The DAPP-BQ in the Netherlands: Factor structure and relationship with basic personality dimensions.

0.20 in a sample of 223 normal subjects, Cronbach's α coefficients were calculated for the remaining items in the 18 scales of this instrument. The ‘Dutch’ α coefficients proved to be satisfactory. Furthermore, the Dutch DAPP-BQ scales were factor analyzed, retaining four factors. Three of these factors proved to be identical (Emotional Dysregulation and Dissocial) or nearly identical (Compulsivity) to the Canadian factors. However, the original factor Inhibition was not the same as the remaining Dutch factor Intimacy Problems. In a sample of 115 students, the estimated scores for the Dutch Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology-Basic Questionnaire (DAPP-BQ) factors were correlated with the scales of Van Kampen's Four-Dimensional Personality Test. As expected, Emotional Dysregulation was found to correlate with Neuroticism, Dissocial with Insensitivity, and Compulsivity with Orderliness. The Intimacy Problems factor proved to be negatively correlated with Extraversion. The results obtained are embedded in the context of the evidence favoring a dimensional model of personality disorder. Furthermore, Livesley's proposal that separate diagnostic criteria for the existence of a personality disorder must be formulated to supplement the assessment by means of the DAPP-BQ is critically discussed

A Contracted Path Integral Solution of the Discrete Master Equation

A new representation of the exact time dependent solution of the discrete master equation is derived. This representation can be considered as contraction of the path integral solution of Haken. It allows the calculation of the probability distribution of the occurence time for each path and is suitable as basis of new computational solution methods.Comment: For related work see http://www.theo2.physik.uni-stuttgart.de/helbing.htm

Interrelations between Stochastic Equations for Systems with Pair Interactions

Several types of stochastic equations are important in thermodynamics, chemistry, evolutionary biology, population dynamics and quantitative social science. For systems with pair interactions four different types of equations are derived, starting from a master equation for the state space: First, general mean value and (co)variance equations. Second, Boltzmann-like equations. Third, a master equation for the configuration space allowing transition rates which depend on the occupation numbers of the states. Fourth, a Fokker-Planck equation and a ``Boltzmann-Fokker-Planck equation''. The interrelations of these equations and the conditions for their validity are worked out clearly. A procedure for a selfconsistent solution of the nonlinear equations is proposed. Generalizations to interactions between an arbitrary number of systems are discussed.Comment: For related work see http://www.theo2.physik.uni-stuttgart.de/helbing.htm

Occurence Probabilities of Stochastic Paths

An analytical formula for the occurence probability of Markovian stochastic paths with repeatedly visited and/or equal departure rates is derived. This formula is essential for an efficient investigation of the trajectories belonging to random walk models and for a numerical evaluation of the `contracted path integral solution' of the discrete master equation [Phys. Lett. A 195, 128 (1994)].Comment: For related work see http://www.theo2.physik.uni-stuttgart.de/helbing.htm

The transcriptomic signature of fasting murine liver

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The contribution of individual organs to the whole-body adaptive response to fasting has not been established. Hence, gene-expression profiling, pathway, network and gene-set enrichment analysis and immunohistochemistry were carried out on mouse liver after 0, 12, 24 and 72 hours of fasting.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Liver wet weight had declined ~44, ~5, ~11 and ~10% per day after 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours of fasting, respectively. Liver structure and metabolic zonation were preserved. Supervised hierarchical clustering showed separation between the fed, 12–24 h-fasted and 72 h-fasted conditions. Expression profiling and pathway analysis revealed that genes involved in amino-acid, lipid, carbohydrate and energy metabolism responded most significantly to fasting, that the response peaked at 24 hours, and had largely abated by 72 hours. The strong induction of the urea cycle, in combination with increased expression of enzymes of the tricarboxylic-acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, indicated a strong stimulation of amino-acid oxidation peaking at 24 hours. At this time point, fatty-acid oxidation and ketone-body formation were also induced. The induction of genes involved in the unfolded-protein response underscored the cell stress due to enhanced energy metabolism. The continuous high expression of enzymes of the urea cycle, malate-aspartate shuttle, and the gluconeogenic enzyme Pepck and the re-appearance of glycogen in the pericentral hepatocytes indicate that amino-acid oxidation yields to glucose and glycogen synthesis during prolonged fasting.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The changes in liver gene expression during fasting indicate that, in the mouse, energy production predominates during early fasting and that glucose production and glycogen synthesis become predominant during prolonged fasting.</p

Conversion of patellofemoral arthroplasty to total knee arthroplasty: A matched case-control study of 13 patients

