cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity testing and logit analysis: Two recent armaments engineering case-studies

Efficient statistical techniques for designing and analyzing experiments are often misunderstood or underutilized, despite possessing great potential when well-informed decision-making and significant cost-savings are desired. Destructive testing with binary response data is a `worst-case' scenario with regards to cost and efficiency; however, in armaments engineering (especially with explosives, energetic mixes, propellants, pyrotechnics, and other one-shot devices) binary response data is often all that is available. This paper illustrates modern methods and best-practices to employ when dealing with these types of analyses, and contrasts two very different types of testing strategies applied to the munitions used in training and battle by the Warfighter. First, we introduce the topic of test design and experimentation. To motivate the subject and illustrate some basic aspects of sensitivity testing, we present an example common to the general public: impact-resistant cases for smart-phones. Next, we elaborate on some of the finer details of Logit Analysis/Binary Logistic Regression and Generalized Linear Models (GLM), while highlighting some of the mathematical underpinnings inherent in these methods. An overview of testing strategies follows, which compares some of the different methods available for data generation. These methods can be roughly divided into two groups - those dealing with pre-manufactured test samples, and those where sequential testing is an option. Sequential tests are generally applicable when the stress level of interest is adjustable during the test's execution, which, with regard to sample size, allows for a more efficient test. Then we detail two recent successful examples in armament munitions testing: one where sequential testing was not possible (9mm ammunition propellant critical threshold development), and one where sequential testing was utilized (NMT - Networked Munition Technology). Finally, we discuss some best-practices, limitations, and rules-of-thumb to be mindful of when considering these methods for different applications.
Partisanship, Participation, and Political Trust as Taught (or Not) in High School History and Government Classes

Abstract Reliance on quantitative work has led to understudy of the “underlife” of the classroom. We observed six 11th and 12th grade history and government classrooms, twice a week, for a semester in order to explore whether and how teachers express their personal opinions, permit students to express their opinions, discuss political participation, and exhibit political cynicism. We found that teachers often expressed their opinions, except for their vote for president. Student opinions, however, were frequently suppressed in formal classroom interaction. Discussion of participation was limited, with teachers oblivious to unconventional activity. Frustration, cynicism, and even name-calling were frequently observed in both teachers' and students' political rhetoric. Our observations raise the question of whether increased civics teaching—without major changes in the kind of teaching employed—will inspire greater interest, involvement, and trust in rising generations or whether it will contribute to the v...
Accuracy and Precision of a Control System for an Elbow Joint Simulator

Joint motion simulators (JMS’s) have been developed for many applications enabling the repeatable testing of prostheses, scientific investigations of joint mechanics and the study of surgical procedures.[1–4] Although Morrey has reported that radial head implants have lower post-operative satisfaction than other joint implants[5] and Dunning has examined several issues with radial heads, many problems remain.[6] It is therefore beneficial to develop a simulator capable of evaluating radial head implants. A robust simulator can also provide the ability to test soft tissue strains at the elbow and compare control schemes that may elucidate the body’s means of controlling multiaxial multimuscle systems.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Synthesis of termini-differentiated 6-carbon stereotetrads: an alkylative oxidation strategy for preparation of the c21-c26 segment of apoptolidin(1).

Two methods have been developed for the synthesis of epoxide 36. The first uses (+)-pulegone 25 as an enantiopure starting material and introduces the requisite intricacy of target 22 in 12 operations. The second method employs an enantiospecific catalytic Jacobsen epoxidation of 1a and is five operations shorter. The second sequence features an oxygen-directed alkylative oxidation reaction that re-establishes the dienyl sulfone functionality with concomitant 1,3-transposition of the sulfone moiety.
Thinking critically in the midst of the maelstrom: can psychoanalysis help us stay sane in an insane world?

This special section of Psychotherapy and Politics International contains an online discussion from October 2006 titled ‘Thinking critically in the midst of the maelstrom: can psychoanalysis help us stay sane in an insane world?’ This discussion, which took place on PsyBC (http://www.psybc.com/) revolved around two target articles by Neil Altman and Nancy Hollander on psychoanalytic understandings of the contemporary crisis in the US. This introduction discusses a few of the issues that emerged during the wide-ranging discussions. Among these issues are: whether war is inevitable; the interaction of psychodynamics and social processes in maintaining the dominant ideology and social structures; the psychodynamics of bystanders in maintaining social problems; and the complicity of many, even most, citizens in the advanced countries in various ongoing forms of oppression. A theme running through the discussion concerns the role of the citizen in a democracy and the need to increase the individual and social ability to remain aware of unpleasant social realities. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Years of life with good and poor mental and physical function in the elderly.

