cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heterozygous PRKN mutations are common but do not increase the risk of Parkinson's disease

ABSTRACT PRKN mutations are the most common recessive cause of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and are a promising target for gene and cell replacement therapies. Identification of biallelic PRKN patients (PRKN-PD) at the population scale, however, remains a challenge, as roughly half are copy number variants (CNVs) and many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are of unclear significance. Additionally, the true prevalence and disease risk associated with heterozygous PRKN mutations is unclear, as a comprehensive assessment of PRKN SNPs and CNVs has not been performed at a population scale. To address these challenges, we evaluated PRKN mutations in 2 cohorts analyzed with both a genotyping array and exome or genome sequencing: the NIH PD cohort, a deeply phenotyped cohort of PD patients, and the UK Biobank, a population scale cohort with nearly half a million participants. Genotyping array identified the majority of PRKN mutations and at least 1 mutation in most biallelic PRKN mutation carriers in both cohorts. Additionally, in the NIH-PD cohort, functional assays of patient fibroblasts resolved variants of unclear significance in biallelic carriers and ruled out cryptic loss of function variants in monoallelic carriers. In the UK Biobank, we identified 2,692 PRKN CNVs from genotyping array data from nearly half a million participants (the largest collection to date). Deletions or duplications involving exons 2 accounted for roughly half of all CNVs and the vast majority (88%) involved exons 2, 3, or 4. Combining estimates from whole exome sequencing (from ∼200,000 participants) and genotyping array data, we found a pathogenic PRKN mutation in 1.8% of participants and 2 mutations in ∼1/7,800 participants. Those with 1 PRKN pathogenic variant were as likely as non-carriers to have PD (OR = 0.91, CI= 0.58 – 1.38, p-value = 0.76) or a parent with PD (OR = 1.12, CI = 0.94 – 1.31, p-value = 0.19). Together our results demonstrate that heterozygous pathogenic PRKN mutations are common in the population but do not increase the risk of PD. Additionally, they suggest a cost-effective framework to screen for biallelic PRKN patients at the population scale for targeted studies.
Ecology and Biogeochemistry of in Situ Groundwater Bioremediation

The activity of microorganisms has a significant impact on the chemical composition of groundwaters (Chapelle, 1993). Microbial processes in both shallow (Madsen, 1995) and deep (Lovley and Chapelle, 1995) pristine aquifers have recently been reviewed in detail. The purpose of this chapter is to summarize recent research on the microbial ecology and biogeochemistry of contaminated aquifers.
Economic Benefits Associated with the Visa Waiver Program - A Difference-in-Differences Approach

This study evaluates the economic benefit that the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) brings to the United States, including increased tourist-business trips and reduced spending on visa control. Administered by Depart of Homeland Security (DHS), VWP enables participating country citizens to travel in the United States visa-free for up to 90 days for tourist and business purposes. Currently there are 36 countries participating in the program. The expansion of the VWP is subjected to sophisticate calculation of the benefit and cost of the program. However, few results are satisfying. Previous VWP cost-benefit analysis over-estimated the increased tourism benefits due to inefficient separation of secular trend from the program’s net effect. In the first part of this study, in order to capture the net effect of the program – the increased tourism and business trips due to VWP – the author conducts a quasi-experimental by introducing a control group (a non-VWP member country) to pair with a VWP member country using the difference-in-differences method. The results show a net effect of 3-4.5 more tourism/business trips per thousand population for selected VWP participating countries of the VWP (South Korea and Malta), and an increase of 5 percent in the ratio of tourism/business trips over all non-immigration trips. Put into a broader context, this result may indicate that the VWP has encouraged an additional 1.8 million to 2.7 million of tourist/business trips from all participating countries, and has added to the U.S. $6.9 billion to $10 billion of direct spending by those foreign visitors in 2010. The second part of the analysis is built on the existing evaluations of administration cost by GAO, consolidates and converts the results into a current context. It concludes that in 2010, because the VWP was in place, the U.S. government has saved from 1.9 billion to 3.2 billion for the cost of interviewing visitors. Altogether, this research provides more concrete evidence to contribute to the discussion of VWP future expansion.
Optimization and evaluation of reconstruction-based compensation methods in myocardial perfusion SPECT using the channelized Hotelling observer

Summary form only given. We have applied the channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) using a defect detection task to the optimization and evaluation of iterative reconstruction compensation for myocardial perfusion SPECT. We used a population of 24 mathematical cardiac-torso (MCAT) phantoms that realistically model the activity and attenuation distribution in three classes of patients: females and males with flat and raised diaphragms. Defects were placed at 6 positions along myocardium. Projection data were generated and subsequently reconstructed using methods based on the ordered-subsets expectation-maximization algorithm. The methods evaluated included iterative reconstruction compensation for attenuation, detector response blurring and scatter in various combinations. We applied the CHO to find the optimal number of iterations and cutoff frequency of a post-reconstruction filter that gave the highest value of the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC). We investigated from 1 to 12 iterations with 16 subsets per iteration and an order 8 Butterworth post-reconstruction filter with cutoff frequencies of 0.04 to 0.34 pixel-1. For the optimal reconstruction parameters, attenuation with either detector response or scatter compensation gave statistically significant increases in the AUC compared to attenuation compensation alone. The greatest increase in the AUC occurred when all three compensations were applied.
Selective activation of the N-glycosylation apparatus in uteri by estrogen.

