cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermogravimetric Analysis of Poly(ester-carbonate)s and Poly (ester-thiocarbonate)s with the Ester Group in the Side Chain

Abstract Thermogravimetric analysis of poly (ester-carbonate)s and poly (ester-thiocarbonate)s with the ester group in the side chain, and derived from the diphenols: methyl and ethyl 2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)-propanoate, methyl and ethyl 3,3-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)-butanoate, methyl and ethyl 4,4-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)-pentanoate with phosgene or thiophosgene, were carried out by dynamic thermogravimetry. The thermal decomposition temperatures were determined, showing that polymers derived from the diphenols methyl and ethyl 2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)-propanoate were more stable than the others. The kinetic parameters, activation energy, reaction order and pre-exponential factor, were determined using the Arrhenius relationship.
Soliton Creation During a Bose-Einstein Condensation

We use the stochastic Gross-Pitaevskii equation to study dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensation. We show that cooling into a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) can create solitons with density given by the cooling rate and by the critical exponents of the transition. Thus, counting solitons left in its wake should allow one to determine the critical exponents z and nu for a BEC phase transition. The same information can be extracted from two-point correlation functions.
Computer Simulation of Protein-induced Structural Changes in Closed Circular DNA

The effect of protein-induced wrapping on overall DNA folding is studied using Monte Carlo computer simulation techniques. A new modeling scheme is devised to represent configurations of closed circular DNA containing fragments of the double helix partially wrapped around a core of proteins. The DNA consists of two regions, a fragment wrapped in a left-handed superhelical path around a 'phantom' protein core and a free connecting loop. The loop has at least one single-stranded scission so that it can assume a torsionally relaxed state. The configuration of the loop is varied during the course of the computer simulations and the three-dimensional spatial arrangements of lowest total energy are identified. The axis of the DNA loop is represented by a finite three-dimensional Fourier series perturbation of an initial Bezier curve, making it possible to fix the position and orientation of the chain ends as well as the contour length of the free loop. The energy is approximated by elastic terms for the bending and twisting of the DNA and an excluded volume contribution that prevents the self-intersection of sequentially distant chain segments. The proportions of the protein-DNA complex, the number of superhelical turns, the chain length and the imposed linking number difference of the closed DNA are varied in the calculations. The resulting minimum energy structures are consistent with physical models and suggest new ways to think about how proteins add and remove supercoils from DNA. Of special note in this regard is the sudden collapse of three-dimensional structure that accompanies small incremental wrapping of the DNA around the idealized protein core. These observations offer new structural insight into the mechanisms of action of proteins which add or remove supercoils from DNA and provide a first step in thinking about the activity of such systems at the chemical level whereby small fluctuations in local molecular structure are translated into large-scale macromolecular changes. The configurations identified in the simulations can also be examined in the context of the well known "linking number paradox" associated with nucleosome formation on closed circular plasmids. The findings bear relevance to DNA with natural curvature as well as to protein-induced bending and deformations of the double helix.
The risk of developing arm lymphedema among breast cancer survivors: a meta-analysis of treatment factors.

As more women survive breast cancer, long-term complications that affect quality of life, such as lymphedema of the arm, gain greater importance. Numerous studies have attempted to identify treatment and prognostic factors for arm lymphedema, yet the magnitude of these associations remains inconsistent. A PubMed search was conducted through January 2008 to locate articles on lymphedema and treatment factors after breast cancer diagnosis. Random-effect models were used to estimate the pooled risk ratio. The authors identified 98 independent studies that reported at least one risk factor of interest. The risk ratio (RR) of arm lymphedema was increased after mastectomy when compared with lumpectomy [RR = 1.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–1.76], axillary dissection compared with no axillary dissection (RR = 3.47; 95% CI 2.34–5.15), axillary dissection compared with sentinel node biopsy (RR = 3.07; 95% CI 2.20–4.29), radiation therapy (RR = 1.92; 95% CI 1.61–2.28), and positive axillary nodes (RR = 1.54; 95% CI 1.32–1.80). These associations held when studies using self-reported lymphedema were excluded. Mastectomy, extent of axillary dissection, radiation therapy, and presence of positive nodes increased risk of developing arm lymphedema after breast cancer. These factors likely reflected lymph node removal, which most surgeons consider to be the largest risk factor for lymphedema. Future studies should consider examining sentinel node biopsy versus no dissection with a long follow-up time post surgery to see if there is a benefit of decreased lymphedema compared with no dissection.
Influence of carotid occlusion of pulmonary vascular resistance in anesthetized dogs.

