cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prismatic effects of negative ties

Abstract Research on negative ties has focused primarily on the harm they do. In this paper, we show that negative ties can also have beneficial effects. We argue that, like positive ties, negative ties can link actors together in the minds of observers. As a result, we theorize that negative ties with high-status actors can benefit a focal actor, whereas negative ties with low-status actors can harm the focal actor. This prismatic effect depends on the existing status of the focal actor: a focal actor of low status is likely to benefit far more from negative ties with high-status actors and suffer more from negative ties with low-status actors than will an actor of high-status. To test our ideas, we analyze the phenomenon of "diss songs" in hip-hop music. A diss song is a song in which a rapper makes derogatory comments about another rapper, constituting a negative tie. We analyze the effects of negative ties among 53 rappers over 20 points in time on audience reaction as measured by record sales. We find that negative ties with high-status actors enhance future sales for low-status actors. However, negative ties with lower-status actors have no effect on the future sales of both low- and high-status actors. Just as some researchers have reported both positive and negative consequences of social capital, our study demonstrates that negative ties can also have both positive and negative outcomes.
Shrinkage Classification for Overlapping Time Series: An interpretable method for mapping stimulus-differentiated evoked response

Abstract Multivariate time series from neural electrophysiological recordings are a rich source of information about neural processing systems and require appropriate methods for proper analysis. Current methods for mapping brain function in these data using neural decoding aggregate information across space and time in limited ways, rarely incorporating spatial dependence across recording locations. We propose Shrinkage Classification for Overlapping Time Series (SCOTS), a neural decoding method that maps brain function, while accounting for spatio-temporal dependence, through interpretable dimensionality reduction and classification of multivariate neural time series. SCOTS has two components: first, overlapping clustering from sparse semi-nonnegative matrix factorization gives a data-driven aggregation of neural information across space; second, wavelet-transformed nearest shrunken centroids with sparse group lasso performs multi-class classification with selection of informative clusters and time intervals. We demonstrate use of SCOTS by applying it to human intracranial electrophysiological and MEG data collected while participants viewed visual stimuli from a range of categories. The method reveals the dynamic activation of brain regions with sensitivity to different object categories, giving insight into spatio-temporal contributions of these neural processing systems.
Lnk Controls Hematopoietic Stem Cell Self-Renewal through Direct Interactions with JAK2 and Contributes to Oncogenic JAK2-Induced Myeloproliferative Diseases in Mice

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) homeostasis and self-renewal are regulated by intrinsic cytokine signaling pathways. One important signaling axis for HSC is the cell surface receptor, Mpl, and its ligand, thrombopoietin (Tpo). Upon Tpo stimulation, Mpl activates Janus Kinase (JAK2) that triggers a cascade of downstream signal transduction pathways that regulates many aspects of cell development. Under steady-state conditions, mice lacking the inhibitory adaptor protein Lnk harbor an expanded HSC pool with enhanced self-renewal. Surprisingly, we found that Lnk−/− HSCs have an increased quiescent fraction, decelerated cell cycle kinetics, and enhanced resistance to repeated 5-Florouracil (5-FU) treatments in vivo compared to wild type HSCs. We further provided genetic evidence demonstrating that Lnk controls HSC quiescence and self-renewal predominantly through Mpl. Consistent with this observation, Lnk deficiency in HSCs potentiates JAK2 activation in response to TPO. Biochemical experiments reveal that Lnk directly binds to phosphorylated tyrosine residues in JAK2 following TPO stimulation. Dysregulation of cytokine receptor signaling pathways leads to hematological malignancies. Abnormal activation of JAK2 by a chromosomal translocation between the transcription factor Tel and JAK2 (Tel/JAK2) was shown to cause atypical Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (aCML). Recently, the JAK2 V617F mutation has been observed at high frequencies in several myeloproliferative diseases (MPDs). The JAK2V617F mutant retains Lnk binding ability, suggesting Lnk status could modify MPD development. Indeed, we found that loss of Lnk accelerates oncogenic JAK2- induced CML/MPD in the mouse transplant models. Therefore, we identified Lnk as a physiological negative regulator of JAK2 in stem cells that may contribute to leukemic transformation conferred by oncogenic JAK2.
Clinical phenotype, radiological features, and treatment of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-immunoglobulin G (MOG-IgG) optic neuritis.

Purpose of review To review the clinical characteristics, radiological manifestations and treatment of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-immunoglobulin G (IgG) optic neuritis. Recent findings Serum antibodies to MOG have recently been found to be a biomarker of MOG-IgG-associated disorder (MOGAD), a demyelinating disease distinct from both multiple sclerosis (MS) and aquaporin-4-IgG neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD). The phenotype of MOGAD is broad and includes optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, and acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Optic neuritis is the most common presentation in adults, whereas ADEM is the most common presentation in children. Clinical characteristics suggestive of MOG-IgG optic neuritis include recurrent optic neuritis, prominent disc edema, and perineural enhancement of the optic nerve on magnetic resonance imaging. Although the nadir of vision loss is severe with MOG-IgG optic neuritis, the recovery is typically better than AQP4-IgG optic neuritis and therefore has a favorable overall prognosis. Patients with relapsing disease will often need chronic immunotherapy. Rituximab, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, and monthly intravenous immune globulin are the most commonly utilized treatments. Summary MOGAD is a unique entity that is separate from both MS and AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD. Recognition of the clinical and radiologic features allow for the correct diagnosis. Future randomized trials will determine the optimal treatment for MOGAD.
Identification of stable genes in the corpus luteum of lactating Holstein cows in pregnancy and luteolysis: Implications for selection of reverse-transcription quantitative PCR reference genes.

