cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beam Switching Using Active Frequency Selective Surface (AFSS) for 5G Applications

In this paper, a novel switched-beam forming superstrate antenna design using active frequency selective surface (AFSS) is presented. The antenna contains two parts: a patch antenna as a source and an AFSS at height of λ/2 above the source. AFSS is an array of 10×5 bow tie shape unit cells; each unit cell consists of two PIN Diodes. PIN diodes are used to accomplish the beam switching of the antenna. The ON/OFF states of the AFSS reveal transmission and reflection characteristics at the 5G frequency. When all the diodes are turned on, the AFSS becomes transparent and when all the diodes are turned off, the AFSS act as an opaque surface. This non-conventional phenomenon switches the main beam of the patch from the broadside to end fire in the elevation plane. This design is useful for 5G applications.
Characterizing the viscoelasticity of extra- and intra-parenchymal lung bronchi.

Abstract: Pulmonary disease is known to cause remodeling of tissue structure, resulting in altered viscoelastic properties; yet the foundation for understanding this phenomenon is still nascent and will enable scientific insights regarding lung functionality. In order to characterize the viscoelastic response of pulmonary airways, uniaxial tensile experiments are conducted on porcine extra- and intra-parenchymal bronchial regions, measuring both axially and circumferentially oriented tissue. Anisotropic and heterogeneous effects on preconditioning and hysteresis are substantial, linking to energy dissipation expectancies. Stress relaxation is rheologically modeled using several classical configurations of discrete spring and dashpot elements; among them, Standard Linear Solid (SLS) and Maxwell-Weichart exhibit better fit performance. Enhanced fractional order derivative SLS (FSLS) model is also evaluated through use of a hybrid spring-pot of order α. FSLS outperforms the conventional models, demonstrating superior representation of the stress-relaxation curve's initial value and non-linear asymptotic decent. FSLS parameters exhibit notable orientation- and region-specific values, trending with observed tissue structural constituents, such as glycosaminoglycan and collagen. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first to characterize proximal and distal bronchial energy efficiency and contextualize tissue biochemical composition in view of experimental measures and viscoelastic trends. Results provide a foundation for future investigations, particularly for understanding the role of viscoelasticity in diseased states.
Counseling Opportunity Structures: Explaining College-Going Using a Typology of School-Level Opportunity Structures:

This article contributes to our understanding of the gap in college access by examining (a) the extent to which and (b) how high school counseling focused on college broadens access. We extend Engb...
Hyperlocal Variation in Soil Iron and Rhizosphere Microbiome Determines Disease Development in Amenity Turfgrass

ABSTRACT Dollar spot, caused by the fungal pathogen Clarireedia spp., is an economically important disease of amenity turfgrass in temperate climates worldwide. This disease often occurs in a highly variable manner, even on a local scale with relatively uniform environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate mechanisms behind this local variation, focusing on contributions of the soil and rhizosphere microbiome. Turfgrass, rhizosphere, and bulk soil samples were taken from within a 256 m2 area of healthy turfgrass, transported to a controlled environment chamber, and inoculated with C. jacksonii. Bacterial communities were profiled targeting the 16s rRNA gene, and 16 different soil chemical properties were assessed. Despite their initial uniform appearance, the samples differentiated into highly susceptible and moderately susceptible groups following inoculation in the controlled environment chamber. The highly susceptible samples harbored a unique rhizosphere microbiome with lower relative abundance of antibiotic-producing bacterial taxa and higher predicted abundance of genes associated with xenobiotic biodegradation pathways. In addition, stepwise regression revealed that bulk soil iron content was the only significant soil characteristic that positively regressed with decreased dollar spot susceptibility during the peak disease development stage. These findings suggest that localized variation in soil iron induces the plant to select for a particular rhizosphere microbiome that alters the disease outcome. More broadly, further research in this area may indicate how plot-scale variability in soil properties can drive variable plant disease development through alterations in the rhizosphere microbiome. IMPORTANCE Dollar spot is the most economically important disease of amenity turfgrass, and more fungicides are applied targeting dollar spot than any other turfgrass disease. Dollar spot symptoms are small (3-5 cm), circular patches that develop in a highly variable manner within plot-scale even under seemingly uniform conditions. The mechanism behind this variable development is unknown. This study observed that differences in dollar spot development over a 256 m2 area were associated with differences in bulk soil iron concentration and correlated with a particular rhizosphere microbiome. These findings provide important clues for understanding the mechanisms behind the highly variable development of dollar spot, which may offer important clues for innovative control strategies. Additionally, these results also suggest that small changes in soil properties can alter plant activity and hence the plant-associated microbial community which has important implications for a broad array of important agricultural and horticultural plant pathosystems.
Perceived social support in patients with chronic pain with and without opioid use disorder and role of medication for opioid use disorder.

