cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Trial Examining the Effects of Aerobic Physical Activity on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Young Children

The goal of this study was to compare the effects of before school physical activity (PA) and sedentary classroom-based (SC) interventions on the symptoms, behavior, moodiness, and peer functioning of young children (M age = 6.83) at risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD-risk; n = 94) and typically developing children (TD; n = 108). Children were randomly assigned to either PA or SC and participated in the assigned intervention 31 min per day, each school day, over the course of 12 weeks. Parent and teacher ratings of ADHD symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity), oppositional behavior, moodiness, behavior toward peers, and reputation with peers, were used as dependent variables. Primary analyses indicate that the PA intervention was more effective than the SC intervention at reducing inattention and moodiness in the home context. Less conservative follow-up analyses within ADHD status and intervention groups suggest that a PA intervention may reduce impairment associated with ADHD-risk in both home and school domains; interpretive caution is warranted, however, given the liberal approach to these analyses. Unexpectedly, these findings also indicate the potential utility of a before school SC intervention as a tool for managing ADHD symptoms. Inclusion of a no treatment control group in future studies will enable further understanding of PA as an alternative management strategy for ADHD symptoms.
Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal species in soils of cultivated soybean fields

Mycorrhizae are presumably important contributors to plant growth in most ecosystems. Our objective in this study was to evaluate the population diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in Clarion (well drained) and Webster (poorly drained) soils of four Iowa soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] fields. These soils normally occur together on the landscape, with Clarion in the upland and Webster in lowland positions. Previous work consistently has shown higher AM fungal spore counts in Webster soils. Spore morphology was used for the characterization of fungal species. Identification of certain species was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based rDNA fingerprinting. Glomus claroideum, G. etunicatum, G. mosseae, G. viscosum, and Paraglomus occultum-like spores were prevalent in both Clarion and Webster soils. Trap cultures led to detection of several additional AM fungal species, including G. clarum, G. coronatum, G. fasciculatum, G. vesiforme, Acaulospora calossica, and Entrophospora infreguens. The richness of the Glomus species varied from eight species in Webster soil of a field with highest available P (203 mg kg -1 soil Bray P1), where spores of G. mosseae constituted 90% of the spore population, to 12 species in Clarion soil, with lowest available P (14 mg kg -1 soil Bray P1). The variability of AM fungal density and distribution was also high among samples taken only 2 m apart. Although diverse within the genus, this study showed the dominance of Glomus species in field soils used to produce two important commercial crops, corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean, in the midwestern United States.
Regional distribution of sodium-potassium activated adenosine triphosphatase in the brain of the Rhesus monkey.

— The activity of Na-K ATPase was determined in twenty-one regions of the Rhesus monkey brain. White matter contained the lowest activity. The highest activities were found in the cerebral cortex, cerebellar cortex, thalamus, and colliculi. The activities of the enzyme in gray matter were fairly regular in distribution with only a twofold difference between highest (occipital cortex) and lowest (globus pallidus). The possibility that the regional variation in the activity of the enzyme reflects differences in electrical activity and (or) the concentration of dendritic processes was discussed.
Lessons From East Asia

The crisis that began in Thailand in July 1997 has grown now to the point where it represents perhaps the most significant economic event since the Great Depression. Not only has unemployment and poverty in the region soared and output plummeted, but global growth has been seriously affected. Indeed, by some calculations, even assuming a relatively rapid return of the global economy to sustained growth, the total loss of output, relative to the previous trend path, is in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Pundits have drawn the new lessons from the crisis: (a) improve your financial institutions, (b) improve corporate governance, and (c) improve transparency. And they have used the occasion of the crisis to reinforce old lessons: (a) do not run large current account deficits, and (b) do not have an overvalued exchange rate. At the same time, they have admitted that some of the key lessons of earlier crises are not applicable: Unlike the Latin American crisis, inflation was low, government deficits were low, and savings rates were high. The crisis was a crisis of private sector indebtedness, not public indebtedness. These are good lessons, and countries would be well advised to heed them. Doing so will reduce the chance of a crisis, making a country less vulnerable, and perhaps reducing the magnitude of the downturn should a crisis occur. However, I do not think these
Accuracy of in vivo optical diagnosis of colon polyp histology by narrow-band imaging in predicting colonoscopy surveillance intervals.

