cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of social support on mental and physical health

Early research on life-stress grappled with the question of whether significant life-events bring about changes in health status. The emphasis has now shifted to the identification of factors that explain why some people seem to be so severely affected by life's adversities and others are not. From a class of what might be called 'vulnerability variables' (Kessler, 1979), support from one's social network has emerged as a significant factor that can account for at least some of the vulnerability differences between groups of stressed individuals. Since Cassel's (1974) review of the evidence linking social upheavals to adverse health consequences for both humans and animals, hundreds of empirical studies have been completed that assess the direct and indirect effects of social support on mental and physical health. This literature is so voluminous as to require several books devoted to reviews of various aspects of it (e.g. Cohen & Syme, 1985; Gottlieb, 1981; and Gottlieb, 1983). In this paper we will distil these as well as highlight some of the recent empirical developments, particularly in those areas that have received less attention in prior reviews. Social support has been defined as the presence of others, or the resources provided by them, prior to, during, and following a stressful event. While there is no general agreement on a single definition, the variety has spawned a number of typologies attempting to organize the literature (e.g. Cohen & Syme, 1985; Cohen & Wills, 1985; Gottlieb, 1983; House & Kahn, 1985). Most of these typologies initially distinguish between functional and structural operationalizations of social support.
Implementation of the digital phase vocoder using the fast Fourier transform

This paper discusses a digital formulation of the phase vocoder, an analysis-synthesis system providing a parametric representation of a speech waveform by its short-time Fourier transform. Such a system is of interest both for data-rate reduction and for manipulating basic speech parameters. The system is designed to be an identity system in the absence of any parameter modifications. Computational efficiency is achieved by employing the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm to perform the bulk of the computation in both the analysis and synthesis procedures, thereby making the formulation attractive for implementation on a minicomputer.
Saline or plant-incorporated methylmercury effects on distribution, demethylation, and blood parameters in rats.

The influence of diet is recognized as a significant factor in the expression of toxicity. This applies particularly to toxins like methylmercury (MeHg) which are metabolically incorporated into growing food plants and biotransformed within the plant before ingestion. Methylmercury in this form may influence the early physiological and biochemical events which lead to development of toxicity. In a previous study, a single dose of plant-incorporated methylmercury (MeHg) had a different route of distribution and accumulation in rat organs after 48 h than an equivalent dose of saline MeHg with the greatest accumulation being in red blood cells. Creatine, an important storage form of high energy phosphate in muscles is a primary indicator of erythropoietic dynamics under hypoxia, a sensitive indicator of hemolytic disease, red blood cell aging and impaired marrow efficiency. Since changes in creatine levels occur sooner than changes in other blood parameters, itself being neither synthesized nor metabolized by red blood cells, it can be used as a sensitive indicator of toxicity. The present work investigates the difference in a longer term, multiple-dose regime of saline or bean-incorporated MeHg ingestion with special attention being given to various blood parameters.
Synthesis and hydroxylaminolysis of N-carboxymethyl-N-acetyl-L-glutamic acid dimethylester.

Abstract N -carboxymethyl- N -acetyl- l -glutamic acid dimethylester (CM-AGAdiME) has been synthesized from acetyl- l -glutamic acid dimethylester and methyl chlorofor-mate. The synthesis of this compound was undertaken to allow us to ascertain if N -carboxy- N -acetyl- l -glutamate was formed as an intermediate in the reaction catalyzed by the ureotelic liver carbamyl phosphate synthetase. The latter substance was not detected in the enzyme reaction. When the diacylamine, CM-AGAdiME, is subject to hydroxylaminolysis at pH 6 or 14, acethydroxamate is formed as rapidly as with other acyl anhydrides; a result in keeping with the anhydride character of diacylamines. In an attempt to isolate N -acetyl- N -carboxyglutamic acid from CM-AGAdiME, the ester was subjected to liver aliesterase which removed quantitatively only one methyl group from the γ-carboxyl of CM-AGAdiME. The rapid decomposition of carboxymethylhydroxamate in acidic ferric chloride solutions is also described.
Spermatogenesis in Dermacentor variabilis (Say) in relation to duration of attachment and the presence of chromosomal aberrations in stocks injected with radioactive glucose (Acarina: Ixodidae).

Spermatogenesis in relation to the duration of attachment and radioactivity in the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Say) was studied. The interval between the time of tick attachment and the earliest observation of mitosis and each stage of meiosis was noted, but these times are regarded as approximations. Mitotic divisions in spermatogonial cells were first detected after 24–29 hr of attachment; meiotic divisions after as few as 63 hr to at least as long as 149 hr. First appearance of the individual meiotic stages was sequential for the conditions under which our study was done. The number of chromosomes (2n = 21 in males) and details of their morphology in this study agree with those of previous workers. Crossing over in D. variabilis males is indicated from the observed meiotic configurations of the chromosomes. Stocks injected with radioglucose exhibited abnormal reductions in testis size and chromosome breakage in some spermatocytcs.
Introduction: Understanding Crime and Delinquency from Multiple Social Science Perspectives

This special issue is the fourth in an evolving series of literature reviews designed to identify relevant social science theories that provide a multi-disciplinary understanding of major social pr...
Schedule and quinine induced deprivation in feeding and refeeding.

