cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Distortion Exponent of Some Layered Transmission Schemes

We consider the problem of joint source-channel coding for transmitting K samples of a complex Gaussian source over T = bK users of a quasi-static multiple input multiple output (MIMO) channel with M transmit and N receive antennas. The performance measure of interest is the rate of decay of the expected mean squared error with the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), called the distortion exponent. We first show that using a broadcast strategy as in [D. Gunduz and E. Erkip, 2006], but with a different power and rate allocation policy, the optimal distortion exponent can be achieved for bandwidth efficiencies, 0 les b < (|N - M| + 1)/min(M, N). This is the first time the optimal exponent for 1/min(M, N) < b < (|N - M| + l)/min(M, N) is characterized. We then propose a digital layered transmission scheme that uses both time layering and superposition. This includes many known schemes in [D. Gunduz and E. Erkip, 2006; G. Caire and K. Narayanan, 2005] as special cases. The proposed scheme is at least as good as the currently best known schemes for the entire range of bandwidth efficiencies, whereas at least for some M , N, and b, it is strictly better than the currently best known schemes.
Fate and Transport of Seacliff Failure Sediment in Southern California

ABSTRACT Olsen, M.J.; Johnstone, E.; Driscoll, N.; Kuester, F., and Ashford, S.A., 2016. Fate and transport of seacliff failure sediment in southern California. In: Brock, J.C.; Gesch, D.B.; Parrish, C.E.; Rogers, J.N., and Wright, C.W. (eds.), Advances in Topobathymetric Mapping, Models, and Applications. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 76, pp. 185–199. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Continual erosion and collapse of unstable seacliffs along the economically important coastline of San Diego County, California, threatens existing development and public safety. Frequent time-series mapping of the seacliffs and beaches provides valuable insight into the processes responsible for cliff erosion and into the reworking and transport of the failed material. High-resolution terrestrial laser scan (TLS) data provide quantitative data for analyzing seacliff morphology, capturing patterns over time and across a wide range of spatial scales. Through an ongoing “rapid response” program operat...
Intravenous Carbamazepine for Adults With Seizures.

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, dosage and administration, potential drug-drug interactions, and place in therapy of the intravenous (IV) formulation of c...
#CancelTheDuggars and #BoycottTLC: Image repair or exploitation in reality television

Abstract This case study examined the network TLC’s response to Josh Duggar’s (from their reality show 19 Kids and Counting) confirmation that he molested young girls, including two of his sisters, when he was a teenager. While TLC was not responsible for the molestation, their proximity to the family and their relationship with the Duggars led to criticism and thus, a plan to improve their image. Overall, TLC relied on four different tactics to assist their image repair efforts: (a) delayed and minimal responses, (b) reducing offensiveness, (c) minimizing the severity of the situation, and (d) ineffective social media use. We argue these four strategies were unsuccessful tactics. Specifically, their decision to wait two months to cancel 19 Kids and Counting, to air a documentary on sexual abuse featuring the two sisters victimized by Josh Duggar and their later decision to give these two sisters their own spin-off series calls into question the ethical and exploitative nature of their response.
ReCALL: Reordered Cache Aware Locality Based Graph Processing

Sparse graph processing generates highly irregular Memory Access Patterns (MAP) which lack locality and result in poor cache performance. In this paper, we propose a novel graph ordering algorithm that addresses this problem. We observe that existing reordering algorithms primarily try to improve cache line utilization by enhancing spatial locality. They are oblivious to cache data reuse which reflects the temporal locality that MAP can possess. Our premise is that peak efficiency can be achieved by a graph order for which the resulting MAP exhibit both spatial and temporal locality. Therefore, we first introduce a new metric Profit, that quantifies cache data reuse leading to a heuristic pH that enhances temporal locality in the MAP of graph algorithms. Then we define a notion of dynamically matching MAP with cache contents in a way that jointly maximizes both cache data reuse and cache line utilization. To perform this joint optimization, we develop a Block Reordering algorithm which utilizes pH to rearrange blocks of consecutive nodes with high spatial locality. We evaluate our algorithm using 8 real world datasets and 4 representative graph algorithms. Experimental results show that graphs obtained by Block Reordering can achieve upto 2.3× speedup over the original graph order and consistently outperform the existing state of the art reordering technique by 20% to 25% reduction in cache misses.
Pharmacogenomics in Critical Care

Since the successful completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, extensive genomic research has continued to alter pathophysiology at the molecular level. This research includes investigation of the specific receptors and metabolizing enzymes in drug pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, specifically the cytochrome P450 system located primarily in the liver. In this article, pharmacogenomics and the role of the cytochrome P450 system in metabolism of various drugs are discussed. Specifically, drugs that are used in the critical care setting and are of clinical significance to the bedside critical care nurse are examined.
The Effects of Steroids on Brain Edema in Man