The effects of occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery on pulmonary hemodynamics and calculated pulmonary vascular resistance were measured in 17 open chest dogs anesthetized with chloralose. Coronary occlusion was associated with a slight but insignificant increase in mean pulmonary arterial pressure together with a significant elevation in mean left atrial pressure (P <0.01 ) and a significant reduction in mean pulmonary flow (P <0.01). Calculated pulmonary vascular resistance was significantly reduced during occlusion (P <0.01). The reduction in resistance was associated with elevated mean left atrial pressure and therefore reflected passive distension of pulmonary vessels secondary to suppressed left ventricular function. In contrast, coronary occlusion after vagotomy was not associated with a significant reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance, and in six experiments the decrease in resistance was converted to an increase. It is concluded that, before vagotomy, pulmonary hemodynamics during coronary occlusion are primarily affected through passive vessel distension whereas, after vagotomy, tonic suppression of sympathetic activity is interrupted, thereby allowing enhancement of sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity to the pulmonary vascular bed and producing an increase in calculated resistance.
The many faces of pheochromocytoma

Objective: To recognize and manage pheochromocytomas in unusual settings. Methods: Three case reports are presented with clinical, biochemical, imaging, and operative findings. The pitfalls in diagnosis of pheochromocytomas and management are addressed. Results: We begin with a 27-yr-old gravida 2, para 1 Caucasian woman with unexplained tachycardia and hypertension during a routine pre-natal visit at 30 weeks estimated gestational age. Urinary studies revealed elevated catecholamines. Magnetic resonance imaging localized a 6.6-cm right adrenal mass with features consistent with a pheochromocytoma. She was medically managed with phenoxybenzamine and propranolol until 35 weeks, after which she underwent a combined Cesarean section, and open right adrenalectomy. Another patient, a 36-yr-old African-American woman presented to a hospital in cardiac arrest, with elevated serum troponins, and underwent cardiac catheterization, which revealed normal coronary arteries. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a left adrenal mass and CT-guided biopsy was consistent with a pheochromocytoma, although prior studies were negative. Finally, we present a 49-yr-old Caucasian woman who had a right adrenalectemy 10 yr prior and presented to the clinic with fluctuating blood pressures, headaches, and palpitations. Further testing revealed she had a recurrent metastatic pheochromocytoma. The challenges behind treating these patients are further explored. Conclusion: Antenatal diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, though challenging, is associated with lower maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The differential diagnosis for cardiac arrest in the presence of normal coronary arteries should include a pheochromocytoma. Finally, treatment with iodinated metaiodobenzylguanidine may be a therapeutic option for those patients with metastatic pheochromocytomas.
Automatic theory generation from analyst text files using coherence networks

ABSTRACT This paper describes a three-phase process of extracting knowledge from analyst textual reports. Phase 1 involves performing natural language processing on the source text to extract subject-predicate-object triples. In phase 2, these triples are then fed into a coherence network analysis process, using a genetic algorithm optimization. Finally, the highest-value sub networks are processed into a semantic network graph for display. Initial work on a well- known data set (a Wikipedia article on Abraham Lincoln) has shown exce llent results without any specific tuning. Next, we ran the process on the SYNthetic Counter-INsurgency (SYNCOIN) data set, developed at Penn State, yielding interesting and potentially useful results. Keywords: Coherence, natural language, SYNCOIN, text analysis 1. INTRODUCTION Much of security analysis knowledge is in textual form, for example from human reports. Given the extensive amount of such data, automated processes for effectively analyzing it ar e highly sought after. Beyond simple text searches, well-done analysis will involve higher order levels of know ledge, involving what is sometimes referred to as comprehension and analysis in Blooms taxonomy [1]. It is feasible to generate an alysis that reports intelligen ce at these higher levels, using a combination of natural language processing, coherence theory, and evolution-based algorithms. From the perspective of coherence theory, meaning is a network of relations, each of which has a relative coherence value [2]. If one imagines a very large network of everything in the reports, some subnets will have a larger coherence value than others; those with the highest coherence values can be viewed as central themes within the reports. This amounts to searching a large graph for the best sub-graphs, using the coherence value as an indicator of best. The notion is fairly intuitive. However, a challenge with a naiv e coherence network generation algorithm is that the run time explodes exponentially for any reasonably sized network. Using an evolution-based algorithm allows for obtaining a sequence of optimal (or quasi-optimal) solutions within a reasonable amount of runtime. Initial experiments have been conducted on soft data for a military situation awareness application using the SYNthetic Counter-INsurgency (SYNCOIN) data set, developed at Penn State [3]. This paper provides a summary of the prototype algorithms and initial results from processing a subset of the SYNCOIN data.
Family interaction coding systems: a descriptive review

Summaries and critique of 13 coding systems used in the observation of family interaction are presented. Each system is first described in terms of its theoretical origins and key constructs. Comparative analyses are presented for physical descriptions of the codes, administrative procedures, reliability, validity, and clinical and research utility. Recommendations for further development of family interaction coding systems are presented.
Effects of cations on biologically active surfaces—specific binding sites in the NaKATPase