ABSTRACT In lactating dairy cattle, the corpus luteum (CL) is a dynamic endocrine tissue vital for pregnancy maintenance, fertility, and cyclicity. Understanding processes underlying luteal physiology is therefore necessary to increase reproductive efficiency in cattle. A common technique for investigating luteal physiology is reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), a valuable tool for quantifying gene expression. However, reference-gene-based RT-qPCR quantification methods require utilization of stably expressed genes to accurately assess mRNA expression. Historically, selection of reference genes in cattle has relied on subjective selection of a small pool of reference genes, many of which may have significant expression variation among different tissues or physiologic states. This is particularly concerning in dynamic tissues such as the CL, with its capacity for rapid physiologic changes during luteolysis, and likely in the less characterized period of CL maintenance during pregnancy. Thus, there is a clear need to identify reference genes well suited for the bovine CL over a wide range of physiological states. Whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing stands as an effective method to identify new reference genes by enabling the assessment of the expression profile of the entire pool of mRNA transcripts. We report the identification of 13 novel putative reference genes using RNA sequencing in the bovine CL throughout early pregnancy and luteolysis: RPL4, UQCRFS1, COX4I1, RPS4X, SSR3, CST3, ZNF266, CDC42, CD63, HIF1A, YWHAE, EIF3E, and PPIB. Independent RT-qPCR analyses were conducted confirming expression stability in another set of CL tissues from pregnancy and regression, with analyses performed for 3 groups of samples: (1) all samples, (2) samples from pregnancy alone, and (3) samples throughout the process of CL regression. Seven genes were found to be more stable in all states than 2 traditional reference genes (ACTB and GAPDH): RPS4X, COX4I1, PPIB, SSR3, RPL4, YWHAE, and CDC42. When CL tissues from pregnant animals alone were analyzed, CST3, HIF1A, and CD63 were also identified as more stable than ACTB and GAPDH. Identification of these new reference genes will aid in accurate normalization of RT-qPCR results, contributing to proper interpretation of gene expression relevant to luteal physiology. Furthermore, our analysis sheds light on the effects of luteolysis and pregnancy on the stability of gene expression in the bovine CL.
Mechanochemical and surgical ablation of an anomalous upper extremity marginal vein in CLOVES syndrome identifies PIK3CA as the culprit gene mutation.

Abstract Anomalous marginal veins of the trunk or extremities are congenitally incompetent entities found in association with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA)-related overgrowth syndromes, such as Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, epidermal nevi, and skeletal deformities (CLOVES) syndrome. When present, they can be a major source of venous hypertension-related morbidity and potentially lethal thromboembolic events. Herein, we describe a rare case of an upper extremity marginal vein in a patient with CLOVES syndrome. Through a multimodal therapeutic approach, we identified a somatic PIK3CA mutation in the excised anomalous vein. This finding questions the validity of commonly employed terminology, such as persistent embryonic vein, in reference to these anomalous entities.
Power in Pre-Agricultural Societies

Insight into the nature of power can be gained by looking at power relationships in hunter-gatherer societies that have relatively simple social structures. These societies have little in the way of capital goods and their consumption goods are perishable, so when group members produce more than they can immediately consume, they share what they have produced with the group. Different methods of sharing are examined. Institutions are based on personal knowledge all group members have of each other, which limits the size of these societies. All power is combined as social power in these clan-based societies. Labor is the primary factor of production in these societies, and one check on the abuse of power is that people can leave, and when they do, they take their labor with them.
Implementation and Testing of a Switching Circulator for Twin-Pair STAR Radio Architectures

Realization of simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) wireless systems is desirable for spectral efficiency but challenging due to difficulties in isolating the receiver from the transmitter. A twin-pair STAR architecture based on two identical sequentially-switched delay line (SSDL) circulators is proposed for STAR. The twin-pair approach uses one circulator as a real-time model of the other circulator which is used for communication, thereby allowing cancellation of transmit signals from the receiver before reaching the first low-noise amplifier (LNA). A wideband SSDL circulator is designed and characterized to study its suitability in the proposed STAR architecture. The circulator has spur-free (over-multiplexed) operation up to 48 MHz and under-multiplexed operation up to 1.0 GHz with an insertion loss 25 dB.
Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Mevidalen (LY3154207), a Centrally Acting Dopamine D1 Receptor-Positive Allosteric Modulator (D1PAM), in Healthy Subjects.

