cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The drift factor in biased futures index pricing models: A new look

The presence of bias in index futures prices has been investigated in various research studies. Redfield (11) asserted that the U.S. Dollar Index (USDX) futures contract traded on the U.S. Cotton Exchange (now the FINEX division of the New York Board of Trade) could be systematically arbitraged for nontrivial returns because it is expressed in so-called “European terms” (foreign currency units/U.S. dollar). Eytan, Harpaz, and Krull (4) (EHK) developed a theoretical factor using Brownian motion to correct for the European terms and the bias due to the USDX index being expressed as a geometric average. Harpaz, Krull, and Yagil (5) empirically tested the EHK index. They used the historical volatility to proxy the EHK volatility specification. Since 1990, it has become more commonplace to use option-implied volatility for forecasting future volatility. Therefore, we have substituted option implied volatilities into EHK's correction factor and hypothesized that the correction factor is “better” ex ante and therefore should lead to better futures model pricing. We tested this conjecture using twelve contracts from 1995 through 1997 and found that the use of implied volatility did not improve the bias correction over the use of historical volatility. Furthermore, no matter which volatility specification we used, the model futures price appeared to be mis-specified. To investigate further, we added a simple naive δ based on a modification of the adaptive expectations model. Repeating the tests using this naive “drift” factor, it performed substantially better than the other two specifications. Our conclusion is that there may be a need to take a new look at the drift-factor specification currently in use. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 22:579–598, 2002
Cytomegalovirus Serostatus and Functional Impairment in Liver Transplant Recipients in the Current Era.

Background: Whether donor (D+) or recipient (R+) cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity is associated with functional impairment in liver transplant recipients is not known. Methods: Patients included adult liver transplant recipients in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database transplanted over a five-year period from 1 January 2014–31 December 2018. Functional status in the database was assessed using Karnofsky performance scale. A logistic regression model that controlled for potential confounders was used to examine the association of CMV serostatus and functional status. Variables significantly associated with functional status (p < 0.05) were then used to develop propensity score and propensity score matched analysis was conducted where each patient was compared with a matched-control with the same propensity score. Results: Among 30,267 adult liver transplant recipients, D+ or R+ patients had significantly lower functional status at last follow-up than the D-R- cohort (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.80–0.96, p = 0.007). In propensity score matched model, D+ or R+ patients had significantly lower functional status than matched-controls (p = 0.009). D+ or R+ CMV serostatus (p = 0.018) and low functional level (p < 0.001) were also independently associated with infections as cause-of-death. Conclusions: D+ or R+ liver transplant recipients had lower functional status and higher risk of deaths due to infections. Future studies are warranted to examine the mechanistic basis of these findings in the setting of transplantation.
Tablet Image: Visibility Feature Designs Increase Tablet Use

The functionality and performance of technology has consistently predicted technology use. However, there are other reasons related to social and psychological forces influencing technology use. This study investigates the social drivers of tablet technology use. In particular, the study focuses on the image associated with tablet technology and the influence of this image on Tablet Use. Using a survey of 157 tablet users, the study discovers that tablet image is a driving force behind the use of some of the functions in tablets. The results suggest that designing tablet functions that are socially visible to the public cognition may be an important reason behind tablet adoption and use, on the backdrop of a Tablet Image. The results have theoretical implications for IT adoption theories and practical implications for the design and upgrade of the next generations of tablets.
MO-F-CAMPUS-J-03: Development of a Human Brain PET for On-Line Proton Beam-Range Verification

Purpose: To develop a prototype PET for verifying proton beam-range before each fractionated therapy that will enable on-line re-planning proton therapy. Methods: Latest “edge-less” silicon photomultiplier arrays and customized ASIC readout electronics were used to develop PET detectors with depth-of-interaction (DOI) measurement capability. Each detector consists of one LYSO array with each end coupled to a SiPM array. Multiple detectors can be seamlessly tiled together to form a large detector panel. Detectors with 1.5×1.5 and 2.0×2.0 mm crystals at 20 or 30 mm lengths were studied. Readout of individual SiPM or signal multiplexing was used to transfer 3D interaction position-coded analog signals through flexible-print-circuit cables or PCB board to dedicated ASIC front-end electronics to output digital timing pulses that encode interaction information. These digital pulses can be transferred to, through standard LVDS cables, and decoded by a FPGA-based data acquisition of coincidence events and data transfer. The modular detector and scalable electronics/data acquisition will enable flexible PET system configuration for different imaging geometry. Results: Initial detector performance measurement shows excellent crystal identification even with 30 mm long crystals, ∼18% and 2.8 ns energy and timing resolutions, and around 2–3 mm DOI resolution. A small prototype PET scanner with one detector ring has been built and evaluated, validating the technology and design. A large size detector panel has been fabricated by scaling up from modular detectors. Different designs of resistor and capacitor based signal multiplexing boards were tested and selected based on optimal crystal identification and timing performance. Stackable readout electronics boards and FPGA-based data acquisition boards were developed and tested. A brain PET is under construction. Conclusion: Technology of large-size DOI detector based on SiPM array and advanced readout has been developed. PET imaging performance and initial phantom studies of on-line proton beam-range measurement will be conducted and reported. NIH grant R21CA187717; Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas grant RP120326
A Tomato Gene Weighs In

