cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stimulus Preference Assessment Decision-Making System (SPADS): A Decision-Making Model for Practitioners

A stimulus preference assessment (SPA) is a fundamental tool used by practitioners to predict stimuli that function as reinforcers. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requires that all certified behavior analysts and behavioral technicians be trained in SPA methodology (BACB, 2017). SPA procedures are used by nearly 9 out of 10 behavior analysts in the field (Graff & Karsten, 2012). Over the last 4 decades, there has been a litany of research on SPA procedures. Despite the universality of training, application, and research, discussions on the selection of SPA procedures have been sparse. Two peer-reviewed articles have focused on clinical decision making in the selection of SPA procedures. Karsten et al. (2011) introduced an in situ decision-making model, whereas Virues-Ortega et al. (2014) developed an a priori algorithm based on client and stimuli characteristics. The SPADS addresses the limitations of prior models by considering the effects of stimuli dimensions, client characteristics, relative administration times, and the outcomes agreement between two potentially efficacious, context-specfic SPA procedures.
Meal composition during an ad libitum buffet meal and longitudinal predictions of weight and percent body fat change: The role of hyper-palatable, energy dense, and ultra-processed foods.

Abstract Background Foods that increase obesity risk are ubiquitous in the US food environment. Such foods may be the target of hedonic eating, which may facilitate weight gain and lead to obesity. The study tested whether meal composition during an ad libitum buffet meal was associated with 1-year weight and percent body fat changes among healthy younger adults without obesity. Hyper-palatable foods (HPF) were the study focus; comparisons were conducted with high energy dense (HED) and ultra-processed foods (UPF). Design Younger adults without obesity (N = 82; 43% male; mean age 26.8) completed an ad libitum buffet meal and provided body composition measurements at baseline and 1-year follow up. Multiple regression models tested associations between the proportion of the target food consumed (HPF, HED, or UPF) during the ad libitum meal and 1) weight change and 2) percent body fat change. The proportion of HPF was characterized by HPF group, specifically carbohydrate and sodium (CSOD) foods or fat and sodium (FSOD) foods. Results Participants who consumed a greater proportion of CSOD HPF in their ad libitum buffet meals had significantly greater weight change (b = 0.354, p = .003) and percent body fat change (b = 0.247, p = .036) at 1-year follow up. In contrast, no significant associations were found between the proportion of FSOD HPF, HED, or UPF consumed and anthropometric outcomes (p values = .099-.938). Conclusions Eating a greater proportion of hyper-palatable CSOD foods ad libitum appears to be a pattern of hedonic eating, which may increase an individual's risk for weight and body fat gain in early adulthood.
Discovering the Mogollon

How are creation of knowledge and controversy linked? And what lessons can we take from past archaeological debates? This pithy book is an insightful account of an intellectual struggle that ran for nearly two decades in the American Southwest over the validity of the Mogollon culture discovered by Emil Haury (1936). The book’s title captures two interrelated determinants of the debate. During the 1930s and 1940s the center of gravity in Southwest archaeology was shifting from East Coast universities and their scholars, particularly Harvard University, to the universities in the West, such as the University of Arizona. While advocates of the Mogollon culture concept, Jefferson Reid and Stephanie Whittlesey do not mythologize the debate but instead weave oral and written historical sources, discussions of personalities, and archaeological sites into an informative history. The chapters are laid out chronologically, reviewing highlights in the debate. In the process they also reveal much about the University of Arizona’s contribution to archaeology of the American Southwest. There are roughly three parts to the story. The first chapters review Haury’s seminal years as a student and eventually as a young professional working at the Gila Pueblo Foundation. This period culminates in his publication of The Mogollon Culture of Southwestern New Mexico in 1936. The second period covers the 20 years of debate over that publication. During this period as head of the Department of Anthropology and director of the Arizona State Museum, Haury brings his resources and fieldwork to bear on the Mogollon question. The debate effectively ends in 1955 with the publication of Joe Ben Wheat’s (1955) Mogollon Culture prior to AD 1000. The last chapters review the influence the New Archaeology had on the topic. Although there were still some scholars prepared to fight on, many
A DESIGN PROCEDURE FOR THE OPTIMIZATION OF VEHICLE SUSPENSIONS

The optimal design of passive suspensions in a nonlinear programming formulation is considered, based upon statistical analysis of vehicle vibrations and dynamic loads. The method of monotonicity analysis is employed in the optimization study which results in a special–purpose design algorithm. The simplicity of the computations allows fast and inexpensive past–optimal parametric study and development of design charts that give the optimal quantities for any given input.
Lipoxygenases of Mice and Men

Seven years have elapsed since the cloning of the cDNA for the first mammalian lipoxygenase and the deduced primary structure (Matsumoto et al., 1988; Dixon et al., 1988). Here, a brief comparative overview of the molecular properties of human and mouse lipoxygenases will be presented. Although each of the human lipoxygenases were isolated and systematically characterized prior to the corresponding murine homologs it became necessary to evaluate their relatedness in view of our present targeted lipoxygenase gene inactivation experiments in mice.
Standing-Wave Solutions

