cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proliferation and Apoptosis in vitro of Umbilical Cord Blood CD34~+ CD38 ~- Hematopoietic Early Progenitor Cells

To cultivate CD34 + CD38 cells isolated from umbilical cord blood of healthy puerperal women over a longer-period of time for observation of cell division, proliferation, apoptosis, and effects of stem cell factor on the growth of CD34 + CD38 - cells, with flow cytometry, CD34 + CD38 - cells were isolated from umbilical cord blood of 10 healthy puerperal women and cultivated in stem cell media with supplement of IL-3, IL-6, GM-CSF, EPO, IGF-1 and SCF 6 kinds cell growth stimulating factors for six months. The cell growth curves were established. The effects of stem cell factor on the growth of CD34 + CD38- cells and cell apoptosis were investigated with the single cell gel electrophoresis technique and flow cytometry method, respectively. The results showed that CD34 + CD38 - cells isolated from umbilical cord blood were capable of proliferating after being cultivated in vitro over a longer-period of time with no evidence of the presence of excessive apoptosis. In conclusion, under appropriate culture conditions, CD34 + CD38 - hematopoietic early progenitor cells from umbilical cord blood can serve as a resource providing a large amount of primitive cells for transplantation therapy after a longer period of cultivation and proliferation in vitro.
POVERTY ALLEVIATION THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE UNITED STATES: A FRAMEWORK FOR POLICY AND PRACTICE

The traditional macroeconomic approach to poverty alleviation in neighborhoods and communities is to use housing development and job-creation programs to address the income and the opportunity gaps...
Optimal Detection of Fusion Pore Dynamics Using Polarized Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy.

The fusion pore is the initial narrow connection that forms between fusing membranes. During vesicular release of hormones or neurotransmitters, the nanometer-sized fusion pore may open-close repeatedly (flicker) before resealing or dilating irreversibly, leading to kiss-and-run or full-fusion events, respectively. Pore dynamics govern vesicle cargo release and the mode of vesicle recycling, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. This is partly due to a lack of reconstituted assays that combine single-pore sensitivity and high time resolution. Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy offers unique advantages for characterizing single membrane fusion events, but signals depend on effects that are difficult to disentangle, including the polarization of the excitation electric field, vesicle size, photobleaching, orientation of the excitation dipoles of the fluorophores with respect to the membrane, and the evanescent field depth. Commercial TIRF microscopes do not allow control of excitation polarization, further complicating analysis. To overcome these challenges, we built a polarization-controlled total internal reflection fluorescence (pTIRF) microscope and monitored fusion of proteoliposomes with planar lipid bilayers with single molecule sensitivity and ~15 ms temporal resolution. Using pTIRF microscopy, we detected docking and fusion of fluorescently labeled small unilamellar vesicles, reconstituted with exocytotic/neuronal v-SNARE proteins (vSUVs), with a supported bilayer containing the cognate t-SNAREs (tSBL). By varying the excitation polarization angle, we were able to identify a dye-dependent optimal polarization at which the fluorescence increase upon fusion was maximal, facilitating event detection and analysis of lipid transfer kinetics. An improved algorithm allowed us to estimate the size of the fusing vSUV and the fusion pore openness (the fraction of time the pore is open) for every event. For most events, lipid transfer was much slower than expected for diffusion through an open pore, suggesting that fusion pore flickering limits lipid release. We find a weak correlation between fusion pore openness and vesicle area. The approach can be used to study mechanisms governing fusion pore dynamics in a wide range of membrane fusion processes.
Corporate Entrepreneurship: An Introduction and Research Review

In today’s hyper-competitive global economy corporate entrepreneurship (CE) has increasingly been recognized as a legitimate path to high levels of organizational performance (Garvin, 2004; Garvin & Levesque, 2006; Morris et al., 2008). Researchers have continually cited corporate entrepreneurship’s important potential as a growth strategy (Antoncic & Hisrich, 2001; Kuratko, 1993; Kuratko et al., 1993; Merrifield, 1993; Pinchott, 1985; Stopford & Baden-Fuller, 1994; Zahra, 1991; Zahra & Covin, 1995; Zahra et al., 1999). The understanding of corporate entrepreneurship as a valid and effective area of research has real and tangible benefits for emerging scholars, as their work will have significant impact on an important strategy. As an example, Dess, Lumpkin, and McGee (1999) noted that, “Virtually all organizations—new start-ups, major corporations, and alliances among global partners—are striving to exploit product-market opportunities through innovative and proactive behavior”—the type of behavior that is called for by corporate entrepreneurship. Barringer and Bluedorn (1999) suggested that in light of the dynamism and complexity of today’s environments, “… entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviors are necessary for firms of all sizes to prosper and flourish.” Developing organizational environments that cultivate employees’ interest in and commitment to innovation contribute to successful competition in today’s global economy. Ireland, Kuratko, and Morris (2006a, 2006b) pointed out that to simultaneously develop and nurture today’s and tomorrow’s competitive advantages, advantages that are grounded in innovation, firms increasingly rely on “corporate entrepreneurship.”
Algebraic Theory of Two-Channel Decentralized Control Systems

A two-channel multiinput-multioutput linear time-invariant decentralized control system is analyzed in a general algebraic framework. Necessary and sufficient conditions for decentralized stabilizability are obtained in an algebraic setting and interpreted in terms of fixed-eigenvalues in the case of rational transfer functions. The class of all decentralized stabilizing compensators is given; this class is parametrized by two parameter matrices, which are not completely free. The results apply to distributed or lumped, discrete-time or continuous-time systems.
Obesity Prevention and Treatment in School-aged Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults-Where Do We Go from Here?