What makes some people big and others small--obviously our genes, but which ones? Working out the complex of genes that control such quantitative traits in animals and plants is one of the big challenges facing geneticists. In his Perspective, Doebley discusses new results that identify the fw2.2 gene as one of the genes determining fruit size in the tomato (Frary et al.).
Consistent Quantum Theory

1. Introduction 2. Wave functions 3. Linear algebra in Dirac notation 4. Physical properties 5. Probabilities and physical variables 6. Composite systems and tensor products 7. Unitary dynamics 8. Stochastic histories 9. The Born rule 10. Consistent histories 11. Checking consistency 12. Examples of consistent families 13. Quantum interference 14. Dependent (contextual) events 15. Density matrices 16. Quantum reasoning 17. Measurements I 18. Measurements II 19. Coins and counterfactuals 20. Delayed choice paradox 21. Indirect measurement paradox 22. Incompatibility paradoxes 23. Singlet state correlations 24. EPR paradox and Bell inequalities 25. Hardy's paradox 26. Decoherence and the classical limit 27. Quantum theory and reality Bibliography.
Reflection symmetries and absence of eigenvalues for one-dimensional Schrödinger operators

We prove a criterion for absence of decaying solutions for one-dimensional Schrodinger operators. As necessary input, we require infinitely many centers of local reflection symmetry and upper and lower bounds for the traces of the associated transfer matrices.
The Changing Demand Structure for Pork and Beef in the 1970s: Implications for the 1980s

During the 1960s and through 1973, a single equation demand system resulted in reasonably accurate forecasts of both pork and beef prices at the farm and retail levels (Grimes 1974a, 1974b). Errors in forecasts were primarily attributable to errors in projections of supply variables and, to a lesser extent, projections of consumer income. Some minor errors resulted from random variation, captured in an error variable.
Whole-Body Gas Exchange in Human Predicted by a Cardiopulmonary Model

We have developed a closed-loop model of whole-body human gas exchange to simulate apnea and apneic oxygenation and have included it in our previously developed model of the human cardiopulmonary (CP) system. In our previous CP model, gas exchange occurred only in the lungs, where the inlet blood O2 and CO2 concentrations were fixed at constant values. We now add a description of gas exchange in the peripheral tissues, and couple the lung and tissue (i.e., central and peripheral) gas exchangers via a circulatory loop with variable transport delays. Thus, gas transport in the lungs and peripheral tissues of the body now interact as part of a closed-loop system, wherein the output of one gas exchanger provides the input to the other. A peripheral chemosensitive loop has also been added to mimic the influence of blood gas composition on the heart and vasculature. Parameters of this new CP model were adjusted manually to yield good approximation to hemodynamic and blood gas waveforms. Using the same set of parameters, the CP model predicted the integrated cardiovascular and blood–tissue gas composition responses to pronounced changes in lung gas composition, and thus simulated changes encountered in apnea with and without passive oxygenation. In summary, this study represents a bold effort in large-scale modeling of physiological systems. The presented model is a significant extension of our previous CP model in that it more accurately represents whole-body gas exchange and can explain how the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and autonomic nervous systems interact in response to purely pulmonary challenges such as apnea and apneic oxygenation. With further refinement, this model may help investigators better understand the complex biophysics of cardiopulmonary disease such as cor pulmonale and sleep-related disorders of breathing (obstructive and central sleep apnea).
Thrombosis and the pharmacology of antithrombotic agents

Objective:To provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the physiology of hemostasis, the pathophysiology of thrombosis, and the pharmacology of antithrombotic agents.Data Sources:A MEDLINE search was conducted to identify pertinent literature published since 1984. Recently published textbooks devoted to the subjects of hematology, hemostasis, and thrombosis also were reviewed, particularly their bibliographies. The bibliographies of selected review articles also were reviewed.Study Selection:As the amount of literature was vast, only the most significant and noteworthy published studies were reviewed. Review articles and book chapters authored by researchers of international reputation also were reviewed.Data Extraction:Identified studies from the primary literature and selected reviews were analyzed carefully. Information regarding hemostasis, thrombosis, and antithrombotic drugs was extracted. Particular attention was given to data regarding drugs currently available or soon to be ...
Effects of acetaminophen and ibuprofen on renal function in anesthetized normal and sodium-depleted dogs

In certain conditions, renal prostaglandins (PGs) are important determinants of kidney function. Under these “renal PG-dependent states,” pharmacological inhibition of vasodilatory PG may result in...
A remark on stochastic integration

We give an example of an adapted, cadlag process H and a martingale M such that a “stochastic integral” process ∫ 0 t H s dM s makes sense but is not a semimartingale. This answers a question of Ruth Williams.
Development of GaAs space solar cells by high growth rate MOMBE/CBE