One of the standard solutions of the Schrodinger equation is defined by means of the Green’s function $$G_0^P (k,x)\;: = \;\frac{1}{{(2\pi )^3 }}P\;\int_{IR^3 } {dk} ^\prime \frac{{e^{ik' - x} }}{{k^2 - k'^2 }}\; = \; - \frac{{\cos k\left| x \right|}}{{4\pi \left| x \right|}},$$ (5.1) where P stands for Cauchy’s Principal value, the integral equation $$\psi ^P (k,\theta ,x) = e^{ik\theta \cdot x} + \int {_{IR^3 } dyG_0^P (k,x - y)V(y)\psi ^P (k,\theta ,y).} $$ (5.2)
Network Modeling of Heterogeneous Datasets

The cellular environment is a complex and dynamic system of functional molecules. These molecules interact, either transiently or stably, in pathways, which remain poorly mapped despite extensive study. High-throughput experimental methods have allowed us to fill some of the gaps in pathway knowledge, but have created new algorithmic challenges associated with the integration of large, disparate sources of data. Here, we present different algorithmic approaches to the integration of heterogeneous datasets. The article examines algorithms that analyze networks with a single data source, methods that analyze networks with more complex data types, and finally algorithms that capture hierarchical flow of biological information. We also examine a critical issue that has been largely ignored in most network approaches: To what extent can gene expression data be used as a proxy for protein levels? While most studies conflate these two, it is now abundantly clear from high-throughput analyses that the correlation between these data is very poor. We close by speculating on where a more realistic modeling of different types of data will lead the field.
Human Factors in Tele-inspection and Tele-surgery: Cooperative Manipulation under Asynchronous Video and Control Feedback

A telesurgical model was developed for simulation experiments evaluating cooperative manipulation between a paramedic local to the patient and a physician operating through a telerobot. In this study we tested the hypothesis that sending the signals from a remote telesurgical setup asynchronously (sending the telemanipulator signals ahead of the video signals, which were delayed because of the time it took for compression / decompression) improve controller stability and favorably affect task performance by the medical team. We found essentially no difference in task performance between the synchronous and asynchronous transmission of the telesurgical signals when the physician operated the laparoscope and the assistant operated the laparotomy tools. But with asynchronous transmission we found a significant improvement (31% to 60%) in task completion time when the physician operated any of the laparotomy tools.
The Process of Control Design for the NASA Langley Minimast Structure

The NASA Langley Minimast Facility is an experimental flexible structure designed to emulate future large space structures. The Minimast system consists of a 18 bay, 20 meter-long truss beam structure which is cantilevered at its base from a rigid foundation. It is desired to use active control to attenuate the response of the structure at bay 10 and 18 due to impulse disturbances at bay 9 while minimizing actuator torque commanded from the torque wheel actuators. This paper details the design process used to select sensors for feedback and performance weights on the Minimast facility. Initially, a series of controllers are synthesized using H 2 optimal control techniques for the given structural model, a variety of sensor locations and performance criteria to determine the "best" displacement sensor and/or accelerometers to be used for feedback. Upon selection of the sensors, controllers are formulated to determine the affect of using a reduced order model of the Minimast structure instead of the higher order structural analysis model for control design and the relationship between the actuator torque level and the closed-loop performance. Based on this information, controllers are designed using ?-synthesis techniques and implemented on the Minimast structure. Results of the implementation of these controllers on the Minimast experimental facility are presented.
Fall injuries in older adults from an unusual source: entering and exiting a vehicle

OBJECTIVES: To examine injuries in older adults due to boarding (i.e., entering) and alighting from (i.e., exiting) motor vehicles, with a special emphasis on falls. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of incident fall injuries while boarding or alighting from a motor vehicle. SETTING: 2001 to 2003 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP) data from a representative sample of 500,000 injury and consumer product-related emergency department (ED) cases in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen thousand seven hundred seventy-four persons unintentionally injured while boarding or alighting from a passenger vehicle. MEASUREMENTS: Annualized estimates and injury rates. RESULTS: There were an estimated 37,000 annual boarding and alighting injuries requiring medical care in EDs among older adults, many of these injuries (41.3%) due to falls. Fall rates were higher in women (52.8 per 100,000) than men (29.5 per 100,000) (P Language: en
DESIGN OF BEAMS WITH OFF-CENTER WEB OPENINGS

Frozen stress photoelastic model techniques were used to determine the validity of using a Vierendeel truss analysis for analyzing wide flange beams having off-center unreinforced rectangular openings in their webs. Excellent correlation exists between experimental results and theoretical calculations. Results of this analysis were used with the von Mises yield theory to obtain interaction curves for use in design of such structural members.
A Predictive Nomogram for Recurrence of Carcinoma of the Major Salivary Glands