Background and purpose The long-term outcome of patellofemoral arthroplasty is related to progression of femorotibial osteoarthritis with need for conversion to total knee arthroplasty. We investigated whether prior patellofemoral arthroplasty compromises the results of total knee arthroplasty

SKU classification: A literature review and conceptual framework

Purpose - Stock keeping unit (SKU) classifications are widely used in the field of production and operations management. Although many theoretical and practical examples of classifications exist, there are no overviews of the current literature, and general guidelines are lacking with respect to method selection for classifying SKUs. The purpose of this paper is to systematically synthesise the earlier work in this area, and to conceptualise and discuss the factors that influence the choice of a specific SKU classification. Design/methodology/approach - The paper structurally reviews existing contributions and synthesises these into a conceptual framework for SKU classification. Findings - How SKUs are classified depends on the classification aim, the context and the method that is chosen. In total, three main production and operations management aims were found: inventory management, forecasting and production strategy. Within the method three decisions are identified to come to a classification: the characteristics, the classification technique and the operationalisation of the classes. Research limitations/implications - Drawing on the literature survey, the authors conclude with a conceptual framework describing the factors that influence SKU classification. Further research could use this framework to develop guidelines for real-life applications. Practical implications Examples from a variety of industries and general directions are provided which managers could use to develop their own SKU classification. Originality/value - The paper aims to advance the literature on SKU classification from the level of individual examples to a conceptual level and provides directions on how to develop a SKU classification

A Guide to ALMA Operations and Interactions with the Community

A primary goal of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) has always been to be a facility accessible to astronomers, radio-interferometry experts and non-experts alike. As a project, it is strongly committed to listening to its users and to utilising this input in decision making and priority setting. Feedback from the community highlights the perceived complexity of ALMA’s organisational structure and, by extension, a diffuse uncertainty around how to make users’ voices heard. The aim of this article is to provide insight into the functioning of ALMA as an integrated observatory, with an emphasis on science and science operations. We present information on the ways the observatory communicates with the broader community, with a focus on the mechanisms by which the community can provide feedback to the project

SPEM dysfunction and general schizotypy as measured by the SSQ: a controlled study

Abstract Background SPEM dysfunction is a well-known phenomenon in schizophrenia. The principal aim of the present study was to examine whether SPEM dysfunction is already observable in subjects scoring high on a specific measure of schizotypy (SSQ General Schizotypy) that was selected because of its intimate relationship with schizophrenic prodromal unfolding. Methods Applying ANOVAs, we determined the relationship of subjects' scores on SSQ General Schizotypy and eye movements elicited by targets of different speed. We also examined whether there exists an association between our schizotypy measure and pupil size. Results We found more SPEM dysfunction in subjects scoring high on SSQ General Schizotypy than in subjects scoring average on that factor, irrespective of the speed of the target. No relationship was found between baseline pupil size and General Schizotypy. Conclusion The present study provides additional evidence that SPEM dysfunction is associated with schizotypic features that precede the onset of schizophrenia and is already observable in general population subjects that show these features

Hypofractionated stereotactic re-irradiation: treatment option in recurrent malignant glioma

BACKGROUND: Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HFSRT) is one salvage treatment option in previously irradiated patients with recurrent malignant glioma. We analyzed the results of HFSRT and prognostic factors in a single-institution series. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2003, 19 patients with recurrent malignant glioma (14 glioblastoma on most recent histology, 5 anaplastic astrocytoma) were treated with HFSRT. The median interval from post-operative radiotherapy to HFSRT was 19 (range 3–116) months, the median daily single dose 5 (4–10) Gy, the median total dose 30 (20–30) Gy and the median planning target volume 15 (4–70) ml. RESULTS: The median overall survival (OS) was 9.3 (1.9-77.6+) months from the time of HFSRT, 15.4 months for grade III and 7.9 months for grade IV tumors (p = 0.029, log-rank test). Two patients were alive at 34.6 and 77.6 months. OS was longer after a total dose of 30 Gy (11.1 months) than after total doses of <30 Gy (7.4 months; p = 0.051). Of five (26%) reoperations, none was performed for presumed or histologically predominant radiation necrosis. Median time to tumor progression after HFSRT on imaging was 4.9 months (1.3 to 37.3) months. CONCLUSION: HFSRT with conservative total doses of no more than 30 Gy is safe and leads to similar OS times as more aggressive treatment schemes. In individual patients, HFSRT in combination with other salvage treatment modalities, was associated with long-term survival