cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Randomized complete blocks designs

This article discusses the general need for blocking when experimental units are not homogeneous. Complete, generalized, and incomplete block designs are discussed, together with issues of randomization, missing cells, and the usual assumption of “no interaction”. Two specific cases of the Randomized Complete Block Design are considered: the fixed case (treatments and blocks are both fixed) and the mixed case (treatments are fixed, blocks are random). For each case, the scalar linear models are defined in full-rank and non-full-rank versions, together with necessary assumptions. Point estimates and standard errors are given for main-effect means and cell means, and for variance components. The analysis of variance table is given, with expected mean squares, for testing hypotheses. Keywords: additivity; analysis of variance; blocking; experimental design; interaction; linear models; variance components
Accounting for stability: a posteriori error estimates based on residuals and variational analysis

A posteriori error estimates have had a major impact on adaptive error control for the finite element method. In this paper, we review a relatively new approach to a posteriori error estimation based on residuals and a variational analysis. This approach is distinguished by a direct attempt to account for the effects of stability on the propagation of error. We illustrate properties of this approach using several examples. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production of Λ pairs in collisionscollisions

The production of Open image in new windowΛ pairs in Open image in new window collisions is considered using a Schrodinger equation with relativistic kinematics. Only the Open image in new windowΛ and Open image in new window channels are explicitly considered. However, the inclusion of imaginary parts in the interaction potentials is used to account for the effects of scattering into other possible channels. A non-diagonal potential connecting the Open image in new window and Open image in new window channels is assumed to arise from the exchange of a single K meson. This results in coupled equations for the wave functions in the two channels. These equations are solved under the assumption that the non-diagonal potential does not distort the Open image in new window wave function. An expression for the differential cross section is derived assuming finite range, but otherwise general, potentials. This expression is evaluated at energies of 0.8, 0.93 and 1.2 GeV for the incident antinucleons, using square well potentials. The calculation is carried out using a non-diagonal potential with a range of 0.4 fermi equal to the Kaon Compton wave length and a depth of 146 MeV which gives agreement with the experimental value of the Open image in new windowΛ production cross section at 0.93 GeV. The angular distributions and energy dependence of the cross-section are computed. It is found that the use of square wells introduces unrealistic diffraction scattering. However, the general method should give more reasonable behaviour of the cross-section when more realistic potentials are used.
Herpesviruses and the microbiome

The focus of this article will be to examine the role of common herpesviruses as a component of the microbiome of atopic patients and to review clinical observations suggesting that atopic patients might be predisposed to more severe and atypical herpes-related illness because their immune response is biased toward a TH2 cytokine profile. Human populations are infected with 8 herpesviruses, including herpes simplex virus HSV1 and HSV2 (also termed HHV1 and HHV2), varicella zoster virus (VZV or HHV3), EBV (HHV4), cytomegalovirus (HHV5), HHV6, HHV7, and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (termed KSV or HHV8). Herpesviruses are highly adapted to lifelong infection of their human hosts and thus can be considered a component of the human "microbiome" in addition to their role in illness triggered by primary infection. HSV1 and HSV2 infection and reactivation can present with more severe cutaneous symptoms termed eczema herpeticum in the atopic population, similar to the more severe eczema vaccinatum, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome (DRESS) is associated with reactivation of HSV6 and possibly other herpesviruses in both atopic and nonatopic patients. In this review evidence is reviewed that primary infection with herpesviruses may have an atypical presentation in the atopic patient and conversely that childhood infection might alter the atopic phenotype. Reactivation of latent herpesviruses can directly alter host cytokine profiles through viral expression of cytokine-like proteins, such as IL-10 (EBV) or IL-6 (cytomegalovirus and HHV8), viral encoded and secreted siRNA and microRNAs, and modulation of expression of host transcription pathways, such as nuclear factor κB. Physicians caring for allergic and atopic populations should be aware of common and uncommon presentations of herpes-related disease in atopic patients to provide accurate diagnosis and avoid unnecessary laboratory testing or incorrect diagnosis of other conditions, such as drug allergy or autoimmune disease. Antiviral therapy and vaccines should be administered promptly when indicated clinically.
A novel synthesis of aromatic α-diketones from electron transfer reactions of aromatic acids with either lithium 4,4′-di-t-butylbiphenyl radical anion or lithium metal