Importance This nomogram quantifies the risk of recurrence in patients with carcinoma of the major salivary glands. It may facilitate patient counseling on prognosis and may help guide management and posttreatment surveillance in these patients. Objectives To identify factors predictive of recurrence after primary surgical treatment of carcinoma of the major salivary glands and create a nomogram that could be used to predict the risk of recurrence in an individual patient. Design Retrospective case series. Setting Single institution tertiary care cancer center. Patients After institutional review board approval, 301 patients with previously untreated malignant salivary gland tumors treated at our institution between the years 1985 and 2009 were identified. Among the 301 patients, the median age was 62 (range, 9-89) years and 156 (52%) were male. Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics were recorded from a retrospective analysis of patient medical charts. Main Outcomes and Measures Overall mortality was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Disease-specific mortality and recurrence risk were estimated with cumulative incidence rate. Factors predictive of recurrence were identified using univariate analysis. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to select predictors for the predictive nomogram. Results With a median follow-up of 43 (range, 1-264) months, the 5-year overall mortality, disease-specific mortality, and recurrence rate were 30%, 28%, and 33%, respectively. There were 70 recurrences (18 local, 12 regional, and 56 distant). The 5 variables most predictive for recurrence were age, grade, vascular and perineural invasion, and nodal metastasis. These variables were selected to generate the nomogram, which had a high concordance index of 0.85. Conclusions and Relevance We introduce a clinically useful nomogram that quantifies the risk of recurrence in carcinomas of the major salivary gland. By quantifying risk for an individual patient, this would enable the clinician to give more accurate prognostic information to the patient resulting in better patient counseling.
Remarks on Geometric Mechanics

This paper gives a few new developments in mechanics, as well as some remarks of a historical nature. To keep the discussion focused, most of the paper is confined to equations of "rigid body", or "hydrodynamic" type on Lie algebras or their duals. In particular, we will develop the variational structure of these equations and will relate it to the standard variational principle of Hamilton.
WISP3 and RhoC guanosine triphosphatase cooperate in the development of inflammatory breast cancer.

Background Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most lethal form of locally advanced breast cancer. We found concordant and consistent alterations of two genes in 90% of IBC tumors when compared with stage-matched non-IBC tumors: overexpression of RhoC guanosine triphosphatase and loss of WNT-1 induced secreted protein 3 (WISP3). Further work revealed that RhoC is a transforming oncogene for human mammary epithelial (HME) cells. Despite the aggressiveness of the RhoC-driven phenotype, it does not quantitatively reach that of the true IBC tumors. We have demonstrated that WISP3 has tumor growth and angiogenesis inhibitory functions in IBC. We proposed that RhoC and WISP3 cooperate in the development of IBC.
A Matter of Friendship: Educational Interventions into Culture and Poverty

Contemporary educational reformers have claimed that research on social class differences in child raising justifies programs that aim to lift children out of poverty by means of cultural interventions. Focusing on the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP), Ruby Payne's “aha! Process,” and the Harlem Children's Zone as examples, Amy Shuffelton argues that such programs, besides overstepping the social science research, are ethically illegitimate insofar as they undermine the equitable development of civic agency. Shuffelton invokes Aristotelian civic friendship, particularly as interpreted by Danielle Allen and Sibyl Schwarzenbach, as key to a politics that avoids relations of domination and subordination. She concludes that social justice requires that educators involved with culturally interventionist programs recognize the workings of power within schooling and society, that they accept the limits of their own perspectives, and that they remain open to what is of value in child-raising practices other than those associated with the contemporary middle class.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm matrix polysaccharide Psl is regulated transcriptionally by RpoS and post-transcriptionally by RsmA

Extracellular polysaccharides are important components of biofilms. In non-mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, the Pel and Psl polysaccharides are major structural components of the biofilm matrix. In this study, we demonstrate that the alternative σ-factor RpoS is a positive transcriptional regulator of psl gene expression. Furthermore, we show that psl mRNA has an extensive 5' untranslated region, to which the post-transcriptional regulator RsmA binds and represses psl translation. Our observations suggest that upon binding RsmA, the region spanning the ribosome binding site of psl mRNA folds into a secondary stem-loop structure that blocks the Shine-Dalgarno sequence, preventing ribosome access and protein translation. This constitutes a novel mechanism for translational repression by this family of regulators.
Canonical eukaryotic initiation factors determine initiation of translation by internal ribosomal entry

Translation of picornavirus RNA is initiated after ribosomal binding to an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) within the 5' untranslated region. We have reconstituted IRES-mediated initiation on encephalomyocarditis virus RNA from purified components and used primer extension analysis to confirm the fidelity of 48S preinitiation complex formation. Eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2), eIF3, and eIF4F were required for initiation; eIF4B and to a lesser extent the pyrimidine tract-binding protein stimulated this process. We show that eIF4F binds to the IRES in a novel cap-independent manner and suggest that cap- and IRES-dependent initiation mechanisms utilize different modes of interaction with this factor to promote ribosomal attachment to mRNA.
A comparative study on the effectiveness of piezoelectric patches for active composite panels with surface-mounted and embedded sensors and actuators

