cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of viral suppression among persons with HIV upon estimated HIV incidence between 2010 and 2015 in the United States

Background The suppression of viremia among persons with HIV (PWH) using antiretroviral therapy has been hypothesized to reduce HIV incidence at the population level. We investigated the impact of state level viral suppression among PWH in the United States on estimated HIV incidence between 2010 and 2015. Methods Viral suppression data and HIV incidence estimates from the National HIV Surveillance System were available from 29 states and the District of Columbia. We assumed a one year delay for viral suppression to impact incidence. Poisson regression models were used to calculate the estimated annual percent change (EAPC) in incidence rate. We employed a multivariable mixed-effects Poisson regression model to assess the effects of state level race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, percent men who have sex with men (MSM) and hepatitis C virus prevalence as a proxy for injection drug use on HIV incidence. Findings Fitted HIV incidence for 30 jurisdictions declined from 11.5 in 2010 to 10.0 per 100,000 population by 2015 corresponding with an EAPC of -2.67 (95% confidence interval [95%CI] -2.95, -2.38). Southern states experienced the highest estimated incidence by far throughout this period but upon adjustment for viral suppression and demographics there was a 36% lower incidence rate than Northeast states (adjusted rate ratio [aRR] 0.64; 95%CI 0.42, 0.99). For every 10 percentage point (pp) increase in viral suppression there was an adjusted 4% decline in HIV incidence rate in the subsequent year (aRR 0.96; 95%CI 0.93, 0.99). While controlling for viral suppression, HIV incidence rate increased by 42% (aRR 1.42 95%CI 1.31, 1.54) for every 5 pp increase in percent Black race and by 27% (aRR 1.27 95%CI 1.10, 1.48) for every 1 pp increase in percent MSM in states. Interpretation A decline in estimated HIV incidence from 2010 to 2015 was associated with increasing viral suppression in the United States. Race and sexual orientation were important HIV acquisition risk factors.
Ultrasonic and Magnetic Techniques for Materials Characterization and Embrittlement Detection

This paper contains a brief description of recent research advances aimed at the nondestructive characterization of embrittlement, followed by a more detailed discussion of some recent results. The former includes recommendations in the areas of nondestructive evaluation and broader strategies for assessing embrittlement of irradiated reactor pressure vessel steels. The latter describes some very recent results in using measurements of dynamic magnetostriction to monitor the ultra fine scale microstructural changes associated with embrittlement.
Lava effusion rate evolution and erupted volume during the 2018 Kīlauea lower East Rift Zone eruption

The 2018 eruption on the lower East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano produced one of the largest and most destructive lava flows in Hawai’i during the past 200 years. Over the course of more than 3 months, twenty-four fissures erupted, and the rate of lava effusion varied by two orders of magnitude, with significant implications for evolving flow behavior and hazards. Syn-eruptive data were collected to quantify these changes in lava effusion rate, including video of flow through channels and digital elevation models acquired using small unoccupied aircraft systems, airborne lidar, and airborne single-pass interferometric synthetic aperture radar. Topographic data through time allowed calculation of subaerial lava flow volume and time-averaged discharge rate over the course of the eruption, which we integrated with pre- and post-eruption bathymetric surveys. Repeat videos of the near-vent channel were analyzed with particle velocimetry to extract flow velocities, and these were combined with open channel flow theory to calculate a time series of instantaneous effusion rates. Results show a general increase in dense rock equivalent (DRE) effusion rate from ~7 to ~100 m3/s from early to late May for the whole flow field and ≥ 200 m3/s by mid-June after the eruption had focused at a primary vent. By the end of the eruption in August, 0.9–1.4 km3 DRE of lava had erupted, with 0.4 km3 deposited on land and at least 0.5 km3 offshore. The trends in effusion rate through time reflect magmatic processes in the connected summit and rift zone system that controlled eruption rate, with resulting implications for lava flow dynamics and hazards.
Can Narratives Increase Compliance?: An Experiment of Vicarious Foot-in-the-Door

Abstract. The current study assessed whether vicariously experiencing story characters granting a small favor can induce similar intentions from its audiences. Acting upon the perspectives of story...
An Experimental and Computational Study of the Gas-Phase Acidities of the Common Amino Acid Amides

Using proton-transfer reactions in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer and correlated molecular orbital theory at the G3(MP2) level, gas-phase acidities (GAs) and the associated structures for amides corresponding to the common amino acids have been determined for the first time. These values are important because amino acid amides are models for residues in peptides and proteins. For compounds whose most acidic site is the C-terminal amide nitrogen, two ions populations were observed experimentally with GAs that differ by 4–7 kcal/mol. The lower energy, more acidic structure accounts for the majority of the ions formed by electrospray ionization. G3(MP2) calculations predict that the lowest energy anionic conformer has a cis-like orientation of the [−C(═O)NH]− group whereas the higher energy, less acidic conformer has a trans-like orientation of this group. These two distinct conformers were predicted for compounds with aliphatic, amide, basic, hydroxyl, and thioether side chain...
Optical Measurements of Gas Phase Vector and Scalar Properties in Reacting and Non-Reacting Polydispersed Sprays

