cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inequalities in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) health and health care access and utilization in Wisconsin.

Abstract There are known health disparities between lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and non-LGBT people, but only in the past couple of decades have population-based health surveys in the United States included questions on sexual and gender identity. We aimed to better understand LGBT disparities in health, health care access and utilization, and quality of care. Data are from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW) from 2014 to 2016 (n = 1957). The analyses focused on comparing health care access and utilization, and quality of care between LGB and non-LGB people and transgender and cisgender people. 3.8% (n = 73) identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual, and 1.3% (n = 25) were transgender. LGB adults were 2.17 (95th CI: 1.07–4.4) times more likely to delay obtaining health care. Transgender adults were 2.76 (95th CI: 1.64–4.65) times more likely to report poor quality of care and 2.78 (95th CI: 1.10–7.10) unfair treatment when receiving medical care. The results show differences in health care access and utilization and quality of care, and they add to the growing body of literature that suggest that improved health care services for LGBT patients are needed to promote health equity for LGBT populations.
Hypertension in African Americans

Hypertension in African Americans has been characterized by earlier onset, greater severity, higher prevalence, and significantly greater risk for pressure-related clinical complication such as stroke, heart failure, myocardial infarction (MI), and chronic kidney disease (CKD)/end-stage renal disease (ESRD) relative to whites. Awareness and treatment rates of hypertension are slightly higher in African Americans, but control rates are lower than amongst whites. Salt sensitivity and non-dipping nocturnal BP are common intermediate BP phenotypes. Vitamin D deficiency is pervasive in African Americans, and supplementation with vitamin D appears to lower BP in this population.
Temporal Execution Behavior for Host Anomaly Detection in Programmable Logic Controllers

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) make up the majority of endpoints on industrial control system (ICS) networks and are the vital bridge between the cyber and physical worlds. Although these devices are critical, they are often insecure by design: communicating over unauthenticated protocols, failing to provide standard password protection, and using trivially spoofed checksums for detecting program changes instead of cryptographic hashes. Furthermore, extreme resource limitations, long life cycles, and strict downtime requirements make it difficult to patch existing devices in the field and virtually impossible to install any kind of endpoint protection. While these limitations have traditionally been considered a security weakness, they may also be leveraged for change and anomaly detection. Specifically, this research proposes to leverage these resource limitations for continuous behavior anomaly detection for the PLCs themselves, using program execution times to detect single-instruction changes to control programs from both the network and local access. The basic techniques are extended to include white box modeling for estimating rare execution behavior from source code, and proof-of-work functions are utilized to increase the techniques’ resiliency against mimicry attacks.
Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping is Not Associated with Acute Kidney Injury in Very Low Birth Weight Neonates.

Objective This study aimed to determine if delayed cord clamping (DCC) is associated with a reduction in neonatal acute kidney injury (AKI). Study Design A retrospective single-center cohort study of 278 very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates was performed to compare the incidence of AKI in the following groups: immediate cord clamping (ICC), DCC, and umbilical cord milking. AKI was diagnosed by the modified neonatal Kidney Diseases and Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definition. Results The incidence of AKI in the first week was 20.1% with no difference between groups (p = 0.78). After adjustment for potential confounders, the odds of developing AKI, following DCC, compared with ICC was 0.93 (confidence interval [CI]: 0.46–1.86) with no reduction in the stage of AKI between groups. Conclusion In this study, DCC was not associated with a reduced rate of AKI in VLBW neonates. However, the data suggest that DCC is also not harmful to the kidneys, further supporting the safety of DCC in VLBW neonates.
Association between hospital mortality and inspiratory airway pressures in mechanically ventilated patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome: a prospective cohort study.

Higher inspiratory airway pressures are associated with worse outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This relationship, however, has not been well investigated in patients without ARDS. We hypothesized that higher driving pressures (ΔP) and plateau pressures (Pplat) are associated with worse patient-centered outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients without ARDS as well as those with ARDS. Using data collected during a prospective, observational cohort study of 6179 critically ill participants enrolled in 59 ICUs across the USA, we used multivariable logistic regression to determine whether ΔP and Pplat at enrollment were associated with hospital mortality among 1132 mechanically ventilated participants. We stratified analyses by ARDS status. Participants without ARDS (n = 822) had lower average severity of illness scores and lower hospital mortality (27.3% vs. 38.7%; p < 0.001) than those with ARDS (n = 310). Average Pplat (20.6 vs. 23.9 cm H2O; p < 0.001), ΔP (14.3 vs. 16.0 cm H2O; p < 0.001), and positive end-expiratory pressure (6.3 vs. 7.9 cm H2O; p < 0.001) were lower in participants without ARDS, whereas average tidal volumes (7.2 vs. 6.8 mL/kg PBW; p < 0.001) were higher. Among those without ARDS, higher ΔP (adjusted OR = 1.36 per 7 cm H2O, 95% CI 1.14–1.62) and Pplat (adjusted OR = 1.42 per 8 cm H2O, 95% CI 1.17–1.73) were associated with higher mortality. We found similar relationships with mortality among those participants with ARDS. Higher ΔP and Pplat are associated with increased mortality for participants without ARDS. ΔP may be a viable target for lung-protective ventilation in all mechanically ventilated patients.
Modulating the Stiffness of the Myosin VI Single α-Helical Domain.

