cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Universal relations for instantaneous deformations of viscoelastic fluids

The note considers viscoelastic fluids which undergo an instantaneous homogeneous deformation consisting of shear superposed on triaxial extension. Two relations involving the stress and deformation components are presented, which are valid for all such fluids, and hence are termed “universal relations”. The first contains the Lodge-Meissner relation as a special case; the second arises when a block is deformed by shear traction only. It relates dimensional changes to the amount of shear.
Integration issues in implementation of structural control systems

Most of the recent research activities in structural control have been focused on developing more robust and rigorous control algorithms to account for more realistic dynamic environment. Although a number of active, hybrid and semi-active control systems have been implemented to control the vibration of buildings, and many experimental studies have been conducted, the necessary knowledge needed for implementation is still not sufficient to prepare general guidelines for structural control system design and installation. Furthermore, the whole implementation process which requires integration of research results from diverse interdisciplinary areas has not been well addressed. The purpose of this paper is to introduce necessary knowledge needed to successfully implement general control system to a structure for safeguarding it against environmental forces such as wind or earthquakes. The major requirements of the analog/digital control hardware are first addressed. A custom-designed signal interface unit equipped with conditioning, filtering, monitoring, fail-safe limit detection, signal communication, and remote activation subsystems is then required to deal with the integrated system through the help of a digital computer. The implicit software issues between theoretical development and actual implementation, such as overall system configuration, sampling rates setup, analog-I/O interface, hardware offsets removal, noise rejection, signal error modification, engineering units scaling, control algorithm implementation, system status monitoring, automatic operations of power and force generators, multi-protection fail-safe measures, false-alarm control command rejection, and real-time signal manipulation, should be included in a modular design of any control software for real implementational design. The important hardware and software safety and compatibility features have to be identified, verified and adjusted in order to eliminate many of the common problems that may occur in practical implementation of a complex control system. The idea of using a real-time structural simulator (RTSS) to perform integrated system testing as well as control performance verification is also introduced. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroreceptor imaging in psychiatric disorders.

Molecular imaging, the study of receptors, transporters and enzymes, as well as other cellular processes, has grown in recent years to be one of the most active neuroimaging areas. The application of single photon emission tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) techniques to the study of psychiatric illness has lead to increased understanding of disease processes as well as validated,in vivo, theories of illness etiology. Within the field of psychiatry these techniques have been applied most widely to the study of schizophrenia. Studies within schizophrenia are largely limited to either the dopamine or serotonin system. This is due in large part to the availability of suitable radiotracers as well as the current theories on the etiology of the illness. Two basic study designs are used when studying schizophrenia using molecular imaging and make up the majority of studies reviewed in this manuscript. The first type, termed “clinical studies,” compares the findings from PET and SPECT studies in those with schizophrenia to normal controls in an attempt to understand the pathophysiology of the illness. The second study design, termed “occupancy studies,” uses these techniques to enhance the understanding of the mechanism of action of the medications used in treating this illness. This review will focus on the findings of molecular imaging studies in schizophrenia, focusing, for the most part, on the serotonin and dopamine systems. Emphasis will be placed on how these findings and techniques are currently being used to inform the development of novel treatments for schizophrenia.
Myelination in developing cultured newborn rat cerebellum inhibited by 5-bromodeoxyuridine.

Abstract Incorporation of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) into developing newborn rat cerebellum organ cultures inhibited formation of myelin without apparent effect on morphological maturation. Inhibition of the appearance of myelin, which usually begins on 10–11 days in vitro (DIV), occurred only when BUdR was present during 6 and 7 DIV, thus suggesting a ‘critical’ cell division on those days for the differentiating oligodendrocytes that will produce myelin.
Lattice and emittance optimization techniques and the ALS brightness upgrade

Abstract An upgrade project is under way to further improve the brightness of the Advanced Light Source at Berkeley Lab by reducing its horizontal emittance from 6.3 to 2.2 nm (effective emittance in the straights from 6.4 to 2.5 nm). This will result in a brightness increase by a factor of three for bend magnet beamlines and at least a factor of two for insertion device beamlines and will keep the ALS competitive with newer sources. This paper presents an overview of the upgrade project with emphasis on the nonlinear beam dynamics simulations. It also discusses in a more general way the techniques used at LBNL for finding optimum lattices (e.g. the ones with maximum brightness) and optimizing the particle dynamics, thereby increasing beam lifetime and stability.
Identifying depression in children: A comparison of alternative selection criteria.

