cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bit-error rate improvement of a laser communication system with low-order adaptive optics

Recent experiments performed at UNC Charlotte indicate a reduction in the bit-error rate for a laser communication system with the implementaion of low-order adaptive optics in a free-space communication link. With simulated atmospheric tilt injected by a conventional PZT tilt mirror, an adaptive optics system with a Xinetics tilt mirror was used in a closed loop. The laboratory experiments replicated a monostatic propagation with a cooperative wavefront beacon at the receiver. Due to constraints in the speed of the processing hardware, the data is scaled to represent an actual propagation of a few kilometers under moderate scintillation conditions. We compare the experimental data and calculated bit-error rate before correction and after correction and compare it with a rigorous theoretical prediction.
Variable-Temperature Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Studies of Calcium Oxalate Monohydrate

The thermal degradation of calcium oxalate monohydrate is studied by using diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy combined with quadrupole mass spectrometry (DRIFTS/MS). DRIFTS/MS results are correlated with thermogravimetric analyses to verify the thermal properties of samples studied. Infrared spectral evidence for CaC2O4·H2O dehydration and infrared spectra for three different CaC2O4 phases are given. In addition, the significance of a band at 1085 cm−1 assigned to CO22- which appears during the decomposition of CaC2O4 to CaCO3 is discussed.
Meiotic reestablishment of post-transcriptional gene silencing is regulated by aberrant RNA formation in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Mill.)

Although post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) resulting from introduced transgenes has been shown in plant species, the mechanisms regulating initiation and maintenance of silencing are not yet understood. We report here multi-generational characterization of two independent transgenic tomato lines expressing a truncated pectin methylesterase (pme) gene. Transgenic lines 607-1 had multiple transgene insertions, whereas C92-1 had a single copy of the transgene. Multigenerational analyses of these lines showed that PTGS was stably inherited in line 607-1 but was unstable in line C92-1 indicating a role of the transgene copy number in transgene induced phenotype during sexual propagation. The instability of PTGS in the C92-1 line was independent of genetic backgrounds or maternal/paternal effects. The non-silenced homozygous progeny accumulate transgene transcripts confirming that the transgene transcript accumulation is not sufficient for PTGS. The aberrant pme transgene RNAs are present in all homozygous lines exhibiting PTGS, but are not detectable in the non-silenced lines suggesting its role in gene silencing. Taken together these results suggest a role for meiosis in the formation of transgene aberrant RNAs in erasure and reestablishment of PTGS.
A causal exploration of `innovatorship' and `lead-usership': a research note

Abstract As a step toward solidifying the profile of a lead user, this study explores the causal relationship between the basic quality that drives a firm to be an innovator and the basic quality of being a lead user firm. Results from a structural analysis of data collected from 106 major firms in the United States indicate that `innovatorship' has a significant positive effect on `lead-usership', and also lendscredibility to the notion that innovatorship may have both a general and a specific component.
The Allocation of a Shared Resource Within an Organization

Many resources such as supercomputers, legal advisors, and university classrooms are shared by many members of an organization. When the supply of shared resources is limited, conflict usually results between contending demanders. If these conflicts can be adequately resolved, then value is created for the organization. In this paper we use the methodology of applied mechanism design to examine alternative processes for the resolution of such conflicts for a particular class of scheduling problems. We construct a laboratory environment, within which we evaluate the outcomes of various allocation mechanisms. In particular, we are able to measure efficiency, the value attained by the resulting allocations as a percentage of the maximum possible value. Our choice of environment and parameters is guided by a specific application, the allocation of time on NASA's Deep Space Network, but the results also provide insights relevant to other scheduling and allocation applications. We find (1) experienced user committees using decision support algorithms produce reasonably efficient allocations in lower conflict situations but perform badly when there is a high level of conflict between demanders, (2) there is a mechanism, called the Adaptive User Selection Mechanism (AUSM), which charges users for time and yields high efficiencies in high conflict situations but, because of the prices paid, in which the net surplus available to the users is less than that resulting from the inefficient user committee (a reason why users may not appreciate ‘market solutions’ to organization problems) and (3) there is a modification of AUSM in which tokens, or internal money, replaces real money, which results in highly efficient allocations without extracting any of the users' surplus. Although the distribution of surplus is still an issue, the significant increase in efficiency provides users with a strong incentive to replace inefficient user committees with the more efficient AUSM.
Lipid binding to sterol carrier protein-2 is inhibited by ethanol

Sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2) is an intracellular lipid carrier protein that binds cholesterol, phospholipids, fatty acids and other ligands. It has been reported that expression of SCP-2 was increased in brain nerve endings or synaptosomes of chronic ethanol-treated mice and it was shown that cholesterol homeostasis was altered in brain membranes of chronic ethanol-treated animals. Ethanol may interfere with the capacity of SCP-2 to bind cholesterol as well as other lipids. This hypothesis was tested using recombinant SCP-2 and fluorescent-labeled cholesterol, phosphatidylcholine (PC), and stearic acid. The association constants (Ka) of the ligand-SCP-2 complex were in the following order: NBD-cholesterol>NBD-PC>NBD-stearic acid. Ethanol, beginning at a concentration of 25 mM, significantly reduced the affinity of NBD-cholesterol and NBD-PC for SCP-2. Effects of ethanol on the Ka of NBD-stearic acid was significant only at the highest concentration that was examined (200 mM). Ethanol significantly increased the Bmax of NBD-cholesterol for SCP-2 but did not have a significant effect on the Bmax of NBD-PC. Similar results were found for effects of ethanol on the Kas and Bmaxs using pyrene-labeled cholesterol and PC. In conclusion, ethanol beginning at a physiological concentration of 25 mM inhibited binding of cholesterol and PC to SCP-2. However, effects of ethanol on lipid binding to SCP-2 were dependent on the type of lipid. Ethanol in vivo may interfere with lipid binding to SCP-2 and disrupt lipid trafficking within cells.
Effect of the fungus Haliphthoros milfordensis on the juvenile stages of the American lobster, Homarus americanus

A mycosis of juvenile stages of the American lobster, Homarus americanus, is described. Symptoms of the disease are normally found in the gill and thoracic segments where host melanization occurs. The fungus, Haliphthoros milfordensis, causes tissue destruction and interferes with ecdysis. Similar pathology has been observed on the European lobster, Homarus gammarus.
Angiotensin II inhibits insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein-1 in proximal tubular epithelial cells

Interaction between angiotensin II, which binds a G-protein-coupled receptor, and insulin, a ligand for receptor tyrosine kinase, was examined in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells. Augmented protein translation by insulin involves activation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) which follows the release of the factor from a heterodimeric complex by phosphorylation of its binding protein, 4E-BP1. Angiotensin II (1 nM) or insulin (1 nM) individually stimulated 4E-BP1 phosphorylation. However, pre-incubation with angiotensin II abrogated insulin-induced phosphorylation of 4E-BP1, resulting in persistent binding to eIF4E. Although angiotensin II and insulin individually activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/-2-type mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, pre-incubation with angiotensin II abolished insulin-induced stimulation of these kinases, suggesting more proximal events in insulin signalling may be intercepted. Pretreatment with angiotensin II markedly inhibited insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin-receptor beta-chain and insulin-receptor substrate 1. Losartan prevented angiotensin II inhibition of insulin-induced ERK-1/-2-type MAP kinase activation and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation, suggesting mediation of the effect of angiotensin II by its type 1 receptor. Insulin-stimulated de novo protein synthesis was also abolished by pre-incubation with angiotensin II. These data show that angiotensin II inhibits 4E-BP1 phosphorylation and stimulation of protein synthesis induced by insulin by interfering with proximal events in insulin signalling. Our data provide a mechanistic basis for insulin insensitivity induced by angiotensin II.
Endocrine functions of adipose tissue: focus on adiponectin

Accumulating evidence indicates that obesity and overweight are associated with, and contribute to, the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The adipocyte-derived cytokine, adiponectin, has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, increase rates of fatty acid oxidation, decrease muscle lipid content, and reduce inflammation and vascular injury. However, adiponectin levels have been found to be reduced in persons with obesity and type 2 DM. Furthermore, adiponectin levels are inversely associated with those of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and C-reactive protein-markers of endothelial dysfunction and systemic inflammation. The 2 receptors for adiponectin-Adipo R(1) and Adipo R(2), which are expressed in muscle and liver tissue and in human fat cells-are hormonally regulated, with increased insulin levels causing a reduction in their abundance. The hyperinsulinemia observed in obesity, therefore, may be partially responsible for the reduction in the numbers of adiponectin receptors. Adiponectin aggregates range from a hexamer of low molecular weight to larger multimeric structures of high molecular weight. A smaller proteolytic fragment-the globular head domain of adiponectin, or gAd-interacts specifically with skeletal muscle. The relation of circulating adiponectin to its biologic actions is more complex than originally believed; therefore, it is the multimeric forms of the adiponectin molecule that need to be measured and evaluated in relation to associated metabolic, cardiovascular, and renal functions. Furthermore, strategies to measure the numbers of adiponectin receptors on available tissue need to be developed to fully assess the clinical role of adiponectin in type 2 DM, CVD, and CKD.
August Strindberg, goldmaker

Strindberg, the ‘Shakespeare of the North’, was obsessed with a passion for producing gold, and, like many alchemists before him, he failed to temper his imagination with reality. But his goldmaking ‘research’, like his other scientific studies, provides a valuable case study of a humanist genius whose amateur scientific activities enriched his literary and dramatic productions.
A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF KEYSTROKE LOG DATA FROM A TIMED WRITING TASK

The Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 pilot tests for the CBAL™ Writing assessment included experimental keystroke logging capabilities. This report documents the approaches used to capture the keystroke logs and the algorithms used to process the outputs. It also includes some preliminary findings based on the pilot data. In particular, it notes that the distribution of most of the pause length is consistent with data generated from a mixture of lognormal distributions. This corresponds to a cognitive model in which some pauses are merely part of the transcription (i.e., typing) process and some are part of more involved cognitive process (e.g., attention to writing conventions, word choice, and planning). In the pilot data, many of the features extracted from the keystroke logs were correlated with human scores. Due to the small sample sizes of the pilot studies, these findings are suggestive, not conclusive; however, they suggest a line of analysis for a large sample containing keystroke logging gathered in the fall of 2009.
The Kalamazoo Promise and Perceived Changes in Teacher Beliefs, Expectations, and Behaviors

ABSTRACT High teacher expectations are an essential component of quality education and are known to lead to positive outcomes for students. The authors examined perceived changes in teacher beliefs, expectations, and behaviors that result from the introduction of the Kalamazoo Promise, a universal postsecondary scholarship program. These perceptions were accessed through interpretive interviews with principals, counselors, teachers, and through interviews and surveys with students in the school district. Educators and students reported marked improvements in teacher attitudes and behaviors since the announcement of the Kalamazoo Promise. The authors discuss the implications of research findings and the potential of this scholarship program as a catalyst for systemic change in the district.
Importance of Tryptophan Dipoles for Protein Function: 5-Fluorination of Tryptophans in Gramicidin A Channels

In integral membrane proteins the amphipathic aromatic amino acid residues tryptophan and tyrosine tend to be localized at membrane/solution interface. The interfacial location of these residues is...
Echocardiographic Diagnosis and Management of Bilateral Coronary Ostial Atresia in a Patient with Pulmonary Atresia and Intact Ventricular Septum

Bilateral atresia of the coronary artery ostia in patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum is a rare condition with no reported survivors beyond early infancy. We report the first case of diagnosis by echocardiography followed by successful cardiac transplantation.
The mid-life male sex-change applicant: a multiclinic survey.

Directors of coordinators of a cross-section of North American Gender Identity Clinics provided descriptive information on 1,637 sex-change applicants and psychosocial, psychosexual, and psychiatric data on 21 middleaged male candidates. To determine the age relatedness of the findings, the mid-life male candidates were then compared on selected characteristics with a random sample of younger biological males seeking sexual reassignment at the Vanderbilt Gender Identity Clinic. The results are consistent with previous findings highlighting the factors at mid-life that intensify the male transsexual's desire for sexual transformation. Viewing the aging gender dysphoria patient's surgical request from a developmental perspective promotes appreciation of his predicament and informed consideration of his treatment options.
"Bridging" therapy with low molecular weight heparin in pregnant patients and patients with mechanical prosthetic heart valves.

A substantial body of published, peer-reviewed, trial and cohort study—based evidence, institutional data sets and expert clinical experience/opinion supports the safe and effective use of enoxaparin for anticoagulation management of non-pregnant patients with prosthetic mechanical heart valves. A comparable body of data and trial results exists, also supported by a significant and authoritative base of expert opinion, for enoxaparin-based VTE prevention and treatment of at-risk pregnant patients who do not have mechanical heart valves. In pregnant women with prosthetic mechanical heart valves, no recommendations on the use of LMWHs can be made until the availability of more data (Lovenox Injection (package insert). Available at www.aventis-us.com/PIs/lovenox. Accessed July 30, 2003. Aventis Pharmaceuticals 2003).
Meeting the Demands: The Circularity of Remodeling Collegiate Foreign Language Programs

1 With deepest thanks to Robin Worth, Ph.D., for her assistance in preparing this contribution. 2Number of bachelor's degrees conferred by major (1995-2005) were compared by overall 10-year and most recent 5-year averages across French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and several other foreign language majors. With the exception of Spanish, all languages had an equal or lower average number of degrees con ferred in the most recent 5-year period as compared to the overall 10-year period (UW-Madison Office of Academic Planning and Analysis, January 2006). 3 A recent glance at the ADFL job list found no fewer than 38 postings that included expertise in SLA in the position description. Not only was this area of exper tise often required for positions dedicated to language teaching, curriculum, and program direction, but it also was required or considered highly desirable for a num ber of literature specialist positions, at institutions both large and small.
Proteomic Profiling of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Responses to Mechanical Strain and TGF-β1

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a potential source of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) for constructing tissue-engineered vascular grafts. However, the details of how specific combinations of vascular microenvironmental factors regulate MSCs are not well understood. Previous studies have suggested that both mechanical stimulation with uniaxial cyclic strain and chemical stimulation with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) can induce smooth muscle markers in MSCs. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of uniaxial cyclic strain and TGF-β1 stimulation on MSCs. By using a proteomic analysis, we found differential regulation of several proteins and genes, such as the up-regulation of TGF-β1-induced protein ig-h3 (BGH3) protein levels by TGF-β1 and up-regulation of calponin 3 protein level by cyclic strain. At the gene expression level, BGH3 was induced by TGF-β1, but calponin 3 was not significantly regulated by mechanical strain or TGF-β1, which was in contrast to the synergistic up-regulation of calponin 1 gene expression by cyclic strain and TGF-β1. Further experiments with cycloheximide treatment suggested that the up-regulation of calponin 3 by cyclic strain was at post-transcriptional level. The results in this study suggest that both mechanical stimulation and TGF-β1 signaling play unique and important roles in the regulation of MSCs at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, and that a precise combination of microenvironmental cues may promote MSC differentiation.
Genetic Disorders of Adrenal Hormone Synthesis

