cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Encoding pitch contours using current steering

This study investigated cochlear implant (CI) users’ ability to perceive pitch cues from time-varying virtual channels (VCs) to identify pitch contours. Seven CI users were tested on apical, medial, and basal electrode pairs with stimulus durations from 100 to 1000 ms. In one stimulus set, 9 pitch contours were created by steering current between the component electrodes and the VC halfway between the electrodes. Another stimulus set only contained 3 pitch contours (flat, falling, and rising). VC discrimination was also tested on the same electrodes. The total current level of dual-electrode stimuli was linearly interpolated between those of single-electrode stimuli to minimize loudness changes. The results showed that pitch contour identification (PCI) scores were similar across electrode locations, and significantly improved at longer durations. For durations longer than 300 ms, 2 subjects had nearly perfect 9-contour identification, and 5 subjects perfectly identified the 3 basic contours. Both PCI and VC discrimination varied greatly across subjects. Cumulative d′ values for VC discrimination were significantly correlated with 100-, 200-, and 500-ms PCI scores. These results verify the feasibility of encoding pitch contours using current steering, and suggest that identification of such pitch contours strongly relies on CI users’ sensitivity to VCs.
Protective Effect of the Natural Product, Chaetoglobosin K, on Lindane- and Dieldrin-induced Changes in Astroglia: Identification of Activated Signaling Pathways

The purpose of the present study was to identify the biochemical mechanism(s) of the preventative and reversal effects of Chaetoglobosin K (ChK), a bioactive natural product, on inhibition of gap junction-mediated communication and connexin phosphorylation by the tumor promoting organochlorine compounds, lindane, and dieldrin. A fluorescent dye transfer assay was used to quantify gap junction-mediated communication and sensitivity to lindane and dieldrin. Analyses of connexin 43, PKC, ERK, GSK-3β, Raf, and Akt kinase phosphorylation were performed by Western blotting. Pre-incubation of astroglial cells with 10 μM ChK prevented inhibition of dye transfer by lindane and dieldrin, which correlates with stabilization of the connexin 43 P2 isoform, and addition of ChK after lindane or dieldrin reversed the inhibitory effect, which correlated with re-appearance of the P2 isoform. Using phosphorylation site-specific antibodies, we demonstrated that lindane, dieldrin, and ChK all activated p44/42 ERK, but only ChK activated Akt kinase. ChK also activated a downstream effector of Akt, GSK-3β, and activation of both kinases was inhibited by Wortmannin. Wortmannin also blocked ChK’s ability to prevent dieldrin-induced inhibition of gap junction-mediated communication between RG-2 cells. ChK’s protective effects, both preventative and reversal, on lindane and dieldrin inhibition of gap junction-mediated communication are associated with stabilization and reappearance of the connexin 43 P2 phosphoform and may be mediated by the Akt pathway.
Color Video Imaging with a Scanning Fiber Endoscope

Scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) devices have been reported that produce high resolution images within a thin, flexible package required for minimally invasive medical procedures. Current SFE prototypes are capable of in-vivo color video imaging.
Optimal Choice of Monetary Policy Instruments in a Simple Stochastic Macro Model: Comment

I. Introduction, 712. — II. The deterministic model, 712. — III. The stochastic model, 714.
A novel approach to the theory of homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation.

Abstract A new approach to the theory of nucleation, formulated relatively recently by Ruckenstein, Narsimhan, and Nowakowski (see Refs. [7–16]) and developed further by Ruckenstein and other colleagues, is presented. In contrast to the classical nucleation theory, which is based on calculating the free energy of formation of a cluster of the new phase as a function of its size on the basis of macroscopic thermodynamics, the proposed theory uses the kinetic theory of fluids to calculate the condensation (W+) and dissociation (W−) rates on and from the surface of the cluster, respectively. The dissociation rate of a monomer from a cluster is evaluated from the average time spent by a surface monomer in the potential well as obtained from the solution of the Fokker–Planck equation in the phase space of position and momentum for liquid-to-solid transition and the phase space of energy for vapor-to-liquid transition. The condensation rates are calculated using traditional expressions. The knowledge of those two rates allows one to calculate the size of the critical cluster from the equality W+ = W− as well as the rate of nucleation. The developed microscopic approach allows one to avoid the controversial application of classical thermodynamics to the description of nuclei which contain a few molecules. The new theory was applied to a number of cases, such as the liquid-to-solid and vapor-to-liquid phase transitions, binary nucleation, heterogeneous nucleation, nucleation on soluble particles and protein folding. The theory predicts higher nucleation rates at high saturation ratios (small critical clusters) than the classical nucleation theory for both solid-to-liquid as well as vapor-to-liquid transitions. As expected, at low saturation ratios for which the size of the critical cluster is large, the results of the new theory are consistent with those of the classical one. The present approach was combined with the density functional theory to account for the density profile in the cluster. This approach was also applied to protein folding, viewed as the evolution of a cluster of native residues of spherical shape within a protein molecule, which could explain protein folding/unfolding and their dependence on temperature.
A quantitative study to assess synergistic interactions between urotensin II and angiotensin II