The rise in the rate of obesity in school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults in the last 30 years is a clear healthcare crisis that needs to be addressed. Despite recent national reports in the United States highlighting positive downward trends in the rate of obesity in younger children, we are still faced with approximately 12.7 million children struggling with obesity. Given the immediate and long-term health consequences of obesity, much time and effort has been expended to address this epidemic. Yet, despite these efforts, we still only see limited, short-term success from most interventions. Without changes to how we address childhood obesity, we will continue to see inadequate improvements in the health of our children. Clinicians and researchers need to be lobbying for evidence-based policy changes, such as those identified by systems science, in order to improve the nation’s health.
Phenylketonuria treated from early infancy

Two phenylketonurics are presented aged 3 years and 1 2/3 years who have been on a phenylalanine restricted diet from earliest infancy. The motor and mental development of both these children is well within the normal range for their ages.
John Maynard Keynes and Alvin Hansen

Contrasts the methodologies and policy implications of the respective theories of John Maynard Keynes and Alvin Hansen. Keynes used a rationalistic epistemology and deductive logic to deduce a pure theory of employment which implied that monetary policy would be an appropriate remedy for unemployment. Hansen used an empirical epistemology and inductive logic to formulate an applied theory of employment which explained the causes of the Great Depression in the USA. Hansen′s theory of secular stagnation implied that a compensatory fiscal policy would be an effective remedy for unemployment. The respective theories of Keynes and Hansen are complementary, rather than contradictory; therefore, social economists should utilize both of these theories under appropriate circumstances.
Completing the Standard Model with Gravity by General Relativizing Quantum Physics (RQP) (Coupling Spin-2 Gravitons with Spin-0 Particles to Generate Higgs Mass)

After a straightforward general relativistic calculation on a modified flat-spacetime metric (developed from the fluctuating vacuum energy interacting with a graviton field), a pair of n-valued covariant and contravariant energy momentum tensors emerged analogous to quantized raising and lower operators. Detaching these operators from the general relativistic field equations, and then transporting them to act on extreme spacetimes, these operators were able to generate fundamental particle boson masses. In particular, the operators precisely generated Higgs mass. Then by applying a consistency approach to the gravitational field equations—similar to how Maxwell applied to the electromagnetic ones—it allowed for the coupling of spin-to-mass, further restricting the particle mass to be in precise agreement with CODATA experimental values. Since this is a massless field approach integrated discretely with a massive one, it overcomes various renormalizing difficulties; moreover it solves the mass hierarchal problem of the Standard Model of particle physics, and generates its spin and therefore shows quantum physics to be a subset of General Relativity, just as Einstein had first imagined.
CD4+CD8+ T Cells Represent a Significant Portion of the Anti-HIV T Cell Response to Acute HIV Infection

Previous studies have revealed that HIV-infected individuals possess circulating CD4(+)CD8(+) double-positive (DP) T cells specific for HIV Ags. In the present study, we analyzed the proliferation and functional profile of circulating DP T cells from 30 acutely HIV-infected individuals and 10 chronically HIV-infected viral controllers. The acutely infected group had DP T cells that showed more proliferative capability and multifunctionality than did both their CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. DP T cells were found to exhibit greater proliferation and higher multifunctionality compared with CD4 T cells in the viral controller group. The DP T cell response represented 16% of the total anti-HIV proliferative response and >70% of the anti-HIV multifunctional response in the acutely infected subjects. Proliferating DP T cells of the acutely infected subjects responded to all HIV Ag pools with equal magnitude. Conversely, the multifunctional response was focused on the pool representing Nef, Rev, Tat, VPR, and VPU. Meanwhile, the controllers' DP T cells focused on Gag and the Nef, Rev, Tat, VPR, and VPU pool for both their proliferative and multifunctional responses. Finally, we show that the presence of proliferating DP T cells following all HIV Ag stimulations is well correlated with proliferating CD4 T cells whereas multifunctionality appears to be largely independent of multifunctionality in other T cell compartments. Therefore, DP T cells represent a highly reactive cell population during acute HIV infection, which responds independently from the traditional T cell compartments.
Modeling and analysis of cash-flow bullwhip in supply chain