Steroid 21-hydroxylase is the enzyme involved in 90-95% of cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The general feature of CAH, which results from an enzymatic block at any stage in the synthesis of cortisol, is increased serum adrenocorticotropin and thus stimulated adrenal synthesis of steroids proximal to the block. All enzyme defects causing CAH are autosomal recessive traits. The early steps in cortisol synthesis are common to adrenal and gonadal steroid pathways, thus CAH caused by dysfunction of the enzymes supporting these steps is also characterized by insufficient production of gonadal hormones, causing impaired genital development in the genetic male. The absence of or severe reduction of steroid 21-hydroxylase activity also causes prenatal hypersecretion of androgens by the adrenal cortex, which results in external genital ambiguity in genetic females. This paper discusses the classical and nonclassical forms of CAH, their aetiology, diagnosis and treatment, and also describes recent advances in prenatal diagnosis and treatment which avoids the need for corrective genital plastic surgery in infancy.
Bremazocine differentially antagonizes responses to selective μ and δ opioid receptor agonists in rat hippocampus

The effects of mu, delta and kappa opioid receptor agonists were examined on evoked field potentials in brain slices prepared from rat hippocampus. The effects of the mu-selective opioid peptide [D-Ala2, NMe-Phe4, Met(O)5ol]enkephalin (FK 33-824) and the delta-selective peptide [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE) were qualitatively and quantitatively similar. Both increased the amplitude of evoked population spike responses when perfused in low nanomolar concentrations in a fashion consistent with what has been previously reported for other opiate agonists such as morphine. The kappa-selective agonists bremazocine and U-50, 488H were without effect upon evoked responses at concentrations as high as 10 microM. Bremazocine, but not U-50, 488H, proved to be an extremely potent antagonist of responses to both mu- and delta- selective agonists. Moreover, bremazocine was considerably more potent in antagonizing responses to FK 33-824 than DPDPE, which supports the hypothesis that FK 33-824 and DPDPE act via different receptors. Thus, although bremazocine is an agonist at kappa receptors, it appears to act as an antagonist at other opioid receptor sites.
Cloning and sequencing of cDNAs encoding two self-incompatibility associated proteins in Solanum chacoense

We have isolated and sequenced cDNAs for S2- and S3-alleles of the self-incompatibility locus (S-locus) in Solanum chacoense Bitt., a wild potato species displaying gametophytic self-incompatibility. The S2-and S3-alleles encode pistil-specific proteins of 30 kDa and 31 kDa, respectively, which were previously identified based on cosegregation with their respective alleles in genetic crosses. The amino acid sequence homology between the S2- and S3-proteins is 41.5%. This high degree of sequence variability between alleles is a distinctive feature of the S-gene system. Of the 31 amino acid residues which were previously found to be conserved among three Nicotiana alata S-proteins (S2, S3, and S6) and two fungal ribonucleases (R Nase T2 and R Nase Rh), 27 are also conserved in the S2- and S3-proteins of S. chacoense. These residues include two histidines implicated in the active site of the R Nase T2, six cysteines, four of which form disulfide bonds in R Nase T2, and hydrophobic residues which might form the core structure of the protein. The finding that these residues are conserved among S-proteins with very divergent sequences suggests a functional role for the ribonuclease activity of the S-protein in gametophytic self-incompatibility.
Molded, High Surface Area Polymer Electrolyte Membranes from Cured Liquid Precursors

Polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) for fuel cells have been synthesized from easily processable, 100% curable, low molecular weight reactive liquid precursors that are photochemically cured into highly proton conductive solid membranes. The liquid precursors were directly cured into membranes of desired dimensions without the need for further processing steps such as melt extrusion or solvent casting. By employing chemical cross-linking, high proton conductivities can be achieved through the incorporation of significant levels of acidic groups without rendering the material water-soluble, which plagues commonly used non-cross-linked polymers. Fabrication of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) from these PEMs resulted in fuel cells that outperformed those based on commercial materials. Moreover, these liquid precursors enabled the formation of three-dimensional, patterned PEMs with high fidelity, micron-scale features by using soft lithographic/micromolding techniques. The patterned membranes provided a larger interfacial area between the membrane and catalyst layer than standard flat PEMs. MEAs composed of the patterned membranes demonstrated higher power densities over that of flat ones without an increase in the macroscopic area of the fuel cells. This can potentially miniaturize fuel cells and promote their application in portable devices.
Chemical Ionization Mass Spectra of Phenothiazine Derivatives and Their Oxygenated Analogs