Abstract Realization of high-quality GaAs photovoltaic materials and devices by metalorganic molecular beam epitaxy (MOMBE) and chemical beam epitaxy (CBE) with growth rates in excess of 3 μm/h is demonstrated. Despite high growth rates, the optimization of III/V flux-ratio and growth temperatures leads to a two-dimensional layer-by-layer growth mode characterized by a (2×4) RHEED diagrams and strong intensity oscillations. The not intentionally doped layers exhibit low background impurity concentrations and good luminescence properties. Both n (Si) and p (Be) doping studies in the range of concentrations necessary for photovoltaic device generation are reported. Preliminary GaAs (p/n) solar cells fabricated at growth rates in excess of 3 μm/h exhibit performances comparable to state of the art and stress the potential of the high growth rate MOMBE/CBE as reduced toxicity alternatives for the production of space III–V solar cells.
Treatment and survival of patients with nonmalignant intracranial meningioma: results from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program of the National Cancer Institute: Clinical article

Object The authors conducted a study to determine population-based estimates of survival following the diagnosis and treatment of nonmalignant intracranial meningioma in the US in the modern era. Methods Patients with nonmalignant intracranial meningioma were identified through the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for the years 2004–2007. Predictors of undergoing resection were identified and odds ratios calculated. Estimates of survival were calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimation method and Cox proportional hazards model. Results There were 12,284 patients with a diagnosis of nonmalignant intracranial meningioma included in the analysis. Only 55% had histological confirmation of the diagnosis of nonmalignant meningioma. Resection was used as an initial treatment in 43% of cases. Patients treated with surgery were more likely to be younger (OR 9.3, 95% CI 8.1–10.7, for resection in patients age 40–59 years compared with age > 80 years), male (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.3–1.5, for males ...
Optical Architecture Of Acousto-Optic Cell Real-Time Correlation

An architecture for a real-time signal correlation based on optical joint transform correlation is proposed. Two parallel on-plane acousto-optic (AO) cells and a liquid crystal light valve (LCLV) are employed to produce crosscorrelation of two electrical signals. Arranging two AO cells on the same plane, this architecture can be implemented in a compact form. The proposed architecture has a capability of performing parallel multiple crosscorrelations by adding AO cells on the input plane. The theoretical analysis and preliminary experimental results are presented.
Some considerations in the endochronic description of anisotropic hardening

Experimental results of Aris Phillips and his co-workers show that both distortion and motion of yield surface are path dependent. These phenomena are attributed to the path-dependent rate of strain-hardening for initially isotropic metallic materials.
Evolution of the neurotrophin signaling system in invertebrates.

Nucleotide sequences encoding orthologs of neurotrophins and their receptors, p75NTR and Trk receptors, have been identified in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus</i&g
Assessing a Method to Limit Influence of Standardized Tests on Clerkship Grades

Background: Grading committees give excessive weight to standardized-examination scores. Purpose: Understanding that biases are often ingrained in grading processes, we sought to assess the influence of a structured grading policy in limiting this effect. Methods: All 7 clerkship grading committees derived students’ clinical scores while blinded to examination scores. Scores were combined to yield a final rank order, which was used to derive grade cutoffs. Logit regression was performed to assess the contribution of clinical and examination scores to final grades. Results were compared to a similar analysis where committees were not blinded to examination scores. Results: In contrast to prior findings, grading committees consistently assigned greater weight to clinical-performance scores in assigning final grades when blinded to examination scores. Conclusions: Grading committees may be unaware of the extent to which they discount clinical assessments when they are at odds with the results of standardized...
Isospin mixing in 37 K and spin decomposition of Gamow-Teller strength in 37 Ca decay

We measured ${}^{36}$Ar$(p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{,p}_{0})$ cross sections and analyzing powers for ${E}_{p}$ between 3.22 and 5.98 MeV, and used these data to deduce spin, parity, and widths of 17 levels in ${}^{37}$K. Our results, combined with existing information on ${}^{37}$Ca ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{+}$ decay, yield information on the distribution of Fermi and Gamow-Teller strength in this decay. A $T=1/2$ level lying 31 keV below the ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}{=3/2}^{+}$, $T=3/2$ analog of the ${}^{37}$Ca ground state was found to have ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}{=3/2}^{+}$. The relative proton widths of the two levels imply an isospin-mixing matrix-element of $4.84\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.43$ keV. This agrees with the value ${5.93}_{\ensuremath{-}0.65}^{+0.23}$ keV extracted from the ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{+}$-decay intensities to the two levels, plus the Gamow-Teller to Fermi strength ratio for the 5018 keV level. We decompose the Gamow-Teller strength in ${}^{37}$Ca decay into components feeding daughter levels with ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}{=1/2}^{+}$, ${3/2}^{+}$, or ${5/2}^{+}$, and compare the results to theory. None of the available shell-model calculations gives a satisfactory account of the data.
An input-centric paradigm for program dynamic optimizations