Abstract The bullwhip effect that occurs in supply chain inventory can distort demand forecasts and lead to inefficiencies such as excessive inventory, stock-outs, and backorders. In this paper we theorize that inventory bullwhip also leads to cash-flow bullwhip (CFB). Specifically, this paper focuses on studying CFB by developing mathematical and simulation models to analyze the relationship between inventory and cash-flow bullwhip by using Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC) as a metric. The mathematical models for inventory bullwhip are developed for two-stage and generic multi-stage supply chains, and then by extending these inventory models, the CFB models are developed for two-stage. CFB predicted by the proposed mathematical models approximately differ 14% from detailed simulation models. We find that increasing variability increases inventory and cash-flow bullwhip along with lead time, whereas increasing the demand observation period has the opposite effect. The average marginal impact of the bullwhip effect on the CFB is approximately 20%. Additionally, the CFB is also an increasing function of an expected value of inventory and a decreasing function of an expected value of demand.
A quantitative assay of insoluble polyvinylpyrrolidone

A quantitative assay of insoluble polyvinylpyrrolidone is described. The assay is based on the quantitation of added tannic acid remaining in solution after partial removal by adsorption on insoluble polyvinylpyrrolidone. The method is accurate in the range 1–10 mg/ml.
The lipid bilayer of acetylcholine receptor clusters of cultured rat myotubes is organized into morphologically distinct domains.

Abstract We have studied the composition and organization of the lipid bilayer at the large, substrate-associated clusters of acetylcholine receptors (AChR) that form in cultured rat myotubes. These clusters have a characteristic morphology consisting of alternating linear domains of AChR-rich and AChR-poor membrane, the latter involved in attaching the myotube to the substrate. We partially purified AChR clusters by extracting cultured rat myotubes with the cholesterol-specific detergent, saponin. The lipid bilayer of the cluster preparation was analyzed biochemically and the substructure of the bilayers was studied morphologically using the fluorescent probes, dansyl polymyxin B, and 3,3′-di(C 12 H 25 and C 18 H 37 ) indocarbocyanine iodide (C 12 - and C 18 -diI). Our results demonstrate that preparations of AChR clusters have a lipid composition biochemically similar to that of the surrounding plasma membrane. Morphologically, however, the lipid bilayer appears to be arranged into domains that resemble the interdigitating pattern seen for the AChR. This distinctive lipid organization is not due to the use of saponin to purify clusters, as we obtained similar results with clusters isolated by physically shearing myotube cultures. The domain-like organization of the bilayer at clusters is disrupted by treatments that disperse AChR clusters in intact myotubes or that remove peripheral membrane proteins from isolated clusters. This suggests that such proteins may contribute to the organization of the bilayer. Two additional factors may also contribute to the organization of the bilayer: physical constraints imposed by sites of substrate attachment and, to a lesser extent, “boundary” lipid associated with AChR.
X-ray diffuse scattering measurements of chemical short-range order and lattice strains in a highly magnetostrictive Fe0.813Ga0.187 alloy in an applied magnetic field

The rapid growth of the magnetostriction coefficient of ferromagnetic Fe${}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$Ga${}_{x}$ alloys that occurs at a composition range from $0lxl0.20$ has recently been associated with the formation of nanoscale tetragonal precipitates close to an order-disorder transition. The structurally anisotropic precipitates are proposed to rotate in an applied magnetic field, thereby resulting in a large magnetoelastic response. X-ray diffuse scattering measurements sensitive to the atomic short-range ordering and lattice strain were performed on a quenched 18.7 at. $%$ Ga alloy and show no dependence on the application of a magnetic field. This negative result sets limits on the role of nanoscale precipitates in magnetostriction.
Generalized speculative computation of parallel simulated annealing

Simulated annealing is known to be highly sequential due to dependences between iterations. While the conventional speculative computation with a binary tree has been found effective for parallel simulated annealing, its performance is limited to (logp)-fold speedup due to parallel execution of logp iterations onp processors. This report presents a new approach to parallel simulated annealing, calledgeneralized speculative computation (GSC). The GSC is synchronous, maintaining the same decision sequence as sequential simulated annealing. The use of two loop indices encoded in a single integer eliminates broadcasting of central data structure to all processors. The master-slave parallel programming paradigm simplifies controlling the activities ofp iterations which are executed in parallel onp processors. To verify the performance of GSC, we implemented 100-city to 500-city Traveling Salesman Problems on the AP1000 massively parallel multiprocessor. Execution results on the AP1000 demonstrate that the GSC approach can indeed be an effective method for parallel simulated annealing as it gave over 20-fold speedup on 100 processors.
Modeling the ratios of SKKS and SKS amplitudes with ultra‐low velocity zones at the core‐mantle boundary

[1] Between 105–115° degrees, the SKS waveform is complicated by the formation of SPdKS, a wave that has segments of P diffraction along the core mantle boundary. While previous studies have primarily focused on the move-out of SPdKS from SKS, we analyze the concomitant reduction of the SKS amplitude. Long-period SKKS/SKS amplitude ratios present a coherent global pattern. SKKS/SKS is relatively large in North and South American recordings of deep Tonga-Fiji earthquakes but PREM-like in European recordings of earthquakes in South America and North American recordings of earthquakes in Indonesia. Modeling of SKKS/SKS indicate that Ultra-Low Velocity Zones (ULVZs), layers at the base of the mantle with a thickness of about 10–20 km and a shear velocity reduction between 20–30%, are required to explain high SKKS/SKS ratios and the early move-out of SPdKS.
The vestibular contribution to the head direction signal and navigation.