Estrogen rapidly, preferentially and markedly enhances the rate of N-linked glycoprotein synthesis in mouse uteri. In contrast, the rate of glycoprotein turnover is unaffected by the hormone. Estrogen's effect on the expression of mRNA coding for glycoproteins was studied using an in vitro translation-glycosylation system as well as by Northern/slot blot analyses. Both approaches indicated that estrogen did not have a preferential stimulatory effect on the general expression of glycoprotein mRNA. Neither was there a significant change in the relative levels of specific mRNA coding for several N-linked glycoproteins, i.e. laminin B1 and B2, fibronectin, and uvomorulin, as a function of estrogen treatment. Immunoprecipitation studies also demonstrated no change in the relative rates of synthesis of the corresponding core proteins for laminin or fibronectin. Taken together, these results suggested that estrogen primarily stimulated glycoprotein synthesis by stimulating the glycosylation apparatus, and not by increasing synthesis of protein acceptors. Previous studies have indicated that of a variety of potential regulatory points in the pathway of N-linked glycoprotein assembly, only expression of mannosylphosphoryldolichol synthase (MPDS) increases sufficiently to account for the increase in glycoprotein expression observed in response to estrogen. Consistent with these observations, it was found that injection of uterine poly(A+) RNA from estrogen-treated uteri into Xenopus oocytes markedly stimulated MPDS activity in the oocytes. In contrast, injection of RNA from non-estrogen-treated uteri did not stimulate MPDS activity in oocytes. Collectively, these results indicate that steroid hormones can modulate glycoprotein expression by preferentially stimulating the glycosylation apparatus. Nonetheless, one of estrogen's effects on the glycosylation apparatus, induction of MPDS activity, appears to occur at a transcriptional level.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection: Genetics

Host genes influence many aspects of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from transmission and infection to disease progression and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome as well as responses to drugs and HIV vaccines. Keywords: AIDS; HLA; chemokine; cytokine; host genes
Merkel cell carcinoma: treatment and outcomes.

BACKGROUND The purpose of the current study was to determine the outcomes of patients with previously untreated Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin who were treated with curative intent. METHODS Between October 1984 and January 2002, 34 patients were treated with radiotherapy alone (2 patients) or combined with surgery (32 patients). Nine patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients had follow-up for a median of 3.0 years (range, 0.3 to 18.5 yrs). Follow-up on living patients ranged from 2.2 to 18.5 years (median, 7.1 yrs). RESULTS The 5-year outcomes were as follows: local control, 94%, locoregional control, 80%; freedom from distant metastases, 60%; cause-specific survival, 52%; and survival, 37%. No patient experienced a severe complication. CONCLUSIONS Patients treated aggressively with surgery and locoregional radiotherapy have about a 50% chance of cure. Limited data suggest that definitive radiotherapy alone or after incomplete macroscopic resection may control locoregional disease in a significant subset of patients. The dominant site of failure was distant. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Mixed Quantum-Classical Calculations in Biological Systems

The development and applications of hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanics calculations to the computational study of enzymatic reactions is a quickly growing field. The present chapter describes some of our group’s efforts in this area over the last ten years. Increases in computational power coupled to methods for increased sampling will surely make this type of techniques a commonplace tool in the chemistry set
Organosiloxane polymer concrete for geothermal environments

The feasibility of using the products of free-radical copolymerization of modified organosiloxane in the formation of a thermally stable and chemically resistant polymer concrete for use in geothermal environments has been demonstrated. Specimens have been produced by using mixtures of organosiloxane containingpendantvinyl groups and styrene or different silicone fluids as a comonomer in conjunction with a free-radical initiator and several aggregate materials. The use of these monomers in conjunction with materials such as silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) and portland cement to form polymer concrete results in composites with high compressive strength (80 to 100 MPa) and thermal and hydrolytic stability. The results from studies to determine the effect of variables, such as sand particle size, type of cement, and sand/cement ratio, are discussed.
Isolation and Characterization of the Mouse Gene for the Type 3 Iodothyronine Deiodinase

