cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear modeling and prediction by successive approximation using radial basis functions

Abstract In this paper, a multilayer radial basis network is proposed for nonlinear system modeling and prediction. It uses successive approximations, first obtaining a number of coarse approximations, and then optimally linearly combining the coarsely defined functions to achieve an accurate end result. The more conventional approach of strict interpolation using radial basis functions does not necessarily yield high predictive accuracy, is very time-consuming for large data sets, and can also give suboptimal accuracy due to numerical problems with nearly singular systems of equations. The present approach considerably reduces computation time, and can improve the predictive ability of radial basis networks while retaining good training accuracy. Numerical examples for chaotic time series and some classical real world time series are presented. It is shown that the successive approximation radial basis network presented here is a useful tool for nonlinear modeling and prediction.
The everyday world of work: two approaches to the investigation of classification in context

One major aspect of T.D. Wilson’s research has been his insistence on situating the investigation of information behaviour within the context of its occurrence O within the everyday world of work. The significance of this approach is reviewed in light of the notion of embodied cognition that characterises the evolving theoretical episteme in cognitive science research. Embodied cognition employs complex external props such as stigmergic structures and cognitive scaffoldings to reduce the cognitive burden on the individual and to augment human problem‐solving activities. The cognitive function of the classification scheme is described as exemplifying both stigmergic structures and cognitive scaffoldings. Two different but complementary approaches to the investigation of situated cognition are presented: cognition‐as‐scaffolding and cognition‐as‐infrastructure. Classification‐as‐scaffolding views the classification scheme as a knowledge storage device supporting and promoting cognitive economy. Classification‐as‐infrastructure views the classification system as a social convention that, when integrated with technological structures and organisational practices, supports knowledge management work. Both approaches are shown to build upon and extend Wilson’s contention that research is most productive when it attends to the social and organisational contexts of cognitive activity by focusing on the everyday world of work.
On the Borders of Politics

Political science has often been described, sometimes cheerfully but most often despairingly, as a discipline without discipline. But it can equally be described as suffering from too much discipline. When I assumed the editorship of Polity in 2000, I bemoaned the fragmentation of the study of politics into subdisciplinary churches, not with the hope of forging unity through the introduction of some overarching orthodoxy, but in accord with what I saw as the journal's tradition of encouraging doctrinal transgressions in the name of the perhaps mythical "broadly educated readers" with an interest in politics rather than methodological disputes or border controls. Eight years later, the situation within political science is not much different. The so-called Perestroika movement, directed against its vision of a quantitative and rational choice hegemony over some journals, the American Political Science Association, and many political science departments, has come and mostly gone. "Qualitative methods" is now firmly ensconced as a requirement in graduate programs, alongside its quantitative forebear, but the subfield borderlines remain largely as they were. Polity's place in political science has traditionally straddled the borders of two of those subfields: political theory and American politics. More specifically, it has received and published more submissions in the area of the history of political theory, on the one hand, and in what has come to be called American Political Development, on the other, than it has in international relations, comparative politics, contemporary "Continental" political theory, so-called empirical theory, methodology, or the more quantitatively oriented studies of American politics, among other things. For the most part, people working in these latter areas simply do not think to submit their work to Polity rather than to journals that are associated with these particular subjects and approaches or to the American Political Science Review (APSR). Thus Polity has run up against some specific barriers, but peer-reviewed political science journals in general have a built-in mechanism that makes it
Culture-negative surgical site infections.

Background: The appearance of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) in the absence of culturable bacterial pathogens is a common dilemma for the surgeon. Methods: The literature was searched through references to primary articles, as well as a MEDLINE review, for reports of culture-negative SSIs. Results: Potential causes of culture-negative SSIs include prior antimicrobial therapy; the presence of fastidious or slow-growing microorganisms such as mycobacteria, Mycoplasma spp., and Legionella spp.; infection caused by mundane bacteria that may be dismissed as "contaminants"; factitious infection; and others. Conclusions: We review the recognized causes of "culture negative" SSIs and discuss the laboratory capabilities that may enhance recognition of many of these pathogens and management options.
Differential Flow Speeds of Ions of the Same Element: Effects on Solar Wind Ionization Fractions

In previous studies of solar wind ion fractions it has always been assumed that ions of the same element flow with the same flow speed. In the present paper, we investigate the effects of differential flow speeds between different ionization states of the same element on the formation of O, C, Mg, Si, and Fe ions. We show that if the difference in flow speeds of adjacent ions, vi and vi+1, is large, the discrepancy between observed in situ ion fractions and low coronal electron temperature can be significantly reduced. The calculations are carried out for a radial profile of the electron temperature chosen in agreement with Solar Ultraviolet Measurement of Emitted Radiation (SUMER) measurements of coronal dark lanes and with two radial profiles of the electron density representing lower and upper observational limits. In order for the differential flow speeds to close the gap between the ion fractions observed in situ and the ones predicted from the low electron temperature observed in the corona, the differential flow speeds have to be extremely large in the regions where the ions are formed, e.g., below 1.5RS for O ions and below 2.5RS for Si ions; and in the case of Si, the coronal electron density has to be at the upper limit of observed values. In the cases of C, O, Mg, and Fe, the lower limit on the electron density is also acceptable.
Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles and Their Biomedical Applications