Spatial learning and navigation depend on neural representations of location and direction within the environment. These representations, encoded by place cells and head direction cells, respectively, are dominantly controlled by visual cues, but require input from the vestibular system. Vestibular signals play an important role in forming spatial representations in both visual and non-visual environments, but the details of this vestibular contribution are not fully understood. Here, we review the role of the vestibular system in generating various spatial signals in rodents, focusing primarily on head direction cells. We also examine the vestibular system’s role in navigation and the possible pathways by which vestibular information is conveyed to higher navigation centers.
Conservation of Biotindase in Mammals and Identification of the Putative Biotinidase Gene in Drosophila melanogaster

Biotinidase deficiency is an autosomal recessively inherited disorder that is characterized by the failure to recycle biotin. Many of the known mutations that cause profound biotinidase deficiency are due to missense mutations that alter amino acids that are presumably important for proper enzyme function. Amino acids essential for biotinidase activity are likely conserved in species that are dependent on biotin recycling. To gain further insight into those amino acids or regions of biotinidase that are important for enzyme activity, we examined the conservation of the amino acids in various mammalian species. The amino acid sequences of biotinidase of monkey, cow, mouse, rat, and pig from the second putative transcription start site to the stop codon of the proteins are highly conserved when compared with each other and with human enzyme, but regions upstream of the second putative transcription start site are not conserved. In addition, because the entire genome of Drosophila is now available, we have identified the putative biotinidase gene in the insect and its corresponding amino acid sequence. The same 62-amino-acid region, which includes a cysteine and is an essential part of the active site of bacterial amidases and nitrilases, is highly conserved in all the mammalian and putative Drosophila biotinidases. Many of the missense mutations that cause biotinidase deficiency are located in these conserved regions of the mammalian and Drosophila biotinidases.
Measurement of adaptive behavior: a descriptive system for mental retardates.

Diagnosis of mental retardation must emphasize the individual's ability to cope with environmental demands encompassing social values and expectations. Coping behaviors must be conceptualized as multidimensional as well as developmental phenomena. The basic parameters of coping behaviors vary considerably in nature and content at different levels of retardation.
Static and dynamic indentation response of basal and prism plane sapphire

Abstract Static and dynamic indentation experiments are conducted on sapphire along the c[0 0 0 1] and a [ 1 1 2 ¯ 0 ] crystallographic axes to determine the loading rate dependence on its mechanical response. Static hardness is measured using a conventional Vickers tester while the dynamic hardness is measured using a custom test fixture based on split Hopkinson pressure bar technique with the capability to produce single indentations at strain rates of roughly 103 s−1. Static and dynamic hardness values as well as characteristic fracture response for both axes are compared at a range of indentation loads. The results indicate that dynamic hardness increases by 10% and 12% over static hardness for basal and prism plane sapphire, respectively. Observed crack orientations due to indentation of the a- and c-planes are consistent with the expected location of twinning or slip on the r ( 0 1 1 ¯ 2 ) , ( 1 1 ¯ 0 2 ) , ( 1 ¯ 0 1 2 ) and c ( 0 0 0 1 ) planes for both static and dynamic indentations. Prism slip is also suspected to interact with rhombohedral twinning systems to create a weakened zone oriented along the c-axis. Static indentations yielded well defined crystallographically oriented cracks with repeated directional switchbacks indicating a zone of competition between the two crack systems. Dynamic indentations, on the other hand, resulted in shorter and less jagged cracks accompanied by increased localized spalling beneath each indentation site as compared to the static indentations. This mode of fracture would suggest a shift in energy dissipation mechanism from crystal axis oriented long crack propagation under static loading to micro cracking that is independent of crystallographic orientation under higher strain rate events.
Research Methods Associated with Situational Simulations in Construction

Situational simulations create temporally dynamic clinical exercises of construction project scenarios that expose participants to rapidly unfolding events and the pressures of decision-making. They further construction research and education, by providing an interactive simulation platform that can be used to explore “what-if” construction scenarios, estimate risks and contingencies, test alternative plans during construction, and support the capture and analysis of real-time project data to support expert decision-making. The design, development, and use of situational simulations calls upon an inter-disciplinary approach which includes methodologies that are rooted in modeling of discrete event systems, intelligent planning, statistical data mining and cognitive psychology. We trace the development of two related situational simulation systems, the Virtual Coach and the Interactive Construction Decision-Making Aid (ICDMA) that have been developed by research groups at University of Washington and Michigan Tech. with technical support from industry. Over the last five years, the simulations have significantly evolved in their abilities to represent and reason about construction projects, as tools that enhance construction education and as experimental test beds that can be used to study construction decision-making. The research efforts have resulted in different aspects of this research to be funded by two funding agencies.
Analysis of optical spectra by Fourier methods