Measurement of gas phase scalar and vector properties within sprays are needed to better understand the vaporization, transport, and combustion of liquid fuels. In the present case, measurement of gas phase vector properties are achieved in the spray field of a twin-fluid atomizer using phase Doppler interferometry. A gas phase scalar, in this case, the concentration of hydrocarbon vapor, is measured using an infrared extinction/scattering technique. When combined, the measurements provide a direct measure of the vaporization characteristics of the spray. The atomizer is operated with methanol under several conditions, including those with and without air-assist. In addition, the spray is studied under reacting as well as non-reacting conditions. The results reveal the insight added by measurement of not only the droplets, but also of the gas phase in the presence of the drops, and identify the need to consider the evolution of the spray in time as well as space.
La Peña de los Parra: The Power of Song

ON WEEKEND EVENINGS in late 1971 and early 1972-the uneasy middle months of Salvador Allende's presidency, when I was a 22-year-old student in Chile on a Fulbright Study Grant ?my friends and I boarded one of Santiago's big rattletrap busses down the Alameda to a neighbor hood of run-down mansions and working-class flats. We got off at the Calle Carmen and walked down to No. 340, where we paid the 20-escudo cover charge and sat at one of the rickety low tables in the dark, already crowded room, to wait for the spotlight to come on and the first per formers to step onto the tiny stage. The place was the Pe?a de los Parra, the folk music club and gallery/atelier of popular art, opened in 1965 by Isabel and Angel Parra, daughter and son of the legendary Violeta Parra, the folk musician and artist who had died in early 1967. My friends and I knew that the Pe?a was the center of La Nueva Can ci?n? the Chilean New Song movement ?and part of the renaissance of folk literature, art, theatre and dance that flowered so briefly in Chile in the 1960s and early 70s. But none of us could have foreseen how abruptly this movement would be cut off in September, 1973, by the military coup. All we knew then was that we admired the music?its energy and authentic ity? and the artistic and social commitment of its practitioners: groups like Quilapayun and Inti-Illimani, solo performers like Osvaldo Rodr?guez and the already world-renowned Victor Jara (who was to be tortured and murdered after the coup by the military police in Santiago's National Sta dium), as well as Angel and Isabel themselves. Their names would become synonymous throughout Latin America, and later, throughout the world, with the power of song as a weapon.
Efficient distribution of a parallel job across different Grid sites

Abstract Cross-cluster load distribution of a parallel job has been studied in this paper. Two TeraGrid sites was pooled as a single resource to run 128 and 512 mesh blocks of a CFD problem having 18M mesh elements. Blocks were evenly distributed across the Grid clusters. Random block distribution was compared with two different distributions of graph partitioning. Interface size and block size were considered as weighting factors to group blocks between the Grid sites. Communication between Grid sites is major bottleneck though there are minor differences in timing when considering interface size and block size as weighting factors. As number of mesh blocks increase, communication dependency across the Grid sites increases.
Effects of chronic cocaine abuse on postsynaptic dopamine receptors

To assess the effects of chronic cocaine intoxication on dopamine receptors in human subjects, the authors evaluated [18F]N-methylspiroperidol binding using positron emission tomography in 10 cocaine abusers and 10 normal control subjects. Cocaine abusers who had been detoxified for 1 week or less showed significantly lower values for uptake of [18F]N-methylspiroperidol in striatum than the normal subjects, whereas the cocaine abusers who had been detoxified for 1 month showed values comparable to those obtained from normal subjects. The authors conclude that postsynaptic dopamine receptor availability decreases with chronic cocaine abuse but may recover after a drug-free interval.
Thinking about Harmony: Historical Perspectives on Analysis

Preface 1. Chord identification 2. Chordal embellishment 3. Parallel and sequential progressions 4. Harmonic progression 5. Chordal hierarchy 6. Modulation to closely related keys 7. Chromatic chords: diminished/augmented 8. Chromatic chords: major and minor Epilogue Biographies.
Dynamic Laffer Curves, Economic Growth and Public Capital

This paper adds to the literature on tax policy and economic growth by examining the effects of tax cuts on labor and capital within an endogenous growth model with public capital and elastic labor supply. The impact of tax cuts on growth rates and government revenues is shown to vary significantly based on the allocation of government budgets towards government consumption, transfers, and investment in public capital. In general, governments that allocate their revenues to public capital investment enjoy higher growth rates and larger revenue gains from tax cuts than governments that allocate to transfers or government consumption. In addition, cuts in capital tax rates are more likely to generate a positive present value of future revenues than similar cuts in labor tax rates. That is, capital taxes are more likely to have a dynamic Laffer curve. These results are explained at the microeconomic level through substitution, income and government outlay effects.
Distance-Independence of Mitotic Intrachromosomal Recombination in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

