cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tumor predisposition in Costello syndrome

Costello syndrome (CS) is a rare congenital anomaly syndrome. Although it may be classified as an "overgrowth" syndrome due to slightly increased birth weight and relative macrocephaly, it is characterized by severe postnatal failure to thrive and short stature. Patients with CS have an increased risk for malignant tumors, a hallmark of several model overgrowth syndromes. The most common tumor in CS is rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), followed by neuroblastoma and bladder carcinoma. The occurrence of bladder carcinoma in adolescents is distinctly unusual as this is typically a neoplasm of older adults and is not seen with increased frequency in other tumor predisposition syndromes. The increased tumor frequency in CS led to the proposal of a screening protocol, consisting of abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds, and urine studies for catecholamine metabolites and hematuria. It has since become apparent that patients with CS have an increased excretion of catecholamine metabolites in urine without the presence of an identifiable catecholamine secreting tumor. Thus, the urine assay for catecholamines is unhelpful as a screening test for neuroblastoma and should not be used in this population. The benefit of abdominal and pelvic ultrasound and urinalysis for hematuria as screening tests remains to be shown. A timely diagnosis of CS is a necessary prerequisite for awareness of the increased tumor risk. Once a malignancy has been identified, treatment should follow standard protocols. Additional medical problems characteristic for CS, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia, need to be considered and addressed appropriately.
Influence of carbon black on slurry compositions for tape cast porous piezoelectric ceramics

Abstract Functionally graded porous piezoceramics are of interest for ultrasonic applications as the gradual decrease of acoustical impedance improves the transfer of acoustic energy to water or biological tissues, assuring at the same time an high piezoelectric response. This ceramic architecture can be easily produced by tape casting as long as each step of the production process (slurry formulation, lamination and thermal treatments) is fully optimized. A thorough discussion on the process of slurry optimization is here reported. The Carbon Black (CB) was chosen as pore former agent and slurry formulations with CB concentration ranging between 3 and 43 vol% referred to the ceramic powder were optimized. Linear relationships between CB and solvent, binder and plasticizers amounts were found. The additional polymer (AP) required to optimize the slurry formulations was found to proportionally increase with CB amount. The abovementioned linear relationships were shown to allow an easy planning of the slurry composition to obtain defects-free green tapes for any CB concentration in the range considered.
Distance delivery of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: Project UPLIFT

This study evaluated the efficacy of a newly developed, home-based depression intervention for people with epilepsy. Based on mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), the eight-session, weekly intervention was designed for group delivery via the Internet or telephone. Forty participants were randomly assigned to intervention or waitlist. Depressive symptoms and other outcomes were measured at baseline, after intervening in the intervention group (~8 weeks), and after intervening in the waitlist group (~16 weeks). Depressive symptoms decreased significantly more in the intervention group than the waitlist group; Internet and telephone did not differ. This effect persisted over the 8 weeks when those waitlisted received the intervention. Knowledge/skills increased significantly more in the intervention than the waitlist group. All other changes, though not significant, were in the expected direction. Findings indicate that distance delivery of group MBCT can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression in people with epilepsy. Directions for future research are proposed.
Heatshield erosion in a dusty Martian atmosphere

The study calculates the effects of dust particle impacts on the erosion of the forebody heat shield for a 26-m diameter aerobraking vehicle entering the Martian atmosphere at 8.6 km/s. An explicit thin-layer Navier-Stokes code is used to compute the dustless flowfield about the vehicle for the actual Martian atmospheric composition. The deceleration and melting of the dust particles within the forebody shock layer was computed for dust spherules having initial diameters from 1 to 19 microns. All the particles began vaporizing shortly after entering the shock layer, but most survived to hit the heat shield surface. The two different heat shield materials considered were Shuttle ceramic tiles with glassy surfaces and a moderate-density ablator. For a vehicle with a ballistic coefficient of 200 kg/sq m, a glassy heat shield surface experienced an average of 7 mm of surface erosion, or 20 times the thickness of the glassy layer on ceramic tiles.
Bullying in Schools Towards Sexual Minority Youth

ABSTRACT Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning and inter-sex (GLBTQI) youth, and those perceived to be GLBTQI, face extensive verbal and physical bullying in schools. Although increasing attention has been made at examining the safety concerns of sexual minority (GLBTQI) youth, there remain important gaps in the literature as well as significant sampling limitations. This article seeks to identify and respond to research gaps by: (a) reviewing existing literature about the causes and risk factors associated with homophobic bullying; (b) reviewing existing literature about the consequences associated with the victims of sexual minority bullying; (c) identifying the limitations to research procedures and methodologies that have been used to investigate this topic; and (d) proposing a research agenda for future investigations of homophobic bullying in schools.
The Role of Prophylactic Surgery in Cancer Prevention