Abstract Background A significant predictor of treatment outcomes for patients with chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) and opioid use disorder (OUD) is the degree and quality of social support they receive. Specifically, in patients with CNCP and on long-term opioid therapy, the development of OUD tends to be associated with losses in social support, while engagement in treatment for OUD improves support networks. Delivery of the evidence-based OUD treatment medications, methadone and buprenorphine, occurs in clinical environments which patently differ with respect to social support resources. The aims of this study were to describe perceived social support in patients with CNCP without OUD (no-OUD), with OUD and on buprenorphine (OUD-BP), and with OUD and on methadone (OUD-methadone). Methods Using the Duke Social Support Index (DSSI), perceived social support in a sample of Caucasian patients with CNCP and on opioid therapy was compared between no-OUDs (n = 834), OUD-methadone (n = 83) and OUD-BP (n = 99) therapy. Average DSSI scores were compared across groups and a linear regression model computed to describe association between group and perceived social support. Results No difference was observed in DSSI scores between no-OUDs and OUD-methadone, however scores were lower among OUD-BP participants than those receiving methadone (x = −5.2; 95% CI: −7.5, −2.9) and (x = −6.5, 95% CI: −8.2, −4.9). Conclusions Patients with CNCP and OUD on methadone therapy endorse levels of social support comparable to those without OUD, however those on buprenorphine therapy report significantly less support, bringing implications for OUD treatment outcomes.
Explainable dynamic programming

In this paper, we present a method for explaining the results produced by dynamic programming (DP) algorithms. Our approach is based on retaining a granular representation of values that are aggregated during program execution. The explanations that are created from the granular representations can answer questions of why one result was obtained instead of another and therefore can increase the confidence in the correctness of program results. Our focus on dynamic programming is motivated by the fact that dynamic programming offers a systematic approach to implementing a large class of optimization algorithms which produce decisions based on aggregated value comparisons. It is those decisions that the granular representation can help explain. Moreover, the fact that dynamic programming can be formalized using semirings supports the creation of a Haskell library for dynamic programming that has two important features. First, it allows programmers to specify programs by recurrence relationships from which efficient implementations are derived automatically. Second, the dynamic programs can be formulated generically (as type classes), which supports the smooth transition from programs that only produce result to programs that can run with granular representation and also produce explanations. Finally, we also demonstrate how to anticipate user questions about program results and how to produce corresponding explanations automatically in advance.
Religion and Identity in Porphyry of Tyre: The Limits of Hellenism in Late Antiquity

1. At the limits of Hellenism: an introduction Part I. A World Full of Gods: Porphyry the Theologian: 2. Porphyry's taxonomy of the divine 3. Salvation, translation, and the limits of cult 4. The master reader: contexts of translation Part II. A World Full of Nations: Porphyry the Ethnographer: 5. Knowledge and nations: Porphyry's ethnic argumentation 6. Ethnic particularism and the limits of Hellenism 7. The way home: transcending particularism Epilogue: translation after Porphyry.
Cloning and Expression Vectors, Libraries, and Their Screening

The chapter describes the cloning and screening of deoxyribonucleic acid ( DNA). Cloning of DNA has five essential components—a method for generating exogenous DNA fragments, reactions to join exogenous DNA fragments to a vector, a method to introduce the vector into a host cell where the vector ensures the exogenous DNA is replicated, methods for selecting or identifying the vectors that contain the introduced DNA (recombinant molecules), and methods for analyzing the cloned DNA. Genomic libraries can be constructed in lambda phage and other vectors. Complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries can be cloned into various vectors, including cosmids or phagemids. Cloning into a single-stranded M13 phage results in single-stranded DNA suitable for sequencing. Cloning is feasible because a diverse array of enzymes is available to synthesize, ligate, and modify the ends of DNA molecules. Screening libraries for genes of interest can be accomplished by nucleic acid or antibody hybridizations, chromosome walking, and sequencing. Cloning provides the basis for identifying specific genes, producing DNA copies of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)(= cDNA), and, in some cases, producing gene products (proteins) in E. coli , yeast, or insect cells by incorporating the DNA into expression vectors. Two insect baculoviruses have been genetically engineered to express proteins (expression vectors) and are used to produce proteins in insect cells in tissue culture or in intact lepidopteran larvae.
Space Station Biological Research Project Habitat: Incubator

Developed as part of the suite of Space Station Biological Research Project (SSBRP) hardware to support research aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the Incubator is a temperature-controlled chamber, for conducting life science research with small animal, plant and microbial specimens. The Incubator is designed for use only on the ISS and is transported to/from the ISS, unpowered and without specimens, in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) of the Shuttle. The Incubator interfaces with the three SSBRP Host Systems; the Habitat Holding Racks (HHR), the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) and the 2.5 m Centrifuge Rotor (CR), providing investigators with the ability to conduct research in microgravity and at variable gravity levels of up to 2-g. The temperature within the Specimen Chamber can be controlled between 4 and 45 C. Cabin air is recirculated within the Specimen Chamber and can be exchanged with the ISS cabin at a rate of approximately equal 50 cc/min. The humidity of the Specimen Chamber is monitored. The Specimen Chamber has a usable volume of approximately equal 19 liters and contains two (2) connectors at 28v dc, (60W) for science equipment; 5 dedicated thermometers for science; ports to support analog and digital signals from experiment unique sensors or other equipment; an Ethernet port; and a video port. It is currently manifested for UF-3 and will be launched integrated within the first SSBRP Habitat Holding Rack.
Social Psychological Perspectives on Deviance