Abstract Highly charged, single α-helical (SAH) domains contain a high percentage of Arg, Lys, and Glu residues. Their dynamic salt bridge pairing creates the exceptional stiffness of these helical rods, with a persistence length of more than 200 A for the myosin VI SAH domain. With the aim of modulating the stiffness of the helical structure, we investigated the effect, using NMR spectroscopy, of substituting key charged Arg, Lys, Glu, and Asp residues by Gly or His. Results indicate that such mutations result in the transient breaking of the helix at the site of mutation but with noticeable impact on amide hydrogen exchange rates extending as far as ±2 helical turns, pointing to a substantial degree of cooperativity in SAH stability. Whereas a single Gly substitution caused transient breaks ∼20% of the time, two consecutive Gly substitutions break the helix ∼65% of the time. NMR relaxation measurements indicate that the exchange rate between an intact and a broken helix is fast (>300,000 s−1) and that for the wild-type sequence, the finite persistence length is dominated by thermal fluctuations of backbone torsion angles and H-bond lengths, not by transient helix breaking. The double mutation D27H/E28H causes a pH-dependent fraction of helix disruption, in which the helix breakage increases from 26% at pH 7.5 to 53% at pH 5.5. The ability to modulate helical integrity by pH may enable incorporation of externally tunable dynamic components in the design of molecular machines.
Symmetrized regression for hyperspectral background estimation

We can improve the detection of targets and anomalies in a cluttered background by more effectively estimating that background. With a good estimate of what the target-free radiance or reflectance ought to be at a pixel, we have a point of comparison with what the measured value of that pixel actually happens to be. It is common to make this estimate using the mean of pixels in an annulus around the pixel of interest. But there is more information in the annulus than this mean value, and one can derive more general estimators than just the mean. The derivation pursued here is based on multivariate regression of the central pixel against the pixels in the surrounding annulus. This can be done on a band-by-band basis, or with multiple bands simultaneously. For overhead remote sensing imagery with square pixels, there is a natural eight-fold symmetry in the surrounding annulus, corresponding to reflection and right angle rotation. We can use this symmetry to impose constraints on the estimator function, and we can use these constraints to reduce the number or regressor variables in the problem. This paper investigates the utility of regression generally -- and a variety of different symmetric regression schemes particularly -- for hyperspectral background estimation in the context of generic target detection.
Positive Sports Psychiatry

An area where the principles of positive psychiatry may be of value is the emerging field of sports psychiatry. Sports psychiatry aims to deliver and optimize psychiatric care for athletes of all levels. Research indicates that athletes are not immune to mental health issues and prevalence rates for some mental illnesses are similar to the general population. The best studied disorders include eating disorders and substance use disorders. Mental illnesses that are relatively common among athletes include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Certain characteristics such as resilience and optimism not only play a role in an athlete’s overall well-being, but they also have the potential to increase performance. This chapter presents aspects of positive psychiatry’s role in athletes with mental illness and their performance.
Chapter 46 – 1975 Sociobiology

All behavior, animal and human, can be interpreted using a unified framework based on natural selection. Genes and environment both play a role in determining behavior, but genetic hypotheses for social phenomena should always be considered.
CXCR4-overexpressing Mesenchymal Stem Cells exhibit increased cell migration and cytokine secretion

Background & Aim The regenerative and immunomodulatory properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have been demonstrated extensively in vitro, and in vivo in various types of pre-clinical models. However, in clinical settings, while the safety profile of MSCs has been well-established, the efficacy data obtained in pre-clinical studies hasn't been recapitulated in most cases where MSCs have been administered to human subjects. Many factors are thought to hinder MSC-based therapies; low potency and retention, and limited homing to the site of injury. In the current study, we sought to engineer bone-marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs) with improved migratory properties so as to facilitate homing to the site of injury. Methods, Results & Conclusion We utilized a genetic approach in which BMSCs were transfected with CXCR4 mRNA. CXCR4, a G-protein coupled receptor highly expressed on the surface of multiple cell types is best known for its role in hematopoiesis and leukocyte chemotaxis. We showed that transfection of CXCR4 mRNA into BMSCs for eight hours resulted in over 60% of cells positive for CXCR4 protein expression, as determined by flow cytometry. Less than 1% of un-transfected BMSCs expresses CXCR4 on their surface. The expression of CXCR4 was maintained post-thaw when transfected BMSCs were recovered from LN2 Storage. Transfected cells also maintained their viability post-thaw. In terms of functionality, we demonstrated that BMSCs expressing CXCR4 were more migratory compared to their naive counterparts lacking CXCR4. This effect on migration was augmented when CXCR4-BMSCs were induced to migrate towards SDF-1α, the cognate ligand for CXCR4. In addition to the effects on directed cell migration, with the use of a membrane-based antibody array, we showed that compared to control BMSCs, CXCR4-BMSCs secrete greater quantities of MCP-1, a key chemokine that regulates macrophage migration and infiltration. In summary, we have shown that transfection of BMSCs with CXCR4 mRNA increases directed cell migration and alters cytokine secretion. This is a potential strategy for generating BMSCs with superior homing properties for use in clinical settings.
Association of Anti-TNF Therapy With Increased Risk of Acute Cholangitis in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.