Since the human genome has been sequenced many mysteries of cell biology have been unravelled, thereby clarifying the pathogenesis of several diseases, particularly cancer. In members of kindreds with certain hereditary diseases, it is now possible early in life to predict with great certainty whether or not a family member has inherited the mutated allele causing the disease. In hereditary malignancies this has been particularly important, because in affected family members there is the possibility of removing the organ destined to develop cancer before malignancy develops or while it is in situ. At first consideration, it would appear that “prophylactic surgery” would have a place in many hereditary malignancies; however, the procedure has applicability only if certain criteria are met: (1) the genetic mutation causing the hereditary malignancy must have a very high penetrance and be expressed regardless of environmental factors; (2) there must be a highly reliable test to identify patients who have inherited the mutated gene; (3) the organ must be removed with minimal morbidity and virtually no mortality; (4) there must be a suitable replacement for the function of the removed organ; and (5) there must be a reliable method of determining over time that the patient has been cured by “prophylactic surgery.” In this monograph we review several hereditary malignancies and consider those where prophylactic surgery might be useful. As we learn, there are various barriers to performing the procedure in many common hereditary cancer syndromes. The archetype disease syndromes, which meet each of the five criteria mentioned above and where prophylactic surgery is most useful, are the type 2 multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes: MEN2A, MEN2B, and the related familial medullary thyroid carcinoma. An additional benefit of the Human Genome Project, has been the development of pharmacologic and biologic compounds that block the metabolic pathway(s) activated by specific genetic mutations. Many of these compounds have shown efficacy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic cancers, and there is the likelihood that they will prove beneficial in preventing the outgrowth of malignant cells in patients destined to develop a hereditary cancer.
Learner-Controlled Computing: A Description and Rationale.

This paper discusses a use of technology in which the student controls the computer (e.g., computer programming) instead of it controlling the student (e.g., drill-and-practice). A description of the nature of this mode of computer use is provided, and some examples are given.A rationale for learner control is discussed in terms of cognitive and affective outcomes of computing. The cognitive outcomes include relatively specific learning and thinking skills and more general systematic methods of problem solving. Affective outcomes include self-confidence, curiosity and exploratory behaviors, and motivation.
Review of pharmacologic and toxicologic effects of alcohol

Alcohol is the single most common drug ingested by patients. Dentists should he aware of interactions involving alcohol and anesthetics and hypnotic, sedative drugs. The pharmacologic and toxicologic effects of the drug ethanol-ethyl alcohol are reviewed. Particular attention is given to the practical problems in diagnosis and treatment of the alcoholic dental patient.
A New Role for Cyclic Phosphatidic Acid as a PPARγ Antagonist

A recent study in Molecular Cell (Tsukahara et al., 2010) identifies cyclic phosphatidic acid (CPA) as a naturally occurring PPARγ antagonist that can be generated from lysophospholipids by signal-dependent activation of phospholipase D2. This endogenous CPA regulates PPARγ functions required for adipogenesis, glucose homeostasis, and vascular wall biology.
Service Quality and Benchmarking the Performance of Municipal Services

How can local officials select benchmarking partners whose best practices have the most potential for applicability and success in improving service performance? This study suggests the process for selecting the most appropriate benchmarking partners and for making fair performance comparisons will be advanced if local officials initially address the issue of what level of input service quality level is desired or can be provided. Using data collected from a national survey, the study presents a framework for measuring service quality for municipal solid waste recycling programs. It examines the connection between input service quality and service outcomes and describes the results of analyses of the contextual factors and best practices that distinguish the top recycling performers and potential benchmarking partners in each service-quality class. The study suggests a model for how local officials can use this type of information to select an appropriate benchmarking partner. The study shows that a quality-of-service framework for municipal services can advance local decision making about what citizens and stakeholders expect and will support in terms of input service quality. It also can help local officials identify benchmarking partners that provide a service at the desired level of quality.
Poster: practical trusted computing for mhealth sensing

Mobile sensing technologies present exciting opportunities for healthcare. Wireless sensors can automatically provide sensor data to care providers, dramatically improving their ability to diagnose, monitor, and manage a wide range of medical conditions. Using mobile phones to provide connectivity between sensors and providers is essential to keeping costs low and deployments simple. Unfortunately, software-based attacks against phones, which can have significant consequences for patients, are also on the rise.This poster describes a simple, flexible, and novel approach to protecting both the confidentiality and integrity medical sensing and data processing on vulnerable mobile phones, using plug-in smart cards---even a phone compromised by malware. We describe our design, implementation, and initial experimental results using real smart cards and Android smartphones.
The power of one: benefits of individual self-expansion