Social psychological perspectives on deviance provide discussions of the nature of deviance and explanations of the definition, antecedents, or consequences of deviance that implicate both personal (behavioral or intrapsychic) and social (interpersonal, group, macrosocial) structures and processes. In this chapter we draw on empirical research and theoretical works conducted in various subfields of social science and on an integrative theory of deviant behavior first fully developed by Kaplan (Patterns of juvenile delinquency, Sage, Beverly Hills, CA, 1984) and modified over the course of several decades. While it was not possible to present every theoretical perspective that addresses our social psychological understanding of some aspect of deviant behavior, those perspectives that are widely regarded as most productive as well as a representative sample of the range of perspectives that persist in the literature have been presented. The chapter concludes with some suggestions for ways to advance the social psychological study of deviance in the future.
The Relentless Revolution: A History of Capitalism – By Joyce Appleby

The research inaugurated by Adam Smith about the origins of wealth is continued by Joyce Appleby with her history of capitalism. Like many of her predecessors, she tries to explain the exceptional ...
Simplified, Accurate Method for Antibiotic Assay of Clinical Specimens

Large glass plates are used for this modified agar-well diffusion assay method, allowing up to 81 replications on a single plate. With a specially designed agar punch, it is possible to prepare the small agar wells very quickly. The saving in serum resulting from fewer replications of standards with the large plates, and the small volume of the agar wells, makes it economically feasible to use pooled human serum for the standard antibiotic solutions. Methods are described for preparing the standard solutions, and for providing controls for the deterioration of standards and unknowns. Procedures for preparing and maintaining the commonly used assay organisms are presented. Serum specimens are tested directly rather than diluting them to a narrow range of antibiotic concentrations. This is possible because of a procedure for calculations that recognizes the curvilinear relationship between zone sizes and antibiotic concentrations. Adaptation of this method to a number of the commonly used antibiotics is described. With this method, it has been possible to test large numbers of clinical specimens in a minimal time, and with accuracy consistently better than 10%. Images
Agriculture and biodiversity: Finding our place in this world

Agriculture has been recently viewed as the primary destructive force of biodiversity, but the places that produce our food and fiber may also hold the key to saving the richness of life on earth. This argument is based on three fundamental positions. First, it is argued that to value and thereby preserve and restore biodiversity we must begin by employing anthropocentric ethics. While changing our understanding of intrinsic values (i.e., the unconditional values of biodiversity as a state and process in-and-of-itself, without reference to human interests) is often advocated as the means by which our behavior will reflect the importance of biodiversity, a change in how we perceive and conditionally value biodiversity is proposed as a more effective and compelling approach. Second, I suggest that anthropocentric values can be linked to a sense of “Place,” with agriculture playing a vital role in this context. Agriculture forms a powerful basis for personal, experiential development of a profound meaning and connection to a setting or landscape. The agricultural setting has tremendous potential for arational (emotional, aesthetic, and spiritual) values that ultimately compel our actions. The constancy of relationship and mutuality of dependency between humans and agricultural lands, particularly extensive agroecosystems, fosters an intensity of association that transcends our recent affinity to wildlands. Third, a mature understanding of places and their biodiversity must include those organisms that account for many of the ecological processes and the majority of the species richness -- the insects. The importance of these insects in structuring the landscape and the effects of habitat destruction on these organisms both suggest a vital, intimate, and reciprocal link between insects and Places. Finally, it is argued that the most important avenue for future efforts to protect and restore biodiversity on the part of agricultural and other scientists is educational -- the presentation of our research to the public in terms that provoke emotional, aesthetic, and spiritual meaning which lies at the core of human values and actions.
The Specific Requirements of Neural Repair Trials for Stroke

Novel molecular, cellular, and pharmacological therapies to stimulate repair of sensorimotor circuits after stroke are entering clinical trials. Compared with acute neuroprotection and thrombolysis studies, clinical trials for repair in subacute and chronic hemiplegic participants have a different time course for delivery of an intervention, different mechanisms of action within the milieu of the injury, distinct relationships to the amount of physical activity and skills practice of participants, and need to include more refined outcome measures. This review examines the biological interaction of targeted rehabilitation with neural repair strategies to optimize outcomes. We suggest practical guidelines for the incorporation of inexpensive skills training and exercise at home. In addition, we describe some novel outcome measurement tools, including wearable sensors, to obtain the more detailed outcomes that may identify at least some minimal level of success from cellular and regeneration interventions. Thus, proceeding in the shadow of acute stroke trial designs may unnecessarily limit the mechanisms of action of new repair strategies, reduce their impact on participants, and risk missing important behavioral outcomes.
Manganese prolongation of pentobarbital hypnosis in the male rat.