Background The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) recently developed thresholds for the performance characteristics of technologies for real-time assessment of histology of diminutive (≤5 mm) colon polyps. Narrow-band imaging (NBI) has been shown to predict polyp histology with moderate to high accuracy in several studies. Objective To determine whether in vivo optical diagnosis of polyp histology by using NBI can reach the 2 benchmarks set forth by the ASGE. Design Retrospective analysis of data from 3 prospective clinical trials. Setting Two tertiary referral centers. Patients Subjects undergoing screening or surveillance colonoscopy. Interventions In vivo optical diagnosis of polyp histology by using NBI. Main Outcome Measurement Accuracy in predicting colonoscopy surveillance intervals, negative predictive value (NPV) for diagnosing adenomatous histology in the rectosigmoid. Results A total of 410 patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and had at least 1 polyp seen and resected during colonoscopy. Using in vivo optical diagnosis instead of histopathology for all diminutive polyps predicted the correct colonoscopy surveillance interval in 86% to 94% patients. When optical diagnosis was limited to diminutive polyps in the rectosigmoid only, the NPV for diagnosing adenomatous histology with NBI was 95%. Limitations Retrospective analysis from tertiary referral centers. Conclusions The threshold NPV for diagnosing adenomatous histology in diminutive rectosigmoid polyps recently set forth by the ASGE can be achieved by using NBI. The threshold accuracy rate for predicting surveillance interval recommendations can be reached by using NBI, but only if patients with 1 to 2 small adenomas without advanced features have a repeat colonoscopy in 10 years.
Electrophysiologic testing of antiarrhythmic agents.

Abstract The purpose of these studies is to illustrate that the time of drug administration in experimental animals subjected to coronary artery occlusion is an important influence on the myocardial distribution of the drug as well as its electrophysiologic and arrhythmogenic effects. Also, because several drugs have active metabolites, some studies must be done after oral administration. Finally, electrophysiologic testing to determine drug efficacy may give misieading results with some drugs.
Multiprocessing design verification methodology for Motorola MPC74XX PowerPC microprocessor

Multiprocessing (MP) design verification has been one of the bottlenecks for high performance microprocessor design projects. The problem is getting worse as the design complexity increases and more cache structures are integrated into one single chip. The challenges that MP verification faces today include: huge chip/system simulation model sizes, long simulation cycles, relative inefficiency of the simulation tools compared to uniprocessor, and so on. To solve these challenging problems, we developed a new methodology and simulation flow for an upcoming design in Motorola's G4 generation of microprocessors, MPC74XX1. The key strategy of this methodology was to start MP verification as early as the design implementation started. The same methodology/tool set were first developed for MP verification at the unit level, then reused at the multiple-unit level, and eventually reused at the chip/system level. In this paper, we will present the details of this methodology, and demonstrate why it is effective and efficient in detecting the majority of the MP functional defects at an early stage of the design phase.
A Political Perspective on Leadership Emergence, Stability, and Change in Organizational Networks

A political approach to leadership in organizational networks in presented. From a review primarily of the political science and public administration literatures, a theoretical perspective is developed suggesting individual, processual, structural, and environmental variables affecting leadership emergence, stability, and change. A list of hypotheses hopefully describes much of the political dynamics of organizational leadership. Based on the hypotheses, leadership may be seen as a more complicated and political process than much current literature indicates.
Golden Age versus Golden Rule: Capitalists versus Workers in Growth Theory

Golden Age steady states determined by saving rates maximizing profit are contrasted with the Golden Rule, that is, consumption maximizing, steady states highlighted in standard economic growth theory. Golden Rule steady states exemplify the classical socialist principle of distribution: to each according to work. Under the Golden Rule, consumption equals labor income, and given stationary class capital ownership shares, all profit must be invested and none consumed. In contrast, in Golden Age steady states, some profit can be freed for consumption, although the levels of investment, output, and most notably consumption are then all lower. These relationships are explored in models initially without, and then with, labor force growth and technical change.
Interpersonal violence: Expanding the search for long-term sequelae within a sample of battered women

Lifetime sexual and physical victimization histories were examined within a shelter and outpatient sample of battered women (N = 43). Rates of prior victimization were very high with 71% of women reporting a childhood experience of physical abuse and 53% of women reporting a childhood experience of sexual abuse. These experiences were then examined as predictors of intra- and interpersonal functioning. Difficulties with identity development, low self-worth, borderline personality characteristics, and (at the trend level) difficulties with intimacy, received some support as long-term outcomes associated with reports of chronic experiences of childhood physical abuse. These findings provide some empirical support for the theorized relationship between childhood abuse and difficulties in the domains of intra- and interpersonal functioning.
Differential Cross Section Measurements for the Elastic Scattering of Protons by N 14

The differential cross section for the elastic scattering of protons by ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ has been measured in the energy range from 1.5 to 3.5 Mev at scattering angles of 39\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}14\ensuremath{'}, 54\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}44\ensuremath{'}, 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 125\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}16\ensuremath{'}, and 140\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}46\ensuremath{'} in the center-of-mass coordinate system. The probable error in the values of the cross section is about 4 to 5%. Pronounced anomalies in the cross section occur at laboratory proton energies of 1.55, 1.74, 1.805, 2.36, 2.49, 3.20, and 3.40 Mev, with a probable error in these energies of 0.01 Mev. The anomaly at 3.40 Mev indicates a previously unreported level in ${\mathrm{O}}^{15*}$ at about 10.5 Mev. The magnitude of the off-resonance cross section at 140\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}46\ensuremath{'} is about four times, at 125\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}16\ensuremath{'} about three times, and at 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} about two times that which would result from pure Rutherford scattering. At 54\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}44\ensuremath{'} the off-resonance cross section differs from the Rutherford cross section over most of the energy range by less than 5%, while at 39\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}14\ensuremath{'} the cross section is generally 10 to 20% below the Rutherford cross section.
Haliclonadiamine, an antimicrobial alkaloid from the sponge Haliclona sp.