The self-expansion model suggests that the acquisition of new identities, capabilities, perspectives, and resources primarily occurs in the context of romantic relationships and that self-expanding activities have numerous benefits for relationships. However, self-expansion can theoretically occur outside of a relational context, yet little is known about the benefits of self-expanding activities for individuals. Across six experimental studies, we examined: (1) whether nonrelational novel, exciting, and interesting activities produce self-expansion and (2) whether engaging in nonrelational self-expanding activities results in greater exerted effort. In Studies 1 and 2, individuals who engaged in novel, exciting, and interesting activities experienced greater self-expansion than those who engaged in control activities. In Studies 3–6, individuals who engaged in high self-expanding activities exerted more effort on cognitive and physical tasks than those who engaged in low self-expanding activities, and th...
Traumatic and Complicated Grief Among Children: One or Two Constructs?

The purpose of this study was to examine the concepts of traumatic and complicated grief among children. Some authors seemingly use the concepts interchangeably, whereas others make a distinction between the two. A sample of 240 mainly parentally bereaved children were administered the Extended Grief Inventory (EGI). Two confirmatory factor analyses were run to examine the EGI factor structure and to determine whether traumatic and complicated grief are one or two concepts. Goodness-of-fit tests for the two models was considered acceptable for both models, however, the two-factor model was a better fit. Multiple regression analyses found that children's age, gender, and ethnicity were important predictors of traumatic grief but only gender was a predictor of complicated grief. Violent death was a predictor of complicated grief in an unadjusted regression analysis.
Recent Advances in Stimulated Brillouin Scattering Slow Light

We will discuss progress in achieving long, controllable fractional pulse delay with low distortion via stimulated Brillouin scattering slow light. The technique works at telecommunication wavelength and uses off-the-shelf components.
Russian nuclear command and control: Mission malaise?

Since the end of the Cold War, Russian nuclear command and control has been subjected to technical, organizational and political shocks that have led some observers to question whether it might, under some conditions, provoke the very war it is designed to help deter. This article considers some issues pertinent to the preservation of stable Russian nuclear C3 under peacetime and crisis conditions.
Sex, Adiposity, and Hypertension Status Modify the Inverse Effect of Marine Food Intake on Blood Pressure in Alaska Native (Yup’ik) People

Background: Alaska Native people currently have a higher prevalence of hypertension than do nonnative Alaskans, although in the 1950s hypertension was rare among Alaska Native people. A novel biomarker of marine foods, the nitrogen isotope ratio (δ15N) in RBCs was shown to be negatively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Few studies have examined how individual characteristics modify the association of marine food intake with blood pressure. Objective: This exploratory analysis examined whether sex, adiposity, and hypertension modify the inverse association between marine food intake and blood pressure. Methods: We used covariate-adjusted linear models to describe the association between δ15N and blood pressure in 873 adult Alaska Native (Yup’ik) people who resided in 8 communities in southwest Alaska. We separately stratified by sex, body mass index (BMI) group, abdominal obesity, and hypertension status and assessed the interaction between δ15N and participant characteristics on blood pressure via likelihood ratio tests. Results: The association between δ15N and systolic blood pressure was modified by sex, BMI status, and abdominal obesity, with the inverse association observed only in the male (β = −1.5; 95% CI: −2.4, −0.6), nonobese BMI (β = −1.7; 95% CI: −2.5, −1.0), and non–abdominally obese (β = −1.6; 95% CI: −2.4, −0.9) strata (all P-interaction < 0.0001). A reduction in diastolic blood pressure associated with δ15N was observed in the nonobese BMI (β = −1.1; 95% CI: −1.7, −0.5) and non–abdominally obese (β = −1.1; 95% CI: −1.7, −0.5) strata, although only the interaction between BMI group and δ15N with diastolic blood pressure was significant. The inverse association between δ15N and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed in nonhypertensive individuals, although the comparison had limited power. The results were consistent with those identified by using combined RBC concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid as the biomarker of marine food intake, although the associations identified by using δ15N were larger. Conclusions: Obesity status modified the inverse association between marine food intake and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adult Alaska Native (Yup’ik) people. The inverse association between δ15N and systolic blood pressure was also modified by sex.
Distributed online data aggregation for large scale sensor networks

To benefit from data aggregation in large scale sensor networks, an aggregation point, i.e. the place where data are aggregated, must be close to sources. In event triggered sensor networks, this can be achieved by dynamically constructing a tree connecting the sources rooted at a nearby node. However, this incurs high control and maintenance overhead. With static trees, the distance (Delta) between sources and the aggregation point can be as high as O(n) where n is the number of nodes in the network. This diminishes the benefit of data aggregation, thereby limiting the scalability of static trees. In this paper we propose AFT (alternative forwarding tree), a structure with multi-level overlapping clusters. Packet forwarding decisions on AFT are made on the fly when packets are being forwarded and it bounds the distance between the aggregation point and sources by O(delta) irrespective of network size, where delta is the diameter of the event. This guarantees that packets can be aggregated near sources without the overhead of constructing a dynamic structure and therefore is scalable. We prove that in the worst case, AFT guarantees aggregation at a node that is at most 2(1 + radic13)delta away from the sources.
Axial-Torsional Multi-Sleeve Friction Penetration System for Lunar Subsurface Studies

