cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Survival Functions under Uniform Stochastic Ordering

Abstract If S and T are survival functions for two life distributions, then S is said to be uniformly stochastically smaller than T, denoted by S ≪ T, if θ(x) ≡ S(x)/T(x) is nonincreasing in x on {x: T(x) > 0}. This ordering is transitive. Uniform stochastic ordering (USO) has found important applications in nonparametric accelerated life testing, among other areas. It has been shown that the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator (NPMLE) of S under USO when T is known is inconsistent. Dykstra, Kochar Robertson derived the restricted NPMLE's of several unknown survival functions linearly ordered by USO. This article shows that these too are inconsistent in general. Rojo and Samaniego gave excellent ad hoc estimators of S and T when the other is known. Based on their idea for the one-sample problem, they gave two ad hoc estimators (one of them only implied) of S and T when they are both unknown. These are consistent, but they lack some desirable properties. This article introduces a one-parameter famil...
Perspective Analysis for Online Debates

Internet and social media devices created a new public space for online debate on political and social topics. A debate is defined as a formal discussion on a set of related topics in a public meeting, in which opposing perspectives and arguments are put forward. In this paper, we develop automated perspective discovery techniques which would contribute to the understanding of features (i.e. social, political, cultural, religious beliefs, goals, and practices) shared by each side of the debate. Secondly, we show that, compared to a semi-automated process, our perspective discovery algorithms not only identify larger number of relevant features, but they also yield a higher accuracy scaling of moderate to extreme organizations on both sides of a debate.
Involvement of p38 and p42/44 MAP kinases and protein kinase C in the interferon-γ and interleukin-1α-induced phosphorylation of 85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A2 in primary human bronchial epithelial cells

Abstract Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) play an important role in the modulation of acute and chronic airway inflammation. Both IFN-γ and IL-1 are known to increase the release of arachidonic acid (AA) from airway epithelial cells, suggesting that AA metabolites may mediate the cytokine-induced inflammation. This study was designed to examine the direct effect of IFN-γ and IL-α on the phosphorylation of 85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A 2 (cPLA 2 ) and AA release in primary normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells. Treatment with IFN-γ and IL-1α for 15 min induced a rapid increase of AA release from NHBE cells, which was blocked by the cPLA 2 inhibitor MAFP ( p 2 inhibitor LY311727 or iPLA 2 inhibitor HELSS. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis showed that both IFN-γ and IL-1α induced a rapid phosphorylation of cPLA 2 . The IFN-γ and IL-1α-induced cPLA 2 phosphorylation and AA release in the NHBE cells were inhibited by the p38 MAP kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB203580, p42/44 MAPK inhibitor PD98059 and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I. These results demonstrate the involvement of p38 and p42/44 MAPKs as well as PKC in the IFN-γ and IL-1α-induced cPLA 2 phosphorylation and AA release in human airway epithelial cells.
Self-Reported Efficacy of Cannabis and Other Complementary Medicine Modalities by Parkinson's Disease Patients in Colorado

Introduction. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used by Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. We sought to provide information on CAM use and efficacy in PD patients in the Denver metro area with particular attention to cannabis use given its recent change in legal status. Methods. Self-administered surveys on CAM use and efficacy were completed by PD patients identified in clinics and support groups across the Denver metro area between 2012 and 2013. Results. 207 patients (age 69 ± 11; 60% male) completed the survey. Responses to individual CAM therapy items showed that 85% of respondents used at least one form of CAM. The most frequently reported CAMs were vitamins (66%), prayer (59%), massage (45%), and relaxation (32%). Self-reported improvement related to the use of CAM was highest for massage, art therapy, music therapy, and cannabis. While only 4.3% of our survey responders reported use of cannabis, it ranked among the most effective CAM therapies. Conclusions. Overall, our cross-sectional study was notable for a high rate of CAM utilization amongst PD patients and high rates of self-reported efficacy across most CAM modalities. Cannabis was rarely used in our population but users reported high efficacy, mainly for nonmotor symptoms.
Autocrine Transforming Growth Factor β1 Modulates the Expression of Integrin α5β1 in Human Colon Carcinoma FET Cells