BACKGROUND Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are at increased risk of developing acute cholangitis. The majority of patients with PSC have comorbid inflammatory bowel disease, and many take immunosuppressive medications. The epidemiological risks for the development of acute cholangitis in patients with PSC, including the impact of immunosuppressive therapy, are unknown. METHODS We conducted a 2-center, retrospective cohort study using data from 228 patients at Stanford University Medical Center and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (CA), a county health care system. Patient demographics, medications, PSC disease severity, and inflammatory bowel disease status were extracted. Using stepwise variable selection, we included demographic and covariate predictors in the multiple logistic regression model assessing risk factors for cholangitis. Time-to-event analysis was performed to evaluate specific immunosuppressive medications and development of cholangitis. RESULTS Thirty-one percent of patients had at least 1 episode of acute cholangitis (n = 72). Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy was associated with increased odds of acute cholangitis (odds ratio, 7.29; 95% confidence interval, 2.63-12.43), but immunomodulator use was protective against acute cholangitis (odds ratio, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.76). Anti-TNF therapy was associated with decreased time-to-cholangitis, with a median time of 28.4 months; in contrast, only 11.1% of patients who were prescribed immunomodulators developed cholangitis over the same time period (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our observations suggest that classes of immunosuppressive medications differentially modify the odds of acute cholangitis. Biologic therapy, ie, anti-TNF therapy, was shown to have significantly higher odds for patients developing acute cholangitis whereas immunomodulator therapy was shown to have a potential protective effect. These findings may help guide physicians in decision-making for determining appropriate immunosuppressive therapy.
AI and Domain Knowledge: Implications of the Limits of Statistical Inference

Today's AI is certainly powerful. But reliant as most of these systems are on machine learning, they have fundamental limitations. And these limitations have implications for AI’s development, application, and impact in the coming years. Our second technology briefing will describe machine learning’s fundamental nature as a form of statistical inference, and explore how this constricts effective use of today’s AI to certain kinds of problem domains. Through the lens of this limitation, it will then take a position in three debates over how AI will unfold. First, will AI’s diffusion throughout the economy and society be led by firms with the most advanced AI technical capabilities? Second, will China’s access to unmatchable volumes of data lead to a dominant position in global markets for AI tools? And third, is the creation of AI that can match or exceed human intelligence, or Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), a foreseeable circumstance? Or is it a possibility only in the distant future, if it is possible at all?
Synthesis and chemical stability of technetium nitrides

We demonstrate the synthesis and phase stability of TcN, Tc2N, and a substoichiometric TcNx from 0 to 50 GPa and to 2500 K in a laser-heated diamond anvil cell. At least potential recoverability is demonstrated for each compound. TcN adopts a previously unpredicted structure identified via crystal structure prediction.
Telemedicine interventions for hypertension management in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review.

Hypertension remains the leading cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide and disproportionately impacts patients living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Telemedicine offers a potential solution for improving access to health care for vulnerable patients in LMICs. Objectives The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the evidence for telemedicine interventions for blood pressure management in LMICs and assess the relationships between the telemedicine intervention characteristics and clinical outcomes. Design Published studies were identified from the following databases (from their inception to May 2020): PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Search terms related to “Low and Middle Income Countries,” “Telemedicine,” and “Hypertension” were used, and clinical outcomes were extracted from the screened articles. Results Our search resulted in 530 unique articles, and 14 studies were included in this review. Five studies assessed telemedicine interventions for patient-provider behavioral counseling, four assessed patient-provider medical management, and five assessed provider-provider consultation technologies. Out of fourteen individual studies, eleven demonstrated a significant improvement in systolic or diastolic blood pressure in the intervention group. Of the eight studies that reported difference-in-differences changes in systolic blood pressure, between-arm differences ranged from 13.2 mmHg to 0.4 mmHg. Conclusions The majority of the studies in this review demonstrated a significant reduction in blood pressure with use of the telemedicine intervention, though the magnitude of benefit was not consistently large. Limitations of the studies included small sample sizes, short duration, and intervention heterogeneity. Current evidence suggests that telemedicine may provide a promising approach to increase access to care and improve outcomes for hypertension in LMICs, especially during events that limit access to in-person care, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. However, high-quality clinical trials of sufficient size and duration are needed to establish the impact and role of telemedicine in hypertension care. The protocol for this review was not registered.
Safety and effectiveness of MF-59 adjuvanted influenza vaccines in children and adults