The multi-sleeve friction penetration system is an in-situ testing device that is derived from the well established cone penetration test. It incorporates a series of friction sleeves with varying surface texture in addition to the standard smooth friction sleeve located directly beneath the tip. The multiple measurements made with this device allow it to provide new insight into soil type and stratigraphic variations as well as insitu shear strengths as a function of sleeve texture height. This paper describes a next generation version of this device that incorporates torsional load sensing capabilities in addition to the standard axial load sensing capabilities. In this manner, the effects of different vertical and horizontal stress states on measured sleeve stresses can be explored. This device offers significant benefits as an alternative to the portable bevameter, which was used in the past to measure the mechanical response of lunar soils under normal and shear loading conditions that were likely to be imposed by various wheel and track systems.
MODERNITY AND NATION-MAKING IN INDIA, TURKEY AND IRAN

This essay compares nation-making in India, Turkey and Iran through differing visions of modernity and Enlightenment as temporal horizons. The comparison is traced through the Islamic Triumvirate (Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal empires) focused upon the Mughal Emperor Akbar's multi-religious experiment in early modern empire consolidation. The essay then analyses the national independence movements which defined – through either violent or non-violent practice, direct seizure of state power or civil society transformation – the post-independence political formations of India, Turkey and Iran between democracy and authoritarianism. As ideal types, these experiences constitute two distinctive temporal horizons: the movement (involving the masses in nation-making as a multi-centred process) and the programme (nation-making from above employing a blueprint of rupture). The political tradition being highlighted is nation-making based upon an ethic of reconciliation over totality. This tradition links development and public freedom in creating a democratic society.
Folding and Function of the Troponin Tail Domain EFFECTS OF CARDIOMYOPATHIC TROPONIN T MUTATIONS

Troponin contains a globular Ca2+-binding domain and an elongated tail domain composed of the N terminus of subunit troponin T (TnT). The tail domain anchors troponin to tropomyosin and actin, modulates myosin function, and is a site of cardiomyopathy-inducing mutations. Critical interactions between tropomyosin and troponin are proposed to depend on tail domain residues 112–136, which are highly conserved across phyla. Most cardiomyopathy mutations in TnT flank this region. Three such mutations were examined and had contrasting effects on peptide TnT-(1–156), promoting folding and thermal stability assessed by circular dichroism (F110I) or weakening folding and stability (T104V and to a small extent R92Q). Folding of both TnT-(1–156) and whole troponin was promoted by replacing bovine TnT Thr-104 with human TnT Ala-104, further indicating the importance of this cardiomyopathy site residue for protein folding. Mutation F110I markedly stabilized the troponin tail but weakened binding of holo-troponin to actin-tropomyosin 8-fold, suggesting that loss of flexibility impairs troponin tail function. The effect of the F110I mutation on troponin-tropomyosin binding to actin was much less, indicating this flexibility is particularly important for the interactions of troponin with tropomyosin. We suggest that most cardiomyopathic mutations in the troponin tail alter muscle function indirectly, by perturbing interactions between troponin and tropomyosin requisite for the complex effects of these proteins on myosin.
AT1 Receptor Induced Alterations in Histone H2A Reveal Novel Insights into GPCR Control of Chromatin Remodeling

Chronic activation of angiotensin II (AngII) type 1 receptor (AT(1)R), a prototypical G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) induces gene regulatory stress which is responsible for phenotypic modulation of target cells. The AT(1)R-selective drugs reverse the gene regulatory stress in various cardiovascular diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms are not clear. We speculate that activation states of AT(1)R modify the composition of histone isoforms and post-translational modifications (PTM), thereby alter the structure-function dynamics of chromatin. We combined total histone isolation, FPLC separation, and mass spectrometry techniques to analyze histone H2A in HEK293 cells with and without AT(1)R activation. We have identified eight isoforms: H2AA, H2AG, H2AM, H2AO, H2AQ, Q96QV6, H2AC and H2AL. The isoforms, H2AA, H2AC and H2AQ were methylated and H2AC was phosphorylated. The relative abundance of specific H2A isoforms and PTMs were further analyzed in relationship to the activation states of AT(1)R by immunochemical studies. Within 2 hr, the isoforms, H2AA/O exchanged with H2AM. The monomethylated H2AC increased rapidly and the phosphorylated H2AC decreased, thus suggesting that enhanced H2AC methylation is coupled to Ser1p dephosphorylation. We show that H2A125Kme1 promotes interaction with the heterochromatin associated protein, HP1α. These specific changes in H2A are reversed by treatment with the AT(1)R specific inhibitor losartan. Our analysis provides a first step towards an awareness of histone code regulation by GPCRs.
Epilepsy emergencies: The first seizure and status epilepticus