The type 3 iodothyronine deiodinase (D3) is a selenoenzyme that inactivates thyroid hormones by removing a iodine from the 5-position of the tyrosyl ring. D3 is highly expressed in many tissues during the early stages of development, and its activity is regulated by selected growth factors and various hormones. To gain further insights into the structure, functional role, and regulation of this enzyme, we screened a mouse liver genomic library with a rat D3 complementary DNA probe and isolated a 12-kb clone coding for the Dio3. Restriction analysis followed by Southern blotting and nucleotide sequencing demonstrated that the Dio3 contains a single exon, 1853 bp in length, that encodes the entire length of the messenger RNA expressed in murine placenta and neonatal skin. Primer extension experiments identified two potential transcriptional start sites located 77 and 60 nt upstream of the ATG translational start codon. The region immediately 5' to the start sites contains consensus TATA, CAAT, and GC elements. Furthermore, a 526-nucleotide genomic fragment from this region was demonstrated to efficiently drive a luciferase reporter construct when transfected into COS-7, XTC-2, or XL-2 cells or into primary cultures of rat preadipocytes derived from neonatal brown fat. In conclusion, D3 transcripts in the placenta and skin are encoded by the Dio3 gene from a single exon whose expression is regulated by an upstream region that contains several consensus promoter elements. Further characterization of this gene will provide new insights into the factors regulating the unique pattern of D3 expression during development.
An Accurate Mixed-mode Delamination Failure Criterion for Laminated Fibrous Composites Requiring Limited Experimental Input:

A mixed-mode delamination failure criterion is proposed that may be characterized using test data from only double cantilever beam, end-notched flexure, and single leg bending tests. For validation, a comprehensive literature survey is first performed to obtain toughness versus mode mix data for continuous fiber polymeric matrix composites, and the proposed criterion is then evaluated using those studies where sufficient data are reported. To this end, the criterion is used to obtain an expression for toughness versus mode mixity using only a subset of the experimental data that is presented in any given source. This is done using the toughness data from mode I and mode II tests that are performed, as well as the results from the test with a mode ratio closest to that of the single leg bending test. The failure locus predicted by the new criterion is then compared to the experimentally determined toughnesses over the full range of the experimental data. These results indicate that the proposed criterion i...
Structure-activity relationships of L-dioxolane uracil nucleosides as anti-Epstein Barr virus agents.

A series of 1,3-dioxolanyluracil analogues was prepared from the dioxolane intermediates 2, and their anti-Epstein Barr virus (anti-EBV) activities were detemined. The potency of l-dioxolane uracil nucleosides against EBV replication is dependent on the substituents at the 5-position in the following decreasing order: I > Br > Cl > CH3 > CF3 > F. The most active and selective analogue was the iodo derivative (l-I-OddU) with an EC50 value of 0.03 μΜ and an EC90 value of 0.16 μΜ. There was no cytotoxicity or depletion of mitochondrial DNA in cells after exposure to l-I-OddU at 50 μΜ. The action against EBV replication in H1 cells is time-dependent, and EBV DNA in cells treated with l-I-OddU could rebound to pretreatment levels once the drug was removed. In view of the potent antiviral activity plus favorable toxicity profiles, l-I-OddU may be potentially useful for the treatment of EBV-related infectious diseases as well as for delaying the onset or decreasing the incidence of EBV-associated cancers.
Transference of transport anisotropy to composite fermions

It is widely expected that the properties of composite fermions should be independent of those of the electrons and flux quanta from which they emerge. Measurements of anisotropic transport in AlAs quantum wells suggest this is not the case.
Seasonal Trends in Population Size and Survivorship of Anopheles Culicifacies, An. Stephensi and An. Subpictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Rural Punjab Province, Pakistan

Adult anopheline mosquitoes were collected resting inside houses and cattle sheds at the rural village of Khano-Harni, Punjab Province, Pakistan, during 1978. Anopheles stephensi was collected throughout the year, and showed bimodal population increases during the spring and postmonsoon seasons. Anopheles culicifacies and An. subpictus were first collected at Khano-Harni at the onset of the monsoon season when populations of both species exhibited sharp initial increases, followed by decreases related to flooding and then increases during the postmonsoon season. An. subpictus populations subsequently declined with the onset of cold weather. Absolute population size estimated by Bailey's modification of the Lincoln Index did not differ significantly from concurrent estimates calculated by lto's modification of Jackson's positive and negative methods. Temporal patterns in population size agreed with changes in the relative abundance (number collected per man-hour) of An. culicifacies and An. stephensi , but not An. subpictus . Collection of relative-abundance data was hampered, in part, by temperature-related changes in mosquito resting behavior, which affected sampling efficiency. The regression of the number of females in each gonotrophic cycle on female age provided the most appropriate estimate of survivorship for epidemiological purposes. Davidson's method provided slightly higher estimates, since survivorship during the nulliparous period was measured. Horizontal survivorship based on the recapture rate of marked specimens provided lower estimates, since losses due to emigration and sampling were included.
Histamine H2 receptor - Involvement in gastric ulceration