Activation of the brain dopamine D1 receptor has attracted attention because of its promising role in neuropsychiatric diseases. Although efforts to develop D1 agonists have been challenging, a positive allosteric modulator (PAM), represents an attractive approach with potential better drug-like properties. Phase 1 single-ascending-dose (SAD; NCT03616795) and multiple-ascending-dose (MAD; NCT02562768) studies with the D1PAM mevidalen (LY3154207) were conducted with healthy subjects. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events (AEs) in these studies. In the SAD study, 25-200 mg administered orally showed dose-proportional pharmacokinetics (PK) and acute dose-related increases in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure DBP) and pulse rate at doses ≥ 75 mg. AE related to central activation were seen at doses ≥ 75 mg. At 25 and 75 mg, central penetration of mevidalen was confirmed by measurement of mevidalen in cerebrospinal fluid. In the MAD study, once-daily doses of mevidalen at 15-150 mg for 14 days showed dose-proportional PK. Acute dose-dependent increases in SBP, DBP, and PR were observed on initial administration, but with repeated dosing the effects diminished and returned toward baseline levels. Overall, these findings support further investigation of mevidalen as a potential treatment for a range of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Figure and ground in the Creek auxiliary oom

The oom auxiliary in the Muskogean language Creek serves a variety of particular uses that can be related through a semantic/pragmatic meaning of ‘ground’, in the Gestalt sense of unformed, diffuse...
How Do Red Blood Cells Die

Normal human red blood cells have an average life span of about 120 days in the circulation after which they are engulfed by macrophages. This is an extremely efficient process as macrophages phagocytose about 5 million erythrocytes every second without any significant release of hemoglobin in the circulation. Despite large number of investigations, the precise molecular mechanism by which macrophages recognize senescent red blood cells for clearance remains elusive. Red cells undergo several physicochemical changes as they age in the circulation. Several of these changes have been proposed as a recognition tag for macrophages. Most prevalent hypotheses for red cell clearance mechanism(s) are expression of neoantigens on red cell surface, exposure phosphatidylserine and decreased deformability. While there is some correlation between these changes with aging their causal role for red cell clearance has not been established. Despite plethora of investigations, we still have incomplete understanding of the molecular details of red cell clearance. In this review, we have reviewed the recent data on clearance of senescent red cells. We anticipate recent progresses in in vivo red cell labeling and the explosion of modern proteomic techniques will, in near future, facilitate our understanding of red cell senescence and their destruction.
Utility of anti-3-[18F] FACBC PET/CT to predict early biochemical failure following salvage cryotherapy for recurrent prostate cancer

345 Objectives anti-3-[18F] FACBC is a synthetic amino acid PET radiotracer with utility in the detection of recurrent prostate carcinoma (Radiology 2011;259:852). We explore the utility of FACBC PET in predicting early PSA failure in patients who underwent salvage cryotherapy for recurrent prostate cancer. Methods 25 patients with biopsy proven recurrent prostate carcinoma underwent salvage cryotherapy after dual time point (4 and 17 min) FACBC PET. Early PSA failure was defined as PSA at 6 months post-cryotherapy greater than nadir PSA post-cryotherapy plus 2 ng/ml. We then compared the following factors between failure and non-failure groups: FACBC lesion SUVmax and target to background (TBR) ratios at 4 and 17 min, tracer retention index (RI), original Gleason score, pre-salvage PSA, and focal vs heterogeneous prostate FACBC tracer distribution. Results were analyzed using a combination of T test, ANOVA, and multivariate analysis. Significance was set at p Results 8/25 (32%) patients had early PSA failure. The failure vs non-failure group had higher mean (± SD) SUVmax at 4min (7.2±2.3 vs 5.8±1.9) and 17 min (6.0±2.4 vs 4.1±1.2), but was statistically significant only at 17 min (p=0.01). The failure vs non-failure group also had a significantly higher pre-salvage PSA (9.5±4.9 vs 5.5±3.9; p=0.03). There was no significant correlation between pre-salvage PSA and SUV max. Neither TBR, RI, Gleason score, pattern of tracer uptake were significantly different between the groups. On multivariate analysis, no independent predictor of failure was found. Conclusions FACBC SUV max at 17 min and pre-salvage PSA levels were significantly higher in salvage cryotherapy early failure vs non-failure groups, and may help predict patients at risk for early post-salvage cryotherapy failure. Research Support NIH (1 R01 CA 129356-01) and Georgia Cancer Coalition
Synopsis of Current Developments: Baseball

Five papers specifically dealing with the science or engineering of baseball were submitted to the conference. Four of these papers deal with topics associated with issues related to the ball-bat collision. The fifth paper deals with the aerodynamics of a baseball in flight. All of the submitted papers address issues of practical importance to the game of baseball. What follows is a brief summary of each paper, followed by a synopsis of other activity in the field not reported at this conference.
On the driving force for fatigue crack formation from inclusions and voids in a cast A356 aluminum alloy