Edema would appear to represent the major primary central nervous system response to all types of trauma whether it be physical, infectious or ischemic. Whereas the mechanisms which lead to the development of edema may vary somewhat depending on the precipitating etiological agent, the process, from a clinical point of view, is mainly a white matter phenomenon characterized by the accumulation of extracellular fluid with relative resistance on the part of the arcuate zone and the corpus callosum [6]. It is of interest that these latter areas have been demonstrated to contain higher water content in the non-edematous state [1]. Our electron microscopic studies of human edema [2] associated with gliomas and cerebral trauma confirm the indistinguishable nature of the process no matter what the etiology, at least as far as the end product is concerned. The earlier divergence of opinion between the light and electron microscopists relative to the site of the edematous fluids has now been resolved with general agreement that at least in the white matter it accumulates in the extracellular space [5].
Comparison of instantaneous reactive power p–q theory with theory of the current's physical components

The comparison of the instantaneous reactive power (IRP) p–q theory with the theory of the current's physical components (CPC) presented in this paper provides the relationship between powers in both theories applied to three-phase, three-wire circuits with sinusoidal voltages and currents. It shows that results of the instantaneous reactive power p–q theory are inconsistent with power phenomena in such circuits. Namely, the IRP q may occur in circuits with linear, purely resistive loads thus, with zero reactive power, Q, and the instantaneous active power p may occur in circuits with purely reactive loads, thus, with zero active power, P. Consequently, the IRP p–q theory fails to identify the power properties of three-phase circuits with unbalanced loads. Moreover, in spite of sinusoidal supply and the lack of distortion, the IRP p–q theory suggests that the active and reactive currents contain a third-order harmonic. Also the IRP p–q theory is not capable of providing information on power properties of the load instantaneously.
Emerging epigenetic-modulating therapies in lymphoma.

Despite considerable advances in the treatment of lymphoma, the prognosis of patients with relapsed and/or refractory disease continues to be poor; thus, a continued need exists for the development of novel approaches and therapies. Epigenetic dysregulation might drive and/or promote tumorigenesis in various types of malignancies and is prevalent in both B cell and T cell lymphomas. Over the past decade, a large number of epigenetic-modifying agents have been developed and introduced into the clinical management of patients with haematological malignancies. In this Review, we provide a concise overview of the most promising epigenetic therapies for the treatment of lymphomas, including inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACs), DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2), bromodomain and extra-terminal domain proteins (BETs), protein arginine N-methyltransferases (PRMTs) and isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDHs), and highlight the most promising future directions of research in this area. Patients with lymphoma typically receive chemotherapy as the first-line treatment. However, patients who fail to respond or develop relapsed disease often have poor outcomes. In this Review, the authors summarize the available data on therapeutics designed to modulate epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation and histone acetylation, in patients with lymphoma and describe the most promising directions of future research.
Immune Control of HCV Infection

In this chapter, I summarize current knowledge regarding the mechanisms by which infected cells and the immune system control HCV replication and spread, and how HCV infection persists despite targeting by innate antiviral mechanisms and the adaptive immune system. Recognition of viral RNA stimulates infected cells to produce interferons, which are potent antiviral mediators, but HCV proteins may disable RNA recognition and interferon response mechanisms. Spontaneous HCV clearance is associated with a broadly focused and robust HCV-specific T cell response. However, T cell mediated control of HCV is frequently hampered by viral sequence evolution, exhaustion of HCV-specific T cells, and tolerance mechanisms that protect the liver from immunologically mediated pathology. HCV-specific antibodies can limit but not completely ablate HCV infection of new target cells. As for T cell responses, the efficacy of antibody responses may be limited by viral evolution. Interferons and some soon-to-be available antiviral drugs may enhance innate and adaptive immune mechanisms.
Gallbladder cancer, a forgotten global cancer problem.

Thank you for your interest in this special edition of Chinese Clinical Oncology , and welcome to this in-depth discussion and analysis of data on gallbladder cancer. This special edition would not have been possible without the dedication and contributions of all our dear colleagues from every corner of the planet, and thus represents a very global perspective and series of insights on this disease.
Monteggia Fracture Dislocation: Ulna Fixation with Radial Head Replacement

Monteggia fracture dislocations occur in various patterns. It is important to recognize radial head fractures and be prepared to perform radial head replacement in patterns that are unreconstructable. It is also important to recognize those ulna fractures which involve the coronoid process (Jupiter IIA), as these necessitate fixation of the separate coronoid fragment to achieve stability, and have worse outcomes compared to other Monteggia fractures. Keys to successfully treating Monteggia fractures requiring radial head replacement include thoughtful patient positioning, working through the ulna fracture to access the radial head when possible, and avoiding oversized components when implanting the radial head replacement.
Community-owned tourism and degrowth: a case study in the Kichwa Añangu community

AbstractTourism is a booming global industry, seemingly at odds with a degrowth movement seeking to challenge the profit-maximizing model embedded in capitalist expansion. However, the tourism indu...
Impact of the Paris system for reporting urine cytopathology on predictive values of the equivocal diagnostic categories and interobserver agreement.