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) has been extensively studied as an exogenous agent that stimulates the expression of extracellular matrix proteins and their cell-surface integrin receptors in a variety of cell types. However, the recent demonstration of autocrine TGF-beta growth effects in a number of cell types suggests that the steady-state expression of extracellular matrix and integrin proteins and their biological activity may also be under autocrine TGF-beta control. Previously, we reported that repression of autocrine TGF-beta 1 activity by constitutive expression of a full-length TGF-beta 1 antisense cDNA led to abrogation of autocrine negative TGF-beta and, as a result, increased tumorigenicity and anchorage-independent growth of a poorly tumorigenic, well-differentiated colon carcinoma cell line designated FET (Wu, S., Theodorescu, D., Kerbel, R. S., Willson, J. K. V., Mulder, K. M., Humphrey, L. E., and Brattain, M. G. (1992) J. Cell Biol. 116, 187-196). Consequently, we have used this model system to study the effects of repression of autocrine TGF-beta 1 activity on the expression of integrin alpha 5 beta 1 and integrin alpha 5 beta 1-mediated cell adhesion to fibronectin. The expression of the integrin alpha 5 subunit was reduced in TGF-beta 1 antisense transfected FET cells at both mRNA and protein levels as determined by RNase protection assays and immunoprecipitation, respectively. Autocrine TGF-beta 1 had no effect on the transcription of integrin alpha 5 and beta 1 subunits, indicating that autocrine TGF-beta 1 may regulate integrin alpha 5 beta 1 expression at the post-transcriptional level. The diminished expression of integrin alpha 5 beta 1 on the cell surface led to the reduced adhesion of TGF-beta 1 antisense transfected cells to fibronectin. This phenomenon could be reversed by treatment with exogenous TGF-beta 1.
Practice changes associated with the Department of Veterans Affairs' Family Care Collaborative

BACKGROUND The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides rehabilitation for veterans with moderate to severe war injuries through four regional Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers (PRCs). To standardize and improve care provided to these veterans′ family members, health services researchers partnered with program leaders and rehabilitation specialists to implement a family care quality improvement collaborative.
The Intention and Reflection Model of Self-Disclosure: Social Work Education for Student Identity Management in Gay Men.

Little research exists on how self-disclosure is taught in social work education (Pianko, 2001). Few social work education programs include precontemplative components of exploring identity for gay male students. In this study, the data from 4 focus groups of gay male therapists, who discussed their self-disclosure, decision-making processes, were coded and analyzed. Data analysis revealed 3 topical areas: identity creation, preparatory identity management, and relational identity management. This article describes the intention and reflection model (IRM) of identity management in gay men as it relates to precontemplative identity of gay male students in social work education. The author also recommends potential research for IRM application to additional sociocultural populations.
Reinforced Brownian Motion: A Prototype

We analyze the Brownian Motion limit of a prototypical unit step reinforced random-walk on the half-line. A reinfoced random walk is one which changes the weight of any edge (or vertex) visited to increase the frequency of return visits. The generating function for the discrete case is first derived for the joint probability distribution of \(S_N\) (the location of the walker at the \(N^{th}\) step) and \(A_N\), the maximum location the walker achieved in \(N\) steps. Then the bulk of the analysis concerns the statistics of the limiting Brownian walker, and of its “environment”, both parametrized by the amplitude \(\delta \) of the reinforcement. The walker marginal distribution can be interpreted as that of free diffusion with a source serving as a diffusing soft confinement, details depending very much on the value of \(-1< \delta < \infty \).
Market Dynamics, Programmed Traders and Futures Markets: Beginning the Laboratory Search for a Smoking Gun

Recent events have caused a re-examination of the role of programmed traders and futures markets in generating destabilizing price movements. Laboratory experiments provide an ideal environment to isolate their effects on behaviour. In a new series of experiments we find that program traders and futures markets can be crucial for ensuring the informational efficiency of the spot market, even when the former are active participants in bubbles and crashes
Agrobacterium. A Memoir

This little memoir is not a review; the reader is directed to current authoritative Agrobacterium reviews with genetic (23) or cell biology emphasis (24). Likewise, this is not an update on recent advances in plant genetic engineering, which are the subject of a recent book (13). Rather, I invite
The Abilities of Retarded Students: Further Evidence Concerning the Stimulus Trace Factor.

A Wherry-Wherry hierarchical factor solution was obtained on the correlations among 11 WISC-R subtests for a sample of 79 mentally retarded boys and girls. The findings were not only congruent with Vernon's ability paradigm but also suggest that the ability structure for retardates may well be more complex than the structure for normals. The ability hierarchy for the present sample included a general (g) factor defined by positive loadings from all 11 subtests and factors corresponding to the verbal-educational (v:ed) and spatial-perceptual (k:m) parameters. In addition, a stimulus trace (ST) factor corresponding to the ability dimension described by Baumeister and Bartlett was obtained.
Ultrastructural characterization of synaptic terminals formed on newly generated neurons in a song control nucleus of the adult canary forebrain

The fine structure of synaptic terminals contacting neurons generated in the forebrain of adult male canaries was investigated by autoradiography and electron microscopy. The procedure for labeling the new neurons included pretreating adult canaries with 3H-thymidine and sacrificing them 23–45 days later. Neurons were identified as newly generated by the presence of 3H-thymidine in the cell nucleus. The new neurons in the nucleus hyperstriatum ventralis, pars caudalis (HVc) were identified by autoradiography and light microscopy and examined with electron microscopy. Several types of synaptic terminals contacted the cell body and proximal dendrites of the newly formed neurons. Synaptic junctions were formed by terminals that contained (1) spherical, agranular vesicles, (2) large densecore vesicles and spherical, agranular vesicles, and (3) pleomorphic or flattened synaptic vesicles. Terminals that contained spherical vesicles were most often associated with asymmetric synaptic densities, and terminals that contained pleomorphic or flattened vesicles formed symmetric junctions. New neurons were also contacted by small terminals that contained few vesicles and had little pre- or postsynaptic density associated with the junction; these terminals may be a special type or may be in the process of developing their synaptic contact with the new neuron. In addition, rare terminals that appeared to be degenerating or to contain debris from other degenerating neural elements contacted new neurons. In summary, these data indicate that the new neurons, which are known to be inserted into existing neural networks, receive synaptic input from at least three different sources.
Mobile-Phase Optimization in Gradient-Elution HPLC for the Separation of the Phenylthiohydantoin-Amino Acid