Accurately predicting program behaviors (e.g., locality, dependency, method calling frequency) is fundamental for program optimizations and runtime adaptations. Despite decades of remarkable progress, prior studies have not systematically exploited program inputs, a deciding factor for program behaviors.Triggered by the strong and predictive correlations between program inputs and behaviors that recent studies have uncovered, this work proposes to include program inputs into the focus of program behavior analysis, cultivating a new paradigm named input-centric program behavior analysis. This new approach consists of three components, forming a three-layer pyramid. At the base is program input characterization, a component for resolving the complexity in program raw inputs and the extraction of important features. In the middle is input-behavior modeling, a component for recognizing and modeling the correlations between characterized input features and program behaviors. These two components constitute input-centric program behavior analysis, which (ideally) is able to predict the large-scope behaviors of a program's execution as soon as the execution starts. The top layer of the pyramid is input-centric adaptation, which capitalizes on the novel opportunities that the first two components create to facilitate proactive adaptation for program optimizations.By centering on program inputs, the new approach resolves a proactivity-adaptivity dilemma inherent in previous techniques. Its benefits are demonstrated through proactive dynamic optimizations and version selection, yielding significant performance improvement on a set of Java and C programs.
Organic matter and sulfide inhibit methylmercury production in sediments of New York/New Jersey Harbor

Abstract Sediments of New York/New Jersey (NY/NJ) Harbor are contaminated with Hg from modern discharges and the pollution legacy of the Industrial Revolution, and there is concern related to the bioavailability, transformation, and mobilization of monomethylmercury (MMHg) from these deposits. We investigated the production and distribution of MMHg in sediments of NY/NJ Harbor across wide and contrasting ranges of inorganic Hg (Hg(II)), sulfide, and organic matter in August 2002 and February and May 2003. Organic material largely controls the geographical distribution of Hg(II) and MMHg. Partitioning coefficients ( K D ) for MMHg and Hg(II) are related positively to the organic content of deposits with less than 10 µM dissolved sulfide. K D values for MMHg and Hg(II) in sediments of NY/NJ Harbor are about 10× greater than those in deposits of Long Island Sound (LIS) and the continental shelf, suggesting differences in the affinity of Hg species for allochthonous (Harbor) and planktonic organic matter (LIS, shelf). Dissolved sulfide enhances the solubility of MMHg and Hg(II) and inhibits MMHg production. Potential gross rates of Hg methylation, assayed by experimental addition of 200 Hg to intact cores, are related positively to the level of Hg(II), presumably as HgS 0 , in 0.2-µm filtered pore fluids of sediments having less than 10 µM sulfide, and are reduced greatly in deposits with greater levels of dissolved sulfide. MMHg:Hg(II) concentration ratios, potential rates of 200 Hg methylation, and diffusional sediment–water MMHg fluxes vary seasonally. The estimated whole-basin sediment–water flux of MMHg (i.e., net production at steady state) is about 1% relative to Hg(II) burial, a percentage much less than that in LIS and at three sites on the continental shelf (8%). Thus, it appears that allochthonous organic material (terrestrial and/or sewage) and dissolved sulfide reduce bioavailability of Hg and attenuate gross and net rates of MMHg production in the Harbor. Accordingly, changes in allochthonous organic inputs and microbial respiration of this material (i.e., sulfide production) could affect the production and mobilization of MMHg by altering the bioavailability of modern inputs and some portion of the large reservoir of “legacy Hg” buried in the sediment.
Malicious Motherhood: Instance of Infanticide by a Female Barn Swallow

Abstract Infanticide, the killing of dependent offspring, often provides direct or indirect fitness benefits to the perpetrator. Infanticide in socially monogamous systems, like that in many passerine birds, is typically performed by males in an attempt to gain access to potential mates. We observed infanticide by a female Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) in North America and, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first documentation of this behavior. A female pecked and threw out nestlings belonging to a neighboring pair of swallows. There were no obvious fitness benefits gained by this female, thus established evolutionary explanations are not applicable. Further investigations into the frequency of female infanticide, easily mistaken for predation, should be pursued to better assess the selective pressures driving this behavior.
Spatiotemporal Models for Data-Anomaly Detection in Dynamic Environmental Monitoring Campaigns

The ecological sciences have benefited greatly from recent advances in wireless sensor technologies. These technologies allow researchers to deploy networks of automated sensors, which can monitor a landscape at very fine temporal and spatial scales. However, these networks are subject to harsh conditions, which lead to malfunctions in individual sensors and failures in network communications. The resulting data streams often exhibit incorrect data measurements and missing values. Identifying and correcting these is time-consuming and error-prone. We present a method for real-time automated data quality control (QC) that exploits the spatial and temporal correlations in the data to distinguish sensor failures from valid observations. The model adapts to each deployment site by learning a Bayesian network structure that captures spatial relationships between sensors, and it extends the structure to a dynamic Bayesian network to incorporate temporal correlations. This model is able to flag faulty observations and predict the true values of the missing or corrupt readings. The performance of the model is evaluated on data collected by the SensorScope Project. The results show that the spatiotemporal model demonstrates clear advantages over models that include only temporal or only spatial correlations, and that the model is capable of accurately imputing corrupted values.
Relations of ammonium minerals at several hydrothermal systems in the western U.S.