Many genetic studies have shown that the frequency of homologous recombination depends largely on the distance in which recombination can occur. We have studied the effect of varying the length of duplicated sequences on the frequency of mitotic intrachromosomal recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We find that the frequency of recombination resulting in the loss of one of the repeats and the intervening sequences reaches a plateau when the repeats are short. In addition, the frequency of recombination to correct a point mutation contained in one of these repeats is not proportional to the size of the duplication but rather depends dramatically on the location of the mutation within the repeated sequences. However, the frequency of mitotic interchromosomal reciprocal recombination is dependent on the distance separating the markers. The difference in the response of intrachromosomal and interchromosomal mitotic recombination to increasing lengths of homology may indicate there are different rate-limiting steps for recombination in these two cases. These findings have important implications for the maintenance and evolution of duplicated sequences.
The Validity of Conscientiousness for Predicting Job Performance: A meta-analytic test of two hypotheses

This study examined two hypotheses regarding the moderating effects of job characteristics on the validity of personality. Using meta-analytic techniques, the authors explored the extent to which the structural characteristics and cognitive ability requirements of jobs influence the role of conscientiousness in predicting performance. The results suggest that conscientiousness is a stronger predictor of performance in jobs that are highly routinized, and a weaker predictor of performance in jobs with high levels of cognitive ability requirements. Implications for theory and future research are discussed.
Alcohol consumption increases ultraviolet radiation induced immune dysfunction. (HUM2P.341)

Alcohol ingestion and sun exposure often occur simultaneously. Excessive ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is associated with increased incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). More recently, epidemiologic studies have revealed an independent correlation between alcohol use and increased incidence of NMSC. Although multiple factors have been proposed to explain these interactions, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this association have not been determined. Impaired tumor surveillance contributes to the development of skin cancer, and UVR can suppress immune function. Furthermore, the metabolism of alcohol can also suppress immune function. We therefore sought to determine whether UVR mediated immune dysfunction is affected by alcohol consumption. Specifically, we evaluated UVR induced immune suppression in the presence or absence of alcohol ingestion by combining standard mouse models of alcohol consumption and UVR induced immune suppression. In this controlled system, our results demonstrate that mice exposed to both ETOH and UV suffer greater immune suppression than those exposed to either alone. These results suggest that combining alcohol and UV exposure increases immune suppression, and support additional efforts to investigate the interactions between UVR and alcohol relevant to immunosuppression and the development of NMSC.
Biaxial mechanical properties of the inferior vena cava in C57BL/6 and CB-17 SCID/bg mice

Multiple murine models have proven useful in studying the natural history of neovessel development in the tissue engineering of vascular grafts. Nevertheless, to better understand longitudinal changes in the biomechanics of such neovessels, we must first quantify native tissue structure and properties. In this paper, we present the first biaxial mechanical data for, and nonlinear constitutive modeling of, Qthe inferior vena cava from two models used in tissue engineering: wild-type C57BL/6 and immunodeficient CB-17 SCID/bg mice. Results show that inferior vena cava from the latter are significantly stiffer in the circumferential direction, both materially (as assessed by a stored energy function) and structurally (as assessed by the compliance), despite a lower intramural content of fibrillar collagen and similar wall thickness. Quantifying the natural history of neovessel development in different hosts could lead to increased insight into the mechanisms by which cells fashion and maintain extracellular matrix in order to match best the host stiffness while ensuring sufficient vascular integrity.
One size does not fit all: Understanding the variation in charter management scale-up

The prevalence of charter management organizations (CMOs)—networks of charter schools overseen by a home office—has exploded in recent years but there is a paucity of research into how CMOs approach growth and the factors that influence their growth plans. In this qualitative study, we examine how a set of 25 older, more established CMOs approached growth. Findings suggest that strategies for scale-up varied depending on the external policy environment and the internal organizational capacity of the CMO. In addition, CMOs approached growth from one of three styles: premeditated, opportunistic, or organic. Finally, longitudinal data reveal that CMOs often struggled to meet their growth targets; fewer than half of the sample CMOs met or were on track to meet their projected scale-up targets. From these findings emerged a key source of tension: On one hand, CMOs are facing pressure from policymakers and foundations to grow and expand rapidly. On the other hand, scaling-up too quickly or in ways that fall outside of the CMO’s mission can lead to serious consequences for the organization, its schools, and students. Our research aims to contribute to this debate by demonstrating that “one size does not fit all” for CMO scale-up, a lesson important for policymakers, educators, and researchers alike.
Dynamics and rheology of elastic particles in an extensional flow