The involvement of the H1 and H2 receptors for histamine in the pathogenesis of gastric ulcers was investigated in rats. Metiamide, an H2 receptor antagonist, reliably reduced ulceration produced by stress alone or by a combination of stress and aspirin. In contrast, pyrilamine, which blocks only the H1 receptor, was without effect under these same conditions. The results support the hypothesis that histamine mediates both stress and stress plus aspirin induced ulceration by a mechanism involving the H2 receptor.
Attraction of Dust Grains in a Nebula

The study of attraction of dust grains in a plasma is one of the most active field of research in dusty plasmas. In this work, we proceed further with the investigation of the role of the attractive electrostatic force in the gravitational collapse to form stars or planets. We consider the mixture of dust and gas in the nebula surrounding an already formed star. First, at every point in the nebula we solve self-consistently the ionization equilibrium equation (balancing the ionizations due to the radiation field of the star with radiative recombinations) and the equation of radiation transfer (stellar and diffuse). This yields the plasma density and die radiation field in the nebula, when no dust is present in the nebula. Second, we include in the analysis the contribution of cosmic radiation in addition to the stellar one. Third, we study the charging and shielding processes for the dust grains in the nebula and determine the regions where the attractive electrostatic force is important.
Coupled porohyperelastic mass transport (PHEXPT) finite element models for soft tissues using ABAQUS.

Finite element models (FEMs) including characteristic large deformations in highly nonlinear materials (hyperelasticity and coupled diffusive/convective transport of neutral mobile species) will allow quantitative study of in vivo tissues. Such FEMs will provide basic understanding of normal and pathological tissue responses and lead to optimization of local drug delivery strategies. We present a coupled porohyperelastic mass transport (PHEXPT) finite element approach developed using a commercially available ABAQUS finite element software. The PHEXPT transient simulations are based on sequential solution of the porohyperelastic (PHE) and mass transport (XPT) problems where an Eulerian PHE FEM is coupled to a Lagrangian XPT FEM using a custom-written FORTRAN program. The PHEXPT theoretical background is derived in the context of porous media transport theory and extended to ABAQUS finite element formulations. The essential assumptions needed in order to use ABAQUS are clearly identified in the derivation. Representative benchmark finite element simulations are provided along with analytical solutions (when appropriate). These simulations demonstrate the differences in transient and steady state responses including finite deformations, total stress, fluid pressure, relative fluid, and mobile species flux. A detailed description of important model considerations (e.g., material property functions and jump discontinuities at material interfaces) is also presented in the context of finite deformations. The ABAQUS -based PHEXPT approach enables the use of the available ABAQUS capabilities (interactive FEM mesh generation, finite element libraries, nonlinear material laws, pre- and postprocessing, etc.). PHEXPT FEMs can be used to simulate the transport of a relatively large neutral species (negligible osmotic fluid flux) in highly deformable hydrated soft tissues and tissue-engineered materials.
Ultrastructural features and synaptic connections of hilar ectopic granule cells in the rat dentate gyrus are different from those of granule cells in the granule cell layer

Several investigators have shown the existence of dentate granule cells in ectopic locations within the hilus and molecular layer using both Golgi and retrograde tracing studies but the ultrastructural features and synaptic connections of ectopic granule cells were not previously examined. In the present study, the biocytin retrograde tracing technique was used to label ectopic granule cells following injections into stratum lucidum of CA3b of hippocampal slices obtained from epileptic rats. Electron microscopy was used to study hilar ectopic granule cells that were located 20-40 microm from the granule cell layer (GCL). They had ultrastructural features similar to those of granule cells in the GCL but showed differences, including nuclei that often displayed infoldings and thicker apical dendrites. At their origin, these dendrites were 6 microm in diameter and they tapered down to 2 microm at the border with the GCL. Both biocytin-labeled and unlabeled axon terminals formed exclusively asymmetric synapses with the somata and proximal dendrites of hilar ectopic granule cells. The mean number of axosomatic synapses for these cells was three times that for granule cells in the GCL. Together, these data indicate that hilar ectopic granule cells are postsynaptic to mossy fibers and have less inhibitory input on their somata and proximal dendrites than granule cells in the GCL. This finding is consistent with recent physiological results showing that hilar ectopic granule cells from epileptic rats are more hyperexcitable than granule cells in the GCL.
Effectiveness of a preventive dentistry delivery system

Evaluation of a preventive dentistry delivery system showed a high rate of success in arrestment of incipient lesions, prevention of new lesions, and maintenance of a low level of gingivitis. A preventive dentistry delivery system was developed for maximum effectiveness in private practice. Four new pit or fissure carious lesions developed in 20 patients who were 10 to 20 years old at the start of a two-year exploratory test; there were no new lesions of smooth surfaces. Of the incipient lesions that were under observation, no increase was observed in 23 of 26 pit or fissure lesions, 24 of 25 proximal and all of 26 buccal or lingual smooth surface lesions. In 33 patients 21 to 30 years old at the start of the test, no new lesions appeared and growth of the 142 incipient lesions appeared to be arrested. A low level of gingivitis was maintained in all patients who were tested.
Interactions between naltrexone and non-opiate drugs evaluated by schedule-controlled behavior.