Abstract Twenty female albino rats were adapted to either 0 or 23 hr of food deprivation. Half of each group was then fed 0.125% quinine sulfate adulterated diet for seven days. Following the quinine feeding, ad lib feeding (refeeding) was instituted for 14 days. Several conclusions were drawn from the results: (1) rats on a deprivation schedule fail to show a predicted change to regulation on the basis of taste rather than calories; (2) rats on food deprivation actually increase their relative intake of water; (3) refeeding after a deprivation schedule does not lead to depression of initial intake below normal, but otherwise the process of recovery follows the same course as after total starvation.
Studies on the formation of two- and three-stranded polyribonucleotides

Abstract The interaction of the synthetic polyribonucleotides, polyadenylic acid and polyuridylic acid has been studied spectrophotometrically by means of the continuous variation technique. The effect of the ionic composition of the solution upon the tendency to form two-stranded and three-stranded complexes is discussed, and it is shown that an excess of small ions is necessary to both reactions. It is found that manganese and magnesium ions have a greater effect than sodium ion in promiting these reactions. It is shown that the two-stranded complex is more stable than the three-stranded complex.
Arabidopsis COP9 is a component of a novel signaling complex mediating light control of development

Abstract Environmental light signals are sensed by multiple families of photoreceptors and transduced by largely unknown mechanisms to regulate plant development. In this report, genetic analysis suggested that light signals perceived by both phytochromes and a blue light receptor converge to repress the action of Arabidopsis COP9 in suppressing seedling photomorphogenesis. Molecular cloning of the gene revealed that COP9 encodes a novel protein of 197 amino acids whose expression is not regulated by light. COP9 functions as a large (>560 kDa) complex(es) that is probably subjected to light modulation. In addition, COP8 and COP11 are required for either the COP9 complex formation or its stability. Therefore COP9, together with COP8 and COP11, defines a novel signaling step in mediating light control of plant development.
Two new species of Eupatorium (Asteraceae) from northeastern Mexico

Two closely related new species ofEupatorium,E. tamaulipanum from southeastern Tamaulipas andE. xalapanum from central Veracruz, are described herein. The latter is diploid with 2n=20. Their relationship appears to be with the genusEupatoriastrum (subtribe Critoniinae, sensu Robinson and King), but an equally good case might be made for inclusion in the generaChromolaena, Bartlettina, orTamaulipa of subtribes Praxelinae, Hebecliniinae, and Gyptidinae respectively, as circumscribed by King and Robinson. While their splintered treatment ofEupatorium, and the Eupatorieae generally, often provides unequivocal “generic” placement of known or newly described species, many others appear to be rather arbitrarily placed, including some whose possible generic positions might include three or more of their subtribal groupings.
The lipid composition of maturing rat testis the effect of α-tocopherol

Abstract 1. 1. Quantitative studies of lipid components of testes of experimental rats, deprived of α-tocopherol, and controls, during maturation, maintenance and aging of the germinal epithelium are reported. 2. 2. Although the initial biochemical lesion produced by α-tocopherol occurs in the prepubertal rat, no marked changes are seen between testes of control and experimentals until the testes are fully differentiated. 3. 3. A decrease in the amount of lipid in the experimental rat, reduction in the content of phospholipid, but no changes in the proportion of phospholipid classes or unsaturation are seen. 4. 4. In experimental testes, the amounts of C16:0 and C22:5ω6, decrease in the neutral and phospholipid fractions and ω3 fatty acids increase in the neutral lipid 5. 5. Intermediates in the biosynthetic pathway for C22:5ω6 do not accumulate; the possibility that the retroconversion of C22:5 contributes to the constancy of C20:4ω6 is considered. 6. 6. That the alternate pathway for C20:4 may function in immature testis is indicated by the presence of C20:2ω6. Only the neutral lipid contains significant amounts of C24:4ω6 and 24:5ω6. 7. 7. A comparison of testicular lipid changes resulting from other treatments indicates those induced by α-tocopherol deficiency are unique. That α-tocopherol may function as a regulator of the metabolism of linoleate-derived polyenoic fatty acids is suggested.
Cocaine abuse: Dermatologic manifestations and therapeutic approaches

Cocaine affects the cutaneous system and other organ systems. Cocaine use is associated with vasculitides, infectious complications, and numerous dermatologic conditions. It has been associated with formication (ie, tactile hallucinations of insects crawling underneath the skin), which leads to delusions of parasitosis and other psychosis-related dermatologic disorders. When a patient presents to a dermatology clinic with chronic skin lesions, a vague medical history, negative findings from previous evaluations, labile affect, and delusional behavior, drug screening should be performed to identify possible cocaine use.
A Parallel Projection for the Multicommodity Network Model