We investigate the dynamics and rheology of elastic particles in a viscous extensional flow under Stokes flow conditions by means of the large deformation method developed by Gao, Hu & Ponte Castaneda (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 687, 2011, pp. 209–237). The particles are assumed to be homogeneous, incompressible and neo-Hookean solids. When subjected to extensional flow, an initially ellipsoidal (elliptical) elastic particle stretches and rotates simultaneously, tending to deform into a stable ellipsoidal shape with the initial major axis aligned with the extension direction. However, the steady-state solutions may not exist when the particle stiffness is lower than a certain critical value. By using the solution of a single particle, the macroscopic rheological properties are evaluated for a dilute suspension of elastic particles under extension. Similar to some polymer blends, softer particles lead to a larger extensional viscosity for the suspension.
Lactate provocation of panic attacks in depressed outpatients.

Abstract Forty-seven nonmelancholic depressed outpatients were infused with sodium lactate to explore the relationship between history of panic attacks and lactate-induced panic. Lactate panic was rated without knowledge of history of panic. Fifteen of 29 patients (52%) with a history of spontaneous panic experienced panic attacks in response to lactate. Only 1 of 18 patients (6%) without a history of spontaneous panic experienced a lactate-induced panic attack—a highly significant difference. The likelihood of lactate panic was related to frequency of spontaneous panic attacks. The implications of these findings for understanding the relationship of panic attacks and depression are discussed.
Effects of rearing density on growth and survival of lake trout

Abstract Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) were reared at density indices (allowable density in pounds/cubic foot divided by fish length in inches) of 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, and 2.0 in cages suspended in circular tanks. Water flow rates were such that dissolved oxygen remained above 8 ppm within all the cages. Thus treatment effects were attributed to density and not influenced by water quality. Growth and condition were not affected by density, but survival was lower at the higher density than at the three lower densities. We conclude that lake trout may be successfully reared at a density index of at least 1.0 if the water requirements for respiration and waste dilution are met.
Evaluation of Rifalazil in a Combination Treatment Regimen as an Alternative to Isoniazid-Rifampin Therapy in a Mouse Tuberculosis Model

The newer rifamycin, rifalazil (RLZ) (previously known as KRM-1648), has been shown in prior experiments to be a highly potent drug against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this report, we studied the efficacy of RLZ in combination with pyrazinamide (PZA) and ethambutol (EMB) in a long-term in vivo experiment and compared their activity with the isoniazid (INH)-rifampin (RIF) combination which is presently used in the clinic. Combinations of RLZ with PZA alone or with both PZA and EMB were both found to have sterilizing activities comparable to that of the INH-RIF combination but significantly better activity with respect to relapse of infection. These results suggest that RLZ, or other agents with similar activity, could be combined with available agents to act as a potential alternative drug regimen to the currently used INH-RIF combination.
The effect of information sharing on supply chain stability and the bullwhip effect

This paper analyzes the bullwhip effect in multi-stage supply chains operated with linear and time-invariant inventory management policies and shared supply chain information. Such information includes past order sequences and inventory records at all supplier stages. The paper characterizes the stream of orders placed at any stage of the chain when the customer demand process is known and ergodic, and gives an exact formula for the variance of the orders placed. The paper also derives robust analytical conditions, based only on inventory management policies, to predict the presence of the bullwhip effect and bound its magnitude. These results hold independently of the customer demand. The general framework proposed in this paper allows for any inventory replenishment policies, any ways of sharing and utilizing information, and any customer demand processes. It is also shown as a special case that sharing customer demand information across the chain significantly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the bullwhip effect.
Intraoperative electron beam radiotherapy in recurrent colorectal carcinoma.

Background and Objectives The installation of a dedicated linear accelerator in a shielded operating room in 1992 allowed us to start a feasibility study of intraoperative electron beam radiation therapy (IOERT) in colorectal carcinoma. Methods From March 1992 to February 1996, 28 patients with recurrent colorectal carcinoma were treated with maximal surgical resection and IOERT to the pelvis (n = 20) or paraortics (n = 8). IOERT dose ranged from 10 to 20 Gy with electron energies of 6–15 MeV. Postoperative external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) of 45–50 Gy was planned for the previously unirradiated patients. Results IOERT was well tolerated, but 10 (70%) of 13 patients in the previously unirradiated group did not complete the EBRT per protocol. Eight patients (29%) had some morbidity including surgically related fistula distal from IOERT sites. Two patients developed pelvic pain, which can be attributed to IOERT. Three-year local control at sites treated with IOERT was 40% (53% for previously irradiated patients and 27% for previously unirradiated patients). The 3-year actuarial overall survival was 12% (17% for previously irradiated patients and 8% for previously unirradiated patients). Conclusions Our initial experience showed that it was feasible to treat poor prognostic colorectal cancer patients with IOERT. The morbidity observed was mainly related to extensive surgery in high-risk patients. Poor local control was obtained in patients treated with low-dose IOERT alone. Hence, previously unirradiated patients are encouraged to complete the planned EBRT or, alternatively, are considered for EBRT preoperatively or are given a higher IOERT dose (up to 20 Gy) if EBRT will not be given. Since IORT doses >20 Gy are associated with nerve toxicity, we currently add limited dose EBRT in the previously irradiated group. Patients with disease located in multiple abdominal sites are no longer considered candidates for IOERT. J. Surg. Oncol. 1999;72:66–71. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Photofragmentation of M-State Polarized Molecules: Comparison of Quantum and Semiclassical Treatments