Abstract The effects of seven non-opiate drugs were studied, alone and in conjunction with naltrexone, in rats responding under a multiple fixed-interval 5-min, fixed-ratio 30-response schedule of food presentation. The drugs used (selected on the basis of their dopaminergic effects) were d -amphetamine, cocaine, amfonelic acid, bromocriptine (CB154), chlorpromazine, pimozide, and ethanol. Six of the seven drugs produced dose-dependent decreases in the average rate of responding; d -amphetamine increased responding at small doses and decreased responding at larger doses. A 1 mg/kg dose of naltrexone potentiated the rate-decreasing effect of the drugs and antagonized the rate-increasing effect of d -amphetamine, but did not alter responding when given alone. Interactions between naltrexone and non-opiate drugs are discussed in terms of the effects of narcotic antagonists on dopaminergic systems.
Surface Forcing of the Infrared Cooling Profile over the Tibetan Plateau. Part I: Influence of Relative Longwave Radiative Heating at High Altitude.

Abstract The role of the Tibetan Plateau on the behavior of the surface longwave radiation budget is examined, and the behavior of the vertical profile of longwave cooling over the plateau, including its diurnal variation, is quantified. The investigation has been conducted with the aid of datasets obtained during the 1986 Tibetan Plateau Meteorological Experiment (TIPMEX-86). A medium spectral-resolution infrared radiative transfer model using a simple modification for applications in idealized complex (valley) terrain is developed for the study. This study focuses on the clear-sky case where the surface effects are most significant. The TIPMEX-86 data, obtained during the spring-summer transition into the East Asian monsoon season, are used to help validate the surface longwave radiation budget at two sites of varying elevation: Lasa (3650 m) and Naqu (4500 m). Based on the degree to which skin-temperature boundary conditions control the magnitude of infrared cooling, we define the concept of relative l...
Large-Eddy Turbulent Flow Simulation of a KOMAX Static Mixer

Viscous liquids have to be homogenized in continuous operations in many branches of processing industries; and therefore, fluid mixing plays a critical role in the success or failure of many industrial processes. Consequences of improper mixing include non-reproducible processing conditions and lowered product quality, resulting in the need for more elaborate downstream processes and increased costs. The range of practical flow Reynolds numbers for KOMAX static mixers in industry is usually from moderate values (Re ≈ 0) to very large values (e.g. Re ≈ 5,000,000). However, most of industrial applicants have a very small flow to moderate Reynolds numbers (e.g. Re ≈ 5,000). This paper presents an improved understanding of the turbulent flow pattern for single-phase liquids through the mixer. Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) model is applied to the flow in a KOMAX static mixer to calculate the flow velocities, pressure drops, etc. Using a variety of predictive tools, the mixing results are obtained.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Who let the dogfish out? A review of management and socio-economic aspects of spiny dogfish fisheries

Multi-scaled integrated analysis across biological, economic, social, and political aspects of fisheries is needed to provide effective management strategies. These aspects are naturally conflicting and, when converged into objectives, are seldom optimized at the same time scale. For example, biological objectives are usually considered in the long-term, whereas socio-economic and political objectives are commonly considered in the short-term. Additionally, fishery managers have frequently struggled to integrate different information arising from each aspect of fishery management. The employment of integrative analysis to shark fishery management is particularly needed because of the unique biology and life history characteristics of sharks, and the increasing threat of human exploitation that affects their conservation status. One species that may serve as a model for the intersection of the myriad of aspects of elasmobranch management is the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). This commercial shark species was recently considered, unsuccessfully, for inclusion in trade-regulation lists due to international concern about its conservation status. The need to provide thorough integration of biology, life history, and ecology of spiny dogfish with information concerning the commercial trade, socio-economic, and political aspects of the fishery has now reached a critical juncture. We attempt to provide such an integration in this paper. First, we review basic biology and life history characteristics of spiny dogfish and then integrate this information into aspects of the international trade for the species. This is done using the framework of two of the most significant fishery management governance systems affecting the international management of the species and its conservation status (i.e., the Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act in the USA, and the Common Fisheries Policy in the European Union). Our analysis indicates that to achieve effective fishery management of spiny dogfish stocks and populations at international, national, regional, and local levels there is still the need to understand and integrate socio-economic, political and ecosystem-based aspects outside the framework of national fishery jurisdictions.
Demystifying bilateral feedback analysis

Feedback circuits consisting of bilateral feedback network (usually formed by passive elements) are analyzed using return ratio and loop gain. A few key points related to the differing intermediate results of loop transmission are clarified. Equivalence between return ratio and loop gain is further established for stability study.
Context and goodness in a focusing task