We present an application of parallel computing techniques to the solution of a quadratic programme that arises in the resource-directive decomposition method for multicommodity problems. A sequential algorithm for the quadratic programme is discussed, and its extension to a parallel implementation is given. Computational testing of the sequential and parallel algorithms was done on the Sequent Symmetry S81 parallel computer located in the Parallel Processing Laboratory at Southern Methodist University. On several large test problems the parallel version achieved a speed-up of 10 with 12 processors.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the ENTH Domain on Lipid Bilayer

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is necessary for a number of cellular phenomena, and the adaptor protein, epsin, has been indicated to play a role during the pathways of these processes. The amino terminal region of epsin is characterized by a highly evolutionary conserved region known as the ENTH (epsin NH2-terminal homology) domain, which is critical for membrane deformation, although the exact mechanism of this process is still elusive. In order to unravel the behavior of this domain when it interacts with lipid bilayer, atomistic molecular dynamics simulations have been performed for both the wild type and mutants on lipid bilayer. The stability of these ENTH domains and their possible role in membrane deformation are reported.
The effects of slot positioning on the bandwidth of a micromachined resonator

This paper presents the effect of slot positions on the bandwidth and the response of a micromachined high-Q X-Band resonator formed by a micromachined cavity. Theory and experiment indicate that a narrow-band, low-loss response can be achieved by changing the placement of the slots relative to the center of the cavity. As a result, narrow-band, low-loss, monolithic filters with small weight and planar characteristics can be designed.
Pseudoparticles and massless fermions in two dimensions

The role of pseudoparticles in the breakdown of chiral $\mathrm{U}(N)$ symmetry is studied in a two-dimensional model. Chiral U(1) is always destroyed by the axial-vector anomaly. For $N = 2$ chiral $\mathrm{SU}(N)$ is also spontaneously broken yielding massive fermions and three (decoupled) Goldstone bosons. For $N\ensuremath{\ge}3$ the fermions remain massless. Realistic four-dimensional theories are believed to behave in a similar way but the critical $N$ above which the fermions cease to be massive is not known in four dimensions.
Set valued functions in Fréchet spaces: Continuity, Hukuhara differentiability and applications to set differential equations

Abstract The set K c ( F ) of compact convex subsets of a Frechet space F is studied in detail and is realized as a projective limit of metric spaces. The notion of Hausdorff metric on it is replaced by a family of corresponding “semi-metrics” which provide the necessary background for the support of continuity and Lipschitz continuity. Finally the notion of Hukuhara derivative suited to our study is developed. The proposed approach forms the appropriate environment within which the study of set differential equations for Frechet spaces can be developed. A first example on R ∞ is included.
A simple, low-cost burst disc for use at cryogenic temperatures

We have developed a burst disc that can be used with superfluid helium and whose bursting pressure can be easily and accurately adjusted. It is both low cost and simple to construct. The burst pressure can be set with an accuracy of better than 1.7 kPa with a minimum burst pressure of 11 kPa.
Properties of polystyrene‐poly(methylmethacrylate) random and diblock copolymers in dilute and semidilute solutions

Solution properties for random and diblock copolymers of polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) have been measured by dynamic and total intensity light scattering in solvents of differing quality. The results are compared with the corresponding properties for PS and PMMA homopolymers of similar molecular weight, in order to determine if interactions between unlike monomers are significant. The hydrodynamic radius (Rh) and diffusion second virial coefficient (kd) for the random copolymer are found to be larger than the corresponding values for the homopolymers in a solvent which is near-theta for the two homopolymers, whereas no such effect is observed for the block copolymer. This suggests that most intrachain interactions occur a relatively short distance along the chain backbone. In a mutual good solvent Rh and kd of the random copolymer are comparable to the average of the values for the homopolymers, indicating that in a good solvent monomer/solvent interactions dominate over monomer/monomer interactions. For an isolated diblock copolymer in a mutual good solvent, there is no evidence that interactions between unlike monomers lead to additional expansion of the entire molecule, as measured by Rh, nor expansion of the individual blocks as probed by light scattering with one block optically masked. However, at low but finite concentration there is evidence (the coefficients of the binary interaction terms in the viscosity and the mutual diffusion coefficient, and the second and third virial coefficients) that a weak ordering effect may exist in block copolymer solutions, far from the conditions where microphase separation occurs. Finally, measurements of ternary polymer-polymer-solvent solutions show no dependence on monomer composition or monomer distribution for the tracer diffusion of probe PS-PMMA copolymers in a PMMA/toluene matrix. This indicate that the frictional interaction is largely unaffected by interactions between unlike monomers. However, there is evidence that the thermodynamic interaction is more unfavorable between a random copolymer and the homopolymer matrix than between a diblock and the matrix. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Microhabitat analyses of Silurian stromatoporoids as substrata for epibionts