Pour optimiser les parametres phase stationnaire, phase mobile on utilise un algorithme du type methode ORM
Rumination in sheep: Effects of morphine, deslanoside and ablation of area postrema

Abstract Continuous long-term recording of masticatory movements was obtained in four sheep housed in individual stalls. Total rumination time occupied about 33 per cent, and feeding activity an additional 25 per cent of the whole day. Intravenous injection of morphine sulfate, 1.0 mg/kg, did not produce a significant alteration in feeding or rumination behavior. By contrast, intracerebroventricular administration of morphine, 0.4 to 2.0 mg total, elicited compulsive and uninterrupted chewing activity for up to 15 hr. Apomorphine produced an effect similar to that of morphine, but of short duration. Intravenous injection of deslanoside, 0.04–0.08 mg/kg, resulted in complete inhibition of rumination for as long as 18 hr with little or no reduction in feeding activity. Forestomach (reticular) movements were also inhibited by the deslanoside. Vomiting was not elicited by any form of drug treatment. Chronic ablation of area postrema in the lower brain stem did not notably influence the character of spontaneous feeding and rumination behavior; it did not modify the compulsive chewing response to morphine; it abolished the inhibition of rumination as well as of reticular movements caused by deslanoside.
Effects of glucose on multiple-unit activity of the hypothalamus in female rats.

Abstract Multi-unit activity was recorded from diencephalic and nondiencephalic sites in female rats. Increased, decreased, or unchanged levels of activity were equally probable responses to injections of 30% glucose at all recording sites, so that it was not possible to define a locus within the diencephalon of the female rat which responded to glucose in a consistent and specifiable manner. Lesions of the medial hypothalamus did not consistently eliminate the lateral hypothalamic response to glucose. The results are discussed in terms of the glucostatic control of feeding behavior in the rat and in terms of possible species differences between rats and cats.
SU‐E‐T‐270: A “Rolling Average” Adaptive Planning Technique to Compensate Target Volume Changes in Prostate Cancer Radiotherapy

Purpose: In external beam radiotherapy of prostate cancer, the inter‐fractional motion can have several forms: changes in position, shape and volume. The changes in position can be corrected by online image guidance, while the shape and volume changes are typically handled through the patient‐population based margins in treatment planning. In this study, we propose a rolling‐average (RA) adaptive replanning method to account for the volume variation of the target. The effectiveness of RA is evaluated by comparing with the standard online image guidance (IG) only strategy and a single replanning hybrid strategy. Methods: Twenty‐eight (28) patients with at least 16 helical CT scans each were included. Treatment of both low‐risk patient (LRP, CTV=prostate) and intermediate‐risk patient (IRP, CTV=prostate+seminal vesicles) were simulated. A new cumulative index of target volume, CITV, was proposed for the comparison of RA and other strategies. Two hypothetical scenarios: Type Ascending and Descending, simulated by sorting the CTV volumes of actual patient data, were also included in the investigation for a better evaluation of the techniques. Results: Modest target volume shrinkages were observed in our patient group. The CITV comparison demonstrates that the RA is superior to the online IG and hybrid techniques. For LRP, RA is beneficial if there is significant time trend in target volume. The optimal number of fractions necessary for the internal target volume construction is 2 for LRP and 3 for IRP. Conclusions: The RA is effective in compensating the target volume changes during the treatment course. However, the magnitude of improvement depends on how significantly and rapidly the changes in the patient population. The RA requires multiple replanning and is significantly more complex than the online only and hybrid strategies. Effectiveness and efficiency should be balanced in the implementation of RA.
Proton transfers in hydrogen bonded systems. Electron correlation effects in (H3NHOH2)

Abstract The energetics of proton transfer between the N and O atoms of (H3NHOH2)+ are calculated via ab initio molecular orbital methods. A single-well potential is obtained at the equilibrium intermolecular separation Inclusion of electron correlation via the POL CI technique produces a less steep potential, reducing the energy barrier to proton transfer at greater NO distances.
Danazol therapy combined with intermittent application of chemotherapy induces lasting remission in myeloproliferative disorder (MPD): an alternative for the elderly with advanced MPD