In a focusing task, people respond positively to one stimulus and negatively to all other stimuli that occur. The task has been called focusing in recognition of the possibility that only the target stimulus is relevant to performance, and that what people do is to focus on some aspect of the target, such as its configuration. The present study used eight patterns, and people focused on each pattern in eight different experimental conditions. The stimulus set was selected to have good patterns (according to symmetry, subjective goodness, and free classification measures) that were similar to each other (according to similarity judgments) and poor patterns that were dissimilar from one another and from the good patterns. The results were that the good patterns were difficult (speed and accuracy) to classify, and the poor patterns were easy. The similarity between the target pattern and the other patterns in the total set, i.e., the context of each focused stimulus, predicted performance. These results support the idea that similarity judgments measure relevant aspects of context and that the effects of context on performance should not be overlooked.
The chemical nature of Europa surface material and the relation to a subsurface ocean

Abstract The surface composition of Europa is of special interest due to the information it might provide regarding the presence of a subsurface ocean. One source of this information is the infrared reflectance spectrum. Certain surface regions of Europa exhibit distorted H 2 O vibrational overtone bands in the 1.5 and 2.0 μm region, as measured by the Galileo mission Near Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (NIMS). These bands are clearly the result of highly concentrated solvated contaminants. However, two interpretations of their identity have been presented. One emphasizes hydrated salt minerals and the other sulfuric acid, although each does not specifically rule out some of the other. It has been pointed out that accurate chemical identification of the surface composition must depend on integrating spectral data with geochemical models, and information on the tenuous atmosphere sputtered from the surface. It is also extremely important to apply detailed chemistry when interpreting the spectral data, including knowledge of mineral dissolution chemistry and the subsequent optical signatures of ion solvation in low-temperature ice. We present studies of flash frozen acid and salt mixtures as Europa surface analogs and demonstrate that solvated protons, metal cations and inorganic anions all influence the spectra and must all, collectively, be considered when assigning Europa spectral features. These laboratory data show best correlation with NIMS Europa spectra for multi-component mixtures of sodium and magnesium bearing sulfate salts mixed with sulfuric acid. The data provide a concentration upper bound of 50-mol% for MgSO 4 and 40-mol% for Na 2 SO 4 . This newly reported higher sodium and proton content is consistent with low-temperature aqueous differentiation and hydrothermal processing of carbonaceous chondrite-forming materials during the formation and early evolution of Europa.
On the box dimension of an invariant set

We give a simple upper bound for the upper box dimension of a forward invariant set of a C 1 -diffeomorphism of R n . This result can be extended to the class of C 1 -mappings with finite topological degree. We apply these results to provide estimates for the dimension of the H´ enon attractor and Julia sets in two complex variables. AMS classification scheme number: 37C45
Analysis of East Asia Genetic Substructure Using Genome-Wide SNP Arrays

Accounting for population genetic substructure is important in reducing type 1 errors in genetic studies of complex disease. As efforts to understand complex genetic disease are expanded to different continental populations the understanding of genetic substructure within these continents will be useful in design and execution of association tests. In this study, population differentiation (Fst) and Principal Components Analyses (PCA) are examined using >200 K genotypes from multiple populations of East Asian ancestry. The population groups included those from the Human Genome Diversity Panel [Cambodian, Yi, Daur, Mongolian, Lahu, Dai, Hezhen, Miaozu, Naxi, Oroqen, She, Tu, Tujia, Naxi, Xibo, and Yakut], HapMap [ Han Chinese (CHB) and Japanese (JPT)], and East Asian or East Asian American subjects of Vietnamese, Korean, Filipino and Chinese ancestry. Paired Fst (Wei and Cockerham) showed close relationships between CHB and several large East Asian population groups (CHB/Korean, 0.0019; CHB/JPT, 00651; CHB/Vietnamese, 0.0065) with larger separation with Filipino (CHB/Filipino, 0.014). Low levels of differentiation were also observed between Dai and Vietnamese (0.0045) and between Vietnamese and Cambodian (0.0062). Similarly, small Fst's were observed among different presumed Han Chinese populations originating in different regions of mainland of China and Taiwan (Fst's <0.0025 with CHB). For PCA, the first two PC's showed a pattern of relationships that closely followed the geographic distribution of the different East Asian populations. PCA showed substructure both between different East Asian groups and within the Han Chinese population. These studies have also identified a subset of East Asian substructure ancestry informative markers (EASTASAIMS) that may be useful for future complex genetic disease association studies in reducing type 1 errors and in identifying homogeneous groups that may increase the power of such studies.
Use of CFRP Overlays to Strengthen Welded Connections under Fatigue Loading