Patients experiencing a first seizure need a careful history and examination to confirm that the presenting seizure is truly the initial event and to identify other possible risk factors for recurrence. The decision of whether to start therapy should be made by the clinician and a fully informed patient. Status epilepticus presents in several forms, with generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE) being the most dramatic. Management of GCSE requires life support and monitoring measures as well as timely administration of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) to terminate the seizure and reduce the risks for morbidity and mortality. Benzodiazepines, phenytoin, and phenobarbital can all be used to treat GCSE. Clinicians need to be familiar with the dosage and administration, adverse events, time to onset, and duration of action of these drugs. Should seizures continue or recur despite AED administration, induction of coma with pentobarbital may be considered. This must be done with continuous EEG and other physiologic monitoring in an intensive care unit. Additional assessment of the patient who has experienced GCSE focuses on identification of the underlying cause.
Lanchester for Cyber: The Mixed Epidemic-Combat Model

Future conflict between armed forces will occur both in the physical domain as well as the information domain. The linkage of these domains is not yet fully understood. We study the dynamics of a force subject to kinetic effects as well as a specific network effect-spreading malware. In the course of our study, we unify two well-studied models: the Lanchester model of armed conflict and deterministic models of epidemiology. We develop basic results, including a rule for determining when explicit modeling of network propagation is required. We then generalize the model to a force subdivided by both physical and network topology, and demonstrate the specific case where the force is divided between front- and rear-echelons. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 60: 599-605, 2013
Familial and Contextual Variables and the Nature of Sibling Relationships in Emerging Adulthood

Abstract The current study is an examination of the familial and contextual variables correlated with sibling relationships and a quantitative and qualitative description of sibling support in emerging adulthood. Participants were 247 college students in a northeastern rural state university and 58 non-college students (M = 22.41, SD = 3.25). Participants were given surveys regarding their family constellation, economic and religious status, and sibling relationships. Additionally, participants responded to an open-ended question about their sibling relationship. Age, gender, size of sibship, work status, financial situation, and religiosity were found to influence sibling relationships. The most positive sibling relationships were reported by older participants, participants with older siblings, participants with siblings who were apart from them by more than two years in age, females, participants with a female as their most important sibling, participants with smaller sibships, participants under no ec...
Back to the future: Middle schools and the turning points report

(1994). Back to the future: Middle schools and the turning points report. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 33, Rethinking Middle Grades, pp. 143-148.
Bayesian Analysis of High-Throughput Quantitative Measurement of Protein-DNA Interactions

Transcriptional regulation depends upon the binding of transcription factor (TF) proteins to DNA in a sequence-dependent manner. Although many experimental methods address the interaction between DNA and proteins, they generally do not comprehensively and accurately assess the full binding repertoire (the complete set of sequences that might be bound with at least moderate strength). Here, we develop and evaluate through simulation an experimental approach that allows simultaneous high-throughput quantitative analysis of TF binding affinity to thousands of potential DNA ligands. Tens of thousands of putative binding targets can be mixed with a TF, and both the pre-bound and bound target pools sequenced. A hierarchical Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo approach determines posterior estimates for the dissociation constants, sequence-specific binding energies, and free TF concentrations. A unique feature of our approach is that dissociation constants are jointly estimated from their inferred degree of binding and from a model of binding energetics, depending on how many sequence reads are available and the explanatory power of the energy model. Careful experimental design is necessary to obtain accurate results over a wide range of dissociation constants. This approach, which we call Simultaneous Ultra high-throughput Ligand Dissociation EXperiment (SULDEX), is theoretically capable of rapid and accurate elucidation of an entire TF-binding repertoire.
The negro leaves the south

