cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanical control of integrin-mediated adhesion and signaling

Integrin-mediated adhesion is controlled by the number of bonds between cell surface integrins and substrate-bound ligands. Integrin-ligand affinity is modulated by chemical allostery, mechanical allostery and integrin clustering. This review analyzes how each of these factors changes through the phases of cell attachment, adhesion strengthening, and clustering. The analysis predicts a dominant role of mechanical factors in both adhesive regulation and integrin signaling for adherent cells. New approaches and experimental analyses will be required to substantiate this hypothesis.
Global existence of periodic solutions in a class of delayed Gause-type predator-prey systems

where x(t), y(t) denote the population density of prey and predator at time t, respectively. g(e), p(e) and /z(s) are assumed to satisfy appropriate conditions. v, a positive constant, stands for the death rate of predator y in the absence of prey x. We may think of this system as herbivores (y) grazing upon vegetation (x), which take time r to recover. In view of the fact that many predator-prey systems display sustained fluctuations (for examples, see Freedman [l]), it is thus desirable to construct predator-prey models capable of producing nonconstant periodic solutions. When r = 0, (1.1) reduces to the well-known undelayed Gause-type or Kolmogorov predator-prey systems (again, see Freedman [l] and the references cited theorein). Under some assumptions, the resulting systems can have a unique limit cycle in the positive cone (see Kuang and Freedman [2] and the references cited therein). To the best of our knowledge about delayed population interaction models, the existing literature establishes the existence of a periodic solution by Hopf bifurcation argument, or reduces the delayed systems to undelayed systems of higher dimensions. Therefore, these existence results are generally local. Most of the existing results on the global existence of nonconstant periodic solutions in delayed equations deal with scalar equations with single discrete delay, such as 13-101
Production of ethanol from wood hemicellulose hydrolyzates by a xylose-fermenting yeast mutant, Candida sp. XF 217

Ethanol was produced from wood chip hemicellulose hydrolyzate by a xylose-fermenting yeast mutant, Candida sp. XF 217. The rates of D-xylose consumption and ethanol production were greater under aerobic than fermentative conditions. The slow rate of fermentation under fermentative conditions could be overcome by supplementing the broth with D-xylose isomerase (glucose isomerase). The ethanol yield, as based on the sugar consumed, was approximately 90% of the theoretical value.
Microsurgery of the male reproductive system

The superior visualization and the expanded capabilities offered by the microscope make microsurgery particularly applicable to the delicate male reproductive tract. Advances in microsurgery as well as a better understanding of the alteration that occurs with obstruction of the male reproductive ducts have greatly increased our success rate. In spite of these technical advances, pathophysiological changes in the reproductive system (sperm antibodies, epididymal dysfunction) may secondarily influence the outcome of surgery.
Contextual Information, Artistic Style and the Perception of Art

An experiment was conducted to determine if providing contextual information about various artistic styles would increase liking and lead to more positive perceptions of examples of art. Participan...
Health concerns regarding consumption of irradiated food

Food irradiation is being promoted as a simple process that can be used to effectively and significantly reduce food-borne illnesses around the world. However, a thorough review of the literature reveals a paucity of adequate research conducted to specifically address health concerns that may directly result from the consumption of irradiated food. Consequently, there is considerable debate on the issue of health concerns from irradiated food among international agencies and between different nations. This report presents a critical review of scientific data and recommendations from different agencies and consumer groups. The objective of this review is to provide the scientific community and the general public with a balanced discussion on irradiated food from the viewpoint of an environmental or public health professional. As a result of this review, the authors conclude that current evidence does not exist to substantiate the support or unconditional endorsement of irradiation of food for consumption. In addition, consumers are entitled to their right of choice in the consumption of irradiated versus un-irradiated food. Different countries should further evaluate their local and global risks and benefits prior to developing and recommending national and international food irradiation policies.
Iatrogenic Pericardial Effusion and Tamponade in the Percutaneous Intracardiac Intervention Era

The number, specific type, and complexity of percutaneous intracardiac procedures continue to evolve. Many of these procedures require left atrial access using transseptal techniques. These approaches carry with them the potential for pericardial effusion (PE) and cardiac tamponade, particularly in the setting when intraprocedural anticoagulation is being administered. PEs and even cardiac tamponade have been documented with both diagnostic as well as therapeutic procedures. When the effusion is a complication of an intracardiac procedure, it is usually the result of a cardiac perforation. The presentation depends on several factors including the structure that is perforated, the device that caused the perforation, the baseline hemodynamic status of the patient, and the level of anticoagulation present. The incidence has varied substantially although it has been recorded with essentially all intracardiac procedures, both diagnostic and therapeutic on both the right and left side of the heart. Prompt recognition is essential so that prevention of the transition from effusion to tamponade can be attempted (e.g., by reversing anticoagulation) or the hemodynamic collapse can either be averted or treated. Clinical, radiologic, and echocardiographic assessment are each important. Pericardiocentesis can be life-saving and is a core competency for all laboratories performing invasive cardiac procedures. Systems of care must include the knowledge base, equipment, and expert echocardiographic and interventional personnel. Collaboration with noninvasive colleagues and training interventionalists who perform intracardiac interventions, both electrophysiologists and interventional cardiologists, should be required as part of every invasive program.
Synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of radiolabeled O6-benzylguanine derivatives, new potential PET imaging agents for the DNA repair protein O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase in breast cancer