This study evaluates the performance of various methods to prevent and repair fatigue damage in welded connections, a recurring problem that affects a significant number of steel bridges. Experimental tests and analytical simulations were carried out to investigate the fatigue performance of coverplate specimens in which the welded connections were reinforced with carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) overlays. Specimens were loaded in three-point bending induced by a cyclic load to evaluate the change in fatigue-crack initiation life of the welded connections caused by the attachment of the CFRP overlays. Test results showed that when bond between the CFRP overlays and the steel was maintained, the reduction in stress demand was sufficient to extend the fatigue life of the welded connections from AASHTO fatigue-design Category E’ in the unreinforced configuration to the infinite fatigue life range. Test results also showed that the fatigue strength of the bond layer was drastically improved by introducing breather-cloth material within the bond layer.
Radiation effects and risks: overview and a new risk perception index

Uncertainty provides opportunities for differences in perception, and radiation risks at low level of exposures involved in few computed tomography scans fall in this category. While there is good agreement among national and international organisations on risk probability of cancer, risk perception has barely been dealt with by these organisations. Risk perception is commonly defined as the subjective judgment that people make about the characteristics and severity of a risk. Severity and latency are important factors in perception. There is a need to connect all these. Leaving risk perception purely as a subjective judgement provides opportunities for people to amplifying risk. The author postulates a risk perception index as severity divided by latency that becomes determining factor for risk perception. It is hoped that this index will bring rationality in risk perception.
Waves in the Red Sea : response to monsoonal and mountain gap winds

Abstract An unstructured grid, phase-averaged wave model forced with winds from a high resolution atmospheric model is used to evaluate wind wave conditions in the Red Sea over an approximately 2-year period. The Red Sea lies in a narrow rift valley, and the steep topography surrounding the basin steers the dominant wind patterns and consequently the wave climate. At large scales, the model results indicated that the primary seasonal variability in waves was due to the monsoonal wind reversal. During the winter, monsoon winds from the southeast generated waves with mean significant wave heights in excess of 2 m and mean periods of 8 s in the southern Red Sea, while in the northern part of the basin waves were smaller, shorter period, and from northwest. The zone of convergence of winds and waves typically occurred around 19–20°N, but the location varied between 15 and 21.5°N. During the summer, waves were generally smaller and from the northwest over most of the basin. While the seasonal winds oriented along the axis of the Red Sea drove much of the variability in the waves, the maximum wave heights in the simulations were not due to the monsoonal winds but instead were generated by localized mountain wind jets oriented across the basin (roughly east–west). During the summer, a mountain wind jet from the Tokar Gap enhanced the waves in the region of 18 and 20°N, with monthly mean wave heights exceeding 2 m and maximum wave heights of 14 m during a period when the rest of the Red Sea was relatively calm. Smaller mountain gap wind jets along the northeast coast created large waves during the fall and winter, with a series of jets providing a dominant source of wave energy during these periods. Evaluation of the wave model results against observations from a buoy and satellites found that the spatial resolution of the wind model significantly affected the quality of the wave model results. Wind forcing from a 10-km grid produced higher skills for waves than winds from a 30-km grid, largely due to under-prediction of the mean wind speed and wave height with the coarser grid. The 30-km grid did not resolve the mountain gap wind jets, and thus predicted lower wave heights in the central Red Sea during the summer and along the northeast coast in the winter.
Comparative evaluation of linear and nonlinear Model Predictive Control for a isolated high power DC/DC converter

This paper compares the computational time and closed loop system performances for linear and nonlinear Model Predictive Control (MPC) of the full bridge DC/DC converter under starting, overload and load step change conditions. The control objective is to regulate the output voltage without violating the peak current constraint. The experimental results reveal that both linear and nonlinear MPC algorithms can successfully achieve voltage regulation and peak current protection. Considering the algorithm complexity, the closed loop performance and the necessary computational time, the nonlinear MPC scheme is more desirable than the linear MPC for this application.
An Empirical Study of the Stabilities of Estimators and Variance Estimators in Unequal Probability Sampling of Two Units per Stratum

Abstract Stabilities of estimators of the population total and stabilities of their variance estimators are compared for the following methods of sampling two units per stratum: (a) the I.P.P.S. (inclusion probabilities proportional to size) methods of Brewer, Fellegi and Hanurav using the Horvitz-Thompson estimator, (b) Des Raj's and Murthy's methods of p.p.s. sampling without replacement, (c) the Rao-Hartley-Cochran method, (d) Lahiri's method using a ratio estimator and (e) p.p.s. sampling with replacement using the customary estimator. A wide variety of populations, natural as well as artificial, is used for this purpose. The empirical study is supplemented by a semitheoretical study based on an often-used super-population model. The two studies lead to the following major conclusions: (1) Murthy's method is preferable over the other methods when a stable estimator as well as a stable variance estimator are required. (2) The Rao-Hartley-Cochran variance estimator is the most stable, but their estimato...
Programming with relaxed synchronization