Twenty-nine derivatives of phenothiazine formed relatively stable ions by proton capture under conditions of chemical ionization, using methane or isobutane as reagent gas. Fragments of generally low abundance formed by simple bond cleavage in the trimethylene portion of the side chain and by loss of water or hydrogen halide. Mass spectra obtained from pyrolyzates of amine salts and from the corresponding free bases were essentially identical.
Sonography of Right Upper Quadrant Pain

Ultrasound of the right upper quadrant is one of the most commonly performed sonographic studies. Sonography is the first-line imaging modality for evaluation of the patient who has right upper quadrant abdominal pain. It is accurate, quick, easy to perform, does not use ionizing radiation, and can be done in at the patient's bedside. This article describes the sonographic evaluation of right upper quadrant pain.
Mapping cylinders of Hilbert cube factors II. the relative case

Abstract A concept of relative or reduced mapping cylinders is introduced, and it is shown that if ƒ is any map between two spaces which have the property that their products with the Hilbert cube are compact Hilbert cube manifolds, then for any closed subset A of the domain of ƒ the relative mapping cylinder of ƒ reduced modulo A also has this property and that the two collapses associated with it generate in a natural way near-homeomorphisms of Hilbert cube manifolds.
Percutaneous Techniques for Shoulder Labral Repair

Arthroscopic techniques for labral repair and shoulder instability are fast becoming the standard of care. Arthroscopy has improved visualization of articular damage, allows access to multiple quadrants of the shoulder, provides the ability to create an anatomic repair, and avoids some of the complications associated with the open surgical approach. The current common technique for arthroscopic labral repair involves use of multiple working portals. Creation of these multiple portals can add to the surgical morbidity of the rotator cuff and rotator interval, which is desirable to avoid in the overhead athlete. A percutaneous technique was developed to further enhance management of all pathology with more precise anchor placement, maneuvering of suture passing instruments, and less rotator cuff and capsule morbidity.
Notes on the Behaviour of Glossina pallidipes and G. brevipalpis, and Some Comparisons with G. morsitans.

1. G. pallidipes almost invariably attacks man on the leg from the knee downwards. 2. G. brevipalpis may attack man anywhere and not infrequently on the head. 3. Both species fill themselves readily with human blood once an attack has been made. 4. Neither sex of either species attacks man unless very hungry, as indicated by the very low mean fat content in the captures. 5. G. brevipalpis is apparently more reluctant even than pallidipes to attack man, and the fat contents in flies caught on man are proportionally lower than in the case of pallidipes.
A map of functional synaptic connectivity in the mouse anteroventral cochlear nucleus.

The cochlear nuclei are the first central processors of auditory information and provide inputs to all the major brainstem and midbrain auditory nuclei. Although the local circuits within the cochlear nuclei are understood at a cellular level, the spatial patterns of connectivity and the connection strengths in these circuits have been less well characterized. We have applied a novel, quantitative approach to mapping local circuits projecting to cells in the mouse anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) using laser-scanning photostimulation and glutamate uncaging. The amplitude and kinetics of individual evoked synaptic events were measured to reveal the patterns and strengths of synaptic connections. We found that the two major excitatory projection cell classes, the bushy and T-stellate cells, receive a spatially broad inhibition from D-stellate cells in the AVCN, and a spatially confined inhibition from the tuberculoventral cells of the dorsal cochlear nucleus. Furthermore, T-stellate cells integrate D-stellate inhibition from an area that spans twice the frequency range of that integrated by bushy cells. A subset of both bushy and T-stellate cells receives inhibition from an unidentified cell population at the dorsal–medial boundary of the AVCN. A smaller subset of cells receives local excitation from within the AVCN. Our results show that inhibitory circuits can have target-specific patterns of spatial convergence, synaptic strength, and receptor kinetics, resulting in different spectral and temporal processing capabilities.
Dermatoglyphics and flexion creases of the cypriots.

A comparison of the dermatoglyphic features of 60 Greek Cypriots from the coastal region of Yialousa and 60 from the isolated mountainous region of Troodos showed significant differences only in the frequencies of digital whorls and loops in the left hands of the males and in the frequencies of Thenar/I patterns in the palms of the females. All other comparisons produced nonsignificant differences. The overall dermatoglyphic similarities are in contrast to the previously described serological, hematological and historical differences indicating that the mountain and coastal people of Cyprus may be genetically distinct. Two possible explanations for the observed discrepancies between the blood group and dermatoglyphic findings were advanced: (1) The more involved inheritance of most dermatoglyphic features which renders them less vulnerable to the influence of isolation and genetic drift than the blood groups, and (2) the similarities in the frequencies of the dermatoglyphic features among the various ethnic groups of the eastern part of the Mediterranean.
Adjusting for multiple-misclassified variables in a study using birth certificates.