The squalene oil-in-water emulsion MF-59 adjuvant was developed initially to enhance the immunogenicity of influenza vaccines in populations such as children and adults with known suboptimal response. Developed in the 1990s, it was initially licensed in Europe for use in seasonal influenza vaccine in the elderly. Since that time, both Avian and p2009H1N1 vaccines have also been developed. Overall, more than 30,000 individuals have participated in clinical trials of MF-59 adjuvanted vaccine and more than 160 million doses of licensed vaccine have been administered. Safety and effectiveness data from clinical trials and observation studies attest to the safety of MF-59 and to its ability to enhance the effectiveness of influenza vaccines in children and the elderly.
The Elusive Search for Teachable Aspects of Problem Solving

The ideas just presented serve to motivate the present chapter and its central question, “Can problem solving be taught?” These quotes are, respectively, from the National Education Association’s (1961) The Central Purpose of American Education, the introduction to Lochhead and Clement’s (1979) Cognitive Process Instruction, and Norman’s (1980) chapter in Tuma and Reif’s (1980) Problem Solving and Education. These quotes point to both the promise and the pitfalls of research on problem solving. The promise refers to the possibility of a scientifically based understanding of how to teach people to think. The pitfalls refer to the possibility of raising expectations about the teachability of problem solving that can only be met by a yet another wave of educational fads and cults.
Low-Dimensional Thermoelectricity

Thermoelectric materials are used as solid-state heat pumps and as power generators. The low e‐ciency of devices based on conventional bulk thermoelectric materials conflnes their applications to niches in which their advantages in compactness and controllability outweigh that drawback. Recent developments in nanotechnologies have led to the development of thermoelectric nano-materials with double the e‐ciency of the best bulk materials, opening several new classes of applications for thermoelectric energy conversion technology. We review here flrst the physical mechanisms that result in the superior thermoelectric performance of low-dimensional solids, compared to bulk thermoelectric materials: they are a reduction of the lattice thermal conductivity, and an increase in the Seebeck coe‐cient S for a given carrier density. The second part of this review summarizes experimental results obtained on macroscopic arrays of bismuth, antimony, and zinc nanowires with diameters ranging from 200 to 7 nm. We show how size-quantization efiects greatly increase S for a given carrier concentration, as long as the diameter of the nanowires remains above 9 nm, below which localization efiects start dominating. In a third part, we give data on PbTe nanocomposites, particularly bulk samples containing 30 nm diameter Pb inclusions. These inclusions afiect the electron scattering in such a way as to again increase the Seebeck coe‐cient.
Small x physics and why it is interesting

I discuss small x physics and its implications at very high energies. At very high energy the density of partons becomes so large that much of the physics can be described using weak coupling methods in QCD. This may allow for a solution to problems such as the asymptotic nature of deep inelastic scattering at fixed momentum transfer, unitarization, and multiparticle production.
Making Sense of Leased Popular Literature Collections

ABSTRACT There is a well-publicized debate in the library field on whether or not it should be an academic library's responsibility to collect and preserve popular culture materials. Budget constraints, space issues, and the “quality” of these materials, are all widely documented concerns as to why popular culture materials-especially popular literature titles-are still not making their way into an academic library's permanent collection. This study describes a survey of 22 academic libraries throughout the country that use a leased popular literature collection in addition to or instead of purchasing popular literature titles for their permanent collection. The study was designed to answer the following research questions and others: Why do academic libraries choose to use a leasing plan to provide a popular literature collection for their users? What are the values/benefits these collections provide for the library and its users?
Midterm oncological outcomes of laparoscopic vs open radical prostatectomy (RP)

Objective To compare the midterm risks of biochemical recurrence (BCR) and salvage radiation therapy (SRT) after laparoscopic (LRP) and open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP). Strong evidence that these techniques are comparable to the ‘gold standard’ of open RRP is lacking, as most comparative studies are limited by short follow-up or rely on historical controls. Patients and Methods We studied 1000 consecutive patients concurrently treated by either LRP or RRP between 2001 and 2005. LRPs were performed by a single surgeon and RRP by four surgeons. Primary outcomes were BCR and SRT. Survival analysis included relevant clinical and pathological variables. Results Of 844 included patients, 244 underwent LRP and 600 RRP. Clinical and pathological characteristics were similar in both groups. Most patients had Gleason 6 tumours (68%) and pT2 disease (86%). The median follow-up was 6.1 years and median time to recurrence 3.4 years. Overall, BCR occurred in 14% of patients: 13.1% after LRP and 14.7% after RRP. SRT was performed in 10.7% of patients both after LRP and RRP. In uni- and multivariate Cox regression models, surgical technique was not a significant predictor of BCR or SRT. Conclusion Our results suggest that in high-volume centres, LRP provides equivalent oncological control to RRP.
Understanding kidney function assessment: the basics and advances.