A population of Roman Catholic sisters (nuns) were divided into a high education group (i.e. at least a Bachelor's degree) and a low education group (i.e. less than a Bachelor's degree). Prevalence data on 132, 75-94 year old, sisters indicated that the high-educated had better mobility and hand coordination, stronger handgrip, better distant and near visual acuity, and fewer mental impairments than the low-educated group. Life table analyses on 154 sisters indicated that the high-educated lived an average of 3.28 years longer after age 75 than the low-educated. Years of life with relatively good and poor mental and physical function after age 75 were estimated by a mathematical model that used mortality and prevalence data. According to the model, high-educated sisters lived an average of 3.57 years longer with good function and 0.29 of a year less with poor function than low-educated sisters.
The Sickness Impact Profile for nursing homes (SIP-NH)

BACKGROUND Valid, feasible measures of functional status are needed to evaluate the expanding nursing home population. This study attempts to increase relevance and reduce respondent burden of the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) for nursing home residents while maintaining internal consistency and validity. METHODS 231 residents from one academic and four community nursing homes, aged > or = 60 with a Mini-Mental State Exam score > or = 11, were study participants. Nominal group process was used to identify items and/or categories for removal. Candidate items were those that: represented restrictions of the nursing home environment, had weak item-total score correlations, and/or made minimal contribution to category internal consistency. Reduction was constrained by: minimum correlation of r = .90 between SIP and Sickness Impact Profile for Nursing Homes (SIP-NH) scores, coefficients alpha that fell within 95% confidence regions about predicted alpha. Convergent and discriminant validity were evaluated with the Katz Activities of Daily Living, Physical Disability Index, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Folstein Mini-Mental State Exam. RESULTS The SIP-NH contains 66 items, a 51.5% reduction. Correlations between the SIP-NH and SIP were: total score r = .98, Physical dimension r = .97, and Psychosocial dimension r = .97. Alpha coefficients all fell within the 95% confidence regions. The SIP and the SIP-NH did not differ in correlations with validating instruments. CONCLUSIONS The SIP-NH reduces respondent burden and has acceptable internal consistency and external validity. Potentially useful for discriminatory and predictive purposes, responsiveness to change will require longitudinal evaluation.
Changes in Clinical Dietetics Due to Cost Reduction in Healthcare Systems

Abstract : Cost reduction in healthcare systems may impact job design of clinical dietitians. Objectives of this qualitative study were to: (1) gather clinical dietetic experts' observations on clinical dietetic job changes, (2) identify visions to improve the professional level of medical nutrition therapy practice, (3) make recommendations on how to prepare students for improved practice, and (4) develop a questionnaire for a quantitative survey. An open-ended questionnaire was designed and sent to nominated clinical dietetic experts in eight states: ND, SD, ME, MN, IA, MO, WI, MI. Responses were sorted into meaningful groups. Selected clinical dietetic experts were interviewed by telephone to clarify their responses. Results indicated changes in staffing and clinical dietitians* activities. In some cases, numbers of clinical dietitians and managers decreased with an increased number of dietetic technicians. In other cases, clinical dietitians' numbers increased to meet increased service needs. Caseloads have changed to include more high-risk patients and outpatients. Results also showed redistribution of activities, efforts to decrease expenses and increase revenue, and changes in department structure and accountability. Suggestions for improving the professional level of dietetic practice included increasing clinical dietitians' capabilities and visibility, proving effectiveness of medical nutrition therapy, and strengthening financial status of dietetic services. Recommendations for educational preparation were increasing student awareness about all aspects of clinical dietitians' jobs (i.e., psychological and behavioral aspects of patients), expanding courses in didactic education, and improving internship programs (i.e., longer duration, more hands-on experiences). Results are the basis for a quantitative questionnaire developed to be field tested with a representative sample of clinical dietitians.
Cell-type-specific resonances shape the responses of striatal neurons to synaptic input

Neurons respond to synaptic inputs in cell-type-specific ways. Each neuron type may thus respond uniquely to shared patterns of synaptic input. We applied statistically identical barrages of artificial synaptic inputs to four striatal cell types to assess differences in their responses to a realistic input pattern. Each interneuron type fired in phase with a specific input-frequency component. The fast-spiking interneuron fired in relation to the gamma-band (and higher) frequencies, the low-threshold spike interneuron to the beta-band frequencies, and the cholinergic neurons to the delta-band frequencies. Low-threshold spiking and cholinergic interneurons showed input impedance resonances at frequencies matching their spiking resonances. Fast-spiking interneurons showed resonance of input impedance but at lower than gamma frequencies. The spiny projection neuron's frequency preference did not have a fixed frequency but instead tracked its own firing rate. Spiny cells showed no input impedance resonance. Striatal interneurons are each tuned to a specific frequency band corresponding to the major frequency components of local field potentials. Their influence in the circuit may fluctuate along with the contribution of that frequency band to the input. In contrast, spiny neurons may tune to any of the frequency bands by a change in firing rate.
Calculations of free-energy contributions to protein-RNA complex stabilization.