Novel radiolabeled O(6)-benzylguanine (O(6)-BG) derivatives, 2-amino-6-O-[(11)C]-[(methoxymethyl)benzyloxy]-9-methyl purines ([(11)C]p-O(6)-AMMP, 1a; [(11)C]m-O(6)-AMMP, 1b; [(11)C]o-O(6)-AMMP, 1c), 2-amino-6-O-benzyloxy-9-[(11)C]-[(methoxycarbonyl)methyl]purine ([(11)C]ABMMP, 2), and 2-amino-6-O-benzyloxy-9-[(11)C]-[(4'-methoxycarbonyl)benzyl]purine ([(11)C]ABMBP, 3), have been synthesized for evaluation as new potential positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents for the DNA repair protein O(6)-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) in breast cancer. The appropriate precursors for radiolabeling were obtained in two to three steps from starting material 2-amino-6-chloropurine with moderate to excellent chemical yields. Tracers were prepared by O-[(11)C]methylation of hydroxymethyl or acid precursors using [(11)C]methyl triflate. Pure target compounds were isolated by solid-phase extraction (SPE) purification procedure in 45-65% radiochemical yields (decay corrected to end of bombardment), and a synthesis time of 20-25 min. The activity of unlabeled standard samples of 1-3 was evaluated via an in vitro AGT oligonucleotide assay. Preliminary findings from biological assay indicate the synthesized analogs have similar strong inhibitory effectiveness on AGT in comparison with the parent compound O(6)-BG. The results warrant further evaluation of these radiotracers as new potential PET imaging agents for the DNA repair protein AGT in breast cancer in vivo.
The second general assembly of the International Geodetic and Geophysical Union

The second general assembly of the Union took place in Madrid, beginning October 1, 1924, in the building of the National Parliament. The king of Spain presided at the first meeting and the proceedings consisted of addresses of welcome. Then for a week the several sections met in different rooms and discussed matters of special interest to themselves. There are now thirty nations adhering to the Union, and nearly all were represented by delegates or by proxy. The United States had but four delegates, which made it impossible to keep in close touch with the discussions of the seven sections. At the final meeting on October 8 the several sections reported the results of their conferences to the general assembly.
Lyotard, nihilism and education

This paper argues the Lyotard's The Postmodern Condition is to be interpreted as a response to nihilism, especially in relation to the question of the legitimation of knowledge and the so-called crisis of narratives, and that, therefore, it provides an appropriate response to the question of nihilism in educational philosophy. The paper begins with a discussion of Nietzsche's and Heidegger's views of nihilism as a prolegomenon to Lyotard's views concerning European nihilism and the end of grand narratives. These are important sources for a philosophical reception of the problem and the context in which Lyotard formulates his response and the immediate sources against that conditions Lyotard's response. The problem of nihilism raises its head in education in a double way: in relation to both the foundation of knowledge and the problem of its legitimation (The Postmodern Condition) and the problem of values (The Differend).
Surface imaging using diffracted electrons

Abstract Refection electron microscopy has been applied for studying single crystal surfaces of noble metals in a conventional electron microscope using diffracted electrons for the imaging. This is equivalent to dark field imaging in transmission electron microscopy. The image contains far more contrast due to deviation from the ideal surface structure than any other surface imaging technique. A resolution of the order of 20 A has been achieved for directions perpendicular to the incident beam. In directions parallel to the incident beam the resolution is much worse and the magnification is reduced with a factor 15 to 100 because the surface is viewed at the angle of the diffracted beam used for imaging (foreshortening). Nevertheless the achieved resolution is one to two orders of magnitude better than for other surface imaging methods. Since a correspondence can be established between image and diffraction pattern by means of selected area diffraction, the present technique should be very useful in structure analysis of surfaces.
Pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease behavior – a view from the network