Metal nanoparticles are being extensively used in various biomedical applications due to their small size to volume ratio and extensive thermal stability. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are an obvious choice due to their amenability of synthesis and functionalization, less toxicity and ease of detection. The present review focuses on various methods of functionalization of GNPs and their applications in biomedical research. Functionalization facilitates targeted delivery of these nanoparticles to various cell types, bioimaging, gene delivery, drug delivery and other therapeutic and diagnostic applications. This review is an amalgamation of recent advances in the field of functionalization of gold nanoparticles and their potential applications in the field of medicine and biology.
Comparison of laser cooling of the lattice of wide-band-gap semiconductors using nonlinear or linear optical excitations

A generalized nonlocal energy-balance equation for excited carriers and phonons is established for studying the laser cooling of a lattice of a wide-band-gap semiconductor such as AlN using a $\mathrm{He}\text{-}\mathrm{Ne}$ laser through a three-photon nonlinear excitation process. The power-exchange densities of the system are calculated and compared for different strengths of the excitation field. When the power-exchange density is positive, it implies laser cooling of the lattice. The effects of initial lattice temperature and field-frequency detuning on the laser-cooling phenomenon under the three-photon nonlinear excitation process are described. The power-exchange densities are compared for both laser cooling and heating using linear and nonlinear excitations. We find that the linear excitation seems more favorable than the nonlinear excitation for laser cooling. However, the resonant three-photon nonlinear absorption will allow us the use of a common $\mathrm{He}\text{-}\mathrm{Ne}$ laser for laser cooling of the lattice in AlN, rather than a more expensive ultraviolet laser.
A Psychometric Comparison of Three Scales and a Single-Item Measure to Assess Sexual Satisfaction

This study was designed to systematically compare and contrast the psychometric properties of three scales developed to measure sexual satisfaction and a single-item measure of sexual satisfaction. The Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS), Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction (GMSEX), and the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale–Short (NSSS-S) were compared to one another and to a single-item measure of sexual satisfaction. Conceptualization of the constructs, distribution of scores, internal consistency, convergent validity, test-retest reliability, and factor structure were compared between the measures. A total of 211 men and 214 women completed the scales and a measure of relationship satisfaction, with 33% (n = 139) of the sample reassessed two months later. All scales demonstrated appropriate distribution of scores and adequate internal consistency. The GMSEX, NSSS-S, and the single-item measure demonstrated convergent validity. Test-retest reliability was demonstrated by the ISS, GMSEX, and NSSS-S, but not...
A Mathematical Analysis of Transmission-Line Transients Related to Fault Surges

A general mathematical model of an n-conductor transmission line is given. With a fault on the transmission line, simulated by an application of a cancellation source, the superposition principle is applied to obtain the transient solution of the system with nonzero initial conditions. The worst case of fault surges, a single line-to-ground fault at the midpoint of the line, is investigated. The maximum overvoltage occurs at the midpoint and is found to be increased with the line length.
Cytotoxic Autophagy in Cancer Therapy

Autophagy is a process of cellular self-digestion, whereby the cell degrades subcellular materials in order to generate energy and metabolic precursors in order to prolong survival, classically under conditions of nutrient deprivation. Autophagy can also involve the degradation of damaged or aged organelles, and misfolded or damaged proteins to eliminate these components that might otherwise be deleterious to cellular survival. Consequently, autophagy has generally been considered a prosurvival response. Many, if not most chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation also promote autophagy, which is generally considered a cytoprotective response, in that its inhibition frequently promotes apoptotic cells death. Furthermore, it has been shown that conventional chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation alone rarely induce a form of autophagy that leads to cell death. However, there are multiple examples in the literature where newer chemotherapeutic agents, drug combinations or drugs in combination with radiation promote autophagic cell death. This review will describe autophagic cell death induced in breast tumor cells, lung cancer cells as well as glioblastoma, demonstrating that it cannot be concluded that stress induced autophagy is, of necessity, cytoprotective in function.
Intraoperative neuroimage compensation using data-driven computational models