Abstract The problem of calculating binding affinities of protein–RNA complexes is addressed by analyzing a computational strategy of modeling electrostatic free energies based on a nonlinear Poisson–Boltzmann (NLPB) model and linear response approximation (LRA). The underlying idea is to treat binding as a two-step process. Solutions to the NLPB equation calculate free energies arising from electronic polarizability and the LRA is constructed from molecular dynamics simulations to model reorganization free energies due to conformational transitions. By implementing a consistency condition of requiring the NLPB model to reproduce the solute–solvent free-energy transitions determined by the LRA, a "macromolecule dielectric constant" ( ϵ m ) for treating reorganization is obtained. The applicability of this hybrid approach was evaluated by calculating the absolute free energy of binding and free-energy changes for amino acid substitutions in the complex between the U1A spliceosomal protein and its cognate RNA hairpin. Depending on the residue substitution, ϵ m varied from 3 to 18, and reflected dipolar reorientation not included in the polarization modeled by ϵ m =2. Although the changes in binding affinities from substitutions modeled strictly at the implicit level by the NLPB equation with ϵ m =4 reproduced the experimental values with good overall agreement, substitutions problematic to this simple treatment showed significant improvement when solved by the NLPB-LRA approach.
PROTEIN SPLICING OF THE SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE VMA INTEIN WITHOUT THE ENDONUCLEASE MOTIFS

The protein splicing element (intein) of the vacuolar ATPase subunit (VMA) of Saccharomyces cerevisiaecatalyzes both protein splicing and site-specific DNA cleavage. It has been demonstrated that the conserved splice junction residues are directly involved in protein splicing and the central dodecapeptide motifs are required for DNA cleavage. To examine whether the splicing activity of the intein can be structurally separated from the endonuclease motifs, we made large in-frame deletions at the central region of the intein. We demonstrate for the first time that protein splicing can proceed efficiently after the removal of the central region of the intein including the endonuclease motifs. Our results suggest that the N- and C-terminal regions of the Sce VMA intein may form a separate domain that is not only catalytically sufficient for protein splicing but also structurally independent from the endonuclease domain.
Effects of the hypnotic drug zolpidem on cell proliferation and survival in the dentate gyrus of young and old rats

Sleep loss/disruption has been shown to suppress adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Whether the administration of hypnotic drugs, by promoting sleep, especially in older subjects, who typically exhibit poor sleep, has a beneficial effect on neurogenesis parameters is unknown. We examined the effects of zolpidem, a widely prescribed nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic, on cell proliferation and survival in the dentate gyrus of young ( approximately 2 1/2 months) and old ( approximately 13 months) male Sprague-Dawley rats. Zolpidem (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle was administered twice daily, at the beginning and middle of the sleep period, for either 2 days (acute study) or 21 days (chronic study). Proliferation and cell survival were measured by staining for Ki67 or 5-bromo-2'-deoxyurdine (BrdU), respectively. Acute administration of zolpidem produced a suppression of cell proliferation, which attained statistical significance only in the aged animals. The magnitude of the suppressive effect was larger in the hilus than in the subgranular zone (SGZ). In contrast, chronic administration of zolpidem produced little or no effect on proliferation in either age group, despite marked differences in basal proliferation levels between the two age groups. Similarly, there was little change in cell survival following chronic zolpidem administration in young versus old animals. A slight reduction of cell survival in the granular cell layer (GCL)/SGZ was observed in young animals and a slight augmentation in aged animals. To the extent that zolpidem improves sleep, these data suggest little or no benefit of hypnotic drug treatment on neurogenesis parameters in young or old rats.
Interaction of bulky chemical carcinogens with DNA in chromatin

DNA damage is an important effect of treatment of cells and organisms with chemical carcinogens. Although much has been learned from in vitro studies of the reaction of carcinogens with purified DNA, in vivo the DNA is associated with a variety of histone and non-histone proteins in a complex and dynamic structure known as chromatin. The covalent interactions of bulky chemical carcinogens with chromatin are reviewed. Differences from bulk genomic DNA in adduct density are found in replicating, transcribing and nuclear matrix-bound DNA regions, and between DNA in nucleosome cores and linker DNA regions. These differences range from 2- to 3-fold for linker versus core, to approximately 8-fold close to a replication fork. Much remains to be done to determine the influences of non-histone proteins and higher order chromatin structure on carcinogen binding.
Electric discharge and associated behaviour in the stargazer