This study evaluated commonly used methods of identifying “depressed” children and examined the extent to which the conclusions about correlates of dysfunction vary among different selection criteria. Child psychiatric patients (N=237,ages 7–12) and their parents participated and completed measures to permit identification of “depressed” children on the basis of three separate criteria, including selfreport scores on the Children's Depression Inventory, parent-reported scores for the same measure, and a DSM-III diagnosis of major depression. The study examined whether depressed and nondepressed children, defined separately by the different criteria, differed in a variety of depression-related symptoms, cognitive processes, and social activity. The results indicated little overlap in the persons identified as “depressed” on the basis of child-or parent-completed CDI scores or DSM-III diagnosis. Depressed and nondepressed children tended to differ across all domains (depression-related symptoms, cognitive processes, and social activity) for each selection criterion. However, significant differences were evident in these domains only when the selection criterion and other domains were assessed with the same informant (e.g., self-report) and hence shared a common method (rater) component. The findings underscore the potential influence that method factors may have in influencing the conclusions that are drawn regarding the correlates of childhood depression.
An unusual example of halogen bonding to potassium t-butoxide

Abstract 1,4-diiodooctafluorobutane was found to react with potassium tert -butoxide in dioxane to afford a halogen-bonded adduct as a white precipitate. Single crystal X-ray analysis of the precipitate reveals an extended network held together by strong iodine-oxygen interactions. The oxygen-iodine bond length in the tert -butoxide complex was found to be 2.391(6) A, much shorter than a previously published and similar complex involving dioxane (2.814(12) A). To our knowledge, this work represents the first example of a structurally characterized halogen bonding network involving anionic oxygen donor atoms with perfluoroalkyl iodides. The tert -butoxide adduct displays the shortest iodine-oxygen distance and the longest iodine-carbon distance thus far reported for any halogen bonding involving a perfluoroalkyl iodide substrate.
Design of near-optimum quantum error-correcting codes based on generator and parity-check matrices of LDGM codes

We study the design of near-optimum quantum error correcting codes based on the use of sparse matrices. The basic idea is to construct a Calderbank-Shor-Steane (CSS) code based on the generator and parity-check matrices of a classical channel code with low density generator matrix (LDGM code), which is designed with a specific structure inspired in the parallel concatenation of regular LDGM codes. Then, row operations are performed in both matrices to achieve the desired quantum rate. Decoding is performed in an iterative manner, by applying message passing over the corresponding graphs. The proposed codes allow greater flexibility and are easier to design than existing sparse-graph quantum codes, while leading to better performance.
THE INTRAVITREAL USE OF CARBENICILLIN (GEOPEN) FOR TREATMENT OF PSEUDOMONAS ENDOPHTHALMITIS

We found that intravitreally injected carbenicillin (Geopen®) in a dose of 7.0 mg or lower is nontoxic to all intraocular structures. A 3.0 mg dose produces levels bactericidal for many strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa up to 24 hours. Experimentally induced Pseudomonas endophthalmitis was successfully treated 10 hours after inoculation by a single intravitreal injection of 5.0 mg of carbenicillin. Eyes treated intravitreally at 24 hours and the eyes of rabbits treated intramuscularly with carbenicillin all progressed to phthisis bulbi. The success of intravitreal treatment is inversely related to the time lapse between inoculation and therapy.
Children’s transposition as related to ratio of the training stimuli and language

Preschool-aged children were trained to respond to the larger of two stimuli that differed by either a 1.4:1 or a 1.96:1 ratio. The smaller, unrewarded stimulus was faded in across trials, resulting in errorless discrimination learning. After training, children were tested for transposition with stimuli either one or four steps larger than the training set. Children able to verbalize the relevant concept showed uniform relational responding, regardless of the training ratio. Included in the study were additional children unable to verbalize the relevant concept and trained with the larger ratio. A distance effect was obtained for these children.
Spatio-temporal cross-correlation analysis of catfish retinal neurons.

1. The receptive field properties of visual neurons in the retina of the catfish are studied by a white noise spatio-temporal stimulus. The spatial and temporal inputs of the stimulus are independent and lead to complete linear characterizations and local nonlinear characterizations of the neural response. 2. Horizontal cells, bipolar cells, and sustained or Type N amacrine cells all yield spatially coherent linear correlations. The horizontal cells have the shortest latency by these methods and exhibit a late depolarizing component that is wider in spatial extent than the initial hyperpolarizing component. Depolarizing Type N neurons have center-hyperpolarizing local nonlinearity. 3. Transient or Type C amacrine cells do not correlate well with the intensity of the stimulus, even though the Fast variety responds vigorously to the stimulus. 4. Ganglion cells are classified into Excitatory, Inhibitory and Biphasic classes based upon their linear correlations. Some ganglions exhibit responses dependent upon the orientation of stimulus. Although linear correlation of the Excitatory class is similar to that of the depolarizing Type N cell, the locally nonlinear character of these cell types is distinct. The receptive field of the Inhibitory ganglion cells has strong locally excitatory nonlinearity.
Some Ordering of Iron and Magnesium at the Octahedrally Coordinated Sites in a Magnesium-rich Olivine