Background: The Paris System (TPS) acknowledges the need for more standardized terminology for reporting urine cytopathology results and minimizing the use of equivocal terms. We apply TPS diagnostic terminologies to assess interobserver agreement, compare TPS with the traditional method (TM) of reporting urine cytopathology, and evaluate the rate and positive predictive value (PPV) of each TPS diagnostic category. A survey is conducted at the end of the study. Materials and Methods: One hundred urine samples were reviewed independently by six cytopathologists. The diagnosis was rendered according to TPS categories: negative for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (NHGUC), atypical urothelial cells (AUC), low-grade urothelial neoplasm (LGUN), suspicious for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (SHGUC), and high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC). The agreement was assessed using kappa. Disagreements were classified as high and low impacts. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: Perfect consensus agreement was 31%, with an overall kappa of 0.362. Kappa by diagnostic category was 0.483, 0.178, 0.258, and 0.520 for NHGUC, AUC, SHGUC, and HGUC, respectively. Both TM and TPS showed 100% specificity and PPV. TPS showed 43% sensitivity (38% by TM) and 70% accuracy (66% by TM). Disagreements with high clinical impact were 27%. Of the 100 cases, 52 were concurrent biopsy-proven HGUC. The detection rate of biopsy-proven HGUC was 43% by TPS (57% by TM). The rate of NHGUC was 54% by TPS versus 26% by TM. AUC rate was 23% by TPS (44% by TM). The PPV of the AUC category by TPS was 61% versus 43% by TM. The survey showed 33% overall satisfaction. Conclusions: TPS shows adequate precision for NHGUC and HGUC, with low interobserver agreement for other categories. TPS significantly increased the clinical significance of AUC category. Refinement and widespread application of TPS diagnostic criteria may further improve interobserver agreement and the detection rate of HGUC.
Sensitivity of Galvanic Intra-Body Communication Channel to System Parameters

In this paper, we investigate the sensitivity of the galvanic coupling Intra-Body Communication (IBC) channel to the variation of the basic parameters - being them electrical, geometrical or biological - of the main blocks of the IBC system; the transmitter and receiver nodes, the electrodes used, and the communication channel itself being the human body in this case. The study is performed over the frequency range 100 kHz–100 MHz, providing the system designer with a unique guide for the relationship between the system parameters, thus facilitating the design of an efficient and better matched system components.
Integrin-specific hydrogels modulate transplanted human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell survival, engraftment, and reparative activities

Stem cell therapies are limited by poor cell survival and engraftment. A hurdle to the use of materials for cell delivery is the lack of understanding of material properties that govern transplanted stem cell functionality. Here, we show that synthetic hydrogels presenting integrin-specific peptides enhance the survival, persistence, and osteo-reparative functions of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) transplanted in murine bone defects. Integrin-specific hydrogels regulate hMSC adhesion, paracrine signaling, and osteoblastic differentiation in vitro. Hydrogels presenting GFOGER, a peptide targeting α2β1 integrin, prolong hMSC survival and engraftment in a segmental bone defect and result in improved bone repair compared to other peptides. Integrin-specific hydrogels have diverse pleiotropic effects on hMSC reparative activities, modulating in vitro cytokine secretion and in vivo gene expression for effectors associated with inflammation, vascularization, and bone formation. These results demonstrate that integrin-specific hydrogels improve tissue healing by directing hMSC survival, engraftment, and reparative activities.
Decomposing Local Probability Distributions in Bayesian Networks for Improved Inference and Parameter Learning

A major difficulty in building Bayesian network models is the size of conditional probability tables, which grow exponentially in the number of parents. One way of dealing with this problem is through parametric conditional probability distributions that usually require only a linear number of parameters in the number of parents. In this paper we introduce a new class of parametric models, the pICI models, that aim at lowering the number of parameters required to specify local probability distributions, but are still capable of modeling a variety of interactions. A subset of the pICI models are decomposable and this leads to significantly faster inference as compared to models that cannot be decomposed. We also show that the pICI models are especially useful for parameter learning from small data sets and this leads to higher accuracy than learning CPTs.
The drone threat to just war theory: responding to Braun:

In this response to Christian Braun’s article in this journal, I argue that the rise of drone warfare against terrorism suggests the necessity of the presumption against war (not its limit) and use...
Usability of a Digital Registry to Promote Secondary Prevention for Peripheral Artery Disease Patients.