Loss of coregistration preoperative imaging studies and teh surgical field due to brain deformation during surgery is an important problem that has recently received considerable attention. Methods for compensating or correcting for the loss of congruence between image and surgical views are taking a variety of forms and involve a spectrum of data acquisition techniques and/or image processing schemes. This paper describes an emerging approach to intraoperative image compensation which combines pre- and intraoperative data acquisition with computational biomechanical modeling to estimate full volume deformation distributions that result from neurosurgical interventions. The strategy updates preoperative scans by projectin gthis displacement estimation from neurosurgical interventions. The strategy updates preoperative scans by projecting this displacement estimation onto the coregistered imaging study to deform it into a new image volume which reflects the geometrical chagnes in the surgical field which have occurred during surgery. Discussion and summary of developments associated with this idea which have appeared in the recent literature are presented.
Adsorption Equilibria of C5−C10 Normal Alkanes in Silicalite Crystals

Adsorption isotherms of n-pentane to n-decane were measured gravimetrically on silicalite crystals at temperatures ranging from 30 to 150 °C and at pressures up to 1333 Pa. The virial equation was used to correlate the experimental data and to calculate the Henry's law constants and the heats of adsorption at zero loading. The limiting heats of adsorption of hexane and heptane are slightly higher than those reported in literature. The isotherms of these two compounds also exhibit an unusual convex region in a certain temperature range. The saturation capacities decrease from pentane to decane with a significant drop observed from heptane to octane.
Pinch Effect for Trapped Particles in a Tokamak

Conservation of canonical angular momentum is shown to require that all trapped particles drift towards the magnetic axis with velocity $\frac{c{E}_{\ensuremath{\phi}}}{{B}_{\ensuremath{\theta}}}$ (${E}_{\ensuremath{\phi}}$ is the toroidal electric field; ${B}_{\ensuremath{\theta}}$ the poloidal magnetic field). This property, plus an amplification process for the number of trapped particles, will explain the relaxation oscillations which occur for $ql3$. In addition, there is experimental evidence that it is an important contribution to the good containment when $qg3$.
EEG sleep "abnormalities" in preadolescent boys with a diagnosis of conduct disorder.

The electroencephalographic sleep of conduct-disordered and normal boys was compared using both standard and automated measurement techniques. While the standard sleep summary measures were not particularly robust in demonstrating group differences, automated measures revealed quite striking differences in delta sleep activity. Delta wave counts were significantly higher in conduct-disordered subjects than in normal subjects. These findings clearly support future applications of automated techniques to child samples and, if replicable and specific to conduct-disordered subjects, strongly suggest that an abnormality in the expression of slow-wave sleep may be present in at least some of these children.
Calorimetric studies of p-nitrophenol binding to α- and β-cyclodextrin

Abstract The thermodynamics of the binding of p -nitrophenol to both α- and β-cyclodextrin has been investigated as a function of pH and solvent composition using the technique of flow microcalorimetry. A preferential binding of the anionic form of the ligand is found for both cyclodextrins. It is postulated that the additional affinity for p -nitrophenolate is due to a dispersion interaction between the cyclodextrin cavity and the delocalized charge of the ligand. Studies of the binding of p -nitrophenol analogs and of the binding of p -nitrophenol as a function of ionic strength and DMSO cosolvent composition are consistent with this theory.
The wear rate of n-type Si(100)

Abstract Single-crystal Si(100) (n type) was scratched at room temperature by a single-point 90° pyramidal diamond in each of the following fluids: reagent-grade absolute ethanol, methanol, acetone and deionized water. The wear rate in each case was determined from a measurement of the cross-sectional areas of circular multiscratch grooves and the increase in this area with scratching time. These areas vary as the contact force on the diamond and the fluid covering the silicon surface during the scratching test vary. As expected, the wear rate depended on the force (dead-weight load) on the diamond (the wear rate increased as the force was increased) but fluids also had a significant effect on the wear. The wear rate of silicon scratched in ethanol is twice that in deionized water when the dead-weight load on the diamond is 0.49 N and all other experimental variables are held constant. These results were compared with two models of abrasive wear of ceramic materials.
Kinetics and mechanisms of action of drugs on microorganisms XI: Effect of erythromycin and its supposed antagonism with lincomycin on the microbial growth of Escherichia coli

The steady-state growth of Escherichia coli in broth cultures is inhibited by erythromycin with a new steady-state growth-rate constant (kapp), which is linearly related to drug concentrations in the range 0-10.0 mcg. ml. −1 as kapp = k0 − kgE, where kE is the inhibitory-rate constant for drug concentration E of drug-free rate constant k0. The (kapp) at E > 10.0 mcg. ml− adheres to a kinetic model, which implies the saturation of a limited number of receptor sites in accordance with the equation (kapp), where ka and kb are constants of proportionality related to drug concentration partitioned into the biophase and its affinity for available receptor sites. The dependence of E. coli growth rate on drug concentrations is invariant with the organism population or broth concentrations. However, values for ka increase 10-fold as the pH of broth is increased from 6.80 to 7.80 while k0 remains constant. This indicates that the unprotonated fraction of the drug concentration contributes to the activity. Lincomycin in Phase I-affected growth has the same formal dependency on concentration as does erythromycin with a potency ratio of 6.68:1, erythromycin base to lincomycin base, on a weight basis. The combined effects of erythromycin and lincomycin in Phase I of its effect are not antagonistic on the growth rate of E. coli in the subinhibitory range and can be predicted on the basis of adding equivalent amounts in accordance with the coincident response-dose curves of erythromycin and lincomycin (Phase I).
Energy Transfer from Gd3+ to Er3+ in Y0.34Gd0.65Er0.01F3