FERROUS ions in crystal structures of silicates frequently prefer octahedrally coordinated sites with a distinct local distortion. Typical examples are found in chain silicates. For example, in crystal structures of the orthopyroxene system (Mg,Fe)SiO3, ferrous ions show preference for the distorted, octahedrally coordinated M2 position, whereas the magnesium ions occur predominantly at the octahedrally coordinated M1 position which exhibits a more regular local symmetry. An analogous situation exists in the cummingtonite-grunerite system (Mg,Fe)7-Si8O22(OH)2 where iron is predominantly located at the octahedrally coordinated, strongly distorted M4 position, whereas magnesium prefers the less distorted M1, M2 and M3 octahedral positions. Olivines of the composition (Mg,Fe)SiO4 should therefore show similar differential cation distributions over the octahedrally coordinated sites. But the difference in the distortion between the two nonequivalent octahedral sites M1 and M2 is less than that between M1 and M2 in pyroxenes or M1, M2, M3 and M4 in amphiboles. Thus ordering should be less pronounced compared with the aforementioned chain silicates. In fact, recent structural refinements of four natural olivines close to the Mg2SiO4-Fe2SiO4 join by Birle et al.1 did not reveal cation ordering within the experimental error.
Gastric myoelectrical activity and its relationship to the development of nausea and vomiting after intensive chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation

Gastric myoelectrical activity and its relationship to the development of nausea and vomiting after intensive chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation
Kin preference behavior in Bufo boreas tadpoles

The ontogeny of sibling recognition behavior was studied in the laboratory in tadpoles of the western toad (Bufo boreas boreas) to test the hypothesis that Bufo tadpoles associate with siblings and to compare this behavior with two species of anurans previously studied. Tadpoles reared exclusively with sibs demonstrated a preference to associate with sibs over non-sibs both early and late in development but tadpoles reared with sibs and non-sibs (mixed rearing groups) exhibited no preference. Larvae that developed a preference for sibs after being reared with them for 75 days lost this preference following exposure to a mixed group for 2 to 6 days. Additionally, larvae reared in a mixed group did not develop a preference for the familiar mixed group nor was a preference exhibited by individual larvae that were reared exclusively with 5 non-sibs. These results suggest that larvae learn by prior association to discriminate sibs from non-sibs and that preferences are rapidly modifiable following exposure to non-sibs. However, the latter two experiments suggest that social preferences are not totally labile and are not based entirely on familiarity. Field observations of larval activity, aggregation behavior, and dispersal patterns in B. boreas indicate that tadpoles mix with non-sibs from early larval stages throughout development. Because even short term exposure to nonsibs resulted in a loss of sib preference in our experiments, we suggest that a ‘kin selection’ interpretation of B. boreas aggregation behavior is not parsimonious. Results differ with those of other studies of sib recognition in larval anurans.
Physics-based features for identifying contextual factors affecting landmine detection with ground-penetrating radar

ABSTRACT It has been established throughout the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) literature that environmental factorscan severely impact the performance of GPR sensors in landmine detection applications. Over the years, elec-tromagnetic inversion techniques have been proposed for determining these factors with the goal of mitigatingperformance losses. However, these techniques are often computationally expensive and require models and re-sponses from canonical targets, and therefore may not be appropriate for real-time route-clearance applications.An alternative technique for mitigating performance changes due to environmental factors is context-dependentclassication, in which decision rules are adjusted based on contextual shifts identied from the GPR data. How-ever, analysis of the performance of context-dependent learning has been limited to qualitative comparisons ofcontextually-similar GPR signatures and quantitative improvement to the ROC curve, while the actual informa-tion extracted regarding soils has not been investigated thoroughly. In this work, physics-based features of GPRdata used in previous context-dependent approaches were extracted from simulated GPR data generated throughFinite-Dierence Time-Domain (FDTD) modeling. Statistical techniques where then used to predict several po-tential contextual factors, including soil dielectric constant, surface roughness, amount of subsurface clutter,and the existence of subsurface layering, based on the features. Results suggest that physics-based features ofthe GPR background may contain informatin regarding physical properties of the environment, and context-dependent classication based on these features can exploit information regarding these potentially-importantenvironmental factors.Keywords: Ground-penetrating radar, contextual learning, feature extraction
Objective function-based clustering

Clustering is typically applied for data exploration when there are no or very few labeled data available. The goal is to find groups or clusters of like data. The clusters will be of interest to the person applying the algorithm. An objective function-based clustering algorithm tries to minimize (or maximize) a function such that the clusters that are obtained when the minimum/maximum is reached are homogeneous. One needs to choose a good set of features and the appropriate number of clusters to generate a good partition of the data into maximally homogeneous groups. Objective functions for clustering are introduced. Clustering algorithms generated from the given objective functions are shown, with a number of examples of widely used approaches discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crystallization kinetics and mechanical properties of polyethylene

The kinetics of crystallization of a branched polyethylene have been studied dilatometrically, spectroscopically, and microscopically at small degrees of supercooling (ca. 0–10°C.). In order to assess the extent to which results of different methods are in agreement with each other, apparent induction times and maximuin crystallization rates are compared. On the basis of these data, the results of different experimental techniques using different types of sample are in general agreement. However, there do exist small, but significant, differences which appear to be outside experimental error. The results are shown to be in essential agreement with present theories of nucleation and of crystallization. The observations are interpreted in terms of the processes occurring during crystallization. The relationship of dynamic mechanical properties to previous thermal histories is considered and a qualitative interpretation is presented.
Durability Effects on Resilient Moduli of Stabilized Aggregate Base