Abstract The marine sponge Haliclona sp. from Palau contains haliclonadiamine ( 2 ) as the major antimicrobial alkaloid, together with papuamine ( 1 ). The structure of haliclonadiamine ( 2 ) was determined by X-ray analysis.
Progressive Postnatal Renal Dysplasia in Cyclooxygenase-2 Deficient Mice• 1828

To determine whether cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) is necessary for normal kidney development, mice homozygous (-/-) for a targetted deletion of the Cox-2 gene were compared to their wild-type (+/+) littermates. Somatic and kidney growth and renal histologic analysis were performed at the day of birth and at 3 (PN3), 7, 10, 14, 28, 42, and 56 days of postnatal life. In addition, systolic blood pressures, urinalyses, and urine osmolalities were studied in adult animals.
Factors associated with biochemical remission after microscopic transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly.

Objectives To analyze surgical outcomes and predictive factors of disease remission in acromegaly patients who underwent microscopic transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for a growth hormone (GH)-secreting adenoma. Design A 6-year retrospective review of 86 consecutive acromegaly surgeries. Setting Procedures performed at a single institution by a single surgeon. Participants Seventy acromegaly patients. Main Outcome Measures Demographic information, preoperative laboratory values, tumor imaging data, and morphological and immunohistochemical data were collected. Predictive values using the latest and most stringent biochemical remission criteria were determined using univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. Results Remission rate for 59 (18 males) acromegaly patients meeting the study inclusion criteria was 52.5%. Remission rates for micro- and macroadenomas were 81.8% and 45.8%, respectively. Patients of older age, with a smaller tumor, lower Knosp grade, lower preoperative GH, and insulinlike growth factor 1 levels were more likely to achieve remission. Remission rate decreased significantly with repeat surgeries. Those patients with adenomas that stained positive for somatostatin receptor subtype 2A were less likely to experience tumor recurrence and more likely to respond to medical treatment with persistent or elevated GH hypersecretion. Conclusions Microscopic TSS continues to be a viable means for treating acromegaly patients. Patients should be followed long term.
Prior Chronic Sun Exposure Decreases the Lifespan of Human Skin Fibroblasts in Vitro

The relationship of actinically-induced "premature aging" to chronologic aging was studied in paired fibroblast cultures obtained from the habitually sun-exposed (lateral) and nonexposed (medial) aspects of the arm of eight male donors, aged 41 to 80 years. In each case, the fibroblast strain derived from the medial, nonexposed aspect of the arm underwent more cumulative population doublings than did the paired strain from the lateral sun-exposed aspect, and this discrepancy increased with donor age and severity of clinical aging changes. Hence, chronic sun exposure does accelerate aging in human skin by at least one established in vitro criterion: it decreases the lifespan of cultured fibroblasts. The data underline the difficulty of distinguishing environmental effects from intrinsic aging changes.
Identification of Cytolytic CD161\(^−\)CD56\(^+\) Regulatory CD8 T Cells in Human Peripheral Blood

We previously developed methods for establishing CD8 regulatory T cell (Treg) clones from normal human peripheral blood and demonstrated that these clones were capable of killing T cell receptor (TCR)-activated autologous CD4 T cells. Based on phenotypic and functional characterization of the CD8 Treg clones, we have identified a corresponding population of endogenous CD8 Treg in normal human peripheral blood. These cells appear morphologically as large lymphocytes with abundant cytoplasm and have the following unique phenotype: CD3+CD8+CD161−CD56+. The majority of CD8 Treg express CD45RA and CD62L with low or negative expression of CD45RO, CD25, CD27, CD28 and CCR7. The expression of CD94 and NKG2a on CD8 Treg was elevated compared to conventional CD8 T cells. Following in vitro activation, this T cell subset is capable of killing TCR-activated CD4 T cells. These studies identify an endogenous CD8 Treg population in humans and it will now be possible to characterize these cells in a variety of clinical conditions.
Is a videotape to change beliefs and behaviors superior to a standard videotape in acute low back pain? A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background context Cognitive behavioral therapy has been used successfully in acute low back pain (LBP) treatment, but the use of a cognitive behavioral videotape as an adjunct to treatment has not been studied. Purpose To determine outcomes for patients with acute LBP receiving a videotape designed to change beliefs and behaviors compared with a standard instructional videotape. Study design/setting Randomized controlled trial; multidisciplinary clinic in an academic setting. Patient sample Consecutive subjects with less than 3 months of LBP. Of 224 eligible subjects, 138 participated and completed the initial questionnaires. Outcome measures Oswestry Disability Index, Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire; medical costs related to LBP and total medical costs incurred by participants during 1 year of follow-up. Methods Subjects were randomly assigned to receive a behavioral videotape or a control videotape. Other than the videotape, usual care was provided to each patient. Results No significant differences in any outcome measures or medical costs between the two groups at 12 months. However, baseline Vermont Disability Prediction Questionnaire was significantly lower in those who completed the entire study compared with those who did not complete the study. Conclusions Compared with a standard instructional videotape, a behavioral videotape did not change beliefs, outcomes, or costs over 1 year. Cost-effective behavioral interventions with high patient retention rates are needed, especially for those at greatest risk of high utilization of resources.
5-HT and GABA modulate intrinsic excitability of type I interneurons in Hermissenda.