The energy transfer from the 6P7/2 level of Gd3+ to the 2P3/2 level of Er3+ is studied in the phosphor Y0.34Gd0.65Er0.01F3. The lifetime of the 6P7/2 level of Gd3+ decreases substantially in the presence of Er, indicating that the transfer is nonradiative. The transfer is studied in the temperature range from 20 to 300 K, and is found to be more efficient at low temperatures. A model is proposed to explain this behavior, in which we consider the distribution of the ions in the Stark levels involved in the transfer, and the presence of one- and two-phonon processes. Der Energieubergang vom Gd3+(6P7/2) Zustand zum Er3+(2P3/2) Zustand wird in Y0.34Gd0.65Er0.01F3 untersucht. Die Lebensdauer des Gd3+(6P7/2) Zustandes verringert sich sehr stark, wenn Er Ionen vorhanden sind, was bedeutet, das es sich um einen strahlungslosen Ubergang handelt. Der Energieubergang wird im Temperaturbereich von 20 bis 300 K studiert und es wird festgestellt, das er bei niedrigeren Temperaturen effizienter ist. Ein Modell wird vorgeschlagen, um diese Ergebnisse zu beschreiben. In diesem Modell werden die lonenverteilung in den betroffenen Stark-Niveaus und ein- und zwei-Phononen-Prozesse berucksichtigt.
Fabry-Perot ground-based observations of comet Halley

Abstract Observations of Comet Halley were made with a large-aperture, double-etalon Fabry-Perot spectrometer at the McMath solar telescope on Kitt Peak, Arizona. Approximately 900 scans of H 2 O + , Balmer alpha (Hα), [0I] 6300, and NH 2 emissions from the comet were obtained between 15 November, 1985 and 10 May 1986. This paper presents the objectives of our program, an instrument description, examples of data, and a short summary of preliminary results.
Comparative Nephrotoxicities of Netilmicin and Gentamicin in Rats

The relative nephrotoxicities of netilmicin (Sch 20569) and gentamicin were compared in rats at doses of 30, 60, 90, and 120 mg/kg per day for 15 days. Both drugs caused proteinuria and a decrease in urine osmolality; however, netilmicin produced significantly less changes at all doses than gentamicin. Whereas gentamicin resulted in a decline in creatinine clearance at all doses, netilmicin failed to cause a decline in creatinine clearance. Renal-cortical concentrations of antibiotic at sacrifice were similar in animals receiving either drug. Light-microscopic changes were less severe with netilmicin than gentamicin. Cytosegresomes with myeloid bodies were identified electron microscopically in the kidneys of animals receiving either netilmicin or gentamicin at all doses. Electron-microscopic manifestations were similar. The data indicate that in the rat, netilmicin is distinctly less nephrotoxic than gentamicin.
Reconstitution and Reuse of Dyebaths in Carpet Dyeing

Techniques for analysis, reconstitution and reuse of spent dyebaths have been extended to production winch dyeing of nylon 6 and nylon 6. 6 carpets. Results of in–plant dyeing show a 35% reduction in energy, a 40% reduction in water and a 56% reduction in auxiliary requirements by dyeing in reconstituted baths. Substantial decrease in discharge of pollutants is also achieved. Results suggest that dyeing in reconstituted baths is attractive economically, with a $28 per cycle reduction in dyeing costs and a 1. 5 year pay–back period on capital investment.
Evaluation of NCAR Ice Nucleus Counter. Part I: Basic Operation

Abstract A detailed examination was made of the variables affecting the operation of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) ice nucleus counter. The design criteria for proper flow control to achieve consistent cloud formation were established. The loss of ice crystals by settling to the bottom of the cloud chamber instead of exiting to the ice crystal counter was found to be constant. The most important variable is the concentration of the cloud condensation nuclei added to the sample stream to control cloud supersaturation. The rate of activation for AgI can be increased considerably by increasing the super-saturation by the new method of combining the AgI particles with NaCl particles serving as low supersaturation condensation centers. This also gives a much faster nucleation rate of potential importance in cloud seeding. The response of kaolin and phloroglucinol under varying supersaturation was found to be in agreement with previous studies, the former being responsive to high and the l...
Long-term Complications Associated with Glaucoma Drainage Devices and Boston Keratoprosthesis