Advancements in neuroscience have uncovered an amazing complexity of connectivity between nuclei sites and circuits within the brain. Moreover, clinical and neuropathological study has revealed diffuse involvement of the nervous system in Parkinson's disease associated with early and/or significant clinical symptoms. Behavior manifestations in Parkinson's disease include cognitive decline and unwanted positive behaviors such as hallucinations and impulse-control disorders. The pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease can be conceptualized at multiple levels that include: (1) Molecular pathogenesis, (2) Cellular/Tissue abnormalities, (3) Neurochemical changes, (4) Site and circuit dysfunction, and (5) Network dysfunction. Currently, there is only a vague correlation with genetic abnormalities that manifest worse Parkinson's disease behavior problems, but abnormalities in misfolded proteins such as α-synuclein and Aβ peptide that are increased in cortical and subcortical areas do correlate with worse behavior signs and symptoms. Both Lewy-type synucleinopathy and Alzheimer's disease pathologies, along with loss of synaptic integrity, seem to correlate with Parkinson's disease cognitive decline. Neurochemical changes of dopamine, acetylcholine, and other monoamines are associated. The frontostriate circuit is most commonly implicated in Parkinson's disease behavior. However, there is now beginning to be evidence that diffuse global network dysfunction is possibly the unifying pathophysiology from all of these level abnormalities.
The gamma distribution and weighted multimodal gamma distributions as models of population abundance

Abstract The gamma probability distribution is a general model of a population fluctuating around a steady state. We show this using stochastic differential equations (SDEs), constructed by adding white noise to the specific growth rate in deterministic models of population abundance. The gamma is an approximate stationary solution for almost any SDE having an underlying deterministic equilibrium. If the deterministic model possesses multiple stable and unstable equilibria, the approximate stationary solution to the stochastic case is a weighted gamma distribution. Modes of the stationary distribution roughly correspond to the equilibria of the deterministic model. Stochastic forces have effects similar to harvesting. These findings provide: (1) a theoretical basis for certain descriptive uses of the gamma in statistical ecology, (2) a concise graphical summary of the interactions between density dependent and density independent population regulation, (3) a statistical framework for fitting catastrophe-theoretic models to ecological data sets.
Severity of Disturbance Among Asian American Outpatients.

Although Asian Americans are low utilizers of mental health services, they may suffer from a greater degree of disturbance by the time they are accepted for services. In this study, thousands of Asian and White clients who utilized a large mental health system over a 5-year period were compared on three measures of severity of disturbance: severity of diagnosis, ratings of functioning, and presence of psychotic features. Results for all three indicators supported the hypothesis that Asian Americans show greater disturbance than do Whites. The findings provide convincing evidence of greater disturbance among Asian American clients. It is suggested that for cultural reasons, only the most severely disturbed Asian clients use mental health services.
A spectrum stripping method for the computer-coupled activation analysis of unknown samples by γ-ray spectrometry

Abstract A spectrum stripping method for the computer-coupled activation analysis of unknown samples using γ-ray spectrometry is discussed. Before the unscrambling of the γ-ray is performed using standard spectra of the components, each spectrum is smoothed, statistically weighted and corrected for background. The photopeaks of the standard spectra are then aligned with the respective peaks of the sample spectrum, one at a time after correcting for gain drift if necessary, and the undesired components are stripped out. After successive subtraction, the characteristic spectrum of the desired element is compared with that of the standard to determine its weight. The results obtained using the present method are as good as those obtained from least-squares analysis in ideal cases, but appear to be better when assumptions inherent in the least-squares method are no longer valid.
Barrier infrared detector research at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory

The barrier infrared detector device architecture offers the advantage of reduced dark current resulting from suppressed Shockley-Read-Hall (SRH) recombination and surface leakage. The versatility of the antimonide material system, with the availability of three different types of band offsets for flexibility in device design, provides the ideal setting for implementing barrier infrared detectors. We describe the progress made at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in recent years in Barrier infrared detector research that resulted in high-performance quantum structure infrared detectors, including the type-II superlattice complementary barrier infrared detector (CBIRD), and the high operating quantum dot barrier infrared detector (HOT QD-BIRD).
Spectrophotometric methods for the determination of osmium-III: Reaction of osmium tetroxide with 1:5-diphenylcarbo- hydrazide in aqueous solutions followed by extraction of the complex

Abstract -A spectrophotometric method has been developed which is applicable to the determination of extremely small quantities of osmium. Osmium is oxidised to the octovalent state, then added to an acidic aqueous solution containing 1:5-diphenylcarbohydrazide (DPC). After heating the aqueous solution to 65°, the osmium-DPC complex is extracted with chloroform. A molar absorbancy index of about 150,000 is obtained. From 7 to 25 μg of osmium can be determined with a coefficient of variation of 6%. It was established that FeIII, CuII, RuIII and AuIII seriously interfere in the determination of osmium by this method, while CrVI, NiII, MoVI, IrIII and chloride interfere only when present in relatively high concentrations.
Preventive health behaviors influenced by self-perceptions of aging.

Abstract Background. Research has found that the elderly are the age group that is the least likely to engage in preventive health behaviors, even though these behaviors continue to benefit individuals throughout the life span. We investigated for the first time whether an age-specific factor, older individuals' beliefs about their own aging, predicts their likelihood of engaging in preventive health behaviors over time. Methods. We conducted multivariate linear regression to test the predictive value of aging self-perceptions on the preventive health behaviors of 241 individuals, who participated in the Ohio Longitudinal Study of Aging and Retirement (OLSAR) aged 50–80 years old. The preventive health behaviors included eating a balanced diet, exercising, and following directions for taking prescribed medications. Results. Individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging tended to practice more preventive health behaviors over the next two decades after controlling for age, education, functional health, gender, self-rated health, and race ( P = 0.032). Conclusions. Our findings suggest that addressing views about aging could help improve efforts to increase preventive health behaviors in the older population.
DeltaNp73 stabilises TAp73 proteins but compromises their function due to inhibitory hetero-oligomer formation.