Stromatoporoids associated with a Hoburgen-type reef (Upper Ludlovian, Hamra Beds) on the island of Gotland provided living space for a variety of encrusting epibionts and endoliths. The stromatoporoids were inhabited by some 32 species, including cyclostome, cystoporate, and trepostome bryozoans, tabulates, rugosans, pelmatozoans, brachiopods, spirorbids, cornulitids, tentaculitids, and endolithic organisms. Specialist organisms adapted to the cryptic niche were present and the functional make-up, as well as skeletonized coverage, of this community resembled that of extant cryptic communities. Lower and upper surfaces exhibit similar diversities (H'loge = 2.33, 2.43, respectively), although their percent coverages (13.0%, 9.9%) and taxonomic compositions differ, indicating an upper-lower surface polarity. Both lower and upper surfaces exhibit a zonation with diversity and percent coverage decreasing significantly from the outer edge to the interior. Both surfaces also exhibit compositional differences between outer and interior zones.
Characterizing Food Access in America: Considering the Role of Emergency Food Pantries in Areas without Supermarkets

This study provides a more comprehensive depiction of the environment in which low-income households and other vulnerable populations acquire and purchase food by considering access to emergency food pantries in areas lacking supermarkets. The locations of food pantries were mapped against the map of supermarkets in 47 states and the District of Columbia to identify local areas without supermarkets and the percentage of these areas that have a pantry. Local area population characteristics were used to define subgroups of areas based on poverty level and socioeconomic status of households. The study found that food pantries help to address food access limitations in a sizable percentage of area without supermarkets. About one quarter of census tracts with no supermarkets were found to have at least one food pantry. When considering only high-poverty tracts, 40% of areas without a supermarket had a pantry. The study also found that among areas without supermarkets, pantries tend to be located in areas with ...
The role of PGE2 in intestinal inflammation and tumorigenesis.

Abstract Release of the free fatty acid arachidonic acid (AA) by cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and its subsequent metabolism by the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes produces a broad panel of eicosanoids including prostaglandins (PGs). This study sought to investigate the roles of these mediators in experimental models of inflammation and inflammation-associated intestinal tumorigenesis. Using the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) model of experimental colitis, we first investigated how a global reduction in eicosanoid production would impact intestinal injury by utilizing cPLA2 knockout mice. cPLA2 deletion enhanced colonic injury, reflected by increased mucosal ulceration and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Increased disease severity was associated with a significant reduction in the levels of several eicosanoid metabolites, including PGE2. We further assessed the precise role of PGE2 synthesis on mucosal injury and repair by utilizing mice with a genetic deletion of microsomal PGE synthase-1 (mPGES-1), the terminal synthase in the formation of inducible PGE2. DSS exposure caused more extensive acute injury as well as impaired recovery in knockout mice compared to wild-type littermates. Increased intestinal damage was associated with both reduced PGE2 levels as well as altered levels of other eicosanoids including PGD2. To determine whether this metabolic redirection impacted inflammation-associated intestinal tumorigenesis, ApcMin/+ and ApcMin/+:mPGES-1−/− mice were exposed to DSS. DSS administration caused a reduction in the number of intestinal polyps only in ApcMin/+:mPGES-1−/− mice. These results demonstrate the importance of the balance of prostaglandins produced in the intestinal tract for maintaining intestinal homeostasis and impacting tumor development.
Optical system design and integration of the mercury laser altimeter.

The Mercury Laser Altimeter (MLA). developed for the 2004 MESSENGER mission to Mercury, is designed to measure the planet's topography via laser ranging. A description of the MLA optical system and its measured optical performance during instrument-level and spacecraft-level integration and testing are presented.
VLF Propagation Measurements for the Radux-Omega Navigation System

This paper describes special VLF propagation measurements in connection with a feasibility study of a long range navigation system. Round-trip single-frequency measurement of phase stability was made between Hawaii and San Diego on frequencies from 10.2 kc to 18.2 kc in 1 kc increments. During January 15 to 23, 1958, the standard deviation of phase stability on 12.2 kc was 4 ?sec daytime and 5 ?sec night time. One-way two-frequency transmissions were monitored in San Diego and Washington, D.C., to determine the phase stability of a I kc difference frequency for pairs of frequencies from 10.2 kc to 18.2 kc. Data analyzed at time of submission of this paper (10.2-16.2 kc) indicate limitations of the two-frequency system for lane identification (resolution of cyclic ambiguities corresponding to one period of the carrier frequency). The techniques used to instrument these tests are considered somewhat unique. Data reported herein are general and applicable to any propagation study. The data being collected are leading to a better understanding of the mechanism of VLF propagation.
The role of microRNAs in skin fibrosis

