accuracy: Tools for Accurate and Reliable Statistical Computing

Most empirical social scientists are surprised that low-level numerical issues in software can have deleterious effects on the estimation process. Statistical analyses that appear to be perfectly successful can be invalidated by concealed numerical problems. We have developed a set of tools, contained in accuracy, a package for R and S-PLUS, to diagnose problems stemming from numerical and measurement error and to improve the accuracy of inferences. The tools included in accuracy include a framework for gauging the computational stability of model results, tools for comparing model results, optimization diagnostics, and tools for collecting entropy for true random numbers generation.

Qualitative investigation of the role of collaborative football and walking football groups in mental health recovery

Efforts to increase physical activity levels in people with serious mental health conditions are viewed as desirable but little is known about how best to support this group to engage in exercise over extended periods. From a personal recovery perspective, the dominant paradigm in current mental health service delivery, one promising route involves participation with, rather than administration to or supervision of, mental health service users in team sports, usually football, in order to foster sharing of common interests and experiences. We aimed to explore the factors underlying the success of four collaborative mental health football (soccer) projects and the role played by football in mental health care delivery and in personal recovery. We held semi-structured focus groups with service user (n = 18) and staff (n = 7) participants from four football groups (two 'walking' football and two regular football) in two geographical National Health Service Boards in Scotland. Thematic analysis revealed that, central to success, were perceived relational, and personal and physical recovery-related benefits; competition and collaboration-related aspects were important drivers of interest in and commitment to the groups. Further, participants identified barriers to and concerns for continued success; specifically, they expressed that they need more explicit support from senior management. The clear emerging message was that collaborative football groups were perceived by participants as a conduit for recovery and an important aspect of mental healthcare delivery. Playing football was associated with a sense of wellbeing, and enhanced relationships between service users and staff

accuracy: Tools for Accurate and Reliable Statistical Computing

Most empirical social scientists are surprised that low-level numerical issues in software can have deleterious effects on the estimation process. Statistical analyses that appear to be perfectly successful can be invalidated by concealed numerical problems. We have developed a set of tools, contained in accuracy, a package for R and S-PLUS, to diagnose problems stemming from numerical and measurement error and to improve the accuracy of inferences. The tools included in accuracy include a framework for gauging the computational stability of model results, tools for comparing model results, optimization diagnostics, and tools for collecting entropy for true random numbers generation

Expression, Purification, and Biophysical Characterization of a Secreted Anthrax Decoy Fusion Protein in Nicotiana benthamiana.

Anthrax toxin receptor-mediated drug development for blocking anthrax toxin action has received much attention in recent decades. In this study, we produced a secreted anthrax decoy fusion protein comprised of a portion of the human capillary morphogenesis gene-2 (CMG2) protein fused via a linker to the fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain of human immunoglobulin G1 in Nicotiana benthamiana plants using a transient expression system. Using the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV) 35S promoter and co-expression with the p19 gene silencing suppressor, we were able to achieve a high level of recombinant CMG2-Fc-Apo (rCMG2-Fc-Apo) protein accumulation. Production kinetics were observed up to eight days post-infiltration, and maximum production of 826 mg/kg fresh leaf weight was observed on day six. Protein A affinity chromatography purification of the rCMG2-Fc-Apo protein from whole leaf extract and apoplast wash fluid showed the homodimeric form under non-reducing gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the molecular integrity of the secreted protein. The N-glycosylation pattern of purified rCMG2-Fc-Apo protein was analysed; the major portion of N-glycans consists of complex type structures in both protein samples. The most abundant (>50%) N-glycan structure was GlcNAc₂(Xyl)Man₃(Fuc)GlcNAc₂ in rCMG2-Fc-Apo recovered from whole leaf extract and apoplast wash fluid. High mannose N-glycan structures were not detected in the apoplast wash fluid preparation, which confirmed the protein secretion. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that high-level production of rCMG2-Fc-Apo can be achieved by transient production in Nicotiana benthamiana plants with apoplast targeting