Abstract 1. 1. The stargazer, Astroscopus y-graecum, discharges its electric organs during feeding. 2. 2. The usual pattern of discharge consists of a high-frequency “burst” of pulses followed, after about 100 milliseconds, by a “train” of discrete pulses lasting several seconds. Prey are captured within 150 or 300 milliseconds. 3. 3. The “burst” of pulses appears just before or during the opening of the mouth and positive correlation exists between the “burst” duration and the size of prey. 4. 4. The “train” of pulses is observed only if prey are captured and swallowed. The number of pulses in the “train” is directly correlated with the length of the prey and possibly with its movement within the mouth of the stargazer. 5. 5. “Bursts” and “trains” of pulses similar in appearance to those observed during feeding can be evoked by pressure and by a combination of visual and mechanical stimuli. If the “bursts” result from stimulation of the same receptors which produce discharges during feeding, the results suggest that the visual properties of the prey combined with the water-borne waves set up by swimming movements trigger the “burst”. “Trains” appear to result from activation of proprioceptors sensitive to stretch and probably are located in the pharyngeal region. 6. 6. The discharge is too weak to stun predators or prey and does not appear to be used in electro-echolocation or as a signalling device, but the latter cannot be totally excluded. Although it is normally observed only during feeding, the function of the electric discharge is still unknown.
Using high resolution data to reveal depth-dependent mechanisms that drive land subsidence: The Venice coast, Italy

Recent research has provided a high-resolution map that depicts the effect of land subsidence on the Venice coastal plain of Italy. The map, which covers the decade of 1992 to 2002, was obtained by an innovative “Subsidence Integrated Monitoring System” (SIMS), which efficiently merges the different displacement measurements obtained by high precision-leveling, differential and continuous Global Positing System data (GPS), and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)-based interferometry. The displacement rates exhibit significant spatial variability, ranging from a slight 1 to 2 mm/yr uplift, to a serious subsidence of more than 10 mm/yr. This paper aims to describe the many natural and anthropogenic mechanisms that drive the pattern of the ground displacement. The movement sources are presented based on their depth of occurrence. Deep causes act at depths generally greater than 400 m below m.s.l. (mean sea level), and are recognizable in the movement of the pre-Quaternary basement. Medium causes act at depths between 400 and 50 m below m.s.l., and include geological features, such as a major presence of compressible clay layers in the southern and northern portions of the study area and groundwater withdrawals, mainly in the north-eastern coastland and western mainland. Shallow causes, i.e. those occurring from a depth of 50 m up to the ground surface, are related to the architecture and geomechanical properties of the Pleistocene and Holocene deposits, which are more thick and compressible approaching the littoral belt; geochemical compaction, due to the increasing salt concentration in the clayey sediments; and oxidation of the outcropping organic soils drained by land reclamation. These two latter factors primarily involve the southern portion of the Venice coast. The building loads in newly developed areas also cause local compaction of shallow deposits. We conclude that the consolidation of Holocene deposits and anthropogenic activities (groundwater withdrawal, land reclamation, and urban land use) are the major factors that contribute to the present land subsidence in the Venice coastland.
Preventing Nuclear Entrepreneurship in Russia's Nuclear Cities

Since September 11, 2001, concern about an attack on the United States by terrorists using a stolen nuclear warhead or an improvised radiological weapon—a “dirty bomb”—has risen dramatically. In discussions about this threat, Russia is frequently mentioned as the most likely source of black-market nuclear skills and materials. In its 2002 report to Congress, for example, the National Intelligence Council noted that Russia’s nuclear security measures are still primarily oriented toward external threats and “are not designed to counter the pre-eminent threat faced today—an insider who attempts unauthorized actions.”1 Reports of Russian weapons experts sharing their knowledge with other countries have also proliferated.2 Whether through scientiac exchange visits, conferences, or email, Russian nuclear experts may be sharing sensitive information with others. Although many of these reports are anecdotal and few have been rigorously documented since the early 1990s, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency has consistently reported to Congress its suspicions that Russian scientists are helping foreign countries pursue nuclear weapons development programs.3 Preventing Nuclear Entrepreneurship in Russia
Pre-eruption history of phyric basalts from DSDP legs 45 and 46: Evidence from morphology and zoning patterns in plagioclase

Phyric basalts recovered from DSDP Legs 45 and 46 contain abundant plagioclase phenocrysts which occur as either discrete single grains (megacrysts) or aggregates (glomerocrysts) and which are too abundant and too anorthitic to have crystallized from a liquid with the observed bulk rock composition. Almost all the plagioclase crystals are complexly zoned. In most cases two abrupt and relatively large compositional changes associated with continuous internal morphologic boundaries divide the plagioclase crystals into three parts: core, mantle and rim. The cores exhibit two major types of morphology: tabular, with a euhedral to slightly rounded outline; or a skeletal inner core wrapped by a slightly rounded homogeneous outer core. The mantle region is characterized by a zoning pattern composed of one to several spikes/plateaus superimposed on a gently zoned base line, with one large plateau always at the outside of the mantle, and by, in most cases, a rounded internal morphology. The inner rim is typically oscillatory zoned. The width of the outer rim can be correlated with the position of the individual crystal in the basalt pillow. The presence of a skeletal inner core and the concentration of glass inclusions in low-An zones in the mantle region suggest that the liquid in which these parts of the crystals were growing was undercooled some amount. The resorption features at the outer margins of low-An zones indicate superheating of the liquid with respect to the crystal.
Cytokine concentrations in stimulated whole saliva among patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome, secondary Sjögren's syndrome, and patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome receiving varying doses of interferon for symptomatic treatment of the condition: a preliminary study.