Interaction between the vasoactive peptides, urotensin II and angiotensin II, could have important implications in various disease states. We examined this interaction using isolated rat aortic rings with intact adventitia and endothelium. The fixed-ratio combination we tested produced effect levels significantly greater than predicted by additivity. Thus, the interaction was synergistic, and this is illustrated in a response surface plot that shows the predicted additive effect for all possible combinations.
Organic Dust Exposures from Work in Dairy Barns

Environmental surveys were conducted in 85 barns, predominantly dairy, in central Wisconsin to characterize exposures to organic dusts and dust constituents from routine barn work. Environmental analytes included airborne dusts (total, inhalable inlet, and respirable), particle size distributions, endotoxins, total spore and bacteria counts, viable bacteria and fungi, histamine, cow urine antigen, mite antigen, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide. The geometric mean (GM) concentration of airborne dusts include area total, 0.74 mg/m3; personal inhalable inlet, 1.78 mg/m3; and area respirable, 0.07 mg/m3. Viable bacteria and fungi, spores, endotoxins, histamine, cow urine antigen, and mite antigen were quantifiable constituents of these organic dusts and potential respiratory exposure hazards from routine dairy barn work. Endotoxin concentrations from the inhalable inlet samples ranged from 25.4 endotoxin units per cubic meter of air (EU/m3) to 34,800 EU/m3. The GM endotoxin concentration from the...
Use of mechanistic data in assessing human risks from exposure to particles.

The ultimate goal of toxicologic investigations of both natural and man-made fibrous and nonfibrous particles is to provide essential input for the assessment of potential human risks from exposure...
Chimpanzee subsistence technology: Materials and skills

Abstract Beyond reviewing basic data on Primate technological behavior, the aim of this report is to document the nature of chimpanzee technical skills by examining some of the mental as well as physical expertise which chimpanzees bring to bear on subsistence activities. This task is approached along several avenues: first, an outline is drawn of current knowledge about chimpanzee subsistence technology throughout Africa; second, a sketch is made of technological variability in several chimpanzee populations; third, the results of a personal investigation into the skills needed by chimpanzees to probe for insects are provided; and fourth, a comparison is made of the baboon, chimpanzee and human techniques used to exploit termites as a food resource. Instead of focusing on the unique features of human subsistence technology, the report attempts to show that many technical skills are and probably were firmly rooted in Primate prehistory, well before the advent of the earliest hominids. An integrated model of technological achievements among extant Primates, based on a sample of African cercopithecid, pongid and hominid populations representing stages in a phylogentic sequence, is offered as a foundation for reconstructing the gradual evolution of primate subsistence technology. This approach is intended to provoke contemplation and discussion among those investigators of human behavior and society who favor the thesis that the criterion of technology, together with the cultural transmission of technical skills, separates the human from the nonhuman Primates.
Theoretical and experimental TWT helix loss determination

As efficiency and power requirements for broad-band traveling-wave tubes (TWT) increase, the necessity to reduce losses becomes more and more important. It is particularly important to reduce circuit losses because, when efficient multistage depressed collectors are used, each 2-percent increase in circuit efficiency yields a 1-percent increase in overall efficiency! Attempts to predict losses in helix structures have produced answers that were a factor of at least three below the measured loss. Historically, loss measurements have been very difficult to make, primarily, because of the small values of the quantities being measured. This paper presents an accurate theoretical analysis of the loss of a helix structure. The effect on loss of the dielectric support rods for the helix is taken into account. In addition, helix losses are separated from barrel losses. Functional variations are given of loss with frequency, helix pitch, helix radius, barrel-to-helix diameter ratio, helix and barrel resistivity, and the effective relative dielectric constant of the helix support rods. Measurements of loss, made with a Hewlett-Packard automatic network analyzer and a new automated measurement procedure, are presented. It is shown that excellent agreement between the predicted loss and the measured loss is obtained when helix surface roughness effects on resistivity are taken into account. Also, a correction is made for the increase in measured loss resulting from impedance mismatches between the helix and the measurement circuit and from loss in the sliding short.
Relationship between EEG Activation and Reaction Time

The relationship between RT and EEG activation, as defined by measurements of both amplitude and frequency (period) of waves from the dominant hemisphere, was investigated. A 250-c/sec. tone that was presented without a preparatory warning signal was the stimulus. Within-subject correlations from 99 Ss supported the hypothesis of an association between EEG activation and behavioral arousal. Frequency of the waves was a better predictor of RT than amplitude.
A market-based bandwidth charging framework