Since inhibitory interactions of two proteins often lead to their stabilization, we asked whether DNp73 can affect TAp73 protein levels. We show here that DNp73 isoforms indeed stabilise TAp73 proteins but, in doing so, inhibit their transactivation function. Individual p73 isoforms with variant N- and C-termini differ only moderately in their halflives. However, when co-expressed in various cell types, TAp73 a and b proteins become markedly stabilized by DNp73a in a dose-dependent manner. Similar results were seen with DNp73beta, albeit the effect is weaker. In contrast, p53 protein fails to accumulate via DNp73. Using tetramerization-deficient mutants, we find that the ability of DNp73 to mediate TAp73 accumulation largely depends on its tetramerization domain and correlates with its activity to function as a dominant-negative inhibitor of TAp73. In the ongoing debate whether TAp73 is a relevant tumor suppressor, we suggest that increased TAp73 protein levels should be interpreted with caution when levels are the only criteria that can be used to deduce TAp73 activity. This is particularly the case in primary tumors where functional studies are not possible.
Effectiveness of the Smoking Cessation and Reduction in Pregnancy Treatment (SCRIPT) dissemination project: a science to prenatal care practice partnership.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Smoking Cessation and Reduction in Pregnancy Treatment (SCRIPT) Program selected by the West Virginia—Right From The Start Project for state-wide dissemination. A process evaluation documented the fidelity of SCRIPT delivery by Designated Care Coordinators (DCC), licensed nurses and social workers who provide home-based case management to Medicaid-eligible clients in all 55 counties. We implemented a quasi-experimental, non-randomized, matched Comparison (C) Group design. The SCRIPT Experimental E Group (N = 259) were all clients in 2009–2010 that wanted to quit, provided a screening carbon monoxide (CO), and received a SCRIPT home visit. The (C) Group was derived from all clients in 2006–2007 who had the same CO assessments as E Group clients and reported receiving cessation counseling. We stratified the baseline CO of E Group clients into 10 strata, and randomly selected the same number of (C) Group clients (N = 259) from each matched strata to evaluate the effectiveness of the SCRIPT Program. There were no significant baseline differences in the E and (C) Group. A Process Evaluation documented a significant increase in the fidelity of DCC delivery of SCRIPT Program procedures: from 63 % in 2006 to 74 % in 2010. Significant increases were documented in the E Group cessation rate (+9.3 %) and significant reduction rate (+4.5 %), a ≥50 % reduction from a baseline CO. Perinatal health case management staff can deliver the SCRIPT Program, and Medicaid-supported clients can change smoking behavior, even very late in pregnancy. When multiple biases were analyzed, we concluded the SCRIPT Dissemination Project was the most plausible reason for the significant changes in behavior.
Blinking and Bleaching of Tetramethylrhodamine on DNA Induced by Paramagnetic Cations

Certain proteins require metal cation cofactors to function. The conformations and dynamics of such proteins are often studied using single molecule fluorescence techniques. Blinking of fluorophores can make analysis of single molecule fluorescence data difficult. During the investigation of a manganese-dependent enzyme that binds DNA, we observed fluorescence fluctuations of tetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA) when in the presence of manganese, but not magnesium. This project seeks to understand the origin of fluorescent fluctuations when in presence of certain cations and why they occur.A DNA strand with an internally labeled TAMRA was studied while in the presence of divalent calcium, magnesium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, and zinc. Using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, the fluctuations of TAMRA were analyzed. When in the presence of calcium, magnesium, and zinc, the correlation of TAMRA can be described by diffusion only. However, a process that occurs in the micro-second timescale is present when manganese, cobalt, and nickel are present. Flash photolysis experiments were done to characterize the nature of the excited state species that causes fluorescence fluctuations. The results indicate that a triplet forms while in the presence of manganese but not magnesium, and only in the presence of DNA. Manganese, cobalt, and nickel are paramagnetic cations and can induce triplet formation in dyes, while diamagnetic cations, like calcium, magnesium, and zinc, do not. This conclusion is supported through lifetime and photodegradation experiments. When DNA is present, the cations can induce a triplet at much lower concentrations than when DNA is not present. This can be explained by the fact that when cations bind to DNA, they are in closer proximity to the dye.
Distance distributions and dynamics of a zinc finger peptide from fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurements

Time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements were used to measure distance distributions and intramolecular dynamics (site-to-site diffusion) of a 28-residue single-domain zinc finger peptide in the absence and presence of zinc ion. Energy transfer was measured between TRP14 and a N-terminal DNS group. As expected, the TRP-to-DNS distance distribution for zinc-bound peptide is shorter and narrower (Rav=11.2 A,hw=2.8 A) than the metal-free peptide (Rav=20.1 A,hw=14.5 A). The degree of mutual donor-to-acceptor diffusion (D) was also determined for these distributions. For zinc-bound peptide there is no detectible diffusion (D≤0.2 A2/ns), whereas for metal-free peptide a considerable amount of motion is occurring between the donor and the acceptor (D=12 A2/ns). These results indicate that the zinc-bound peptide folds into a unique, well-defined conformation, whereas the metal-free conformation is flexible and rapidly changing. The absence of detectible mutual site-to-site diffusion between the donor and the acceptor in the metal-bound zinc finger peptide indicates that intramolecular motion is essentially frozen out, on the FRET time scale, as a consequence of zinc coordination.
Microbial calorimetric analysis (MCA): Analytic method for aqueous organic compounds

Abstract When bacteria are adapted to metabolize organic compounds as carbon sources, in effect they become reactive reagents for analysis of specific compounds via calorimetry of their aerobic metabolic heat. From 2 to 5 mg. of adapted bacteria drive metabolism of a number of sugars, alcohols, fatty acids, phenols to completion in 4 to 10 minutes using 2 to 100 nanomoles of compound or analyte. Conditions are aerobic, ca. 25°C. The MCA general method simply uses microbial behavior normally occurring on a large scale in the environment, applying it to analysis of 0.5 to 2 ml. samples. Microbial aerobic turnover of carbon produces large molar heats, commonly half as much as oxygen bomb combustion heat of comparable samples, roughly 2X to 10X as much heat as most other classes of aqueous reactions.
The Politics of Spinoza’s Vanishing Dichotomies

Spinoza’s project of showing how the mind can be freed from its passive affects and the State from its divisive factions (E IV.Appendix and V.Preface) ultimately coincides with the aims announced in the subtitle of the Tractatus-Theologico-Politicus (TTP) “to demonstrate that [the] freedom to philosophize does not endanger the piety and obedience required for civic peace.”1 Both projects rest on a set of provisional isomorphic distinctions—between adequate and inadequate ideas, between reason and the imagination, between active and passive affects—that Spinoza proceeds to blur, and indeed to renounce. In using these distinctions while also moving to overcome them, Spinoza is not confused or indecisive. Every philosopher, every wise Sovereign, every free man who attempts to incorporate adequate ideas in inadequately framed, perspectivally limited contexts must use these distinctions and also see how deeply misleading they are. I want to offer a friendly amendment to Hasana Sharpe’s essay “The Force of Idea...
ADAPTIVE DIVERSIFICATION OF MALAGASY STREPSIRRHINES

Abstract This overview of the positional behavior and evolutionary history of Malagasy strepsirrhines is based on the humeral and femoral morphology of extinct and extant forms. It argues against the hypothesis that vertical clinging and leaping was ancestral for Malagasy lemurs in general, and for indroids in particular. Special attention is given to the evolutionary history of the Indroidea, and a new interpretation of their relationships is offered. It appears that specialized forms of leaping, as well as specialized slow, quadrupedal climbing, evolved repeatedly within the Malagasy strepsirrhines (i.e., in both Indroidea and Lemuroidea) from a generalized quadrupedal ancestor that would have included a certain amount of leaping and bounding in its positional repertory, but also slow climbing and occasional hindlimb suspension.
Structure and stability of columnar cyclomaltohexaose (α-cyclodextrin) hydrate

Rapid recrystallization of cyclomaltohexaose (alpha-cyclodextrin, alpha-CD) from aqueous solution resulted in formation of the columnar crystal structure of alpha-CD containing only water as the guest molecule. Complementary water vapor sorption and wide-angle X-ray diffractometry (WAXD) experiments were performed on the alpha-CD columnar structure to elucidate the crystal structure present at varying sorption levels. Equilibrium isothermal water vapor sorption experiments at 40 degrees C revealed that the alpha-CD columnar structure is unstable above a water activity of approximately 0.67. This was confirmed by WAXD diffractograms collected over time, which further revealed that alpha-CD columnar structure undergoes a phase transformation to the cage structure after approximately 0.25 h at 40 degrees C and a water activity of 1.0.
Arginine Activity in the Proton-Motive Photocycle of Bacteriorhodopsin: Solid-State NMR Studies of the Wild-Type and D85N Proteins†