Abstract Results of a systematic investigation of reciprocal-space analysis, applied to optical spectroscopy, are reported. Filtering procedures for removing baseline and noise artifacts are more effective in reciprocal- than in real-space. Also, correlations among parameters are reduced and the functional dependence of real-space lineshapes need be known a priori only in very general terms. We apply reciprocal-space analysis to achieve accurate values of critical point energies for the E 1 and E 1 +Δ 1 transitions of GaAs from ellipsometric spectra and to locate critical point energies in low-temperature reflectance data of GaN. We show that data may easily be corrected for systematic artifacts such as the monochromator slit width, an optimum slit width can be defined, and the degree of improvement needed to achieve a particular level of performance can be predicted.
Effect of ultrasound on axonal outgrowth in the sympathetic nervous system of the chick

The effects of ultrasound exposure on the rate and specificity of sympathetic preganglionic axonal outgrowth were examined in the chick embryo. Using a technique which allows for exact quantitation of exposure for exact quantiation of exposure conditions, embryos were irradiated in ovo for 5 min daily on 3 consecutive days at an intensity of 1 W/cm2 Spatial Average, Temporal Average (SATA), with a frequency of 1.1 MHz pulsed at 1 kHz and a pulse width of 75 microsecond(s). Our results show no significant difference between irradiated and sham-irradiated embryos. In addition, we have examined the distributions of several major extracellular matrix molecules (fibronectin, laminin and collagen IV) in irradiated and sham-irradiated embryos using immunofluorescent staining. No difference in the staining pattern was found. Finally, we found no increase in the incidence of gross abnormalities and no evidence of lesions and malformations in irradiated embryos.
Analogs of tetrahydrofolic acid. XXVI. synthesis of some 5‐aryl and 5‐aralkyl pyrimidine‐6‐carboxylic acids and their effect on dihydrofolic reductase and thymidylate synthetase

2-Amino-4-hydroxy-5-(4-phenylbutyl)pyrimidine-6-carboxylic acid (V) was synthesized from isopropyl 2-ethoxalyl-6-phenylhexanoate (XIII) by conversion to acyl guanide (XV) with guanidine followed by anhydrous acid catalyzed ring closure to ethyl 2-amino-α-(4-phenylbutyl)-4-oxo-2-imidazoline-Δ5,α-acetate (XXIII) and base catalyzed rearrangement to V; similarly, p-chlorophenylacetonitrile was converted to 5-(p-chlorophenyl)-2,4-diaminopyrimidine-6-carboxylic acid (VIII). Claisen condensation of isopropyl 6-phenylhexanoate (XI) or p-chlorophenylacetonitrile with ethyl trifluoroacetate followed by condensation with guanidine afforded 2-amino-5-(4-phenylbutyl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)-4-pyrimidinol (XXVI) and 5 - (p-chlorophenyl) -2,4 -diamino-6-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidine (XXXIV). Evaluation of V, VIII, XXVI, and XXXIV as inhibitors of dihydrofolic reductase showed that the 6-carboxyl, 6-trifluoromethyl, and 6-carbethoxy groups greatly reduced the effectiveness as inhibitors of dihydrofolic reductase compared to the corresponding 6-methyl derivatives. The inhibition data appear to make unlikely the possibility of the pyrimidines binding to the enzyme by four hydrogen bonds as propounded by Zakrzewski (19) or by binding through a charge-transfer complex, but supports the concept (18) of an anionic-cationic interaction for the protonated 2,4-diaminopyrimidines; a weak base -weak acid interaction for a non-protonated pyrimidine that is stronger than a hydrogen bond is also proposed.
Development of the science base for the manufacturing field through the axiomatic approach

Abstract The field of design needs a science base or absolute principles and axioms that can properly guide human endeavor for better creation, i.e., better design that leads to more economical use of natural resources and that which serves those human aspirations more effectively without accompanying undesirable side effects. The purpose of this paper is to describe the axiomatic approach to design. The design axioms and their corollaries are given and their use is explained both qualitatively and quantitatively. The metrics for the axiomatic statements are defined and their meanings explained through graphical representations. To further the understanding of the significance of the axioms, many examples are given, including product and process designs.
Who gains? Genetic and neurophysiological correlates of BMI gain upon college entry in women.

The present investigation examined P3 event-related electroencephalographic potentials and a short and selected list of addiction-related candidate gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within 84 female students, aged 18–20 yrs. The students were assigned to groups defined by the presence versus absence of a positive body mass index (BMI) change from the pre-college physical exam to the current day. Analyses revealed significantly greater P3 latencies and reduced P3 amplitudes during a response inhibition task among students who exhibited a BMI gain. BMI gain was also significantly associated with a ANKK1 SNP previously implicated in substance dependence risk. In logistic regression analyses, P3 latencies at the frontal electrode and this ANKK1 genotype correctly classified 71.1% of the students into the BMI groups. The present findings suggest that heritable indicators of impaired response inhibition can differentiate students who may be on a path toward an overweight or obese body mass.
Exact Inferences in a Neural Implementation of a Hidden Markov Model