There is no good alternative therapy available for elderly patients with advanced myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) who failed on conventional therapies and are not candidates for bone marrow transplant. We report here an effective therapy that induced exceptionally long‐lasting remissions and improved quality of life. Eighteen elderly patients (mean age: 70·6 years) (16 myelofibrosis and 2 thrombocythemia) who had failed on conventional therapies were treated. Danazol was administered daily at 200–800 mg throughout the study. Chemotherapy was applied intermittently as needed to reduce spleen size and blood counts. Busulfan (2–4 mg/day) was used most often and 6‐mercaptopurine (6‐MP) (50–100 mg/day) and/or cytarabine (100–200 mg/m2) if the white blood cell (WBC) count rose rapidly. When MPD stabilized, chemotherapy was discontinued and dosage of danazol was reduced. Therapy was well tolerated. Overall, 61% of patients responded with unexpectedly long‐lasting remissions and improved quality of life. Three...
Unconventional wind machine

It is the purpose of this paper to introduce an unconventional wind machine which has economics comparable with nuclear power and is already available in the public market place. Specifically, up to about 17 MWE could be saved for other uses such as sale in most 1000 MWE plants of any type - nuclear, oil, gas, peat, or wood - which use conventional electrically driven fans in their cooling towers. 10 refs.
Graphic sequences with unique realization

Abstract A realization of an integer sequence means a graph which has this sequence as its degree sequence. This paper gives some characterizations of the sequences with unique labeled realization and also provides an effcient algorithm for testing if a sequence has a unique unlabeled realization.
A Markov Decision Process to Dynamically Match Hospital Inpatient Staffing to Demand

Appropriate inpatient staffing levels minimize hospital cost and increase patient safety. Hospital inpatient units dynamically adjust premium staffing (above base staffing) levels by attempting to match their daily demand. Historically, inpatient managers subjectively adjust daily staffing from observing the morning inpatient inventory. Inpatient units strive to match staff with demand in a complex patient throughput environment where service rates and non-stationary profiles are not explicitly known. Related queue control and throughput modeling literature do not directly match staffing with demand, require explicit service process knowledge, and are not formulated for an inpatient unit. This paper presents a Markov decision process (MDP) for dynamic inpatient staffing. The MDP explicitly attempts to match staffing with demand, has a statistical discrete time Markov chain foundation that estimates the service process, predicts transient inventory, and is formulated for an inpatient unit. Lastly, the MDP ...
Alkylation of cysteine-containing peptides to mimic palmitoylation.

: Numerous proteins that are involved in cell signaling and viral replication require post-translational modification by palmitoylation to function properly. The molecular details by which this palmitoyl modification affects protein function remain poorly understood. To facilitate in vitro biochemical and structural studies of the role of palmitoylation on protein function, a method was developed for alkylating peptides with saturated C16 groups at cysteine residues and demonstrated using peptides derived from the palmitoylated region of Sindbis virus E2 glycoprotein. The synthetic approach takes advantage of disulfide chemistry to specifically modify only the cysteine residues within peptides and covalently links C16 groups via disulfide bridges using a new thioalkylating reagent, hexyldexyl-dithiopyridine. The chemistry presented here takes place in solution under mild conditions without the need for protection of the peptide functional groups. A method for purifying these modified peptides is also described. This protocol can be of general use to investigators studying the role of palmitoylation in biological systems.
Saturated, n−6, or n−3 fatty acids and cholesterol supplementation: differential effects on liver and heart lipid composition

Abstract We have investigated the effect of a high saturated-fat diet (butter fat), a high n−6 polyunsaturated-fat diet (corn oil), and a high n−3 polyunsaturated-fat diet (menhaden fish oil) with or without additional cholesterol on the membrane lipid composition of rat heart and liver. Liver plasma membranes and heart crude membranes from animals fed the corn oil diet demonstrated increased total n−6 fatty acids, while tissues from animals fed the menhaden fish oil diet had increased total n−3 fatty acids. This effect was independent of cholesterol addition to the diet. However, in the liver plasma membrane, dietary cholesterol significantly increased C18: 1n−9 in corn oil and butter fat-fed animals. Liver plasma membranes of cholesterol-supplemented, corn oil- or butter fat-fed animals also demonstrated a decreased ratio of C20:4n−6/C18:2n−6. Heart membranes demonstrated no changes in C18:1n−9, C18:2n−6, or C20:4n−6 due to cholesterol supplementation.
Confinement And Control Of Oil Pollution On Water With Monomolecular Surface Films

Abstract Under favorable conditions monomolecular surface films can be used to guide, confine and condense petroleum spills on water. Composed of water-insoluable, non-toxic organic material, these films spread rapidly and spontaneously into a one-molecule-thick layer. Consequently, small quantities of piston-film material will clear thin oil layers from large areas of a water surface. The effects of wind, the chemical character of the pollution and its thickness upon the usefulness of the piston film will be discussed. In addition to clearing water surfaces of oil, one of the most useful applications may be the ability of the surface film to confine and condense a small oil spill into layers as thick as one centimeter. Since the petroleum is thickened and compressed into a much reduced surface area, the efficiency of oil retrieval techniques would be enhanced.
Conformational studies of poly(L‐tyrosine). A helix–coil transition in dimethyl sulfoxide–dichloroacetic acid mixtures