Abstract The interactions of a number of heavy ions with a membrane-bound enzyme, the Na+K+ sensitive adenosine triphosphatase, have been studied. The cations were found to inhibit enzymatic activity in either acetate or tris buffer in the order Hg2+ > Ag+ > Cu2+ > Cd2+ > Zn2+ > Pb2+ > Th4+ > La3+ > UO22+ > Ca2+ > Ni2+ > Mn2+ > Co2+ > Tl+. The nature of the inhibitory effects in the cases of Co2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, UO22+, Zn2+, and Tl+ suggests the possibility of four different specific mechanisms of ionic interaction with the enzyme. However, the majority of the cations appear to inhibit by a nonspecific mechanism that is correlated with the oxidation potential of the ion and with the association constants found in the binding of heavy metals to ethylenediamine, histidine, imidazole, and ATP. These results suggest the presence of a histidine near the active center of the enzyme.
Models and tools for strategic planning

The authors present an overview of strategic planning, examine its history and mystique, and conclude that planning, if properly implemented, can have a powerful impact on advancing and transforming colleges and universities.
Ribonuclease in bovine milk

Abstract The ribonuclease of milk has not been investigated, although there has been in recent years a rapid expansion of our knowledge of ribonuclease in body fluids such as cerebral spinal fluid ( Houck, 1958 ), blood ( Levy and Rottino, 1960 ; Rabinovitch and Dohi, 1957 ; Zittle and Reading, 1945 ), urine ( Levy and Rottino, 1960 ), and the extracellular fluid of skin ( Tabachnick and Freed, 1961 ). Zittle and DellaMonica (1952) noted that certain purified fractions of bovine milk showed phosphodiesterase activity when ribonucleic acid was used as the substrate. Bailie and Morton (1958) showed that the nucleic acid content of mammary gland microsomes diminished when the microsomes were incubated in milk serum for 12 hours, and suggested that the phosphodiesterase of Zittle and DellaMonica (1952) might have caused the decrease in nucleic acid. They suggested that milk microsomes (with a low nucleic acid content) might be derived from mammary gland microsomes, which contained a much higher nucleic acid content. In this report evidence is presented for the presence of relatively high concentrations of ribonuclease in cow's milk. Some properties of this enzyme, as well as its partial purification, are described.
Choledochoduodenostomy is a Safe Alternative to Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy for Biliary Reconstruction in Liver Transplantation

Introduction Bile duct reconstruction during liver transplantation is usually performed by a duct-to-duct anastomosis or a Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy (CDJ). Direct anastomosis of the bile duct to the duodenum (choledochoduodenostomy—CDD) is another option for biliary reconstruction. This technique has been used with good outcome for the treatment of choledochal cysts, ampullary stenosis, and major bile duct injuries; however, there is little published experience with CDD in liver transplantation. We provide preliminary evidence that CDD is a safe technique for biliary anastomosis in liver transplant recipients.
Parametric oscillations of a longitudinally excited cylindrical shell containing liquid.

1 Yao, J. C., "Stability of a Circular Cylinder Under Dynamic Radial Pressure," ARS Journal, Vol. 31, No. 12, Dec. 1961, pp.1705-1708. 2 Coale, C. W. and Nagano, M., "Axisymmet ic Modes of an Elastic Cylindrical Hemispherical Tank Partly Filled w'th a Liquid," AIAA Symposium on Structural Dynamics and Aeroelasticity, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, New York, 1965, pp. 169-188. 3 Daniels, V. R., "Dynamics Aspects of Metal Bellows," The Shock and Vibration Bulletin, Bull. 35, Pt. 3, Jan. 1966. 4 Lamb, H., Hydrodynamics, 6th ed., Dover, New York, pp. 471-473. 5 Lindholm, U. S. et al., "Breathing Vibrations of a Circular Cylindrical Shell with an Internal Liquid," Journal of Aerospace Sciences, Vol. 29, No. 9, Sept. 1962, pp. 1052-1059. 6 Reiner, M., "Second Order Effects," Research Frontiers in Fluid Dynamics, edited by R. J. Seeger and G. Temple, pp. 208210. 7 Berry, J. G. and Reissner, E., "The Effect of an Internal Compressible Fluid Column on the Breathing Vibrations of a Thick, Pressurized, Cylindrical Shell," Journal of the Aeronautical Sciences, Vol. 25, May 1958, pp. 288-294. 8 McLachlan, N. W., Theory and Application of Mathieu Functions, 1st ed., Clarendon Press, Oxford, England, 1947. 9 Handbook of Math Functions with Formulas, Graphs and Mathematical Tables, Applied Mathematics Series 55, National Bureau of Standards, U.S. Dept. of Commerce.
Sensor fusion for hand-held mine detection in investigation mode

In case of hand-held mine detection, the operator functions in two distinct modes. Namely the scan mode and investigation mode. In scan mode, the operator scans the area to look for potential targets. On identifying a suspect target location, the operator switches to investigation mode where he/she closely scan the area and tries to identify/discriminate target based on consistency, size and strength of the response. The aim of this paper is to look at the various aspects of sensor fusion in scan and investigation mode to fuse information from a collocated metal detector and ground penetrating radar sensors on a hand-held mine detection unit. Different sensor fusion schemes are compared. It is found that the two sensors are complimentary for a set of mine targets while they are supplementary for other set of mine targets. A better detection performance can be achieved by suitable modification to the sensor fusion scheme based on identified electromagnetic characteristics of detected targets.
Team Scaffolds: How Minimal In-group Structures Support Fast-paced Teaming