The increasing demand for high-bandwidth applications such as video-on-demand and grid computing is reviving interest in bandwidth reservation schemes. Earlier attempts did not catch on for a number of reasons, notably lack of interest on the part of the bandwidth providers. This, in turn, was partially caused by the lack of an efficient way of charging for bandwidth. Thus, the viability of bandwidth reservation depends on the existence of an efficient market where bandwidth-related transactions can take place. For this market to be effective, it must be efficient for both the provider (seller) and the user (buyer) of the bandwidth. This implies that: (a) the buyer must have a wide choice of providers that operate in a competitive environment, (b) the seller must be assured that a QoS transaction will be paid by the customer, and (c) the QoS transaction establishment must have low overheads so that it may be used by individual customers without a significant burden to the provider.In order to satisfy these requirements, we propose a framework that allows customers to purchase bandwidth using an open market where providers advertise links and capacities and customers bid for these services. The model is close to that of a commodities market that offers both advance bookings (futures) and a spot market. We explore the mechanisms that can support such a model.
Intraday Volatility in the Stock Index and Stock Index Futures Markets

We examine the intraday relationship between returns and returns volatility in the stock index and stock index futures markets. Our results indicate a strong intermarket dependence in the volatility of the cash and futures returns. Price innovations that originate in either the stock or futures markets can predict the future volatility in the other market. We show that this relationship persists even during periods in which the dependence in the returns themselves appears to weaken. The findings are robust to controlling for potential market frictions such as asynchronous trading in the stock index. Our results have implications for understanding the pattern of information flows between the two markets. Article published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Financial Studies in its journal, The Review of Financial Studies.
Coupling of the RAS-MAPK Pathway to Gene Activation by RSK2, a Growth Factor-Regulated CREB Kinase

A signaling pathway has been elucidated whereby growth factors activate the transcription factor cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB), a critical regulator of immediate early gene transcription. Growth factor-stimulated CREB phosphorylation at serine-133 is mediated by the RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. MAPK activates CREB kinase, which in turn phosphorylates and activates CREB. Purification, sequencing, and biochemical characterization of CREB kinase revealed that it is identical to a member of the pp90 RSK family, RSK2. RSK2 was shown to mediate growth factor induction of CREB serine-133 phosphorylation both in vitro and in vivo. These findings identify a cellular function for RSK2 and define a mechanism whereby growth factor signals mediated by RAS and MAPK are transmitted to the nucleus to activate gene expression.
Strategies for Synthesis of Adducts of o-Quinone Metabolites of Carcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons with 2‘-Deoxyribonucleosides

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are major environmental carcinogens produced in the combustion of fossil fuels, tobacco, and other organic matter. Current evidence indicates that PAHs are transformed enzymatically to active metabolites that react with DNA to form adducts that result in mutations. Three activation pathways have been proposed: the diol epoxide path, the radical-cation path, and the quinone path. The latter involves aldo-keto reductase mediated oxidation of PAH dihydrodiol metabolites to catechols that enter into redox cycles with quinones. This results in generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that attack DNA, and the PAH quinones also react with DNA to form adducts. Several strategies for synthesis of the stable adducts formed by the o-quinone metabolites of carcinogenic PAHs with 2‘-deoxyribonucleosides were investigated and compared. The PAH quinones studied were benz[a]anthracene-3,4-dione and its 7-methyl- and 7,12-dimethyl- derivatives. The parent PAHs represent a range ...
Preschoolers (sometimes) defer to the majority in making simple perceptual judgments.

Three- and 4-year-old children were asked to judge which of a set of 3 lines was the longest, both independently and in the face of an inaccurate consensus among adult informants. Children were invariably accurate when making independent judgments but sometimes deferred to the inaccurate consensus. Nevertheless, the deference displayed by both age groups proved to be circumscribed. When asked to solve a practical problem—selecting the longest strip to build an adequate bridge—both groups relied on their own perceptual judgment, regardless of whether they had deferred to the inaccurate consensus. Confirming earlier meta-analytic findings with adults, the rate of deference was greater among Asian American children as compared with Caucasian American children.
Influence of Weight Loss on Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Function in the Mature Horse