Poly(L-tyrosine) is a random coil in dimethyl sulfoxide. Upon addition of dichloroacetic acid, poly(L-tyrosine) undergoes a conformational transition centered at about 10% dichloroacetic acid. The transition is nearly complete at 20% dichloroacetic acid. Further addition of dichloroacetic acid leads to precipitation of poly(L-tyrosine). We have characterized this transition by optical rotation, viscosity, circular dichroism, and infrared. The optical rotation at 350 nm and the intrinsic viscosity increase sharply to values that are consistent with a transition to the α-helix conformation. The circular dichroism of poly(L-tyrosine) in dimethyl sulfoxide and in dimethyl sulfoxide/dichloroacetic acid (80:20 v/v) agrees with previous reports for random-coil and α-helix conformations, respectively. The infrared spectrum of poly(L-tyrosine) in dimethyl sulfoxide/dichloroacetic acid (80:20 v/v) shows no evidence of β-structure. We conclude that the transition on going from dimethyl sulfoxide to 20% dichloroacetic acid in dimethyl sulfoxide is a coil α-helix transition. The amide-I band of poly(L-tyrosine) in dimethyl sulfoxide/dichloroacetic acid (80:20) is found to be at 1662 cm−1. It has been suggested that this high frequency may be indicative of a left-handed α-helix. However, this high amide-I frequency is consistent with conformational energy calculations of Scheraga and co-workers. The mechanism of the dichloroacetic acid-induced transition to an α-helix is discussed. Dichloroacetic acid and dimethyl sulfoxide interact strongly and the transition presumably involves a marked decrease in the ability of dimethyl sulfoxide to solvate the peptide backbone and aromatic side chains upon complex formation with dichloroacetic acid.
Summing soft emission in QCD

Abstract We analyze multiple soft gluon emission in QCD. Leading and next-to-leading contributions to the effective quark form factor are resummed in impact parameter space at two-loop level. The cross section for e+e− → a + b + X is also given.
Moving toward the petroclival region: a model for quantitative and anatomical analysis of tumor shift

Object The authors quantitatively assessed the effects of balloon inflation as a model of tumor compression on the brainstem, cranial nerves, and clivus by measuring the working area, angle of attack, and brain shift associated with the retrosigmoid approach. Methods Six silicone-injected cadaveric heads were dissected bilaterally via the retrosigmoid approach. Quantitative data were generated, including key anatomical points on the skull base and brainstem. All parameters were measured before and after inflation of a balloon catheter (inflation volume 4.8 ml, diameter 20 mm) intended to mimic tumor compression. Results Balloon inflation significantly shifted (p < 0.001) the brainstem and cranial nerve foramina (mean [± standard deviation] displacement of upper brainstem, 10.2 ± 3.7 mm; trigeminal nerve exit, 6.99 ± 2.38 mm; facial nerve exit, 9.52 ± 4.13 mm; and lower brainstem, 13.63 ± 8.45 mm). The area of exposure at the petroclivus was significantly greater with balloon inflation than without (change...
The NASREM robot control system standard

Abstract The problem of robot control is approached from a systems standpoint where a complete control system must include all of the aspects involved in moving a robot, not just the algorithms in the classic controls literature. The NASA/NBS Standard Reference Model for Telerobot Control System Architecture (NASREM) provides the framework for a complete manipulator control system. It is composed of three hierarchies: task decomposition, world modeling, and sensory processing. The task decomposition hierarchy divides the task into smaller substasks. In order to achieve the desired decomposition, the task decomposition hierarchy must often access information stored in the world modeling hierarchy, which contains a workspace representation, object descriptions, robot models, etc. The sensory processing hierarchu constantly fills the world model with processed sensor information. The NASREM functional architecture was developed for NASA's Flight Telerobotic Servicer, a two-armed robot which will build and maintain the Space Station. However, the control concepts proposed by the NASREM functional architecture immediately transfer to other applications such as in manufacturing, autonomous vehicles, etc.
Factors Associated with Illegal Drug Use in Rural Georgia

Data assessing the extent of illegal drug use were collected in the spring of 1981 from 2,060 junior and senior high school students living in a rural county in southern Georgia. The sample consists of 83.2 percent of all students in grades 8 through 12 in the county. Only students absent from the public schools at the time the questionnaires were administered were excluded from the analyses. A private school in the county with less than 5 percent of all students refused to participate in the study. The study findings are basically consistent with research expectations. It was revealed that the respondents participated extensively in illegal drug use. Approximately 76.7 percent of the respondents indicated they had consumed alcohol at least once, 41.0 percent had tried marijuana at least once, 64.5 percent had tried cigarettes at least once, 16.0 percent had tried amphetamines at least once, and 12.2 percent had tried barbiturates at least once. The frequency of each illegal drug was regressed against sel...
Improved recursive bisection line drawing algorithms

Abstract In this paper, we present modifications which reduce the logarithmic space requirements of an existing fractal line drawing algorithm to a constant while increasing its speed. The resulting algorithm is faster than many existing line drawing algorithms, especially when the lines being drawn are at or near horizontal, diagonal and vertical. Furthermore, a detailed error analysis of these algorithms is given.
The inheritance of glomerulosclerosis in mice is controlled by multiple quantitative trait loci

progression is largely under genetic control. The considerBackground. Glomerulosclerosis, the common ter- able individual variation in the course of renal disease minal event in chronic glomerular diseases such as progression, has been studied extensively in diabetes diabetic nephropathy or IgA nephropathy, leads to mellitus, but is still poorly understood [1]. Ethnic backend-stage renal disease. The considerable variation in ground plays a role. For instance, African-Americans both the risk of developing glomerulosclerosis and the develop HIV-related glomerulosclerosis, whereas this rate of progression in individual patients suggest a role form of rapidly progressive glomerulosclerosis is virtually for genetic factors which have not been identified so non-existent in Caucasians [2]. Similarly, Pima Indians far. In this study we sought to examine the mode of with non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM ) have a inheritance of glomerulosclerosis in mice. much higher incidence of diabetic nephropathy than Methods. F1 animals of a mating between glomerulo- Northern Europeans with NIDDM [3,4]. Although these sclerosis-prone ROP-Os/+ male and non-sclerotic epidemiological observations pinpoint the role of genetic C3H female mice were backcrossed to the ROP strain. factors, the mode of inheritance of glomerulosclerosis in We took advantage of the radiation-induced mutation man is still largely unknown. oligosyndactylism (Os) to identify glomerulosclerosis We have previously shown that ROP mice are prone at the age of 3 months. Kidneys were perfused in situ to glomerulosclerosis. The disease process can be accelerwith PBS/Formalin 10%. The extent of glomeruloscler- ated and uncovered by the introduction of the Os mutaotic lesions was evaluated on PAS stained paraYn tion [5]. This mutation leads to an inborn reduction in sections using computer-aided morphometry. nephron number, glomerular hypertrophy, oligosyndacResults. F1 mice did not show any glomerulosclerosis. tyly, and it is lethal in homozygous animals [6‐9]. Since In the backcross oVspring, we found a wide distribution only sclerosis-prone mice carrying this mutation develop of glomerular lesions between individual animals, glomerulosclerosis [10], Os may be used as a tool to ranging from normal to very severe. We calculated uncover susceptibility to glomerulosclerosis. that at least 8‐10 loci determine the severity of glom- In this study we demonstrate the inheritance of erulosclerosis in mice. glomerulosclerosis by crossing sclerosis prone ROP Conclusions. Our data show that glomerulosclerosis mice with non-sclerotic C3H mice. We show that the is inherited in a recessive fashion involving at least susceptibility to develop glomerulosclerosis is under 8‐10 loci. the control of multiple recessive modifiers. At least five loci, which may now be determined by linkage analysis,
The Other Side of the Coin: Transactive Memory Systems and the Prevention of Resource Losses

Drawing on transactive memory systems (TMS) theory, we propose that TMS operates as a meta-resource that enhances team performance directly by generating resource surpluses, and indirectly by dimin...
Integrating metadata tools with the data services archive to provide Web-based management of large-scale scientific simulation data

A metadata tool system and a data service system are undergoing development and integration, at Sandia National Laboratories, to provide Web-based access to high-performance computing clusters and its associated simulation data. These clusters host a set of scalable post-processing applications for very large data manipulation, and the examination of results generated by high-fidelity simulations in support of the design to analysis process for ensuring safety and reliability of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile. The primary subject of this work is the integration of metadata tools with a data service archiving capability, resulting in a service-oriented and Web-based architecture, which provides end users the ability from their desktops to manage and understand simulation results for very large, complex problems.
DAVID SHAKOW AND SCHIZOPHRENIA RESEARCH AT WORCESTER STATE HOSPITAL : THE ROOTS OF THE SCIENTIST-PRACTITIONER MODEL

As Chief Psychologist and Director of Psychological Research at Worcester State Hospital (WSH), David Shakow (1901–1981) made substantial contributions to the scientific study of schizophrenia and by extension to the study of psychopathology in general. His methodological innovations—particularly on issues of diagnosis and conditions of testing—set a new standard for experimental rigor in the field. Shakow helped to establish many of what are considered basic facts about schizophrenia. His empirical work at WSH—specifically on the crossover effect—provided the scientific foundation for his theory of schizophrenic cognition, known as segmental set. Moreover, Shakow's schizophrenia work informed his developing ideas on the synergy between clinical practice and research. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Leached layer formation on float glass surfaces in the presence of acid interleave coatings

Acid interleave coatings are routinely used in the float glass industry to inhibit corrosion during transport and storage in hot, humid environments. It is well recognized that acid interleave coatings neutralize surface alkalinity, and thereby delay the onset of etching, dissolution, and permanent staining (so-called Stage II corrosion). However, the effect of acid interleave coatings on leached layer formation (so-called Stage I corrosion) has not been reported. For many applications of float glass, the presence of a shallow leached layer may be of little consequence, but in other applications, there can be nanoscale effects on scratch resistance, optical properties, adsorption, adhesion, and interface stability. In this study, complementary techniques of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) sputter depth profiling and infrared reflection spectroscopy were used to evaluate the thickness of leached layers in float glass samples weathered in a controlled manner, both with and without acid interleave coatings applied. The results reveal that acid interleave coatings do, in fact, enhance leaching during both cyclic and static weathering. This confirms that the acid not only neutralizes the alkaline reaction products of weathering but also reacts with the glass itself by ion exchange. The concentration of acid in the coating influences the thickness of the resultant leached layer, but this effect depends on the weathering conditions (cyclic versus static) and the duration of the exposure; boric acid and adipic acid coatings performed similarly. An excellent correlation was found between the more direct method of XPS depth profiling of the sodium leaching profile and the less direct, but perhaps more convenient, method of infrared reflection spectroscopy.
Towards real-time haptic exploration using a mobile robot as mediator

In this paper, we propose a new concept of haptic exploration using a mobile manipulation system, which combines the mobility and manipulability of the robot with haptic feedback for user interaction. The system utilizes and integrates heterogeneous robotic sensor readings to create a real-time spatial model of the environment, which in turn can be conveyed to the user to explore the haptically represented environment and spatially perceive the world without direct contact. The real-world values are transformed into an environmental model (an internal map) by the sensors, and the environmental model is used to create environmental feedback on the haptic device which interacts in the haptically augmented space. Through this multi-scale convergence of dynamic sensor data and haptic interaction, our goal is to enable real-time exploration of the world through remote interfaces without the use of predefined world models. In this paper, the system algorithms and platform are discussed, along with preliminary results to show the capabilities of the system.
Osteoporotic equine bone modeling: 3-point bending of deer metacarpal bone

Current lack of data for equine metacarpal bone mechanical properties hinders the design of plating systems for horses. Due to the difficulties of obtaining equine bones, as well as physical similarities found in deer bones, the goals of this study are to determine if deer (Odocoileus virginianus borealis) metacarpal bones are comparable to equine (Equus ferus caballus) third metacarpal bones and to develop a model to best represent osteoporotic degeneration in these bones. The mechanical properties of deer metacarpal bones were measured using a custom, three-point bending mechanism following a 0 to 4 hour decalcification treatment. Deer metacarpal bone ultimate tensile strength (UTS) was found to be within 18% of the value reported for equine third metacarpal bone. Additionally, a relationship between acid treatment time and decrease of UTS due to decalcification was established.
A distributed memory algorithm for 3-D FFTs

Abstract The present paper begins with a survey of various up-to-date parallel 3-D FFT algorithms and proposes an algorithm for the parallel in-place 3-D FFTs on distributed memory architectures. In the described algorithm, the calculation is accomplished by partitioning the three-dimensional input tensor into subtensors (one subtensor per node). The dimensions of the tensor need not be powers of 2, although some requirements related to the number of nodes need to be fulfilled. The computation of local FFTs is then carried out using the Divide-and-Conquer method and results are combined to obtain the final result using a data partitioning strategy to minimize the communication between the nodes. The paper is concluded with a comparative discussion of the described algorithm and other parallel 3-D FFT algorithms, with respect to data partitioning, time complexity, communication complexity, memory requirements, how does the shape of the three-dimensional input affect the efficiency of the computation, etc. An implementation of the described algorithm has been tested on an iPSC/860 system and on a 2-D mesh, the Touchstone Delta system.
Regulation of the Bub2/Bfa1 GAP Complex by Cdc5 and Cell Cycle Checkpoints

During mitosis, a ras-related GTPase (Tem1) binds GTP and activates a signal transduction pathway to allow mitotic exit. During most of the cell cycle, Tem1 function is antagonized by a GTPase-activating protein complex, Bfa1/Bub2. How the Bfa1/Bub2 complex is regulated is not well understood. We find that Polo/Cdc5 kinase acts upstream of Bfa1/Bub2 in the mitotic exit network. Cdc5 phosphorylates Bfa1 and acts to antagonize Bfa1 function to promote mitotic exit. Bfa1 is regulated by multiple cell cycle checkpoints. The spindle assembly and spindle orientation checkpoints inhibit Bfa1 phosphorylation. DNA damage does not inhibit Bfa1 phosphorylation and instead causes a Rad53- and Dun1-dependent modification of Bfa1. Regulation of Bfa1 may therefore be a key step controlled by multiple checkpoint pathways to ensure a mitotic arrest.
Phytotoxicity and volatile constituents from leaves of Callicarpa japonica Thunb.