Abstract Some aromatic α-diketones were directly synthesized in high yields from ultrasound-promoted reactions of the corresponding acids with excess lithium in dry THF. Use of a catalytic amount of 4,4′-di-t-butylbiphenyl (DBB) enhanced the coupling reaction rate.
Lingual cyst lined by squamous epithelium

Lingual choristomas or foregut duplication cysts are infrequently reported congenital anomalies that typically present in the perinatal period, and can cause respiratory or feeding problems. These cysts are lined by epithelial cells characteristic of the upper aerodigestive tract. We describe two children who presented shortly after birth with lingual cysts lined with squamous epithelium and foci of respiratory epithelium. Unlike previously reported lingual choristomas, these cysts did not contain gastrointestinal epithelium. In both these cases, the lingual cysts were successfully excised via a transoral approach. This article will discuss the histological findings in these two cases, the differential diagnosis and attempt to classify these lesions in the context of existing terminology.
Mid-Infrared Emission Features in WL 16

We present long-slit 7.5-13.5 μm spectra of WL 16, a Herbig Ae star in the ρ Ophiuchi dark cloud that is surrounded by a ~1000 AU diameter infrared-emitting nebula. Mid-IR emission features are detected in every region of the nebula from center to edge, and the underlying continuum color temperature is approximately 10 times hotter than would be expected from large grains in thermal equilibrium. The 7.7 and 8.6 μm features decrease in intensity more rapidly with distance from the central star than the 11.3 and 12.7 μm features, suggesting that PAH ionization effects proposed to explain similar spectral variations in other ISM sources may be important in WL 16 as well.
Oncogene expression in murine splenic T cells and in murine T-Cell neoplasms

The differential expression of a series of proto-oncogenes has been examined in a group of cultured murine T-cell lymphomas that were induced following virus inoculation into, or X irradiation of, C57BL/6 mice. Two classes of T lymphoma cell lines were studied: growth factor-dependent (autocrine) cells, and growth factor-independent T lymphoma cells. Cell lines that were established from X-irradiation-induced T lymphomas were growth factor dependent, whereas T lymphoma lines grown from virus-induced tumors were generally growth factor independent. Of 18 cellular proto-oncogenes studied, five (c-myc, c-myb, c-abl, c-rasHa, c-rasKi) were consistently expressed in all cell lines tested. Thirteen other proto-oncogenes (c-mos, c-sis, c-rel, c-yes, c-fes3, c-fes4, c-fos, c-fms, c-src, c-erbA, c-erbB, int-1, Pim-1) were not expressed in any of the T lymphoma cells tested. Concanavalin A-stimulated spleen cells, representative of replicating T cells, expressed c-myc, c-abl, and Pim-1, suggesting that the products of these proto-oncogenes are involved in T-cell proliferation. The results indicate no qualitative differences (albeit some quantitative differences) in proto-oncogene expression between the growth factor-dependent and growth factor-independent cells. This suggests that expression of the five proto-oncogenes is in itself not sufficient to induce the progression of the growth factor-dependent cells to their fully growth factor-independent counterparts. Changes in the regulation of one or more of the five active proto-oncogenes, i.e., from an inducible to a constitutive state, and/or additional changes in the expression of other cellular genes may be required to induce the transformation of neoplastic T cells from growth factor dependence to growth factor independence.
Dopamine antagonists and migraine

Migraine is common impairing disorder resulting from activation of the trigeminovascular system. Evidence suggests that dopaminergic mechanisms are important in migraine, including the premonitory phase. Dopamine antagonists have been used successfully as a primary therapy for migraine in urgent care settings and as adjuvant therapy on an outpatient basis. Experience and clinical studies have shaped the current use of dopamine antagonists, in particular prochlorperazine and metoclopromide. All commonly used dopamine antagonists have other receptor affinities that may also be important for efficacy and side effects. This review outlines the main dopamine antagonists used to treat migraine with supportive evidence and typical side effects. Drug Dev Res 68:341–345, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hyaluronidases and CD44 undergo differential modulation during chondrogenesis.