Introduction Obesity creates many metabolic issues in horses, yet stepwise alterations in mitochondrial capacity and oxidant status during weight loss have not been assessed. Skeletal muscle contains subsarcolemmal (SSM) and interfibrillar (IFM) mitochondria, which respond differently to physiological stimuli, impacting tissue and systemic oxidant status. It was hypothesised that horses would display improved muscle mitochondrial subpopulation function in middle gluteal muscle, and decreases in circulating oxidant status markers during weight loss from an obese (7 to 8) to moderate (5) body condition score (BCS). Methods 8 light-type horses were studied. Mitochondrial subpopulations were isolated through differential centrifugation and all enzymatic activity through colorimetric kinematic assays. Effects of BCS reduction or percent weight loss were evaluated using SAS (mixed procedure with repeated measures). Results Plasma nitrate decreased in response to BCS reduction (P = 0.06) and percent weight loss (P = 0.06), whereas erythrocyte total glutathione (P = 0.06) concentration increased with decreasing BCS. Mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes I and IV displayed greater activity in SSM than IFM (P≤0.03), while all complexes in IFM had decreased activity due to both weight parameters (P≤0.01). Interactions between subpopulation complex IV activity and weight loss markers (P<0.05) were displayed. Citrate synthase activity, indicating mitochondrial number, was greater in SSM than IFM (P<0.0001) but was unaffected with weight loss. Lipid peroxidation was decreased with BCS change (P = 0.01) and weight loss (P = 0.02), displaying greater amounts in SSM than IFM (P≤0.02). Conclusions Alterations in complex activities and lipid peroxidation suggest IFM are more affected by weight loss, with large contributions from complex IV by-products. Mitochondrial component flexibility may contribute individually to disease development and performance of equine athletes. Ethical Animal Research The study was approved by the Middle Tennessee State University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Sources of funding: West Virginia University Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Program and Middle Tennessee State University. Competing interests: none.
Conductivity modulation at metallic point defects

Abstract Spatial carrier density variations near a defect modulate the field required for current transport in the vicinity of the defect.
Velocity Characteristics of a Confined Highly-Turbulent Swirling Flow Near a Swirl Plate (Data Bank Contribution)

Axial and tangential components of the velocity vector are measured using a Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV) system in a confined highly turbulent isothermal swirling flow near a swirl plate. The flow has essential features of swirl-stabilized flame combustors. Throughout this study, a constant “nominal” swirl number of 0.36 is generated by air jets from a set of slots in a swirl plate. A low-speed coflowing air, referred to as dilution air, is uniformly distributed around the swirling flow by use of an annular-shaped honeycomb. Three different swirling air flow rates with a fixed dilution flow rate are studied and results are discussed. Detailed mean axial and tangential velocity profiles at several axial locations show that the size and the strength of the central recirculation zone are strongly dependent on the swirling air flow rate. Increasing the swirl air flow rate increases both the radial extent and the axial length of the central recirculation zone. Mean total and reversed air flow rates are calculated by integrating the mean axial velocity profiles. In the setup used in this study and up to the axial positions investigated, the reversed flow rate as a percent of the total flow rate seems to be linearly proportional to the reversed-flow zone area, being independent of the swirl air flow rate at a fixed nominal swirl number value. As swirl air flow rate is increased, the root mean square (rms) of the axial and tangential velocity fluctuations increase monotonically at almost all radial positions except sufficiently away from the swirl plate and near the chamber axis. Several velocity biasing correction methods are reviewed. A simple velocity biasing correction scheme is applied in this study to investigate its effect on the conclusions reached in the study.
Organophosphate degradation by insecticide-resistant and susceptible populations of mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)

Abstract Phosphorothionate and phosphate degradation was investigated as a factor which could influence the tolerance of organochlorine compound-resistant and susceptible mosquitofish ( Gambusia affinis ) to parathion and methyl parathion. The greater toxicity of methyl parathion than parathion can be attributed in part to a higher rate of degradation of methyl paraoxon than paraoxon (7-fold), but not to any difference in phosphorothionate dearylation. Resistant fish possess higher levels of microsomal mixed-function oxidases which can degrade methyl parathion (1.3-fold); these higher levels could contribute to the increased methyl parathion tolerance by this population over the susceptible population. Environmentally induced tolerance to parathion in the resistant population may be the result of increased levels of parathion degradation by induced mixed-function oxidases which can dearylate parathion. The increased tolerance of either insecticide by the resistant population is not caused by degradation of the phosphates by phosphotriesterases.
Comprehensive Numerical Modeling of Thermoelectric Devices Applied to Automotive Exhaust Gas Waste-Heat Recovery