Across many industries, particularly in health care delivery, interdependent work is performed under conditions that make bounded stable teams infeasible, creating a need to understand factors that...
A test for homogeneity when the sample is a positive lagrangian poisson distribution

In this note, we obtain, based on the sample sum, a statistic to test the homogeneity of a random sample from a positive (zero truncated) Lagrangian Poisson distribution given in Consul and Jain (1973). This test statistic conforms, in a special case, to Singh (1978). A goodness-of-fit test statistic for the Borel-Tanner distribution is obtained as a particular case cf our results.
Managing the risk of comparing estimated breeding values across flocks or herds through connectedness: a review and application

Comparing predicted breeding values (BV) among animals in different management units (e.g. flocks, herds) is challenging if units have different genetic means. Unbiased estimates of differences in BV may be obtained by assigning base animals to genetic groups according to their unit of origin, but units must be connected to estimate group effects. If many small groups exist, error of BV prediction may be increased. Alternatively, genetic groups can be excluded from the statistical model, which may bias BV predictions. If adequate genetic connections exist among units, bias is reduced. Several measures of connectedness have been proposed, but their relationships to potential bias in BV predictions are not well defined. This study compares alternative strategies to connect small units and assesses the ability of different connectedness statistics to quantify potential bias in BV prediction. Connections established using common sires across units were most effective in reducing bias. The coefficient of determination of the mean difference in predicted BV was a perfect indicator of potential bias remaining when comparing individuals in separate units. However, this measure is difficult to calculate; correlated measures such as prediction errors of differences in unit means and correlations among prediction errors are suggested as practical alternatives.
SIX CHARACTERISTICS OF A POSTPATRIARCHAL CHRISTIANITY

. Christianity is best understood not as a set of timeless doctrines, but as a historical movement capable of change and growth. In this respect, Christianity is like a science. Heretofore, most instances of Christianity have exhibited certain ways of thinking that, taken as a whole, have led to the subordination of women (and the Earth and animals as well) to men in power. This article describes these ways of thinking, then contrasts six ways of thinking and acting that can inform postpatriarchal Christianity and science.
Peritoneovenous shunting for nongynecologic malignant ascites.

BACKGROUND The development of malignant ascites has been associated with a poor prognosis. Previous reports have documented high morbidity rates associated with placement of palliative peritoneovenous shunts (PVS). Most study series have included gynecologic malignancies in their analysis, and wide variations in survival time have been reported. Reported data from nongynecologic malignancies and identification of preoperative factors associated with improved outcome were the concerns of the current study, which attempted toidentify patients with malignant ascites who might have benefitted from PVS. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed and data including age, gender, weight, preoperative laboratory values, cytology on peritoneal fluid aspirates, and complications within 30 days of the operative procedure were obtained and recorded. Discharge date and follow-up status were obtained for all patients. Statistical analysis was done for categorical values by comparing survival times from date of procedure with follow-up times using the log rank test. Significance for numeric values was determined with Cox regression analysis. Multivariate analysis using Cox regression was performed for those values found to be significant on univariate analysis. RESULTS Fifty- five patients who had undergone PVS from 1980–1996 for ascites on the Gastric and Mixed Tumor service at the Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center were identified. Two patients with benign disease and two patients with ovarian malignancies were excluded. The remaining 51 patients underwent placement of 53 PVSs for palliation. Median survival time for the entire group was 52 days. Univariate analysis identified preoperative blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), BUN to Cr ratio, and diagnosis as significant factors. Preoperative BUN emerged as an independent predictor of survival by multivariate analysis, and those patients who had a BUN value of ≤ 17 demonstrated a survival advantage over those with a BUN of > 17. The assessable palliation factors were hospital discharge (80% of patients) and weight loss after shunting (68% of patients lost > 1 kg). Ninety-six percent of patients (24 of 25) with a preoperative BUN of ≤ 17 were discharged. CONCLUSIONS The development of nongynecologic malignant ascites is an end stage event for most patients. The placement of PVS for those patients with nongastrointestinal tumor etiologies, a BUN of 1kg of weight after shunting. Cancer 2001;91:1247–55. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
Do Depressed Older Adults Who Attribute Depression to “Old Age” Believe It Is Important to Seek Care?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether depressed older adults who attribute becoming depressed to “old age” rather than illness are more likely to believe it is not important to seek treatment for depression. DESIGN: Cross-sectional mailed survey. SETTING: Academically affiliated primary care physicians’ network. PARTICIPANTS: Surveys were mailed to 588 patients age ≥65 years who were randomly identified from patient lists of 20 physicians. Surveys were returned by 429 patients (73%). Patients were eligible for this study if they scored ≥2 points on the 5-item Geriatric Depression Scale (n=94) and were not missing key variables (final n=90). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of the 90 depressed patients, 48 (53%) believed that feeling depressed was very important to discuss with a doctor. In unadjusted analysis, older adults who did not believe it is very important to discuss feeling depressed with a doctor were more likely to attribute becoming depressed to aging (41% vs 17%; P=.012). In a logistic regression model adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, number of impairments in basic and instrumental activities of daily living, medical comorbidity, and physical (PCS-12) and mental (MCS-12) component summary scores from the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form-12, depressed older adults who attributed depression to aging had a 4.3 times greater odds than those who attributed depression to illness to not believe it is very important to discuss depression with a doctor (odds ratio [OR], 4.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3 to 14.5). CONCLUSIONS: Among older persons with depression, attributing feeling depressed to old age may be an important barrier to care seeking.
Economic inequality and the environment