From first principles, we derive a quadratic nonlinear, first-order dynamical system capable of performing exact Bayes-Markov inferences for a wide class of biologically plausible stimulus-dependent patterns of activity while simultaneously providing an online estimate of model performance. This is accomplished by constructing a dynamical system that has solutions proportional to the probability distribution over the stimulus space, but with a constant of proportionality adjusted to provide a local estimate of the probability of the recent observations of stimulus-dependent activity-given model parameters. Next, we transform this exact equation to generate nonlinear equations for the exact evolution of log likelihood and log-likelihood ratios and show that when the input has low amplitude, linear rate models for both the likelihood and the log-likelihood functions follow naturally from these equations. We use these four explicit representations of the probability distribution to argue that, in contrast to the arguments of previous work, the dynamical system for the exact evolution of the likelihood (as opposed to the log likelihood or log-likelihood ratios) not only can be mapped onto a biologically plausible network but is also more consistent with physiological observations.
The shift to research synthesis

The above techniques can help establish more accurately the state of knowledge applicable to improving services. These techniques can be expected to be used more as the United States struggles to make its health and mental health care systems more efficient.
Systematic Monte-Carlo studies of dijets at RHIC using the VNI/BMS Parton Cascade

Abstract We present a study of the dijet suppression at RHIC using the parton cascade model. We examine the modification of the dijet asymmetry A j and the fragmentation distributions z and j T in terms of: q ˆ ; the path length of leading and sub-leading jets; cuts on the jet energy distributions; jet cone angle and the jet-medium interaction mechanism. We have introduced a string hadronization model and present hadronic jet fragmentation distributions. We find that A j is most sensitive to q ˆ and less sensitive to the nature of the jet-medium interaction mechanism. The fragmentation distributions show jet modification and differentiate between elastic and radiative+elastic modes.
Assessing Body Composition of Children and Adolescents Using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, Skinfolds, and Electrical Impedance

To determine the validity and reliability of percent body fat estimates in 177 boys and 154 girls between 12–17 years of age, percent body fat was assessed once using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and twice using the sum of two skinfolds and three bioelectrical impedance analysis devices. The assessments were repeated on 79 participants on a second day. The agreement between the percent body fat estimates from the four prediction methods and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was evaluated using Bland–Altman analyses and a mixed linear model. All methods were reliable within and between days. The sum of two skinfolds (±6.8% body fat), OMRON (OMRON Healthcare Inc., Vernon Hills, Illinois, USA) bioelectrical impedance analysis (0 ± 7.3% body fat), and TANITA 521 (TANITA Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) bioelectrical impedance analysis (±7.6% body fat) had wide prediction intervals and are acceptable for use in large population-based studies. The TANITA 300A bioelectrical impedance analysis is not recommended for...
The Ultrastructure of the Human Haarscheibe and Merkel Cell

Haarscheiben of human abdominal skin have been studied electron microscopically and found to be similar in structure to those of other mammals, with prominent Merkel cell-neurite complexes at the dermal-epidermal junction. Merkel cells are modified epidermal cells, containing distinctive osmiophilic granules. Applied to the base of each Merkel cell is a meniscoid neural terminal filled with mitochondria and glycogen. The terminals are derived from large myelinated sensory fibers.
Hematite and carbonaceous materials in geological samples: A cautionary tale

Abstract Over the last few decades Raman spectroscopy has been increasingly applied as an analytical tool in geoscience research. Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for geologists as it is non-destructive, requires little to no sample preparation, and can be undertaken in situ on various irreplaceable geological samples. Also, this technique is useful in the identification of minerals and geo-organic material. However, despite this ease of application, there are some facets of Raman spectroscopy data that can lead to erroneous interpretations. For instance, there is much confusion in the geological literature distinguishing the difference between the hematite vibrational mode at ca. 1320 cm−1 and the disordered sp2 carbonaceous material D band at 1340 cm−1. Furthermore, geologists will often collect 2 spectra, one in the mineral finger print region (200–800 cm−1) and then a spectrum in the carbon first-order region (1000–1800 cm−1), rather than performing a full-region scan. This allows the misidentification of the hematite mode at 1320 cm−1 as the D band from disordered carbonaceous material. Here we show that it is best practice for geologists to collect spectra between 200 and 1800 cm−1 to better distinguish between hematite and disordered carbonaceous material, materials that often co-occur in geological samples.
Comparative study of 2-DOF micromirrors for precision light manipulation

Many industry experts predict that the future of fiber optic telecommunications depends on the development of all-optical components for switching of photonic signals from fiber to fiber throughout the networks. MEMS is a promising technology for providing all-optical switching at high speeds with significant cost reductions. This paper reports on the the analysis of two designs for 2-DOF electrostatically actuated MEMS micromirrors for precision controllable large optical switching arrays. The behavior of the micromirror designs is predicted by coupled-field electrostatic and modal analysis using a finite element analysis (FEA) multi-physics modeling software. The analysis indicates that the commonly used gimbal type mirror design experiences electrostatic interference and would therefore be difficult to precisely control for 2-DOF motion. We propose a new design approach which preserves 2-DOF actuation while minimizing electrostatic interference between the drive electrodes and the mirror. Instead of using two torsional axes, we use one actuator which combines torsional and flexural DOFs. A comparative analysis of the conventional gimbal design and the one proposed in this paper is performed.
Removing Selenate from Groundwater with a Vegetable Oil-Based Biobarrier