Abstract Objective To evaluate usability of a quality improvement tool that promotes guideline-based care for patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Patients and Methods The study was conducted from July 19, 2018, to August 21, 2019. We compared the usability of a PAD cohort knowledge solution (CKS) with standard management supported by an electronic health record (EHR). Two scenarios were developed for usability evaluation; the first for the PAD-CKS while the second evaluated standard EHR workflow. Providers were asked to provide opinions about the PAD-CKS tool and to generate a System Usability Scale (SUS) score. Metrics analyzed included time required, number of mouse clicks, and number of keystrokes. Results Usability evaluations were completed by 11 providers. SUS for the PAD-CKS was excellent at 89.6. Time required to complete 21 tasks in the CKS was 4 minutes compared with 12 minutes for standard EHR workflow (median, P = .002). Completion of CKS tasks required 34 clicks compared with 148 clicks for the EHR (median, P = .002). Keystrokes for CKS task completion was 8 compared with 72 for EHR (median, P = .004). Providers indicated that overall they found the tool easy to use and the PAD mortality risk score useful. Conclusions Usability evaluation of the PAD-CKS tool demonstrated time savings, a high SUS score, and a reduction of mouse clicks and keystrokes for task completion compared to standard workflow using the EHR. Provider feedback regarding the strengths and weaknesses also created opportunities for iterative improvement of the PAD-CKS tool.
The anti-dipsogenic and anti-natriorexigenic effects of estradiol, but not the anti-pressor effect, are lost in aged female rats

Estradiol (E2) inhibits fluid intake in several species, which may help to defend fluid homeostasis by preventing excessive extracellular fluid volume. Although this phenomenon is well established using the rat model, it has only been studied directly in young adults. Because aging influences the neuronal sensitivity to E2 and the fluid intake effects of E2 are mediated in the brain, we tested the hypothesis that aging influences the fluid intake effects of E2 in female rats. To do so, we examined water and NaCl intake in addition to the pressor effect after central angiotensin II treatment in young (3-4 months), middle-aged (10-12 months), and old (16-18 months) ovariectomized rats treated with estradiol benzoate (EB). As expected, EB treatment reduced water and NaCl intake in young rats. EB treatment, however, did not reduce water intake in old rats, nor did it reduce NaCl intake in middle-aged or old rats. The ability of EB to reduce blood pressure was, in contrast, observed in all three age groups. Next, we also measured the gene expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) and the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) in the areas of the brain that control fluid balance. ERβ, G protein estrogen receptor (GPER), and AT1R were reduced in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in middle-aged and old rats, compared to young rats. These results suggest the estrogenic control of fluid intake is modified by age. Older animals lost the fluid intake effects of E2, which correlated with decreased ER and AT1R expression in the hypothalamus.
Confusion Over NCAA Rule May Keep Player off College’s Court

A new rule adopted by the NCAA last year aimed at affording college basketball players more leeway in determining whether to turn professional or return to school has already been met with criticism for the very issues that it sought to address. Phil Bledsoe, a standout guard from Glenville State University in Glenville, W.Va., was dismayed to learn that NCAA Rule 12.3.1.2 did not apply to him, given the specific language in the rule stating it only applies to Division I players.
Does F3-F2 distance predict transcriptions of preschoolers’ /r/ productions?

Children learning to speak American English are highly variable in early productions of /r/, often producing [w] as an error. One acoustic indicator of /r/ goodness is the difference between the second (F2) and third formant (F3), with smaller F3-F2 differences being associated with a ‘better’ /r/. This study analyzed the effectiveness of this acoustic measure in characterizing children's productions of the /r/-/w/ contrast on acoustic information extracted automatically from a large data set, where hand measurements are infeasible. LPC formant measures were extracted using Praat from productions of /r/- and /w/-initial words (n = 19) by 3.5- to 4.5-year old monolingual preschoolers (n = 136). These were rated by naive adult listeners (n = 142) on a visual-analog scale of phoneme goodness, and were narrowly transcribed by trained researchers into four categories: [r], [w], and two intermediate categories. Data visualization showed a weak relationship between F3-F2 measures, transcriptions, and ratings. Generalized linear mixed effects regressions found that the F3-F2 difference only modestly predicted transcription categories (R2 = 0.39) and listener ratings (R2 = 0.34). Hence, a description of preschoolers’ mastery of the /r/-/w/ contrast based on automatic analyses should include additional measures beyond the F3-F2 measures.
A hypothesis of differential secondary bone formation in dinosaurs

Abstract We propose the hypothesis that in the long bones of large, rapidly growing animals, secondary osteons may form to a greater degree in smaller bones than in larger ones for reasons that may have more to do with the interplay between element-specific growth rates and whole-body metabolic rates than with mechanical or environmental factors. We predict that in many large animals with rapid growth trajectories and some disparity in size in the long bones and other skeletal elements, the largest bones will show less secondary remodeling than smaller ones. The reason is that, whereas the largest bones are increasing their dimensions too rapidly to accommodate much secondary reworking (until they approach full size), the smaller bones that are not increasing in size as rapidly must still process the flow of metabolites through their elements, and this is manifested in secondary remodeling. This hypothesis does not contradict or undermine other explanations, but rather adds an additional one that focuses more on growth and metabolic rates with respect to bones of different size in the same skeleton. Because the timing of onset of remodeling and the pace of its progression both vary by element, caution must be taken when using secondary remodeling to infer the overall ontogenetic stage of the animal.
Fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics: For Solid State Electronics and Optics