Abstract This paper analyzes the relationship between the level of income inequality and the quality of the environment (as measured by sulfur dioxide air pollution levels) in the US for the years 1947–1996, using a vector error correction model. We find that air pollution levels do appear to be negatively significantly correlated with the level of income inequality (as measured by the Gini coefficient), that is, income inequality decreases as pollution increases. Furthermore, the quality of the environment appears to affect different portions of the observed income graduation differently. For the lowest two quintiles, higher pollution is associated with an increase in their share of total US income, while for the highest quintile, higher pollution is associated with a decrease in their share of total US income.
Laparoscopic Resection of Obstructed Hemi-uteri in a Series of Adolescents

Background Obstructive congenital anomalies of the Mullerian tract can result in acute and/or chronic pain. These congenital anomalies most likely present during adolescence, and the diagnosis may be difficult to delineate if there is an obstructed hemi-uterus with an active endometrium and a patent non-obstructed hemi-uterus communicating with the single cervix and vagina. Cases Three young women (ages 15, 17, and 17 years) each presented with a complaint of a history of chronic pelvic pain since menarche, with increasing severity of acute and chronic pain. Pelvic ultrasound findings varied and included: a “normal” pelvis, a “complex adnexal mass”, and an “obstructed hemi-uterus with hematometra”. Each patient underwent an operative laparoscopy to evaluate the pelvic pain. In each case the examination revealed: a normal vagina, a single cervix communicating with a unicornuate uterus, and a non-communicating obstructed hemi-uterus. The cervix was cannulated and blue dye was instilled to confirm the communication of the cervix with the non-obstructed hemi-uterus. A total of 4 surgical ports were placed: one 10 mm umbilical port, and three 5 mm suprapubic ports. As demonstrated in the photographic images, cautery was used to transect the round ligament on the side of the obstructed hemi-uterus, the peritoneum over the bladder was dissected free from the hemi-uterus, and the utero-ovarian ligament was cauterized and transsected after having identified the ureter on the affected side. The fibrous band of tissue adjoining the obstructed and non-obstructed hemi-uteri was then identified, cauterized, and transsected. The hemi-uterus was then morcellated and removed through the 10 mm umbilical port site. The patients tolerated the outpatient surgical procedure well without complications. Pathologic evaluation confmned the obstructed uterine horns; all had evidence of pelvic peritoneal endometriosis, and 2 of the 3 had evidence of adenomvosis with in the obstructed hemi-uterus. Conclusions Obstructed hemi-uteri can be difficult to diagnose due to the co-existence of a patent and non-patent tract; once identified, an obstructed rudimentary uterine hom can safely be resected laparoscopically
A high‐intensity, pulsed supersonic carbon source with C(3Pj) kinetic energies of 0.08–0.7 eV for crossed beam experiments

An enhanced supersonic carbon source produces carbon atoms in their C(3Pj) electronic ground states via laser ablation of graphite at 266 nm. The 30 Hz (40±2) mJ output of a Nd‐YAG laser is focused onto a rotating graphite rod with a 1000 mm focal length UV‐grade fused silica plano‐convex lens to a spot of (0.5±0.05) mm diameter. Ablated carbon atoms are subsequently seeded into helium or neon carrier gas yielding intensities up to 1013 C atoms cm−3 in the interaction region of a universal crossed beam apparatus. The greatly enhanced number density and duty cycle shift the limit of feasible crossed beam experiments down to rate constants as low as 10−11–10−12 cm3 s−1. Carbon beam velocities between 3300 and 1100 m s−1, with speed ratios ranging from 2.8 to 7.2, are continuously tunable on‐line and in situ without changing carrier gases by varying the time delay between the laser pulse, the pulsed valve, and a chopper wheel located 40 mm after the laser ablation. Neither electronically excited carbon atoms...
Doubling the dose of inhaled corticosteroids during asthma deterioration did not improve asthma control.

