores. We have to use iterative methods for such training, since the set of best impostors depends on currently used combination function. We present two iterative methods for constructing combination functions and perform experiments on handwritten word recognizers and biometric matchers.
Modification of Chronic Bee Paralysis in Honeybee Colonies By Ribonuclease

SummarySymptoms of chronic bee paralysis (CBP) were monitored in naturally infected small honeybee colonies in flight cages. The colonies were fed sequentially either honey and then ribonuclease-free sucrose (R-FS), or R-FS and then R-FS with added ribonuclease. Each food was administered for 3–4 weeks. Both attacking behaviour and daily mortality were used as indicators of the level of CBP. Honey as treatment 1 resulted in significantly less CBP than did R-FS as treatment 1. Honey as treatment 1 also resulted in significantly less CBP than R-FS as treatment 2. When R-FS was treatment 1, the addition of ribonuclease to R-FS as treatment 2 gave a significant decrease in the level of CBP.
The CAR1 gene encoding a cellular receptor specific for subgroup B and D avian leukosis viruses maps to the chicken tvb locus

that CAR1 is the subgroup B and D ALV susceptibility gene located at tvb s3 . Based on host range and viral interference patterns, avian leukosis viruses (ALV) isolated from chickens are classified into six major subgroups (A to E and J). Host susceptibility to infection by members of subgroups ALV-B, ALV-D, and ALV-E is governed by the autosomal tvb locus, thought to encode cellular receptors for these viruses (for a review, see reference 12). Functionally distinct alleles of this chicken locus have been identified: tvb s1 permits infection by these three viral subgroups; tvb s3 permits infection only by ALV-B and ALV-D; and the recessive tvb r allele does not permit entry by any of these viruses (for a review, see reference 12). We recently identified CAR1, a chicken gene that encodes a tumor necrosis factor receptor-related protein, which is a cellular receptor specific for ALV-B and ALV-D (3). We have also identified SEAR, a protein encoded by the apparent turkey homolog of CAR1, which is a cellular receptor for ALV-E (1). Based upon the properties of CAR1, we proposed that it was the s3 allele of tvb (3). To determine whether CAR1 maps to tvb, we initially attempted to identify specific restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) that could be used to follow the segregation of distinct alleles of the cloned gene in a cross between chickens with different tvb genotypes. Genomic DNA from line 63 (tvb s1 homozygotes) and from line 72 (tvb r homozygotes) (2) was subjected to Southern blot analysis (10) with a radioactively labeled CAR1-specific DNA fragment as a probe. With a number of enzymes tested, this probe detected a unique DNA restriction fragment (Fig. 1), indicating that there are no other chicken genes highly related to CAR1. However, the CAR1 alleles from both chicken lines were highly conserved, as judged by the similarly sized DNA restriction fragments (Fig. 1). Indeed, when a panel of more than 50 independent restriction enzymes was used, identical patterns of DNA restriction
Assessing patients' caries risk

ABSTRACT Background Caries management historically has focused on the removal of cavitated carious tissue and restoration of the tooth. Overview Assessing a patient's risk of developing caries is a vital component of caries management. A comprehensive caries assessment should consider factors such as past and current caries experience, diet, fluoride exposure, presence of cariogenic bacteria, salivary status, general medical history, behavioral and physical factors, and medical and demographic characteristics that may affect caries development. A caries risk assessment also should consider factors that may challenge the patient's ability to maintain good oral hygiene (for example, crowded dentition, deep fissures, wide open restorative margins or placement of oral appliances). Conclusions and Practical Implications The authors review the importance of caries risk assessment as a prerequisite for appropriate preventive and treatment intervention decisions and provide some practical information on how general practitioners can incorporate caries risk assessment into the management of caries.
Cleft palate formation: The effects of fasting and lodoacetic acid on mice

A 24 h fast of pregnant CFW mice on day 11, 13, or 14 of gestation produced 2, 16, and 1% cleft palate (CP), respectively. A 48 h fast on days 11–12 gave 8% CP, and a 72 h fast on days 11–13 gave 58%. A maximal response to fasting thus occurred during day 13. The CP incidence induced by fasting was reduced with drinking solutions containing glucose or glucose plus ammonium chloride. Ip administration of glucose or succinate decreased the incidence of affected offspring, but ammonium chloride and pyruvate did not. lodoacetic acid also produced CP, 5% on day 11 of gestation, 8% on day 13, 8% on days 11–13, and 14% on days 12–14. The incidence of iodoacetic acid-induced CP was reduced with succinate. Administering iodoacetic acid to fasting mice produced results indicating that both teratogens acted on the same metabolic pathway.
Use of toe clips as a nonlethal index of mercury accumulation and maternal transfer in amphibians

Nonlethal indices of contaminant exposure can facilitate research on the accumulation and effects of contaminants in wildlife. Here, we tested the efficacy of using amputated toes (''toe clips''), a common byproduct when marking amphibians in population and genetic studies, to determine mercury (Hg) concentrations in amphibians. We examined total mercury (THg) concen- trations in American toads (Bufo americanus) collected along a contamination gradient at a Hg-contaminated field site. We found significant positive correlations between toe THg and blood THg concentrations in adult males and females collected in two different years. We also found that blood and toe clips could be used to predict maternal transfer of Hg, an important mechanism of reproductive toxicity in wildlife. Maternal toe THg concentrations were more highly correlated with egg THg concentrations than were maternal blood THg concentrations. Our results indicate that amputated toes are effective for identifying Hg concentrations in amphibians.
Is Women's Participation in Different Types of Yoga Classes Associated with Different Levels of Body Awareness Satisfaction?