A beam of rovibrational energy level selected and magnetic state polarized (X)1A1) CD3I |JKM〉 ≡ |111〉 was photodissociated at 266 nm. State-selective detection of the photoproducts allowed determination of elements of the transition dipole matrix or T matrix. We present here the methodology involved in the extraction of the T matrix elements from such quantum state-to-quantum state experiments and furthermore compare the results to cases where quantum and semiclassical descriptions are expected to be most accurate. A brief description of the effects of nuclear-spin depolarization on the accurate determination of the T matrix elements is also included. After depolarization is taken into account, the magnitudes of the T matrix elements for the R(ΔJ = 1) and Q(ΔJ = 0) product waves were 6.4 and 6.9, respectively. The relative phase between these waves was ±11°, which is due purely to the structure of the excited state potential surface. These T matrix values give a β = 1.94 for the photodissociation of CD3I...
Introduction: current studies on primate socioecology and evolution

Primate socioecology is being dramatically transformed as new studies are undertaken in Madagascar and the New World. Simultaneously, the incorporation of primate studies in a broader framework of theory in behavioral ecology promises to more intelligently inform anthropology's traditional concerns with primate and hominid evolution.
Modular server frame with robust earthquake retention

Adequate retention of computer systems during earthquake events is important because it can not only prevent human injury and potential system damage, but also ensure system availability by limiting to acceptable levels the transmitted accelerations to critical system components such as hard drives. This paper discusses the design of an IBM frame structure and related hardware, and the retention methods used, to provide a robust mechanical installation in both raised- and nonraised-floor environments, capable of surviving severe seismic events. The development of the frame structure and the retention hardware involves extensive earthquake simulation testing, in which the responses of the system under different earthquake test profiles are recorded and analyzed in both the time and frequency domains. Industry standards such as the Bellcore NEBS GR-63-CORE and IBM internal specifications are reviewed and compared, and the transient responses of competing frame designs subjected to various earthquake profiles are investigated to ensure compliance. Finally, the concept of modular design, in which various frame components are utilized to create a flexible family of frames, is discussed.
A mathematical model for the density of malignant cells in the spread of cancer in the uterus

Abstract The solution to a recent mathematical model concerned with the spread of cancer, proposed by Blumenson, is shown to be in error. It is shown how to produce the correct solution to his model. Discussion is presented on extensions of the model to deal with a uterus of finite thickness.
Obesity and Health Risks

Childhood obesity is multi-factorial in etiology. Several factors contribute to the etiology of childhood obesity, and childhood obesity is itself associated with significant morbidity. This article focuses on the health risks of childhood obesity and on the prenatal and childhood influences that contribute to the genesis of childhood obesity.
Liquid Water Content of Fogs and Hazes from Visible Light Scattering

Abstract A new method is proposed for measuring the liquid water content of fogs and hazes. It consists of a planar circular light sensor placed perpendicular to and coaxial with a narrow collimated light beam of a visible wavelength. The direct light from the beam, which is narrower than the width of the sensor, is blocked near the sensor, so that the sensor sees only the light scattered in the near-forward direction by the droplets in the beam. Calculations with numerous droplet size distributions found in maritime fog, and haze aerosols show that the flux of scattered light is approximately proportional to the liquid water content. Advantages of an instrument using the proposed method would be in situ measurements, rapid response, compactness and simplicity.
Building partnerships with low-income families of students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Implications for professional school counselors

Parental involvement is vital in helping students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) perform successfully in schools. Often, low-income families are not involved in their children's education. Therefore, the school counselor's role in partnering with families of students with ADHD to work for their children's academic and social success in school is addressed. Effective ways professional school counselors can encourage parental involvement, such as trainings and family education programs, are also explored.
The companion to the central mira star of the Protoplanetary Nebula OH 231.8+4.2