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder which causes diminished salivary flow due to autoimmune sialoadenitis. This decrease in saliva flow is the result of inflammation and atrophy of the salivary glands. Most treatment regimens are palliative in nature, but treatment with interferon (IFN) holds promise for Sjogren’s syndrome sufferers. Several studies have investigated cytokine concentrations in the salivary glandular tissues from Sjogren’s syndrome patients; however, there is little information concerning cytokine expression in saliva. This is especially true with respect to treatment modalities and their effects on local cytokines. A clinical study was conducted to determine salivary interleukin (IL)-6, IFN , and IL-2, concentrations among subjects diagnosed with primary and secondary Sjogren’s syndrome and a healthy control group. The primary Sjogren’s syndrome showed significantly higher salivary IL-2 and salivary IL-6 than the control and secondary Sjogren’s groups. There were no between group differences for salivary IFN concentrations. In addition, the study assessed salivary IL-6, IFN, and IL-2 concentrations among 18 Sjogren’s syndrome patients before and after administration of IFN via the oral mucosal route. The results of the study showed that the mean values for the pre- and post-treatment groups for stimulated whole saliva flow rates were 3.15 and 3.74 ml/5 min, respectively. The post-treatment group exhibited a 16.8% increase in stimulated whole saliva flow rates. The salivary IL-6 concentration was 53.3% lower for the post-treatment group (17.79) as compared to the baseline value (33.35). The values for salivary IFN and salivary total protein were virtually unchanged from their baseline values. Salivary IL-2 values, however, were 50% lower in the post-treatment group (3.07) when compared to their respective baseline values(6.10). The results of this study suggest that healthy individuals exhibit lower salivary IL-2 and IL-6 as compared to individuals suffering from primary and secondary Sjogren’s syndrome. The results also suggest that administration of IFN via the oral mucosal route may increase salivary flow rates and depress certain cytokines (IL-2, IL-6) associated with inflammatory destruction of salivary glandular tissues in Sjogren’s syndrome patients.
Solubility of Pyrene in Ternary Alcohol + Cyclohexane + Heptane Solvent Mixtures at 299.15 K

Experimental solubilities are reported for pyrene dissolved in ternary 1-propanol + cyclohexane + heptane, 2-propanol + cyclohexane + heptane, 1-butanol + cyclohexane + heptane, 2-butanol + cyclohexane + heptane, and 2-methyl-1-propanol + cyclohexane + heptane solvent mixtures at 26 °C and atmospheric pressure. Nineteen compositions were studied for each of the five solvent systems. Results of these measurements are used to test the predictive ability of the ternary solvent form of the combined NIMS/Redlich−Kister equation. Computations showed that the model predicted the observed solubility behavior to within an overall average absolute deviation of ∼1.3%, which is comparable to the experimental uncertainty of ±1.5%.
Free Classification of Canadian and American Emergency Management Map Symbol Standards

Emergency management in transnational contexts can be a challenging endeavour. Cultural and language differences among multiple countries can hinder the exchange of information during dynamic emergency response. With increasing international threats and the explosion of near real-time data availability, the emergency response process has become mired in complex communication practices. Maps have the potential to provide an intuitive medium for communication and means for establishing situation awareness during emergency events. The development of map symbol standards is one method for improving communication efficiency. This paper evaluates how the design of two national emergency management map symbol sets (American ANSI and Canadian EMS) influences map-readers’ conception of represented information.
Using a backlogged queue approach for adaptive MAC frame aggregation

Frame aggregation is a wireless link optimization mechanism that aims to reduce transmission overheads by sending multiple frames as the payload of a single MAC frame. Static assignment of frame aggregation parameters can result in delay penalties due to variations in traffic type or load levels. Another possible side effect is an increase in packet error rate in noisy environments due to large aggregated frame size. Adaptive aggregation methods have previously been proposed to deal with the above problems independently, but there is still a need for a unified adaptation algorithm that addresses both aspects in an integrated manner. In this study, a backlogged queue (BQ) aggregation approach is proposed that considers both these aspects, and also ensures inter-operability with other WLAN devices that are not capable of frame aggregation. Performance evaluation of the proposed algorithm on the ORBIT testbed shows throughput improvements of up to 56% in the presence of channel noise and 25% in scenarios with high contention over using a simple txop. An experimental case study shows improvement in FTP file transfer times of up to 11% while preserving performance for real time traffic.
An upper bound for the speedup of parallel best-bound branch-and-bound algorithm

This paper derives an upper bound for the speedup obtainable by any parallel branch-and-bound algorithm using the best-bound search strategy. We confirm that parallel branch-and-bound can achieve nearly linear, or even super-linear, speedup under the appropriate conditions.
Regulating the regulators: costimulatory signals control the homeostasis and function of regulatory T cells