Fibrotic skin disorders may be debilitating and impair quality of life. There are few effective treatment options for cutaneous fibrotic diseases. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in skin fibrosis. miRNAs are a class of small, non-coding RNAs involved in skin fibrosis. These small RNAs range from 18 to 25 nucleotides in length and modify gene expression by binding to target messenger RNA (mRNA), causing degradation of the target mRNA or inhibiting the translation into proteins. We present an overview of the biogenesis, maturation and function of miRNAs. We highlight miRNA’s role in key skin fibrotic processes including: transforming growth factor-beta signaling, extracellular matrix deposition, and fibroblast proliferation and differentiation. Some miRNAs are profibrotic and their upregulation favors these processes contributing to fibrosis, while anti-fibrotic miRNAs inhibit these processes and may be reduced in fibrosis. Finally, we describe the diagnostic and therapeutic significance of miRNAs in the management of skin fibrosis. The discovery that miRNAs are detectable in serum, plasma, and other bodily fluids, and are relatively stable, suggests that miRNAs may serve as valuable biomarkers to monitor disease progression and response to treatment. In the treatment of skin fibrosis, anti-fibrotic miRNAs may be upregulated using mimics and viral vectors. Conversely, profibrotic miRNAs may be downregulated by employing anti-miRNAs, sponges, erasers and masks. We believe that miRNA-based therapies hold promise as important treatments and may transform the management of fibrotic skin diseases by physicians.
GM-CSF Controls Nonlymphoid Tissue Dendritic Cell Homeostasis but Is Dispensable for the Differentiation of Inflammatory Dendritic Cells

GM-CSF (Csf-2) is a critical cytokine for the in vitro generation of dendritic cells (DCs) and is thought to control the development of inflammatory DCs and resident CD103(+) DCs in some tissues. Here we showed that in contrast to the current understanding, Csf-2 receptor acts in the steady state to promote the survival and homeostasis of nonlymphoid tissue-resident CD103(+) and CD11b(+) DCs. Absence of Csf-2 receptor on lung DCs abrogated the induction of CD8(+) T cell immunity after immunization with particulate antigens. In contrast, Csf-2 receptor was dispensable for the differentiation and innate function of inflammatory DCs during acute injuries. Instead, inflammatory DCs required Csf-1 receptor for their development. Thus, Csf-2 is important in vaccine-induced CD8(+) T cell immunity through the regulation of nonlymphoid tissue DC homeostasis rather than control of inflammatory DCs in vivo.
Terahertz absorption spectra of nitromethane

Abstract Nitromethane, with its heavy frame and internal rotator, readily evaporates into the atmosphere making it an ideal candidate for remote sensing. Here we present the absorption spectra of gas-phase nitromethane between 9 and 50 cm −1 . Measurements were taken using a Bruker IFS 66v Fourier transform far-infrared (FTIR) spectrometer at a resolution of 0.12 cm −1 (0.0036 THz) from 9 to 40 cm −1 and a Bruker Vertex 80v FTIR spectrometer with a resolution of 0.0075 cm −1 (0.00226 THz) from 10 to 50 cm −1 . The absorption spectra were measured at multiple pathlengths ranging from 2 to 6 m. These measurements were used to calculate the absorption coefficient of nitromethane as a function of wavenumber.
Adaptive Constraint-Based Multi-Objective Routing for Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) is a rising technology that promises to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds. Being limited in processing power, memory space, communication range and energy resources as well as unlikely prone to human intervention, WSN communications put extra challenges on the routing task. In addition, the wide variety of sensor applications often requires that multiple conflicting objectives be satisfied in the routing task. We propose a framework for routing in WSN that is adaptive, constraint-based, multi-objective and which is also solely dependant on localized knowledge.
Scale-Recursive Lattice-Based Multiple-Access Symbol Constellations

This paper describes scale-recursive symbol constellations for the synchronous multiple-access (MA) channel, which can be seen as a generalization of Voronoi coding. The constellations are related by a fixed scaling and rotation, and are designed so that in the noise-free case, the combined signal always falls onto an appropriate lattice. This allows high throughput and a linear complexity decoding algorithm. Novel constellations of up to 24 dimensions are given that show improved performance over conventional rectangular lattices.
Studies on the Singlet Oxygen Scavenging Mechanism of Human Macular Pigment

It is thought that direct quenching of singlet oxygen and scavenging free radicals by macular pigment carotenoids is a major mechanism for their beneficial effects against light-induced oxidative stress. Corresponding data from human tissue remains unavailable, however. In the studies reported here, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to measure light-induced singlet oxygen generation in post-mortem human macula and retinal pigment epithelium/choroid (RPE/choroid). Under white-light illumination, production of singlet oxygen was detected in RPE/choroid but not in macular tissue, and we show that exogenously added macular carotenoids can quench RPE/choroid singlet oxygen. When the singlet oxygen quenching ability of the macular carotenoids was investigated in solution, it was shown that a mixture of meso-zeaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein in a ratio of 1:1:1 can quench more singlet oxygen than the individual carotenoids at the same total concentration.
Structural Health Monitoring: Alarming System