15N solid-state NMR (SSNMR) spectra of guanidyl-15N-labeled bacteriorhodopsin (bR) show perturbation of an arginine residue upon deprotonation of the retinal Schiff base during the photocycle. At the e position, an upfield shift of 4 ppm is observed while the η nitrogens develop a pair of ‘wing' peaks separated by 24 ppm. Proton-driven spin diffusion between the two ‘wing' peaks indicates that they arise from a single Arg residue. An unusually asymmetric environment for this residue is indicated by comparison with guanidyl-15N chemical shifts in a series of arginine model compounds. The ‘wing' peaks are tentatively assigned to Arg-82 on the basis of the SSNMR investigations of the alkaline and neutral dark-adapted forms of the D85N bacteriorhodopsin mutant. Another, less asymmetric pair of η signals, that is not affected by Schiff base deprotonation or D85 mutation, is tentatively assigned to Arg-134. The results are discussed in relation to existing models of bR structure and function.
New Methods for High-Dimensional Verified Quadrature

Conventional verified methods for integration often rely on the verified bounding of analytically derived remainder formulas for popular integration rules. We show that using the approach of Taylor models, it is possible to devise new methods for verified integration of high order and in many variables. Different from conventional schemes, they do not require an a-priori derivation of analytical error bounds, but the rigorous bounds are calculated automatically in parallel to the computation of the integral. The performance of various schemes are compared for examples of up to order ten in up to eight variables. Computational expenses and tightness of the resulting bounds are compared with conventional methods.
Cortisol Metabolism in Female Baboons (Papio papio)

The metabolism of iv administered 14C-cortisol (F) by mature female baboons was compared with that reported for humans. Approximately 60% of 14C was recovered in urine within 24 hr and 80% within 120 hr after injection. The distribution of urinary 14C was 12.8% unconjugated, 50.3% glucuronoside, and 7.5% sulfate (H2SO4-e,thyl acetate) with 21% unextractable with ethyl acetate. Metabolites were isolated by paper chromatography and purified by crystallization and derivative formation. More than 50% of unconjugated and sulfate fractions were more polar than the cortols with a significant portion of the former even more polar than 6β-hydroxy-F. Unconjugated F plus cortisone [ratio < 1] represented < 2% urinary 14C. Tetrahydro-F (THF) and tetrahydrocortisone (THE) [ratio < 1], constituting 20% of the glucuronoside fraction, were the principal C21 metabolites isolated. Thirty-five percent of the glucuronoside fraction was less polar than cortisone indicating extensive side-chain cleavage. The daily production r...
Rapid Early Response in Cognitive Behavior Therapy: A Commentary

In an earlier article, Ilardi and Craighead (1994) suggested that symptom change in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) occurs too rapidly to be the product of efforts at cognitive modification. In a subsequent response, Tang and DeRubeis (this issue) point out that considerable attention is paid to just such cognitive strategies during early sessions of CUT and that the typical strategy of providing twice weekly sessions allows ample time for cognitive restructuring. These observations accord nicely with the theory and nature of cognitive therapy, which encourages patients to use their own behaviors to test the accuracy of their beliefs. Moreover, Tang and DeRubeis note that individual response is as likely to be discrete and abrupt as continuous over time. Just why this is so remains unclear, but it may be related to the sudden realization by patients that they can use cognitive theory as a tool to deal more effectively with life's problems.
Contractor Experience Using RADC ORACLE

Use of a DoD developed and owned computer implementation of MIL-HDBK-217 (Reliability Prediction of Electronic Equipment) is being required on some DoD contracts. This paper describes the experience of one contractor in the initial use of this program (ORACLE - Optimized Reliability and Component Life Estimator). The elements of experience described are the basic contractual requirement, advance preparation by the contractor, initial startup problems and actual use experience after the initial startup. Conclusions, as to benefits afforded by this requirement, include an assessment of the potential for increased productivity within the Reliability Engineering functions.
Models for Conducting Student Organization Development

Student organization development is an evolving technology for conducting intentional student development. This article contains a description of general and specific models for guiding this effort, with an emphasis on the CORE (Cohesion, Organization, Resourcefulness, Energy) model.
The Ciona intestinalis genome: when the constraints are off

The recent genome sequencing of a non-vertebrate deuterostome, the ascidian tunicate Ciona intestinalis, makes a substantial contribution to the fields of evolutionary and developmental biology.1 Tunicates have some of the smallest bilaterian genomes, embryos with relatively few cells, fixed lineages and early determination of cell fates. Initial analyses of the C. intestinalis genome indicate that it has been evolving rapidly. Comparisons with other bilaterians show that C. intestinalis has lost a number of genes, and that many genes linked together in most other bilaterians have become uncoupled. In addition, a number of independent, lineage-specific gene duplications have been detected. These new results, although interesting in themselves, will take on a deeper significance once the genomes of additional invertebrate deuterostomes (e.g. echinoderms, hemichordates and amphioxus) have been sequenced. With such a broadened database, comparative genomics can begin to ask pointed questions about the relationship between the evolution of genomes and the evolution of body plans. Copyright 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnostic Value of Urinary Sodium, Chloride, Urea, and Flow

Up to 30% of hospitalized critically ill patients may have a rise in serum creatinine concentration. In addition to history and physical examination, there is diagnostic value in assessing urinary electrolytes, solute excretion, and urine flow in these patients. The correct interpretation of these urinary parameters can avoid unnecessary volume overload and mechanical ventilation, risk factors for increased mortality in patients with rising serum creatinine. The present article also discusses the role of arterial underfilling in causing prerenal azotemia in the presence of an increase in total body sodium and extracellular fluid expansion. As with extracellular fluid volume depletion, arterial underfilling secondary to impaired cardiac function or primary arterial vasodilation can delay or prevent recovery from ischemic or toxic acute tubular necrosis. The present brief review discusses the various aspects of the correct interpretation of urinary electrolytes, solute excretion, and urine flow in the setting of a rising serum creatinine concentration.
TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAMS AND TEACHER QUALITY: ARE THERE REAL DIFFERENCES ACROSS PROGRAMS?