The effect of wetting/drying and freezing/thawing on the resilient modulus values of Meridian limestone aggregate stabilized with cement-kiln-dust is investigated. Freezing/thawing is found more detrimental than wetting/drying at low deviator stresses. In addition, the stabilized aggregate suffers greater strength reduction during the initial stages of the freeze/thaw test. On the other hand, wetting/drying produces greater strength reduction at high deviator stresses. The layer coefficients of the stabilized aggregate base, which are significantly higher than those of the raw aggregates, are reduced appreciably due to freezing/thawing and wetting/drying.
Repression of interleukin-2 mRNA translation in primary human breast carcinoma tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.

Abstract Human breast carcinoma tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) express activation antigens in situ indicative of ongoing immune response—CD28, CD45RO, CD69, CD71, and DR. However, interleukin 2 (IL-2) receptor was poorly expressed: CD25 was detected in only 1/24 samples and CD122 in only 2/24 samples. Furthermore, isolated breast cancer TIL were defective in proliferative response but recover when treated with recombinant IL-2. Nineteen of 24 tumor samples expressed B7-1, B7-2, and CD28 protein, showing that absence of costimulator proteins or counter ligand was not the basis for TIL proliferative deficit. Expression of IL-2 activity was not detected; however, mRNA encoding IL-2 was produced and translatable in vitro. These findings show that human breast cancer tumor-induced repression of IL-2 RNA translation is the basis of failure of TIL to express the IL-2 receptor and subsequent T cell hyporesponsiveness.
Effects of hypothalamic knife cuts and experience on maternal behavior in the rat

Recent investigations suggest that the disruption of placentophagia, pup-directed maternal behavior, and nestbuilding seen after lesions of the medial preoptic area (MPO) or the lateral hypothalamus may be due to the interruption at different points of a single longitudinal neural system mediating these behaviors. To test this, we compared the effects of knife cuts on the lateral border of the MPO, and of the posterior medial forebrain bundle (MFB), with asymmetrical cuts combining a unilateral MPO cut with a contralateral MFB cut. We observed placentophagia, nestbuilding, and pup-directed maternal behaviors at, and after, parturition in both primiparous and biparous rats. In primiparae, MPO cuts (a) disrupted placentophagia, (b) delayed the onset of crouching and pup-licking, and (c) eliminated retrieval and nestbuilding. MFB cuts (a) disrupted placentophagia, (b) delayed the onset of maternal behavior, and (c) eliminated nestbuilding. Asymmetrical cuts (a) disrupted placentophagia, and (b) delayed the onset of maternal behavior. In biparous rats, MPO cuts eliminated nestbuilding and retrieval. MFB cuts (a) disrupted placentophagia, and (b) eliminated nestbuilding. Asymmetrical cuts (a) delayed nestbuilding. These results suggest the involvement of a longitudinal neural system in the production of immediate pup-directed maternal behavior, placentophagia, and nestbuilding in parturient primiparae, but which is not critical for the eventual display of maternal behavior and nestbuilding in maternally naive rats, nor for the immediate onset of placentophagia and maternal behavior in maternally experienced rats.
Glycosaminoglycan‐protein interactions: definition of consensus sites in glycosaminoglycan binding proteins

Although interactions of proteins with glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as heparin and heparan sulphate, are of great biological importance, structural requirements for protein-GAG binding have not been well-characterised. Ionic interactions are important in promoting protein-GAG binding. Polyelectrolyte theory suggests that much of the free energy of binding comes from entropically favourable release of cations from GAG chains. Despite their identical charges, arginine residues bind more tightly to GAGs than lysine residues. The spacing of these residues may determine protein-GAG affinity and specificity. Consensus sequences such as XBBBXXBX, XBBXBX and a critical 20 A spacing of basic residues are found in some protein sites that bind GAG. A new consensus sequence TXXBXXTBXXXTBB is described, where turns bring basic interacting amino acid residues into proximity. Clearly, protein-GAG interactions play a prominent role in cell-cell interaction and cell growth. Pathogens including virus particles might target GAG-binding sites in envelope proteins leading to infection.
129XE NMR STUDY OF ADSORPTION AND DYNAMICS OF XENON IN AGA ZEOLITE