Abstract Purpose Birth certificates are a convenient source of population data for epidemiologic studies. It is well documented, however, that birth certificate data can be highly inaccurate. Nonetheless, studies based on birth certificates are routinely analyzed without accounting for sources of data errors. We focused on the association between maternal cigarette smoking and cleft lip and palate based on birth certificate data. Methods We adjusted odds ratio estimates simultaneously for exposure and outcome misclassification. We also calculated odds ratios adjusted for exposure misclassification only and outcome misclassification only. Results Adjustment for both maternal smoking during pregnancy and clefting resulted in adjusted odds ratios that ranged from less than 1.0 to much greater than the unadjusted estimate of 1.16, with most adjusted estimates outside of the 95% confidence limits (1.01, 1.33). Conclusions Because of the potentially large impact of birth certificate classification errors, we suggest that inferences from these or similar records employ quantitative methods for incorporating uncertainties caused by data errors.
Effects of ALS-related SOD1 mutants on dynein- and KIF5-mediated retrograde and anterograde axonal transport

Transport of material and signals between extensive neuronal processes and the cell body is essential to neuronal physiology and survival. Slowing of axonal transport has been shown to occur before the onset of symptoms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have previously shown that several familial ALS-linked copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) mutants (A4V, G85R, and G93A) interacted and colocalized with the retrograde dynein-dynactin motor complex in cultured cells and affected tissues of ALS mice. We also found that the interaction between mutant SOD1 and the dynein motor played a critical role in the formation of large inclusions containing mutant SOD1. In this study, we showed that, in contrast to the dynein situation, mutant SOD1 did not interact with anterograde transport motors of the kinesin-1 family (KIF5A, B and C). Using dynein and kinesin accumulation at the sciatic nerve ligation sites as a surrogate measurement of axonal transport, we also showed that dynein mediated retrograde transport was slower in G93A than in WT mice at an early presymptomatic stage. While no decrease in KIF5A-mediated anterograde transport was detected, the slowing of anterograde transport of dynein heavy chain as a cargo was observed in the presymptomatic G93A mice. The results from this study along with other recently published work support that mutant SOD1 might only interact with and interfere with some kinesin members, which, in turn, could result in the impairment of a selective subset of cargos. Although it remains to be further investigated how mutant SOD1 affects different axonal transport motor proteins and various cargos, it is evident that mutant SOD1 can induce defects in axonal transport, which, subsequently, contribute to the propagation of toxic effects and ultimately motor neuron death in ALS.
Influence of formula concentration on caloric intake and growth of normal infants.

: Fomon, S. J., Filer, L. J., Jr, Thomas, L. N., Anderson, T. A. and Nelson, S. E. (Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA). Influence of formula concentration on caloric intake and growth of normal infants. Acta Paediatr Stand, 64:172, 1975.–Fifteen fullterm female infants were enrolled in each of two feeding groups and all but one completed the proposed period of observation to age 112 days. Formulas prepared from the same ingredients (fat-free milk solids, a mixture of corn and coconut oils, lactose, vitamins and minerals) were fed ad libitum to both groups. Formula concentration was 54 kcal/100 ml for one group and 100 kcal/100 ml for the other. A limited selection of commercially prepared strained foods was permitted after 28 days of age. Weighed intakes of food were recorded for each day of study. During the interval 8 through 41 days of age, the infants fed the 54 kcal/100 ml formula consumed a considerably greater quantity of food but fewer calories than did those fed the 100 kcal/100 ml formula. Those fed the 54 kcal/100 ml formula also gained less weight. These differences between feeding groups were statistically significant. After 41 days of age, mean caloric intakes (kcal/kg/day) and rates of gain in weight were similar for the two feeding groups. The data provide a basis for speculation on the possible difference in allocation of calories to growth and non-growth in the two groups.
Was the Federal Reserve Constrained by the Gold Standard During the Great Depression? Evidence from the 1932 Open Market Purchase Program

Could the Federal Reserve have reversed the decline in the money supply during the Great Depression without causing a loss of confidence in the U.S. commitment to the gold standard? This article uses the $1 billion expansionary open market operation in 1932 as a crucial case study. Using forward exchange rates and interest rate differentials to measure devaluation expectations, we find virtually no evidence that the large monetary expansion led investors to believe that the United States would devalue. The financial press and Federal Reserve records also show scant evidence of expectations of devaluation or fear of speculative attack.
Black Students in U.S. Higher Education: Toward Improved Access, Adjustment, and Achievement.