AbstractWe compare teacher preparation programs in Missouri based on the effectiveness of their graduates in the classroom. The differences in effectiveness between teachers from different preparation programs are much smaller than has been suggested in previous work. In fact, virtually all of the variation in teacher effectiveness comes from within-program differences between teachers. Prior research has overstated differences in teacher performance across preparation programs by failing to properly account for teacher sampling.
Core cannibalization architecture: improving lifetime chip performance for multicore processors in the presence of hard faults

To improve the lifetime performance of a multicore chip with simple cores, we propose the Core Cannibalization Architecture (CCA). A chip with CCA provisions a fraction of the cores as cannibalizable cores (CCs). In the absence of hard faults, the CCs function just like normal cores. In the presence of hard faults, the CCs can be cannibalized for spare parts at the granularity of pipeline stages. We have designed and laid out CCA chips composed of multiple OpenRISC 1200 cores. Our results show that CCA improves the chips' lifetime performances, compared to chips without CCA.
Bound But Not Gagged Media Reform in Democratic Transitions

This article examines general patterns of the politics of media reform in Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Taiwan, all societies transitioning to democracy. Although the media are becoming more free and independent in each, there remain significant political constraints on journalism in all four countries. Using arguments from organizational analysis, the author contends that the persistence of institutional connection between the media and the government, state, and political parties has left the media in a politically dependent position. This dependence is manipulated by politicians across the political spectrum in an effort to sustain electoral success and political authority. The prevalence of this pattern in Taiwan indicates that the so-called Leninist legacy is not always the primary inhibitor of greater liberalization. The difficulties in all four countries indicate, the author contends, that rebuilding old institutions differs from creating brand new democratic ones.
A Scalable and Mobility-Resilient Data Search System for Large-Scale Mobile Wireless Networks

This paper addresses the data search problem in large-scale highly mobile and dense wireless networks. Current wireless network data search systems are not suitable for large-scale highly mobile and dense wireless networks. This paper presents a scalable and mobility-resilient LOcality-based distRibuted Data search system (LORD) for large-scale wireless networks with high mobility and density. Taking advantage of the high density, rather than mapping data to a location point, LORD maps file metadata to a geographical region and stores it in multiple nodes in the region, thus enhancing mobility-resilience. LORD has a novel region-based geographic data routing protocol that does not rely on flooding or GPSs for data publishing and querying, and a coloring-based partial replication algorithm to reduce data replicas in a region while maintaining the querying efficiency. LORD also works for unbalanced wireless networks with sparse regions. Simulation results show the superior performance of LORD compared to representative data search systems in terms of scalability, overhead, and mobility resilience in a highly dense and mobile network. The results also show the high scalability and mobility-resilience of LORD in an unbalanced wireless network with sparse regions, and the effectiveness of its coloring-based partial replication algorithm.
The Effects of Cognitive and Metacognitive Strategy Instruction on the Mathematical Problem Solving of Middle School Students with Learning Disabilities

This study investigated the effects of cognitive and metacognitive strategy instruction on the mathematical problem solving of six middle school students with learning disabilities. Conditions of the multiple baseline, across-subjects design included baseline, two levels of treatment, setting and temporal generalization, and retraining. For Treatment 1, subjects received either cognitive or metacognitive strategy instruction. Treatment 2 consisted of instruction in the complementary component of the instructional program so that all subjects eventually received both cognitive and metacognitive strategy instruction. This design allowed a componential analysis of the content as well as sequence of instruction. Generally, subjects improved their mathematical problem solving as measured by performance on one-, two-, and three-step word problems. Discussion focused on effectiveness of treatment, acquisition and application of strategic knowledge, error pattern analysis, and the need to tailor instruction to the learner's individual characteristics.
Examining the Impact of Celebrity Gossip Magazine Coverage of Pregnant Celebrities on Pregnant Women’s Self-Objectification