The adsorption of xenon in AgA zeolite has been studied by 129Xe NMR spectroscopy, yielding information on the silver distribution, Xe cluster size and distribution, and xenon exchange dynamics. The exchange of xenon is slow between the α-cages of AgA treated in a vacuum at 380 or 410 K (yellow AgA), and separate lines appear in the 129Xe NMR spectra for cages containing different xenon populations. Up to 10 different Xen clusters with n between 1 and 8 can be distinguished; the Xe7 and Xe8 clusters appear to be present in two different states Xe7‘ + Xe7‘‘ and Xe8‘ + Xe8‘‘, reflecting cage differences apparent only at high xenon loading. The population distribution, studied over a broad range of xenon loadings, cannot be described in terms of the simple hypergeometric distribution except at loading levels below n = 4. The Xen cluster lines for “yellow” AgA zeolite are all shifted uniformly to low field relative to the clusters in NaA zeolite, a feature which currently has no firm explanation. Because larg...
Calculation of Entropy and Heat Capacity of Organic Compounds in the Gas Phase. Evaluation of a Consistent Method without Adjustable Parameters. Applications to Hydrocarbons

The purpose of this study has been to determine how well a consistent ab initio thermostatistical method reproduces experimental values of heat capacity and entropy. The method has been applied to calculation of heat capacity and entropy of a representative set of hydrocarbons that includes compounds consisting of multiple conformers. All Cp and S values are for the gaseous state at 1 atm; units are cal K-1 mol-1. A detailed sensitivity (error) analysis has been performed to determine the root mean square (rms) values of errors expected of the calculated values: these are 0.27 cal for Cp and 0.36 cal for entropy. In comparing calculated values with experimental values, it is necessary to consider also the uncertainties of the experimental data. When these are included, the expected rms values of Cp(experimental) - Cp(calculated) values at 298.15 K range from 0.21 to 0.73. For S(experimental) - S(calculated), they range from 0.36 to 0.72. Calculations with frequencies derived with the 6-31G(d,p) basis set and scaled by 0.91 yielded rms values for Cp(experimental) - Cp(calculated) of individual compounds from 0.14 to 0.84 cal and rms values for S(experimental) - S(calculated) of individual compounds from 0.07 to 1.11 cal. Calculated Cp values for 7 out of 16 compounds agree with experimental values within the rms uncertainty estimated for the compound, and 11 fall within twice that estimate. For entropy, the calculated values for 13 of 18 compounds agree with the very limited available experimental data within the rms estimated uncertainty for the compound, and 16 of 18 fall within twice the uncertainty.
The Connection of Milksickness with the Poisonous Qualities of White Snake-Root (Eupatorium Urticaefolium)

Barbee,2 in 1840, after searching for possible causes of the disease, concluded : "Nor have any circumstances in the history of 'Milk-Sick* in these districts (Ohio) enabled me to approach nearer to a discovery of its cause than that it probably has a vegetable origin. By some it would be deemed altogether unnecessary to offer anything in the support of the supposition of the vegetable origin of the disorder. This is the most popular theory and has more facts to sustain it than that which contends for a mineral poison." He had noticed that cows which were enclosed in woodland pastures developed trembles and died. His observations led him to believe that the two plants which were probably responsible were white snake-root and poison oak (Rhus toxicodendron). He fed a decoction of the first to a dog which showed characteristic symptoms and died in 3 hours; to another he gave a decoction of the latter plant with results similar to the first, except that the animal died in 2 hours. Barbee states that an acquaintance of his, Dr. Owen, had fed a decoction of E. ageratoides (urticaefolium) to a calf which developed trembles and died in a few hours. A fact of additional interest is that Dr. Owen had received specimens of plants identified as E. ageratoides, from farmers in Indiana who claimed that this species was responsible for trembles. Some argued that it could not be the cause of the trouble for, were that the case, all cattle which ate it should die, and this was not true. In defense of his position, Barbee advanced the idea of individual resistance among the animals, asserting that "the vital powers may resist the poisonous agency in any quantity."
Gelation of Hydrolysates of a Whey Protein Isolate Induced by Heat, Protease, Salts and Acid

Hydrolysis of a whey protein isolate solution (21%) by a protease from Bacillus licheniformis (BLP) resulted in protein aggregation (45°C, pH 7.0). The aggregation was monitored by spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, and electron microscopy. Additions of CaCl2 (40 mm), NaCl (200 mm) or glucono-delta-lactone (GDL, pH 5.0) to the turbid hydrolysates led to rapid gelation. Heating (80°C, 30 min) or further BLP (1% enzyme : substrate ratio) treatment also gelled the hydrolysates. The hardness of the gels varied with the size of the aggregates (66–490 nm). The heat-induced gel showed the highest hardness and adhesiveness, but the lowest cohesiveness (P<0.05). The salt-induced gels were the most cohesive (P<0.05). The heat-, GDL-, and BLP-induced gels were microstructurally composed of irregular aggregates similar in shape and size (∼200 nm) to those in the parent hydrolysate, while the micrographs of salt-induced gels showed larger (∼300 nm) and regular aggregates.
Hauntings and poltergeist-like episodes as a confluence of conventional phenomena: a general hypothesis