This study focuses on the effectiveness of the piezoelectric patches either surface-mounted or embedded for different composite laminate thicknesses. Primarily, two finite element models (FEMs) are considered for this study. The first FEM considers beams with varying thicknesses and non-collocated surface-mounted piezoelectric patches as sensor and actuator. Typical results are shown for four and eight layers graphite/epoxy composite laminates. The second FEM deals with embedded non-collocated piezoelectric patches as sensor and actuator for beams with varying thicknesses. For the embedded case one extra layer is needed to cover the piezoelectric patch and one extra cut-out layer to fill the area around the piezoelectric patch. Therefore, a composite beam for the embedded case in comparison to the surface-mounted case has always four extra constraint layers. Typical results, for these two cases, are compared for the beams with the same number of inner layers (i.e. four and eight). A surface-mounted ACX piezoelectric patch acts as a shaker in both FEMs. Numerical and experimental results from modal and harmonic analyses were compared and excellent comparisons were achieved. Cross-examination between these two FEMs determined the following. 1) The effectiveness of piezoelectric patches acting as an actuator with respect to the laminate thicknesses and the actuator distance from the beam neutral axis for both cases. 2) The influence of the constraint layers on the performance of the embedded piezoelectric patches.
Metabolism of CP-195,543, a leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist, in the Long-Evans rat and Cynomolgus monkey

1. The fate of [14C]CP-195,543, a novel leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist, was studied following oral administration to the Long-Evans rat and Cynomolgus monkey. 2. Most of the radioactivity was p...
Ionization imaging—A new method to search for 0- ν ββ decay

Abstract We present a new method to search for 0-ν ββ decay in 136Xe, the Ionization Imaging Chamber. This concept is based on 3-D track reconstruction by detection of ionization, without avalanche gain, in a novel time projection chamber (TPC) geometry. The rejection efficiency of external charged particle backgrounds is optimized by the realization of a maximal, fully active, closed, and ex post facto variable fiducial surface. Event localization within the fiducial volume and detailed event reconstruction mitigate external neutral particle backgrounds; larger detectors offer higher rejection efficiencies. Energy resolution at the Q-value of 2.5 MeV is expected to be better than 1% FWHM, reducing the potential impact of allowed 2-ν ββ decays. Scaling from ∼25 kg prototype to 1000+ kg target mass is graceful. A new possible methodology for the identification of the daughter barium nucleus is also described.
Prolymphocytic Leukemia: Malignancy of Activated B Cells with an Apoptosis-like Response to Anti-Human IgM Signal Transduction

B-prolymphocytic leukemia (PLL) resembles B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in the expression of surface IgM, but differs in morphology, cellular function, and clinical features, suggesting that PLL and CLL may be derived from distinct B cell subsets in B cell ontogeny. In studies of the signaling effect of anti-human IgM (anti-μ) on B malignancies, the divalent F(ab') anti-μ neither stimulated nor inhibited DNA synthesis of CLL cells but exerted a unique negative signaling effect and direct cytotoxicity on PLL cells in complement-free cultures with morphological cellular changes characteristic of a “programmed cell death” mechanism or apoptosis. The susceptibility of PLL cells to anti-μ-triggered cytotoxicity is similar to the negative signaling effect observed on “tolerogenic” normal B cells. The findings of activated B cell phenotypes in PLL, a high level of autonomous DNA synthesis activity in large “transformed” PLL cells, and mitogen-induced cellular transformation of CLL to PLL indicate that PLL...
A numerical study of the genesis of concentric eyewalls in hurricanes

We use two axisymmetric numerical models to explore the dynamics of concentric eyewalls in hurricanes. The first is a simple two-layer model using balanced dynamics and parametrized convection, while the second is a cloud-resolving non-hydrostatic model. In the case of the balanced model, infinitesimal disturbances amplify into secondary eyewalls provided the lower troposphere is sufficiently moist; otherwise, finite-amplitude perturbations are necessary to initiate amplifying structures. But experiments with the full-physics model show that finite-amplitude disturbances are always necessary to initiate secondary eyewalls, regardless of the initial humidity of the lower troposphere. Experiments with both models, in which the surface wind is held constant in the surface flux formulations, fail to develop secondary eyewalls, demonstrating that in these models the disturbances, once initiated, grow through the wind-induced surface heat exchange (WISHE) mechanism. Based on this work, we hypothesize that real secondary eyewalls result from a finite-amplitude WISHE instability, triggered by external forcing, such as interaction of the tropical cyclone with baroclinic eddies, topography, or local perturbations in sea surface temperature. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
Industrial hygiene career planning.

