cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential Activity of the G Protein β5γ2 Subunit at Receptors and Effectors

The G protein beta5 subunit differs substantially in amino acid sequence from the other known beta subunits suggesting that beta gamma dimers containing this protein may play specialized roles in cell signaling. To examine the functional properties of the beta5 subunit, recombinant beta5 gamma2 dimers were purified from baculovirus-infected Sf9 insect cells using a strategy based on two affinity tags (hexahistidine and FLAG) engineered into the N terminus of the gamma2 subunit (gamma2HF). The function of the pure beta5 gamma2HF dimers was examined in three assays: activation of pure phospholipase C-beta in lipid vesicles; activation of recombinant, type II adenylyl cyclase expressed in Sf9 cell membranes; and coupling of alpha subunits to the endothelin B (ETB) and M1 muscarinic receptors. In each case, the efficacy of the beta5 gamma2HF dimer was compared with that of the beta1 gamma2HF dimer, which has demonstrated activity in these assays. The beta5 gamma2HF dimer activated phospholipase C-beta with a potency and efficacy similar to that of beta1 gamma2 or beta1 gamma2HF; however, it was markedly less effective than the beta1 gamma2HF or beta1 gamma2 dimer in its ability to activate type II adenylyl cyclase (EC50 of approximately 700 nM versus 25 nM). Both the beta5 gamma2HF and the beta1 gamma2HF dimers supported coupling of M1 muscarinic receptors to the Gq alpha subunit. The ETB receptor coupled effectively to both the Gi and Gq alpha subunits in the presence of the beta1 gamma2HF dimer. In contrast, the beta5 gamma2HF dimer only supported coupling of the Gq alpha subunits to the ETB receptor and did not support coupling of the Gi alpha subunit. These results suggest that the beta5 gamma2HF dimer binds selectively to Gq alpha subunits and does not activate the same set of effectors as dimers containing the beta1 subunit. Overall, the data support a specialized role for the beta5 subunit in cell signaling.
A Heterogeneous Environment for Computational Prototyping and Simulation Based Design of MEMS Devices

This paper gives an overview of MEMS simulation and the computational requirements in the field from the prospective of creating realistic geometry based on process simulation. We motivate the needs for such geometry, and discuss in detail one approach to create pseudo 3-D geometry from 2-D process simulation.
Portfolio Credit Risk: Top‐Down versus Bottom‐Up Approaches

Dynamic reduced form models of portfolio credit risk can be distinguished by the way in which the intensity of the default process is specied. In a bottom up model, the portfolio intensity is an aggregate of the constituent intensities. In a top down model, the portfolio intensity is specied without reference to the constituents. This expository article contrasts these modeling approaches. It emphasizes the role of the information ltration as a modeling tool.
A market-driven approach to teaching software components engineering

The emergence of software component standards and tools for creating software components is leading to an increasing number of software component developers. Traditional software engineering education, however, emphasizes methods for developing large software packages. It is not clear whether such methods are appropriate for developing components. New techniques may be needed to teach the skills necessary for component development. We identify two skills software developers need to successfully develop components, which are not emphasized in traditional software engineering education: (a) uncovering multipledcustomer domain semanticss and (b) making explicit multipledcustomer framework semantics. Both skills are multiple constraint satisfaction problems. We further argue that training students to produce and market components in a simulated software components marketplace – rather than the more conventional “classroom teaching” + “component homework assignments/projects” – is an effective way of teaching such skills. We then describe an environment we created called SofTrade that simulates a components market and allows students to acquire the necessary skills. We provide a detailed case study of how a student componentdproducer team used market feedback to determine domain and framework semantics. We end by discussing the importance of marketddriven approaches for teaching software components engineering and how such approaches fit into existing software engineering curricula.
Biotechnology: The Technology of the Twenty‐First Century

The twenty-first century has been called “the Biotech Century”: a reference to the potential of emerging biotechnologies and their applications to significantly impact our lives and economies in the coming decades. Keywords: diagnostics; improved speed and accuracy; lower costs of diagnosis; earlier diagnosis leading to better prognosis and preventive measures; public health-related preventive measures are now possible; therapeutics; gene therapy; cell transplants; modulating the immune system; personalized medicine; regenerative medicine; vaccines; plant-made pharmaceuticals; agricultural applications; animal health; material and energy inputs; efficient industrial manufacturing processes; biofuel; green plastics; environmental biotechnology; environmental monitoring; summary of industrial and environmental applications of biotechnology; convergence of technologies with biotechnology
In-Office Laryngeal Injection