Vegetable oil–based permeable reactive biobarriers (PRBs) were evaluated as a method for remediating groundwater containing unacceptable amounts of selenate. PRBs formed by packing laboratory columns with sand coated with soybean oil were used. In an initial 24-week study a simulated groundwater containing 10 mg L−1 selenate-Se was supplied to three soil columns and the selenate and selenite content of the effluent waters monitored. Two of the soil columns were effective at removing selenate and, during the final 21 weeks of the study, effluents from these columns contained almost no selenate or selenite. Almost all (95%) of the selenate removed was recovered as immobilized selenium sequestered in the solid matrix of the column. For unknown reasons, the third column failed to reduce selenate. A second study looked at the ability of PRBs to remove selenate when nitrate was present. As was done in the first study, three columns were evaluated but this time the water supplied to the columns contained 20 mg L−1 nitrate-N and 10 mg L−1 selenate-Se. Nitrate quickly disappeared from the effluents of these columns and during the final 23 weeks of the study, the nitrate content of the effluent water averaged less than 0.03 μg ml−1 nitrate-N. Selenate was also removed by these columns but at a slower rate than observed with nitrate. In the final 6 weeks of the study, about 95% of the selenate applied to the columns was removed. In situ PRBs containing soybean oil might be used to remediate groundwater contaminated with both selenate and nitrate.
Early bubble CPAP and outcomes in ELBW preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To test whether the introduction of early bubble continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) results in improved respiratory outcomes in extremely low birth-weight infants. STUDY DESIGN: Outcomes of all infants between 401 and 1000 g born in a level 3 neonatal intensive care units (NICU) between July 2000 and October 2001 (period 2) were compared using historical controls (period 1). Early bubble (CPAP) was prospectively introduced in the NICU during period 1. Univariate and adjusted comparisons were made across time periods. RESULTS: Delivery room intubations, days on mechanical ventilation and use of postnatal steroids decreased (p<0.001) in period 2, while mean days on CPAP, number of babies on CPAP at 24 hours (p<0.001) and mean weight at 36 weeks corrected gestation also increased (p<0.05) after introduction of early bubble CPAP. CONCLUSIONS: Early bubble CPAP reduced delivery room intubations, days on mechanical ventilation, postnatal steroid use and was associated with increased postnatal weight gain with no increased complications.
An Accurate Full Car Ride Model Using Model Reducing Techniques

In this study, an approach to obtain an accurate yet simple model for full-vehicle ride analysis is proposed. The approach involves linearization of a full car MBD (multibody dynamics) model to obtain a large-order vehicle model. The states of the model are divided into two groups depending on their effects on the ride quality and handling performance. Singular perturbation method is then applied to reduce the model size. Comparing the responses of the proposed model and the original MBD model shows an accurate matching between the two systems. A set of identified parameters that makes the well-known seven degree-of-freedom model very close to the full car MBD model is obtained. Finally, the benefits of the approach are illustrated through design of an active suspension system. The identified model exhibits improved performance over the nominal models in the sense that the accurate model leads to the appropriate selection of control gains. This study also provides an analytical method to investigate the effects of model complexity on model accuracy for vehicle suspension systems.
Techniques for isolation of brush-border and basolateral membrane vesicles from dog kidney cortex

Two methods are reported for renal membrane preparation from the dog kidney cortex. One method is a simultaneous preparation of brush-border (BBMV) and basolateral (BLMV) membranes. Using readily available laboratory equipment, differential centrifugation produced a supernatant which was treated with Mg2+. The Mg2+ treatment produced a pellet (crude BLMV) which was added to Percoll and centrifuged to produce purified BLMV. The supernatant after Mg2+ treatment eventually yielded pure BBMV after additional Mg2+ precipitations. The second method used an acidic medium in conjunction with divalent-cation precipitation to prepare BBMV. Whichever method was used, BBMV and BLMV showed appropriate enzyme and transport activities.
Results of a cross-national structured cognitive interviewing protocol to test measures of disability

This paper describes the Washington Group project to test a short battery of disability questions developed for national censuses. The study used an unusually structured cognitive test protocol and was administered to a total of 1,290 respondents selected from convenience samples in fifteen countries in Central and South America, Asia and Africa. The test protocol consisted of the six core disability questions followed by questions designed to illustrate: (1) whether core questions were administered with relative ease; (2) how core questions were interpreted by respondents; (3) the factors considered by respondents when forming answers to core questions; and (4) the degree of consistency between responses to core questions and a set of more detailed functioning questions. Additionally, demographic and general health sections allowed for an examination of comparability, specifically, whether test questions performed consistently across all respondents, or if nationality, education, gender or socio-economic status impacted the ways in which respondents interpreted or considered each core question.
Negative ions as described by Kohn—Sham exchange-only theory

Abstract Exchange-only calculations using the optimized effective potential method and the method developed recently by Krieger, Li and Iafrate are performed for negative ions of alkalis, halogens and those with incomplete 2p and 3p shells. Comparisons are made with the results of Hartree—Fock as well as with those obtained by using the method proposed by Harbola and Sahni.
Increased bone density associated with DLX3 mutation in the tricho-dento-osseous syndrome.