This paper seeks to broaden our knowledge and understanding of black student experiences in U.S. higher education over the past 20 years. Toward this end, I analyze black student enrollment/earned degree trends in the state of Michigan during the 1965–80 period; examine the institutional experiences of black students who enrolled as freshmen at the University of Michigan between 1975 and 1983; and assess the correlates of access, adjustment, and achievement of 700 black college students who attended six predominantly white public institutions in 1981. The analyses out across four different levels of U.S. higher education (national, state, institutional, and individual) and shed considerable light not only on black student experiences but also those of other minority and white students as well. Based on the result of the multidimensional analyses, I set forth an agenda for action to improve the status of blacks in higher education.
A novel digital control technique for brushless DC motor drives: current control

This paper presents a digital control technique for trapezoidal brushless DC (BLDC) motor drives. This novel digital control treats BLDC motor as a digital system and regulates speed with the help of two predefined state variables, state-1 designed for high-speed operation and state-2 defined for low-speed operation. A comparator compares actual speed with set speed and then switches between appropriate states. Thus, task of the digital control is to deliver right amount of power to the motor by right numbers of state-1 and state-2 operations so that average power delivery matches required power. It needs few logic gates and comparators to implement digital control, thus making it extremely simple and easy to develop a low cost application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for speed control of BLDC motor drives. Simulation and experimental results are presented to describe and verify the proposed technique
Timing Analysis And Optimization: From Devices To Systems

Timing analysis spans the entire design process from RTL synthesis to timing sign-off including schematic design, logic synthesis, floor plan, place and route, clock distribution etc. In this embedded tutorial we will cover timing analysis from devices to systems. At the transistor level we will cover static, dynamic and interconnect analysis. At the gate level we will cover path analysis including false paths and static and dynamic sensitization aspects. The new Delay Calculator Language (DCL) will also be covered. We will tie the statistical properties at each level to put them under proper perspective.
Circuit-based Localization of Ferret Prefrontal Cortex

We examined the extent of the ferret prefrontal cortex (PFC) and its reciprocal connections with the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus (MD) by anterograde and retrograde labeling in 6- to 14-week-old male ferrets. Our results indicate that in the ferret, as in other species, MD projects heavily to the PFC although it also projects to other cortical and subcortical structures. The MD projection to PFC terminates largely in layer IV with lighter innervation of layers II, III, V, and VI. The cells projecting back to MD are mostly in layer VI. The parvocellular component of MD projects to and receives projections from the more caudal and dorsomedial component of the PFC, whereas the magnocellular portion of MD projects to and receives projections from the more rostral and lateral component of the PFC. With these results we have localized the ferret PFC, defined as a frontal cortical region with heavy reciprocal connections with the MD.
Adaptive control of partially known continuous-time systems

An approach is developed for the adaptive model-reference control of the continuous-time systems consisting of known and unknown subsystems. It is assumed that the plant is composed of the cascade, parallel or feedback interconnection of known and unknown subsystems. Many physical control systems can be modeled by such interconnections. In our approach, by using the prior knowledge about the plant, the adaptive law is driven only by the states of unknown subsystems. Moreover, we demonstrate by simulations that incorporating the partial knowledge about the system improves the response of the system in terms of tracking error and response time.
Using a Function Generator to Produce Auditory and Visual Demonstrations.

In this article, I describe how to use an intensive instrument to create visual and auditory classroom demonstrations. The function generator is an instrument that produces time-varying electrical signals of manipulable frequency, waveform, and amplitude. Sending these signals to a speaker or a light-emitting diode can demonstrate a specific characteristics of auditory or visual stimuli, respectively, relate to perceptual experiences.
Imagery use in sport: Mediational effects for efficacy

The factors that influence whether an athlete chooses to engage in imagery are largely unknown. One reason may be the amount of confidence athletes have in their ability to image. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among efficacy in using imagery, imagery use and imagery ability. Consistent with Bandura's (1986, 1997) theory, it was hypothesized that there would be a positive correlation between efficacy in using imagery and imagery use, and that efficacy in using imagery would mediate the relationship between imagery ability and imagery use. Participants were 74 female athletes from various sports. The instruments we used were the Movement Imagery Questionnaire – Revised (Hall & Martin, 1997) for imagery ability, the Sport Imagery Questionnaire (Hall, Mack, Paivio, & Hausenblas, 1998) for imagery use, and a modified version of the latter questionnaire for efficacy in using imagery. Correlations showed that the more athletes were confident in their ability to use a certain image, the m...
Disinfection of Syringes Contaminated With Hepatitis C Virus by Rinsing With Household Products

Background. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission among people who inject drugs (PWID) is associated with the sharing of injection paraphernalia. People who inject drugs often “disinfect” used syringes with household products when new syringes are unavailable. We assessed the effectiveness of these products in disinfecting HCV-contaminated syringes. Methods. A genotype-2a reporter virus assay was used to assess HCV infectivity in syringes postrinsing. Hepatitis C virus-contaminated 1 mL insulin syringes with fixed needles and 1 mL tuberculin syringes with detachable needles were rinsed with water, Clorox bleach, hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, isopropanol, Lysol, or Dawn Ultra at different concentrations. Syringes were either immediately tested for viable virus or stored at 4°C, 22°C, and 37°C for up to 21 days before viral infectivity was determined. Results. Most products tested reduced HCV infectivity to undetectable levels in insulin syringes. Bleach eliminated HCV infectivity in both syringes. Other disinfectants produced virus recovery ranging from high (5% ethanol, 77% ± 12% HCV-positive syringes) to low (1:800 Dawn Ultra, 7% ± 7% positive syringes) in tuberculin syringes. Conclusions. Household disinfectants tested were more effective in fixed-needle syringes (low residual volume) than in syringes with detachable needles (high residual volume). Bleach was the most effective disinfectant after 1 rinse, whereas other diluted household products required multiple rinses to eliminate HCV. Rinsing with water, 5% ethanol (as in beer), and 20% ethanol (as in fortified wine) was ineffective and should be avoided. Our data suggest that rinsing of syringes with household disinfectants may be an effective tool in preventing HCV transmission in PWID when done properly.
Occurrence of calcinosis in the course of experimental fungus infections