This study examined the relationship between women's participation in different types of Yoga classes and different facets of body image. Ninety-two women at five different sites of Yoga instruction completed assessments of Yoga experience, internalization of Yoga principles, body satisfaction, body awareness, body consciousness, and eating attitudes. Yoga experience was coded according to months/years of practice, self-rated expertise, and how much the classes attended emphasized the "mind" aspects of Yoga (e.g., meditation, breathing, mindfulness, and chanting) as well as the "body" aspects (postures, fitness). Participants in Yoga classes that included more emphasis on the mind showed significantly greater levels of internalizing the teachings of Yoga, as well as greater body awareness and satisfaction. Greater experience with Yoga was associated with lower objectified body consciousness. Greater internalization of Yoga principles was associated with greater body satisfaction and sense of control of th...
Political Origins of Shareholder Activism: Corporate Political Spending and Shareholder Proposals

Corporate political activity has become a top concern of shareholders. We examine whether corporate political activity is associated with one particular type of shareholder activism: shareholder proposal submission. Using data on S&P 500 companies during the period between 2007 through 2013, we find that public pension fund and labor union shareholders are more likely to target firms that donate more to the Republican Party even after controlling for the firms’ financial performance, governance characteristics, and ownership structures. This finding suggests that corporate political activity may intensify tensions between management and some shareholders and, ultimately lead to more activism by these shareholders.
Discourse Organization and Features of Email Writing Among EFL Students in Taiwan

This study investigates how Taiwanese EFL learners use their linguistic repertoire to communicate with their teachers in emails. A corpus of 76 emails were collected and analyzed according to (1) language choice; (2) function; (3) patterns of the main messages; and (4) spoken and written features. The results show that, first, both groups of students prefer English as the main language of communication in their emails. Moreover, the students were found to code-switch in the emails. Second, two main functions were identified in the emails: request and inquiry. Third, three main elements were found in students’ email writing: a self-identification of the student, the main purpose of the email (e.g., request, inquiry, and apology), and an optional thanking formulaic expression. Comparing graduate and undergraduate students, the writing style of the graduate students is more formal than that of the undergraduate students. In terms of features of email writing, email is unique in the sense that it combines features from both speech and writing. Finally, the students were found to employ strategies of visualizing nonlinguistic characteristics in emails which are prominent in spoken interaction.
On a New Paradigm for Stock Trading Via a Model-Free Feedback Controller

This paper describes a new paradigm for stock trading involving the use of classical feedback controllers which are “model free” in that they use neither parameterization nor estimation of stock price dynamics. At time $t$ , the control signal is the investment level $I(t)$ , obtained via a mapping on the so-called gain-loss function $g(t)$ . While such strategies fall under the umbrella of technical analysis, our approach differs from the literature in a fundamental way: Whereas existing work in finance involves statistical analysis via historical back-testing, our new control-theoretic paradigm aims to provide “certification theorems” giving conditions under which certain robustness properties are guaranteed with respect to benchmark classes for the time-varying stock price $p(t)$ . We demonstrate our ideas using a linear feedback implementation of a new stock-trading scheme called Simultaneous Long-Short. The analysis is carried out in a so-called idealized frictionless market first using smooth prices for pedagogical purposes and then using a more realistic benchmark involving Geometric Brownian Motion. Finally, simulations are given which include real-world implementation issues.
Urinary and fecal excretion and incorporation of 14C-estradiol in fat depots of obese and lean rats.

SummaryIn vitro and in vivo uptake and fecal and urinary excretion of radioactive estradiol were determined in normally cycling rats fed a high-fat diet ad libitum or restricted or a grain diet ad libitum starting at 3 wk of age. At 29 wk of age, in vitro uptake of estradiol by parametric adipose tissue was not influenced by dietary treatment. However, at 41 wk of age, uptake per 100 mg of parametric or mesenteric adipose tissues was significantly less for high-fat fed rats than for grain-fed rats. In vivo uptake of injected estradiol-4-14C was highest in the high-fat ad libitum rats followed by high-fat restricted and grain-fed rats. This differential uptake was due mainly to an increased adipose tissue size in the high-fat fed rats which were obese. Specific activities of tissues were not responsible for the different uptake. However, specific activities of tissue varied depending on the tissue examined. Thus, the mesenteric adipose tissue had the highest and the inguinal plus genital adipose tissue was...