Abstract Ammonium bound to silicate and sulfate minerals has recently been located at several major hydrothermal systems in the western U.S. utilizing newly-discovered near-infrared spectral properties. Knowledge of the origin and mineralogic relations of ammonium minerals at known hydrothermal systems is critical for the proper interpretation of remote sensing data and for testing of possible links to mineralization. Submicroscopic analysis of ammonium minerals from two mercury- and gold-bearing hot-springs deposits at Ivanhoe, Nevada and McLaughlin, California shows that the ammonium feldspar, buddingtonite, occurs as fine-grained euhedral crystals coating larger sulfide and quartz crystals. Ammonium feldspar seems to precipitate relatively late in the crystallization sequence and shows evidence for replacement of NH4+ by K+ or other monovalent cations. Some buddingtonite is observed in close association with mercury, but not with gold. Ammonioalunite is found in a variety of isolated crystal forms at both deposits. Nitrogen isotopic values for ammonium-bearing minerals show a 14‰ range in composition, precluding assignment of a specific provenance to the nitrogen. The correlations of nitrogen isotopic values with depth and ammonium content suggest some loss of nitrogen in the oxidizing supergene environment, possibly as a metastable mineral. The high ammonium content in these hydrothermal systems, the close association to mercury, and the small crystal size of the ammonium-bearing minerals all suggest that ammonium may be transported in a late-stage vapor phase or as an organic volatile. Such a process could lead to the formation of a non-carbonaceous organic aureole above a buried geothermal source. The discovery of a 10-km outcrop of ammonium minerals confirms that significant substitution of ammonium in minerals is possible over an extensive area and that remote sensing is a feasible means to detect such aureoles.
Staging the Image: Video in Contemporary Performance

At a post-show Talkback at P.S. 122 in New York City’s East Village in February 2009, director Peter Born addressed the short video sequence that was used in Pent Up:A Revenge Dance, a show written and performed by his wife, Okwui Okpokwasili. He said, “A lot of theatre uses it, but I think, if you can express it another way, then why use video?” It’s a simple rhetorical question, one that betrays Born’s minimalist theory in terms of the medium. But the answers, exposed through a survey of video’s wider use in contemporary live performance, are actually quite deep and varied. In our technology-saturated visual environment, the question is not whether video will be used in performance (it will), or whether this is a trend that may pass (like ever-expanding online culture, it won’t), but rather, how savvy performers and directors can use moving images to create powerful, visually interesting, critical, or otherwise fresh and authentic works on stage. Several recent New York City performances shed light on the positively exploited potential of video in performance, while others serve to reveal common missteps and abuses of the ubiquitous medium.
Spectroscopic properties of the metalloregulatory Cd(II) and Pb(II) sites of S. aureus pI258 CadC.

Staphylococcus aureus pI258 CadC is an extrachromosomally encoded metalloregulatory repressor protein from the ArsR superfamily which negatively regulates the expression of the cad operon in a metal-dependent fashion. The metalloregulatory hypothesis holds that direct binding of thiophilic divalent cations including Cd(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) by CadC allosterically regulates the DNA binding activity of CadC to the cad operator/promoter (O/P). This report presents a detailed characterization of the metal binding and DNA binding properties of wild-type CadC. The results of analytical ultracentrifugation experiments suggest that both apo- and Cd1-CadC are stable or weakly dissociable homodimers characterized by a Kdimer = 3.0 × 106 M-1 (pH 7.0, 0.20 M NaCl, 25.0 °C) with little detectable effect of Cd(II) on the dimerization equilibrium. As determined by optical spectroscopy, the stoichiometry of Cd(II) and Pb(II) binding is ≈0.7−0.8 mol/mol of wild-type CadC monomer. Chelator (EDTA) competition binding isot...
A division-of-focal-plane spectral-polarization imaging sensor

Existing Division-of-Focal-Plane (DoFP) polarization sensors are capable of detecting intensity and polarization information but ignore spectral information. We present a novel integrated DoFP polarimeter that can simultaneously perceive spectral, polarization and intensity information with high spatial resolution at every frame. The sensor was realized by integrating aluminum nanowire polarization filters at the focal plane of an image sensor that has a vertically stacked photodiode structure in each pixel. The sensor has been optically characterized over a range of intensities, incident polarization angles and wavelengths. Results from the optoelectronic characterization as well as real-life spectral-polarization images obtained from the sensor are presented.
The intramuscular nerve supply of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle of the dog.