Costimulation is a concept that goes back to the early 1980’s when Lafferty and others hypothesized that cell surface and soluble molecules must exist that are essential for initiating immune responses subsequent to antigen exposure. The explosion in this field of research ensued as over a dozen molecules have been identified to function as second signals following T-cell receptor engagement. By 1994, it seemed clear that the most prominent costimulatory pathway CD28, and functionally related costimulatory molecules such as CD154, were the major drivers of a positive immune response. Then the immunology world turned upside down. CD28 knockout mice, which were, in most cases, immunodeficient, led to increased autoimmunity when bred into the non-obses diabetic background. Another CD28 family member, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, which was presumed to be a costimulatorymolecule on activated T cells, turned out to be critical in down regulating immunity. These results, coupled with the vast suppressor cell literature which had been largely rebuked, suggested that the immune system was not poised for response but controlled in a way such that regulation was dominant. Over the last decade, we have learned that these costimulatory molecules play a key role in the now classical CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) that provide critical control of unwanted autoimmune responses. In this review, we discuss the connections between costimulation and Tregs that have changed the costimulation paradigm.
Initial experience with a laser sheath to extract chronic transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads

This is the first study of the use of a laser sheath to remove chronic transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads. A 16Fr laser sheath was used to extract 14 leads from 11 patients, 6 of whom had undergone failed previous extraction attempts using conventional tools.
A model for reticular-like networks: ladder nets, recruitment fuses, and sustained responses.

Abstract This paper presents a theoretical model as a candidate for the internal organization of reticular-like networks based on a heuristic elaboration of the Scheibels' ‘poker chip’ model, and a working out of the dynamical properties of the model. We suppose that the electrical behavior of networks within the reticular formation may be approximated by that of our so-called ‘ladder nets’. The basic dynamic repertoire of ladder nets consists of recruitment fuses and sustained responses. That is, ladder net cells tend to fire in groups, and individual ladder net cells tend to fire bursts of spikes. Ladder nets are selectively sensitive to the speed of conduction of input fibers. In particular they respond preferentially to fibers which conduct at the same speed as do the fibers of the net. For slowly conducting nets this dependence can be very sensitive. Ladder nets are also particularly sensitive to appropriately patterned inputs when they are presented at rates greater than V N /2L, where V N the conduction speed in the net and L is the length of the axons. This follows from the so-called post-fuse facilitory waves which are a series of PSPs which reverberate back on a given cell immediately following its participation in a recruitment fuse. We suppose further that the overall organization of the reticular formation might be understandable in terms of a partitioning into a set of quasi-independent ladder-like subnets. Each subnet would signal a unique internal state of affairs according to its unique distribution of output fibers, and could thereby activate a particular mode of response. The activation of a particular mode of response would show up as the simultaneous arrival of single (recruitment fuse) or repeated (sustained response) spikes at all the output terminals of the activated ladder net. We would like very much to see anatomical measurements on the distribution of intercollateral lengths, and cross-correlation statistics from simultaneously recorded reticular cells to see if behavior similar to our recruitment fuses and sustained responses can be found in real reticular networks.
The changing face of Soviet defectology: A study in rehabilitating the handicapped

systems.40 In light of the above, it comes as no surprise that Soviet defectologists stress both the general Vygotskian principle of dialogic learning or shared creative activity (applicable to all children) and the specific notion of alternative, unique developmental means (applicable to hand icapped children). Accordingly, they emphasize that there are special advantages to be gained by using the computer as a developmental tool with learning disabled children, namely, that the computer employs those symbolic forms which are congruent with the handicapped child's unique psycho-physiological structure. The computer offers alternative modes of informational input ? Vygotsky's prerequisite for any educa tional program for a handicapped child. In their article, Trus and Golod list the specific capabilities of the computer which make it an appropriate psychological tool for such children: "(1) the recording of information from one form into another; (2) presenting it in various forms and modalities; (3)decoding visual information into audible speech (with the help of speech synthesizers) or into Braille for the blind; (4) presenting visual information in optimal size and color for those with poor vision or a disorder of color perception; and (5) use of a system of 'visible speech' for the deaf or other children with language disorders or language delays, etc." (ibid.). While Vygotsky's notion of the zone of proximal development is applicable to any child, Trus and Golod see particular advantage in its application to computer instruction for the abnormal child. At the This content downloaded from 157.55.39.116 on Sun, 18 Sep 2016 06:24:31 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
“We've had the same loss, why don't we have the same grief?” loss and differential grief in families

Abstract This article takes a constructivistlinterpretivist view of grief within the interactive, meaning-making system of the family. Grief is viewed as a multidimensional process of reconceptualization of reality, focusing on regaining stability and meaning after a loss, with family members using their ongoing relationship with each other to engage in that process. Families are seen as arenas of grief; they themselves do not grieve. Members, on the other hand, grieve in the context of their family. Differential grief is the tendency of family members to be dealing with different issues at varied points in their grief process and with sometimes contrasting styles. This pattern of grieving within families is far more common in families than is matched grieving, and can lead to added pain, especially if the expectation is that members, having had the same loss, will grieve in the same way. Yet in order to maintain the family as a functioning entity, family members must recognize the loss, reorganize after ...
Hemispheric Superiority for Recognizing Faces Depends upon How They are Learned