Purpose To evaluate long-term complications related to glaucoma drainage devices in patients undergoing Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis surgery. Design Retrospective case series. Methods All patients who underwent Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis surgery at the University of California, Davis, between 2004 and 2010 were included. Preoperative and postoperative data were reviewed. Twenty-five eyes with glaucoma drainage devices were highlighted. Visual acuity and postoperative complications were tracked at postoperative months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 and at annual intervals thereafter. Results Forty eyes of 35 patients were evaluated with an average follow-up of 33.6 months. Conjunctival breakdown occurred in association with 10 glaucoma drainage device implants in 9 eyes. Eleven eyes had glaucoma drainage devices placed before keratoprosthesis surgery, 3 eyes underwent glaucoma drainage device placement at the time of surgery, and 2 eyes had a glaucoma drainage device placed after surgery. All but one of the eroded glaucoma drainage devices were placed before surgery. Associated complications included endophthalmitis, hypotony, and keratoprosthesis extrusion, with 6 glaucoma drainage devices requiring removal. Long-term beset-corrected visual acuity was maintained better in eyes in which glaucoma drainage device erosions did not develop. Conclusions One of the main challenges with keratoprosthesis surgery is treating concurrent glaucoma. Glaucoma drainage devices have been advocated as a way to address this long-term complication, but this series suggests that glaucoma drainage device-related complications can cause significant vision loss.
Landau-Zener transitions in a linear chain

We present an exact asymptotic solution for electron transition amplitudes in an infinite linear chain driven by an external time-dependent electric field. This solution extends the Landau-Zener theory for the case of an infinite number of states in the discrete spectrum. In addition to the transition amplitudes we calculate the effective diffusion constant.
THE EFFECT OF SPAN OF SUPERVISION ON LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES OF FAST‐FOOD RESTAURANTS

The relationships among leadership, structural and demographic variables in fast-food restaurants were studied in a sample taken from a midsize city. The findings indicated the existence of two parallel styles of leadership: supervisor's ideal (prescriptive) style and his/her actual style. The two styles depicted distinctly different relations with various structural and demographic characteristics. The findings also signaled the possibility of the existence of an optimum staff size as well as an optimum leadership style. The results suggested that the choice of the supervisory style was a function of some demographic characteristics such as supervisor's age and work experience.
Vasorelaxant effect of C16-PAF and C18-PAF on renal blood flow and systemic blood pressure in the anesthetized rat.

Abstract The renal vasoactive and systemic hypotensive effects of platelet activating factor (C 16:0 -PAF and C 18:1 -PAF) were examined in anesthetized male Wistar rats. Bolus injections of C 16 -PAF (0.5 – 25 ng/kg) and C 18 -PAF (2.5 – 200 ng/kg) into the arterial circulation of the kidney produced increases in renal blood flow (6 – 15%) before causing dose-dependant systemic hypotension (2 – 64 mmHg). The dose-response curves for renal blood flow and systemic blood pressure generated by intrarenal C 18 -PAF administration were approximately 7 fold to the right of the dose-response curves generated by C 16 -PAF. Intrarenal injections of vehicle or the biologically inactive enantiomer C 16 -DPAF (25 – 200 ng/kg) did not affect renal blood flow or systemic blood pressure. These results suggest that C 16:0 -PAF is a more potent renal vasodilator and hypotensive lipid than C 18:1 -PAF.
Pattern environment impact on wafer of metal layers with high-NA process on advanced node

In the High NA process, pattern environment will become very aggressive because of scattering effect. Especially on metal layers, maybe it will cause pattern bridge when the pattern density is varied. We need to find out the root cause and have a good solution to minimize the wafer CD difference that comes from environmental effect (pattern density). In this paper, we analyze the root cause by checking the pattern density influence on mask CD and wafer printing CD. We design different pattern density layout to measure the mask CD error, use AIMS (Aerial Image Measurement System) to measure the aerial image CD and print wafer to check the real result. Then, we try to add some assistant feature (pattern density balance) and use simulation tool to simulate whether this method can have improvement.
Continuous space-time symmetries of the lattice Dirac equation

We show that the (2 + 1)-dimensional Dirac equation on a square lattice is invariant under a nonlinear representation of the Poincar\'e group. We construct the generators explicitly and show that they reduce in the continuum limit to the usual linear representation of the Poincar\'e algebra. We also discuss the fourfold degeneracy of the lattice Dirac theory, and show how it can be removed by diagonalizing certain discrete transformations that commute with the Poincar\'e generators. The extension of our work to 3 + 1 dimensions and to interacting theories is briefly discussed.
0.9W compact UV pulsed lasers using high-power VCSEL array side-pumping