Hauntings and poltergeist-like episodes are argued to be products of contagious reactions to ambiguous environmental or cognitive events. In particular, evidence suggests that the subjective and objective effects reported by percipients are the function of independent, nonparanoraml etiologies whose constitutions have been previously established and described. According to this multivariate model, the labeling of ambiguous events as "abnormal" or "paranormal" initiates the reactive process which is subsequently sustained by perceptual contagion, i.e., flurries of paranormal observations due self-reinforcing attentional processes.
Factors associated with unemployment of patients with multiple sclerosis

As part of a larger study of psychosocial aspects of chronic disease, the employment status of 79 male and 233 female multiple sclerosis patients was evaluated by interview to identify: (1) the relationship between degree of disability and employment status and (2) other determinants of employment status. Seventy-seven per cent of the patients were unemployed. Disability level, age, sex, and level of education accounted for 14% of the differences in employment status, with less disabled, older, more educated males being the most likely to be employed. Employment status was unrelated to marital status or type of occupation. Case histories are presented to illustrate psychosocial and environmental factors which might further account for the differences in employment status.
Doubled thermo-spectrum of the 8050 Å stimulated raman line in benzene

Abstract A doubled thermo-spectrum of the 8050 A stimulated Raman output in benzen is reported. The observed doubled period of 2.2°C indicates that a specific molecular interactions in responsible for the cyclic temperature dependence of the stimulated Raman output.
Fluorenone-Containing Polyfluorenes and Oligofluorenes: Photophysics, Origin of the Green Emission and Efficient Green Electroluminescence†

A series of four new statistical copolymers of 9,9-dihexylfluorene and 9-fluorenone with well-defined structures and a new fluorene−fluorenone−fluorene trimer model compound were synthesized and used to investigate the photophysics, origin of the green emission, and electroluminescence of this class of light-emitting materials. We show that the new oligofluorene trimer with a central fluorenone moiety is an excellent model of the green-emitting chromophore in polyfluorenes. From systematic studies of the steady-state photoluminescence (PL) and PL decay dynamics of solutions of the fluorenone-containing copolymers and oligomer and thin films of the copolymers, we show that the controversial 535-nm green emission band originates from the fluorenone defects in single-chain polyfluorenes and not from intermolecular aggregates or excimers. The green emission, centered at 535 nm, was observed in dilute toluene solutions of all fluorenone-containing copolymers and oligomer; it was long-lived with a single-expone...
Multicasting in MPLS domains

Explicit routing in MPLS is utilized in traffic engineering to maximize the operational network performance and to provide Quality of Service (QoS). However, difficulties arise while integrating native IP multicasting with MPLS traffic engineering, such as point-to-multipoint or multipoint-to-multipoint LSPs layout design and traffic aggregation. In this paper, we have proposed an edge router multicasting (ERM) scheme by limiting branching point of multicast delivery tree to only the edges of MPLS domains. As a result, multicast LSP setups,multicast flow assignments, and multicast traffic aggregation are reduced to unicast problems. We have studied two types of ERM routing protocols in the paper. The first approach is based on modifications to the existing multicast protocols, while the second approach applies Steiner tree-based heuristic routing algorithm in the edge router multicasting environment. The simulation results demonstrate that the ERM scheme based on Steiner tree heuristic can provide near-optimal performance. The results also demonstrate that ERM provides a traffic engineering friendly approach without sacrificing the benefits of native IP multicasting.
Moloney murine leukemia virus protease expressed in bacteria is enzymatically active.

Replication of Moloney murine leukemia virus requires a readthrough translation mechanism to generate the Gag-Pol polyprotein. One of the final products of this polyprotein is the protease (PR), which is required to generate the mature virion proteins. The assembly of Gag and Gag-Pol polyproteins into a virion followed by activation of the viral protease is necessary to produce a mature, infectious particle. These events are believed to occur near the cell membrane just prior to the budding of the virion. We report here the autoproteolytic activity of the viral PR when a Gag-PR fusion protein is expressed in E. coli. Efficient cleavage at the p12/CA, CA/NC and NC/PR junctions was observed. Thus the Moloney murine leukemia virus PR is capable of cleaving its substrates in the absence of specific host factors.
Proteolytic processing of histone H3 in chromatin: a physiologically regulated event in tetrahymena micronuclei

Abstract Micronuclei of Tetrahymena thermophila contain two electrophoretically distinct forms of histone H3. The slower migrating micronuclear species, H3 S , is indistinguishable from macronuclear H3 by electrophoretic analyses in three gel systems and by partial proteolytic peptide mapping. The faster species, H3 F , is unique to micronuclei. Pulse-chase experiments with radioactive amino acids show that H3 S is a precursor to H3 F . We present evidence that the in vivo processing of H3 S into H3 F requires cell growth and/or division and may occur regularly each generation at a specific point in the cell cycle. The processing event must occur after H3 F is deposited on micronuclear chromatin, since both H3 S and H3 F can be isolated from sucrose gradient-purified mononucleosomes (Allis, Glover and Gorovsky, 1979). Partial proteolytic peptide mapping coupled with 3 H-N-ethylmaleimide labeling suggest that the processing event involves a proteolytic cleavage from the amino terminal end of H3 F . Automated sequence analyses of 14 C-lysine-labeled macronuclear H3 together with either 3 H-lysine-labeled H3 S or H3 F demonstrated that H3 F is derived from H3 S by a proteolytic cleavage which removes six residues from the amino terminus. These observations represent the first demonstration of a physiologically regulated proteolytic processing event in histone metabolism.
Navigating the Pathway to Robotic Competency in General Thoracic Surgery