The sensory neurons (photoreceptors) in the visual system of Hermissenda are one site of plasticity produced by Pavlovian conditioning. A second site of plasticity produced by conditioning is the type I interneurons in the cerebropleural ganglia. Both photoreceptors and statocyst hair cells of the graviceptive system form monosynaptic connections with identified type I interneurons. Two proposed neurotransmitters in the graviceptive system, serotonin (5-HT) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), have been shown to modify synaptic strength and intrinsic neuronal excitability in identified photoreceptors. However, the potential role of 5-HT and GABA in plasticity of type I interneurons has not been investigated. Here we show that 5-HT increased the peak amplitude of light-evoked complex excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs), enhanced intrinsic excitability, and increased spike activity of identified type Ie(A) interneurons. In contrast, 5-HT decreased spike activity and intrinsic excitability of type Ie(B) interneurons. The classification of two categories of type Ie interneurons was also supported by the observation that 5-HT produced opposite effects on whole cell steady-state outward currents in type Ie interneurons. Serotonin produced a reduction in the amplitude of light-evoked complex inhibitory PSPs (IPSPs), increased spontaneous spike activity, decreased intrinsic excitability, and depolarized the resting membrane potential of identified type Ii interneurons. In contrast to the effects of 5-HT, GABA produced inhibition in both types of Ie interneurons and type Ii interneurons. These results show that 5-HT and GABA can modulate the intrinsic excitability of type I interneurons independent of the presynaptic effects of the same transmitters on excitability and synaptic efficacy of photoreceptors.
Steady-state kinetic studies of arginase with an improved direct spectrophotometric assay.

Abstract A direct spectrophotometric assay for arginase developed by R. L. Ward and P. A. Srere (1967, Anal. Biochem. 18 , 102) is extended so that it can be used at pH 7.5 or 9.5, at higher substrate concentrations, for assaying crude sources of arginase, and for steady-state kinetic studies of the enzyme. Steady-state kinetic studies of beef and rat liver arginase are reported and compared with similar results obtained using other assay procedures. A number of problems encountered in steady-state kinetic studies of arginase are discussed.
The importance of zooplankton to the daily metabolic carbon requirements of healthy and bleached corals at two depths

article i nfo Article history: Received 22 September 2008 Accepted 23 September 2008 Bleached and non-bleached fragments of three species of Hawaiian corals were exposed to enhanced and ambient concentrations of zooplankton at 1 and 6 m depth to determine the contribution of zooplankton to the coral's daily carbon budget. The size and taxonomic grouping were recorded for every zooplankton captured and the relative input of zooplankton of different size classes was determined. The contribution of heterotrophy to animal respiration (CHAR) was calculated using an improved method that included the proportionate contribution of zooplankton from all size classes. Results show that the proportionate effects of species, depth and bleaching treatments on coral feeding rates were not significantly different between ambient and enhanced zooplankton concentrations. Corals captured the same size and assemblage of zooplankton under all evaluated conditions, and preferentially captured plankters smaller than 400 µm. Feeding rates of Porites lobata increased with depth regardless of bleaching status. Feeding rates of Porites compressa increased with depth in non-bleached corals, but not in bleached corals. Within depth, feeding rates of bleached Montipora capitata increased, P. compressa decreased and P. lobata remained unchanged relative to non-bleached fragments. Therefore, the feeding response of corals to the same disturbance may vary considerably. Calculated CHAR values show that heterotrophic carbon from zooplankton plays a much larger role in the daily carbon budget of corals than previously estimated, accounting for 46% of some coral species' daily metabolic carbon requirements when healthy and 147% when bleached. Thus, heterotrophically acquired carbon made an important contribution to the daily carbon budget of corals under all experimental conditions. These results suggest that the relative importance of autotrophic and heterotrophic carbon to a coral's energetic needs is mediated by a coral's bleaching status and environment, and should be considered on a continuum, from 100% photoautotrophy to 100% heterotrophy.
Interpreting Intended Meanings after Right Hemisphere Brain Damage: An Analysis of Evidence, Potential Accounts, and Clinical Implications