We present deep optical long-slit spectra of the peculiar protoplanetary nebula (PPN) OH 231.8+4.2 obtained with the 6.5 m Baade Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory (Chile). In addition to the molecular absorption bands characteristic of the M9–10 III star inside OH 231.8+4.2 (QX Pup), we identify lines of the Balmer series in absorption, which do not form in the cool atmospheres of late M-type stars. We also confirm the presence of a blue continuum excess with an intensity that is a factor ~30 larger than that expected for an M9–10 III star. Our results indicate the presence of a source hotter than QX Pup illuminating OH 231.8+4.2 that is likely a mainsequence star with spectral type A. We discuss how the formation and nebular evolution of OH 231.8+4.2 could have been affected by the presence of a binary system in its core.
Identifying the energy conscious consumer: The case of the opinion leader

The present study was undertaken to identify a demographic and psychographic profile of opinion leaders in an energy related context. The study found significant differences across opinion leadership groupings on the variables of interest.
Empirical and physics-based mathematical models of uranium hydride decomposition kinetics with quantified uncertainty

Abstract Metal hydride particle beds have recently become a major technique for hydrogen storage. In order to extract hydrogen from such beds, it is crucial to understand the decomposition kinetics of the metal hydride. We are interested in obtaining a better knowledge of the uranium hydride decomposition kinetics. We first developed an empirical model fit to measurements compiled from different experimental studies in the literature and quantified the uncertainty resulting from the scattered data. We found that the decomposition time range predicted by the obtained kinetics is in a good agreement with published experimental results. Secondly, we developed a physics-based mathematical model to simulate the rate of hydrogen diffusion in a spherical hydride particle during the decomposition. We used this model to evaluate the kinetics for temperatures ranging from 300 K to 1000 K while propagating parametric uncertainty. We have compared the kinetics parameters derived from the empirical and physics-based models and found that the uncertainty in the kinetics predicted by the physics-based model covers the scattered experimental data. Finally, we used the predicted kinetics parameters to simulate the effects of boundary resistances and powder morphological changes during decomposition in a continuum level model. We found that the phase change within the bed occurring during the decomposition accelerates the hydrogen flow by increasing the bed permeability, while the pressure buildup and the gap forming at the wall significantly impede the hydrogen extraction. We also found that there is significant uncertainty in the bed decomposition time at the lower range of the kinetics.
Cytotoxic activity of guinea‐pig lymph‐node cells stimulated in vitro

Guinea-pig lymph-node cells (LNC) cultured for 5 days in medium containing fetal calf serum (FCS) were cytotoxic to various target cells. LNC cultured in medium supplemented with fresh, autologous guinea-pig serum (GPS) instead of FCS were not detectably cytotoxic unless agents that stimulate lymphocyte proliferation were added to the culture medium. The stimulating agents we studied were 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME), syngeneic tumor cells, allogeneic peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) and the T-cell mitogens concanavalin A (Con A) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). LNC cultured in the presence of these agents were cytotoxic to normal syngeneic fibroblasts and to syngeneic, allogeneic or xenogeneic tumor cells but not to PHA-induced lymphoblasts. Potentiation of cytotoxicity in vitro was accompanied by a marked proliferation of the cultured LNC; the combination of several stimulatory agents had an additive effect on the generation of cytotoxicity in culture.
The effects of drugs used to treat obesity on the autonomic nervous system.

Objective: Body fatness is partly under hypothalamic control with effector limbs, which include the endocrine system and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). In previous studies we have shown, in both obese and never-obese subjects, that weight increase leads to increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic activity, whereas weight decrease leads to decreased sympathetic and increased parasympathetic activity. We now report on the involvement of such ANS mechanisms in the action of anti-obesity drugs, independent of change in weight. Research Methods and Procedures: Normal weight males (ages 22 to 38 years) were fed a solid food diet, carefully measured to maintain body weight, for at least 2 weeks, as inpatients at the Rockefeller University General Clinical Research Center. In a single-blind, placebo/drug/placebo design, eight subjects received dexfenfluramine, seven phentermine (PHE), and seven sibutramine (SIB). ANS measures of parasympathetic and sympathetic activity included: determination of amount of parasympathetic control (PC) and sympathetic control (SC) of heart period (interbeat interval), using sequential pharmacological blockade by intravenous administration of atropine and esmolol. These autonomic controls of heart period are used to estimate the overall level of parasympathetic and sympathetic activities. Norepinephrine, dopamine, and epinephrine levels in 24-hour urine collections were measured and also resting metabolic rate (RMR). Results: Sufficient food intake maintained constant body weight in all groups. PHE and SIB produced significant increases in SC but no change in PC or in RMR. In contrast, dexfenfluramine produced marked decreases in SC, PC, and RMR. For all three drugs, the effects on urine catecholamines directly paralleled changes in cardiac measures of SC. Discussion: ANS responses to PHE and SIB were anticipated. The large, and unanticipated, response to dexfenfluramine suggests further study to determine whether there could be any relation of these ANS changes to the adverse cardiovascular effects of treatment with dexfenfluramine.
A robust method for accurately representing nonperiodic functions given Fourier coefficient information