Purpose Multiple kidney function assessment modalities are available, but their appropriateness is constantly questioned. This review provides practitioners with in-depth understanding of kidney function assessment methods, their clinical utility, and comparisons. Data sources PUBMED search was conducted by relevant subject headings. Conclusions Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best indicator of kidney function. Exogenous compounds like inulin help measure GFR, but endogenous substances (like creatinine) are more convenient, although exhibiting greater variability. Cystatin C is advocated as a functional marker; its clinical significance is under study. Proteinuria adds value to GFR estimation. There are commonly used equations estimating GFR like the creatinine-based Cockcroft–Gault and the modification of diet in renal disease. The new creatinine-based Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation demonstrates higher accuracy of patient classification in earlier stages of disease. Recently, the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study has devised an equation combining serum creatinine and cystatin C in longitudinal modeling of kidney function. Implications for practice Current GFR estimation methods have limitations, and are useful for populations they have been tested in. Practitioners should be well informed on emerging equations that provide greater accuracy in CKD diagnosis; this would help implement appropriate prevention and intervention strategies.
Mutations in specific I-Ak α2 and β2 domain residues affect surface expression

A previous investigation demonstrated that several mutations in class II dimer-of-dimers contact residues interfere with antigen presentation by transfectants but not with plasma membrane expression of the mutant class II. In the present study we examined other class II mutations in this region that did inhibit plasma membrane expression of mutant class II molecules. Molecules containing both mutations H alpha 181D in the alpha(2) domain and E beta 170K in the beta(2) domain exhibited low plasma membrane expression, but molecules with only one of these mutations were expressed normally. The mutant class II molecules were transported to organelles that were accessible to a fluid-phase protein, hen egg lysozyme (HEL). Culture of transfectants with lysozyme enhanced the amount of class II compact dimer (alpha beta plus peptide; CD), and this was especially marked for the class II mutant H alpha 181D/E beta 170K and for other molecules possessing both mutations. Formation of class II CD was not paralleled by an increase in class II surface expression. Thus the joint mutation of H alpha 181 and E beta 170 has two effects. In the absence o high concentrations of exogenous peptide, it prevents efficient CD formation, possibly by affecting invariant chain (Ii) proteolysis and/or the stability of the class II after Ii/CLIP is removed. At high peptide concentrations supplied by exogenous HEL, the mutations allow CD formation, but not expression of class II on the plasma membrane. Molecular modeling of the possible interaction of class II and Ii suggests that the mutant amino acids H alpha 181D and E beta 170K, besides affecting the overall stability of class II, might also interact with Ii via two loops in class II's alpha(2) and beta(2) domains respectively.
The United States and Asia in 2011: Obama Determined to Bring America “Back” to Asia

Abstract The Obama administration moved to stabilize 20109s deteriorating relations with China and exploit the opportunity to deepen ties with China9s nervous neighbors. Diplomatic, economic, and security initiatives were melded to “rebalance” American resources and attention to Asia in the 21st century. Early 2011 euphoria about China9s rise and gloom about America9s decline began to reverse themselves by end 2011. Obama made a key policy statement about the Asia-Pacific region in his address to Australia9s Parliament.
Advances in virtual design and visual center concepts

Innovations in interactive audio, video, and data transfer have given rise to a multitude of new applications such as screen sharing, multimedia, and distributed processing. At Florida International University Electrical and Computer Engineering Laboratories, work has been in progress to define and develop the virtual design center (VDC), and virtual visual center (VVC) concepts with the help of network interactive audio, video, and data transfer mechanisms on the existing phone lines using the ISDN (integrated services digital network). The VDC would become the next generation design tool for engineering, software, hardware, and system design. The VVC would become the next generation remote monitoring and control operation. Day care centers where children of working parents usually spend their time can be easily networked together so that the working parents can talk and see their children from remote locations. The VVC would also help monitor elderly persons in nursing homes. The elderly people do not have to be isolated, but be active members in the interactive audio and video based VVC. The authors present the hardware and software requirements of the VDC and WC realizations. The operational models of the VDC and WC are also discussed with the associated results. Additional applications, such as teletraining centers (TTC) using the VDC concepts and telesecurity centers (TSC) using the VVC concepts, are examined.
Teleost caudal neurosecretory system: release of urotensin II from isolated urophyses.