This study investigates using numerical methods the performance of thermoelectric devices (TEDs) integrated with heat exchangers and applied to automotive exhaust gas waste-heat recovery. Air as an exhaust gas and water as a cooling fluid are used. The effects of temperature-dependent properties of materials (TE elements, ceramic plates, connectors, insulation materials and fluids) and interface electrical and thermal contact resistances on TED’s performance are included in the analysis. Additionally, the fluid heat exchangers and the insulation materials are modeled using a porous media approach. The response of hot and cold fluid inlet temperatures (Thi, Tci) and flow rates, number of modules N, permeability of heat exchangers and TE materials type on TED’s hydro-thermoelectric characteristics is studied. An increase in either Thi or a decrease in Tci is resulted in an enhancement in TED’s performance. The addition of modules is shown a significant effect on heat input Qh and power output P0 predictions; however, a minimal impact on efficiency η is displayed with N. For instance, at Thi = 873.15 K and Tci = 353.15 K with clathrate n-Ba8Ga16Ge30 and p-PbTe material’s combination, compared to single module case, TED with four modules showed 3.77- and 3.7-fold increase in P0 and Qh, respectively. In the studied 1–4 modules range, the cold fluid flow rate and the permeability of heat exchangers are exhibited a negligible effect on TED’s P0 and η, whereas the hot fluid flow rate is shown an appreciable change in η values. Further, when Thi is less than 500 K, TED with bismuth-tellurides showed a higher performance when compared to the clathrates and lead-tellurides materials combination.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Effect of test interruption on cyclic behavior in AlCu single crystals containing shearable precipitates

Abstract Interruptions during the fatigue cycling of AlCu alloy containing θ” precipitates produce small, but significant, temporary changes in the deformation behavior when the cycling is restarted. By analyzing hysteresis loops in order to measure the friction stress and the back stress acting on the dislocations, we have explored the aging effects of such interruptions. The behavior is complex, but essentially, after resting, the friction stress increases and the back stress decreases. With increase in resting time, the friction stress shows overaging behavior which depends on the strain amplitude. We interpret the behavior by considering the interrelation of the deformation and aging phenomena in the persistent slip bands and the adjacent matrix.
Synthesis of Decision Making: From Data to Business Execution

Digital Data is everywhere - from massive amounts of single sourced to huge conglomerations of smaller multi-sourced data. Organizations have long been collecting repositories of data, yet continue to struggle to create valuable information. In this paper, we propose a Data to Decisions Framework (D2D) to outline the course of action needed to procure the information required by organizations. D2D not only relies on data collection and process analysis, but upon human interaction as well. The study addresses the following problem: Data is obtained and stored from the perspective of the design of the application - not from the customer's point of view. The paper considers anomaly detection and cluster analysis to assist in the process of identifying and classifying Information Technology System Outages with the objective of providing the appropriate view for analysis. The paper also reveals how transparency and collaboration with key stakeholders then influence the process rules and properties to drive selection of target measures and definitions. The human touch, combined with rich data sets, is unique to the D2D Framework and is the driver in bringing real and desired results across the organization.
A unified fuzzy feature indexing scheme for region based online image querying

We describe a novel indexing and retrieval methodology integrating color, texture and shape information for content-based image retrieval in online image databases. This methodology, called PicSearcher, applies unsupervised image segmentation to partition an image into a set of regions, then fuzzy color histogram as well as fuzzy texture and shape properties of each region is calculated to be part of their signatures. The fuzzification procedures resolve the recognition uncertainty stemming from color quantization and human perception of colors. At the same time, this unified fuzzy scheme incorporates the segmentation-related uncertainties into the retrieval algorithm. Then an adaptive and effective measure for the overall similarity between images is developed by integrating properties of all the regions in the image. An implemented prototype system of PicSearcher has demonstrated a promising retrieval performance for an online test database containing 10,000 general-purpose color images, as compared with its peer systems in the literature.
A Hereditary Form of Small Intestinal Carcinoid Associated With a Germline Mutation in Inositol Polyphosphate Multikinase.

Background & Aims Small intestinal carcinoids are rare and difficult to diagnose and patients often present with advanced incurable disease. Although the disease occurs sporadically, there have been reports of family clusters. Hereditary small intestinal carcinoid has not been recognized and genetic factors have not been identified. We performed a genetic analysis of families with small intestinal carcinoids to establish a hereditary basis and find genes that might cause this cancer. Methods We performed a prospective study of 33 families with at least 2 cases of small intestinal carcinoids. Affected members were characterized clinically and asymptomatic relatives were screened and underwent exploratory laparotomy for suspected tumors. Disease-associated mutations were sought using linkage analysis, whole-exome sequencing, and copy number analyses of germline and tumor DNA collected from members of a single large family. We assessed expression of mutant protein, protein activity, and regulation of apoptosis and senescence in lymphoblasts derived from the cases. Results Familial and sporadic carcinoids are clinically indistinguishable except for the multiple synchronous primary tumors observed in most familial cases. Nearly 34% of asymptomatic relatives older than age 50 were found to have occult tumors; the tumors were cleared surgically from 87% of these individuals (20 of 23). Linkage analysis and whole-exome sequencing identified a germline 4-bp deletion in the gene inositol polyphosphate multikinase ( IPMK ), which truncates the protein. This mutation was detected in all 11 individuals with small intestinal carcinoids and in 17 of 35 family members whose carcinoid status was unknown. Mutant IPMK had reduced kinase activity and nuclear localization, compared with the full-length protein. This reduced activation of p53 and increased cell survival. Conclusions We found that small intestinal carcinoids can occur as an inherited autosomal-dominant disease. The familial form is characterized by multiple synchronous primary tumors, which might account for 22%–35% of cases previously considered sporadic. Relatives of patients with familial carcinoids should be screened to detect curable early stage disease. IPMK haploinsufficiency promotes carcinoid tumorigenesis.
Respiratory effects of transient axial acceleration.