Monotonic and cyclic finite element simulations are conducted on linear-elastic inclusions and voids embedded in an elasto-plastic matrix material. The elasto-plastic material is modeled with both kinematic and isotropic hardening laws cast in a hardening minus recovery format. Three loading amplitudes (Δe/2=0.10%, 0.15, 0.20%) and three load ratios (R=−1, 0, 0.5) are considered. From a continuum standpoint, the primary driving force for fatigue crack formation is assumed to be the local maximum plastic shear strain range, Δγmax, with respect to all possible shear strain planes. For certain inhomogeneities, the Δγmax was as high as ten times the far field strains. Bonded inclusions have Δγmax values two orders of magnitude smaller than voids, cracked, or debonded inclusions. A cracked inclusion facilitates extremely large local stresses in the broken particle halves, which will invariably facilitate the debonding of a cracked particle. Based on these two observations, debonded inclusions and voids are asserted to be the critical inhomogeneities for fatigue crack formation. Furthermore, for voids and debonded inclusions, shape has a negligible effect on fatigue crack formation compared to other significant effects such as inhomogeneity size and reversed loading conditions (R ratio). Increasing the size of an inclusion by a factor of four increases Δγmax by about a factor of two. At low R ratios (−1) equivalent sized voids and debonded inclusions have comparable Δγmax values. At higher R ratios (0, 0.5) debonded inclusions have Δγmax values twice that of voids.
Extracellular N-methyl-d-glucamine leads to loss of hair-cell sodium, potassium, and chloride

Abstract The organic cation N- methyl- d -glucamine (NMDG) is often used to replace extracellular sodium in experimental studies. Replacing 100 mM of Na+ with NMDG+ in the fluid bathing isolated goldfish hair cells led to a rapid loss not only of cell sodium, but also of cell potassium and chloride. The loss of inorganic cell solutes was accompanied by acidification of the cells. Cell volume did not change significantly. These results are consistent with passage of the cationic form of NMDG, a titratable amine with a pKa of 9.6, across the hair-cell membrane. These results should have bearing in interpreting results of experiments in which this cation is used to replace extracellular sodium, particularly for periods of time longer than 3 min.
Malignant epithelial neoplasia with hair follicle differentiation in dogs. Malignant pilomatrixoma.

Abstract Epithelial neoplasia with hair follicle differentiation and malignant behaviour is described in two dogs. The neoplasia (solitary and multiple forms) were characterized by the proliferation of basaloid cells with central necrosis and the formation of shadow cells, keratin cysts, nests and whorls of squamoid cells containing keratohyalin or trichohyalin, and occasionally focal calcification. The tumours are compared with pilomatrixoma, trichoepithelioma, keratotic basal cell carcinoma and basosquamous carcinoma and are considered to be a malignant variant of the first of these.
The Characteristic Analysis of the DARE Visual Space

In this paper a distance-angle-based visual retrieval tool i>DARE is introduced. The distance-based similarity distribution, angle-based similarity distribution, and the differences of their distributions in the visual space are analyzed. The document cluster analysis in the visual space and the document cluster comparison between the document space and the visual space are addressed. A new concept—Distance to Reference Axis—is introduced to better understand the visual space. The impact of other operations in DARE on the document distribution is discussed. Future research directions including significance of the index term distribution in the visual space and a user study are addressed.
Characterization of the gene encoding human platelet glycoprotein IX.

Abstract Glycoprotein IX is a relatively small (M(r) 20,000) surface glycoprotein of human platelets; one of three (Ib alpha, Ib beta, IX) polypeptide chains present in the glycoprotein Ib-IX complex that functions as the von Willebrand factor receptor and mediates platelet adhesion in the arterial circulation. Using a cDNA for human glycoprotein IX as the probe, clones were isolated from a human genomic library, and the genomic sequence for glycoprotein IX (3.2 kilobases) was determined. The transcriptional start site was located by RNase protection and primer extension experiments. The gene includes three exons and two introns within 1.6 kilobases of DNA, and the entire open reading frame for glycoprotein IX is included within the third exon. The genes for glycoproteins IX and Ib alpha share similar exon sequences on the 5' side of their ATG start codons, and both genes possess introns in this region. The glycoprotein IX gene contains two consensus regulatory sequences (GATA and ACTTCCT [ets]) in its promoter region (5' flank, within 67 bases of the start site) that are also present in similar sites in the previously described "megakaryocyte-platelet" genes (glycoprotein IIb, platelet factor 4, beta-thromboglobulin: human and rat). Thus, the glycoprotein IX gene shares structural features with other megakaryocyte-platelet genes and contains at least two consensus cis-acting regulatory elements that may govern gene expression.
Equation of State for Hard-Core Quantum Lattice System

It is well known that the melting curves for 3He and 4He have a negative slope for a while until a minimum melting temperature is reached, and increase at higher temperatures.1 For 3He the negative slope is explained by taking into account a large entropy of spin disorder in solid phase and a small entropy in the ordered Fermi fluid. For 4He the entropy from phonon excitations plays an important role in accounting for this phenomenon.
Spatiotemporal tuning of low-frequency cells in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus.