This paper considers the nature and generality of right brain-damaged patients’ difficulties with interpreting intended meanings. Evidence is summarized from the authors’ research program, which highlights (1) cognitive processing influences on the comprehension of nonliteral forms and inferences, and (2) deficiencies in a specific comprehension process, the suppression mechanism (Gernsbacher, 1990). A suppression deficit hypothesis is proposed as one predictor of patients’ characteristic discourse comprehension difficulties. Other current accounts are reviewed briefly, and their intersection with the suppression deficit hypothesis is explored. The paper also discusses methodologic factors that help to explain why the authors’ findings at times diverge from the “conventional wisdom” about patients’ deficits. Finally, clinical implications of the authors’ research are considered.
Scaled electron ionization cross sections in the Born approximation for atoms with 55< or =Z< or =102

Using the generalized oscillator-strength formulation of the Born approximation, the author calculated electron ionization cross sections for all significant subshells of every fourth atom with 58< or =Z< or =102, and for Hg. The calculations used approximate Herman-Skillman wave functions and eigenvalues. The cross sections were put in scaled form, depending essentially on ionization energy only. The scaled cross sections were used with experimental energies to calculate the cross sections for Cs, Cs/sup +/, Ba, Ba/sup +/, Au, Hg, Tl, Tl/sup +/, and Pb. The cross sections so calculated were in good agreement with the measurements. Both inner-shell ionization and excitation followed by autoionization were prominent contributors to the cross section. The scaling procedure was used to calculate the electron ionization cross section of the noble-gas metastable levels, and there is excellent agreement with measured values for Ne and A. The scaling procedure was used to calculate cross sections for the sequential ionization Ni/sup +1/--Ni/sup +14/ and Au/sup +3/--Au/sup +14/, which were compared with cross sections obtained from the semiempirical expression of Lotz. Good agreement was found for the Ni ions, but there was poor agreement for the Au ions. Lotz's expression is a factor of 3 smaller than ourmore » scaled cross section for the 4d, 4f, and 5d subshells. It is suggested that the absence of measurements on these subshells precluded correct parametrization in the semiempirical expression of Lotz.« less
Robust hyperspectral detection with algorithm fusion

Two simple methods are described for fusing the outputs of hyperspectral rare target detection algorithms to achieve more consistent results across a variety of images and objects of interest. The methods are demonstrated with atmospherically corrected (spectral reflectance) visible/near-infrared/shortwave-infrared and long-wavelength infrared hyperspectral imagery using five different detection algorithms that output generalized likelihood ratio decision statistics. Results are presented for nine test cases.
Trajectories of Religious Participation from Adolescence to Young Adulthood

Using a life course approach, this study examines trajectories of religious participation from early adolescence through young adulthood. Distinct patterns of religious participation are identified, providing insight into how trajectories are shaped by family and religious characteristics and demonstrating the influence of life events on changes in religious participation. The study employs a group-based method of trajectory analysis, identifying three trajectories of stable religious participation (nonattendance, occasional attendance, and frequent attendance) and three trajectories of change (early, late, and gradual declining attendance). Residing with two biological parents and in a religious family increases the likelihood that youth attend religious services throughout adolescence. Religious disaffiliation is associated with lower religious participation for youth in all trajectories; marriage, cohabitation, and religious switching/conversion are associated with changes in participation among youth in the frequent and occasional attendance trajectories only.
A comparison of manual and vocal response modes for the control of aircraft systems

Abstract : The objective of this study was to determine how a vocal response mode compared to a manual response mode for data entry in a fighter cockpit simulator. Specifically, both vocal and manual response modes were compared in single and dual task conditions on the basis of pilot flight performance, response time, and errors while accomplishing several communication, navigation, and weapons tasks. The results indicated that the manual response mode was more effective than the vocal response mode in terms of response time data; however, the vocal response ode was more effective in terms of flying performance data. These results pointed to a trade off strategy used by the pilots as a function of their current workload. In the dual task manual condition the pilots concentrated on the manual data entry task and flying performance suffered, whereas, in the dual task vocal condition, the pilots kept their attention on the flying task and entered data while maintaining good flight control. As a results, in future fighter aircraft both manual and vocal control should be provided to the pilot for his selection This conclusion was also supported by questionnaire results in which the pilots favored the implementation of both manual and vocal control.
Comparison of Cox Regression With Other Methods for Determining Prediction Models and Nomograms

ABSTRACTPurpose: There is controversy as to whether artificial neural networks and other machine learning methods provide predictions that are more accurate than those provided by traditional statistical models when applied to censored data.Materials and Methods: Several machine learning prediction methods are compared with Cox proportional hazards regression using 3 large urological datasets. As a measure of predictive ability, discrimination that is similar to an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve is computed for each.Results: In all 3 datasets Cox regression provided comparable or superior predictions compared with neural networks and other machine learning techniques. In general, this finding is consistent with the literature.Conclusions: Although theoretically attractive, artificial neural networks and other machine learning techniques do not often provide an improvement in predictive accuracy over Cox regression.
Metamorphic constraints on the character and displacement of the South Tibetan fault system, central Bhutanese Himalaya