A compact UV pulsed laser pumped by high-power two-dimensional arrays of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) was presented. A passively Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser was side-pumped by kW-class 808-nm VCSEL pump modules and the output pulses were frequency quadrupled to 266-nm. 10-ns, 0.68-mJ UV pulsed output was obtained at 1.33k-Hz repetition rate. The average UV power is < 0.9-W. This VCSEL pumped high power UV laser source provides a reliable, low-cost and low-profile solution for military and commercial applications including remote sensing, laser processing and spectroscopy.
The Current Fashion of Nonextraction Dental Arch Expansion in Orthodontics: A Critique

Today, conscientious orthodontists are being challenged by commercially marketed appliance systems that promise easy solutions and are based on nonextraction dental arch expansion. This is a throwback to orthodontic methods advocated a century ago, long before the evidence-based era of orthodontics, radiography, and periodontology. The resurgence of nonextraction expansionism as a mainstream solution for malocclusion is neither the first nor last time clinical orthodontists will have to overcome the appeal of fashion and pseudoscience.
Exenatide: From the Gila Monster to the Pharmacy

ABSTRACT Objective To explain the incretin concept and review the pharmacology and clinical utility of exenatide (Byetta—Amylin; Lilly), a new agent for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and provide pharmacists with information necessary for counseling patients in the use of exenatide. Data Sources Review articles, clinical trials, and data on file with the manufacturers. Study Selection By the authors. Data Extraction By the authors. Data Synthesis Exenatide is a synthetic form of a protein found in the saliva of the Gila monster that mimics the action of glucagon-like peptide-1, an incretin important in glucose homeostasis and deficient in patients with diabetes mellitus. Three pivotal clinical trials of exenatide as an add-on therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were unable to achieve glycemic control with maximum doses of metformin, sulfonylurea, or these drugs in combination demonstrated significant reductions in glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) levels following twice-daily self-injection of exenatide compared with placebo. Weight loss was observed in patients in conjunction with A1C improvement, which occurred without additional patient instruction, intentional caloric deficit, or exercise. Mild-to-moderate nausea was the most common adverse event with exenatide treatment, occurring at the beginning of therapy, lessening over time, and reduced by titration of the dose. Conclusion Exenatide offers a wide range of beneficial glucoregulatory effects, including enhancement of glucose-dependent insulin secretion, restoration of first-phase insulin response, suppression of inappropriately elevated glucagon secretion, slowing of gastric emptying, and reduction of food intake. These positive effects depend on the patient/s understanding of the proper administration technique and timing, the need for continued adherence, and what to do if adverse effects occur, all elements that can be conveyed by pharmacists in their counseling and education of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Palaeoclimatology: A tale of two climates

The generally warm and ice-free conditions of the Eocene epoch rapidly declined to the cold and glaciated state of the Oligocene epoch. Geochemical evidence from deep-sea sediments resolves in detail the climatic events surrounding this transition.
Laboratory predictions of infantile autism based on 5-hydroxytryptamine efflux from blood platelets and their correlation with the Rimland E-2 score.

Experiments were conducted to determine the possibility of predicting a diagnosis of autism on the basis of an abnormally high release of14C-5-hydroxy-tryptamine from 5-HT loaded blood platelets of children. Such increased 5-HT release was previously reported by the authors for blood platelets of children diagnosed as autistic according to the Rimland E-2 score. The platelets of 10 psychotic children (including a number of subjects diagnosed as autistic by the E-2 score) were examined without knowledge of the diagnosis, in order to determine whether the biochemical results correlated with the E-2 score. On the basis of experimental data it was possible to predict that six children were autistic and four were nonautistic psychotics. According to the E-2 score, seven children were autistic and three nonautistic psychotics. The authors conclude that there is a correlation between a diagnosis of infantile autism by the E-2 score and enhanced release of radioactive 5-HT from 5-HT-loaded blood plateletsin vitro.
List's worst-average-case or WAC ratio

We analyze the List scheduling algorithm for the problem of minimizing makespan using a worst-average-case or wac analysis technique, previously used by Kenyon for analyzing the Best Fit bin packing algorithm. We show that List's worst-average-case or wac ratio asymptotically approaches 2, as m->∞. Thus, List's worst-case behavior is not overly dependent on the order of job arrivals.
Phytohemagglutini (PHA) activated human T-lymphocytes: Concomitant appearance of insulin binding, degradation and insulin-mediated activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH)

Binding and degradation of A14125I-Insulin as well as the effect of insulin on pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activation were studied in non-stimulated and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated thymic-derived lymphocytes (T-lymphocytes) of man under varying conditions of time, temperature, and cell concentration. The nonstimulated viable T-lymphocytes exhibited neither binding, degradation, nor PDH activation in response to insulin. With PHA stimulation, a time and temperature-dependent binding was noted in T-lymphocytes which paralleled the appearance of cell-associated insulin degrading activity. Concomitant with the emergence of insulin binding and degrading activities in these cells, PDH activation was observed which was responsive to as little as 5.0 microU/ml of insulin. We conclude that in PHA-activated T-lymphocytes of man the process of insulin binding and degradation is closely related to insulin sensitive activation of PDH. These activated cells may serve as a useful model in which to study insulin binding and processing, as well as effects of insulin on postreceptor events.
On the influence of forcing on observed wave dispersion: A strategy for mitigating the effects of material dispersion