One dilemma industrial hygienists may face is not being able to define their career plans. This frequently stems from: lack of IH hierarchies in industry or elsewhere; lack of understanding of personal interests and aptitudes and; haphazard selection of the next career enhancement. A progress report is given on the industrial hygiene hierarchy being established at IBM, including explanation of some of the steps taken in developing it. Performance and career development planning programs are described as they pertain to the career field of industrial hygiene.
Objective Evaluation of Endoscopy Skills during Training

Objective: To evaluate the number of supervised gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures required to achieve initial competency using a simple objective grading system. Design: Prospective, cross-sec...
Neuropeptide Y gene expression in immortalized rat hippocampal and pheochromocytoma-12 cell lines

Employing clonal cell lines derived from rat embryonic hippocampal cells, we detected neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA in three progenitor subcloned cell lines. These cell lines upon differentiation express markers indicative of commitment to either neuronal (H19-7; NF+, GFAP−), glial (H19-5; GFAP+, NF−), or bipotential (H583-5; NF+, GFAP+) lineages. Induction of differentiation was associated with the persistence of the NPY mRNA, however, in the differentiated H19-7 cells a 20-fold increase in NPY mRNA levels was observed (P<0.05). NPY immunoreactivity was observed only in cells with a differentiated neuronal phenotype. The cellular radioimmunoassayable NPY peptide levels increased twelve-fold without a change in extracellular NPY peptide levels by multi-factorially induced neuronal or glial cell differentiation. The differentiated H19-5 cells expressed lower levels of NPY that could not be immunocytochemically detected. The peripheral sympathetic PC-12 neuronal cells examined in the undifferentiated and nerve growth factor-driven differentiated states expressed NPY only upon differentiation. We conclude that NPY is expressed by the cultured undifferentiated and differentiated rat hippocampal clonal cell lines, while the peripheral sympathetic PC-12 neuronal cell line only expresses the NPY gene upon differentiation. These immortalized embryonic neural cell line(s) will provide a hippocampal cell line(s) to conduct future in-vitro investigations targeted at determining the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing NPY gene expression.
Answering complex structured queries over the deep web

A large part of the data on the World Wide Web resides in the deep web. Most deep web data sources only support simple text interfaces for querying them, which are easy to use but have limited expressive power. Therefore, processing complex structured queries over the deep web currently involves a large amount of manual work. Our work focuses on addressing the existing gap between users' need of expressing and executing complex structured queries over the deep web, and the simple and limited input interfaces of the existing deep web data sources.This paper presents a query planning problem formulation, with novel algorithms and optimizations, for enabling a high-level and highly expressive query language to be supported over deep web data sources. We particularly target three types of complex queries, which are select-project-join queries, aggregation queries, and nested queries. We have developed query planning algorithms to generate query plans for each of these, and propose several optimization techniques to further speedup query plan execution.In our experiments, we show our algorithm has good scalability and furthermore, for over 90% of the experimental queries, the execution time and result quality of the query plans generated by our algorithms are very close to the optimal plans generated by an exhaustive search algorithm. Furthermore, our optimization techniques outperform an existing optimization method in terms of both reduction in transmitted data records and query execution speedups.
Standard atlas space for C57BL/6J neonatal mouse brain

A standard atlas space with stereotaxic co-ordinates for the postnatal day 0 (P0) C57BL/6J mouse brain was constructed from the average of eight individual co-registered MR image volumes. Accuracy of registration and morphometric variations in structures between subjects were analyzed statistically. We also applied this atlas coordinate system to data acquired using different imaging protocols as well as to a high-resolution histological atlas obtained from separate animals. Mapping accuracy in the atlas space was examined to determine the applicability of this atlas framework. The results show that the atlas space defined here provides a stable framework for image registration for P0 normal mouse brains. With an appropriate feature-based co-registration strategy, the probability atlas can also provide an accurate anatomical map for images acquired using invasive imaging methods. The atlas templates and the probability map of the anatomical labels are available at http://www.loni.ucla.edu/MAP/.
Current status of radioimmunotherapy

Radioimmunotherapy with radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies is increasingly effective for hematopoietic tumors, with a number of investigators reporting persistent major responses. Radioimmunotherapy for solid tumors has been more difficult and only an occasional major response has been reported and these have so far not been persistent. Toxicity is predominantly hematopoietic, with platelets being most sensitive to the effects of radiation. Even at ultra-high doses (up to 28 mCi/kg of 131I), second organ toxicity has not been reached. Rational approaches to dose planning are becoming possible with improvements in dosimetry, based on quantitative SPECT and PET imaging. Current therapeutic indices for tumor/marrow, the most radiosensitive organ, are in the range of 5-10 to 1. This is probably still too low for curative treatment of solid tumors, and further refinements, perhaps based on novel antibody formulations, are needed.
The Spatial Distribution of Particulate Concentrations in the Denver Metropolitan Area