New high temperature plasma ion source for the TRISTAN ISOL facility

A vigorous program of ion source development at TRISTAN has led to several types of ion sources that are especially suited to extended operation at a reactor-based ISOL facility. The latest of these is a high temperature plasma ion source in which a 5 gm /sup 235/U target is located in the cathode and can be heated to 2500/sup 0/C. The ion source has a lifetime of >1000 hours and produces a wide array of elements, including Pd. Off-line investigations indicate that the source functions primarily in an electron impact mode of ionization and exhibits typical ionzation efficiencies of >30% for Xe

Quantification of mitral regurgitation by integrated Doppler backscatter power

AbstractObjectives. We attempted to determine whether continuous wave Doppler backscatter power could be used to quantify mitral regurgitation.Background. The power of a Doppler backscatter signal is proportional to the number of scatterers insonated and, hence, to the moving volume of blood. The relative power of the continuous wave Doppler signals from mitral inflow and aortic outflow is therefore proportional to the relative volumes of blood in motion.Methods. Computer postprocessing was used to derive the relative power of the Doppler backscatter signal from the intensity of the pixels within the spectral display of anterograde aortic and mitral flow. The power ratio was used to calculate the regurgitant fraction in 20 patients (mean age 61.4 years) with mitral regurgitation. This Doppler regurgitant fraction was compared with that derived from angiographic left ventricular volume and thermodilution cardiac output. In addition, 12 normal control subjects were studied by the Doppler method.Results. Mean (± SD) catheterization regurgitant fraction was 0.50 ± 0.26, and mean Doppler regurgitant fraction was 0.47 ± 0.25 (r = 0.89). The limits of agreement between the two methods by Bland-Altman analysis were −0.21 to +0.27. In normal control subjects with an expected regurgitant fraction of close to zero, mean Doppler regurgitant fraction was 0.03 ± 0.05.Conclusions. Doppler backscatter power from mitral and aortic inflow provides a new and accurate method for quantifying mitral regurgitation

Yield and photosynthetic rate of wheat under continuously high temperature

In tropical regions high temperature occurs throughout wheat growth cycle and is a major factor influencing growth and yield in this area. The aim of this work is to describe the responses to continuously-high temperatures on growth, photosynthesis and yield of wheat, under controlled conditions. Nias and Dewata (Indonesian wheat varieties) and Axe and Gladius (Australian varieties) were tested in growth room experiment with temperature and photoperiod chosen to simulate conditions on Lombok Island, at lowland (32/23°C) and highland (28/20°C) sites. The third temperature (25/15°C) was selected to represent temperature in a more temperate wheat-producing area. High temperature reduced yield and dry matter accumulation which was associated with a reduction in photosynthetic rate and stomata conductance and an increase in respiration rate. The reduction in photosynthetic rate at high temperature was not only due to lower stomatal conductance but also non-stomatal effects as mesophyll conductance and quantum yield were lower. Genetic variability in response to heat stress was evident with the Indonesian varieties being more tolerant to high temperatures than Australian varieties. Nias and Dewata produced higher yield and biomass and maintaining higher rates of photosynthesis. Maintaining high photosynthetic rate and high stomata conductance, are important characters in adapting wheat into tropical environment such as Lombok Island.A Zubaidi, D R Anugrahwati, G K McDonald and G Gil

Water use, water use efficiency, water soluble carbohydrate and yield of four varieties of wheat in continuously high temperatures

High temperatures are a common feature of the environment of tropical regions such as Lombok Island and although the effect can be alleviated by altitude, heat stress will be an important limitation to the productivity of wheat in this environment. The objectives of the experiment were to observe the responses of water use (WU), water use efficiency (WUE) and water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) to high temperatures on growth and yield of wheat under controlled conditions. In this experiment plants were grown under growth chambers at temperatures to simulate low and high elevation locations on Lombok Island. Water use, water use efficiency, WSC and yield of 4 wheat genotypes (2 Australian and 2 Indonesian varieties) grown at 3 temperatures (32°/23°C, 28°/20ºC, and 25°/15ºC day/night) were compared. Variation in water use, water use efficiency, and the concentration of water soluble carbohydrate was found. Indonesian wheat varieties, Nias and Dewata produced higher yield and biomass and maintaining higher rates of water use and remobilisation of water soluble carbohydrate from vegetative tissues to grain. The accumulation of water soluble carbohydrates was an important adaptive characteristic that was strongly associated with grain weight and grains per spikelet and maintained better yield.A Zubaidi, D R Anugrahwati, G Gill and G K McDonal