Preface 1. Classical mechanics vs. quantum mechanics 2. Basic postulates and mathematical tools 3. Wave/particle duality and de Borglie waves 4. Particles at boundaries, potential steps, barriers and in quantum wells 5. The harmonic oscillator and photons 6. The hydrogen atom 7. Multi-electron ions and the periodic table 8. Interaction of atoms with electromagnetic radiation 9. Simple molecular orbitals and crystalline structures 10. Electronic properties of semiconductors and the p-n junction 11. The density matrix and the quantum mechanic Boltzmann equation References Index.
Identification of a pressor polypeptide in human amniotic fluid

Abstract It has been suggested that a new, highly active pressor polypeptide can be generated by the incubation of human amniotic fluid. The present report deals with the identification of this polypeptide through separation by gel filtration in Sephadex G-15 and by paper chromatographic techniques. Inhibition of its pressor effect when incubated with antibody against angiotensin I and II was also studied. Separation with Sephadex yielded three peaks of pressor material, while paper chromatography showed this pressor material to have an Rf different from that of angiotensin I or II. Nevertheless, it was concluded that this pressor material is angiotensin, one of its analogues, or a fragment of the polypeptide since its pressor effect was inhibited by antibody against angiotensin. Further, the pressor activity reappeared after destruction of antibody by boiling.
Parity violation in deep inelastic scattering at JLab 6 GeV

The parity-violating asymmetry in e-2H deep inelastic scattering (DIS) can be used to extract the weak neutral-current coupling constants C 2q . A measurement of this asymmetry at two Q 2 values is planned at Jefferson Lab. Results from this experiment will provide a value of 2C 2u - C 2d to a precision of ±0.03, a factor of eight improvement over our current knowledge. If all hadronic effects can be understood, this result will provide information on possible extensions of the Standard Model, complementary to other experiments dedicated to new physics searches. Presented here are the physics motivation, experimental setup, potential hadronic effects and their implications, and the future of PV DIS at Jefferson Lab.
Nucleoside triphosphate requirements for superoxide generation and phosphorylation in a cell-free system from human neutrophils. Sodium dodecyl sulfate and diacylglycerol activate independently of protein kinase C.

Abstract The NADPH-oxidase of human neutrophils can be activated in a cell-free system comprised of plasma membrane, cytosol, and an anionic amphiphile such as arachidonate or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Recently, we showed that diacylglycerol acts synergistically with SDS in the cell-free system to stimulate superoxide generation, with concurrent phosphorylation of a 47-kDa cytosolic protein which is thought to be a component of the oxidase (Burnham, D. N., Uhlinger, D. J., and Lambeth, J. D. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 17550-17559). We report herein that when undialyzed cytosol is used along with either SDS alone or SDS plus diacylglycerol as activators, adenosine 5'-(gamma-thio)triphosphate (ATP gamma S) and guanosine 5'-(gamma-thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S) both stimulated superoxide generation several fold, yielding about the same maximal velocity. ATP and GTP showed lower levels of stimulation. Stimulation by ATP gamma S and GTP gamma S was nonadditive, and showed a 5-7-fold greater specificity for GTP gamma S. ATP gamma S stimulation was inhibited by the nucleoside diphosphate (NDP) kinase inhibitor UDP. In contrast, when extensively dialyzed cytosol was used, most of the stimulation by ATP gamma S was lost, while most of that by GTP gamma S was retained. Addition of GDP restored the ability of ATP gamma S to stimulate, consistent with NDP kinase-catalyzed formation of GTP gamma S from ATP gamma S plus GDP. This activity was demonstrated directly in both cytosol and plasma membrane. Using undialyzed cytosol, phosphorylation of p47 showed a similar nonspecificity for nucleoside triphosphates, due to NDP kinase activity, but revealed the expected ATP specificity when dialyzed cytosol was used. Neither ATP gamma S nor GTP gamma S were good substrates for protein phosphorylation. Under a variety of conditions, phosphorylation of p47 or other neutrophil proteins failed to correlate with oxidase activation. The present studies indicate that SDS and diacylglycerol stimulation of superoxide generation in the cell-free system is independent of protein kinase C or other protein kinase activity, and suggest a novel role for diacylglycerol in cell regulation.
Finding and using haplotype blocks in candidate gene association studies

Recent discoveries (Daly et al., 2001; Jeffreys et al., 2001; Gabriel et al., 2002) that there is considerable heterogeneity in the amount of linkage disequilibrium (LD) between single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers over the genome and the implication that recombination rates themselves may also be considerably heterogeneous suggest specific analysis strategies for design and analysis of genetic association studies of disease. This article focuses upon the implications for such studies of the existence of well-defined “haplotype blocks” covering much of the genome over which there is little evidence for recombination and within which there is limited haplotype diversity. The main topics addressed are: SNP and haplotype discovery Picking of haplotype-tagging SNPs (ht SNPs) for large-scale genotyping (e.g., in a case-control study) Testing and estimation of haplotype-specific risk in a large-scale case–control study. Keywords: candidate genes; SNP; haplotype analysis; haplotype blocks; HapMap; genome scans; haplotype-specific risk estimation
Characterization of an extended glutamate receptor of the on bipolar neuron in the vertebrate retina

The synaptic receptors of ON bipolar neurons are selectively activated by 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate, a glutamate analogue. This agent uniquely distinguishes these receptors from other types of excitatory amino acid receptors found in the retina. Various glutamate and aspartate analogues were used to assess the structure-activity characteristics of this receptor. The results suggest that it represents one class of glutamate receptor which can be distinguished by its preferential activation by acidic amino acid analogues that match the extended conformation of glutamate.
A new mechanism for angular momentum loss in very-low-mass X-ray binaries and binary millisecond pulsars.