When a function is smooth but not smoothly periodic with a particular period, and nonetheless is represented by partial sums of a Fourier series calculated using that period, the well-known Gibbs phenomenon defeats uniform convergence of the sums, and convergence is slow. In recent years, several workers have developed methods for recovering accurate and fast converging representations for functions in this situation. These efforts have not concentrated on bounds for the operators corresponding to the methods, and thus have not explicitly proven robustness in the presence of noise. In this paper we present a method for which explicit bounds are established for the operator. The method is, in effect, least-squares fitting of the given Fourier coefficients by the coefficients of polynomial splines with appropriate discontinuities. We obtain bounds by exact calculations of projections in spline spaces, using a computer algebra system. We give examples of the method and two other published methods working with noisy data.
Bottom-up effects on top-down regulation of a floating aquatic plant by two weevil species: the context-specific nature of biological control.

Summary Plant nutrition (bottom-up effects) impacts a plant's ability to withstand herbivory (top-down effects) and influences phytophagous insect fecundity. These factors confound efficacy predictions for biological control purposes. We investigated the importance of these forces with regard to invasibility of Eichhornia crassipes. We also examined whether one could have predicted whether the weevil species Neochetina eichhorniae or Neochetina bruchi would have been the better biocontrol agent. Three experiments compared E. crassipes performance when subjected to herbivory by these weevils across a range of fertilizer levels. A low initial plant density experiment examined growth and flowering while allowing density to increase. A high plant density experiment evaluated reduction in biomass and surface coverage. A third experiment evaluated plant growth unconstrained by space. Herbivory effects varied between treatments; interactions varied between experiments. Herbivory reduced plant density and biomass, except in low fertilizer conditions, and consistently reduced flowering. N. bruchi alone or both weevil species together reduced growth more than N. eichhorniae alone, elucidating N. bruchi as the better agent. However, N. eichhorniae better reduced biomass and plant density under initial conditions of complete plant coverage, suggesting it as the superior choice. Synthesis and applications. Bottom-up and top-down forces acting in concert affect invasibility of plant species. Plasticity to resource availability enables invaders to persist in conditions that are unfavourable to herbivores (enemy-free space). Consequently, biological control efficacy is nuanced and context specific, so predictability requires assessment of multiple parameters across a range of conditions. Overly simplistic evaluations risk rejection of effective agents capable of mediating non-native plant invasions. These results also argue that biological control practitioners should disregard the concept that a single best agent can be identified to control an invasive plant that exploits a broad range of habitats and environmental conditions. Aquaphyte invasions often coincide with watershed nutrification so unless weed control is carried out concurrently with measures that reduce nutrient inputs, removal of infestations will merely reduce competition thereby accelerating regrowth or facilitating replacement by other undesirable species (the ‘invasive treadmill’). The suppressive effects of biological control are valuable and complimentary, even when replacement by other, presumably less problematic, species may occur. These subtler effects should be considered with protocols developed for integrated control strategies.
The enigma of the Uranian satellites' orbital eccentricities

The eccentricity decay times for the Uranian satellites are calculated using recent observations (Brown et al., 1982) of the diameters and orbital elements of the satellites and assuming reasonable dissipation functions and rigidities for icy satellites. For the outer two satellites, Titania and Oberon, the decay times are found to be very long, whereas the inner three satellites, Miranda, Ariel, and Umbriel, have decay times on the order of 10 to the 7th to 10 to the 8th years and have a near-commensurability in their mean motions that cannot force their eccentricities. There are several possible solutions for the lack of resonant forcing: (1) the reported eccentricities are incorrect, and are very nearly zero, (2) the reported mean motions are incorrect, and an exact commensurability exists, (3) the physical properties assumed for the satellites are grossly in error, and (4) the system is evolving rapidly, perhaps from a previous state of higher eccentricity. A new lower bound of about 17,000 on the dissipation function of Uranus is calculated from the mass of Ariel and its proximity to Uranus.
Effect of l-dopa on plasma homocysteine in PD patients: Relationship to B-vitamin status

To the Editor: We read with interest the article by Miller et al. describing the effect of l-dopa on plasma homocysteine in Parkinson disease (PD).1 We welcome the attention that this important metabolic phenomenon now receives, as we think that l-dopa–induced hyperhomocystenemia in PD is indicative of a broader metabolic alteration of the trans- methyl pathway with potential clinical consequences that extend beyond vascular disease and dementia. As reported by the authors,1 the increase in homocysteine is due to l-dopa O - methylation, a reaction catalyzed by catechol- O -methyltransferase (COMT). This reaction consumes the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine, the principal methyl-group donor in the brain, and leads to increased production of (demethylated) S- adenosylhomocysteine, and, ultimately, homocysteine. Increased O -methylation, however, cannot only lead to hyperhomocystenemia, but can also cause a depletion of S- adenosylmethionine, inducing a state of relative hypomethylation. In addition to COMT- dependent O -methylation of catecholamines, S-adenosylmethionine is the methylating agent in vital metabolic reactions, including the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and creatine, the methylation of phospholipids and of proteins, including N- and carboxyl- methylation of proteins, essential for the proper function of receptors configuration and permeability of ion channels.2 Of immediate clinical relevance is the fact that S- adenosylmethionine depletion has been associated with depression, common in patients with Parkinson …
Shift work and the assessment and management of shift work disorder (SWD)