Following manganese treatment, pentobarbital hypnosis was prolonged in male rats. The maximal effect occurred from 1 to 3 days following manganese treatment and the threshold dose was found to be 3 mg Mn++/kg (i.p.).
Violence in Lenin's thought and practice: The spark and the conflagration

Drawing on Lenin's writings, the commentary of Soviet specialists, and the work of those who focus on the special character of violence, this article discusses Lenin's views on violence over his lifetime, his distinction among different types of violence, his policies and their results, and finally the doubts about his practices that he ultimately expressed near the end of his life. Beginning in the tsarist era with Lenin's campaign among his fellow revolutionaries to reject individual terror in favor of mass violence, it follows him into power as he put his tenets into practice and finally into his introspective retirement. It discusses how, oblivious to developing danger he unleashed mass violence and prodded it to action in the service of the revolutionary state; why he refused to incorporate safeguards against runaway violence; and how, as its deleterious effects became manifest, he continued to employ violence as both instrument of choice and substitute for legitimate authority. It shows that Lenin e...
Suppression of parathyroid hormone secretion in hemodialysis patients by a novel vitamin D analogue: 19-nor-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multicenter study, 35 patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing maintenance hemodialysis were treated three times weekly for 4 weeks with either 19-nor-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 (paricalcitol) intravenously at doses ranging from 0.04 to 0.24 microg/kg or placebo. Eligible patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT; intact parathyroid hormone [iPTH] level > 300 pg/mL) were initially withdrawn from any existing vitamin D therapy over a 4-week washout period and then randomized to treatment for 4 weeks with either paricalcitol or placebo. Overall, there was a clinically and statistically significant reduction in iPTH level for patients receiving paricalcitol compared with placebo (P = 0.006). The study end point for efficacy was at least a 30% reduction from maximum baseline in iPTH level for 75% of the patients receiving paricalcitol per dosing group. The study end point for efficacy was at least a 30% reduction from maximum baseline in iPTH for 75% of patients receiving paricalcitol per dosing group. Sixty-eight percent (15 of 22) of patients receiving paricalcitol attained this efficacy end point regardless of dosage received (0.04, 0.08, 0.16, and 0.24 microg/kg). Eighty-three percent (5 of 6) of the patients in each of the paricalcitol groups receiving 0.16- and 0.24-microg/kg dosages attained the efficacy end point. Only two patients receiving placebo attained the iPTH end point. There were no clinically relevant differences in serum calcium (Ca) or phosphorus (P) levels between the group treated with paricalcitol and that treated with placebo. Although there was a statistically significant difference between the change from baseline to final-visit Ca levels in the paricalcitol group and the placebo group (P < 0.001), the final-visit mean Ca level in the paricalcitol group was within the normal range (9.44 mg/dL). There was no statistically significant difference between groups for the change from baseline in P level (P = 0.625). Only one patient treated with paricalcitol developed hypercalcemia before or coincident with the iPTH end point. Three other patients receiving paricalcitol experienced elevated serum Ca levels subsequent to reaching the iPTH end point, with iPTH reductions of 83% to 98%. There were no significant differences between patients treated with paricalcitol and patients treated with placebo in adverse reactions. These results show that paricalcitol safely and effectively reduces iPTH levels in hemodialysis patients with secondary HPT.
Prevalence of hepatitis B virus markers in surgeons in Lagos, Nigeria.

Objective : To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers in surgeons in a major city in Nigeria. Design : A cross-sectional, descriptive study. Setting : Three major hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria. Subjects : One hundred and sixty seven surgeons(study group)and l93 administrative staff(controls). Interventions: Blood samples were taken from subjects and analysed for hepatitis B virus markers ( HBsAg, antiHBs and antiHBc) using the ELISA technique. Main outcome measures : Hepatitis B virus marker sero-positivity Results : The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the surgeons was found to be 25.7% as compared to 15% in the control group (p=0.01). The frequency of antibody to the surface antigen (antiHBs) was 22.2% among the surgeons and 4.1% in the control group (p Conclusion : Health care workers should be immunised against HBV. In Nigeria, HBV immunisation should be considered for inclusion in the EPI.
Radioisotopic renography. Diagnosis of renal arterial disease in hypertensive patients.