Originally described more than a century ago, vocal fold injection in the awake, unsedated patient has returned to routine clinical use because of improved injectable materials and flexible laryngoscopy optics. The vocal fold may be injected via a number of approaches to remedy conditions of glottic insufficiency including vocal fold paralysis and paresis, atrophy, and scar. Its use in the treatment of treating benign mass lesions is an evolving topic. Trial injections may be performed in cases of uncertain benefit, a use which has revealed the importance of glottic insufficiency in an unexpected variety of complaints. Injection materials are generally well tolerated, although injection into the superficial tissues of the vocal folds is to be avoided. Although laryngeal injection in the awake patient demands some technical expertise and finesse, procedure completion rates are high with low rates of complications, comparable to injection under anesthesia.
Strategy, structure and performance in product development: Observations from the auto industry☆

Abstract This article examines recent empirical research conducted or published on product development in the automobile industry with the objective of identifying what we have learned, and what we have yet to learn, about the effective management of this activity. The basic framework used to compare the studies examines variables related to product strategy, project structure or organizaton, and project as well as product performance. The evidence to date indicates that Japanese automobile producers have demonstrated the highest levels of productivity in development as well as of overall sales growth, and have used particular structures and processes to achieve this. The evidence does not clearly indicate what the precise relationships are between development productivity and quality or economic returns. We conclude that many other specific issues remain to be studied, and that, overall, researchers need to generate more precise conceptual models as well as empirical research that more tightly connect a company's competitive positioning and product strategy with its development-organization structure, management, and support technology, and then these variables with better performance measures.
Stroke and dementia

Abstract Objective: The current review covers causes and risk factors of vascular dementia, including single infarct, multi-infarct and cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy. Comparisons and distinctions are made between vascular dementia and Alzheimer's dementia, including shared vascular features and risk factors, differential diagnosis based on presenting history, neuropsychological testing results and neuroimaging findings. Neuropsychological findings associated with vascular dementia are discussed, and efforts towards stroke prevention and limiting the recurrence of stroke, as well as emerging treatment possibilities for cognitive decline associated with vascular dementia, are presented. Methods: A PubMed-based literature review was performed to acquire recent peer-reviewed publications on vascular dementia. Results: Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability, dementia and death. Within the USA, roughly 660,000 persons will experience a stro...
SINGLET AND TRIPLET ENERGY TRANSFER IN α‐DIKETONE DERIVATIVES OF URACIL and THYMINE

Irradiation of 1-(3,4-dioxopentyl)uracil (UPD) and 1-(3.4-dioxopentyl)thymine (TPD) in acetonitrile solution at 25°C, at the wavelength (280 nm) where only the pyrimidine absorbs the light, sensitizes both fluorescence and phosphorescence of the diketone chromophore in the sidechain. From comparison of the intensity in the corrected excitation spectra with the absorption spectra in acetonitrile solution, it was estimated that the yield of singlet energy transfer in UPD was 0.17 and in TPD was 0.44. It was also observed that the ratio of phosphorescence to fluorescence was greater in the sensitized emission than in that from direct excitation of the diketone chromophore. The yield of triplet energy transfer thus measured corresponds to minimum values for the yields of intersystem crossing from singlet excited state to triplet excited state of 0.075 in the uracil chromophore of UPD and of 0.14 in the thymine chromophore of TPD. These are in agreement with other recent values for these quantities. The value of this type of system as an intramolecular triplet counter is discussed.
Palmitoylation of Ligands, Receptors, and Intracellular Signaling Molecules

Palmitate, a 16-carbon saturated fatty acid, is attached to more than 100 proteins. Modification of proteins by palmitate has pleiotropic effects on protein function. Palmitoylation can influence membrane binding and membrane targeting of the modified proteins. In particular, many palmitoylated proteins concentrate in lipid rafts, and enrichment in rafts is required for efficient signal transduction. This Review focuses on the multiple effects of palmitoylation on the localization and function of ligands, receptors, and intracellular signaling proteins. Palmitoylation regulates the trafficking and function of transmembrane proteins such as ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptors, and integrins. In addition, immune receptor signaling relies on protein palmitoylation at many levels, including palmitoylated co-receptors, Src family kinases, and adaptor or scaffolding proteins. The localization and signaling capacities of Ras and G proteins are modulated by dynamic protein palmitoylation. Cycles of palmitoylation and depalmitoylation allow H-Ras and G protein alpha subunits to reversibly bind to and signal from different intracellular cell membranes. Moreover, secreted ligands such as Hedgehog, Wingless, and Spitz use palmitoylation to regulate the extent of long- or short-range signaling. Finally, palmitoylation can alter signaling protein function by direct effects on enzymatic activity and substrate specificity. The identification of the palmitoyl acyltransferases has provided new insights into the biochemistry of this posttranslational process and permitted new substrates to be identified.
A controlled pharmacogenetic trial of sibutramine on weight loss and body composition in obese or overweight adults.