Summary To investigate whether the type of information available influences encoding strategy, subsequent hemispheric advantage, for face recognition, Experiment I presented photographs of faces for initial viewing centrally, under two conditions verbal presentation of (a) molar personality or (b) physical feature information about each target face. The recognition task presented targets and distractors tachistoscopically, to each visual field. Recognition accuracy scores displayed a highly significant pattern of contrasting hemispheric superiorities under the two informational conditions, but the direction of this contrast was not consistent for all subjects. The first part of Experiment II replicated the procedures of Experiment I, except that all verbal encoding information was omitted. Under these control conditions, the “crossover” pattern of hemispheric superiorities did not emerge, subjects instead displayed consistent LH or RH superiorities. A second experimental session demonstrated the reliability and generality of the crossover phenomenon: When the same subjects were recalled and the original encoding manipulation applied to a new set of faces, the pattern of contrasting hemispheric superiorities again emerged. No aspect of subjects' performance in the control condition was found to predict the direction of crossover in the subsequent experimental session. We infer that intra-subject contrasts in hemispheric superiority reflect the use of alternative encoding or processing strategies under the two informational conditions, but the relation of such strategies to specific hemispheric advantages remains unclear. A general statement of the relation of cognitive processing, task demand characteristics, observed hemispheric advantage is proposed.
Atomic structure of undoped Σ = 5 symmetrical tilt grain boundary in strontium titanate

The atomic structure of a pristine Σ = 5 grain boundary in SrTiO3 has been investigated using a variety of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. No cation non-stoichiometry or impurity segregants could be detected at the boundary within the limits of the energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis technique used, while preliminary electron energy loss spectroscopy analysis reflects that changes in the optical/dielectric function or the valence of the cations at the interface are too subtle to be detected with our coarse scale measurements. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy indicates a symmetrical tilt grain boundary with a (130)-type grain boundary plane. The grain boundary has a compact core, with negligible plane-normal rigid body translation (RBT). An in-plane RBT of 12d130 (≈0.62 A) is identified from the high-resolution electron micrographs. A semi-empirical model of the relaxed atomic structure of the grain boundary based on crystal chemistry principles is proposed, which includes the observed RBT and individual atomic relaxations at the boundary core.
Pulmonary mechanics in lymphangioleiomyomatosis

Standard pulmonary function and mechanics studies were done in eight female patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis diagnosed by open-lung biopsy. Five patients were studied before hormone treatment. The mean age of the patients was 40 ± 3 (SEM) years. Two of the eight had a smoking history of 10 pack-years or more, but all had quit smoking several years before evaluation. There was a trend toward increased total lung capacity (114 ± 7% expressed as mean of percentage predicted ± SEM) and increased residual volume (207 ± 24%). Of the eight patients seven had expiratory obstruction as evidenced by the reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio ([FEV1/FVC] 61 ± 6%). Steady-state diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide was reduced in seven of the patients (57 ± 12%). Pulmonary mechanics studies performed in a body plethysmograph revealed a modest reduction in retractive force both at total lung capacity and at 90% total lung capacity (67 ± 10 and 59 ± 9%, respectively). Static complian...
RE‐ASSESSING THE MEANING OF THOUGHT: HANS URS VON BALTHASAR'S RETRIEVAL OF GREGORY OF NYSSA

[In order to counter the dominance of subjectivity in modern German philosophy since Kant, the young Hans Urs von Balthasar appealed to the theocentric epistemology of Gregory of Nyssa. By means of a study of Balthasar's Presence et Pensee: Essai sur la philosophie religieuse de Gregoire de Nysse, the purpose of this essay will be to elucidate Balthasar's interpretation of the meaning and orientation of thought according to Gregory of Nyssa's epistemology. After an initial presentation of Balthasar's contention that for Gregory of Nyssa God qua Being (to einai) serves as the constitutive source of thought and, therefore, the necessary orientation for any philosophical reckoning of the meaning of thought, the following issues are addressed: 1.) The meaning of thought as erotic and egressive, 2.) the interpretation of imago dei in relation to thought, 3.) the Incarnation and the ultimate horizon of thought.]
Differences in beta diversity between exotic and native grasslands vary with scale along a latitudinal gradient