The South Tibetan fault system, a family of primarily extensional faults that separates the metamorphic core of the Himalaya (expressed as the Greater Himalayan sequence) from overlying, predominantly unmetamorphosed Tibetan sedimentary sequence units, has been mapped for over 2000 km coincident with the Himalayan range crest. In most areas, the immediate hanging wall of the South Tibetan fault system sole detachment consists of predominantly carbonate rocks of Lower Paleozoic age. However, in the Bhutan sector of the eastern Himalaya (∼89°E–92°E), the hanging wall of the sole structure is instead frequently mapped at the base of a metamorphosed, predominantly siliciclastic succession (the Chekha Formation), and the base of the overlying predominantly carbonate rocks (Pele La and Tang Chu Groups) is mapped as a less significant splay of the South Tibetan fault system. Unfortunately, poor exposures throughout central Bhutan make mapping and structural interpretation of these important contacts difficult, resulting in many disparities among geologic maps made by different research groups. The South Tibetan fault system in other parts of the Himalaya accommodates a significant metamorphic discontinuity that should also be apparent in Bhutan. Therefore, as an alternative approach, we have used the Raman spectroscopy on carbonaceous material (RSCM) thermometer to evaluate the evidence for a metamorphic discontinuity across both putative South Tibetan fault system structures. RSCM thermometric data from 17 samples across three purported South Tibetan fault system klippen in central Bhutan (the Dang Chu, Ura, and Zhemgang klippen) suggest that the contact between the Chekha Formation and the underlying Greater Himalayan sequence is not a fault with large postmetamorphic displacement. We find no resolvable change in peak metamorphic temperature across the contact (∼560 °C in both the Chekha and Greater Himalayan sequence), but we see a 130–140 °C drop in paleotemperature across the higher contact between the Chekha Formation and overlying Pele La and Tang Chu Groups. This change coincides with a major change in structural style, from high-strain, leucogranite-bearing rocks below to large-scale recumbently folded marbles above. Together, the changes in deformational character and metamorphic grade suggest that the principal South Tibetan fault system detachment in Bhutan is the structural boundary between the Chekha Formation and the predominantly carbonate rocks above. The presence of a South Tibetan fault system detachment ∼80 km south of the main South Tibetan fault system fault trace at the crest of the Himalaya, with no match between correlative footwall and hanging-wall units along the direction of fault motion, implies large displacements on the South Tibetan fault system in the eastern Himalaya.
The Management of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction Presenting with Prenatal Hydronephrosis

The treatment of the newborn diagnosed with a ureteropelvic obstruction prenatally should follow a systematic approach. Although a majority of patients can be followed without surgical intervention, controversy exists concerning appropriate follow-up. Furthermore, a significant number of patients will manifest mild disease and thus deserve abbreviated follow-up. Herein, an appropriate algorithm and a review of the literature are discussed.
Challenges for computational structure–activity modelling for predicting chemical toxicity: future improvements?

Introduction: Structure–activity modelling for predicting toxicology as a discipline is now 50 years old, and great strides have been taken in developing methods for the physicochemical analysis of...
Borrelia burgdorferi arthritis associated locus Bbaa1 regulates Lyme arthritis and K/B×N serum transfer arthritis through intrinsic control of Type I IFN production

Localized upregulation of type I IFN was previously implicated in development of Borrelia burgdorferi-induced arthritis in C3H mice, and was remarkable due to its absence in the mildly arthritic C57BL/6 (B6) mice. Independently, forward genetics analysis identified a quantitative trait locus on Chr4, termed B. burgdorferi-associated locus 1 (Bbaa1), that regulates Lyme arthritis severity and includes the 15 type I IFN genes. Involvement of Bbaa1 in arthritis development was confirmed in B6 mice congenic for the C3H allele of Bbaa1 (B6.C3-Bbaa1), which developed more severe Lyme arthritis and K/B×N model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than did parental B6 mice. Administration of a type I IFN receptor blocking mAb reduced the severity of both Lyme arthritis and RA in B6.C3-Bbaa1 mice, formally linking genetic elements within Bbaa1 to pathological production of type I IFN. Bone marrow-derived macrophages from Bbaa1 congenic mice implicated this locus as a regulator of type I IFN induction and downstream target gene expression. Bbaa1-mediated regulation of IFN-inducible genes was upstream of IFN receptor-dependent amplification; however, the overall magnitude of the response was dependent on autocrine/paracrine responses to IFN-β. In addition, the Bbaa1 locus modulated the functional phenotype ascribed to bone marrow-derived macrophages: the B6 allele promoted expression of M2 markers, whereas the C3H allele promoted induction of M1 responses. This report identifies a genetic locus physically and functionally linked to type I IFN that contributes to the pathogenesis of both Lyme and RA.
Learning Fast Approximations of Sparse Coding

In Sparse Coding (SC), input vectors are reconstructed using a sparse linear combination of basis vectors. SC has become a popular method for extracting features from data. For a given input, SC minimizes a quadratic reconstruction error with an L1 penalty term on the code. The process is often too slow for applications such as real-time pattern recognition. We proposed two versions of a very fast algorithm that produces approximate estimates of the sparse code that can be used to compute good visual features, or to initialize exact iterative algorithms. The main idea is to train a non-linear, feed-forward predictor with a specific architecture and a fixed depth to produce the best possible approximation of the sparse code. A version of the method, which can be seen as a trainable version of Li and Osher's coordinate descent method, is shown to produce approximate solutions with 10 times less computation than Li and Os-her's for the same approximation error. Unlike previous proposals for sparse code predictors, the system allows a kind of approximate "explaining away" to take place during inference. The resulting predictor is differentiable and can be included into globally-trained recognition systems.
Glycated human serum albumin induces IL-8 and MCP-1 gene expression in human corneal keratocytes.