Sodium ortho-iodohippurate (Hippuran) I 131 renography has been performed by a standardized technic in patients with renal artery stenosis, pyelonephritis, primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, and renal tubular acidosis with nephrocalcinosis, as well as in patients in whom the hypertension was apparently not secondary. Fifty of 94 patients studied were found to have abnormal renograms. In patients with renal artery stenosis, all of 37 patients studied had values on the renogram that were outside the range for normal subjects. Although the renographic findings were not considered diagnostic of renal artery stenosis, certain abnormalities of the renogram were commonly observed in the presence of such lesions. When a unilateral delay in the appearance of maximal radioactivity was associated with delayed disappearance ot the medium, renal artery stenosis was frequently observed. Less pronounced differences in the function of the two kidneys were observed in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis. A state of antidiuresis was often found helpful in the detection of less severe differences in renal function. In patients with predominantly unilateral pyelonephritis, the renographic abnormalities were qualitatively consistent with the degree of impairment of renal function. Bilateral abnormalities were observed in two patients who had bilateral parenchymal disease. The abnormalities on the renogram did not permit distinction between renovascular and renal parenchynal disease. Pyelonephritis associated with obstructive uropathy revealed findings highly suggestive of renal artery stenosis. Distinction from renovascular lesions could be determined with the aid of urographic studies. Only three of 44 patients with essential hypertension had abnormal renograms. The renograms, normal and abnormal, revealed essentially equal function of the two kidneys. The patients with abnormal renograms were not found by other technics to have evidence of secondary hypertension. The patients who were found to have pheochromocytoma and primary aldosteronism had normal isotope renograms. The patient with renal tubular acidosis and nephrocalcinosis had a bilaterally abnormal renogram and severe impairment of total renal function. The presence of a normal isotope renogram, as performed in our laboratory, is considered strong evidence against the existence of a renal or renovascular cause for secondary hypertension.
ASSESSMENT OF FRAILTY USING PATIENT-PROVIDED INFORMATION INDEPENDENTLY PREDICTS OUTCOME IN AORTIC STENOSIS

Because aging is a major determinant of aortic stenosis (AS), frailty is potentially of critical implication, but remains insufficiently assessed. Assessing frailty using patient provided information is feasible. Our aim was to develop a frailty index and evaluate its incremental prognostic value.
Using decision modeling to examine management consensus: A study of a maintenance management control system

Abstract Using a decision modeling approach, this research examined differences across levels of management in a large construction company concerning the criteria for a maintenance management control system. The six criteria were cost efficiency, productivity improvement, materials management, unification of work control, planning and scheduling, and information and retrieval. A decision-making exercise was constructed that asked the respondent to make recommendations concerning the approval or disapproval of 32 hypothetical maintenance management systems. Among the 60 managers who completed the exercise, there was evidence of significant differences across levels of management concerning the criteria for a maintenance management control system. Additionally, distortions were observed between what the managers said was important and what their decisions indicated. These data demonstrate that the decision modeling approach presented can be effectively used to examine the degree of consensus within an organization.
A new spectrophotometric arginase assay

Abstract We wish to report a new method for the assay of arginase ( l -arginine amidinohydrolase, EC 3.5.3.1). Arginase, the terminal enzyme of the urea-ornithine cycle (1), catalyzes the cleavage of arginine to ornithine and urea. Present assays for arginase determine the released urea either by a colorimetric procedure (2) or by a manometric procedure with urease (3). Our new assay is a spectrophotometric method based on the fact that the absorbancy of arginase below 2100 A is larger than the combined absorbancies of ornithine and urea. A cleavage of arginine catalyzed by the enzyme thus results in a net decrease in absorbancy at these wavelengths, allowing a rapid and accurate assay for arginase activity.
Deformation twinning and plastic recovery in Cu/Ag nanolayers under uniaxial tensile straining

Molecular dynamics simulations of nanoscale multilayered Cu/Ag metals have been conducted under uniaxial tensile straining to elucidate the out-of-plane deformation behaviour relevant to tensile spallation experiments. In nanolayers with pristine architectures, plastic dissipation prior to crack nucleation is suppressed owing to the high hydrostatic tensile stress state. The presence of sources for micro-twinning partials, such as micro-cracks or columnar grain boundaries, result in abundant deformation twin lamellae across multiple Cu/Ag interlayers. Plastic recovery is observed during unloading of the nanolayers.
Inflammatory Variant of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy; in a Patient with Early Systemic Lupus Erythrematosus (P07.055)