Whereas gravity has an inspiratory effect in upright subjects, transient upward acceleration is reported to have an expiratory effect. To explore the respiratory effects of transient axial accelera...
TOXICOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY OF COLUBRIDAE VENOM

AbstractColubridae is a family of snakes that comprise more than fifty percent of all living snakes. As their fangs are located in the rear of the mouth, they are generally considered non poisonous. In the first part of this review, cases of envenomation by about fifteen kinds of colubridae are described. Notable clinical symptoms are edema, pain, blood coagulation and in some cases respiratory arrest. Relatively few studies have been carried out on these snakes as compared to other families such as Crotalidae, Elapidae and Viperidae. The toxicity of these snakes ranges from 0.071–33.00 mg/kg, indicating that some are extremely toxic while the others are not. The venoms from these snakes have been shown to contain proteolytic enzymes. Phospholipase A2, phosphodiesterase and L-amino acid oxidase are some of the other enzymes present. The presence of a very interesting neurotoxic component has also been observed. Much more biochemical studies on this will be able to shed some light on evolutionary links bet...
Constrained genetic algorithms and their applications in nonlinear constrained optimization

The paper presents a problem-independent framework that unifies various mechanisms for solving discrete constrained nonlinear programming (NLP) problems whose functions are not necessarily differentiable and continuous. The framework is based on the first-order necessary and sufficient conditions in the theory of discrete constrained optimization using Lagrange multipliers. It implements the search for discrete-neighborhood saddle points (SP/sub dn/) by performing ascents in the original-variable subspace and descents in the Lagrange-multiplier subspace. Our study on the various mechanisms shows that CSAGA, a combined constrained simulated annealing and genetic algorithm, performs well. Finally, we apply iterative deepening to determine the optimal number of generations in CSAGA.
Synaptic interactions between primary afferent terminals and GABA and nitric oxide-synthesizing neurons in superficial laminae of the rat spinal cord

The superficial laminae (I and II) of the spinal dorsal horn receive small caliber primary afferent fibers responsive to noxious stimulation, and contain local circuit neurons that modulate afferent input. Many of these neurons are GABAergic; about a third of these also synthesize nitric oxide. We identified three main morphological types of primary afferent terminals in superficial laminae after injections of a tracer selective for small caliber afferents into the sciatic nerve of rats. The relative densities of the three types varied through the dorsoventral extent of laminae I and II. Synaptic contacts of each type with GABA- and nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-containing dendrites and axon terminals were determined by preembedding and postembedding immunocytochemistry. Nonglomerular primary afferent terminals, likely to originate from peptidergic unmyelinated fibers, were not seen in synaptic contact with either GABA- or NOS-containing neurons. Primary afferent terminals at the center of type 1 glomeruli (C1) and at the center of type 2 glomeruli (C2) are likely to originate from unmyelinated and small myelinated fibers, respectively. GABAergic terminals contacted more C2 than C1 terminals, suggesting more effective presynaptic inhibition of C2 terminals. Many GABAergic terminals were also positive for NOS, but all GABAergic terminals presynaptic to primary afferent terminals were negative for NOS. Only C2 terminals established frequent synapses with NOS-positive dendrites. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Extended Survival and Prognostic Factors for Patients With ALK-Rearranged Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Brain Metastasis

PurposeWe performed a multi-institutional study to identify prognostic factors and determine outcomes for patients with ALK-rearranged non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and brain metastasis.Patients and MethodsA total of 90 patients with brain metastases from ALK-rearranged NSCLC were identified from six institutions; 84 of 90 patients received radiotherapy to the brain (stereotactic radiosurgery [SRS] or whole-brain radiotherapy [WBRT]), and 86 of 90 received tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. Estimates for overall (OS) and intracranial progression-free survival were determined and clinical prognostic factors were identified by Cox proportional hazards modeling.ResultsMedian OS after development of brain metastases was 49.5 months (95% CI, 29.0 months to not reached), and median intracranial progression-free survival was 11.9 months (95% CI, 10.1 to 18.2 months). Forty-five percent of patients with follow-up had progressive brain metastases at death, and repeated interventions for brain metastases...
Effects of Nutrient Restrictions on Confined Animal Facilities: Insights from a Structural-Dynamic Model