The paired posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscle has three separate muscle bellies that differ in muscle fiber type (percentage of fast vs. slow twitch) and electromyelographic activity, and, in addition, produce different movements of the arytenoids when stimulated. An investigation of the innervation of the muscle was undertaken to demonstrate the existence of separate functional units. The intramuscular nerve supply of the PCA from five sacrificed dogs were microdissected. The intramuscular nerves of three additional dogs were removed and stained for acetylcholinesterase, which differentiates axons bound for fast- and slow-twitch muscle, and sensory end organs. Three separate fascicles are described entering the PCA muscle from a single branch of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The three fascicles differ in axon type composition and in sensory, autonomic, and motor percentages, with the ratio of fast twitch to slow twitch varying from 0.78 to 1.5 to 1.7 (P <.05). This variation supports separate functional capabilities for the three muscle bellies of the PCA.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor genes on chromosome 15q25.1 are associated with nicotine and opioid dependence severity

A locus on chromosome 15q25.1 previously implicated in nicotine, alcohol, and cocaine dependence, smoking, and lung cancer encodes subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) expressed in the mesolimbic system and thought to mediate substance dependence. Opioid dependence severity (ODS), nicotine dependence severity (NDS), smoking status and quantity, and the number of attempts to quit were assessed using questionnaire instruments in 505 subjects who were prescribed opioid medications for chronic pain in outpatient practice sites. Multivariate regression was used to test for genetic association of these phenotypes with 5 SNPs in the nAChR gene cluster on chromosome 15q25.1, adjusting for background variables. A coding variant in CHRNA5 (rs16969968[A]) was significantly associated with 1.4-unit higher ODS (p < 0.00017). A variant in the 3′ untranslated region of CHRNA3 (rs660652[G]) was significantly associated with 1.7-fold higher odds of lifetime smoking (p < 0.0092), 1.1-unit higher NDS (p < 0.0007), 0.7 more pack-years of cigarette smoking (p < 0.0038), and 0.8 more lifetime attempts to quit (p < 0.0084). Our data suggest an association of DNA variants in the nAChR gene cluster on chromosome 15q25.1 with ODS, as well as NDS and related smoking phenotypes. While the association of this locus with NDS and smoking phenotypes is well known, the association with ODS, a dimension of opioid substance dependence, is novel and requires verification in independent studies.
MMSE decision-feedback detectors for DS-CDMA in fast-fading channels

A multiuser decision-feedback detector (DFD) for direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (DS-CDMA) is proposed for fast-fading channels. The proposed modified minimum mean-squared error (MMSE)-DFD (termed precombining MMSE-DFD) is shown to be independent of the instantaneous channel coefficients. Hence, it can be adaptively implemented unlike the standard MMSE-DFD (termed postcombining MMSE-DFD), where it is known to break down in fast-fading channels due to the severe tracking problems. A two-stage MMSE-DFD is also derived which consists of two cascaded MMSE-DFDs, each performing parallel or successive interference cancellation prior to multipath combining. The performance of the various MMSE-DFDs is investigated and compared to the linear MMSE detector (i.e. no feedback) over different fading-channel models, using the Gaussian approximation. The numerical results show that, in all cases, the postcombining receivers perform significantly better than the corresponding precombining receivers. Finally, a simple adaptive implementation for the two-stage detector is derived based on the normalised least-mean-square (NLMS) algorithm. The performance of this two-stage receiver is examined using both the Gaussian approximation and Monte Carlo simulations.
The catalytic oxidation of propylene: X. An investigation of the kinetics and mechanism over USb3O10

Abstract The kinetics of propylene oxidation have been investigated over the temperature range 325 to 475 °C. The reaction orders for both oxygen and propylene changed with temperature. At temperatures higher than 400 °C, the reaction was first order in propylene pressure and zero order in oxygen pressure. At temperatures below 400 °C, the reaction exhibited fractional order dependencies in both propylene and oxygen pressures. The apparent activation energy for acrolein formation changed from 17 kcal/mole at high temperatures to 30 kcal/mole at the lower temperatures. Oxygen-18 and deuterated propylene were used as tracers under steady-state reaction conditions. The tracer experiments indicated that acrolein is formed via a redox mechanism and that only a few layers of lattice oxygen participate in the reaction. The rate-limiting step is the abstraction of the α-hydrogen from propylene to form the allylic intermediate, but no isotope effect for the abstraction of the second hydrogen was observed. Carbon dioxide is formed through parallel and consecutive pathways.
Using propensity scores to control for confounding: the influence of causal models on the valdity of effect estimates