In the context of wave propagation, wave dispersion is typically associated with properties of the propagation medium. Here we demonstrate the influence of forcing (over a spatially extended region) on the phase and group velocities of a wave field in both dispersive and nondispersive media. The influence of forcing on observed wave dispersion is relevant because it provides a means for overcoming the effects of material dispersion (such as the spreading of wave packets) in a broad range of wave physics, from electromagnetism to acoustics.
Insights from Genetic Disorders of Phosphate Homeostasis

The molecular identification and characterization of genetic defects leading to a number of rare inherited or acquired disorders affecting phosphate homeostasis has added tremendous detail to our understanding of the regulation of phosphate balance. The identification of the key phosphate-regulating hormone, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), as well as other molecules that control its production, such as the N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3 GALNT3, the endopeptidase phosphate-regulating protein with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome, and the matrix protein dentin matrix protein 1, and molecules that function as downstream effectors of FGF23, such as the longevity factor Klotho and the phosphate transporters NPT2a and NPT2c, has permitted us to understand the elegant and complex interplay that exists between the kidneys, bone, parathyroid, and gut. Such insights from genetic disorders have allowed not only the design of potent targeted therapies for some of these rare genetic disorders, such as using anti-FGF23 antibodies for treatment of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, but also have led to clinically relevant observations related to the dysregulation of mineral ion homeostasis in chronic kidney disease. Thus, we are able to leverage our knowledge of rare human disorders affecting only a few individuals, to understand and potentially treat disease processes that affect millions of patients.
Sierra‐Leone: contradictory class functionality of the ‘soft’ state

While the ‘soft’ state may be metaphorically descriptive of the malleability, hegemonic impotence and functional incapacitation of the post‐colonial state in Africa, the class functionality of state softness remains ambivalent and problematic. Although a soft, institutionally fragile state with multiple informal points of entry is generally conducive to processes of class formation at the top, it is doubtful whether such an impaired apparatus of political domination can be reproductive of long term ruling class interests. And because the class whose formation is made possible by institutional fragility lacks a hegemonic ideology and is largely parasitic and unproductive in its modes of consumption and accumulation, it is inherently incapable of leading a genuine capitalist, populist or socialist transformation of African society. This incongruent, stultifying duality in the class functionality of the soft state is at the centre of the problem posed by the contemporary political and economic retardation of...
Theory of Photomeson Production at Low Energies

The problem of photomeson production is re-examined using the static model of the pion-nucleon interaction. It is shown that an important part of the low-energy matrix element can be exactly expressed as a function of the scattering phase shifts and the static nucleon magnetic moments. It is argued that the remainder is quite accurately given by the usual Born approximation. Corrections to this result, within the framework of the "one-meson" approximation, are considered.
Infrared seeker/sensor dynamic performance prediction model

This paper describes an analytic, end-to-end, IR seeker/sensor dynamic performance model developed to facilitate system level design trades and performance analyses for proposed IR missile seeker/sensor systems. The model has been extensively validated against actual simultaneous dual-band IR imagery (midwave 3 - 5 micrometers , and longwave 8 - 10 micrometers ), collected so as to emulate tactical airborne seeker engagement geometries against a variety of backgrounds. Over 20,000 SIR comparison measurements, with both injected and real targets, have been made. Agreement between predicted and measured SIR is typically within 2 - 3 dB, over a wide range of target brightness, background types, atmospheric conditions, and processing algorithm approaches.
Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections: A Focus on Appendicitis and Diverticulitis

AbstractSevere abdominal pain is a common complaint encountered by primary care and emergency room physicians. Caused by many conditions, including appendicitis and diverticulitis, severe abdominal pain may be a diagnostic challenge. Although different in many ways, appendicitis and diverticulitis are caused by obstruction of a blind pouch that leads to inflammation of the structure and surrounding tissue. Appendicitis and diverticulitis are 2 of the most frequently diagnosed causes of complicated intra-abdominal infections. Combined, appendicitis and diverticulitis comprise > 80% of all community-acquired complicated intra-abdominal infections. These conditions are serious and require prompt diagnosis and treatment. Because complicated intra-abdominal infections are typically polymicrobial, a wide variety of causative pathogens are identified, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. Treatment for these disorders often requires surgical and medical management. Altho...
Target Engagement Analysis and Link to Pharmacodynamic Endpoint for a Novel Class of CNS-penetrant and Efficacious p38α MAPK Inhibitors