There is a huge investment in our infrastructure that is vital to our social and economic life. However, the aging and deterioration of the structures require implementing a damage detection system to monitor their structural integrity. In this study, a new alarming system was developed as part of a structural health monitoring system and installed in a scaled-down structure models. The designed system incorporated microprocessors, wireless communication, transducer, and cellular transmission that allow remote monitoring. The developed system facilitates continuous monitoring process of any part of structures and controlled remotely from any location. The system was equipped with data processing subsystem that detects structural behavior irregularity, defects, and potential failures. The system was tested using Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) for deflections and using strain gages to measure the developed axial and flexural strains in different structural models. Filtering algorithm was used to filter graphs and the data gathered in each loading stage was averaged and plotted to show the abrupt change in the values. The filtering system helps the alarming system to have a clear prediction of possible irregularities. The developed system provides the desired features of low cost, low power, small size, flexibility and easy implementation, remote accessing, early detection of problems, and simplified representation of the results.
A Green Proof of Fatou's Theorem

Abstract This paper is an exposition of some applications of Stochastic Processes to boundary behavior problems for harmonic functions. As an illustration, we give a proof of Fatou's theorem in simply connected plane domains which is probabilistic and does not use the Riemann mapping theorem. The paper closes with some remarks on further related work and open questions.
Expression of genes for platelet-derived growth factor in adult human venous endothelium: A possible non-platelet-dependent cause of intimal hyperplasia in vein grafts and perianastomotic areas of vascular prostheses

Neointimal fibromuscular hyperplasia (NFH) in vein grafts and perianastomotic zones of vascular prostheses has been attributed to the effects of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) released by platelets interacting with bypass conduits. But inhibition of platelet aggregation often fails to prevent NFH, and recurrent growth of intact, platelet-free endothelium over perianastomotic areas where NFH occurs is inconsistent with the concept of sustained PDGF release from platelets causing NFH progression at late times after surgical procedures. Cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (ECs) and human umbilical vein ECs have been shown to release a PDGF-like molecule. We report that confluent cultured fourth passage adult human saphenous vein ECs (AHSVECs) grown in the presence of heparin (100 micrograms/ml) and retina-derived growth factor (RDGF) studied by Northern blotting transcribed a messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) of 3.9 kb, strongly hybridizing to PDGF B chain probes, and two species of 2.0 and 2.6 kb hybridizing to PDGF A chain probes. Withdrawal of RDGF and heparin from these cultures for 48 hours before mRNA extraction amplified the scanning densitometric mRNA signal per cell by 8.0 +/- 7.6 fold (mean +/- SD) (N = 4 cultures) for B chain mRNA and 5.2 +/- 3.6 fold (N = 3 cultures) for A chain mRNA. In addition, AHSVEC cultures released a PDGF-like substance, because 50% vol/vol AHSVEC-conditioned serum-free medium increased tritiated thymidine uptake elevenfold in PDGF receptor-bearing 3T3 cells whereas an excess (50 micrograms/ml) of nonspecific goat anti-human-PDGF antibody significantly reduced this increase by a mean of 30% to 7.0 +/- 3.4 fold (N = 6 trials, p less than 0.001). Flow cytometry determined AHSVEC cultures to be proliferating with a mean of 6.2% +/- 1.9% (N = 3 culture lines) of ECs in S phase even at confluence when deprived of EC mitogens for 48 hours. Adult human ECs, which proliferate on bypass conduits and host vessels after perioperative injury, may play a role in causing NFH by stimulating proliferation of adjacent smooth muscle cells. Prevention of NFH may require not only antiplatelet agents but also ways to prevent EC release of smooth muscle cell mitogens in response to perioperative EC injury.
Efavirenz in the therapy of HIV infection.

Importance of the field: The use of the first generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor efavirenz (EFV) as a component of first-line antiretroviral therapy has been accepted worldwide. EFV is the only antiretroviral agent currently on the market that has been combined with emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in a single tablet and administered once daily.Areas covered in this review: This article reviews efficacy and safety data on EFV and the role of pharmacogenetics in EFV exposure. Published articles and conference presentations on EFV are reviewed.What the reader will gain: CYP2B6 genetic polymorphisms influence the metabolism of EFV. The CYP2B6 G to T polymorphism at position 516 is shown to be associated with elevated plasma concentrations and an increase in neurotoxicity of EFV, while the wild-type genotype has been associated with sub-therapeutic concentrations of EFV, potentially leading to the development of viral resistance. This polymorphism is significantly higher ...
One.world: experiences with a pervasive computing architecture