Purpose The propensity score, a data-based approach used to control for confounding, has been increasingly used in large-scale datasets. Recent developments in epidemiologic methods, however, suggest that data-based approaches to confounding that lack conceptual grounding may lead to less valid estimates. We examined whether the underlying causal scenario influences the extent to which the propensity score improves the validity of effect estimates. Methods Hypothetical cohorts were simulated for two alternative causal scenarios of the relationship between prescription ibuprofen and death. To investigate the effect of the causal model on the validity of the propensity score-adjusted effect estimate, in these models, we specify the relationships among several hypothetical causes of death and vary the prevalence of each cause. Each cohort was analyzed using logistic and Poisson regression to derive odds ratios and risk ratios (RRs), respectively, to calculate the effect estimates and propensity scores. Results Statistical analyses resulting from these simulations demonstrate that propensity scores derived from logistic regression may be problematic when the drug treatment of interest is common. In addition, mediators of the drug-disease process are often disguised as confounders and thus may be inadvertently included in the propensity score, leading to less valid estimates. Finally, the propensity scores may provide invalid estimates when single variables are included in the composite score without consideration of the joint effects among the variables. Under the most extreme scenario, the propensity score-adjusted estimate (RR prop ) reversed the direction of the true RR (RR true ) (e.g., RR true = 1.72 vs. RR prop = 0.65). Conclusion Under realistic causal models, propensity scores may lead to less valid effect estimates because they rely solely on data to identify confounding. Hypothesizing the causal model prior to generating propensity scores for an outcome of interest may lead to more valid estimates.
Sacred spain: art and belief in the spanish world exhibition at the indianapolis museum of art, 2009–2010

(2010). Sacred spain: art and belief in the spanish world exhibition at the indianapolis museum of art, 2009–2010. Material Religion: Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 263-265.
Low-latency multi-datacenter databases using replicated commit

Web service providers have been using NoSQL datastores to provide scalability and availability for globally distributed data at the cost of sacrificing transactional guarantees. Recently, major web service providers like Google have moved towards building storage systems that provide ACID transactional guarantees for globally distributed data. For example, the newly published system, Spanner, uses Two-Phase Commit and Two-Phase Locking to provide atomicity and isolation for globally distributed data, running on top of Paxos to provide fault-tolerant log replication. We show in this paper that it is possible to provide the same ACID transactional guarantees for multi-datacenter databases with fewer cross-datacenter communication trips, compared to replicated logging. Instead of replicating the transactional log, we replicate the commit operation itself, by running Two-Phase Commit multiple times in different datacenters and using Paxos to reach consensus among datacenters as to whether the transaction should commit. Doing so not only replaces several inter-datacenter communication trips with intra-datacenter communication trips, but also allows us to integrate atomic commitment and isolation protocols with consistent replication protocols to further reduce the number of cross-datacenter communication trips needed for consistent replication; for example, by eliminating the need for an election phase in Paxos. We analyze our approach in terms of communication trips to compare it against the log replication approach, then we conduct an extensive experimental study to compare the performance and scalability of both approaches under various multi-datacenter setups.
JAHA: The American Heart Association's Open Access Journal

I am pleased to introduce the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA) , the American Heart Association's new Open Access journal. The Scientific Publishing Committee created JAHA to align the American Heart Association with recent trends in the publishing industry as readers have moved away
Light-Dependent Redistribution of Arrestin in Vertebrate Rods Is an Energy-Independent Process Governed by Protein-Protein Interactions

In rod photoreceptors, arrestin localizes to the outer segment (OS) in the light and to the inner segment (IS) in the dark. Here, we demonstrate that redistribution of arrestin between these compartments can proceed in ATP-depleted photoreceptors. Translocation of transducin from the IS to the OS also does not require energy, but depletion of ATP or GTP inhibits its reverse movement. A sustained presence of activated rhodopsin is required for sequestering arrestin in the OS, and the rate of arrestin relocalization to the OS is determined by the amount and the phosphorylation status of photolyzed rhodopsin. Interaction of arrestin with microtubules is increased in the dark. Mutations that enhance arrestin-microtubule binding attenuate arrestin translocation to the OS. These results indicate that the distribution of arrestin in rods is controlled by its dynamic interactions with rhodopsin in the OS and microtubules in the IS and that its movement occurs by simple diffusion.
Performance Evaluation of Contemporary Spirometers

A comprehensive evaluation of 62 spirometers from 37 different sources was performed using a two-part protocol: calibrated syringe, and dynamic waveform testing. All testing was done with ambient air. Calibrated syringe testing examined the ability of the spirometers to accurately measure the output of a 3 L calibrating syringe under varying conditions. The accuracy, FVC volume linearity, and stability of each spirometer was determined from these data. All but five of 42 spirometers accurately measured a 3 L calibrating syringe to within ±3 percent. Dynamic waveform testing consisted of introducing 24 standard waveforms into the spirometer from a computer-controlled air pump. The values of FVC, FEV 1 , and FEF25–75% were compared to the actual values for each waveform to determine a performance rating. Only 35 (56.5 percent) of the spirometers performed acceptably when measuring the 24 standard waveforms. Nine (14.5 percent) were marginal and 18 (29.0 percent) were unacceptable. Fifty-nine (95 percent) of the 62 spirometers were computerized. Software errors were found in 25 percent of the computerized systems evaluated. Although using a 3 L syringe for quality control purposes is essential, simple testing of spirometers with a 3 L calibrating syringe for validation purposes was inadequate to assess spirometer performance when compared to dynamic waveform testing. Dynamic waveform testing is essential to accurately measure and validate acceptability of spirometer system performance. (Chest 1990; 97:288–97)
Biochemomechanics of Cerebral Vasospasm and its Resolution: II. Constitutive Relations and Model Simulations