It is suggested that in some Low-Mass X-Ray Binaries and Millisecond Pulsar Binaries, companion winds that are excited by the radiation from the neutron star form only through the combined action of the radiation heat on the companion atmosphere and the radiation force on the slowly lifting wind. The winds so formed only leave from selective regions on the companion’s illuminated surface as surface currents channel there relatively cool coronal matter from the whole illuminated area. Under suitable conditions, wind particles spend some time trailing the companion at close distances before taking off to escape from the system. This torques the binary into angular momentum loss that will be as efficient as the ones recently observed if the companion is bloated to Roche lobe dimensions.
Results of extraocular muscle surgery in WEBINO bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia patients.

Purpose To evaluate the results of extraocular surgery in patients with large exotropias from “wall-eyed” bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia (WEBINO). Methods Eight patients with WEBINO evaluated between November 1994 and October 2006 underwent extraocular muscle surgery. Three patients required a second procedure. Results An 85% reduction in exodeviation occurred postoperatively. Fusion responses were demonstrable in 87.5% of patients. Other ocular signs of internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) such as adduction limitation, abducting nystagmus, and ocular dysmetria also improved. These results were obtained following two-staged unilateral recession-resection procedures in seven patients; the remaining patient underwent bilateral lateral rectus recessions. Conclusions Binocular outcomes are achievable in patients with WEBINO following extraocular muscle surgery, and associated ocular signs may be reduced or eliminated.
Left ventricular structure and function in professional basketball players

Abstract The noninvasive nature of echocardiographic/Doppler methods has allowed detailed assessment of cardiac anatomy and physiology in normal subjects and athletes, as well as accurate determination of left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and mass. 1,2 Recently, interest has developed in the use of Doppler recordings of mitral inflow to assess LV filling patterns in normal subjects, in conditioned athletes, and in various disease states associated with LV hypertrophy. 3–10 Several studies 6–9 have suggested that an increase in LV mass may be seen in certain highly trained athletes without any abnormalities in Doppler-derived LV filling parameters. This finding has engendered the term "physiologic" hypertrophy. However, little data are available on hearts of large body size athletes in whom LV mass is increased. In the present study highly trained aerobic athletes (professional basketball players) and nontrained normal subjects with large body size were evaluated by echocardiographic/Doppler techniques to determine whether increased LV mass and cavity size per se affect diastolic function when systolic function is normal.
Biosynthesis of azetidine-2-carboxylic acid in Convallaria majalis

Abstract Convallaria majalis plants were fed dl -methionine-[1- 14 C]. [1- 14 C, 4- 3 H], and [1- 14 C, 2- 3 H], S -adenosyl- l -methionine-[1- 14 C], and dl -homoserine-[1- 14 C], resulting in the formation of labeled azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (A-2-C). The complete retention of tritium relative to carbon-14 in the feeding experiment involving methionine-[1- 14 C, 4- 3 H] indicates that aspartic acid or aspartic-β-semialdehyde are not intermediates between methionine and A-2-C. However, since the A-2-C derived from methionine-[1- 14 C, 2- 3 H] had lost 95% of the tritium relative to the C-14, it is not considered that methionine or its S -adenosyl derivative are the immediate precursors of A-2-C. Our data and that of others is consistent with the intermediate formation of γ-amino-α-ketobutyric acid which on cyclization yields 1-azetine-2-carboxylic acid, A-2-C then being formed on reduction.
A new species of Rhynchospora section Tenues Kükenthal (Cyperaceae) from Puerto Rico

Rhynchospora depressirostris M. Strong, an overlooked species ofRhynchospora sect.Tenues Kukenthal, previously treated in the literature asR. tenuis Link, is described from Puerto Rico. An illustration and SEM images of the achene (fruit) are provided, and its relationship to closely allied and morphologically similar species is discussed.
Opportunity for Interaction as Reinforcement in a T-maze

Two forms of handling were used as reinforcement in a T-maze for 34 albino rats. In a twelve-day experiment, those receiving gentling learned to avoid reinforcement while those receiving fondling learned to obtain it. In a six-day follow-up, rats were given either a fondling hand or a rat companion as reinforcement. The proportion of reinforced trials and running times were similar for both objects. Rats learned a task to obtain interaction with a rat or responsive surrogate.
The electronic structures of adducts of lanthanide(III) tricyclopentadienides