Low-frequency cells in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) can be sensitive to changes in the spatiotemporal pattern of discharges across their auditory nerve (AN) inputs (Carney, 1990). This sensitivity suggests that these cells may be tuned to particular spatiotemporal patterns, or features, in the discharge patterns of populations of AN fibers. To evaluate and characterize this sensitivity, we developed a technique whereby the physiological responses of AVCN cells to wide-band noise were analyzed using the simulated response of a population of AN fibers to the same noise stimulus. By averaging the simulated two-dimensional spatiotemporal pattern of AN activity that preceded each AVCN discharge, it was possible to derive a two-dimensional reverse-correlation function that characterized the spatiotemporal tuning of each AVCN cell. The derived spatiotemporal tuning pattern represented a feature in the AN population response that was most likely to precede discharges of the AVCN cell. To test the spatiotemporal tuning characterizations, we used these patterns to predict the responses of cells to noise stimuli statistically independent from the stimuli used to characterize the cells. This technique provides a general tool for the study of any neural system that involves the analysis of spatiotemporal input patterns.
Verapamil reversal of serotonin-induced jejunal secretion of water and electrolytes in awake dogs.

Intestinal handling of water and electrolytes was monitored in 5 conscious dogs with chronic 25-cm Thiry--Vella loops of proximal jejunum using a neutral isosmotic perf usate containing [ 14 C]polyethyl-ene glycol as a recovery marker. Under basal conditions the animals absorbed water, Na + , and Cl - , and there was minimal nonsignificant secretion of K + . Intravenous serotonin infusion (30 μg/kg.min) increased circulating hormone levels to 937 ± 131 ng/ml and induced significant secretion of water (-150 ± 52 μ/min), Na + (-22.8 ± 8.4 μEq/min), Cl - (-23.5 ± 6.0 μEg/min), and K + (-1.79 ± 0.34 μEg/min). Simultaneous infusion of verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, at 8.3 μg/kg min, reversed the intestinal secretion to absorption of all these parameters (144 ± 32 μl/min, 15.1 ± 5.1 μEg/min, 10.3 ± 3.0 μEq/min, and 0.12 ± 0.23 μEg/min, respectively). This was accompanied by a significant improvement in the clinical appearance of the animals, decreased visible agitation, and cessation of defecation. Cessation of verapamil infusion (leaving the serotonin infusion unopposed) resulted in prompt return to the secretory state. Serum electrolytes did not change significantly, with the exception of potassium, which fell from 5.1 ± 0.2 to 4.1 ± 0.1 mg/dl. In control experiments (no serotonin), verapamil had an insignificant stimulatory effect on the absorption of water, Na + , and Cl - whereas the effect on K + was significant (-0.2 ± 0.2 to +0.4 ± 0.1 μEq/min; p
1-Acylglycerol 3-Phosphate Acyltransferase from Rat Liver

Abstract The substrate specificity of 1-acylglycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferase from rat liver microsomes for both acylcoenzyme A and 1-acylglycerol 3-phosphate has been determined at levels below the critical micelle concentrations of the substrates. The fatty acid of the acylglycerol 3-phosphate is not important, but for the acyl-CoAs the specificity is oleyl g palmitoleyl ≃ linoleyl ≃ palmityl g myristyl g stearyl g lauryl. 1-Acylglycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferase appears to work only with monomeric substrates. The Km for palmityl-CoA is less than 0.1 µm, while the Km values for the 1-acylglycerol 3-phosphates are in the low micromolar range (5 to 25 µm), but are difficult to measure accurately because micelles form at 4 to 8 µm 1-acylglycerol-3-P and the velocity ceases to increase. By contrast, acyl-CoA hydrolase appears to prefer micelles as substrate. This enzyme shows little activity at 3 µm acyl-CoA, and shows 8 times more activity with palmityl-CoA than with any other acyl-CoA tested. In order to plan the specificity studies, the critical micelle concentrations of the acyl-CoAs and 1-acylglycerol 3-phosphates used were determined by the dye adsorption technique with pinacyanol chloride. For acyl-CoAs in 6.7 mm phosphate, 10 mm K+, pH 6.9, the values were: lauryl, 9.5 µm; myristyl, 4 µm; palmityl, 3.6 (4 µm in 50 mm Tris-HCl, pH 7.4; 6 µm in deionized water); palmitoleyl, 2 µm; stearyl, 2 µm; oleyl, 4.5 µm; linoleyl, 5.5 µm. For 1-acylglycerol 3-phosphates in 50 mm Tris-HCl, pH 7.4, the values were: myristyl, 120 µm; palmityl, 35 µm; stearyl, 7 µm; oleyl, 23 µm; linoleyl, 34 µm; 1-acylglycerol 3-phosphate prepared from egg lecithin (80% palmitic), 37 µm.
Probabilistic Adaptive Agent Based System for Dynamic State Estimation using Multiple Visual Cues

Most of current machine vision systems suffer from a lack of flexibility to account for the high variability of unstructured environments. Here, as the state of the world evolves the information provided by different visual attributes changes, breaking the initial assumptions of the vision system. This paper describes a new approach for the creation of an adaptive visual system able to selectively combine information from different visual dimensions. Using a probabilistic approach and uncertainty metrics, the system is able to take appropriate decisions about the more relevant visual attributes to consider. The system is based on an intelligent agent paradigm. Each visual algorithm is implemented as an agent, which adapts its behavior according to uncertainty considerations. The proposed system aims to achieve robustness and efficiency. By combining the outputs of multiple vision modules the assumptions and constraints of each module are factored out resulting in a more robust system. Efficiency is achieved through the online selection and specialization of the agents. An implementation of the system for the case of human tracking showed encouraging results.
Follow the Leader: Issue-Dependent Representation in American Political Institutions