Tricho-dento-osseous syndrome (TDO) (OMIM #190320) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized and named for the three most commonly affected tissues hair, teeth, and bones. Common to all individuals with TDO studied to date is a four base-pair deletion in the DLX3 gene on chromosome 17q21. This mutation is associated with a variable bone phenotype that includes alteration in intramembranous bone formation in the skull. The purpose of this study was to characterize and compare endochondral bone phenotypes and variability at central and peripheral locations of the skeleton by evaluating bone density in individuals having the same DLX3, 4 bp DEL,NT3198 mutation (OMIM 600525) and non-affected family members using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Thirty-four individuals (20 TDO-affected and 14 non-affected) participated in this prospective study. All participants were evaluated for the DLX3 mutation associated with TDO. All subjects received DEXA scans at common, literature-supported osteoporotic test regions including: (1) non-dominant distal radius/ulna, (2) femoral neck, and (3) lumbar spine L2–4. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in bone mineral density in TDO-affected individuals compared with control individuals at each test region. The markedly increased bone density in individuals having the DLX3, 4 bp DEL,NT3198 mutation shows that this alteration affects both endochondral and intramembranous bone formation and suggests that the DLX3 gene is important in bone formation and/or homeostasis of the appendicular skeleton.
Complications of medical and surgical approaches to voice restoration after total laryngectomy

Experiences with tracheoesophageal puncture are presented that confirm the beneficial experience of others in providing a superior means of voice rehabilitation. As with all surgical procedures, there is a short-term and long-term price to pay in terms of complications. The complications include allergy to tape, esophageal perforation, enlarging fistula, stomal stenosis, fistula migration, cellulitis, esophageal stenosis, pneumonia, and death from aspiration pneumonia. Careful selection of patients lessens the chances for complications and failure. Simultaneous laryngectomy and creation of a speaking fistula have been abandoned because of long-term, serious healing problems. In spite of the complications encountered, the authors feel that the tracheoesophageal voice fistula provides a superior means for vocal rehabilitation in total laryngectomy patients who do not develop esophageal speech.
Glucagon, insulin, growth hormone, and glucose concentrations in blood plasma of lactating dairy cows

Concentrations of glucose, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon in blood plasma relative to days in milk, milk production, type of housing, and season were measured. Blood samples were obtained from 133 to 150 lactating Holstein cows on 3 consecutive days in July, October, January, and April. Glucose, insulin, and ratio of insulin to glucagon increased with increasing days in milk. Growth hormone and ratio of growth hormone to insulin decreased with increasing days in milk. Glucagon concentrations were similar throughout lactation. Above average milk production throughout lactation was associated with above average glucagon, lower insulin, and lower glucose. The relationship was not significant between growth hormone concentration and milk production, however. Cows on summer pasture with limited grain supplement had higher growth hormone and lower glucose, insulin, and glucagon than cows eating ad libitum in barns or feedlot. In general, however, all cows had higher glucose and lower growth hormone, insulin, and ratio of insulin to glucagon in July than in cooler months.
Systemic pressor response during hindlimb ischemia is inversely related to femoral artery pressure and fractional inspired oxygen.

Background. Delayed-onset reflex increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) occur during clamping of the infrarenal aorta. This study investigated the afferent limb of the reflex by independently altering femoral artery blood pressure (FBP) or fractional concentration of inspired oxygen (Fio 2 ) while monitoring systemic arterial blood pressure. Methods. The infrarenal aorta was divided, and an occlusive roller pump delivered incremental flow to the distal aorta thus controlling FBP. In six dogs the FBP was reduced in random order to 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10 mm Hg and held constant for 30 minutes. In another six dogs the FBP was held at 20 mm Hg, whereas the Fio 2 was randomly varied among 0.13, 0.21, and 1.0 for 30-minute intervals. Results. Under these conditions MAP was significantly and inversely correlated with FBP (MAP was 172±8 mm Hg when FBP was 10 mm Hg, p 2 value when FBP was fixed at 20 mm Hg (MAP of 186±9 mm Hg at Fio 2 of 0.13 and was significantly higher than MAP of 163±11 mm Hg at Fio 2 of 0.21, p=0.01; and MAP of 157±10 mm Hg at Fio 2 of 1.0, p=0.0001). Conclusions. The magnitude of the delayed systemic pressor response is inversely proportional to the FBP. We suggest that this pressor response is also particularly sensitive, in part, to arterial blood oxygen tension when hindlimb perfusion pressure is low.