ObjectiveAlthough robotic technology has addressed many of the limitations of traditional videoscopic surgery, robotic surgery has not gained widespread acceptance in the general thoracic community...
Solving fuzzy relation equations with a linear objective function

Abstract An optimization model with a linear objective function subject to a system of fuzzy relation equations is presented. Due to the non-convexity of its feasible domain defined by fuzzy relation equations, designing an efficient solution procedure for solving such problems is not a trivial job. In this paper, we first characterize the feasible domain and then convert the problem to an equivalent problem involving 0–1 integer programming with a branch-and-bound solution technique. After presenting our solution procedure, a concrete example is included for illustration purpose.
Adsorption-induced finite-size forces operative within fluid systems

Abstract Interactions on the nanometer length scale are very important in determining the performance of microfluidic devices and micron-sized machines. Thus, the omnipresent van der Waals force will play a pervasive role. It is less well recognized that, within a fluid, the presence of adsorption can lead to additional adsorption-induced forces of similar strength. We discuss these issues in this publication.
Two Types of Voluntary Undergraduate Attrition: Application of Tinto's Model.

Tinto's model of institutional attrition was tested by comparing undergraduate students who had dropped out from Washington State University (WSU) one year prior to the study with a control sample of students who continued at WSU. Tinto's constructs of individual attributes, past educational experience, goal commitment, institutional commitment, social integration, and academic integration were operationalized using variables obtained from precollege records, academic records at the university, and a post-withdrawal survey. Setwise discriminant function analysis was used to discriminate between the attrition sample and the control sample using Tinto's constructs. Variables measuring individual attributes, past educational experience, institutional commitment, and academic integration all contributed significantly to the discriminant function when all other variables were controlled for. Tinto's model was also able to explain the differences between those attrition students who transferred to another institution and those who dropped out of higher education. Those that dropped out had a significantly lower academic ability, lower academic integration, lower goal commitment, and lower social integration.
Exenatide and weight loss.

Objective: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a gastrointestinal hormone mainly released from the distal ileum, jejunum, and colon in response to food ingestion. It is categorized as an incretin due to its activation of GLP-1 receptors in pancreatic β-cells leading to insulin exocytosis in a glucose-dependent manner. Exenatide (synthetic exendin-4) is a subcutaneously injected GLP-1 receptor agonist that shares 50% homology with GLP-1. It is derived from lizard venom and stimulates the GLP-1 receptor for prolonged periods. The present review aims to enumerate exenatide-instigated weight loss, summarize the known mechanisms of exenatide-induced weight loss, and elaborate on its possible application in the pharmacotherapy of obesity. Methods: A search through PubMed was performed using exenatide and weight loss as search terms. A second search was performed using exenatide and mechanisms or actions as search terms. Results: In addition to exenatide's action to increase insulin secretion in individuals with elevated levels of plasma glucose, clinical trials have reported consistent weight loss associated with exenatide treatment. Studies have found evidence that exenatide decreases energy intake and increases energy expenditure, but findings on which predominates to cause weight loss are often inconsistent and controversial. Conclusion: Further research on the effects of exenatide treatment on energy intake and expenditure are recommended to better understand the mechanisms through which exenatide causes weight loss.
Comparison of Microwave-Assisted and Conventional Leaching Using EPA Method 3050B

A microwave-heated EPA method 3050B for the leaching of key elements (cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, zinc) of environmental importance was tested and compared to conventional hot plate-heated EPA method 3050B. All commercially available temperature and power-controlled atmospheric pressure microwave systems were used for the adaptation of EPA method 3050B. Three temperature feedback control systems were evaluated for regulating the temperature of the leachate including outside (IR sensors) and inside the sample flask (gas bulb thermometer). Results, which show the efficiency and effectiveness of the microwave sample preparation method, are discussed for the leaching of three NIST Standard Reference Materials: 2704, 2710, and 2711. The elements were determined either using ICPMS, ET-AAS, or F-AAS. This study demonstrates that microwave heating with enhanced reaction control leads to improved precision compared to conventional heating sources.
Global error bounds for convex quadratic inequality systems

A global error bound is given for any system of convex quadratic inequalities in terms of a residual function of the system. The residual function consists of the norm of the violation vector plus its l/(2 d )-th power, where d is called the degree of singularity of the system. When the system satisfies the Slater constraint qualification, the error bound recovers a result of Luo and Luo [2] with d= 0. The global error bound of Mangasarian and Shiau [10] for monotone linear complementarity problems is also a direct consequence in which d = 1. In general, the degree of singularity is bounded by the number of constraints in the system and the error bound is valid under no constraint qualification on the system. Finally, we show by examples that the error bound is best possible.
The effect of working relationship quality on salesperson performance and job satisfaction: Adaptive selling behavior in Korean automobile sales representatives