A new architecture, one.world, provides an integrated, comprehensive framework for building pervasive applications. It targets applications that automatically adapt to highly dynamic computing environments, and it includes services that make it easier for developers to manage constant change. We illustrate the metrics for designing and evaluating pervasive computing systems. The performance measurements are done using Sun's Java Hotspot virtual machine.
Believing what you’re told: Young children’s trust in unexpected testimony about the physical world

How do children resolve conflicts between a self-generated belief and what they are told? Four studies investigated the circumstances under which toddlers would trust testimony that conflicted with their expectations about the physical world. Thirty-month-olds believed testimony that conflicted with a naive bias (Study 1), and they also repeatedly trusted testimony that conflicted with an event they had just seen (Study 2)—even when they had an incentive to ignore the testimony (Study 3). Children responded more skeptically if they could see that the testimony was wrong as it was being delivered (Study 3), or if they had the opportunity to accumulate evidence confirming their initial belief before hearing someone contradict it (Study 4). Together, these studies demonstrate that toddlers have a robust bias to trust even surprising testimony, but this trust can be influenced by how much confidence they have in their initial belief.
Take Care with Type C: Serious Considerations in the Selection of Patients with Hepatitis C for Total Joint Arthroplasty: Commentary on an article by Kimona Issa, MD, et al.: "The Impact of Hepatitis C on Short-Term Outcomes of Total Joint Arthroplasty".

Among the most common and successful surgical procedures performed in the United States are total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty, with anticipated volumes estimated to continue to increase in the coming years1,2. A rising prevalence of total joint arthroplasty, in combination with a national focus on the overall rising cost of health care, will heavily shape the future discussion of total joint arthroplasty with regard to its balance of the patient benefit to the financial burden for society. Included in the discussion will be heightened interest in the preventable social and financial burden posed by its complications, implying the imperative of improved identification of risk factors and comorbidities associated with complications or poor outcomes after total joint arthroplasty. Risk stratification of the patient undergoing total joint arthroplasty is an area of high interest to orthopaedic surgeons with regard to positively influencing patient outcomes3,4. Although multiple medical comorbidities have been studied, a paucity of literature exists with regard to a growing subset of the patient population deciding to undergo elective total joint arthroplasty: patients infected with hepatitis C. The article by Issa et al. addresses this dearth of shared experience through a thoughtful analysis of a large patient cohort. With regard to the prevalence of complications, they mined a national databank encompassing approximately 20% of U.S. hospital admissions from 1998 to …
Multimedia Learning: Individual Differences Principle

Individual Differences Principle: Design effects are stronger for lowknowledge learners than for high-knowledge learners, and for high-spatial learners rather than for low-spatial learners . Theoretical Rationale: High-knowledge learners are able to use their prior knowledge to compensate for lack of guidance in the presentation – such as by forming appropriate mental images from words – whereas low-knowledge learners are less able to engage in useful cognitive processing when the presentation lacks guidance. High-spatial learners possess the cognitive capacity to mentally integrate visual and verbal representations from effective multimedia presentations; in contrast, low-spatial learners must devote so much cognitive capacity to holding the presented images in memory that they are less likely to have sufficient capacity left over to mentally integrate visual and verbal representations . Empirical Rationale: In two of three tests, low-knowledge learners achieved higher gains on retention tests from implementing multimedia design principles than did high-knowledge learners. In four of four tests, low-knowledge learners achieved higher gains on transfer tests from implementing multimedia design principles than did high-knowledge learners. In two of two tests, high-spatial learners achieved greater gains on transfer tests from implementing multimedia design principles than did low-spatial learners. There were not tests involving retention tests for high- and low-spatial learners . QUESTIONS ABOUT MULTIMEDIA LEARNING The first three chapters in this book examined the nature of multimedia learning – answering the question “What is multimedia learning?” – and described a cognitive theory of multimedia learning, aimed at addressing the question “Why does multimedia learning work?”
CiteSeer x : a cloud perspective

Information retrieval applications are good candidates for hosting in a cloud infrastructure. CiteSeerx a digital library and search engine was built with the goal of efficiently disseminating scientific information and literature over the web. The framework for CiteSeerx as an application of the SeerSuite software is a design built with extensibility and scalability as fundamental features. This loosely coupled architecture with service oriented interfaces allows the whole or parts of SeerSuite to readily be placed in the cloud. We discuss in brief the architecture, approaches, and advantages of hosting CiteSeerx in the cloud. We present initial results on costs of migrating whole or parts of CiteSeerx to two popular cloud offerings as well as discuss the effort involved.
Development of a Standardized Approach to Disclosing Amyloid Imaging Research Results in Mild Cognitive Impairment