Abstract Geographers can provide information that is important to the establishment and revision of air quality standards. A spatial approach to the description of air quality can pinpoint segments of the population that are disproportionately exposed to potential health hazards. Temporal trends in the spatial distribution of given levels of pollutant concentration may not be the same as those determined from one monitoring site or from station-averaged data. These points are demonstrated for the Total Suspended Particulate pollutant in the Denver metropolitan area for the years 1977 through 1981. The reported findings have major implications for the contentious processes of establishing and revising air quality standards.
Two-point boundary value problems for finite fractional difference equations

In this paper, we introduce a two-point boundary value problem for a finite fractional difference equation. We invert the problem and construct and analyse the corresponding Green's function. We then provide an application and obtain sufficient conditions for the existence of positive solutions for a two-point boundary value problem for a nonlinear finite fractional difference equation.
Sequence and gene expression analyses of plasmid pHPM8 from Helicobacter pylori reveal the presence of two operons with putative roles in plasmid replication and antibiotic activity.

The DNA sequence of a 7.8-kb Helicobacter pylori plasmid, pHPM8, was determined. Six open reading frames (ORFs) were present. Ribonuclease protection studies showed that ORF1/ORF2 and ORF3/ORF4 genes are organized in operons possibly involved in plasmid replication and in production of a peptide with antibiotic activity, respectively. Finding areas of pHPM8 with a high level of identity to H. pylori chromosomal DNA supported the hypothesis that recombination occurs between plasmids and the chromosome of H. pylori.
ADH Effects in Development of Ischemic Acute Renal Failure

SummaryAfter uninephrectomy and contralateral renal artery clamping for 70 min, severe uremia developed in two different species of rats. Twenty-four hours after the operation the serum urea nitrogen (SUN) was 122.8 ± 11.2 mg% (CR) and 167.3 ± 18.15 mg% (W). The serum creatinine was 4 ± 0.3 mg% (CR) and 4.64 ± 0.3 mg% (W). Expansion of volume by 5% of body weight just before the ischemic period did not reduce the severity of the renal failure. The administration of antidiuretic hormone for 70 min without renal artery clamping or an anoxic period of only 40 min are not able to produce uremia. A combination of 40 min renal artery clamping followed by 30 min of intravescular administration of ADH resulted in ARF. SUN was 73.44 ± 11.56 mg% 24 hr after surgery and Scr 2.09 ± 0.27 mg%. Congenital diabetes insipidus rats (Brattleboro) were not protected against ischemic ARF. The SUN was 111 ± 8.95 mg% and serum creatinine was 6.38 ± 0.39 mg% 24 hr after surgery. It is concluded that the absence of ADH does not o...
Subcooling in wood of citrus seedlings

Summary Differences in subcooling were apparent among unhardened seedlings of citrus varieties, but differences were not a satisfactory index of varietal differences in cold hardiness ratings.
Thermal fatigue properties of coated materials for fusion device applications

Abstract The adherence of plasma sprayed coatings of TiC, VC, TiB2 and B on substrates of Cu, 316 ss, Mo, Ta and Poco AXF-5Q artificial graphite has been evaluated in a pulsed electron beam, thermal fatigue environment. The materials are candidates for application as limiter and armor components of tokamak fusion devices. Up to 500 cycles of heating at power densities of 1.5 kw/cm2 for 1.5 sec. were used. Materials were tested both in the as-sprayed (19–33% porosity) condition and after hot isostatic pressing (HIP) to increase coating density. Some (e.g. TiC on Mo and Ta) showed good survivability in both the as-sprayed and HIP densified conditions. TiB2 on Mo and Ta and VC on Poco graphite were improved while TiC + V on Mo and Ta were degraded by the HIP treatment.
Successful Biocontrol of Musk Thistle by an Introduced Weevil, Rhinocyllus conicus

Rhinocyllus conicus FroeL., a thistle head-feeding weevil introduced from France, successfully controlled Carduus nutans L. (musk thistle) at a Virginia release site (Pulaski Co.) 6 yr after the initial release of 100 adults m 1969. Thistle density was reduced by 95%. This is the 1st documented success of musk thistle control by the introduction of R. conicus . In 1974 and 1975, ca. 90% of the thistles were attacked by the weevil; over 10% of the terminal heads were aborted. The unaborted heads produced few viable seeds and only the later-blooming, smaller heads escaped severe infestation. Dispersal was only 1.6 km 3 yr after release, but after 6 yr both eggs and adults were detected 32 km from the original release site.
The complex inter-relationships between protein flexibility and stability