We reinvigorate the search for agenda leaders and followers in the American political system. We focus on representation by including the public's policy agenda in our investigation of the interactions of the presidential and congressional agendas. Examining the issue areas of macroeconomics, law and crime, defense, and government operations, we find that Congress and the president are responsive to public concerns. However, representation at the agenda stage of the policy process is limited and issue dependent. We find that the president's agenda is more likely to influence public priorities than to reflect them. Lastly, we find that the president also exerts strong leadership over the congressional agenda. If there is a clear leader in the agenda stage of the policy process, it is the president.
Improved Norway spruce somatic embryo development through the use of abscisic acid combined with activated carbon

The combination of abscisic acid (ABA) and activated carbon increased Norway spruce (Picea abies L., Karst.) cotyledonary somatic embryo yields, increased the number of genotypes forming cotyledonary embryos, caused embryos to form that exhibited improved maturation characteristics, and reduced embryo production costs. Somatic embryos increased in size, showed larger apical regions, became more zygotic-like in shape, and showed higher percentages of epicotyl development upon germination. Analyses of medium for free ABA in the presence of activated charcoal showed a rapid decrease within a few hours followed by a gradual decline over the next few days with little change from 2 to 6 weeks. Gelling agents strongly affected ABA adsorption, with agar decreasing the adsorption of ABA compared to gellan gum (Gelrite, Phytagel). Over 4,000 somatic seedlings from 20 clones were produced and established in a greenhouse using the methods discussed, and approximately 1,250 seedlings representing seven clones were established in a field setting.
Suboptimal feedback control of distributed systems: Part 1. Theoretical developments

A new method for suboptimal feedback control of certain classes of distributed systems based on successive instantaneous minimization of the performance functional kernel is presented. This method is applicable to both linear and nonlinear systems. The Lyapunov functional approach is extended to distributed systems, yielding two new suboptimal feedback control techniques. Also, an application of multilevel bang-bang control to the first-order hyperbolic system is presented and generalized. Advantages and disadvantage ofthe suboptimal control techniques vis a vis open loop optimal control methods are listed, as well as comparative features of the suboptimal control methods.
Prediction models from CAD models of 3D objects

In this paper we present a probabilistic prediction based approach for CAD-based object recognition. Given a CAD model of an object, the PREMIO system combines techniques of analytic graphics and physical models of lights and sensors to predict how features of the object will appear in images. In nearly 4,000 experiments on analytically-generated and real images, we show that in a semi-controlled environment, predicting the detectability of features of the image can successfully guide a search procedure to make informed choices of model and image features in its search for correspondences that can be used to hypothesize the pose of the object. Furthermore, we provide a rigorous experimental protocol that can be used to determine the optimal number of correspondences to seek so that the probability of failing to find a pose and of finding an inaccurate pose are minimized.
The radiative forcing benefits of “cool roof” construction in California: quantifying the climate impacts of building albedo modification

Exploiting surface albedo change has been proposed as a form of geoengineering to reduce the heating effect of anthropogenic increases in greenhouse gases (GHGs). Recent modeling experiments have projected significant negative radiative forcing from large-scale implementation of albedo reduction technologies (“cool” roofs and pavements). This paper complements such model studies with measurement-based calculations of the direct radiation balance impacts of replacement of conventional roofing with “cool” roof materials in California. This analysis uses, as a case study, the required changes to commercial buildings embodied in California’s building energy efficiency regulations, representing a total of 4300 ha of roof area distributed over 16 climate zones. The estimated statewide mean radiative forcing per 0.01 increase in albedo (here labeled RF01) is −1.38 W/m2. The resulting unit-roof-area mean annual radiative forcing impact of this regulation is −44.2 W/m2. This forcing is computed to counteract the positive radiative forcing of ambient atmospheric CO2 at a rate of about 41 kg for each square meter of roof. Aggregated over the 4300 ha of cool roof estimated built in the first decade after adoption of the State regulation, this is comparable to removing about 1.76 million metric tons (MMT) of CO2 from the atmosphere. The point radiation data used in this study also provide perspective on the spatial variability of cool roof radiative forcing in California, with individual climate zone effectiveness ranging from −37 to −59 W/m2 of roof. These “bottom-up” calculations validate the estimates reported for published “top down” modeling, highlight the large spatial diversity of the effects of albedo change within even a limited geographical area, and offer a potential methodology for regulatory agencies to account for the climate effects of “cool” roofing in addition to its well-known energy efficiency benefits.
US science and technology: An uncoordinated system that seems to work