Desde 1890 el negro de los Estados Unidos ha estado emigrando de la parte sur del pais, en gran numero. El lugar de destino ha sido el nortey (mas recientemente) las areas industriales urbanas del oeste. El ritmo de esia migracion ha sido especialmente rapido desde 1940. El efecto neto de este movimiento ha sido dispersar la poblacion negra mas extensamente a traves de las regiones, y transformarla de una poblacion predominantemente rural a predominantemente urbana. Aun dentro del Sur hay un vasto movimiento de negros desde las areas rurales a las urbanas. Si continua esta tendencia, en 2000 las regiones principales tendran aproximadamente una composicion similar de negros y blancos. Una fuerza grande detras de este exodo de areas rurales, ha sido la modernizaci6n de la agricultura en el Sur y el abandono del sistema mediero de aparceria. La fecundidad alta, la cual ha producido grandes excedentes de poblacion queno pudo serempleada localmente, ha sido otro factor. La plaga del picudo del algodon, que ayudo a destruir la economia algodonera en muchas secciones, tambien. ha acelerado la migracion. Este movimiento ha seleccionado los Negros mejor educados, y la tasa de migracion de retorno al Sur, despues de este movimiento hacia afuera,es muy baja. La migracion no trae considerable prosperidad para la mayoria; se mueven de ocupaciones de bajos salarios en el Sur, a ocupaciones del mismo tipo en el Norte. Sin embargo, hay un movimiento sustancial y acelerado de negros hacia ocupaciones artesanales y de oficina, y aun en las profesiones. Fuera del Sur, los negros han tenido un progreso mucho mayor que los del Sur. La migracion esta asi jugando un papel importante en el progreso de la poblacion negra.
Energy-optimized lossless compression: Rate-variability tradeoff

We pose the problem of energy-optimized lossless compression and analyze a simple compression framework in which energy consumption is given by a weighted sum of two components, respectively proportional to the compression rate and to the average number of bit flips that occur in a certain hardware register. The latter component, which we term variability, is meant to serve as a proxy for the energy consumption of the computations underlying the compression step. Our results include bounds on the rate-variability tradeoff for symbol-wise compression of discrete memoryless sources and a characterization of the asymptotically optimum tradeoff between rate and variability for block-wise compression.
Particle Filters for Infinite (or Large) Dimensional State Spaces-Part 2

We study particle filtering algorithms for tracking on infinite (in practice, large) dimensional state spaces. Particle filtering (Monte carlo sampling) from a large dimensional system noise distribution is computationally expensive. But, in most large dim tracking applications, it is fair to assume that "most of the state change" occurs in a small dimensional basis and the basis itself may be slowly time varying (approximated as piecewise constant). We have proposed a PF algorithm with basis change detection and re-estimation steps that uses this idea. The implicit assumptions in defining this algorithm are very strong. We study here the implications of weaker assumptions and how to handle them. We propose to use a simple modification of the asymptotically stable Adaptive Particle Filter to handle errors in estimating the basis dimension.
Evaluating airborne hyperspectral imagery for mapping waterhyacinth infestations

Waterhyacinth [Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms] is an exotic aquatic weed that often invades and clogs waterways in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The objective of this study was to evaluate airborne hyperspectral imagery and different image classification techniques for mapping waterhyacinth infestations on Lake Corpus Christi in south Texas. Hyperspectral imagery with bands in the visible to near-infrared region of the spectrum was acquired from two study sites and minimum noise fraction (MNF) transformation was used to reduce the spectral dimensionality of the imagery. Four classification methods, including minimum distance, Mahalanobis distance, maximum likelihood, and spectral angle mapper (SAM), were applied to the MNF-transformed imagery for distinguishing waterhyacinth from associated plant species (waterlettuce, mixed herbaceous species, and mixed woody species) and other cover types (bare soil and water). Accuracy assessment showed that overall accuracy varied from 79% for SAM to 96% for maximum likelihood for site 1 and from 84% for minimum distance to 95% for maximum likelihood for site 2. Kappa analysis showed that maximum likelihood was significantly better than the other three methods and that there were no significant differences in overall classifications among the other three methods. Producer's and user's accuracies for waterhyacinth based on maximum likelihood were 94% and 100%, respectively, for site 1 and 100% and 95% for site 2. These results indicate that airborne hyperspectral imagery incorporated with image transformation and classification techniques can be a useful tool for mapping waterhyacinth infestations.
An INMARSAT-C GOES, and EIA485 hybrid communication system for global experiment control

The Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program is constructing cloud and radiation monitoring instrumentation that will be deployed at several island sites in the tropical western Pacific Ocean. The atmospheric radiation and cloud systems (ARCS) must operate with minimal maintenance for decades, producing and storing many megabytes of data per day. A reliable global communication system is an essential element of the ARCS design. It must provide immediate direct access to the equipment. High availability and reasonably low cost are essential for this very long-term deployment. Providing executive management and control, the communication system incorporates several special technologies, to meet its requirements: (a) INMARSAT-C provides a simple two-way messaging capability (b) Built-in GPS in the INMARSAT-C radio provides an accurate time standard. (c) The NOAA GOES satellite provides a one-way link for hourly health and basic measurement data. (d) An EIA485 local area network provides a digital link throughout the installation. (e) Node units located conveniently throughout the AFCS and linked by the EIA485 network allow an almost unlimited flexibility and expandability. (f) A robust packet protocol ensures message security and accuracy. The complete communication, control, and data acquisition system is described in detail. The ability of the system to adapt to other physical configurations (telephone, UHF, telnet) is discussed.
Improvement of quality of life in hospitalized depressed elderly.