Biodiversity can be partitioned into alpha, beta, and gamma components, and beta diversity is not as clearly understood. Biotic homogenization predicts that exotic species should lower beta diversity at global and continental scales, but it is still unclear how exotic species impact beta diversity at smaller scales. Exotic species could theoretically increase or decrease beta diversity relative to natives depending on many factors, including abiotic conditions, community assembly history, management, dispersal rates of species, and connectivity among patches. We sampled plant species abundances in 42 novel, exotic- and native-dominated (remnant) grasslands across a latitudinal gradient in the tallgrass prairie region, and tested whether exotic and native grasslands differed in beta diversity at three scales: across sites within the entire biome, across sites within regions, and across locations within sites. Exotic-dominated grasslands differed from native-dominated grasslands in beta diversity at all scales, but the direction of the difference changed from positive to negative as scales went from large to small. Contrary to expectations, exotic-dominated grasslands had higher beta diversity than native-dominated grasslands at the largest scale considered. This occurred because the identity of dominant exotic species varied across the latitudinal gradient, with many exotic grassland pairs exhibiting zero similarity, whereas native-dominated grasslands differed more gradually with distance. Beta diversity among sites within a region was variable, with exotic-dominated grasslands having 29% higher beta diversity than native grasslands in the south and 33% lower beta diversity in the north. Within sites, beta diversity was 26% lower in exotic-dominated than native grasslands. Our results provide evidence that different regional identities and abundances of exotics, and lack of connectivity in fragmented landscapes can alter beta diversity in unexpected ways across spatial scales.
Homoploid reticulate evolution in Helianthus (Asteraceae): evidence from ribosomal genes

Phylogenetic relationships among the 21 taxa comprising Helianthus sect. Helianthus and three outgroup species were assessed by restriction site mapping ofthe 18S-25S nuclear ribosomal RNA gene family. Wagner parsimony analysis of the 41 restriction site or length mutations observed produced a single 59-step most parsimonious tree. This tree was then compared to a cytoplasmic-based plastid phylogeny for this group. Several major discrepancies were observed between the two phylogenies suggesting both recent and ancient introgression. Furthermore, three cases of diploid hybrid speciation are unambiguously documented and a fourth case is suggested. These data are interpreted to suggest that evolution in Heliathus is reticulate rather than exclusively dichotomous and branching.
Nation as neighborhood: how Bab al-Hara dramatized Syrian identity

This article discusses a popular Syrian television drama series, Bab al-Hara (The Neighborhood Gate), which ran for five seasons (2006–10). It is part of a genre of television series called the “Da...
IKS Activators Shift their Binding Sites in the KCNQ1 Channel After KCNE1 Association - in Silico Predictions and Experimental Tests

KCNQ1 associates with KCNE1 (Q1/E1) to form slow delayed rectifier (IKs) channels, a ‘repolarization reserve’ in human ventricles. IKs activators may be used to treat LQT syndromes. The level of E1 presence in Q1/E1 complexes can affect the potency of IKs activators and their therapeutic efficacy. We investigate the molecular mechanisms of ‘E1-induced change in potency’ for two experimental IKs activators: thimerosal (TMS) and ML277. TMS acts from outside the cell membrane and requires disulfide formation with native Cys to manifest its activator effect. TMS left shifts the half-maximum activation voltage (V0.5) of both Q1 and Q1/E1. In oocyte expression, TMS increases the estimated maximal current amplitude (Imax) of Q1/E1 but reduces Imax of Q1. ML277 acts from inside the cell membrane. ML277 left shifts V0.5 and increases Imax, with a higher potency in Q1 than Q1/E1. We identify two putative ‘drug-binding pockets’ in our experimentally validated 3-D models of Q1 and Q1/E1: one in the space between S3 and S4 helices accessible to the extracellular space and right above C214 on S3, and the other between S2-S3 and S4-S5 linkers accessible to the intracellular space. They are defined as putative TMS- and ML277-binding sites, respectively. In silico docking shows: (a) TMS salt-bridges with K218 when docked to Q1, but salt-bridges with R228 when docked to Q1/E1. (b) ML277 preferentially interacts with a ring of Arg on S2-S3 and S4-S5 linkers when docked to Q1, but aromatic stacks with a ring of Phe on S5 and S6 when docked to Q1/E1. Mutagenesis/voltage-clamp experiments are underway to test these predictions, and implications in drug potency are interpreted based on our knowledge of the structure-function relationship of IKs channel.
Reconfigurable, multi-section quantum dot mode-locked lasers

The optical characterization and applications of quantum dot mode-locked lasers constructed using a reconfigurable, unit-cell approach are discussed including diverse waveform generation, optical to RF signal conversion, and optimal laser layout design.
Recurrent pneumoperitoneum following vaginal insufflation

The authors report a case of a 24-year-old nulligravida woman who presented to the hospital with complaints of severe abdominal pain and radiographic evidence of pneumoperitoneum. She had two prior nondiagnostic laparotomies for similar complaints and radiographic findings. After a careful sexual history was taken the patient revealed that she had sexual intercourse preceding every similar episode including this one, during which her partner forcefully blew air into her vagina. Pneumoperitoneum associated with vaginal insufflation has been previously reported in two multigravida patients with and without anatomic abnormalities. When pneumoperitoneum is present in the absence of gastrointestinal symptoms or trauma, a meticulous sexual history should be made to avoid unnecessary laparotomies.