The present experimental study examined the impact of celebrity gossip magazine coverage on pregnant women through the lens of objectification theory (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997). In total, 301 pregnant women were randomly assigned to view highly sexually objectifying full-body images and accompanying text depicting pregnant celebrities, low objectifying headshot-only images and accompanying text depicting celebrities, or images of baby products with no people depicted (control). Exposure to the headshot-only condition resulted in significantly more self-objectification than exposure to control images. We speculate exposure to the headshot-only images primed self-objectification in participants because they visualized nonpregnant, thin, toned, and sculpted celebrity bodies that are frequently objectified by the media. Further analyses revealed that participants’ stage in pregnancy, history with pregnancy, and age moderated the main effects. Among those in their first trimester, assignment to the headshot...
Compressed Sensing With Wavelet Domain Dependencies for Coronary MRI: A Retrospective Study

Coronary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging modality for diagnosis of coronary artery disease. One of the limitations of coronary MRI is its long acquisition time due to the need of imaging with high spatial resolution and constraints on respiratory and cardiac motions. Compressed sensing (CS) has been recently utilized to accelerate image acquisition in MRI. In this paper, we develop an improved CS reconstruction method, Bayesian least squares-Gaussian scale mixture (BLS-GSM), that uses dependencies of wavelet domain coefficients to reduce the observed blurring and reconstruction artifacts in coronary MRI using traditional l1 regularization. Images of left and right coronary MRI was acquired in 7 healthy subjects with fully-sampled k-space data. The data was retrospectively undersampled using acceleration rates of 2, 4, 6, and 8 and reconstructed using l1 thresholding, l1 minimization and BLS-GSM thresholding. Reconstructed right and left coronary images were compared with fully-sampled reconstructions in vessel sharpness and subjective image quality (1-4 for poor-excellent). Mean square error (MSE) was also calculated for each reconstruction. There were no significant differences between the fully sampled image score versus rate 2, 4, or 6 for BLS-GSM for both right and left coronaries (=N.S.). However, for l1 thresholding significant differences (p <; 0.05) were observed for rates higher than 2 and 4 for right and left coronaries respectively. l1 minimization also yields images with lower scores compared to the reference for rates higher than 4 for both coronaries. These results were consistent with the quantitative vessel sharpness readings. BLS-GSM allows acceleration of coronary MRI with acceleration rates beyond what can be achieved with l1 regularization.
The impact of ventricular morphology on midterm outcome following completion total cavopulmonary connection.

Objective: This study was undertaken to compare the early and midterm outcome following completion total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) in patients with a single functional ventricle of left or right morphology. Methods: Between August 1996 and July 2001, 103 patients underwent completion TCPC following an interim superior cavopulmonary connection. The single functional ventricle was of left (n ¼ 44, 42%) or right ventricular morphology (n ¼ 59, 58%). The TCPC was performed using an extracardiac conduit (n ¼ 84, 82%) or a lateral atrial tunnel (n ¼ 19, 18%), and was fenestrated in 53 patients (51%). Outcomes studied included duration of pleural effusions and in-patient hospitalisation; early mortality, reoperation and reintervention; actuarial survival, freedom from reoperation and reintervention; and current functional status. These were assessed according to a series of preoperative, operative and postoperative variables. Follow-up was complete with a median interval of 17 months (range, 21 days – 5.2 years). Results: Early mortality was 1.9% (n ¼ 2) and one other patient required takedown of the Fontan circulation. There was one late death. Five-year survival with a Fontan circulation (^ 1 SEM) was 95.6 ^ 2.5%. Forty-two patients (41%) had prolonged pleural drainage ($ 14 days) and 41 patients (40%) had a prolonged hospital stay. Five-year freedom from reoperation and reintervention (^ 1 SEM) were 92.2 ^ 5.0 and 73.4 ^ 6.0%, respectively. The Fontan procedure was associated with an improved functional class (P , 0:005) and all current survivors (n ¼ 99) are in either New York Heart Association classes I or II. Multivariate analysis identified left atrial isomerism as the single risk factor for death (P , 0:05). Independent risk factors for prolonged hospital stay included a morphologic right ventricle (P , 0:05), increased postoperative pulmonary artery pressures (P , 0:005) and an unfenestrated Fontan procedure (P , 0:01). Conclusions: In this contemporary series, the modified Fontan procedure was characterised by low early mortality, excellent midterm survival, and improved functional class independent of the morphology of the single functional ventricle. Nevertheless, a morphologic right ventricle was a risk factor for prolonged in-patient hospitalisation and may yet influence long term survival. q 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Learning PP attachment from corpus statistics

One of the main problems in natural language analysis is the resolution of structural ambiguity. Prepositional Phrase (PP) attachment ambiguity is a particularly difficult case. We describe a robust PP disambiguation procedure that learns from a text corpus. The method is based on a loglinear model, a type of statistical model that is able to account for combinations of multiple categorial features. A series of experiments that compare the loglinear method against other strategies are described. For the difficult case of three possible attachment sites, the loglinear method predicts PP attachment with significantly higher accuracy than a simpler procedure that uses lexical association strengths. At the same time, on general newswire text, the accuracy of the statistical method remains 10% below the performance of human experts. This suggests a limit on what can be learned automatically from text, and points to the need to combine machine learning with human expertise.