The ability to successfully formulate and manufacture therapeutic protein dosage forms requires a thorough understanding of their physico-chemical properties. Proteins are inherently dynamic molecules of marginal stability. These properties present unique challenges to the pharmaceutical scientist attempting to develop protein based therapeutics. The physicochemical stability and biological functions of proteins are thought to be intimately related to their global flexibility, intramolecular fluctuations and various other dynamic processes. Our understanding of these relationships, however, is incomplete but undeniably necessary for the development of efficacious therapies. Therefore, a better understanding of the complex inter-relationships between protein flexibility and stability should enable the rational design and optimization of protein formulation conditions based on protein dynamics. This review attempts to define protein dynamics and flexibility while summarizing a select number of studies of potential pharmaceutical interest that evaluate these relationships.
The capsid-coding region hairpin element (cHP) is a critical determinant of dengue virus and West Nile virus RNA synthesis

Dengue virus (DENV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are members of the Flavivirus genus of positive-strand RNA viruses. RNA sequences and structures, primarily in the untranslated regions, have been shown to modulate flaviviral gene expression and genome replication. Previously, we demonstrated that a structure in the DENV coding region (cHP) enhances translation start codon selection and is required for viral replication. Here we further characterize the role of the cHP in the DENV life cycle. We demonstrate that the cHP is required for efficient viral RNA synthesis in a sequence-independent manner. Viruses with a disrupted cHP are rescued by a spontaneous compensatory mutation that restabilizes the structure. Furthermore, the cHP, which is predicted to be conserved among arthropod-borne flaviviruses, is required for WNV replication. We propose that the cHP is a multifunctional determinant of flavivirus replication, functioning in both translation and RNA synthesis.
Effect of antipsychotics on regional cerebral blood flow measured with positron emission tomography

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) provides an in vivo method for studying brain function. We used [15O]H2O PET to assess the effect of antipsychotic medications on rCBF in 17 subjects with schizophrenia. Each subject was scanned while receiving antipsychotic medication, and after having been withdrawn from antipsychotic medication for a 3-week period. The two scans were subtracted from one another, using a within subjects design, and the areas of difference were identified using the Montreal method. Subjects treated with antipsychotic medication had significantly higher rCBF in the left basal ganglia and left fusiform gyrus compared with the “off-medication” condition. Significantly higher relative rCBF in the anterior cingulate, left dorsolateral and inferior frontal cortex, and left and right cerebellum was observed when off antipsychotic medication. Upregulation of dopamine D2 receptors may lead to a regional increase of blood flow and metabolism in the basal ganglia, which may explain recently reported anatomical enlargement in these regions.
Microwave sintering of titanium diboride

Using a 2.45 GHz, 6 kW microwave furnace adapted for inert gas sintering, titanium diboride (TiB2) can be rapidly microwave-sintered to >90% of theoretical density with sintering temperatures of 1900 to 2100 °C and soak times of 30 min or less. Densification behaviour with low-level additives was evaluated; 3 wt% chromium diboride (CrB2) was an excellent sintering aid-grain growth inhibitor. A special covering system was required to produce oxidefree TiB2. Specimen surface and interior temperatures were determined with a “hole experiment”. Comparison with conventional sintering indicates that microwave sintering of TiB2-3 wt% CrB2 occurs at lower temperatures (i.e., 200 °C lower) and can yield material with improved hardness, grain size, and fracture toughness.
Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk, and the link to insulin resistance.

Abstract Background: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus frequently have coexistent dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity, and are at risk for microvascular and macrovascular disease complications such as myocardial infarction, stroke, retinopathy, and microalbuminuria. To optimize cardiovascular health outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes, strategies to reduce the risks of microvascular and macrovascular disease are needed in clinical practice. Objective: This article provides an overview of the cardiovascular risk profile of patients with type 2 diabetes and discusses the cardiovascular consequences of use of the thiazolidinediones (insulin-sensitizing agents) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Methods: A literature search of MEDLINE/PubMed was performed to identify relevant articles published from 1966 to April 2003. Search terms used were diabetes, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, blood pressure, hyperglycemia, inflammation, C-reactive protein, fibrinolysis, plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1, microalbuminuria, thiazolidinediones, safety, hepatotoxicity , and edema . Bibliographies within the identified articles were also evaluated for additional relevant articles and information. Results: Recommendations for cardiovascular risk reduction through preventive and therapeutic strategies that target the symptoms of insulin resistance may reduce the microvascular and macrovascular sequelae of diabetes and ameliorate the impact of other components of the metabolic syndrome, including hypertension, hyperglycemia, and obesity. In this regard, thiazolidinediones are promising therapies. Conclusions: Early data suggest that, in addition to reducing hyperglycemia, pioglitazone and rosiglitazone effect changes in the dyslipidemic profile, hemodynamics, vascular inflammation, and endothelial functioning of patients with type 2 diabetes. Additional research is needed to further distinguish the cardiovascular benefits of these drugs.
An automatic technique for solving coupled vector systems of non-linear parabolic partial differential equations in one space dimension

Abstract An automatic computational scheme employing Newton's method to solve coupled vector systems of non-linear, parabolic, partial differential equations in one space dimension is presented. The mathematical technique is developed by considering a series of increasingly complicated equations, culminating with applications of the solver to a simplified, but realistic, geophysical problem. Computational aspects of the method are also compared briefly with those of an alternative solver strategy following the “Method of Lines.”
An analytic model of hierarchical mass storage systems with network-attached storage devices