Hyaluronan, a high-molecular-weight glycosaminoglycan of cartilage, is deposited directly into the extracellular space by hyaluronan synthases, while hyaluronan catabolism is mediated by the hyaluronidases. An in vitro cell culture system has been established in which human dermal fibroblasts are induced to undergo chondrogenesis. Here, we describe the differential modulation of the hyaluronidases and the up-regulation of the hyaluronan receptor, CD44, during such chondrogenesis. Dermal fibroblasts, plated in micromass cultures in the presence of lactic acid and staurosporine for 24 h, were then placed in serum-free, chemically defined medium. At 3 days, RNA was extracted and RT-PCR performed using primers for the hyaluronidase genes. Marked increase in HYAL1 expression was observed, with only moderate increases occurring in HYAL2 and HYAL3. No expression of HYAL4 and PH-20, the sperm-associated hyaluronidase, was detected. RNA levels correlated well with changes in hyaluronidase enzyme activity. Finally, greater expression and staining for the hyaluronan receptor, CD44s, the standard form, were detected. Differential expression of the somatic hyaluronidases and CD44-mediated hyaluronan turnover play a critical role in cartilage development from mesenchymal precursors.
Effects of Dispersant and Oil on Survival and Swimming Activity in a Marine Copepod

Knowledge of lethal and sublethal effects of crude oil and dispersants on mesozooplankton are important to understanding ecosystem impacts of oil spills in marine environments. Here we (1) establish median lethal concentrations for water accommodated fractions of Corexit EC9500A dispersant, MC-252 crude oil (WAF), and dispersed crude oil (CEWAF) for the coastal copepod Labidocera aestiva, and (2) assess acute effects on L. aestiva swimming activity. Mortality assays with L. aestiva support that copepods are more sensitive than other zooplankton taxa to dispersant toxicity, while WAF and CEWAF are generally similar in their toxicity to this copepod species and other zooplankton. Acute effects on L. aestiva activity included impaired swimming upon WAF and CEWAF exposure. These results highlight that copepods are particularly sensitive to dispersant exposure, with acute effects on survival most evident with dispersant alone, and on swimming behavior when dispersant is mixed with crude oil.
Reexamination of effect of a subliminal verbal food stimulus on subjective hunger ratings.

The word “cheese” was flashed 30 times for two sets of experimental and control groups. One set received the stimulus below, the other slightly above, a forced-choice detection threshold. As no sig...
Release engineering processes, models, and metrics

No matter the development process or methodology, a software product must ultimately be released to a user in a readily consumable form. Different software products, from desktop applications to web services, may require different release processes, but each process must produce an artifact which meets an expected level of quality, and is relatively bug-free. We describe current research to model and quantify existing release processes, and an effort to prescribe improvements to those processes.
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Excision of Symptomatic Retrovesical Cysts in Boys and Young Adults

Purpose: We review our surgical experience with the management of retrovesical cystic anomalies using robot-assisted laparoscopic techniques.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of 6 patients 28 months to 22 years old with retrovesical cystic anomalies who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic excision at our hospital between January 2006 and November 2010.Results: Presenting signs and symptoms included urinary retention, lower urinary tract symptoms, abdominal pain and repeated epididymitis. Associated anomalies consisted of hypospadias, vesicoureteral reflux, renal agenesis, 5alpha-reductase deficiency, premature adrenarche and cryptorchidism. Cystic anomalies ranged from 3 to 6 cm long. The final diagnoses were prostatic utricular cyst, mullerian duct cyst and seminal vesicle cyst. Ectopic insertion of vas into the cyst was found in 4 cases, requiring ligation of the affected vas in 3. Mean ± SD operative time including cystoscopy was 198 ± 23.8 m...
Field performance of photovoltaic solar water heating systems