Source Citation Harrison TW, Oborne J, Newton S, Tattersfield AE. Doubling the dose of inhaled corticosteroid to prevent asthma exacerbations: randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2004;363:271-5. 1...
Levels of Trust in the Context of Machine Ethics

Are trust relationships involving humans and artificial agents (AAs) possible? This controversial question has become a hotly debated topic in the emerging field of machine ethics. Employing a model of trust advanced by Buechner and Tavani (Ethics and Information Technology 13(1):39–51, 2011), I argue that the “short answer” to this question is yes. However, I also argue that a more complete and nuanced answer will require us to articulate the various levels of trust that are also possible in environments comprising both human agents (HAs) and AAs. In defending this view, I show how James Moor’s model for distinguishing four levels of ethical agents in the context of machine ethics (Moor, IEEE Intelligent Systems 21(4):18–21, 2006) can help us to develop a framework that differentiates four (loosely corresponding) levels of trust. Via a series of hypothetical scenarios, I illustrate each level of trust involved in HA–AA relationships. Finally, I argue that these levels of trust reflect three key factors or variables: (i) the level of autonomy of the individual AAs involved, (ii) the degree of risk/vulnerability on the part of the HAs who place their trust in the AAs, and (iii) the kind of interactions (direct vs. indirect) that occur between the HAs and AAs in the trust environments.
Not-So-Random Numbers in Virtualized Linux and the Whirlwind RNG

Virtualized environments are widely thought to cause problems for software-based random number generators (RNGs), due to use of virtual machine (VM) snapshots as well as fewer and believed-to-be lower quality entropy sources. Despite this, we are unaware of any published analysis of the security of critical RNGs when running in VMs. We fill this gap, using measurements of Linux's RNG systems (without the aid of hardware RNGs, the most common use case today) on Xen, VMware, and Amazon EC2. Despite CPU cycle counters providing a significant source of entropy, various deficiencies in the design of the Linux RNG makes its first output vulnerable during VM boots and, more critically, makes it suffer from catastrophic reset vulnerabilities. We show cases in which the RNG will output the exact same sequence of bits each time it is resumed from the same snapshot. This can compromise, for example, cryptographic secrets generated after resumption. We explore legacy-compatible countermeasures, as well as a clean-slate solution. The latter is a new RNG called Whirlwind that provides a simpler, more-secure solution for providing system randomness.
Genetics of obesity: More complicated than initially thought

During the past several decades, there has been an explosion in the prevalence of obesity. Since our genes have not changed appreciably during that time, it stands to reason that the present epidemic is caused by our pervasive obesigenic environment, in which excess caloric intake and decreased physical activity conspire with one another. Despite an obesigenic environment, humans have great variability in their susceptibility to obesity, which is determined in large part by genetics. Current evidence suggests that genetic susceptibility to human obesity is the result of multiple genes, each with a modest effect, that interact with each other and with environmental provocations. Elucidation of obesity susceptibility genes through genome-wide and candidate gene approaches provides great promise in ultimately determining the genetic underpinnings of obesity. Further research will translate these new insights on the pathophysiological basis of obesity into new medications and diagnostic tests.
Inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation by amantadine and its isomer, 2-aminoadamantane; impact on Lyt-2+ T cells while sparing L3T4+ cells

The present in vitro investigations on amantadine (AmTd) and its isomer 2-aminoadamantane (2-NH2-Adam), and the corresponding analogs, 1-nitroadamantane (1-NO2-Adam) and 2-nitroadamantane (2-NO2-Adam), were undertaken to gain information about molecular features that might have a dominant role in inhibiting T lymphocyte proliferation and to determine whether all, or a subpopulation of thymic-dependent (T) lymphocytes might be impacted by these drugs. Studies were done using lymphocytes from untreated normal mice as well as cloned murine cytotoxic T lymphocytes, CTLL cells. T lymphocytes were defined by their proliferative response to concanavalin A (Con A), and thymic-independent (B) lymphocytes by their proliferative response lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Proliferation of CTLL cells was induced by supplementing the culture medium with lymphokine-containing medium or by adding recombinant interleukin (IL)-2. Proliferation was assessed by quantifying cellular incorporation of tritiated thymidine. The data show that the aminoadamantanes, AmTd and 2-NH2-Adam, impacted on Lyt-2+ T lymphocytes while sparing L3T4+ T lymphocytes. In addition, the data show that the location of the substituent group on the adamantane ring altered the molecule's capacity to modulate lymphocyte activity. And finally, results of studies comparing the inhibitory activity of AmTd and 1-NO2-Adam suggest a non-lysosomal mechanism of action. Possible implications of these findings are discussed.
The use of Scott's lattice theory as a basis for combining items of evidence

Abstract The intuition that the relation between a less detailed and a more detailed representation of an object is a partial ordering is put forward. The least upper bound operation is suggested as the method of combining items of evidence.
Interaction dynamics of multiple autonomous mobile robots in bounded spatial domains

A general navigation strategy for multiple autonomous robots in a bounded domain is developed analytically. Each robot is modeled as a spherical particle (i.e., an effective spatial domain about the center of mass); its interactions with other robots or with obstacles and domain boundaries are described in terms of the classical many-body problem; and a collision-avoidance strategy is derived and combined with homing, robot-robot, and robot-obstacle collision-avoidance strategies. Results from homing simulations involving (1) a single robot in a circular domain, (2) two robots in a circular domain, and (3) one robot in a domain with an obstacle are presented in graphs and briefly characterized.
Effects of experimental temporal lobe seizures upon hypothalamically elicited aggressive behavior in the cat.