Background: Quality of life is important for all individuals, but is frequently overlooked in psychiatric populations. Our purpose was to assess the quality of life (QOL) of depressed psychiatrically hospitalized elderly patients, examine the association of QOL and depression, and explore any QOL differences related to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).Methods: This Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved prospective study recruited geropsychiatric inpatients aged 65 years and older who were depressed, had Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) scores >18/30, and adequate communication skills. Surveys were completed upon admission and discharge to measure depression (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)), quality of life (Linear Analogue Scales of Assessment (LASA); Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36)), cognitive function (MMSE; Executive Interview (EXIT 25)), and coping (Brief COPE Inventory (COPE)). Spearman correlations and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to assess changes in measures during hospitalization and relationships among variables.Results: The 45 study participants who completed the study had a mean age of 74 years. The majority were female (67%), married (58%), Protestant (60%), with at least high school education (78%). Admission scores demonstrated severe depression (HDRS 24.88 ± 10.14) and poor QOL (LASA overall QOL 4.4 ± 2.79, and SF-36 mental [27.68 ± 9.63] and physical [46.93 ± 10.41] component scores). At discharge, there was a significant improvement of depression (HDRS 24.88v12.04, p < 0.0001) and QOL (LASA overall QOL 4.4v6.66, p < 0.0001; and SF-36 mental [27.68v39.10, p < 0.0001] and physical [46.93v50.98, p = 0.003] component scores). Not surprisingly, depression was negatively correlated with overall QOL, mental well-being, physical well-being, and emotional well-being at both admission and discharge. For the group who received ECT, there was a greater magnitude of improvement in SF-36 vitality (p = 0.002) and general health perception (p = 0.04), but also a reduction in EXIT 25 scores at discharge (p = 0.008).Conclusions: There was improvement of both QOL and depression during the course of hospitalization. Additionally, improvement of QOL was associated with improvement of depression. Perhaps future studies could develop interventions to improve both mood and QOL in elderly depressed inpatients.
HCI at New Mexico State University

HCI at New Mexico State University has a dual focus -- the development of cognitive theory in a real-world context and the application of cognitive principles and methods to interface design. Graduate training exhibits that dual focus, with general training in experimental psychology and statistical methods, as well as specialized training in HCI design, prototyping, and evaluation. Faculty research centers around the development of cognitive models of computer users, with particular emphasis on multivariate methods for modeling user knowledge, such as Pathtinder networks.
Open‐boundary relaxation

The relaxation technique for computing the electrostatic potential in 2D is extended to open-boundary problems. Two methods are introduced for updating the outer boundary potential between iterations using a numerical Green's function. Comparisons with conventional grounded-boundary results show that greatly increased accuracy is obtainable with the open-boundary method. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Retinoic Acid Stimulates α-CAMKII Gene Expression in PC12 Cells at a Distinct Transcription Initiation Site

The promoter region of the α-subunit of the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (α-CaMKII) gene was inserted into a β-galactosidase (β-gal) reporter plasmid, and β-gal activities were examined in neuroblastoma (NB2a) and pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells after transient or stable transfections. The α-CaMKII promoter was 12- to 45-fold more active in NB2a compared with PC12 cells after transient or stable transfections. All- trans retinoic acid (RA) stimulated reporter gene expression at both protein and mRNA levels in transfected PC12 cells. RA increased the level of endogenous α-CaMKII mRNA in untransfected PC12 cells by 4.4-fold. The transcription initiation site(s) (TIS) of the α-CaMKII gene in PC12 cells and rat brain was examined by RNase protection assays (RPA) and reverse transcriptase PCRs. The TIS for the α-CaMKII/β-gal reporter gene in transfected PC12 cells was indistinguishable from the TIS +1 in rat hippocampus. In contrast, the only detectable TIS for the α-CaMKII gene in untransfected PC12 cells was located near the ATG translation start codon, 147 nucleotides 3′ to TIS +1 in hippocampus. This unusual TIS was also the predominant TIS in rat cerebellum. These results suggest that the α-CaMKII promoter may contain sequences that respond directly or indirectly to RA. In addition, the unusual TIS of the α-CaMKII gene in PC12 cells and rat cerebellum may contribute to the very low expression of this gene compared with that in hippocampus.
The Role of Blame in Collective Action: Evidence from Russia