Nearly 20% of the labor force worldwide, work shifts that include work hours outside 07:00 h to 18:00 h. Shift work is common in many occupations that directly affect the health and safety of others (e.g., protective services, transportation, healthcare), whereas quality of life, health, and safety during shift work and the commute home can affect workers in any field. Increasing evidence indicates that shift-work schedules negatively influence worker physiology, health, and safety. Shift work disrupts circadian sleep and alerting cycles, resulting in disturbed daytime sleep and excessive sleepiness during the work shift. Moreover, shift workers are at risk for shift work disorder (SWD). This review focuses on shift work and the assessment and management of sleepiness and sleep disruption associated with shift work schedules and SWD. Management strategies include approaches to promote sleep, wakefulness, and adaptation of the circadian clock to the imposed work schedule. Additional studies are needed to further our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the health risks of shift work, understanding which shift workers are at most risk of SWD, to investigate treatment options that address the health and safety burdens associated with shift work and SWD, and to further develop and assess the comparative effectiveness of countermeasures and treatment options.
1260 NEONATAL EFFECTS OF SEVERE MATERNAL HYPERTENSION BEFORE 36 WEEKS GESTATION

Neonatal problems associated with an abnormal fetal environment have been well documented for infants of diabetic mothers, but the effects of severe hypertension upon the infant have not been well defined. Twenty-eight infants 27-35 weeks of gestation, delivered of mothers with diastolic hypertension ≥ 110 mmHg (IHM) and 28 gestational age-matched control infants (CI) delivered of normotensive mothers without tocolytic therapy were compared to determine the effects of severe hypertension and its therapy on the preterm neonate. Eight hypertensive mothers (HM) were eclamptic; all HM received magnesium sulfate; 32% sedatives; and 79% antihypertensive medications. Thrombocytopenia and marked LDH elevation occurred in 50% of hypertensive mothers. 39% of IHM and 0% CI were small for gestational age (p < .001); 29% and 0% were microcephalic at birth (p < .01). Other significant differences between the two groups of infants were noted in the incidence of hypotonia, ileus, delayed stooling, delayed respiratory adaptation, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, patent ductus arteriosus and birth asphyxia. Maternal thrombocytopenia and enzyme elevations were significantly associated with growth retardation, microcephaly, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and birth asphyxia in the infant. Gastrointestinal hypomotility and hypotonia were probably drug related. Severe maternal hypertension has unique and significant effects upon the preterm neonate which reflect the severity of the maternal disease process.
Reverse Regression: A Method for Joint Analysis of Multiple Endpoints in Randomized Clinical Trials

In clinical trials, treatment comparisons are often cast in a regression framework that evaluates the dependence of the relevant clinical outcomes on treatment assignment and possibly other baseline characteristics. This article introduces a reverse regression approach to randomized clinical trials, with focus on the dependence of treatment assignment on the clinical outcomes of interest. A reverse regression model is essentially a semiparametric density ratio model for the outcome distributions in the two treatment groups. The resulting inferences can be expected to be more robust than those based on fully parametric models for the outcome distributions and more efficient than nonparametric inferences. In the presence of multiple endpoints, the reverse regression approach leads to a novel procedure for multiplicity adjustment that is readily available in standard logistic regression routines. The proposed approach is evaluated in simulation experiments and illustrated with an example.
Cysteine Array Matrix Metalloproteinase (CA-MMP)/MMP-23 Is a Type II Transmembrane Matrix Metalloproteinase Regulated by a Single Cleavage for Both Secretion and Activation *

Matrix metalloproteinases characterized so far are either secreted or membrane anchored via a type I transmembrane domain or a glycosylphosphatidylinositol linkage. Lacking either membrane-anchoring mechanism, the newly discovered CA-MMP/MMP-23 was reported to be expressed as a cell-associated protein. In this report, we present evidence that CA-MMP is expressed as an integral membrane zymogen with an N-terminal signal anchor, and secreted as a fully processed mature enzyme. We further demonstrate that L20GAALSGLCLLSALALL36 is required for this unique membrane localization as a signal anchor and its secretion is regulated by a proprotein convertase motif RRRR79sandwiched between its pro- and catalytic domains. Thus, CA-MMP is a type II transmembrane MMP that can be regulated by a single proteolytic cleavage for both activation and secretion, establishing a novel paradigm for protein trafficking and processing within the secretory pathway.