Abstract Adducts of the rare earth tricyclopentadienides (Cp3Pr·add) were first described by Birmingham and Wilkinson in 1954. Since then their chemistry and geometrical structures have been extensively studied. Although excellent optical spectra were reported by Pappalardo et. al. at the end of the sixties, nothing is known about their electronic structures. The main reason for this is that they don't crystallize into single crystals which are suitable for optical measurements. Therefore they can only be studied in solution and the additional information obtained from polarized optical single crystal measurements is missing. In solution comparable information may be obtained by performing magnetic circular dichroism measurements. By studying the cold and hot MCD transitions, 14 crystal field levels of Cp3Pr·CNC6H11 could be identified. After fitting this truncated crystal field splitting pattern, 36 bands in the low temperature absorption spectrum could be assigned. By fitting the energies of these 36 levels, a refined set of parameters was obtained. On the basis of this parameter set the low temperature absorption spectra of the adduct Cp3Nd·MeTHF could also be explained. This work was supported in part by the Director, Office of Energy Research, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Chemical Sciences Division of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC03-76SF00098.
B-cell depletion in children with neuroimmunologic conditions The learning curve

The study by Dale et al.,1 “Utility and safety of rituximab in pediatric autoimmune and inflammatory CNS disease,” is an important contribution to the limited available information about tolerability of disease-modifying treatments for neuroimmunologic conditions in children. In this work, 15 pediatric centers worldwide used a standardized questionnaire to survey retrospectively rituximab use, dosage, safety, and disease outcomes evaluated by modified Rankin Scale.
Differential regulation of ionotropic glutamate receptors.

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs), a family of ligand-gated ion channels, are responsible for the majority of fast excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Within this family, different members serve distinct roles at glutamatergic synapses. Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors mediate fast depolarization while N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors mediate the slower component of the excitatory postsynaptic potential. These disparate functions suggest alternate modes of regulation. In this work, we show that endogenous regulators of iGluRs have different abilities to bind to specific domains of NMDA NR1-1b and AMPA GluR2 subunits. We have previously shown that the sulfated neurosteroids pregnenolone sulfate and 3α-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one sulfate bind to the extracellular glutamate-binding core (S1S2) of the GluR2 subunit. Here we show that neither neurosteroid binds to the S1S2 domain of the NMDA NR1-1b subunit. This NR1-1b NMDA domain does, however, bind to the endogenous polyamines spermine and spermidine as well as Zn(II). Binding of the polyamines and Zn(II) to the S1S2 domain of the GluR2 subunit was not observed. This binding of Zn(II) and polyamines to the S1S2 domain of the NR1-1b subunit defines a new binding site for each of these modulators.
Enforcement mechanisms for SEC reporting deadlines

Abstract SEC filing deadlines accelerated for many firms over the past decade; nevertheless, the percentage of late 10-K filings has decreased by historical standards. From 2000 to 2007, six percent of 10-Ks are late but remain SEC compliant (via a Form 12b-25 filing). An additional 2.5 percent of all 10-K filings are both late and non-compliant. When analyzing all 10-K filings (i.e., both timely and late filings), we find that (1) relatively large stock exchanges, (2) greater analyst coverage, and (3) larger audit firms are each associated with improved timeliness and compliance in 10-K report filings.
Microscopic model of transient Kerr birefringence and self-focusing in bulk dielectrics: dynamic Franz-Keldysh bandgap renormalization

Coherent band spectrum renormalization in dielectrics by a strong anisotropic electric field of intense laser pulses is considered in terms of dynamic Franz-Keldysh effect (DFKE). Comparing to permanent DFKE shifts of center-zone (Γ-point) non-degenerate band extrema, DFKE band spectrum renormalization of degenerate center-zone and zone-edge band extrema occurs as their simultaneous shifts and splitting. Theory-group analysis is invoked to construct the DFKE Hamiltonian for typical dispersion curves of valence and conduction bands in dielectric materials.
Documenting social change: Two approaches

Tom G. Kessinger. Vilyatpur 1848–1968: Social and Economic Change in a North Indian Village. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1974. xiii + 227 pp. Tables, maps, figures, glossary, and index. $12.00 Jan Breman. Patronage and Exploitation: Changing Agrarian Relations in South Gujarat, India. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1974. xiii + 287 pp. Map, tables, glossary, bibliography, and index. $15.00
Extended frontal approach with bilateral orbitofrontoethmoidal osteotomies for removal of a giant extracranial schwannoma in the nasopharynx, sphenoid sinus, and parapharyngeal space

BACKGROUND Although parapharyngeal schwannomas are not uncommon, schwannomas of the nasopharynx and paranasal sinuses are rare lesions. In the absence of intracranial extension, they are usually removed with transantral, lateral rhinotomy or more complex transfacial approaches. CASE DESCRIPTION We report a 24-year-old patient with a giant benign schwannoma involving the superior parapharyngeal space, pterygopalatine fossa, nasopharynx, and sphenoid sinus with erosion into the clivus that was removed with an extended frontal approach including bilateral orbitofrontoethmoidal osteotomies. CONCLUSION The advantages of the extended subfrontal over more standard transfacial approaches for lesions in this location include the early dissection of critical neural structures, preserving cosmetics and facilitating management of an inadvertent cerebrospinal fluid leak.
Supercoiling, knotting, looping and other large-scale conformational properties of DNA