The increased use of PET amyloid imaging in clinical research has sparked numerous concerns about whether and how to return such research test results to study participants. Chief among these is the question of how best to disclose amyloid imaging research results to individuals who have cognitive symptoms that could impede comprehension of the information conveyed. We systematically developed and evaluated informational materials for use in pre-test counseling and post-test disclosures of amyloid imaging research results in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Using simulated sessions, persons with MCI and their family care partners (N = 10 dyads) received fictitious but realistic information regarding brain amyloid status, followed by an explanation of how results impact Alzheimer's disease risk. Satisfaction surveys, comprehension assessments, and focus group data were analyzed to evaluate the materials developed. The majority of persons with MCI and their care partners comprehended and were highly satisfied with the information presented. Focus group data reinforced findings of high satisfaction and included 6 recommendations for practice: 1) offer pre-test counseling, 2) use clear graphics, 3) review participants' own brain images during disclosures, 4) offer take-home materials, 5) call participants post-disclosure to address emerging questions, and 6) communicate seamlessly with primary care providers. Further analysis of focus group data revealed that participants understood the limitations of amyloid imaging, but nevertheless viewed the prospect of learning one's amyloid status as valuable and empowering.
Using Multistate Reweighting to Rapidly and Efficiently Explore Molecular Simulation Parameters Space for Nonbonded Interactions

Multistate reweighting methods such as the multistate Bennett acceptance ratio (MBAR) can predict free energies and expectation values of thermodynamic observables at poorly sampled or unsampled thermodynamic states using simulations performed at only a few sampled states combined with single point energy reevaluations of these samples at the unsampled states. In this study, we demonstrate the power of this general reweighting formalism by exploring the effect of simulation parameters controlling Coulomb and Lennard-Jones cutoffs on free energy calculations and other observables. Using multistate reweighting, we can quickly identify, with very high sensitivity, the computationally least expensive nonbonded parameters required to obtain a specified accuracy in observables compared to the answer obtained using an expensive "gold standard" set of parameters. We specifically examine free energy estimates of three molecular transformations in a benchmark molecular set as well as the enthalpy of vaporization of TIP3P. The results demonstrates the power of this multistate reweighting approach for measuring changes in free energy differences or other estimators with respect to simulation or model parameters with very high precision and/or very low computational effort. The results also help to identify which simulation parameters affect free energy calculations and provide guidance to determine which simulation parameters are both appropriate and computationally efficient in general.
Aeroelastic Tailoring for Maximizing Sailplane Average Cross-Country Speed

This paper describes the development of an aeroelastic simulation tool designed to aid the optimization process for anisotropic wings in low subsonic flow and subsequent aeroelastic tailoring of a sailplane wing to maximize its cross-country speed. To this end a nonlinear, quasi-three dimensional structural beam solver is coupled with a three dimensional panel code. The code is then verified using a published, theoretical configuration. Simulation results closely correspond to the reference values and show very fast convergence. Using the cross-section flexibility matrices as design variables, the deflections of a conceptual sailplane wing are optimized for multiple operating points according to crosscountry theory. The final configuration features a significant improvement in cross country speed compared to the rigid wing and an incremental improvement when compared to the flexible base configuration.
My interest in the department of medical education

My interest in the department of medical education started in the year 1955 when about 900 high school graduates in Shiraz, participated in the “Konkoor”, an Iranian University entrance exam. Of these 900 graduates, 42 passed and gained admissions into Shiraz University Medical School and six years later, 32 graduated and received a medical degree from Shiraz University Medical School. I was one of them. The medical school curriculum was based on an American Medical School Curriculum. The courses and textbooks were all in English, taught by visiting American professors in various medical specialties. The natural trend for such trained Iranian medical graduates was to participate in the ECFMG qualifying exam, an assessment of their readiness to enter further graduate training in the U.S. Of the 32 graduates, 24 passed the ECFMG and started their 5 year (1961-1965) specialty training in U.S. hospitals. As one of the graduates of the Class of 1961, I was in close contact with my medical school classmates and followed their moves and professional activities with interest. In 1969, eight years following graduation, 17 of the 32 graduates were residing and working in the United States, while the remaining 15 had stayed in Iran. In 1971, during my sabbatical leave, at Johns Hopkins University, we engaged in the study of medical schools graduates in Iran. We were astonished to find 1625 Iranian medical graduates had permanently immigrated to and were working in the United States. The reasons for this large-scale immigration were multifold. As the medical school curriculum in Iran was modeled on those in the Western countries, it was natural that the Iranian medical graduates gravitated to these countries. The graduates that remained in Iran were sometimes faced with a 2 year mandatory military service. They were confronted with rural settings, which were a far cry from their medical training, having to treat patients with minimal equipment and medication. This lack of opportunity was partially responsible in their ploy to emigrate to the West. The establishment of the department of medical education along with the department of community medicine at Shiraz University provided an ideal opportunity to modify the medical school curriculum and the methods of instruction, and to tailor these to the needs of the Iranian population. The success and reputation of both these departments had a significant role in modifying not only the curriculum in Shiraz, but also those of medical schools in the entire Eastern Mediterranean region. It is indeed very pleasant news to find the present publication where medical schools in the region and further afield can share their ideas about the successes and pitfalls of medical education