Abstract The adaptive selling behavior (ASB) concept has been the focus of significant attention in research and practice alike over the past decade. However, there has been but a few studies that have investigated this practice outside of a U.S. context. Thus, as this research stream continues to take root, significant questions relating to ASB theory, conceptualization and measurement, and generalizability remain. Given this lack of non-Western ASB research, the authors consider the implications of national culture on ASB. Next, they develop and test a model utilizing a sample of Korean automobile representatives. Salesperson working relationship quality is suggested as mediating the ASB–performance relationship and a new outcome, job satisfaction, is identified. The results serve not only to clarify previously unclear relationships, but also extend our understanding of adaptive selling practices in non-Western cultures.
Applied physiology of cross-country skiing.

Cross-country ski racing has evolved rapidly in recent years. Of particular interest has been the development and proliferation of the faster freestyle or skating techniques. In spite of changes in technique and equipment, the fact that elite cross-country ski racers have some of the highest aerobic power values reported for endurance athletes has not changed. Successful ski racers have higher percentages of slow twitch muscle fibres and higher anaerobic thresholds, but lower anaerobic power scores than Alpine skiers. Crosscountry skiers are also lean, as are distance runners. The absolute bodyweight of the ski racer, however, is much more variable than that of distance runners. Since light skiers will have an advantage on steep uphill courses and heavier skiers will be favoured by level, downhill, and less steep uphill courses, the variability of courses available in international competition explains why successful skiers are so variable with respect to bodyweight. The physiological characteristics of the elite skier are a result of both genetics and adaptation to rigorous multiyear, year-round training programmes. Identification of systematic procedures for specifically challenging the physiological parameters which are requisite for ski racing are being examined. Investigation of ventilatory and lactate thresholds as well as heart rate as parameters for quantifying training intensity is of particular interest at this time.
Environmental influences on the testis cycles of the lizards Dipsosaurus dorsalis and Xantusia vigilis.

Abstract 1. 1. Annual testis cycles in the lizards Dipsosaurus dorsalis and Xantusia vigilis are regulated by both exogenous, especially thermal, stimuli and an endogenous rhythmicity. 2. 2. High temperatures appear to be the primary cue for stimulating spermatogenesis and androgenesis in spring. 3. 3. Photoperiod affects X. vigilis in mid-winter (long days stimulate the testes), but only at high body temperatures, and photoperiodic sensitivity is lost by March. 4. 4. Testis regression appears to be essentially independent of photoperiod and temperature in both lizards, and an endogenous rhythm is postulated. 5. 5. A prolonged, post-nuptial, sexual refractory period accounts for the suppression of spermatogenic activity through fall and winter. 6. 6. No correlation is evident between the type of annual testis cycle and the relative importance of temperature and photoperiod as environmental cues for timing testis activity in lizards.
Alternatively activated macrophages in infection and autoimmunity.

Macrophages are innate immune cells that play an important role in activation of the immune response and wound healing. Pathogens that require T helper-type 2 (Th2) responses for effective clearance, such as parasitic worms, are strong inducers of alternatively activated or M2 macrophages. However, infections such as bacteria and viruses that require Th1-type responses may induce M2 as a strategy to evade the immune system. M2 are particularly efficient at scavenging self tissues following injury through receptors like the mannose receptor and scavenger receptor-A. Thus, M2 may increase autoimmune disease by presenting self tissue to T cells. M2 may also exacerbate immune complex (IC)-mediated pathology and fibrosis, a hallmark of autoimmune disease in women, due to the release of profibrotic factors such as interleukin-1β, transforming growth factor-β, fibronectin and matrix metalloproteinases. We have found that M2 comprise anywhere from 30% to 70% of the infiltrate during acute viral or experimental autoimmune myocarditis, and shifts in M2 populations correlate with increased IC deposition, fibrosis and chronic autoimmune pathology. Thus, women may be at an increased risk of M2-mediated autoimmunity due to estrogen's ability to increase Th2 responses.
Mathematical Problem-Solving Performance and Intellectual Abilities of Fourth-Grade Children.

This study's inception and design are attributed primarily to A Structure of Concept Attainment Abilities Project (CAA) (Harris & Harris, 1973). The CAA study was conducted at the Wisconsin Research and Development Center for Cognitive Learning to determine a structure of concept-attainment abilities. During 1970 and 1971, batteries of "reference" tests for cognitive abilities and tests to measure attainment or achievement of mathematics, social studies, science, and language arts concepts were administered by the CAA staff to samples of fifth-grade males and females. Factoranalytic procedures were used to identify a basic cognitive-abilities structure and to determine relationships between concept learning in the four selected school subjects and cognitive abilities. Harris and Harris (1973) summarized the results in the following manner: