cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional Limit Theorems for Probability Forecasts

A probability forecast provides a decision-maker with a probability distribution for a future outcome, rather than a prediction of the most likely outcome. Meteorologists developed scoring rules to help in both the elicitation and assessment of probability forecasts for precipitation (Murphy and Winkler, 1984). The popularity of meteorologists’ methods for scoring forecasts has now spilled over to areas such as medical diagnosis (Hilden et al.,1978), educational testing (Shuford et al.,1966), management (Sarin and Winkler,1980) and economic forecasts (Friedman, 1983), and it is desirable to score forecasts of continuous R d -valued outcomes.
Database Access in Open Systems

After a short introduction into centralized and distributed database systems and communication in open systems, the integration of a Remote Database Access facility into the ISO Reference Model is described. Such a facility provides a communication path between an application program and a remote database system in a heterogeneous network. The current standard proposals of ECMA are introduced. Finally, the status of a prototype implementation is reported.
Sporadic vs familial classification given etiologic heterogeneity. I: Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value

Environmental factors are etiologically important in many non-Mendelian familial disorders in man. Because such disorders often occur as "sporadic" cases, (ie, an affected individual with no affected relatives), it is tempting to assume that such cases represent an "environmental" form of the disorder. This paper presents an evaluation of the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive power (PPV and NPV) of this "sporadic vs familial classification." The model assumes etiologic heterogeneity with a subpopulation of cases due to a "major" environmental event acting independent of genotype and the remaining cases resulting from a generalized single major locus (SML). Sibship size is modeled by a truncated negative binomial distribution. For rare disorders, this classification has high sensitivity and NPV but low specificity and PPV. As the disorder becomes more common, sensitivity and NPV fall while specificity and PPV rise. The power of the method increases substantially with increasing sibship size up to four or five, but further increases in power are minimal. MZ twins add considerable power to the method but aunts and uncles add little if anything. Both a correlational (phi) and an agreement-based (kappa) statistic indicate that, under most realistic circumstances, the relationship between etiology and family history is modest.
A User Interface for VHDL Behavioral Modeling

This paper describes a user-interface for capturing system-level behavior using a graphical/tabular input and an algorithm for automatically translating the input to behavioral VHDL. The interface uses an internal representation that has good semantics for modeling and synthesis and therefore complements VHDL – a language that has good semantics for simulation but lacks the same for synthesis. Furthermore, VHDL is rich in features, making it a complex language which can be verbose and hard to learn. The user interface described in this paper enhances user-interaction and productivity in designing with VHDL, since designers avoid the intricate and time-consuming task of using VHDL directly. The interface and translator are implemented on Suns under C/UNIX and the X Window System, and have been tested and simulated on several examples of varying complexity using commercial VHDL simulators. The experimental results presented in this paper reinforce our belief that the user-interface is a good input path for designing with VHDL. The translation algorithm also introduces an elegant method for describing behavioral hierarchy in VHDL
Eikonal-Born Series Methods in Electron-Atom Scattering

There have been two developments in recent atomic collision theory which are particularly important from a fundamental point of view. The first of these was the use of the closure approximation to study the second term in the many-particle Born series, primarily by Moiseiwitsch and his collaboratorsl. This enabled one to envision the possibility of systematically correcting the well-known and often used first Born approximation. The second development was the introduction of the Glauber approximation2 into atomic physics. By making certain key simplifications of the closure method through the use of eikonal concepts, this approximation gave a particularly attractive way of summing parts of perturbation theory to all orders.
Efficient construction of histology slide mosaics via phase correlation registration of high resolution tiles

During development of new and experimental imaging techniques, one must compare with other well established methods to qualify the validity of the new methods. The use of diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging for the visualization of collateral nerve fibers in the spinal cord was recently proposed. To validate this new imaging method, the MR results need to be compared with histology tissue samples in which the nerve fibers are clarified through staining. We present here a method for the mostly-automatic merging of very high resolution "tiles" of the histology slides to construct a composite image of a tissue slice. This application is novel in that it uses a phase correlation registration techniques with sub-pixel resolution to construct the composite image. Registration error detection is achieved by comparing the sub-pixel registration result with a standard phase correlation estimate.
Checks and Balances: Congress and the Federal Courts

This essay was published as a chapter in Reforming the Supreme Court: Term Limits for Justices (Paul D. Carrington & Roger Cramton eds, Carolina Academic Press 2006). Its point is that Congress has long neglected its duty implicit in the constitutional doctrine of separation of powers to constrain the tendency of the Court, the academy and the legal profession to inflate the Court's status and power. The term "life tenure" is a significant source of a sense of royal status having not only the adverse cultural effects noted by Nagel, but also doleful effects on the administration and enforcement of law in the other federal courts for which the Court and Congress share responsibility. Fixing the superannuation problem will not fix everything, but it would be a benign step in the right direction. I will conclude by suggesting numerous related reforms that might help more, all of which have been proposed to Congress in times past. Perhaps legislation addressing the superannuation problem would make it more likely that other needed reforms might be achieved in the future, by Congress or by a judiciary more aware of its own frailties.
The profession of ITIs software engineering engineering

Software engineering continues to be dogged by claims it is not engineering. Adopting more of a computer-systems view may help.
The market timing skills of Long/Short equity hedge fund managers

Abstract Good market timing skills can be an important factor contributing to hedge funds’ outperformance. In this chapter, we use a unique semiparametric panel data model capable of providing consistent short period estimates of the return correlations with three market factors for a sample of Long/Short equity hedge funds. We find evidence of significant market timing ability by fund managers around market crisis periods. Studying the behavior of individual fund managers, we show that at the 10% significance level, 17.12% of funds exhibit good linear timing skills and 21.32% of funds possess some level of good nonlinear market timing skills. Further, we find that market timing strategies of hedge funds are different in good and bad markets, and that a significant number of managers behave more conservatively when the market return is expected to be far above average and more aggressively when the market return is expected to be far below average. We find that good market timers are also likely to possess good stock selection skills.
Rate dependent speech processing can be speech specific: Evidence from the perceptual disappearance of words under changes in context speech rate

The perception of reduced syllables, including function words, produced in casual speech can be made to disappear by slowing the rate at which surrounding words are spoken (Dilley & Pitt, Psychological Science, 21(11), 1664-1670. doi: 10.1177/0956797610384743 , 2010). The current study explored the domain generality of this speech-rate effect, asking whether it is induced by temporal information found only in speech. Stimuli were short word sequences (e.g., minor or child) appended to precursors that were clear speech, degraded speech (low-pass filtered or sinewave), or tone sequences, presented at a spoken rate and a slowed rate. Across three experiments, only precursors heard as intelligible speech generated a speech-rate effect (fewer reports of function words with a slowed context), suggesting that rate-dependent speech processing can be domain specific.
Computer architectures for artificial intelligence processing

Since the conventional numerically oriented von Neumann computers are not appropriate for artificial intelligence (AI) software, new architectures for this application are discussed. AI computational requirements are considered. The requirements as well as the architectures for a set of AI applications are presented. LISP architectures including functional programming and the SPUR (symbolic processing using RISCs) system as an example are described. Logic oriented architectures are considered including OR-parallelism and AND-parallelism,. Knowledge oriented architectures and neural networks are discussed. >
Skeletal muscle adaptation to exercise: a century of progress.

Skeletal muscle physiology and biochemistry is an established field with Nobel Prize-winning scientists, dating back to the 1920s. Not until the mid to late 1960s did there appear a major focus on physiological and biochemical training adaptations in skeletal muscle. The study of adaptations to exercise training reveals a wide range of integrative approaches, from the systemic to the molecular level. Advances in our understanding of training adaptations have come in waves caused by the introduction of new experimental approaches. Research has revealed that exercise can be effective at preventing and/or treating some of the most common chronic diseases of the latter half of the 20th century. Endurance-trained muscle is more effective at clearing plasma triglyceride, glucose, and free fatty acids. However, at the present time, most of the mechanisms underlying the adaptation of human skeletal muscle to exercise still remain to be discovered. Little is known about the regulatory factors (e.g., trans-acting proteins or signaling pathways) directly modulating the expression of exercise-responsive genes. Because so many potential physiological and biochemical signals change during exercise, it will be an important challenge in the next century to move beyond "correlational studies" and to identify responsible mechanisms. Skeletal muscle metabolic adaptations may prove to be a critical component to preventing diseases such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Therefore, training studies have had an impact on setting the stage for a potential "preventive medicine reformation" in a society needing a return to a naturally active lifestyle of our ancestors.
Decreasing vancomycin utilization in a neonatal intensive care unit

This study evaluated the efficacy of education versus audit and feedback in decreasing vancomycin utilization. Data were collected prospectively from October 1, 2012-April 30, 2014 over the following 3 periods: baseline, after education and introduction of a late-onset sepsis treatment guideline, and after prospective audit-feedback to physicians. Vancomycin utilization and administration duration >3 days significantly decreased with education and guideline use, but it was not affected by addition of audit and feedback.
COST EFFECTIVENESS AND THE ALLOCATION OF THERAPIES IN A TREATING POPULATION

The purpose of this paper is to challenge the uncritical use of incremental cost-outcomes ratios as decision variables. A scenario is presented which describes conditions under which increasing costs per unit of outcome prevail. Marginal costs increase as the proportion of patients treated under a given therapy increases. If the health system’s objective is to maximise health benefits then patients will be switched until the marginal benefits per dollar expended are equal between the 2 therapies. In an example where the costs of the new therapy are greater, for a given proportion of patients treated, patients are switched from the existing to the new therapy until an equilibrium is achieved in the allocation of therapies among the treating population. At this point, the overall costs of treatment are at a minimum. This outcome could only be predicted if the underlying cost-outcomes functions are known and the consequent patterns of therapy substitution and cost impacts assessed. The paper concludes by raising concerns as to the role of incremental cost-outcomes ratios as decision variables where increasing costs may be expected to prevail and there is failure to consider the implications of these increasing costs in formulary decision making. If increasing costs are present then conventional cost-outcomes and incremental cost-outcomes ratios are of limited utility as decision variables in the choice of therapy options.
Chromosomal assignment of the interferon-inducible double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PRKR) to human chromosome 2p21-p22 and mouse chromosome 17 E2

The genes encoding P68 and P65 (PRKR), the human and mouse interferon-inducible dsRNA-dependent protein kinases, respectively, have been mapped to a single locus on human chromosome 2 (band p21) and on mouse chromosome 17 (band E2). These kinases have been implicated in the antiviral response mediated by interferon since their activation by virus-specific dsRNAs can lead to the inhibition of protein synthesis. Recently we have shown that the dsRNA-dependent kinase also may function as a tumor suppressor gene since defective mutant proteins induced malignant transformation. Identification of the chromosomal location of human PRKR permitted a survey of translocations, deletions, or other rearrangement events involving this segment of chromosome 2 in a variety of human malignancies. Finally, our results define a new region of conservation between the distal part of the short arm of chromosome 2 (band p21) and band E2 of mouse chromosome 17.
Alteration of enzymes of hepatic glycerolipid synthesis in artificially reared rat pups fed high carbohydrate and high fat diets

Abstract To study the effect of dietary modifications on hepatic microsomal enzyme activities of glycerolipid synthesis, rat pups were artificially reared on high fat (HF) or high carbohydrate (HC) formulas. The high fat diets contained both long and medium-chain triacylglycerols (HF-LCT/MCT) or medium chain triacylglycerols alone (HF-MCT) and were similar to rat milk with regard to calories derived from fat and carbohydrate during the suckling period. The formula high in carbohydrate provided 56% of calories from carbohydrate compared with 8% in rat milk. Activities of diacylglycerol acyltransferase, fatty-acid-CoA ligase, and monoacylglycerol acyltransferase in livers of 12-day old rats fed the HC formula decreased about 40%, 60%, and 75%, respectively. No significant change was observed in glycerol-P acyltransferase activity, the committed step of the glycerol-P pathway of triacylglycerol and phospholipid biosynthesis. When the HF-LCT/MCT or the HF-MCT formula was fed to artificially reared pups, diacylglycerol acyltransferase and fatty-acid CoA ligase activities did not change in livers of 12-day old rats, indicating that changes in enzyme activity were not caused by the artificial rearing procedure itself. In contrast, the developmentally expressed monocylglycerol acyltransferase activity decreased about 50%, 70%, and 75% in rat pups fed the HF-LCT/MCT diet, HF-MCT diet, and HC diet, respectively. These results suggest that macronutrients in the diet influence the developmental patterns of hepatic enzymes of triacylglycerol synthesis pathway in the immediate postnatal period differentially.
Effect of nonprotein polymers on water‐uptake properties of fish protein‐based hydrogel

The effects of nonprotein polymers on the water-swelling properties of fish protein-based hydrogel were studied. Inclusion of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), or guar gum at a 2.5% (w/w) level in an 80% ethylenediaminetetraacetic dianhydide (EDTAD)-modified fish protein hydrogel (10% monomer concentration) significantly decreased the extent of water uptake of the hydrogel. Among these polymers, PVA exhibited the greatest inhibitory effect. The inhibitory effect of these polymers on the water uptake of fish protein hydrogel was apparently due to the thermodynamic incompatibility of these polymers with the fish protein gel network and the consequent effect on the extent of relaxation of the crosslinked polypeptide network. In contrast, inclusion of 60% EDTAD-modified soy protein up to a level of 40% of the total protein in the gel did not affect the extent of the equilibrium water uptake of the gel. At higher levels, however, soy protein also decreased the amount of water uptake by the gel. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 45–51, 2002
Gas absorption studies in microporous hollow fiber membrane modules

A comprehensive experimental investigation of gas-liquid absorption in a shell-and-tube type microporous hydrophobic hollow fiber device in a parallel flow configuration was carried out. Two modes of countercurrent gas-liquid contacting were studied, the wetted mode (absorbent liquid filled pores) and the nonwetted mode (gas-filled pores). The absorbent flowed through the fiber bore in most of the experiments. The systems studied include pure CO[sub 2], pure SO[sub 2], CO[sub 2] - N[sub 2] mixtures and SO[sub 2] - air mixtures. The absorbent was pure water. The absorption process was simulated for each case with a numerical model for species transport with and without chemical reaction. Laminar parabolic velocity profile was used for the tube-side flow, and Happel's free surface model was used to characterize the shell-side flow. The model simulations agreed well with the experimental observations in most cases. SO[sub 2] removals as high as 99% were obtained in small compact contactors. High K[sub L]a and low height of transfer unit (HTU) values were obtained with hollow fiber contactors when compared to those of conventional contactors. The applications of direct interest here are those for acid gas cleanup.
T helper cells.

B-cell proliferation and differentiation is controlled by T helper cells. Recent studies have determined that the expression of a novel, 39 kD, T-cell membrane protein is responsible for inducing T-cell-dependent B-cell activation. The receptor for this protein on the resting B cell is CD40. Once activated, B cells are induced to grow and differentiate by the elaboration of interleukin-4 and interleukin-5 from activated T cells. Together, T cell-B cell contact and soluble factors provide all the signals required for B-cell growth and differentiation.
Differences in the temporal expression of regulatory growth factors during choroidal neovascular development.

Although the roles of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in pathologic neovascularization have been well characterized in certain tissues, their particular functions and expression patterns in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) have not been clearly established. After localized laser trauma to Bruch's membrane to induce CNV development, the temporal changes in mRNA and protein expression of these 3 cytokines were documented and compared histologically to areas of immunofluorescence, the proliferation of endothelial cells, neovascular development, and temporal changes in vascular permeability. Changes in mRNA and protein levels of bFGF and HGF occurred quickly and reached peak expression within hours. This activity corresponded in time to intense and localized immunofluorescence for these cytokines within the choriocapillaris within laser lesion sites. During this same initial time period, mRNA upregulation of VEGF occurred, primarily within the neural retina and this expression corresponded to intense immunolabeling of Muller cells immediately adjacent to the lesion sites. By 3 days after lasering, increased VEGF(164) protein expression was measurable, whereas early neovascular development histologically corresponded to HGF and bFGF mRNA expansion into the developing choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM). At 7 days, CNV expansion, maturation, and increased vascular permeability corresponded to peak VEGF mRNA and protein expression and to immunofluorescence of the CNVM. Differences also occurred in the expression of precursor and activated isoforms of these cytokines in the retinal pigment epithelium/choroid as compared to those in the retina. These molecular and immunocytochemical results suggest that bFGF and HGF may be important as initial regulators neovascularization in this CNV model; whereas VEGF may be important during later phases of angiogenesis and neovascular hyperpermeability.
K-shell ionization cross sections of selected elements from Fe to As for proton bombardment from 0.5 to 2.0 MeV

The K-shell ionization cross sections for Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, and As were measured for proton impact in the range 0.5 to 2.0 MeV. The cross sections were found to be 242 plus or minus 23, 173 plus or minus 15, 94.1 plus or minus 7.8, 2.0 MeV. These measurements agree to within less than 17% with predictions of the binary-encounter approximation. Predictions of the plane-wave Born approximation exceed the measured values by approximately a factor of Z at the maximum deviation. Corrections suggested by Brandt et al. account for this discrepancy. These measurements also indicate a trend for the measured ionization cross sections to drop below the theoretical predictions for low projectile energies. (auth) Closed-form expressions for multiple-ionization crcas sections are developed in the semiclassical Coulomb approximation at low velocities. The approximate expression for the Coulomb ionization probability, given by Brandt, Jones, and Kraner, is used to compute multiple-ionizaation cross sections. These approximate cross sections are evaluated in closed form. Results for multiple-K-, multiple-L-shell-ionization cross sections are given explicitly and compared to the full semiclassical-approximation theory and to experiment. (auth)
Flatulence caused by soya and its control through processing

Elimination of flatulence is a challenging practical problem associated with the comsumption of soybeans as well as other food legumes and other selected foodstuffs. The problem is compounded by the variability in susceptibility among individuals. Research has estab­ lished that the oligosaccharides-verbascose, stachyose. and raf­ finose-are the major cause of soybean flatulence, They escape digestion and are fermented by intestinal microflora to form exces­ sive amounts of carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Hot water treatment, aqueous alcohol extraction, and isoelectric protein precipitation processes have been adapted to produce flatus-free products com­ mercially. At the household level, soaking combined with germina­ tion appears to be a practical means of producing soybean sprouts having low flatus activity. Food legumes, which include some oil­ seeds, peas, and bcans, as well as selected vegetables, contain enough of the oligosaccharides-verbascose, stachyose, raffinose-to be a major cause of flatulence in humans and animals. In the absence of alpha-galactosidases in the mammalian intestinal mucosa, these oligosaccharides escape digestion and are not absorbed. As a conse­ quence, the active microflora in the ileum, colon, and fecal matter of the large intestine ferment them to form excessive levels of rectal gas, primarily carbon dioxide and hydrogen. In some instances, undigested starch and other carbohydrares contribute to the flatulent effect of diets. With 70% of the world's population being lactase­ deficient (hypolactasia), susceptibility to flatulence would be more widespread with diets containing both food legumes and milk produ:::ts. Use of food additives, antibiotics, and phenolic compounds to inhibit flatulence is not a practical approach. However, soya process­ ing technology used to manufacture protein concentrates and isolates can be adapted to produce flatus-free products from other food legumes. Hot water treatment, aqueous alcohol extraction, or iso­ electric protein precipitation insolubilizes most of the protein and removes the oligosaccharides. Tempeh and tofu are two other soya products that exhibit little or no flatus activity. Soaking, fermenta­ tion, enzymatic hydrolysis, and germination can also be used to eliminate oligosaccharides. Tests with humans and rats indicate that a combination of such processes can be used to reduce flatus activity. The beneficial effects of germination on flatulence, often conflicting and contradictory, have been attributed to failure to control conditions that ensure removal of most of the oligosac­ charides. Whether the high-molecular-weight soybean polysaccharides (dietary fiber), which normally do not cause flatulence, can be modified during germination to become substrates for flatus produc­ tion by the intestinal microflora is not known. Such an effect could compensate for the loss of stachyose and raffinose.
Orographically forced planetary waves in the northern hemisphere winter: Steady state model with wave-coupled lower boundary formulation

Abstract A planetary wave model has been developed in which the orographic forcing at the lower boundary arising from the kinematically induced vertical motion is due to the total flow impinging on the mountains rather than just the zonal mean basic state component of the flow over the mountains used in previous models. Consequently, the effects of the vertical motions produced by the eddies at the lower boundary are included and are found to be as large, if not larger, than the zonal mean component. The model remains linear mathematically, but all the planetary waves become coupled through the lower boundary condition (LBC) and the model wave equations have to be solved for simultaneously. A contrast is drawn between the wave-coupled solutions and the solutions using the traditional lower boundary formulation in which the planetary waves are decoupled. The model is symmetric about the equator and uses the linear balance set of equations on the sphere, with full spherical geometry and spherical harmonic f...
Quantitative Autofluorescence Imaging Measures Early Response to Head and Neck Cancer Treatment In Vivo

Fluorescence intensity and lifetime imaging of NADH and FAD measure metabolic shifts in vivo at an early time-point after treatment with chemotherapy, a targeted inhibitor, and combination treatment in head and neck cancer xenografts.
Gating and conduction properties of a sodium-activated cation channel from lobster olfactory receptor neurons.

The gating and conduction properties of a channel activated by intracellular Na+ were studied by recording unitary currents in inside-out patches excised from lobster olfactory receptor neurons. Channel openings to a single conductance level of 104 pS occurred in bursts. The open probability of the channel increased with increasing concentrations of Na+. At 210 mm Na+, membrane depolarization increased the open probability e-fold per 36.6 mV. The distribution of channel open times could be fit by a single exponential with a time constant of 4.09 msec at −60 mV and 90 mm Na+. The open time constant was not affected by the concentration of Na+, but was increased by membrane depolarization. At 180 mm Na+ and −60 mV, the distribution of channel closed times could be fit by the sum of four exponentials with time constants of 0.20, 1.46, 8.92 and 69.9 msec, respectively. The three longer time constants decreased, while the shortest time constant did not vary with the concentration of Na+. Membrane depolarization decreased all four closed time constants. Burst duration was unaffected by the concentration of Na+, but was increased by membrane depolarization. Permeability for monovalent cations relative to that of Na+ (P X /P Na ), calculated from the reversal potential, was: Li+ (1.11) > Na+ (1.0) > K+ (0.54) > Rb+ (0.36) > Cs+ (0.20). Extracellular divalent cations (10 mm) blocked the inward Na+ current at −60 mV according to the following sequence: Mn2+ > Ca2+ > Sr2+ > Mg2+ > Ba2+. Relative permeabilities for divalent cations (P Y /P Na ) were Ca2+ (39.0) > Mg2+ (34.1) > Mn2+ (15.5) > Ba2+ (13.8) > Na+ (1.0). Both the reversal potential and the conductance determined in divalent cation-free mixtures of Na+ and Cs+ or Li+ were monotonic functions of the mole fraction, suggesting that the channel is a single-ion pore that behaves as a multi-ion pore when the current is carried exclusively by divalent cations. The properties of the channel are consistent with the channel playing a role in odor activation of these primary receptor neurons.
The role of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in regulating mammary epithelial morphology and function in vivo

An intact basement membrane (BM) is essential for the proper function, differentiation and morphology of many epithelial cells. The disruption or loss of this BM occurs during normal development as well as in the disease state. To examine the importance of the BM during mammary gland development in vivo, we generated transgenic mice which inappropriately express autoactivating isoforms of the matrix metalloproteinase, stromelysin-1. The mammary glands from these mice are both functionally and morphologically altered throughout development. The mammary glands from virgin transgenic mice had supernumerary branches and showed precocious development of alveoli that expressed β-casein. During midpregnancy, the alveolar structures were collapsed and mouse mammary epithelial cells underwent apoptosis. We have now documented a dramatic incidence of breast tumors in several independent lines of these mice. These data suggest that overexpression of SL-1 and disruption of the BM may play a key role in mammary gland branching morphogenesis, apoptosis and breast cancer induction and progression.
Proteinuria and hypertensive nephrosclerosis in African Americans.

Proteinuria and hypertensive nephrosclerosis in African Americans. Proteinuria is a known risk factor for both renal disease progression and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensive populations. African Americans are among the highest risk groups for development of renal disease in the setting of hypertension and suffer a disproportionate burden of end-stage renal disease attributed to hypertension. Population-based studies indicate that African Americans have higher rates of albuminuria compared to non-African Americans in part due to higher rates of hypertension and diabetes in African Americans as compared to non-Hispanic whites for example. The African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) Trial was a prospective long-term clinical trial that examined the effect of aggressive blood pressure lowering versus usual blood pressure lowering in three different classes of antihypertensives on renal outcomes in approximately 1200 African Americans with hypertensive nephrosclerosis. Two thirds of trial participants had 300 mg protein excretion compared to those with
Force Dependence of a Myo1b Truncation Mutant

Myosin-Is are the single-headed members of the myosin superfamily that associate directly with cell membranes and play roles in regulating membrane dynamics. We previously characterized the force dependence of the widely expressed myosin-I isoform, myo1b, using an optical trap and a novel isometric force clamp. This myo1b isoform, which contains five IQ-motifs, is highly strain sensitive, with forces of 75 fold. We estimated the distance parameter (distance to the transition state of the force dependent step) to be 12 nm by a fit of the force dependence of actin attachment times in the presence of 50 micromolar ATP. In this study, we examine the force dependence of a myo1b truncation mutant that contains only the IQ motif closest to the motor domain. Although the unloaded biochemical kinetics of this mutant are nearly identical to the 5 IQ construct, we found the actin detachment rate to be substantially less force sensitive. These experiments suggest that the length of the regulatory domain modulates force sensitivity.
Conchal bowl skin grafting in nasal tip reconstruction: Clinical and histologic evaluation

Abstract Background: It is often difficult to achieve an esthetically pleasing cosmetic match when full-thickness skin grafts from periclavicular, preauricular, or postauricular donor sites are used to repair distal nasal defects. This, in large part, is due to the highly sebaceous nature of the skin on the distal aspect of the nose. Objective: Our purpose was to describe the benefits of using donor skin from the conchal bowl to repair defects of the nasal tip. Methods: The technique of conchal bowl grafting is described. Results: The conchal grafts give an excellent cosmetic result with respect to color and texture match and are time efficient because the donor site can be allowed to heal by secondary intention. Conclusion: The conchal bowl offers an esthetically reliable source of donor skin for full-thickness and perichondrial cutaneous grafts to repair defects of the nasal tip.
Comprehensive closed-form solution for the reachable workspace of 2-RPR planar parallel mechanisms

Abstract In the design of both planar and spatial parallel mechanisms, structural parameter selection for a desired workspace generally employs the use of numerical methods. However, using a closed-form solution facilitates workspace-based design and workspace optimization. This paper presents a general and comprehensive closed-form solution for the reachable workspace of 2-RPR planar parallel mechanisms. The workspace of the mechanism is analyzed in detail and its boundary is analytically derived to provide a closed-form solution for the reachable workspace. A discussion of the methodology is provided which highlights metrics for rapid determination of desired workspace parameters based on given structural parameters. An example is provided to validate the presented closed-form solution against a numerical method solution. The example is extended to demonstrate the use of the closed-form solution for workspace-based design and workspace optimization. The presented closed-form solution can be used to derive the closed form solution to the workspace of spatial multi-legged parallel mechanisms such as axially symmetric hexapod robots.
Closed die forging analysis of polycarbonate using an upper bound approach

Abstract A model for the closed die flashless forging of a work-hardening polymer material (polycarbonate) is developed using an upper bound approach. Deformed geometry, effective strains and stresses are computed at various stages in the upsetting process. The influence of ram and die wall friction is considered through the formation of dead zones within the workpiece after it makes contact with the die surface. Both axisymmetric and plane strain cases are investigated in the analysis, and results of plane strain compression experiments are compared with analytical predictions. Strain measurements show good agreement for initial billet dimensions of height to width ratios greater than one. The simplifying assumptions made in the model formulation and possible causes for discrepancies are discussed.
A meta‐analytic review and empirical test of the potential confounding effects of social desirability response sets in organizational behaviour research

Recently, several authors have questioned the potential biasing effects of social desirability response sets on the findings reported in organizational behaviour research. This paper reports the results of two studies designed to examine this issue. In the first study, a meta-analytic review of 33 studies that have examined the relationships between social desirability response sets and organizational behaviour constructs was conducted. The results of this study indicated that social desirability, as traditionally measured in the literature, is significantly (although moderately) correlated with several widely used constructs in organizational behaviour research. The second study was designed to see if the meta-analytic results would be replicated using a new measure of socially desirable responding. The results from this study indicated that even though a number of the measures commonly used in organizational behaviour research are significantly correlated with Paulhus' (1989) impression management dimension, the majority of these correlations are generally small to moderate in size, and controlling for socially desirable responding had little impact on the nature of the relationships reported. The importance of these findings for those using self-report questionnaires is then discussed.
Mechanism of down-regulation of RNA polymerase III-transcribed non-coding RNA genes in macrophages by Leishmania

The parasitic protozoan Leishmania invades mammalian macrophages to establish infection. We reported previously that Leishmania manipulates the expression of several non-coding RNA genes (e.g. Alu RNA, B1 RNA, and signal recognition particle RNA) in macrophages to favor the establishment of their infection in the phagolysosomes of these cells (Ueda, Y., and Chaudhuri, G. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 19428-19432; Misra, S., Tripathi, M. K., and Chaudhuri, G. (2005) J. Biol. Chem. 280, 29364-29373). We report here the mechanism of this down-regulation. We found that the non-coding RNA (ncRNA) genes that are repressed by Leishmania infection in macrophages contain a "B-box" in their promoters and thus require the polymerase III transcription factor TFIIIC for their expression. We also found that Leishmania promastigotes through their surface protease (leishmanolysin or gp63) activate the thrombin receptor PAR1 in the macrophages. This activation of PAR1 raised the cytosolic concentration of Ca(2+) into the micromolar range, thereby activating the Ca(2+)-dependent protease μ-calpain. μ-Calpain then degraded TFIIIC110 to inhibit the expression of the selected ncRNA genes. Avirulent stocks of Leishmania not expressing surface gp63 failed to down-regulate ncRNAs in the exposed macrophages. Inhibition of PAR1 or calpain 1 in macrophages made them resistant to Leishmania infection. These data suggest that macrophage PAR1 and calpain 1 are potential drug targets against leishmaniasis.
516. Plasma GABA is inversely correlated with self-reported hostility: a preliminary report

acute double-blind antidepression treatment trial. To date, 2 subjects have completed either 80 sessions (over one year) or 74 sessions (over 5 months). Both subjects have suffered relapses of their depressions during the maintenance treatments, which have initially re-responded to more intensive daily TMS. We are following TMS non-responders over the same time as a natural control cohort. These 2 cases indicate that maintenance TMS is feasible, and, to date, safe in terms of MRI and neuropsychological effects. However, both of these treatment resistant severely ill subjects have failed to maintain their improved mood when the frequency of TMS sessions has been reduced. Further research is needed and is ongoing, to determine whether TMS has a role as a maintenance antidepressant treatment.
Office and Home Systolic Blood Pressures Are Underestimated in Heart Transplant Recipients

Purpose Few data exist regarding the relationships between home (HBP), office (OBP) and ambulatory (ABP) blood pressure following cardiac transplantation (CTx). The objective of this study was to systematically compare HBP, OBP, and ABP (gold standard) in stable CTx recipients. Methods and Materials This prospective study enrolled adults ≥ 6 months post-CTx. Morning seated OBP was measured using an automatic monitor at 3 office visits (3 times/visit). Seated HBP was measured by participants for 5 consecutive days (2 times/AM, 2 times/PM), using the same automatic monitor. Following the HBP period, ABP was measured over 24 hours using Spacelabs devices. Paired t tests were used to compare mean OBP and HBP with 24-hour ABP (24ABP) and daytime ABP (dayABP, 06:00-22:00). Pearson’s r was used to assess correlations. Results The study included 14 men and 4 women [mean age=58 ± 11 years, median # of BP meds=1.5 (range 0-5), median days post-CTx=2712 (range 408-7838)]. The table shows differences in BP between the methods. Systolic and diastolic HBP were similar to 24ABP; however, systolic HBP was significantly lower than dayABP. Systolic OBP was also significantly lower than dayABP and 24ABP, but differences in diastolic BP were not evident between OBP and ABP. When OBP and HBP were compared with each other, systolic BP and diastolic BP were similar. Conclusions Unlike studies in other populations, these data show that systolic HBP and OBP are lower than ABP, particularly day ABP. Furthermore, diastolic BP did not differ greatly between the methods. Although HBP and OBP are correlated with ABP, systolic BP burden may not be adequately captured with HBP or OBP alone. Comparison of Methods Systolic Differences (mmHg) P value Systolic Correlations (r) Diastolic Differences (mmHg) P value Diastolic Correlations (r) HBP—24ABP -1.8 ± 6.5 0.27 0.66** 1.8 ± 4.0 0.07 0.57* HBP—dayABP -3.9 ± 6.6 0.02 0.65** -0.2 ± 5.0 0.89 0.40 OBP—24ABP -3.4 ± 6.9 0.05 0.50* 2.4 ± 4.9 0.06 0.48* OBP—dayABP -5.6 ± 6.0 0.001 0.62* 0.4 ± 4.9 0.74 0.50* OBP—HBP -1.6 ± 6.2 0.29 0.70** 0.6 ± 4.7 0.62 0.51* Mean±SD; **p
An enhanced fast variable block size motion estimation scheme for H.264

An enhanced version of the fast inter-prediction mode decision and variable block size motion estimation scheme for the H.264 video encoder is proposed in this work. In particular, we focus on the rate estimation model and thresholds for early termination. They are adaptively updated to enhance the coding speed and the rate-distortion performance. More details about the threshold setting and the mode decision processes are also provided. The improved algorithm can achieve a speed-up factor ranging from 70 to 150 times as compared to the full-search algorithm.
A comparison of the boundary element and superposition methods

Abstract For some time now, the Boundary Integral Equation (BIE) Method or as it is alternately called the Boundary Element Method (BEM) has been hailed as the technique best suited to problems in elasticity and related fields, both for accuracy and efficiency. The authors demonstrate by example that this is not the case. A much simpler and more versatile technique, the Superposition Method (SUP), is introduced and is shown to outperform BEM in both areas. Followed by a discussion of the merits and drawbacks of each method, compact computer programs for both BEM and SUP and numerical results for nine different example problems are presented to support the authors' claim.
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, cortisol, mood state and smoking cessation: relationship to relapse status at 4-week follow-up

It has been hypothesized that increased baseline dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels may act as a natural antidepressant to attenuate negative affect during cocaine withdrawal and abstinence, decreasing the probability of relapse. The current study extends this model to assess factors related to risk of relapse in a sample of 68 nicotine dependent participants. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to examine mood state, salivary DHEAS and cortisol levels across three assessment periods in participants who had relapsed over a 4-week follow-up period (n=51, 23 women) compared to those who maintained abstinence (n=17, 8 women). Total scores on the Profile of Mood States differed between those who had relapsed and those who maintained abstinence (p=0.008). However, DHEAS and cortisol levels, as well as the ratio of cortisol to DHEAS, did not differ significantly between groups. These findings suggest that, although DHEAS-related enhancement of resiliency to withdrawal may occur, the extent of this protective effect may be modulated by additional factors that warrant further research.
A model for the estimation of outcrossing rate and gene frequencies using n independent loci

A mixed mating model for many unlinked loci is described. A procedure for estimation of the model parameters (outcrossing rate and gene frequencies), based on a multilocus maximum likelihood equation, is discussed and analyzed for bias, variance, and robustness. Genotypic data from families of known or unknown maternal parentage, or data from progenies of known maternal parentage, are used for estimation. The procedure is applicable to dominant or co-dominant Mendelian genes with two or three alleles per locus, and should be particularly useful in studies where the effort in scoring more loci is less than the effort in scoring more progeny. Variances of the multilocus estimates of outcrossing rate and pollen pool gene frequencies decrease when more loci are included in the estimation. Monte Carlo simulations showed the estimates to be unbiased when model assumptions are not violated, but the bias introduced by various violations is reduced when more loci are included in the estimate. Often the variance of a three or four locus estimate closely approaches the minimum variance possible (the variance of an estimate using infinitely many loci), setting a practical limit to the number of loci needed for a nearly minimum variance estimate. An example from some work on Limnanthes is presented to illustrate the use of multilocus model and its fit to data from natural populations.
Electrophilic properties of common MALDI matrix molecules

Abstract The negative ion photoelectron spectra of the following MALDI matrix molecules have been measured: 3-carboxypyridine (nicotinic acid), 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (sinapinic acid), 2,6-dihydroxyacetophenone (DHAP), 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid (ferulic acid), 3-hydroxy-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid (3HPA), and 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (dipicolinic acid). Adiabatic electron affinities and vertical detachment energies were extracted from these spectra and reported. In addition, electron affinities were calculated for DHAP, ferulic acid, dipicolinic acid and sinapinic acid. Photoelectron spectra were also measured for the dimer anions of DHB and nicotinic acid and for the fragment anion in which alpha-cyano-cinnamic acid had lost a CO 2 unit. Together, these results augment the database of presently available electrophilic data on common matrix molecules along with some of their dimers and fragments.
Evaluation and Optimization of a DNA Transfer System for Edwardsiella ictaluri

Abstract To develop DNA transfer and mutagenesis procedures for Edwardsiella ictaluri, optimal conditions for exchange between a recipient strain of E. ictaluri and a donor strain of Escherichia coli were experimentally determined by the use of a mobilizable transposon carried on a suicide vector. In general, transfer and subsequent mutant production were optimal when the ratio of cells of E. ictaluri to donor cells was 4:1 to 10:1 and was satisfactory out to a ratio of 45:1. Initial cell concentrations also were important; the number of mutants produced approximately doubled for each log increase in initial donor and recipient cell numbers at a recipient-to-donor ratio of 31:1. The most important determinant of mutant production was temperature, primarily because of the difference in optimal growth temperatures for the donor E. coli and the recipient E. ictaluri. Optimal mutant production occurred at 24°C, a considerable reduction occurred at 28°C, and very poor to zero production was seen at 33°C. The m...