Network attached storage devices improve I/O performance by separating control and data paths and eliminating host intervention during data transfer. Devices are attached to a high speed network for data transfer and to a slower network for control messages. Hierarchical mass storage systems use disks to cache the most recently used files and tapes (robotic and manually mounted) to store the bulk of the files in the file system. This paper shows how queuing network models can be used to assess the performance of hierarchical mass storage systems that use network attached storage devices. The analytic model validated through simulation was used to analyze many different scenarios.
The Electrochemical Properties of Nanocrystalline Diamond Thin-Films Deposited from C60/Argon and Methane/Nitrogen Gas Mixtures

Nanocrystalline diamond thin-films have been synthesized in CH4/Ar (argon) and CH4/N2 gas mixtures without the addition of molecular hydrogen. Atomic force microscopy analysis demonstrates that the C60/Ar films consist of hemispherical features about 150 nm in diameter with a height of 20 nm. The mean roughness over a 2×2 µm2 area, based on feature height analysis, is 50±8 nm. The voltammetric response of these films in the presence of Fe(CN)6–3/–4, Ru(NH3)6+2/+3, methyl viologen and 4-tert-butylcatechol is similar to that expected for high quality microcrystalline diamond. The results indicate that the nanocrystalline films are active without any conventional pretreatment, and possess semimetallic electronic properties over a potential range from 0.5 to –1.5 V (vs. SCE). Nanocrystalline diamond thin-films produced from CH4/N2 mixtures are rougher than the C60/Ar films, and possess electrochemical properties more closely resembling glassy carbon. The charge carrier concentration in both types of films is believed to result mainly from the sp2 carbon in the grain boundaries.
A mand analysis and levels treatment in an outpatient clinic

An adolescent with severe mental retardation and fragile X syndrome who displayed destructive behavior maintained by positive reinforcement in the form of adult compliance with mands was assessed and treated in an outpatient setting. A levels system treatment was assessed, consisting of a continuum of attention and reinforcement ranging from access to the functional reinforcer in level 3 contingent upon appropriate behavior to a 10 min room time-out for level 1 contingent upon aggressive and dangerous behavior. While the efficacy of this treatment has been demonstrated in an inpatient setting (Hagopian et al., 2002), this application extended the findings to outpatient and community settings. The levels system treatment resulted in a 98.1% reduction in destructive behavior from baseline levels. Treatment was successfully transferred to the home and school and reductions were maintained at 6 and 9 months. Treatment acceptability ratings were high across both home and school staff. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective upregulation of immune regulatory and effector cytokine synthesis by intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes following CD43 costimulation.

Abstract The involvement of the CD43 molecule in the activation of mouse small intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) has been studied using a panel of twenty-two regulatory and effector immune response analytes. In the absence of stimulation in vitro, IELs produced low levels of CCL5 only. Upon CD3 stimulation, the activity of seven of twenty-two analytes was elevated relative to unstimulated cultures, including several proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Notably, CD3 stimulation in the presence of CD43 costimulation resulted in elevated levels of five analytes (interleukin-2, interferon-γ, CCL5, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor) above that produced by CD3 stimulation alone. That CD43 costimulation was responsible for elevated cytokine/chemokine activity was confirmed at the transcriptional level by real-time PCR for IFN-γ and CCL5, and by ELISA for IFN-γ. These findings open the way to a better understanding of the process by which T cells are activated in the intestinal epithelium.
Translation-Inspired OCR

Optical character recognition is carried out using techniques borrowed from statistical machine translation. In particular, the use of multiple simple feature functions in linear combination, along with minimum-error-rate training, integrated decoding, and $N$-gram language modeling is found to be remarkably effective, across several scripts and languages. Results are presented using both synthetic and real data in five languages.
Functional reactive robotics: an exercise in principled integration of domain-specific languages

Software for (semi-) autonomous robots tends to be a complex combination of components from many different application domains such as control theory, vision, and artificial intelligence. Components are often developed using their own domain-specific tools and abstractions. System integration can thus be a significant challenge, in particular when the application calls for a dynamic, adaptable system structure in which rigid boundaries between the subsystems are a performance impediment. We believe that, by identifying suitably abstract notions common to the different domains in question, it is possible to create a broader framework for software integration and to recast existing domain-specific frameworks in these terms. This approach simplifies integration and leads to improved reliability. In this paper, we show how Functional Reactive Programming (FRP) can serve as such a unifying framework for programming vision-guided, semi-autonomous robots and illustrate the benefits this approach entails. The key abstractions in FRP, reactive components describing continuous or discrete behavior in a declarative style, are first class entities, allowing the resulting systems to exhibit a dynamic, adaptable structure which we regard as especially important in the area of autonomous robots.