Synchronization overhead is a major bottleneck in scaling parallel applications to a large number of cores. This continues to be true in spite of various synchronization-reduction techniques that have been proposed. Previously studied synchronization-reduction techniques tacitly assume that all synchronizations specified in a source program are essential to guarantee quality of the results produced by the program. Recently there have been proposals to relax the synchronizations in a parallel program and compute approximate results. A fundamental challenge in using relaxed synchronization is guaranteeing that the relaxed program always produces results with a specified quality. We propose a methodology that addresses this challenge in programming with relaxed synchronization. Using our methodology programmers can systematically relax synchronization while always producing results that are of same quality as the original (un-relaxed) program. We demonstrate significant speedups using our methodology on a variety of benchmarks (e.g., up to 15x on KMeans benchmark, and up to 3x on a already highly tuned kernel from Graph500 benchmark).
Shortening of ventriculoatrial intervals with left bundle branch block during orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia in three patients with a right-sided accessory atrioventricular pathway

Abstract Previous studies of the effects of bundle branch block on ventriculoatrial (VA) intervals during orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia have focused on the timing of the atrial electrograms. However, left bundle branch block importantly affects the timing of initial ventricular activation, and this effect would also be expected to affect VA intervals during orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia. Presented here are three patients with a single rightsided accessory atrioventricular pathway exhibiting left bundle branch block during orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia. Each had shortening of the VA interval by 10 to 30 ms during left bundle branch block beats. This shortening was accompanied by a nearly equal increase in the HV interval, with the His bundle to atrial interval remaining constant. It is concluded that the timing of ventricular as well as atrial electrograms impacts on the VA intervals with left bundle branch block beats during orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia. With left bundle branch block, delay in initial left septal activation results in later onset of the QRS complex and, with right ventricular activation occurring normally, shortening of the VA interval occurs in patients with a right-sided pathway.
Long-term fish assemblages respond to habitat and niche breadth in the West Fork White River, Indiana

Identification of patterns in community structure is a central theme in freshwater ecology. Our objectives were to identify temporal patterns in fish assemblages from 1980 to 2010 in the West Fork White River in east-central Indiana using the Malthusian growth model and determine whether changes in the population growth rate parameter were related to Grinnellian niche breadth. We studied local-scale fish assemblages in a Midwestern United States river at 16 sites for a period of 30 years. We used a hierarchical model to estimate population abundance parameters of the Malthusian growth model. Niche breadth was incorporated as a model parameter to explain variation in the population growth rate. Parameters of the model were fit using Bayesian inference. We identified notable changes in the fish assemblages; however, the patterns for temporal trends in individual species abundances were not conserved across sites. Decreasing trends were observed in longear sunfish, striped shiner, white sucker, central stoneroller, common carp and creek chub while bluegill and mimic shiner increased in abundance. Longear sunfish was the only species that exhibited the same trend in abundance for all sites. Niche breadth was inversely related to the population growth rate at sites adjacent to low-head dam impoundments. We suggest that the presence of multiple impoundments has resulted in a fragmented series of fish assemblages.
Exploring the relationship between diabetes self-efficacy, depressive symptoms, and glycemic control among men and women with type 2 diabetes

Depression and low self-efficacy are both associated with worse glycemic control in adults with diabetes, but the relationship between these variables is poorly understood. We conducted a cross-sectional study examining associations between depressive symptoms, self-efficacy, and glycemic control among men (n = 64) and women (n = 98) with type 2 diabetes to see if self-efficacy mediates the relationship between depression and glycemic control. Correlational and mediational analyses examined the relationship between these three variables for the sample as a whole and separately by sex. A significant association between depressive symptoms and glycemic control was found for men (0.34, P < 0.01) but not for women (0.05, P = 0.59). Path analysis suggested that, among men, self-efficacy mediates the relationship between depressive symptoms and glycemic control. We conclude that men with depressive symptoms and type 2 diabetes may need tailored interventions that improve their self-efficacy in order to achieve glycemic control.
The impact of text message reminders on adherence to antimalarial treatment in northern Ghana: a randomized trial.

Background Low rates of adherence to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) regimens increase the risk of treatment failure and may lead to drug resistance, threatening the sustainability of current anti-malarial efforts. We assessed the impact of text message reminders on adherence to ACT regimens.
Indoor fine particles: the role of terpene emissions from consumer products.

Abstract Consumer products can emit significant quantities of terpenes, which can react with ozone (O3). Resulting byproducts include compounds with low vapor pressures that contribute to the growth of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs). The focus of this study was to evaluate the potential for SOA growth, in the presence of O3, following the use of a lime-scented liquid air freshener, a pine-scented solid air freshener, a lemon-scented general-purpose cleaner, a wood floor cleaner, and a perfume. Two chamber experiments were performed for each of these five terpene-containing agents, one at an elevated O3 concentration and the other at a lower O3 concentration. Particle number and mass concentrations increased and O3 concentrations decreased during each experiment. Experiments with terpene-based air fresheners produced the highest increases in particle number and mass concentrations. The results of this study clearly demonstrate that homogeneous reactions between O3 and terpenes from various consumer prod...