Nutrient emissions from animal feeding operations continue to degrade water and air quality. New regulations will limit the amounts of nutrients that can be locally applied to land. In this paper, a structural-dynamic model of a livestock-crop operation is calibrated with data from a representative farm and is used to predict the effects of nitrogen regulations. Policy simulations clarify the importance of dynamic elements and demonstrate three main results: (1) cost estimates for large producers are higher than suggested by previous studies; (2) cross-media pollution effects are potentially significant; and (3) improved input management appears most promising for reducing both water and air emissions and waste management costs. Implications for policy and future research are discussed. © 2008 Canadian Agricultural Economics Society.
ANISOTROPIC TRIANGULATION OF PARAMETRIC SURFACES VIA CLOSE PACKING OF ELLIPSOIDS

This paper describes a new computational method of fully automated anisotropic triangulation of a trimmed parametric surface. Given as input: (1) a domain geometry and (2) a 3×3 tensor field that specifies a desired anisotropic node-spacing, this new approach first packs ellipsoids closely in the domain by defining proximity-based interacting forces among the ellipsoids and finding a force-balancing configuration using dynamic simulation. The centers of the ellipsoids are then connected by anisotropic Delaunay triangulation for a complete mesh topology. Since a specified tensor field controls the directions and the lengths of the ellipsoids' principal axes, the method generates a graded anisotropic mesh whose elements conform precisely to the given tensor field.
Distinct urinary lipid profile in children with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Background Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) accounts for the majority of new-onset end-stage renal disease (ESRD) during adolescence. FSGS treatment is a great challenge for pediatric nephrologists due to intertwined molecular pathways underlining its complex pathophysiology. There is emerging evidence showing that perturbed lipid metabolism plays a role in the pathophysiology of FSGS.
Thermal limitations of InP HBTs in 80- and 160-gb ICs

Bipolar transistor scaling laws indicate that the dissipated power per unit collector-junction area increases in proportion to the square of the transistor bandwidth, increasing to /spl sim/10/sup 6/ W/cm/sup 2/ for InP heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) designed for 160 Gb/s operation. A verified three-dimensional finite-element thermal model has been used to analyze the thermal resistance of InP in the context of 80 and 160 Gb/sup -1/ integrated circuits. The simulations show that the maximum temperature in the device can be significantly higher than the experimentally determined base-emitter junction temperature. Devices suitable for 160-Gb/s circuits will be thermally possible if the InGaAs etch-stop or contacting layer is removed from the subcollector.
Performance-based pricing for nuclear power plants

State public utility commissions in the United States have implemented incentive regulations to promote the operating efficiency of nuclear power plants. This paper surveys these incentive programs, focusing on the performance-based pricing approach. Our findings suggest that the performance-based price should be set between the electric utility`s avoided cost and the marginal cost of generating electricity at the nuclear power plant. 18 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
Reliability-aware IBGP route reflection topology design

In the internal border gateway protocol (IBGP), route reflection is widely used as an alternative to full mesh IBGP sessions inside an AS for scalability reason. However, some important issues, such as the impact of route reflection on the reliability of IBGP and the construction of reliable reflection topology with unreliable routers or links, have not been well investigated. This paper addresses the problem of finding reliable route reflection topologies for IBGP networks, which is of great importance to increase the robustness of IBGP operations. We first present a novel reliability model and two new metrics (IBGP expected lifetime and expected session loss) to evaluate the reliability of reflection topologies, and further to investigate the design problem. After studying the solvability conditions under the router capacity constraints, we prove the NP-hardness of the problem, and then design and implement three heuristic solutions using randomization techniques: heuristic selection, greedy search and simulated annealing. Our extensive computational experiments show that the reliability of IBGP reflection network can be significantly improved by our solutions.
Classifying Technical Indicators Using K-Medoid Clustering

The author uses the K-medoids method to classify technical indicators by implementing an empirical experiment on 18 different indicators. Analyzing 30 stocks, the author calculates the average distances between the indicators among these stocks using C# programming language. The K-medoids method was executed using R statistical package. The results show that the indicators were distributed among three different groups: the first group holds six indicators, the second group holds nine indicators, and the third group holds three indicators.
Fidelity in Public Education Policy: Reclaiming the Deweyan Dream

This article explores the legacy of John Dewey, reconsidered and reconstructed within the challenging context of neo-liberal globalization. A free-market approach to the delivery of public education and other social services has come to dominate public policy, with increasingly well-documented and potentially devastating consequences. As prospects for progressive and liberatory approaches to education reform diminish, both public education and democratic governance are threatened. Drawing from classical and contemporary interpretations of Dewey's philosophy and pedagogy, I first explore possibilities for revitalizing public education through conceptualization of, and commitment to, fidelity in public education policy. Informed by contemporary theory and research on political advocacy and social change, I then propose a significant shift in prevailing approaches to public education reform. I argue that we must shift our attention, our resources, and our actions away from reliance on large-scale government ...
Learning from School Restructuring.