Abstract In vitro depolarization with high potassium ion of urophyses from Gillichthys mirabilis results in the release into the medium of teleost bladder-contracting factor (urotensin II). Release is dependent on the presence of calcium ions in the medium. These results support the hypothesis that the molecules responsible for bladder-contracting activity are of a hormonal nature.
Scattering of electromagnetic radiation by a large, absorbing sphere

Details are provided for two subroutines with which one can compute the various characteristics of the electromagnetic radiation scattered by an absorbing, homogeneous sphere of any reasonable size. The necessary expressions for this purpose were first derived byM ie. The method of computations used is the so-called method of logarithmic derivative of one of the complex functions, introduced by Infeld. The main difference between the two subroutines is in the procedure used in computations of one of the functions. This function is computed by an upward recurrence procedure in one subroutine and by a downward recurrence procedure in the other. Sufficient results for demonstrating the reliability of these programs are presented and discussed for a sphere of 10µm radius illuminated by an unpolarized radiation of 0.4µm wavelength.
A study of frontal dynamics with application to the Australian summertime cool change.

The dynamics of frontal evolution is examined in terms of the Australian summertime cool change using a two-dimensional numerical model. The model is synthesized from observational data on surface cold fronts obtained during the Australian Cold Fronts Research Program, and the model develops a quasi-steady surface cold front during the 24 hours of integration. The characteristics of this model are compared with those of a kinematic model; it is observed that the features of the two models correspond. The two-dimensional and kinematic models are also compared with a 24-hour prediction of the cold front of February 1983 using the three-dimensional nested-grid model of the Australian Numerical Meteorology Research Center, developed by Gauntlett et al. (1984). Good correlation between these models is detected.
Faddeev-Popov spectra at the Gribov horizon

I present a perturbative calculation of the spectrum of the Faddeev-Popov operator in Coulomb gauge in three dimensions, and Landau gauge in two and three dimensions, with an ansatz for the gluon propagator as the nonperturbative input. The results show how the low-lying Faddeev-Popov eigenvalue spectrum is modified as the first Gribov horizon is approached, and how the spectra can differ in Coulomb and Landau gauges.
A thermodynamic criterion to predict wettability at metal- alumina interfaces

Metals are known to wet ceramics by chemical bond formation. Existing theories, using reaction thermodynamics, can predict the relative wetting trends in wetting systems but fail to distinguish between the wetting and non wetting systems. Wetting is considered as a surface phenomenon, and the spontaneity of wetting is controlled by ΔGW, a thermodynamic term defined here as the Gibbs free energy of wetting. A model that treats wetting as a reaction between the surface phase of the ceramic and the molten metal is presented to calculate ΔGW. The model is used to predict wetting tendencies of various molten metals on α-alumina surfaces. The predictions are compared with previously published results, as well as with the experimental results of this study. Experimental wettability parameters were measured using a capillary rise apparatus. Measurements were made for various metals wetting an aluminum-oxide surface. Based on this model, a thermodynamic wetting map that delineates wetting and non wetting regimes is drawn. A map of this nature can be used advantageously in ceramic joining and metal-matrix composites applications.
Heterogeneous diffusion model for simulation of resist process

There have been imposed quite incompatible requirements on lithographic simulation tool for OPC, that is it should be enough accurate and enough fast. Though diffused aerial image model (DAIM) has achieved these goals successfully, rapid transition of lithography into very low k1 and sub-resolution regime makes it very difficult to meet these goals without loss of any of speed or accuracy. In this paper we suggested new modeling method of resist process which is called heterogeneous diffusion of aerial image. First, various examples of CD discrepancy between experiment and simulation with DAIM are suggested. Then the theoretical background of new model is explained and finally CD prediction performance of new model is demonstrated in 60nm 0.29k1 patterning of real DRAM devices. Improved CD prediction capability of new model is observed in various critical patterning of DRAM.
Beta-oxidation enzymes in normal human muscle and in muscle from a patient with an unusual form of myopathic carnitine deficiency

In a reported patient with myopathic carnitine deficiency, addition of exogenous carnitine to muscle homogenates failed to correct palmitate oxidation, and oral carnitine was of no clinical benefit. In a muscle biopsy from this patient, we found that, in contrast to the marked deficiency of free carnitine (3% of normal) short- and medium-chain acylcarnitines were in the normal range and long-chain acylcarnitine was increased almost four times. As this result confirmed the hypothesis of a muscle defect of mitochondrial oxidation of palmitate, all eight enzymes of beta-oxidation were measured spectrophotometrically in the muscle extract. None of them was found to be defective. These data suggest that the underlying biochemical abnormality in this patient may be a deficiency of the carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase system or a defective interaction between acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and its flavoprotein coenzyme.
Slope-failure Analysis and Classification: Review of a Century of Effort