Objective: Systemic Lupus Erythrematosus (SLE) itself may predispose risk of developing Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) Background A case report of a 55 year old female with a four month history of SLE who developed an inflammatory variant of PML in the setting of minimal immunosuppression. Design/Methods: Case report. Results: A 55 year female was recently diagnosed with SLE and placed on low dose Plaquenil and Prednisone. Four months later she developed Herpes Zoster and was subsequently treated. Brain MRI was obtained in the setting neurologic decline and revealed multiple T2 nonenhancing hyperintensities in the deep white matter. Rheumatologic and infectious serologies were significant for positive Lyme IGM Western Blot; all other were negative. CSF revealed JC Virus PCR was positive. She was treated for Lyme with IV Ceftriaxone, Prednisone titration was initiated, and Plaquenil was discontinued. The patient was referred to a PML specialist for further evaluation who felt that the rapid evolution of the symptoms, short exposure to steroids, and lack of profound imunnosuppression made the diagnosis of PML less likely. Four weeks later, the patient continued to have clinical worsening and new MRI enhancement. A brain biopsy was performed which revealed a macrophagic leukoencephalitis and glial intranuclear inclusions characteristic of PML with prominent perivascular inflammation. In situ hybridization for JC virus confirmed the diagnosis. Conclusions: Classically PML is seen in immunosuppressed patients although it has also been identified in patients with rheumatologic diseases, in particular SLE. Patients may have atypical onset of neurological deficits, inflammatory features on neuroimaging and biopsy, despite the lack of a profound immunosuppression or a short duration since initial diagnosis. The assumption that all new deficits are SLE flares and continued treatment with immunosuppressants could be detrimental hence the recognition of PML in the setting of SLE is critical to outcome. Disclosure: Dr. Medin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Coyle has received personal compensation for activities with Acorda Therapeutics, Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Biogen Idec, Genzyme Corporation, Novartis, Questcor, Roche Diagnostics Corporation, Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Teva Neuroscience. Dr. Coyle has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for NEURA. Dr. Coyle has received research support from Serono, Inc., Novartis, and Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Seidman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Al-Mufti has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kim has nothing to disclose.
MR imaging of hepatic iron overload in rat

To investigate the relationship of hepatic signal intensity and T2 with histologic grading in an animal model of oral iron overload and to determine the duration of feeding necessary to produce abnormalities detectable on magnetic resonance (MR) images, hepatic iron overload was induced in 12 rats by feeding them a diet supplemented with 4% carbonyl iron for 2-11 weeks. Iron overload seen on MR images was graded independently and blindly by two radiologists as normal, mild, moderate, or severe. The rats were killed, and histologic findings were graded blindly by four pathologists using a similar subjective scale. Hepatic T2 values were estimated from spin-echo images. In the rats with iron overload, intracellular iron deposition was noted on histologic studies. On MR images, hepatic signal intensity and T2 decreased after only 2 weeks of dietary iron overload, and both continued to decrease with longer duration of feeding. There was significant correlation between iron overload duration and changes on MR images and between MR images and histologic grading (r = .92, P = .0001 for both). The mean T2 of hepatic iron overload decreased with longer duration of feeding.
HIV/AIDS risk behavior of female sex workers in Mexico: Comparison of interviews with a cohort study in San Bernardino, California

To compare exposure to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) by Mexican and Southern California female street sex workers (FSWs), 72 Intravenous Drug Using (IDU) FSWs in San Bernardino, California (1988) and 102 FSWs in four Mexican cities (1998) were interviewed. Both the American and Mexican FSWs were afraid of AIDS. However, the American FSWs were rarely tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Unlike their American counterpart, Mexican FSWs were usually not IDUs and knew less about HIV transmission. Still, the fear of AIDS and other STDs is not as much of a burning concern among FSWs south of the border because of the legalized prostitution system and use of condoms. Significant differences exist between the two groups at risk of exposure to HIV and other STDs because of the legal environment, sociology, and economics of street sex work. Prostitution is a means of livelihood for the Mexican FSWs compared with their American counterparts north of the border who engage in prostitution for drug money and are at greater risk for acquiring STDs. The inexorable conclusion of this study is that to reduce AIDS and other STDs among American FSWs, a Mexican-style decriminalization of commercial sex work and registration system with needle-exchange, free methadone, and heroin maintenance must be instituted in the U.S. However, political, economic, and moral constraints color the context of these decisions making them unlikely in the near term.
Mode-coupling theory of entangled polymer fluids

Abstract A microscopic mode-coupling theory of entangled linear chain polymer melts and solutions has been developed. Coupled generalized Langevin equations of motion for the segments of a tagged polymer are derived and two new fluctuating cage forces emerge associated with intermolecular excluded volume and chain connectivity. In the long chain limit the theory analytically predicts the emergence of a plateau shear modulus, anomalous diffusion and relaxation, self-similiar viscoelastic repsonse, and molecular weight and polymer density dependent renormalization of transport coefficients. These predictions are in general accord with experiments. Crossover from bare Rouse dynamics to entangled behavior, and the significant corrections due to finite chain lengths, are both addressed. Analogies with critical slowing down and the ideal dynamical glass transition, and connections with the phenomenological reptation/tube approach, are discussed.
Same-different discriminations in the pigeon

Three pigeons were trained to observe five lighted keys and to peck whichever key displayed a color different from that of the other four keys. Their above-chance performances were maintained when a novel color was introduced and when they were required to peck two nonmatching keys during each trial. The results are discussed in relation to response stereotypy and the acquisition of rule-governed (conceptual) behavior.
Chemotaxis toward carbohydrates and amino acids in Physarum polycephalum.