Abstract An experiment was performed in order to determine the effects of temporal lobe seizures upon hypothalamically elicited aggresive behavior in the cat. Seizures were induced by electrical stimulation of the pyriform cortex or those subnuclei of the amygdala which had previously been shown to modulate aggressive responses at subseizure current levels. The results clearly indicate that a significant modification of affective defense thresholds following seizures was a direct function of the locus of stimulation. Specifically, seizures generated from the pyriform cortex and medial aspects of the amygdala (sites associated with prior facilitation of affective defense as determined by subseizure electrical stimulation) were followed by a reduction in threshold for this response. In contrast, an elevation in affective defense thresholds occurred when seizures were generated from the central or lateral nuclei of the amygdala (sites associated with prior suppression of affective defense as determined by subseizure electrical stimulation). The primary pathway utilized in the facilitation of affective defense appears to involve the stria terminalis, its bed nucleus, and the anterior medial hypothalamus. Preliminary data suggest that seizures generated fron the pyriform cortex or amygdala can also modify quiet biting attack behavior, but in a manner opposite to that demonstrated for affective defense.
Food and status in the prehispanic Malpaso Valley, Zacatecas, Mexico

Most archaeological analyses of social status focus on variation in burials, elaborate architecture, and prestige items and give less attention to the fact that people express and construct social identities in their everyday lives. In fact, domestic practices are both rooted in social distinctions and used to manipulate them. By expanding analyses to include variation in domestic activities, archaeologists can observe how social variability is expressed in everyday life. The utility of this approach is demonstrated with an example from the Malpaso Valley, Zacatecas, Mexico, where there is strong evidence for complex social organization, but limited indication of status in prestige indices. Analyses of food-related variables, including macrobotanical remains, food preparation tools, and serving vessels from 10 household middens demonstrate a general, though not direct, correlation between involvement in domestic activities and frequencies of the few prestige markers present. The results suggest that the foundation and manifestation of social differences in the Malpaso Valley was not the same among all elite. This study demonstrates the potential contribution that the inclusion of domestic variables can provide to any study of status variability.
The effect of dark, aerobic growth on the photosensitivity of carotenoidless Rhodopseudomonas spheroides.

A study has been made of the protective effect of prior, dark aerobic growth on the photosensitivity of a carotenoidless mutant (strain U.V. 33) of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides. The protection could not be related to any of the following factors: (a) Dilution of chlorophyll by aerobic growth. (b) Migration of chromatophores. (c) Change in the nature of the chlorophyll spectrum. (d) Aerobic synthesis of catalase. (e) Metabolic utilization of oxygen.
Preparation and preliminary tissue studies of optically active 11C-d- and l-phenylalanine

Abstract A rapid method for the preparation of l -phenylalanine-1-11C and d -phenylalanine-1-11C is described. dl -Phenylalanine-1-11C (375 mCi) was synthesized from 11C-cyanide (2.4 Ci) by a modified Bucherer- Strecker reaction with a chemical yield of 65% in 40 min (including purification). The resolution of the d - and l -isomers was accomplished in 35 min (including purification) by oxidative deamination using immobilized l - and d -amino acid oxidase, respectively; the yields for d - and l -phenylalanine-1-11C were 19 mCi and 27 mCi. Preliminary tissue distribution studies of these labeled isomers in the rat showed that the pancreas-to-liver ratio for the l -isomer increased throughout the first hour of observation following i.v. administration while that of the d -isomer decreased after 30 min. Whole body retention data revealed that the loss of radioactivity from dl - or d -phenylalanine-1-11C was less than 2% during the first hour of observation after i.v. administration.
Polarized Pluralism in the Canadian Party System: Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, June 5, 2008

Abstract. The Canadian party system is an example “polarized pluralism,” whose key feature is domination by a party of the centre. Centrist domination induces centrifugal tendencies elsewhere in the system. Polarized pluralism accounts for several of the system's peculiar features: three-party competition in individual ridings, contrary to the predictions of Duverger's Law; the existence and episodic dynamics of sectional parties; boom and bust cycles in Conservative party electoral history; and the large gaps between federal and provincial outcomes within many provinces. But domination by a centrist party itself demands explanation.Resume. Le systeme canadien des partis politiques exemplifie le «pluralisme polarise», dont l'element cle est la force dominante d'un parti du centre. Une telle domination induit des tendances centrifuges ailleurs dans le systeme. Pour sa part, le pluralisme polarise explique plusieurs elements du systeme canadien : la presence de trois partis competitifs au niveau de la circonscription, malgre les predictions du Duverger; l'existence meme et la dynamique des partis sectionalistes; l'alternance entre force et faiblesse dans l'histoire du Parti conservateur; et les grands ecarts qui se presentent dans plusieurs provinces entre les elections federales et les elections provinciales. Dans ce contexte, la force d'un parti centriste se doit d'etre expliquee.
Annealing during polymerization of crystalline poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Melt-crystallized poly(ethylene terephthalate) and etched oligomer lamellae from the same polymer have been annealed under vacuum at temperatures between 200 and 260°C and times between 3 and 48 hr. The annealed samples were analyzed through determination of viscosity-average molecular weight, x-ray low-angle spacing, density, heat of fusion, and variation of melting point with heating rate. In all cases it could be shown that the crystal lamellar surfaces remained chemically reactive. Chain folds and chain ends in the surface were converted by chemical reaction to tie molecules between different crystals or different locations on the same lamella.
A Group A Streptococcus ADP-Ribosyltransferase Toxin Stimulates a Protective Interleukin 1β-Dependent Macrophage Immune Response