Energy consumed for water heating accounts for approximately 17.9 EJ of the energy consumed by residential and commercial buildings. Although there are over 90 million water heaters currently in use within the United States (Zogg and Barbour, 1996), durability and installation issues as well as initial cost have limited the sales of solar water heaters to less than 1 million units. Durability issues have included freeze and fluid leakage problems, failure of pumps and their associated controllers, the loss of heat transfer fluids under stagnation conditions, and heat exchanger fouling. The installation of solar water heating systems has often proved difficult, requiring roof penetrations for the piping that transports fluid to and from the solar collectors. Fanney and Dougherty have recently proposed and patented a solar water heating system that eliminates the durability and installation problems associated with current solar water heating systems. The system employs photovoltaic modules to generate electrical energy which is dissipated in multiple electric heating elements. A microprocessor controller is used to match the electrical resistance of the load to the operating characteristics of the photovoltaic modules. Although currently more expensive than existing solar hot water systems, photovoltaic solar water heaters offer the promise of being less expensive than solar thermal systems within the next decade. To date, photovoltaic solar water heating systems have been installed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, MD and the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa, FL. This paper will review the technology employed, describe the two photovoltaic solar water heating systems, and present measured performance data.
Computer-Assisted Coding of Textual Data: An Application to Semantic Grammars

This article presents the problems involved in implementing a semantic grammar on a computer. Semantic grammars provide powerful content analysis schemes for collecting data from textual sources (e...
Vertebral epidermal transamidases.

Abstract The α-helical fibrous proteins (keratin) of the stratum corneum undergo changes in their physicochemical properties which are not solely explained on the basis of disulfide bond formation. The precursor of the stratum corneum protein, prekeratin, and the final product keratin were studied in the hair-follicle-free skin of calf snout epidermis. All of the lysines of prekeratin can be cyanoethylated while keratin molecules has 7–8 nmoles lysine per mg protein not available to cyanoethylation. Keratin from the human stratum corneum has 8–9 nmoles/g, protein which cannot be cyanoethylated. Direct examination of these proteins failed to detect the presence of N-e-acetyllysine groups or e-(γ-glutamyl)lysine groups as the explanation of the blocked lysines. The hair-follicle-free epidermis of several vertebrate species contains transamidases similar to the transglutaminases which form e-(γ-glutamyl)lysine crosslinks, in fibrin, hair follicle, and seminal fluid. The epidermal transamidase has a molecular weight between 40 000 and 60 000, is stimulated by reducing agents and calcium, and has most of its activity in the highermost levels of the epidermis. A semipurified preparation of the epidermal transamidase was able to form γ dimers and α polymers from Factor XIII-free fibrin. A transamidase substrate, [1,4-3H2]putrescine, when injected into mouse skin and studied autoradiographically, was localized in the stratum corneum. [1,4-14C2]putrescine incorporation into epidermal proteins was inhibited by 50 mM iodoacetamide. The incorporation of [1,4-14C2]putrescine was highest in very insoluble protein fractions. The exact role of transamidases in epidermal metabolism is not yet identified.
Kinetics of the reactions of [p-nitrophenoxy(phenyl)carbene]pentacarbonylchromium(0) with aryloxide ions, hydroxide ion, and water in aqueous acetonitrile. Concerted or stepwise?