Abstract A variety of sugars and amino acids were tested for their ability to attract the slime mold Physarum polycephalum. Among those sugars that are metabolized by the mold d -glucose and d -galactose were the most potent attractants. Both 2-deoxy- d -glucose and 3-O-methyl- d -glucose were as good attractants as the metabolizable sugar, d -glucose. Analogs that are related to glucose appear to be slightly more potent as attractants than those related to galactose. Structure-activity relationship of several sugars and sugar derivatives indicate that those analogs that possess maximal stability in the preferred “chair” conformation have maximal attractant potencies while those in which the pyranose ring is transiently distorted or isomerized to the furanose form are poor attractants. Although a number of well metabolized sugars (e.g., glucose, galactose, maltose) were shown to be attractants, the data indicate that nutritional usefulness of a sugar is not prerequisite for its chemoattractant effectiveness. The study on the ability of amino acids to attract Physarum indicates that these agents as a group are poorer attractants than the sugars. Among the amino acids the best attractants are asparagine, glycine, alanine, serine, glutamic acid and threonine. As in the case of sugars and their derivatives, there is no necessary correlation between the nutritional usefulness of these amino acids and their chemotactic effects.
Clear advantages for fall armyworm larvae from feeding on maize relative to its ancestor Balsas teosinte may not be reflected in their mother's host choice

Consistent with an increasing number of comparisons between crop plants and their wild ancestors, a previous study showed that in the field, maize [Zea mays ssp. mays L. (Poaceae)] suffers more herbi-vory by larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda JE Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) than its ancestor Balsas teosinte (Zea mays ssp. parviglumis Iltis & Doebley). This study addressed plausible causes of the differing herbivory levels between maize and Balsas teosinte, specifically whether host plant selection by adult females is biased for either host plant depending on larval performance—i.e., the preference-performance hypothesis—or risk of mortality by parasitoids and predators—i.e., the natural enemy-free space hypothesis. Field observations showed that performance of S. frugiperda larvae was superior on maize compared with Balsas teosinte, a result partially explainable by the greater toughness of teosinte compared with maize tissue, but not by a difference in inhibition of protein digestion by larvae. Additional field observations showed that the mortality risk of S. frugiperda larvae is higher on Balsas teosinte, as indicated by higher parasitism (ca. four-fold) and predation (ca. three-fold) rates on the teosinte compared with maize. However, laboratory observations showed that S. frugiperda females did not discriminate between maize and Balsas teosinte for oviposition. Overall, the study's results were consistent with prior observations that direct and indirect defenses of maize against S. frugiperda larvae were weakened with domestication. In contrast, the results were inconsistent with predictions of the preference-performance and natural enemy-free space hypotheses, because selection of maize or Balsas teosinte plants by S. frugiperda females was independent of their offspring's performance and risk of mortality by natural enemies. On the one hand, this study's results partially explained differing herbivory levels between a crop and its wild ancestor, and on the other hand they suggested that host selection by S. frugiperda may be mediated by larval dispersal behavior and host choices.
Polybenzoxazine aerogels with controllable pore structures

Time-efficient gelation of benzoxazine using p-toluenesulfonic acid (TSA) as the catalyst in several solvents and controllable pore structure formation in the resultant polybenzoxazine (PBZ) aerogels are reported. The aerogel building blocks (spheres vs. strands) and the pore surface area show strong dependence on the solvent and the gelation temperature.
Broken beyond repair. Damaging DNA in glioblastoma cells with radiation and camptothecin.

Commentary to:Differential response of human Glioblastoma cell lines to combined camptothecin and ionizing radiation treatmentCholpon S. Djuzenova, Teresa Guttler, Sabrina Berger, Astrid Katzer, Michael Flentje
The problem of the ununited fracture

Abstract Ununited fractures can be divided into: (1) those in which there is still some attempt at repair of bone—delayed union; and (2) those which are in a fixed state of physiologic inertia—nonunion. The etiologic factors are local and not systemic. In cases of delayed union conservative measures may succeed in stimulating metabolism of bone at the site of fracture, but not in cases of nonunion. Operative measures, preferably the use of an autogenous bone graft, are necessary in the latter cases. Operation should not be undertaken in the face of draining sinuses or of evidence of inflammation. The bone graft should be as large as possible and must be held firmly clamped to the fragments. Multiple chips of bone packed about the site of fracture are of great aid. Fractures of the neck of the femur can be dealt with successfully without arthrotomy in cases in which fibrous union has occurred. The method consists in overcoming the shortening with traction, securing anatomic alignment, and inserting a large piece of autogenous bone, such as a fibular segment of such length that it extends from the trochanter well into the head. This procedure could be called “blind” insertion. It probably is not suitable in cases in which no fibrous union is present; then open operation is preferable. Fractures of the lower end of the humerus are the most difficult of all humeral fractures to deal with and are best treated by the “onlay massive” graft.
HASTY, the Arabidopsis ortholog of exportin 5/MSN5, regulates phase change and morphogenesis.