Blame plays an important role in motivating many human activities, but rarely has the attribution of blame been analyzed for its effects on protest behavior. I argue that how people understand causal relationships and attribute blame for a grievance plays a crucial role in their decision to redress the grievance through protest. The greater the specificity of blame attribution, the greater the probability of protest. Among the less specific attributors of blame, political entrepreneurs have more opportunities to mobilize protest, especially if they can aid in blame specification. I test these hypotheses using evidence from an original nationwide survey of 2,026 adult Russians conducted in 1998 during the height of the Russian wage arrears crisis. Russians who attributed blame for the crisis to specific culprits or problem-solvers protested more than Russians who did not, and the mobilizing efforts of entrepreneurs had a greater impact on the less specific attributors. An earlier version of this article was presented at the 2001 Annual Meeting of the American Political Science Association. I would like to thank the Office of Research at the U.S. Information Agency (now State Department) for making the collection of these data possible and Vanessa Baird, Tami Buhr, Ray Duch, Steve Hanson, Will Moore, Cliff Morgan, Bob Stein, Randy Stevenson, Ric Stoll, and Andy Stock for their helpful advice. The views expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not represent official positions of the State Department or the U.S. Government. The data and documentation necessary to replicate this analysis can be obtained from the National Archives.
Database Search Strategies Used to Isolate Cell Death Proteins

The identification of proteins involved in the early phases of cell death has relied primarily on the modular organization of shared sequences and structural motifs of previously identified proteins in the apoptotic machinery. This property has facilitated the isolation of proteins that interact with each other through structural domains using yeast two-hybrid cloning. Likewise, the conservation in primary sequence of the various shared domains has promoted the use of polymerase chain reaction and database search strategies to isolate additional family members. Here, we discuss the use of database search strategies in the isolation of novel death proteins, as well as how similar strategies may be extended to discover additional, novel cell death proteins.
Aclidinium bromide plus formoterol for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Introduction: Drugs that target dynamic hyperinflation such as long-acting β-2 agonists and long-acting antimuscarinic antagonists form a cornerstone of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management. The idea of combining these two medications in a single formulation, which may potentially improve patient compliance, is novel and attractive.Areas covered: The pharmacologic profiles of aclidinium bromide and formoterol fumarate are discussed. However, studies to define drug interactions and alterations in the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the fixed dose combination (FDC) of aclidinium bromide/formoterol fumarate in large populations remain unpublished. Results of Phase II and two Phase III pivotal trials, ACLIFORM/COPD and AUGMENT COPD, evaluating the FDC are discussed.Expert opinion: Initial data for the aclidinium/formoterol inhaler appears to be promising for impacting the lung function. To define if this benefit translates into improved long-term outcomes of decreased exacerbation ...
Telephone-Based Behavioral Health Assessment for Older Adults Starting a New Psychiatric Medication

Objectives The purpose of this study is to explore behavioral health symptoms and characteristics of noninstitutionalized older adults newly started on an antidepressant, anxiolytic, or antipsychotic agent by nonpsychiatrist physicians. Design Naturalistic cohort study of older adults participating in the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) of the state of Pennsylvania. Setting/Participants Noninstitutionalized adults in Pennsylvania. Measurements Standardized scales including the Blessed Orientation-Memory-Concentration (BOMC) test, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (including Psychosis, Mania, Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD], Panic Disorder, and Alcohol Abuse/Dependence modules), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Paykel Scale for suicide ideation, and Medical Outcomes Survey (SF-12). Results Participants were mostly women (83.7%) with a mean age of 79.2 years (SD 7.1). The average PHQ-9 score for those on antidepressants was 5.8 (5.2), with no statistically significant difference between medication groups (F [2, 409] = 1.48, p=0.23); just seven (4.9%) of those receiving anxiolytics met criteria for an anxiety disorder, which was not significantly different than other medication classes (χ 2 (2) = 0.83, p=0.66). Overall, 197 (47.8%) of the sample did not meet criteria for a mental health disorder. Just 69 (28.8%) of those on antidepressants reported depression as the self-reported reason for taking the medication, while 91 (22.8%) of the total reported poor sleep or stressful life events as the reason. Conclusions In this sample, many older persons received psychotropic medications despite low symptomatology, increasing the costs of care and possible exposure to unnecessary side effects. It is important to understand perceived benefit to both patient and provider of such prescribing patterns and work towards minimizing unnecessary use.
Designing and Testing Chimeric Zinc Finger Transposases

Transposons have been effectively utilized as non-viral gene delivery systems that are capable of promoting stable transgene expression in mammalian and human cells. Two specific transposon systems, Sleeping Beauty (SB) and piggyBac (PB), have been successfully modified by the addition of a zinc finger (ZF) DNA-binding domain as a strategy for directing transposon integration near ZF target sites in a host cell genome. Site-directed integration could improve transposon-mediated gene transfer by limiting positional effects on transgene integration, limiting genotoxicity, and improving the overall safety in gene therapy applications. In this chapter, we describe methodology for creating and characterizing functional chimeric ZF transposases and experimental approaches for testing their transpositional activity in human cells.