ABSTRACT The M1T1 clone of group A Streptococcus (GAS) is associated with severe invasive infections, including necrotizing fasciitis and septicemia. During invasive M1T1 GAS disease, mutations in the covRS regulatory system led to upregulation of an ADP-ribosyltransferase, SpyA. Surprisingly, a GAS Δ spyA mutant was resistant to killing by macrophages and caused higher mortality with impaired bacterial clearance in a mouse intravenous challenge model. GAS expression of SpyA triggered macrophage cell death in association with caspase-1-dependent interleukin 1β (IL-1β) production, and differences between wild-type (WT) and Δ spyA GAS macrophage survival levels were lost in cells lacking caspase-1, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), or pro-IL-1β. Similar in vitro findings were identified in macrophage studies performed with pseudomonal exotoxin A, another ADP-ribosylating toxin. Thus, SpyA triggers caspase-1-dependent inflammatory cell death in macrophages, revealing a toxin-triggered IL-1β-dependent innate immune response pathway critical in defense against invasive bacterial infection. IMPORTANCE Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a leading human pathogen capable of producing invasive infections even in healthy individuals. GAS bacteria produce a toxin called SpyA that modifies host proteins through a process called ADP ribosylation. We describe how macrophages, frontline defenders of the host innate immune system, respond to SpyA by undergoing a specialized form of cell death in which they are activated to release the proinflammatory cytokine molecule interleukin 1β (IL-1β). Release of IL-1β activates host immune cell clearance of GAS, as we demonstrated in tissue culture models of macrophage bacterial killing and in vivo mouse infectious-challenge experiments. Similar macrophage responses to a related toxin of Pseudomonas bacteria were also shown. Thus, macrophages recognize certain bacterial toxins to activate a protective immune response in the host.
11. William H. Riker and Peter C. Ordeshook. 1968. “A Theory of the Calculus of Voting.” American Political Science Review 62 (March): 25–42 Cited 377 times.

The initial motive for writing “A Theory of the Calculus of Voting” was not the argument that subsequently became the focus of academic discussion, the necessity for positing a D term (“citizen duty”) to render the act of voting rational. Instead, our purpose was to show that people reacted “rationally” (i.e., logically) to an election's competitiveness. Admittedly the data we brought to bear here were weak, but with the addition of D the question arose as to whether we made voting rational only by rendering the concept of rationality a tautology: rational people voted because, with D, we assumed they were rational. However, one response with which I am sure Riker would agree is to note an asymmetry in our thinking about social processes. Few people claim to eat for a reason other than satisfying their own (private) needs as opposed facilitating the (public) objective of diminishing world hunger, and positing a growling tummy as a reason for entering a restaurant is hardly taken as a instance of rationality turned tautology. Yet the argument that the benefits of voting are dominated by a private D term as opposed to some public PB calculation occasions precisely that accusation.
Daily family interactions among young adults in the United States from Latin American, Filipino, East Asian, and European backgrounds

In contrast to the abundant research on family relationships during adolescence, the nature of family interactions during young adulthood remains comparatively unexamined. The current study explored ethnic differences in young adults’ interactions with parents and siblings, the role of other activities in young adults’ family interactions, and the association of family interactions with young adults’ psychological distress and well-being. A total of 220 young adults (Mage = 25.5 years) from Latin American, East Asian, Filipino, and European backgrounds in the United States reported their family interactions, daily activities, and psychological distress and well-being using daily diaries for 14 days. As expected, time spent in work, school, and other relationships was found to conflict with time spent being with, and helping, family members. Leisure time and conflict with parents and siblings had significance for psychological distress and well-being. Other findings suggested a potentially higher level of family importance and connectedness among young adults from Filipino backgrounds as compared to their peers.
Size matters: insights from an allometric approach to evaluate control methods for invasive Australian Rhinella marina.

Invasive species are costly and difficult to control. In order to gain a mechanistic understanding of potential control measures, individual-based models uniquely parameterized to reflect the salient life-history characteristics of invasive species are useful. Using invasive Australian Rhinella marina as a case study, we constructed a cohort- and individual-based population simulation that incorporates growth and body size of terrestrial stages. We used this allometric approach to examine the efficacy of nontraditional control methods (i.e., tadpole alarm chemicals and native meat ants) that may have indirect effects on population dynamics mediated by effects on body size. We compared population estimates resulting from these control methods with traditional hand removal. We also conducted a sensitivity analysis to investigate the effect that model parameters, specifically those associated with growth and body size, had on adult population estimates. Incremental increases in hand removal of adults and juv...