Background & Aims: Weight loss in response to sibutramine is highly variable. We assessed the association of specific markers of polymorphisms of candidate α2A adrenoreceptor, 5-HT transporter, and GNβ3 genes and weight loss with sibutramine. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, pharmacogenetic study of behavioral therapy and sibutramine (10 or 15 mg daily) or placebo for 12 weeks in 181 overweight or obese participants. We measured body weight, body mass index, body composition, gastric emptying, and genetic variation ( α2A C1291G, 5-HTTLPR , and GNβ3 C825T genotypes). Analysis of covariance was used to assess treatment effects on and associations of the specific markers of candidate genes with weight loss and body composition. Results: Sibutramine, 10 and 15 mg, caused weight loss ( P = .009); there was a statistically significant gene by dose interaction for GNβ3 genotype. For each candidate gene, significant treatment effects at 12 weeks were observed ( P α2A CC (Δ, ∼5 kg), GNβ3 TC/TT (Δ, ∼6 kg), and 5-HTTLPR LS/SS (Δ, ∼4.5 kg). Gene pairs resulted in significantly greater sibutramine treatment effects on weight (both P 5-HTTLPR LS/SS with GNβ3 TC/TT; Δ, ∼6 kg and those with α2A CC with GNβ3 TC/TT; Δ, ∼8 kg; however, effects were not synergistic. Treatment with sibutramine also resulted in significantly greater reduction of body fat for specific α2A CC and GNβ3 TC/TT genotype variants individually (both P Conclusions: Patient selection based on candidate genes may enhance response to multidimensional sibutramine and behavioral therapy for obesity.
The assessment of material handling strategies in dealing with sudden loading: the effects of load handling position on trunk biomechanics.

Back injury caused by sudden loading is a significant risk among workers that perform manual handling tasks. The present study investigated the effects of load handling position on trunk biomechanics (flexion angle, L5/S1 joint moment and compression force) during sudden loading. Eleven subjects were exposed to a 6.8 kg sudden loading while standing upright, facing forward and holding load at three different vertical heights in the sagittal plane or 45° left to the sagittal plane (created by arm rotation). Results showed that the increase of load holding height significantly elevated the peak L5/S1 joint compression force and reduced the magnitude of trunk flexion. Further, experiencing sudden loading from an asymmetric direction resulted in significantly smaller peak L5/S1 joint compression force, trunk flexion angle and L5/S1 joint moment than a symmetric posture. These findings suggest that handling loads in a lower position could work as a protective strategy during sudden loading.
Risk factors for cytomegalovirus and severe bacterial infections following liver transplantation: a prospective multivariate time-dependent analysis

Risk factors for cytomegalovirus and severe bacterial infections were studied prospectively by univariate, multivariate and time-dependent Cox model analysis in 79 consecutive liver transplant patients treated with selective bowel decontamination. Cytomegalovirus infection occurred in 39 patients (49%) and was symptomatic in 22 patients. Twenty-six patients (33%) developed at least one of 43 documented severe bacterial infections. In a multivariate analysis of risk factors for all cytomegalovirus infections, the cytomegalovirus seronegative recipient-cytomegalovirus seropositive donor group was the highest risk group (P
Shot-Noise-Induced Failure in Nanoscale Flip-Flops Part II: Failure Rates in 10-nm Ultimate CMOS

In part I of this paper, a robust numerical framework based on Markov queueing theory and nonequilibrium Green's functions was presented to model the fluctuations in a CMOS flip-flop, which could potentially give rise to logic upsets. In part II, this framework is used to investigate quantitatively the failure in time for end-of-roadmap CMOS devices at the LG= 10 nm length scale as a function of various parameters such as size, temperature, threshold voltage, process-induced threshold variation, and VDD. It is shown quantitatively that process-induced variation and/or use of ultralow VDD make the devices extremely vulnerable to noise. Higher temperatures give rise to higher failure rates through increased thermal fluctuations and through reduced Ion/Ioff ratios, due to an inverse dependence of the subthreshold slope on temperature. The effect of nonlinear voltage-dependent node capacitors are modeled via the use of arbitrary-shaped queues, and the corresponding results are reported.
AMP-18 Facilitates Assembly and Stabilization of Tight Junctions to Protect the Colonic Mucosal Barrier

Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by an injured epithelium. Development of agents that could enhance mucosal healing is a major goal in IBD therapeutics. The 18-kDa antrum mucosal protein (AMP-18) and a 21-mer peptide derived from AMP-18, stimulate accumulation of tight junction (TJ) proteins in cultured epithelial cells and mouse colonic mucosa to protect the mucosal barrier, suggesting it might be a useful agent to treat IBD.
Nonlinear transmission of a tapered fiber in rubidium