Abstract The large-scale conformational properties of DNA are important for its function. This review covers new insights into DNA supercoiling and the first investigations of knot formation during the random cyclization of DNA. The studies of knotting showed that DNA conformational properties can depend strongly on ionic conditions. We discuss the utility of the worm-like chain model for the description of DNA conformations.
CONSOLIDACIÓN DEL ESTADO-NACIÓN Y LAS CONTRADICCIONES DE LA PERSPECTIVA INDIANISTA: GUALDA, CAILLOMA Y A ORILLAS DEL BÍO-BÍO

En este articulo se analizan tres novelas de referente indigena (Cailloma, A orillas del Bio-Bio, Gualda) publicadas en la decada del setenta del siglo XIX. Estas novelas utilizan los modelos de La araucana de Ercilla y el Cautiverio feliz de Nunez de Pineda como paradigmas heroico y evangelizador, respectivamente. Representan tiempos pre-republicanos, utilizando estrategias romanticas en la escritura, mistificando la realidad mapuche para construir un pasado epico sintonizado con el momento historico en que fueron publicadas. Estos escritores catolicos-criollos intentan reivindicar el "alma indigena" para "salvar al hombre" y no la etnia, que consideran anacronica segun la ley de evolucion dc la modernidad. Finalmente, estos textos se entroncan con la idea de Andres Bello de hacer del pasado mapuche cantado en La araucana el origen de la chilenidad, apropiando el heroismo mapuche para ser utilizado como mito fundacional en el nuevo orden creado por el estado nacion. Este proceso se instituye con la negacion de la sociedad indigena y de su derecho de definirse y mantener su cosmovision y autonomia frente al establecimiento de la entidad criolla que se impone como universal en las tierras ocupadas.
A glanceable mobile avatar for behavior change

We present a mobile avatar system designed to provide a constant user-avatar interface for health behavior change therapy. The presented Android application replaces the user's phone background with an animated avatar. The avatar's level of physical activity is made to match the physical activity level of the user. This activity level is inferred using a decision-tree-based frequency analysis of the built-in phone accelerometers. User physical activity data collected is also sent via a mobile analytics platform (Countly) to be stored in a server. Also included in our demo is a simple website which pulls information from this server and places a user's avatar among other people's avatars. In this display a user can see how their avatar's physical activity compares to others', and observe their real-life physical activity behavior directly impacting the performance of their avatar in the virtual world.
Proteolysis of the Ebola Virus Glycoproteins Enhances Virus Binding and Infectivity

Cellular cathepsins are required for Ebola virus infection and are believed to proteolytically process the Ebola virus glycoprotein (GP) during entry. However, the significance of cathepsin cleavage during infection remains unclear. Here we demonstrate a role for cathepsin L (CatL) cleavage of Ebola virus GP in the generation of a stable 18-kDa GP1 viral intermediate that exhibits increased binding to and infectivity for susceptible cell targets. Cell binding to a lymphocyte line was increased when CatL-proteolysed pseudovirions were used, but lymphocytes remained resistant to Ebola virus GP-mediated infection. Genetic removal of the highly glycosylated mucin domain in Ebola virus GP resulted in cell binding similar to that observed with CatL-treated full-length GP, and no overall enhancement of binding or infectivity was observed when mucin-deleted virions were treated with CatL. These results suggest that cathepsin cleavage of Ebola virus GP facilitates an interaction with a cellular receptor(s) and that removal of the mucin domain may facilitate receptor binding. The influence of CatL in Ebola virus GP receptor binding should be useful in future studies characterizing the mechanism of Ebola virus entry.
DEVELOPMENT OF DUMONTIA CONTORTA (DUMONTIACEAE, CRYPTONEMIALES) COMPARED WITH THAT OF OTHER HIGHER RED ALGAE1

The vegetative development of juvenile and mature Dumontia contorta (S. G. Gmelin) Ruprecht is characterized. New patterns of red algal thallus development are described. Dumontia contorta has an isomorphic life history with similarly branched erect gametophytes and tetrasporophytes. Erect plants are winter-spring annuals that develop from a perennating crustose stage. Vegetative development of D. contorta includes both multiaxial and uniaxial systems. Juvenile thalli emerging from crustose bases are unbranched and entirely multiaxial; the main axis of a mature thallus is also multiaxial with the number of axial filaments decreasing acropetally as branches are initiated. Most lateral branches are uniaxial and do not rebranch. Thus, mature D. contorta is characterized by multiaxiality in the lower main axis and by uniaxiality in its branches and in the tip region of the main axis. Our study corrects a number of inaccuracies in the literature and reinterprets the pattern of thallus development in D. contorta in relation to stages of its vegetative growth. Development of D. contorta is compared with that of other higher red algae. Our results suggest an evolutionary derivation of D. contorta from the uniaxial, unbranched D. simplex.