The geoscience literature is replete with bewildering descriptions and classifications resulting from a century of analysis of gravitative transfer of materials downslope. The complexity of mass-movement phenomena has led to a profusion of confusing terminology that this paper attempts to clarify. International recognition of the hazard to life and property posed by slope failure highlights the need for increased precision in its description in a quest for prediction, control, and remediation of the diverse phenomena. The most useful classifications are those that employ as their primary criteria the type of movement (e.g., fall, topple, slide, spread, flow) and the type of material (e.g., rock, debris, earth) involved, with secondary considerations of velocity and the amount and phase of H2O. Recently, interest has focused on the massive, subaqueous failures that can generate huge tsunamis, as well as the massive, dangerous collapses of volcanoes. Future slopefailure research is expected to incorporate q...
Stability behavior for unsupervised learning

Abstract We consider models proposed by Oja, Karhunen, Cox and Adams for a task of unsupervised learning. Questions of existence of solutions and stability behavior of those solutions are addressed. We also discuss the impact of temporary connections in the stability of the learning process.
Architecture of ribosomal RNA: Constraints on the sequence of tetra-loops

The four-base loops that cap many double-helical structures in rRNA (the so-called "tetra-loops") exhibit highly invariant to highly variable sequences depending upon their location in the molecule. However, in the vast majority of these cases the sequence of a tetra-loop is independent of its location and conforms to one of three general motifs, GNRA, UNCG, and (more rarely) CUUG. For the most frequently varying of the 16S rRNA tetra-loops, that at position 83 (Escherichia coli numbering), the three sequences CUUG, UUCG, and GCAA account for almost all examples encountered, and each of them has independently arisen at least a dozen times. The closing base pair of tetra-loop hairpins reflects the loop sequence, tending to be C.G for UUCG loops and G.C for CUUG loops.
Cortical Unit Activity in Desynchronized Sleep

Bursts of unit firing associated with surface positive electroencephalogram waves and rapid eye movements account for the mean increase in discharge rate in desynchronized sleep over that of the synchronized phase. Firing rate begins to change toward the value it will assume in desynchronized sleep in the minute before the usual electrographic criteria of desynchronized sleep are present.
Kinetic Characterization of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 Protease-resistant Variants

Passage of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) in T-lymphocyte cell lines in the presence of increasing concentrations of the hydroxylethylamino sulfonamide inhibitor VX-478 or VB-11328 results in sequential accumulation of mutations in HIV-1 protease. We have characterized recombinant HIV-1 proteases that contain these mutations either individually (L10F, M46I, I47V, I50V) or in combination (the double mutant L10F/I50V and the triple mutant M46I/I47V/I50V). The catalytic properties and affinities for sulfonamide inhibitors and other classes of inhibitors were determined. For the I50V mutant, the efficiency (kcat/Km) of processing peptides designed to mimic cleavage junctions in the HIV-1 gag-pol polypeptide was decreased up to 25-fold. The triple mutant had a 2-fold higher processing efficiency than the I50V single mutant for peptide substrates with Phe/Pro and Tyr/Pro cleavage sites, suggesting that the M46I and I47V mutations are compensatory. The effects of mutation on processing efficiency were used in conjunction with the inhibition constant (Ki) to evaluate the advantage of the mutation for viral replication in the presence of drug. These analyses support the virological observation that the addition of M46I and I47V mutations on the I50V mutant background enables increased survival of the HIV-1 virus as it replicates in the presence of VX-478. Crystal structures and molecular models of the active site of the HIV-1 protease mutants suggest that changes in the active site can selectively affect the binding energy of inhibitors with little corresponding change in substrate binding.
Colonization and hyperparasitism of Cotesia rubecula (Hym. : Braconidae), a newly introduced parasite of Pieris rapae, in Virginia

A Yugoslavian strain ofCotesia rubecula (Marshall) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was released in spring broccoli for control of the imported cabbageworm,Pieris rapae (L.), in Montgomery Co., Virginia, in 1987.C. rubecula reproduced and parasitized imported cabbageworm larvae in fall broccoli in 1987. It was found in moderate numbers in the summer and fall crops in 1988, and by fall had dispersed 0.8 km from the original release site. However, noC. rubecula were detected in our broccoli plots in Montgomery Country in 1989 or 1990. The hymenopteran hyperparasitesIsdromas lycaenae (Walker)(Ichneumonidae), Spilochalcis torvina (Cresson) (Chalcididae), andTetrastichus galactopus (Ratzeburg) (Eulophidae) were found attackingC. rubecula. Hyperparasites emerged from 31.8% and 41.1% of theC. rubecula cocoons in 1987 and 1988, respectively.T. galactopus was the most numerous hyperparasite in 1987, butS. torvina was dominant in 1988. Hyperparasite activity was low during early spring, but increased in July in both years. By August 1988, only hyperparasites emerged from theC. rubecula cocoons collected in the field. In spite ofC. rubecula's success in overwintering, hyperparasites, especiallyS. torvina, may be a limiting factor in the establishment ofC. rubecula in southwestern Virginia.
Space-optimal, backtracking algorithms to list the minimal vertex separators of a graph