The essential oil from the leaves of Callicarpa japonica was analyzed by GC-MS, and 84 compounds were identified. The main constituents of the essential oil were spathulenol (18.1%), germacrene B (13.0%), bicyclogermacrene (11.0%), globulol (3.3%), viridiflorol (2.6%), alpha-guaiene (2.3%), and gamma-elemene (2.0%). The essential oil constituents of C. japonica were significantly different from those found in our previous work on Callicarpa americana. The oil of C. japonica was selectively phytotoxic to bentgrass compared to lettuce seeds, with 80-100% growth reduction observed at 0.3 mg/ml.
Controlling LDPC Absorbing Sets via the Null Space of the Cycle Consistency Matrix

Regular LDPC codes tend to have better error-floor behavior than irregular LDPC codes. However, for moderate block lengths and high rates, the error floor remains a concern even for regular LDPC codes. This is especially the case for applications such as memory media that require very low frame error rates (FERs). This paper focuses on a class of regular LDPC codes: separable, circulant-based (SCB) codes. For a specified circulant matrix, SCB codes all share a common mother matrix and include array-based LDPC codes as well as many common quasi-cyclic codes. SCB codes retain standard properties of quasi-cyclic LDPC codes such as girth, code structure, and compatibility with existing high-throughput hardware implementations. This paper introduces a cycle consistency matrix (CCM) for each possible absorbing set in an SCB LDPC code. For an absorbing set to be present in an SCB LDPC code, the associated CCM must not be full column-rank. Using this novel observation, a new code construction approach selects rows and columns from the SCB mother matrix to systematically eliminate dominant absorbing sets by forcing the associated CCMs to be full column-rank. Simulation results demonstrate that the new codes have steeper error-floor slopes and provide at least one order of magnitude of improvement in the low FER region. Identifying absorbing-set-spectrum equivalence classes within the family of SCB codes with a specified circulant matrix significantly reduces the search space of possible code matrices.
Transient Lymphoblastosis and Thrombocytopenia in Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome

Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome, or papular acrodermatitis of childhood, represents a characteristic rash that is irregularly associated with hepatitis B infection. The authors report papular acrodermatitis in a 10-month-old child with leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, circulating lymphoblasts, and acute anicteric hepatitis B. Physical examination revealed a densely distributed papular rash on the patient's extremities and face and neck, but not on his trunk, buttocks, palms, or soles. Laboratory investigation revealed a normal bone marrow and positive hepatitis B serology. This case reinforces the fact that hematologic findings should not dissuade the work-up of papular acrodermatitis for hepatitis B or other less commonly associated viruses.
Evaluation of the Impact of Nutrition Intervention on Cataract Prevalence in China

Two trials in a nutritionally deprived population in China found a significant decrease in nuclear cataract, but a small increase in posterior subcapsular cataract associated with riboflavin/niacin supplementation for 5–6 years.
Estimating Average Automobile Occupancy From Accident Data in New York State

Average automobile occupancy (AAO) data are valuable input to congestion management systems (CMS). Continuous field collection of these data at the system level has been lacking because of high costs associated with current data collection methodology. It is shown how the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has built upon prior research by the Connecticut Department of Transportation, which uses traffic accident data to calculate estimates of vehicle occupancy, and has tailored the process to meet NYSDOT's CMS needs. Accident data covering a 3-year period are used to estimate AAOs by county, year of occurrence, month of year, day of week, and time-of-day intervals. Occupancy rates are calculated to be lowest during the morning peak traffic period and highest during the evening period between 6:00 and 11:00 p.m. Occupancy rates are highest for summer months and lowest for winter months. Occupancy rates are highest for the weekends and lowest for weekdays. Accident-based AAOs are compared t...
Handcrafting Attachment: A User-Centered Approach

Management, above all, is the controlling element responsible for coordinating the three basic business functions; production, marketing, and finance. Mechanisms exist to facilitate the finance function with influence coming from outside regulatory bodies such as the AICPA, IIA, SEC, and other regulators. Integrating the finance function into organizations, then, becomes somewhat generic (although some would argue this point). Coordinating the functions of marketing and production is a much more difficult endeavor because it lacks the standardization seen in finance. This paper suggests employing a more user-focused approach as a means to improving the overall quality of products, and eventually, the success of the organization. Specifically, this paper explores the role of the human brain in the calculus of choice, discusses the role of consumer involvement as it leads to product attachment, and offers suggestions for employing contextual research to improve product design and quality.
Exploring the Link Between Community Radio and the Community: A Study of Audience Participation in Alternative Media Practices

Most alternative media research has examined media content and the production process, largely ignoring another important component: the audiences of alternative media. To narrow this gap, this study investigates audience participation in one alternative media outlet: community radio. Case studies were conducted on 2 U.S. community radio stations through participatory ethnography, in-depth interviews, and a listener survey. Results suggest that community radio continues to be relevant in this digital era. While people lose faith in mainstream media and become increasingly suspicious of online content, they still consider community radio the most trustworthy. The study also demonstrates the limitations of audience participation in community radio, and the difficulties this medium faces in adopting new technologies and adapting to this digital world.
A User's Guide to CARSKit

Context-aware recommender systems extend traditional recommenders by adapting their suggestions to users' contextual situations. CARSKit is a Java-based open-source library specifically designed for the context-aware recommendation, where the state-of-the-art context-aware recommendation algorithms have been implemented. This report provides the basic user's guide to CARSKit, including how to prepare the data set, how to configure the experimental settings, and how to evaluate the algorithms, as well as interpreting the outputs. The instructions in this guide are applicable for CARSKit v0.3.5 and above.