We analyzed cases of restructuring experiments in three elementary schools, each with ethnically diverse populations, located in large urban school districts in different parts of the United States. Over 2 years, we gathered data on views and classroom writing practices of two teachers in each school through on-site interviews and observations. We also interviewed the principal and other support personnel. We found that these three schools did successfully restructure; changes included new student grouping patterns, new ways of allocating time for subject matter, teachers meeting together as a whole school or in teams, and access to new ideas through professional development opportunities. Through close analyses of teachers’ classroom practices, we learned that changing teachers’ practice is primarily a problem of learning, not a problem of organization. While school structures can provide opportunities for learning new practices, the structures, by themselves, do not cause the learning to occur.
Quality of life among patients with bipolar disorder in primary care versus community mental health settings

Abstract Introduction Bipolar disorder is associated with functional impairment across a number of domains, including health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Many patients are treated exclusively in primary care (PC) settings, yet little is known how HRQOL outcomes compare between PC and community mental health (CMH) settings. This study aimed to explore the correlates of HRQOL across treatment settings using baseline data from a multisite, randomized controlled trial for adults with bipolar disorder. Methods HRQOL was measured using the SF-12 physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) composite scale scores. Independent sample t -tests were calculated to compare differences in HRQOL between settings. Multivariate regression models then examined the effect of treatment setting on HRQOL, adjusting for covariate demographic factors, mood symptoms (Internal State Scale), hazardous drinking (AUDIT-C), and substance abuse. Results A total of 384 enrolled participants completed baseline surveys. MCS and PCS scores reflected similar impairment in HRQOL across PC and CMH settings ( p =0.98 and p =0.49, respectively). Depressive symptoms were associated with lower MCS scores ( B =−0.68, p B =−5.23, p Limitations This study lacked a formal diagnostic interview, relied on cross-sectional self-report, and sampled from a small number of sites in two states. Discussion Participants reported similar impairments in both mental and physical HRQOL in PC and CMH treatment settings, emphasizing the need for integrated care for patients with bipolar disorder regardless of where they present for treatment.
COMPONENTS OF SATISFACTION WITH LOCAL AREAS IN THE METROPOLIS

Using individuals' subjective evaluations, this paper investigates the specific features of local areas in the Seattle, Washington metropolitan region which are most strongly related to overall sat...
The Classification of Renal Cystic Diseases and Other Congenital Malformations of the Kidney and Urinary Tract

Abstract Context.—Renal cystic diseases and congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract comprise a heterogeneous group of lesions whose pathogenesis has eluded physicians for centuries. Recent advances in molecular and genetic understanding of these diseases may provide the solution to this riddle. Objective.—The formulation of an effective classification system for these disorders has been elusive but is needed to introduce order while providing a conceptual framework for diagnosis. Data sources.—This review discusses the evolution, beginning in the 19th century, of postulates regarding the pathogenesis of cystic and developmental renal diseases. Selected classification systems proffered during this period are discussed in pursuit of an ideal classification schema that would account for morphologic features and their clinical importance, with logical links to pathogenesis and treatment. Although this remains an elusive target, its general outline is becoming clearer. A classification approac...
TRIM28 is required by the mouse KRAB domain protein ZFP568 to control convergent extension and morphogenesis of extra-embryonic tissues

TRIM28 is a transcriptional regulator that is essential for embryonic development and is implicated in a variety of human diseases. The roles of TRIM28 in distinct biological processes are thought to depend on its interaction with factors that determine its DNA target specificity. However, functional evidence linking TRIM28 to specific co-factors is scarce. chatwo, a hypomorphic allele of Trim28, causes embryonic lethality and defects in convergent extension and morphogenesis of extra-embryonic tissues. These phenotypes are remarkably similar to those of mutants in the Kruppel-associated box (KRAB) zinc finger protein ZFP568, providing strong genetic evidence that ZFP568 and TRIM28 control morphogenesis through a common molecular mechanism. We determined that chatwo mutations decrease TRIM28 protein stability and repressive activity, disrupting both ZFP568-dependent and ZFP568-independent roles of TRIM28. These results, together with the analysis of embryos bearing a conditional inactivation of Trim28 in embryonic-derived tissues, revealed that TRIM28 is differentially required by ZFP568 and other factors during the early stages of mouse embryogenesis. In addition to uncovering novel roles of TRIM28 in convergent extension and morphogenesis of extra-embryonic tissues, our characterization of chatwo mutants demonstrates that KRAB domain proteins are essential to determine some of the biological functions of TRIM28.
Special Feature: Research, training, and demonstration funds for guidance and counseling

The support programs of federal, state, and private agencies are reviewed so that educators may know some of the sources of financial aid for all levels of education. Federal legislation provides the most funds whether the programs are administered by federal or state agencies. Several basic sources of additional information on available programs are also presented.