For a graph G in read-only memory on n vertices and m edges and a write-only output buffer, we give two algorithms using only O(n) rewritable space. The first algorithm lists all minimal a-b separators of G with a polynomial delay of O(nm). The second lists all minimal vertex separators of G with a cumulative polynomial delay of O(n^3m). One consequence is that the algorithms can list the minimal a-b separators (and minimal vertex separators) spending O(nm) time (respectively, O(n^3m) time) per object output.
QUANTITATIVE SCALING FOR THE SELF-SIMILAR HIERARCHICAL COSMOLOGY

Abstract Using two of Mandelbrot's general equations for self-similar systems, a set of basic scaling equations is established for the Self-Similar Hierarchical Cosmology. Given the known properties of atomic scale systems and the proposed scaling rules, it is demonstrated that stellar and galactic scale systems conform to the self-similar model quantitatively. Definitive predictions for future tests of the cosmological model are presented.
Pharmacokinetics and Blood Pressure Response of Losartan in End-Stage Renal Disease

Losartan is a selective angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonist currently employed in the management of essential hypertension. This compound is in common use in populations with renal failure and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). To investigate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of losartan in patients with ESRD in order to establish administration guidelines. Patients were administered losartan 100 mg/day for 7 days, and after the seventh and final dose pharmacokinetic parameters were determined for both losartan and its active metabolite E-3174. During the study, the haemodialytic clearances of losartan and E-3174 were measured during a standard 4-hour dialysis session. Neurohumoral and biochemical changes were assessed during losartan administration. The pharmacokinetics of losartan and E-3174 in haemodialysis patients did not alter to a clinically significant level. Losartan administration was accompanied by a decline in plasma aldosterone level as well as by an increase in plasma renin activity. Losartan administration resulted in a decline in plasma uric acid level, despite the fact that the study participants had no residual renal function. Losartan and E-3174 were not dialysable. The pharmacokinetics of losartan and E-3174 are minimally altered in ESRD; thus, dosage adjustment is not required in the presence of advanced dialysis-dependent renal failure. In addition, postdialysis supplementation is not required for losartan because of the negligible dialysability of losartan and E-3174.
The Bayes/Non-Bayes Compromise: A Brief Review

Abstract Various compromises that have occurred between Bayesian and non-Bayesian methods are reviewed. (A citation is provided that discusses the inevitability of compromises within the Bayesian approach.) One example deals with the masses of elementary particles, but no knowledge of physics will be assumed.
Plantae Alpinae Novae Mexicanae: Argemone subalpina (Papaveraceae)

A new species ofArgemone (Papaveraceae),A. subalpina, is recognized from the subalpine glades of Sierra Pena Nevada, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. It is the first member of the poppy family to be associated with timberline vegetation in the New World. The new taxon is closely related toA. platyceras of the Mexican transvolcanic belt, but differs by retrorse cauline spines, broadly ellipsoid flower buds to 20 mm long, caudate sepal norns 3–5 mm long, and recurved fruit spines.
The pain perception profile: A psychophysical approach to the assessment of pain report

Methods currently used to assess clinical pain report provide, at best, only qualitative information about the pain experience. This paper describes alternative quantitative methods for the multidimensional assessment of pain. The Tursky Pain Perception Profile is described in detail. The four parts of this profile provide (1) measures of sensory threshold and pain connotative judgments, (2) a measure of an individual's ability to make magnitude estimates of controlled nociceptive stimuli, (3) quantified pain descriptors, and (4) a pain diary format useful for ongoing evaluation. The rationale, the reliability and validity, as well as advantages and disadvantages of each of the four parts of the profile are described. The psychophysical evaluation techniques described in the Pain Perception Profile can provide behavioral clinicians with more reliable and objective information about the pain experience.
The Infra-Red Spectrum of Hydrogen

IN view of the considerable attention given to the secondary spectrum of hydrogen in recent investigations, it may be worth announcing that this spectrum has been extended photographically so far as 9300 A.U. into the infra-red. Neocyanin plates were used, hypersensitised by an ammonia bath. About 170 additional lines to those recently published by Allibone (Proc. Boy. Soc. A., 112, 196, 1926) were measured, about 120 of these being above his uppermost limit. Some of the more intense lines beyond the highest values hitherto published are (Int. A. U. vac.):
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: A serologic survey of 200 consecutive patients

A search for serologic abnormalities in 200 patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis revealed rheumatoid factor in 12 per cent and antinuclear antibody in 4 per cent. Elevated levels of serum IgG were noted in 25 per cent of patients, of IgA in 17 per cent, and of IgM in 10 per cent. From our observations, it appears that immunologic abnormalities are associated with specific clinical manifestations, hip disease, subcutaneous nodules, lymphadenopathy, and greater degrees of functional impairment.