Loss-of-function mutations of HASTY (HST) affect many different processes in Arabidopsis development. In addition to reducing the size of both roots and lateral organs of the shoot, hst mutations affect the size of the shoot apical meristem, accelerate vegetative phase change, delay floral induction under short days, adaxialize leaves and carpels, disrupt the phyllotaxis of the inflorescence, and reduce fertility. Double mutant analysis suggests that HST acts in parallel to SQUINT in the regulation of phase change and in parallel to KANADI in the regulation of leaf polarity. Positional cloning demonstrated that HST is the Arabidopsis ortholog of the importin β-like nucleocytoplasmic transport receptors exportin 5 in mammals and MSN5 in yeast. Consistent with a potential role in nucleocytoplasmic transport, we found that HST interacts with RAN1 in a yeast two-hybrid assay and that a HST-GUS fusion protein is located at the periphery of the nucleus. HST is one of at least 17 members of the importin-β family in Arabidopsis and is the first member of this family shown to have an essential function in plants. The hst loss-of-function phenotype suggests that this protein regulates the nucleocytoplasmic transport of molecules involved in several different morphogenetic pathways, as well as molecules generally required for root and shoot growth.
On the use of Markovian equilibrium distributions for land use policy evaluation

Abstract Using the Markov model of land use change as a framework for analyzing the impact of alternative land use policies, comparison of Markovian equilibrium distributions resulting from constrained simulations has been promoted as a means of evaluating the scope of land use policy impacts. Previous studies have not considered the question of measuring the confidence which can be placed in the predictions contained in the equilibrium distribution vector. This paper applies a method of assessing the levels of confidence in the predictions of the equilibrium distribution vector. Results suggest that use of equilibrium distributions of land use as a measure of policy impact has limited inferential value.
PLANT HOMEOBOX GENES : MANY FUNCTIONS STEM FROM A COMMON MOTIF

Homeodomain-containing transcription factors play a variety of important roles in plant, animal, and fungal development. Mutational and evolutionary analysis is beginning to pinpoint specific roles of homeobox genes in plant meristem function. Even though many different plant homeobox genes encode very similar homeodomain sequences, overexpression studies suggest the existence of several levels of regulation that may specify the functions of the different proteins. Recent analysis of the maize Knotted1 gene and its orthologue in barley demonstrates some of these regulatory processes.
Central metabolism in Mycobacterium smegmatis during the transition from O2-rich to O2-poor conditions as studied by isotopomer-assisted metabolite analysis

Isotopomer-assisted metabolite analysis was used to investigate the central metabolism of Mycobacterium smegmatis and its transition from normal growth to a non-replicating state under a hypoxic environment. Tween 80 significantly promoted aerobic growth by improving O2 transfer, while only small amount was degraded and metabolized via the TCA cycle for biomass synthesis. As the bacillus encountered hypoxic stress, isotopomer analysis suggested: (1) isocitrate lyase activity increased, which further induced glyoxylate pathway and glycine dehydrogenase for replenishing NAD+; (2) the relative amount of acetyl-CoA entering the TCA cycle was doubled, whereas little entered the glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathways.
Effects of gaze, touch, and use of name on evaluation of “Engaged” couples☆

Abstract Videotapes were made of actors playing the role of engaged couples in an ostensible interview with a research psychologist. Couples either gazed at each other or did not gaze, used each other's name five times or not at all, and touched each other or did not touch. The videotaped interviews were shown to groups of introductory psychology students for ratings on ten polar adjective scales. Gaze proved to be the most important variable, with gazing couples rated significantly more positively than non-gazing couples on all dimensions. Touching couples were rated more favorably than non-touching couples and name using couples received less favorable ratings than non-name using couples. Results of the study were related to equilibrium theory and discussed within the framework of other research relating nonverbal variables to interpersonal attraction.
Land Privatization and Pastoralist Well-being in Kenya

East African pastoralists have well-developed systems of communal land management that have been challenged by recent demands from some pastoralists for land privatization. This article analyses the impact on household well-being of privatizing land among a community of Samburu pastoralists in northern Kenya. Using longitudinal data from household surveys conducted in 2000 and 2005, trends in wealth, income, stratification and livelihood strategies are analysed comparing the privatized community and a community where land remains communally managed. Results indicate few significant differences in wealth and income between the privatized and communal areas, although cultivation has become an important additional strategy in the privatized community. Significant levels of wealth stratification are present in both communities but are mitigated to some extent by mobility across wealth quintiles over time. Wealthy and poor groups exhibit different livelihood strategies with wealthier groups relying more on livestock trade and home consumption while poorer groups depend on wage labour and trade for their income. Policy implications of this analysis include the need for development strategies specific to different wealth groups, greater investment in education and infrastructure, and more attention to employment creation in pastoral areas.