The transmission of a tapered fiber surrounded by rubidium vapor can be reduced by atoms accumulating on the fiber surface. We demonstrate that tapered fiber transmission can be controlled by power propagating in the waveguide.
Cytotoxic triterpenoid saponins of Albizia gummifera from the Madagascar rain forest.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of an EtOH extract obtained from the roots of the Madagascan plant Albizia gummifera led to the isolation of three new cytotoxic oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, gummiferaosides A−C (1−3). The structures of these new compounds were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR experiments and mass spectrometry. Compounds 1−3 showed cytotoxicity against the A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line with IC50 values of 0.8, 1.5, and 0.6 μg/mL, respectively.
The development of pars plana vitrectomy : a personal account

Vitreous surgery, after 25 years, has become routine. Many have been involved in its development. The early problems are mostly forgotten, the excitement of having overcome another barrier has become rare. Nevertheless, pars plana vitreous surgery has kept a very special appeal. Surgeons are fascinated by the challenge and variation of each single operation, in contrast to the routine of most other ophthalmic procedures. They like the broad range of surgical approaches to the eye. They enjoy the high technology and at the same time the demands on manual skills. And most important of all, help can be offered to patients who only a short time ago had untreatable diseases.
An Electromyographic Analysis of the Knee During Functional Activities II. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament-deficient and -reconstructed Profiles

This study compared the electromyographic activity of normal (N = 22), rehabilitated anterior cruciate ligament-deficient (N = 8), and -reconstructed knees (N = 10) while subjects performed activities. Each subject had evaluation of 8 muscles during 7 functional activities. Sixty-seven percent of the differences in the quadriceps muscle reflected increased activity in the vastus lateralis muscle of the rehabilitated group; 75% of the differences in the hamstrings muscles noted increased biceps femoris muscle activity in the rehabilitated group; 56% of the differences in the lower leg musculature showed increased tibialis anterior muscle activity in the rehabilitated group. Eighty-six percent of the statistically different intervals involved rehabilitated subjects demonstrating increased activity over reconstructed or normal subjects or both. The presence of a quadriceps-hamstrings muscles coordinated response was identified consistently in all 3 groups in each activity. This study supports surgical reconstruction for the anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee. It also demonstrates the importance of the vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and tibialis anterior musculature in the rehabilitation of the anterior cruciate ligament-deficient patient. The presence of a quadriceps-hamstrings muscles coordinated response indicates that mechanoreceptors mediating this reflex arc exist in structures other than the cruciate ligament.
Pursuing relational consciousness: Thinking and antithinking in group

Abstract Although human beings are interpersonal and innately curious, at the same time an aspect of the self defends against mental relationships with self and other, because such relationships threaten to cause psychic pain. Bion's ideas on thinking and antithinking are applied to this topic of relational consciousness: A “psychotic part of the personality”—which refers also to the “basic assumptions” level of the group—prefers antithinking: forestalling, evading, and assaulting thinking and thinkers. Clinical examples illustrate how the group therapist may address and treat the pervasive resistances to relational consciousness in the group setting. These involve understanding the dynamics and clinical manifestations of hatred of thinking, excessive projective identification, anticipatory anxiety regarding thinking, and bizarre and hallucinatory thought transformations.
A shift in chloroplast energy coupling by KCl from localized to bulk phase delocalized proton gradients

Spinach thylakoids were resuspended in a buffer including either 200 mM sucrose or 100 mM KCl. singleturnover flash excitation and the luciferin-luciferase system were used to energize and follow ATP formation. The effect of the permeable buffer pyridine was measured on the ATP formation onset lag and on the post-illumination ATP yield. Consistent with a bulk phase delocalized proton gradient coupling model, thylakoids stored in 100 mM KCl exhibited an increase in these two parameters in the presence of pyridine. Thylakoids isolated in the absence of KCl showed no effect of pyridine on the two parameters indicating a localized energy coupling mode.
Polycystic Liver Disease and Liver Transplantation: Single-Institution Experience

Adult polycystic liver disease (PLD) can cause massive hepatomegaly leading to pain, caval obstruction, and hemorrhage. Many surgical techniques including aspiration, fenestration, and resection have been used to treat PLD. In addition to substantial morbidity and mortality, conservative surgery may have limited success, and palliation may be temporary. With improved results of liver transplantation, it has become the definitive treatment for PLD. We retrospectively reviewed our experience in patients with PLD between 1998 and 2007. Thirteen patients underwent liver only or liver-kidney transplantation. All surgical procedures were performed with preservation of the recipient inferior vena cava and without venovenous bypass (piggyback technique). Our patients experienced a high rate of perioperative morbidity. However, long-term patient and graft survival were excellent.
Marginal Likelihood for a Class of Bayesian Generalized Linear Models

The Bayes factor has become an important tool for model selection. The marginal likelihoods are also important because they can be used to rank the models. In fact, the Bayes factor is the ratio of the marginal likelihoods for two models with proper prior densities. We discuss the marginal likelihood for a class of generalized linear models used in small area estimation for mortality data analysis. Computation in these models is intensive and requires the implementation of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. A sophisticated method for computing the marginal likelihoods for generalized linear models using reduced Metropolis-Hastings (M-H) samplers has recently been introduced. Also, a much simpler method that uses the Laplace approximation has been proposed. Our method lies between these two in simplicity, and it uses importance sampling via a simple output analysis from a MCMC sampler. We also show that the new method can be approximated without using the MCMC sampler. We illustrate our methods for t...
Determination of Lead in Dinnerware by an Ion Exchange Filter Paper ‐ X-Ray Fluorescence Method

Abstract Lead leached from a variety of pottery dinnerware was determined by x-ray fluorescence after collecting and concentrating the lead on an ion exchange resin loaded filter paper disc. A 0.01 M HCl solution, to simulate acidic foodstuffs, used for the leaching was shown to have a leaching rate almost identical to that of white vinegar. The leaching rate increased with increasing temperature. The relative standard deviation for successive determinations of the same lead content was 1.8%, and the detection limit was 1.08 μg of total lead which corresponded to 0.0072 ppm when 150 ml of leaching solution was used.
Proton Bombarded Gallium Arsenide: Opto-Electronic Effects

SummaryProton implantation of doped crystalline GaAs is a very flexible and useful techniquefor processing many of the components and devices of interest to the opto- electronics area.It is a technique that is compatible with modern masking procedures and with planar devicefabrication. However, not all of the electronic and optical effects resulting form suchimplantation are well understood. Consequently, devices based on stringent design criteriamay be beyond the present day technology. The difficulties encountered in the fabricationof stripe geometry lasers are a prime example. Some of the laser difficulties may berelated to the movement of the protons and to the change in the carrier compensation thathas recently been observed in post -implantation annealed specimens. Recent experimentsindicate that the implanted protons are mobile and chemically active in the GaAs crystal.Such behavior has to be taken into consideration in order that high performance, opto-electronic devices can be systematically fabricated through proton implantation.
A fundamental study of the sticking of insect residues to aircraft wings

The aircraft industry has long been concerned with the increase of drag on airplanes due to fouling of the wings by insects. The present research studied the effects of surface energy and surface roughness on the phenomenon of insect sticking. Aluminum plates of different roughnesses were coated with thin films of polymers with varying surface energies. The coated plates were attached to a custom jig and mounted on top of an automobile for insect collection. Contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and specular reflectance infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the surface before and after the insect impact experiments. Scanning electron microscopy showed the topography of insect residues on the exposed plates. Moments were calculated in order to find a correlation between the parameters studied and the amount of bugs collected on the plates. An effect of surface energy on the sticking of insect residues was demonstrated.
Neuropsychiatric adverse effects of antiparkinsonian drugs : Characteristics, evaluation and treatment

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition that causes considerable disability in the elderly. Drugs used to treat PD, such as levodopa, offer symptomatic relief but often have neuropsychiatric adverse effects, most prominently psychosis and delirium. Aged patients and those with dementia are particularly vulnerable to these adverse effects. Evaluating PD patients with drug-induced neuropsychiatric adverse effects is made difficult by their complex clinical presentations. The treatment of drug-induced psychosis and delirium begins with manipulating the antiparkinsonian drug regimen, but this frequently worsens motor function. Atypical antipsychotics such as clozapine have been successfully employed to treat the psychosis without worsening the motor disability. Patient intolerance of clozapine therapy has prompted open-label studies with newer agents such as risperidone, remoxipride, zotepine, mianserin and ondansetron.
A review of aeroassisted orbit transfer

The development of a theory of aeroassisted orbital plane change maneuvers and necessary equipment is traced and an assessment is made of potential applications. Synergetic plane changes are effected through a combination of aerodynamic and propulsive forces involving the dip of an orbiting vehicle into the atmosphere, performance of an aerodynamic turn using thrust if necessary, then reboosting into a reconfigured orbit. The Orbiter is noted to possess large synergetic plane change capability, and configurations of spacecraft such as the Venus Orbiting Imaging radar for using aeroassist to brake interplanetary velocities before establishing orbits are described. Technology advances necessary to construct effective aerobrake, aerocapture, and orbital transfer vehicles are explored, including fabrication of inflatable ballutes, lighter L/D configurations, and lifting brakes, which are considered to be minor extensions of current capabilities.
The many phases of anaphase

Anaphase is the stage of the cell cycle in which duplicated chromosomes separate and move towards opposite poles of the cell. Although its chromosome movements have always been viewed as majestic, until recently anaphase lacked obvious landmarks of regulation. The picture has changed with numerous recent studies that have highlighted the raison d'etre of anaphase. It is now known to be associated with a series of regulatory pathways that promote a switch from high to low cyclin-dependent kinase activity – an essential feature for proper mitotic exit. The balance between protein phosphorylation and protein dephosphorylation drives and coordinates diverse processes such as chromosome movement, spindle dynamics and cleavage furrow formation. This well-ordered sequence of events is central to successful mitosis.
Real-Time Image Subtraction Using A Liquid Crystal Light Valve

A technique for subtracting images in real time utilizing a single liquid crystal light valve (LCLV) is described. The two images are projected in registration on the LCLV through a common grating. The projections are chosen such that the grating's image due to one beam is complementary to that displayed by the second beam, thus generating an interlacing effect. The readout light beam is optically filtered, so that only different features in the two images are revealed. Experimental results are presented.
A constitutive equation for the passive properties of muscle

Abstract A constitutive equation for unstimulated muscle based on nonlinear elastic and linear damping elements is proposed. This equation is solved in closed form to predict creep and stress relaxation in passive muscle and, if combined with an active contractile element in a three-element model, initial response to a sudden change in length or force during an isometric twitch. A stress relaxation experiment on unstimulated muscle is used to explicitly compute the three constants. The values of the constants associated with the muscle's elastic properties obtained this way are similar to those derived from experiments which measure only elastic properties. Inotropic agents do not affect the values of these constants which indicates that they truly reflect passive properties of the muscle.
Predicting hospital cost in CKD patients through blood chemistry values

Controversy exists in predicting costly hospitalization in patients with chronic kidney disease and co-morbid conditions. We therefore tested associations between serum chemistry values and the occurrence of in-patient hospital costs over a thirteen month study period. Secondarily, we derived a linear combination of variables to estimate probability of such occurrences in any patient. We calculated parsimonious values for select variables associated with in-patient hospitalization and compared sensitivity and specificity of these models to ordinal staging of renal disease. Data from 1104 de-identified patients which included 18 blood chemistry observations along with complete claims data for all medical expenses. We employed multivariable logistic regression for serum chemistry values significantly associated with in-patient hospital costs exceeding $3,000 in any single month and contrasted those results to other models by ROC area curves. The linear combination of weighted Z scores for parathyroid hormone, phosphorus, and albumin correlated with in-patient hospital care at p < 0.005. ROC curves derived from weighted variables of age, eGFR, hemoglobin, albumin, creatinine, and alanine aminotransferase demonstrated significance over models based on non-weighted Z scores for those same variables or CKD stage alone. In contrast, the linear combination of weighted PTH, PO4 and albumin demonstrated better prediction, but not significance over non-weighted Z scores for PTH alone. Further study is justified to explore indices that predict costly hospitalization. Such metrics could assist Accountable Care Organizations in evaluating risk adjusted compensation for providers.
Impairment by lysergic acid diethylamide of accuracy in performance of a delayed alternation test in monkeys.

Monkeys were found to show impairment in performing the delayed alternation problem following injections of LSD in initial doses as low as 0.005 mg/kg. The effect of this drug was primarily reflected in a decrease in accuracy of response, although increasingly large doses tended also to depress the rate of performance. Tolerance to the effects of LSD rapidly developed and persisted for several days, at least. Unlike LSD, amphetamine, pentobarbital and chlorpromazine either did not produce changes in accuracy, or when they did, these changes were relatively small compared to the effects of these drugs on the pressing rate. The possibility is suggested that the partial similarity of the effects of LSD to those obtained in monkeys following bifrontal lesions may reflect the operation of some common factor.
Amphibious Nature of Visual Acuity in the Asian “Clawless” Otter

THE ability to acquire information at some distance and to behave accordingly increases the probability of species survival and reproduction. The propagation of light and sound differs to such a great extent in air as compared with underwater that special sensory adaptations are necessary for an animal to operate effectively in both media.
The establishment and application of a metric for graphical design language (abstract)

The concept of a graphical design language as a tool for implementing problem solving and algorithm design independent of any specific code language is extremely attractive with reference to initial instruction in algorithm design. The verification of the methodology requires an acceptable reliable metric to validate that the graphical design language approach does improve the ability of problem solvers. Current software engineering metrics have primarily concentrated on attempting to predict development overhead or to evaluate the final software product.Using an environment (DATA) (Doran & Longenecker 1989) (Doran & Longenecker 1990) which focuses on the crucial role of data in the algorithm design process, the goal remains the establishment of an instrument to test the algorithm design skills of problem solvers trained with DATA versus those trained using traditional methods (flow charting, pseudo-code, Nassi-Schneiderman charts, etc.). A stable metric applicable to graphical design languages in general is an obvious requirement. The approach to developing the metric involves application of the prototype instrument to groups of students through a series of courses aimed at bringing the students through problem solving and algorithm design to programmed implementation of algorithms. The performance of the groups will provide the data for calibrating the metric validating its reliability. The metric is then to be used to measure the impact on performance of the DATA teaching environment. In the papers cited, the need for the DATA environment and the apparent impact have been demonstrated. The natural next phase calls for the development of the metric.
A model for persistent infection with Epstein-Barr virus: The stealth virus of human B cells

Most adult humans are infected benignly and for life with the herpesvirus Epstein-Barr virus. EBV has been a focus of research because of its status as a candidate tumor virus for a number of lymphomas and carcinomas. In vitro EBV has the ability to establish a latent infection in proliferating B lymphoblasts. This is the only system available for studying human herpesvirus latency in culture and has been extremely useful for elucidating how EBV promotes cellular growth. However, to understand how EBV survives in the healthy host and what goes awry, leading to disease, it is essential to know how EBV establishes and maintains a persistent infection in vivo. Early studies on the mechanism of EBV persistence produced inconclusive and often contradictory results because the techniques available were crude and insensitive. Recent advances in PCR technology and the application of sophisticated cell fractionation techniques have now provided new insights into the behavior of the virus. Most dramatically it has been shown that EBV in vivo does not establish latency in a proliferating lymphoblast, but in a resting memory B cell. The contrasting behaviors of being able to establish a latent infection in proliferating B blasts and resting memory B cells can be resolved in terms of a model where EBV performs its complete life cycle in B lymphocytes. The virus achieves this not by disrupting normal B cell biology but by using it.
Small, acid-soluble, spore proteins and their genes from two species of Sporosarcina

Small, acid-soluble proteins (SASP) of both the α/β- and γ-type were present in spores of Sporosarcina ureae and S. halophila , and three genes encoding α/β-type SASP in these species have been cloned and sequenced. The amino acid sequences of the Sporosarcina α/β-type SASP are extremely homologous to those of Bacillus SASP, further indicative of the close evolutionary relationship between these genera.
A new family with fra(10)(q25): Spontaneous expression and 100% expression with 100 μM BrdU

We report on a family with fra(10)(q25) ascertained through a female with multiple minor anomalies and present in her phenotypically normal father and other family members. The site is expressed spontaneously at levels of 9% in lymphocytes, 2% in lymphoblasts, and 6% in skin fibroblasts. Expression frequency is significantly enhanced to levels as high as 100% by addition of BrdU to the culture medium. The consistently high level of induced expression in lymphoblasts from the proband facilitates analysis of the biochemical and structural bases of fragile site expression.
Schwarz-Christoffel Mapping of Bounded, Multiply Connected Domains

A Schwarz-Christoffel formula for conformal maps from the exterior of a finite number of disks to the exterior of polygonal curves was derived by DeLillo, Elcrat, and Pfaltzgraff in [9] using the Reflection Principle. The derivative of the map is expressed as an infinite product. In this paper, the formula for the map from bounded circular domains to bounded polygonal domains is derived by the same method. Convergence of the resulting infinite product is proved for sufficiently well-separated domains. A formula for the bounded case was also derived by Crowdy in [5] using Schottky-Klein prime functions. We show that Crowdy’s formula can be reduced to ours. In addition, we discuss the relation of these formulae to the Poincare theta series for functions automorphic under the Schottky group of Moebius transformations generated by reflections in circles. We also derive a formula for the map to circular slit domains.
Titanium isotopic anomalies in meteorites

Studies of Ti isotopic compositions have shown that virtually every Ca-Al-rich Allende inclusion contains anomalous Ti. The present investigation is concerned with the results of a study of Ti isotopic compositions in meteorites. One objective of the study is to evaluate the possibility of a relation between oxygen and Ti anomalies, while another objective is to explore questions regarding the origin of the Ti anomalies. A summary of the major experimental findings of the study of Ti isotopic compositions is also presented. It is noted that an assessment of the implications of the Ti results favors a chemical memory type of model in which products from various nucleosynthetic sources survive in mineral grains. Isotopic heterogeneities are then preserved due to incomplete mixing and/or equilibriation with the bulk of solar system matter. Strong arguments are found to exist against a pure late supernova injection model.
Transitioning Dementia Residents from Assisted Living to Memory Care Units: A Pilot Study

Our study examined the process of transitioning residents of assisted living facilities (ALFs) who have Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder to memory care units (MCUs). In-depth surveys with 10 ALF administrators in South Carolina were conducted. Grounded theory identified major themes; thematic analysis organized content. Most administrators used a preadmission screening process to assess cognitive status. About half reported that they discussed the possibility of future transfer to another level of care with the family at admission. Most administrators said that their facilities had transfer policies in place; of these, only two-thirds discussed their policies with families on admission. Transfer triggers included leaving the facility without anyone's knowledge, disturbing behaviors, and increased care needs. Challenges included family resistance and greater costs of MCUs. Assisted living facilities that were part of continuing care retirement communities used more multidisciplinary transfer decis...
Testing general relativity at cosmological scales: Implementation and parameter correlations

The testing of general relativity at cosmological scales has become a possible and timely endeavor that is not only motivated by the pressing question of cosmic acceleration but also by the proposals of some extensions to general relativity that would manifest themselves at large scales of distance. We analyze here correlations between modified gravity growth parameters and some core cosmological parameters using the latest cosmological data sets including the refined Cosmic Evolution Survey 3D weak lensing. We provide the parametrized modified growth equations and their evolution. We implement known functional and binning approaches, and propose a new hybrid approach to evolve the modified gravity parameters in redshift (time) and scale. The hybrid parametrization combines a binned redshift dependence and a smooth evolution in scale avoiding a jump in the matter power spectrum. The formalism developed to test the consistency of current and future data with general relativity is implemented in a package that we make publicly available and call ISiTGR (Integrated Software in Testing General Relativity), an integrated set of modified modules for the publicly available packages CosmoMC and CAMB, including a modified version of the integrated Sachs-Wolfe-galaxy cross correlation module of Ho et al. and a new weak-lensing likelihood module for the refined Hubble Space Telescope Cosmic Evolution Survey weak gravitational lensing tomography data. We obtain parameter constraints and correlation coefficients finding that modified gravity parameters are significantly correlated with ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{8}$ and mildly correlated with ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{m}$, for all evolution methods. The degeneracies between ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{8}$ and modified gravity parameters are found to be substantial for the functional form and also for some specific bins in the hybrid and binned methods indicating that these degeneracies will need to be taken into consideration when using future high precision data.
Relation of Vitamin D Deficiency to Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Disease Status, and Incident Events in a General Healthcare Population

Vitamin D recently has been proposed to play an important role in a broad range of organ functions, including cardiovascular (CV) health; however, the CV evidence-base is limited. We prospectively analyzed a large electronic medical records database to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the relation of vitamin D levels to prevalent and incident CV risk factors and diseases, including mortality. The database contained 41,504 patient records with at least one measured vitamin D level. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (≤30 ng/ml) was 63.6%, with only minor differences by gender or age. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with highly significant (p <0.0001) increases in the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and peripheral vascular disease. Also, those without risk factors but with severe deficiency had an increased likelihood of developing diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. The vitamin D levels were also highly associated with coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke (all p <0.0001), as well as with incident death, heart failure, coronary artery disease/myocardial infarction (all p <0.0001), stroke (p = 0.003), and their composite (p <0.0001). In conclusion, we have confirmed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the general healthcare population and an association between vitamin D levels and prevalent and incident CV risk factors and outcomes. These observations lend strong support to the hypothesis that vitamin D might play a primary role in CV risk factors and disease. Given the ease of vitamin D measurement and replacement, prospective studies of vitamin D supplementation to prevent and treat CV disease are urgently needed.
A Multiresolution Halftoning Algorithm for Progressive Display

We describe and implement an algorithmic framework for memory efficient, ‘on-the-fly’ halftoning in a progressive transmission environment. Instead of a conventional approach which repeatedly recalls the continuous tone image from memory and subsequently halftones it for display, the proposed method achieves significant memory efficiency by storing only the halftoned image and updating it in response to additional information received through progressive transmission. Thus the method requires only a single frame-buffer of bits for storage of the displayed binary image and no additional storage is required for the contone data. The additional image data received through progressive transmission is accommodated through in-place updates of the buffer. The method is thus particularly advantageous for high resolution bi-level displays where it can result in significant savings in memory. The proposed framework is implemented using a suitable multi-resolution, multi-level modification of error diffusion that is motivated by the presence of a single binary frame-buffer. Aggregates of individual display bits constitute the multiple output levels at a given resolution. This creates a natural progression of increasing resolution with decreasing bit-depth.
Characteristics of fiber suspension flow in a rectangular channel

Abstract Velocity profile of fiber suspension flow in a rectangular channel is measured by pulsed ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry (PUDV), and the effect of fiber concentration and Reynolds number on the shape of the velocity profile is investigated. Five types of flow behavior are observed when fiber concentration increases or flow rate decreases progressively. The turbulent velocity profiles of fiber suspension can be described by a correlation with fiber concentration, nl 3 , and Reynolds number, Re as the main parameters. The presence of fiber in the suspension will reduce the turbulence intensity and thus reduce the turbulent momentum transfer. On the other hand, fibers in the suspension have the tendency to form fiber networks, which will increase the momentum transfer. The relative contribution of these two types of momentum flux will determine the final shape of the velocity profile.