Abstract The US has emerged as the world leader in science and technology research and development in the 60 years following World War II. This status is due, in part, to a successful public–private partnership in research and higher education fostered after the war, and to the fiercely competitive and innovative nature of US industry. This paper provides some background to the complexities of US federal funding of research and development, as well as a brief history of US science and technology policy following World War II. The paper describes how research is managed and funded in the US; outlines how the US federal government interacts with universities and private industry; remarks on the nature of international cooperation; and comments on the future direction of US science and technology policy, including growing challenges to its position of leadership.
Preparation of YBa2Cu4O8 superconductor from oxalate precursor under ambient pressure

Abstract The YBa 2 Cu 4 O 8 , 124, superconductor was prepared from the coprecipitated oxalate precursor powder. Almost complete (>99.9%) precipitation of the cations as oxalates is achieved from concentrated acetic acid medium. Firing at 780°C under atmospheric oxygen pressure yielded pure phase YBa 2 Cu 4 O 8 superconducting material with T c ∼ 81 K. This material is quite stable upto 840°C. Further firig at 860°C it transforms to YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x .
The effects of cuprizone toxicity on the incubation period of scrapie in mice.

Abstract Relatively short periods of cuprizone toxicity were induced in mice at selected times in the incubation period of “Chandler” scrapie. Toxicity induced at the time of i.c. and i.p. infection produced effects on the length of incubation period and on the number of mice surviving low doses of scrapie agent. However, these effects were complex and suggested that cuprizone could both increase and decrease the apparent efficiency of infection depending on factors which are difficult to control. Previous studies have shown that cuprizone can induce biochemical and histological lesions in brain similar to those found in “Chandler” scrapie. There was no evidence that the incubation period of scrapie could be shortened by using cuprizone to induce scrapie-like lesions 4 to 6 weeks before they would normally have occurred. These findings suggest that the occurrence of gliosis and astrocyte hypertrophy and the development of many biochemical changes in brain are not of fundamental importance to the development of scrapie.
Allele-specific copy number profiling by next-generation DNA sequencing

The progression and clonal development of tumors often involve amplifications and deletions of genomic DNA. Estimation of allele-specific copy number, which quantifies the number of copies of each allele at each variant loci rather than the total number of chromosome copies, is an important step in the characterization of tumor genomes and the inference of their clonal history. We describe a new method, falcon, for finding somatic allele-specific copy number changes by next generation sequencing of tumors with matched normals. falcon is based on a change-point model on a bivariate mixed Binomial process, which explicitly models the copy numbers of the two chromosome haplotypes and corrects for local allele-specific coverage biases. By using the Binomial distribution rather than a normal approximation, falcon more effectively pools evidence from sites with low coverage. A modified Bayesian information criterion is used to guide model selection for determining the number of copy number events. Falcon is evaluated on in silico spike-in data and applied to the analysis of a pre-malignant colon tumor sample and late-stage colorectal adenocarcinoma from the same individual. The allele-specific copy number estimates obtained by falcon allows us to draw detailed conclusions regarding the clonal history of the individual's colon cancer.
On the gap between two classes of analytic functions

Two large classes of analytic functions are defined, so that one contains the other. Sharp coefficient bounds for quadratic polynomials falling in the gap between these two classes are given.
THE UNINSURED CHILDREN'S PROGRAM: PRIMARY CARE FOR UNINSURED CHILDREN.† 769

Background. Uninsured children often lack medical homes, incur high medical costs and have overall poorer health outcomes. The Uninsured Children's Program (UCP) was established by a major insurer, local hospitals and businesses in urban, eastern Virginia to provide primary/preventive outpatient health services to low income, uninsured children.Objectives. The purpose of this evaluation was to determine whether UCP: 1) satisfied the needs of enrolled families and providers; 2) provided quality service in a consistent medical home; 2) improved health outcomes; and 3) was cost efficient. Methods. A 3-phase case study approach was used to evaluate UCP effectiveness: Phase 1 - phone interviews with 30% of enrolled families (n = 97 children); Phase 2 - personal interviews with providers (n = 22 practices) who treated UCP patients from 1/93-7/94; Phase 3- review of 680 patient claims submitted from study children from 1/93-10/94.Results. Both parents (96%) and providers (67%) were satisfied with UCP. After enrollment, 84% of parents and 64% of providers reported that UCP provided a medical home. Most parents (88%) and providers (78%) reported improved child health status. 23% of providers reported that UCP patients sought preventive care more often than other patients. 92% of parents agreed that UCP reduced their medical costs and 62% of providers reported unchanged or reduced costs to their practices. 69% of study children received covered services at an average cost/child of $226.86. Conclusion: UCP provided adequate health care coverage to the uninsured. Respondents were satisfied with the program but suggested coverage of chronic conditions and hospitalization, improved coverage of emergency and mental health visits and improved recruitment of providers and patients.
Streamlined sample preparation procedure for determination of perchlorate anion in foods by ion chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Abstract A rapid, sensitive, and specific method was developed for the determination of perchlorate anion in foods. The foods included high moisture fruits and vegetables, low moisture foods (e.g. wheat flour and corn meal), and infant foods. Improvements to existing procedures were made in sample preparation that reduced sample test portion size from 100 to 5 or 10 g, extraction solvent volume from 150 to 20–40 ml, and replaced blending extraction–vacuum filtration and their associated large glassware with a simple shakeout-centrifugation in a small conical tube. Procedures common to all matrices involved: extraction, centrifugation, graphitized carbon solid phase extraction (SPE) cleanup, and ion chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (IC–MS/MS) analysis. A Waters IC-Pak Anion HR column (4.6 mm × 75 mm) was eluted with 100 mM ammonium acetate in 50:50 (v/v) acetonitrile/water mobile phase at a rate of 0.35 ml/min. A triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometer, equipped with electrospray ionization (ESI) in the negative ion mode, was used to detect perchlorate anion. An 18O4-labeled perchlorate anion internal standard was used to correct for any matrix effects. The method limit of quantitation (LOQ) was: 1.0 μg/kg in fruits, vegetables, and infant foods; 3.0 μg/kg in dry products. Fortified test portions gave 80–120% recoveries. Determination of incurred perchlorate anion residues agreed well with results for comparable commodities or products analyzed by published methods.
The role of “blebbing” in overcoming the hydrophobic barrier during biooxidation of elemental sulfur by Thiobacillus thiooxidans

Abstract Brimstone Basin, in southeastern Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming is an ancient hydrothermal area containing solfataric alteration. Drainage waters flowing from Brimstone Basin had pH values as low as 1.23 and contained up to 1.7×106 MPN/ml acidophilic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. Thiobacillus thiooxidans was the dominant sulfur-oxidizing bacterium recovered from an enrichment culture and was used in a structural examination of bacterial sulfur oxidation. Growth in these sulfur cultures occurred in two phases with cells in association with the macroscopic sulfur grains and in suspension above these grains. Colonization of sulfur grains by individual cells and microcolonies was facilitated by organic material that appeared to be responsible for bacterial adhesion. Transmission electron microscopy of negatively stained (2% [wt./vol.] uranyl acetate), sulfur-grown T. thiooxidans revealed extensive membrane blebbing (sloughing of outer membrane vesicles) and the presence of approximately 100 nm sized sulfur particles adsorbed to membrane material surrounding individual bacteria. Sulfite-grown bacteria did not possess membrane blebs. The amphipathic nature of these outer membrane vesicles appear to be responsible for overcoming the hydrophobic barrier necessary for the growth of T. thiooxidans on elemental sulfur.
Influence of Sterically Demanding Carbene Ligation on Catalytic Behavior and Thermal Stability of Ruthenium Olefin Metathesis Catalysts

The exchange reaction of one phosphine ligand in Cl2(PCy3)2RuCHPh (1; Cy = cyclohexyl, C6H11) with the sterically demanding carbene ligands 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IMes), 1,3-bis(4-methylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (ITol), and 1,3-bis(4-chlorophenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IpCl) leads to the isolation of the new complexes (PCy3)(IMes)Cl2RuCHPh (2), (PCy3)(ITol)Cl2RuCHPh (3), and (PCy3)(IpCl)Cl2RuCHPh (4). Similarly, one IMes ligand can be substituted for one PCyp3 ligand in Cl2(PCyp3)2RuCHCHC(CH3)2 (5; Cyp = cyclopentyl, C5H9) to produce (PCyp3)(IMes)Cl2RuCHPh (6) in high yield. X-ray structure analysis of 6 confirmed a near-square-pyramidal coordination sphere around the metal center. Improved catalytic properties and thermal stability are observed for 2 and 6 in comparison to the parent 1 and 5.
The role of friendship in adolescents' sense of school belonging.

Friendships serve as a secure base and buffer that help adolescents to cope with the psychological challenges of the social ecology of high school. Through these relationships, adolescents develop a stronger sense of belonging to their schools.
A policeman's lot: An appraisal of grover whalen's tour de force as police commissioner of New York city

Measured by column inches of publicity, Grover Whalen was a great success as police commissioner of New York.
Book Review: Box Boats: How Container Ships Changed the World

Box Boats: How Container Ships Changed the World, by Brian J. Cudahy. New York, Fordham University Press, 2006. ISBN 0-8232-2568-2
Prophylactic Pancreatectomy for Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm Does Not Negatively Impact Quality of Life: A Preliminary Study

Uncertainties remain over whether prophylactic surgery or surveillance is the better management option for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas. The aim of this preliminary study was to determine if differences in anxiety and quality of life exist between patients who have surgery or undergo surveillance. Recruited patients were given the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, a general survey that evaluates anxiety, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Pancreas, a disease-specific survey that assesses quality of life. Questionnaires were scored by standardized algorithms and compared using Student’s t test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Sixteen patients had surgery and 16 patients were undergoing surveillance. Mean age was 66.8 ± 19.9 years. Responses from both groups were remarkably similar. Surgery patients scored higher on the anxiety questionnaire than surveillance patients, although not statistically significant (p = 0.09). Surgery patients scored lower on the functional well-being domain of the quality-of-life instrument (p = 0.03), though there were no differences in overall quality of life. Prophylactic surgery does not reduce quality of life, and a protocol of surveillance does not appear to generate undue anxiety in this select patient group. Further investigation with more patients is required to validate these findings.