The protein kinase, p38α MAPK, is a key intracellular transducer of stressor-induced neuroinflammatory responses and, as such, is of high interest as a potential therapeutic target. We recently reported the synthesis and evaluation of first-in-class CNS-penetrant and highly specific p38 MAPK inhibitors that avoid target crossover issues seen in popular small molecule p38 MAPK inhibitors used in hundreds of previous reports. The novel p38 MAPK inhibitors, represented in this study by MW181, are efficacious in vivo. Pharmacodynamic actions include attenuation of stressor-induced increases in brain proinflammatory cytokine levels. We report here more detailed analyses of MW181 target engagement and specific linkage to the downstream increase in glia proinflammatory cytokine production. In vivo validation included demonstration that oral administration of MW181 suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced increases in mouse brain IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6, IL-10, and CXCL1 but not in a drug-resistant p38α MAPK mutant mouse.
Healthcare in Equatorial Guinea, West Africa: obstacles and barriers to care

Introduction: The provision of healthcare services in developing countries has received increasing attention, but inequalities persist. One nation with potential inequalities in healthcare services is Equatorial Guinea (Central-West Africa). Mitigating these inequalities is difficult, as the Equatoguinean healthcare system remains relatively understudied. Methods: In this study, we interviewed members of the healthcare community in order to: 1) learn which diseases are most common and the most common cause of death from the perspective of healthcare workers; and 2) gain an understanding of the healthcare community in Equatorial Guinea by describing how: a) healthcare workers gain their professional knowledge; b) summarizing ongoing healthcare programs aimed at the general public; c) discussing conflicts within the healthcare community and between the public and healthcare providers; d) and addressing opportunities to improve healthcare delivery. Results: We found that some causes of death, such as serious injuries, may not be currently treatable in country, potentially due to a lack of resources and trauma care facilities. In addition, training and informational programs for both healthcare workers and the general public may not be effectively transmitting information to the intended recipients. This presents hurdles to the healthcare community, both in terms of having professional competence in healthcare delivery and in having a community that is receptive to medical care. Conclusion: Our data also highlight government-facility communication as an opportunity for improvement. Our research is an important first step in understanding the context of healthcare delivery in Equatorial Guinea, a country that is relatively data poor.
Pixel-based reconstruction (PBR) promising simultaneous techniques for CT reconstructions

Algorithms belonging to the class of pixel-based reconstruction (PBR) algorithms, which are similar to simultaneous iterative reconstruction techniques (SIRTs) for reconstruction of objects from their fan beam projections in X-ray transmission tomography, are discussed. The general logic of these algorithms is discussed. Simulation studies indicate that, contrary to previous results with parallel beam projections, the iterative algebraic algorithms do not diverge when a more logical technique of obtaining the pseudoprojections is used. These simulations were carried out under conditions in which the number of object pixels exceeded (double) the number of detector pixel readings, i.e., the equations were highly underdetermined. The effect of the number of projections on the reconstruction and the convergence (empirical) to the exact solution is shown. For comparison, the reconstructions obtained by convolution backprojection are also given. >
The Varied Clinical Presentations of Major Depressive Disorder

DSM-IV major depressive disorder (MDD) is a clinical syndrome notable for heterogeneity of its clinical presentation, genetics, neurobiology, clinical course, and treatment responsiveness. In an attempt to make sense of this heterogeneity, clinicians and researchers have proposed a number of MDD "subtypes" based on differences in characteristic symptoms (e.g., atypical, melancholic, psychotic), onset (e.g., early vs. late, post-partum, seasonal), course of illness (e.g., single vs. recurrent, chronic, double), and severity. This article provides a brief review of the status of several of the most common subtypes in terms of their clinical features, biological correlates, course of illness, and treatment implications.
Photopolymerization of Thiol-Ene Systems Based on Oligomeric Thiols

Thiol oligomers were copolymerized with a triallyl ether by a photoinduced polymerization process. These oligomeric thiol-ene systems comprise the same duced polymerization process. These oligomeric thiol-ene systems comprise the same components as a photopolymerized thiol-ene-acrylate ternary system, yet the photopolymerized networks have much lower glass transition temperatures. An investigation into the effect of oligomeric thiol design on network formation was conducted by analyzing the reaction kinetics and thermal/mechanical properties of the thiol-ene networks. Real-time FTIR analysis shows that total conversion is >90% for all thiols investigated. Photo-DSC analysis shows that the maximum exotherm rate is roughly equivalent for all of the thiols when the equivalent weight of the thiol is taken into account. As would be expected, the glass transition temperature and tensile strength increase with thiol functionality and lower thiol equivalent weight for thiols with functionality from 2 to 4. Films made using the oligomeric thiols have essentially the same glass transition temperatures and tensile modulus values regardless of thiol design. These results distinguish the method for generation of networks consisting of an initial Michael reaction of thiols and acrylates followed by a photoinitiated copolymerization with a multifunctional ene from the traditional photolysis of the corresponding thiol-ene-acrylate ternary systems with no Michael reaction.