Cerebral vasospasm is a poorly understood clinical condition that appears to result from complex biochemical and biomechanical processes that manifest as yet another example of vascular growth and remodeling. We submit that mathematical modeling holds great promise to help synthesize diverse types of data and thereby to increase our understanding of vasospasm. Toward this ultimate goal, we present constitutive relations and parametric studies that illustrate the potential utility of a new theoretical framework that combines information on wall mechanics, hemodynamics, and chemical kinetics. In particular, we show that chemical and mechanical mediators of cellular and extracellular matrix turnover can differentially dominate the progression and resolution of vasospasm. Moreover, based on our simulations, endothelial damage can significantly alter the time-course and extent of vasospasm as can impairment of autoregulation. Although the present results are consistent with salient features of clinically reported vasospasm, and thus provide some new insight, we suggest that most importantly they reveal areas of pressing need with regard to the collection of additional experimental data. Without appropriate data, our understanding of cerebral vasospasm will remain incomplete.
Efficient integration and aggregation of historical information

Data warehouses support the analysis of historical data. This often involves aggregation over a period of time. Furthermore, data is typically incorporated in the warehouse in the increasing order of a time attribute, e.g., date of sale or time of a temperature measurement. In this paper we propose a framework to take advantage of this append only nature of updates due to a time attribute. The framework allows us to integrate large amounts of new data into the warehouse and generate historical summaries efficiently. Query and update costs are virtually independent from the extent of the data set in the time dimension, making our framework an attractive aggregation approach for append-only data streams. A specific instantiation of the general approach is developed for MOLAP data cubes, involving a new data structure for append-only arrays with pre-aggregated values. Our framework is applicable to point data and data with extent, e.g., hyper-rectangles.
Stretch marks during pregnancy: a review of topical prevention

Striae gravidarum (SG), or stretch marks developing during pregnancy, affect up to 90% of women. While not medically dangerous, SG can be disfiguring, causing emotional and psychological distress. However, studies specifically addressing the prevention of SG, especially during pregnancy, are sparse. Furthermore, the molecular pathogenesis of SG is unclear and may differ from that of striae from other causes. Considering these factors, we review topical modalities that have been used specifically for preventing SG during pregnancy. We identify two major strategies (end points) addressed by these modalities, namely (i) preventing the de novo development of SG and (ii) reducing the severity of SG that have recently developed. We also identify risk factors for the development of SG and suggest that pregnant women with these risk factors are an appropriate target population for prevention. In reviewing the literature, we find that there is limited evidence that centella, and possibly massage with bitter almond oil, may prevent SG and/or reduce their severity. There is weak evidence that hyaluronic acid prevents SG. Tretinoin holds promise for reducing the severity of new-onset SG, but its use is limited by its pregnancy category. Finally, cocoa butter and olive oil are not effective for preventing SG or reducing the severity of lesions. We conclude that reliable methods for preventing SG are scarce. Furthermore, available topical modalities generally lack strong evidence from rigorous, well-designed, randomized controlled trials with ample numbers of subjects. Thus, further research is necessary to elucidate SG pathogenesis, which may lead to effective prevention modalities.
Risk factors for anastomotic leak after recto-sigmoid resection for ovarian cancer

Abstract Objectives. Anastomotic leak after recto-sigmoid (RS) resection for ovarian cancer (OC) is a life-threatening complication. Selection of patients for protective diverting stomas has been based on observations from the colorectal literature. Our objective was to identify primary risk factors for anastomotic leak in OC patients undergoing RS resection to better determine who would most benefit from protective diversion. Methods. All patients with OC or primary peritoneal cancer who underwent a debulking procedure with RS resection between January 1999 and December 2004 were included. Retrospective chart review including review of operative notes, pathology reports, and medical records including follow-up visits was done. Cases with inadequate postoperative follow-up, primary end colostomies, or diverting stomas were excluded. Results. 177 patients form our study cohort. There were a total of 12/177 anastomotic leaks (6.8%). The mean time to diagnosis of anastomotic leak was 19 days (range 4–32). The leak rate for primary debulking operations was 8.7% (10/115), whereas the leak rate in secondary debulking procedures was 3.2% (2/62) (NS, P = 0.22). In univariate analysis, only perioperative serum albumin was significantly associated with an increased risk of anastomotic leak (mean 3.4 g/dL vs. 2.4 g/dL, P = 0.002). Based on serum albumin, the leak rate was 6/29 (21%) for levels Conclusions. Low serum albumin is associated with an increased risk of anastomotic leak after RS resection for OC. Patients with a low albumin level may benefit from a protective diverting colostomy/ileostomy.