PURPOSE. The glycated human serum albumin (GHSA) has been demonstrated as effective chemokine inducer in human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells. Since little is known concerning endogenous chemokines induced by GHSA in corneal keratocytes, we investigated IL-8 and MCP-1 gene expression in human corneal keratocytes (HCK) as compared to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), a model for vascular endothelial cells, after stimulation by GHSA. METHODS. The HCK and HUVEC were incubated with GHSA, IL-1s and TNF-a. Secretion of IL-8 and MCP-1 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The total RNA was extracted from the corresponding cells and the mRNA levels were detected by Northern blot analysis. RESULTS. GHSA at 500 mg/ml concentration induced a significant increase in keratocyte IL-8 and MCP-1 protein secretion over the 24 h time course. The corresponding IL-8 mRNA levels reached a peak by 4 hr, while the MCP-1 mRNA increased steadily over this time period. The concentratio...
Mechanism of hydrocarbon fuel desulfurization using Ag/TiO2–Al2O3 adsorbent

Silver supported on mixed oxides shows promises as an advanced organosulfur adsorbent with deep desulfurizing ability and scalability to be fitted into on-board fuel cell systems. However, its application into a workable technology requires thorough understanding of the organosulfur adsorption mechanism. This paper presents the performance, characterization, and desulfurization mechanism of Ag/TiO2–Al2O3 (10 wt.% Ag, Ti/Al = 1:4.4) adsorbent for applications in pre-reformate cleaning of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The adsorbent demonstrated effective organosulfur adsorption capacities at ambient conditions (13.06 mg S/g adsorbent for model hydrocarbon fuel containing benzothiophene). This was achieved through greater TiO2 (< 4 nm, from X-ray diffraction) and Ag dispersions (~ 23% for 10 wt.% Ag, from O2 chemisorption). Anatase-TiO2 dispersion on Al2O3 provided increased adsorbent activity (3.27 eV band gap, from UV–vis spectroscopy), higher surface acidity (~ 14 cm3/g NH3 uptake at P = 800 mm Hg, from NH3 adsorption), and exerted in more defect sites (α-Lewis acid sites) for Ag incorporation. TiO2–Al2O3 provided both strong and weak Bronsted sites (from infrared studies using ammonia, 2,6-lutidine, trimethyl chlorosilane, and thiophene as probe molecules). Organosulfur adsorption on Ag/TiO2–Al2O3 adsorbent was primarily attributed to surface hydroxyls (via hydrogen/σ bonding) and surface bound silver oxides (via π bonding).
Immunized neural networks for complex system identification

The possibility of using artificial neural networks along with concepts from the field of immunology in the modeling of complex dynamic systems is addressed. Biological immune systems can be thought of as very robust systems, capable of dealing with an enormous variety of disturbances. They use a finite number of discrete building blocks to achieve this robustness. A technique which attempts to reproduce the robustness of a biological immune system in an artificial neural network is outlined.
Miniature Cattle: For Real, for Pets, for Production

Miniature cattle—the mere mention in conversation has elicited various reactions. Most common have been smiles, chuckles, outright laughter, or the query, “Are you serious?” Upon completely serious...
Mathematical lyrics: noteworthy endeavours in education

Mathematical lyrics are song lyrics connected to, or inspired by, mathematics or statistics. This paper explores various types of mathematical lyrics and their roles in mathematics education. In pa...
Centromeric Histone H3 Is Essential for Vegetative Cell Division and for DNA Elimination during Conjugation in Tetrahymena thermophila

The Tetrahymena thermophila CNA1 gene encodes the centromeric H3, Cna1p. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged Cna1p localizes in micronuclei in dots whose number and behavior during mitosis and conjugation are consistent with centromeres. During interphase, Cna1p-GFP localizes in peripheral dots, suggesting centromeres are associated with the nuclear envelope. Newly synthesized Cna1p-GFP enters micronuclei in mitosis and accumulates in the nucleoplasm. Its deposition at centromeres starts at early S phase and continues through most of S phase. CNA1 is required for vegetative cell growth. Knockdown of CNA1 genes in the somatic macronucleus results in micronuclear DNA loss and delayed chromosome segregation during mitosis. During conjugation, Cna1p-GFP disappears from the centromeres in the developing macronucleus, consistent with centromeric sequences being internal eliminated sequences. Surprisingly, zygotic CNA1 is required for efficient elimination of germ line-specific sequences during development of the new macronuclei but not for the RNA interference pathway, through which sequences are targeted for elimination. Zygotically expressed Cna1p localizes in the spherical structures in which the later stages of DNA elimination occur, and these structures cannot be formed in the absence of zygotic CNA1, suggesting that, in addition to functioning in centromeres, Cna1p may also play a role in organizing the formation of the DNA elimination structures.
Topology transparent scheduling, synchronization, and maximum delay