During the prolonged presence of Candida albicans and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis in the spleen of Wistar rats, subcutaneous deposits of calcium salt were observed. The condition is similar to one known as calcinosis in human pathology. Its circumscribed and universal forms were observed. One case of metastatic ossification has been seen.
The fractional frequency stability of a 34-m-diameter beam-waveguide antenna

Advances in fiber-optic technology have made it possible to develop a new technique to isolate and measure the frequency stability of a large beam-waveguide (BWG) antenna. Through the use of the technique described in the paper, at both 46.5/spl deg/ and 37/spl deg/ elevation angles, under good weather conditions, the degradation of the the fractional frequency stability of signals passing through the antenna path was measured to be between 1.3 and 2.2/spl times/10/sup -15/ for sampling intervals of 1024 s. These stability values apply to the portion of the antenna that includes the main reflector, subreflector, tripod legs, and six BWG mirrors. These test results are believed to be the first successful fractional frequency stability measurements made on the microwave optics portion of a large antenna to a level of 1 or 2 parts in 10/sup 15/. >
Surgical Staging of Lung Cancer for Advances in Radiation Oncology of Lung Cancer

This chapter reviews surgical approaches to determining T, N, and M status for lung cancer; an expanded description of individual mediastinal staging modalities; the evidence for invasive mediastinal staging procedures and multi-modality staging strategies; and staging practices in the community at large.
Association of Patient-Reported Readiness for Discharge and Hospital Consumer Assessment of Health Care Providers and Systems Patient Satisfaction Scores: A Retrospective Analysis

Background Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) have been increasingly emphasized, however, determining clinically valuable PRO has been problematic and investigation limited. This study examines the association of readiness for discharge, which has been described previously, with patient satisfaction and readmission. Study Design Data from adult patients admitted to our institution from 2009 to 2012 who completed both the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems and the Press Ganey surveys post discharge were extracted from an existing database of patients (composed of 220 patients admitted for small bowel obstruction and 98 patients with hospital stays ≥21 days). Using the survey question, "Did you feel ready for discharge?" (RFD), 2 groups were constructed, those RFD and those with lesser degrees of readiness (ie, less ready for discharge [LRFD]) using topbox methodology. Outcomes, readmission rates, and satisfaction were compared between RFD and LRFD groups. Results Three hundred and eighteen patients met the inclusion criteria; 45% were female and 94% were Caucasian. Median age was 62.3 years (interquartile range 52.5 to 70.8 year). Median length of stay was 10 days (interquartile range 6.0 to 24.0 days) and 69.2% were admitted with small bowel obstruction. The 30-day readmission rate was 14.3% and 55% indicated they were RFD. Those RFD and LRFD had similar demographics, comorbidity scores, and rates of surgery. Those RFD had higher overall hospital satisfaction (87.3% RFD vs 62.4% LRFD; p Conclusions Readiness for discharge appears to be a clinically useful patient-reported metric, as those RFD have higher satisfaction with the hospital and physicians. Prospective investigation into variables affecting patient satisfaction in those LRFD is needed.
Book Review of the Psychology of Judgment and Decision Making

Grab a copy of your favorite textbook on marketing principles. Open to any page and try to find a principle (a suggested action for a given situation). I expect that you will not have much success. Recently, Randy Schultz and I used a systematic and extensive procedure to examine principles in basic marketing texts. With this procedure, we could not find any useful principles in our sample of nine textbooks (Armstrong and Schultz 1993).
Imaging for Endovascular Stroke Therapy

In this chapter, we focus on the role of imaging in the triage of ischemic stroke patients for endovascular treatment, and it is followed by a chapter describing current endovascular methods. While it is not disputed that imaging provides powerful information, more advanced studies require more time and it is not clear to many that the additional information compensates for the time lost. We have found that the information that advanced neuroimaging provides is highly beneficial. This conclusion is supported by clinical experience of more than 10 years performing these interventions as well as a critical review of data collected at the MGH, and a substantial published literature. All imaging information is not equivalent, and there is a hierarchy of utility that derives directly from the clinical value the information provides. This chapter provides specific suggestions on imaging that may be used for deciding when to use endovascular stroke therapy in a patient and the evidence supporting these suggestions.