Summary form only given. Topology transparent scheduling for medium access control is an attractive technique for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) and sensor networks. The transmission schedule for each node is fixed and guarantees a bounded delay independent of which nodes are its neighbours, as long as the network is not too dense. Constructions of and performance criteria for topology transparent schedules have been extensively studied however, to date, frame synchronization is assumed. Synchronization is a difficult problem for MANETs and sensor networks. We study the relationships among topology transparent schedules, synchronization, and maximum delay. Frame synchronization, slot synchronization, and asynchronous transmission are the three synchronization models for this study. For each synchronization model, the first question is: (1) Do topology transparent schedules exist? If the answer to this question is yes, then two further questions are natural: (2) How to construct topology transparent schedules? (3) What is the least maximum delay? For frame and slot synchronization these three questions are answered in earlier work. We give answers for these three basic questions for asynchronous networks.
Reputation Selling in Feeder Cattle Teleauctions

Recent research to identify significant factors that influence feeder cattle prices has focused on cattle and market characteristics. The research reported here used data from Georgia teleauctions during the 1977 to 1988 period to determine the possible impact of seller's reputation on price. Both significant premium and discount sellers were identified for two of the three teleauction organizers. The teleauction organization that transferred the least amount of information about the cattle had the greatest number of reputation sellers while the organization with the most information about sellers' cattle given to buyers registered no significant seller reputations. Reputations can help buyers estimate quality in the absence of complete information.
Two-body Ds+ decays to , , , , and +

We have made measurements of several {ital D}{sub {ital s}} branching ratios, relative to the {phi}{pi}{sup +} mode. We have observed two previously unseen two-body hadronic decays of the {ital D}{sub {ital s}}{sup +}, namely {eta}{rho}{sup +} and {eta}{prime}{rho}{sup +}, and measured relative branching ratios of 2.86{plus minus}0.38{sub {minus}0.38}{sup +0.36} and 3.44{plus minus}0.62{sub {minus}0.46}{sup +0.44}, respectively. We have determined the relative branching ratio for the decay into {phi}{rho}{sup +} to be 1.86{plus minus}0.26{sub {minus}0.40}{sup +0.29}. In addition, we have measured relative branching ratios for the {eta}{pi}{sup +} and {eta}{prime}{pi}{sup +} states, for which there had previously been conflicting measurements; our results are 0.54{plus minus}0.09{plus minus}0.06 and 1.20{plus minus}0.15{plus minus}0.11, respectively. Combining these new measurements with previous results and using (3.7{plus minus}1.2)% for the value of {ital scrB}({ital D}{sub {ital s}}{r arrow}{phi}{pi}{sup +}), we can account for {approx}(79{plus minus}26)% of all {ital D}{sub {ital s}}{sup +} decays. In addition we have also measured relative branching ratios or set upper limits on {ital D}{sup +} decays to all of the above-mentioned final states.
High-latitude ionospheric electric field variability and electric potential derived from DE-2 plasma drift measurements: Dependence on IMF and dipole tilt

[1] In this study the characteristics of electric field variability are investigated by using the sample standard deviations estimated from plasma drift measurements obtained during the Dynamics Explorer 2 (DE-2) mission. The spatial distribution of the standard deviation over the area poleward of 45° magnetic latitude and its climatological behavior with respect to the magnitude and orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and the dipole tilt angle (season) are examined. In comparison with past studies based on ground-based measurements and with results from a data assimilation model, this study quantifies the electric field variability with more complete spatial coverage and with more extensive climatological information and therefore is of importance to the problem of the global Joule heating estimation in thermospheric general circulation modeling. In general, the magnitude of the standard deviation exceeds the strength of the mean electric field in most of the polar area, especially under northward IMF conditions. In contrast to the climatological electric field, whose magnitude tends to be most intense in the polar cap, the standard deviation generally intensifies in the vicinity of the convection reversal and the cusp. Under most IMF clock angles the area of the largest electric field variability lies near the cusp; under the southward BZ condition the area extends toward the potential maximum on the dawn side and toward the region of strong sunward convection in the afternoon, while under the positive BY condition the area extends poleward of the potential maximum on the dawn side. The analysis reveals that electric field variability varies with magnetic latitude, magnetic local time, IMF, and season in a manner distinct from that of the climatological electric field. This indicates that empirical models and data assimilation models designed to reproduce the average electric potential or the average electric fields correctly are not necessarily well-suited to represent the squared electric fields or the electric field variability correctly.