The main question addressed in this paper is whether the nucleophilic substitution of the p-nitrophenoxy group in (CO)5CrC(OC6H4-4-NO2)Ph (1-NO2) by a series of substituted phenoxide ions is concerted or stepwise. Rate constants, kArO, for these substitution reactions were determined in 50% MeCN−50% water (v/v) at 25 °C. A Bronsted plot of log kArO versus p is consistent with a stepwise mechanism. This contrasts with reactions of aryl oxide ions with p-nitrophenyl acetate and with similar acyl transfers which are concerted. The reason for the contrast is that the tetrahedral intermediates formed in the reactions of 1-NO2 are much more stable than those in acyl transfers and the intrinsic barriers to their decomposition are higher than for the ester reactions. The points on the Bronsted plots for which p ≥ p define a straight line with βnuc = −0.39, suggesting that bond formation has made very little progress at the transition state and that partial desolvation of the nucleophile is part of the activation ...
Variations on the golden rule

The Golden Rule and similar sayings are presented, and a structural representation using sequential signed relations is developed. The different signed relations with two points and two directed lines are interpreted to determine additional variations on the Golden Rule. Finally, a theory of structural balance is discussed.
Autonomic and arginine vasopressin modulation of the hypoxia-induced atrial natriuretic factor release in immature and mature ovine fetuses.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the maturational change in the atrial natriuretic factor response to hypoxia in ovine fetuses and the role of the autonomic nervous system and arginine vasopressin in modulating this response. STUDY DESIGN: Chronically catheterized ovine fetuses from 110 to 135 days' gestation were subjected to 30 minutes of hypoxia. The fetuses were either intact, treated with hexamethonium to block the autonomic nervous system, or treated with a pressor antagonist of arginine vasopressin. RESULTS: Hypoxia elevated plasma atrial natriuretic factor levels by 1635 ± 265 pg/ml in immature fetuses; this response was greater than the increase of 748 ± 189 pg/ml in mature fetuses ( p CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the immature fetus manifested a greater atrial natriuretic factor response to hypoxia than did the mature fetus. This enhanced response appeared to be dependent on the modulatory effects of the autonomic nervous system on vascular pressures during hypoxia. In addition, arginine vasopressin appeared to augment the atria[ natriuretic factor response to hypoxia in the mature fetus independent of vascular pressure changes.
Diagnosis of binge eating disorder: Discrepancies between a questionnaire and clinical interview

Binge eating is a common problem among obese individuals, and a simple, accurate way to identify obese binge eaters is needed. This study measured the concordance of the Binge Eating Scale (BES) and the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE). Women seeking obesity treatment (N = 126) were identified as binge eaters or nonbinge eaters using the BES, and then interviewed by clinicians blind to BES score using the EDE, a semistructured interview considered to be the "gold standard" for eating disorder diagnosis. The BES accurately identified nonbinge eaters; 39 of 42 (92.9%) BES-identified nonbinge eaters were confirmed by the EDE. However, the BES did not accurately identify binge eaters; only 43 of the 83 (51.8%) BES-identified binge eaters were confirmed by the EDE. Reasons for the discrepancy between the BES and the EDE in the identification of binge eaters were explored, and modifications to the BES that might improve its accuracy were considered.
Assessment of drinking water radioactivity content by liquid scintillation counting: set up of high sensitivity and emergency procedures

In our institute, different procedures have been developed to measure the radioactivity content of drinking water both in normal and in emergency situations, such as those arising from accidental and terrorist events. A single radiometric technique, namely low level liquid scintillation counting (LSC), has been used. In emergency situations a gross activity screening is carried out without any sample treatment by a single and quick liquid scintillation counting. Alpha and beta activities can be measured in more than one hundred samples per day with sensitivities of a few Bq/L. Higher sensitivity gross alpha and beta, uranium and radium measurements can be performed on water samples after specific sample treatments. The sequential method proposed is designed in such a way that the same water sample can be used in all the stages, with slight modifications. This sequential procedure was applied in a survey of the Lombardia district. At first tap waters of the 13 largest towns were examined, then a more detailed monitoring was carried out in the surroundings of Milano and Lodi towns. The high sensitivity method for the determination of uranium isotopes was used to check the presence of depleted uranium in Lake Garda. Reduced equipment requirements and relative readiness of radiochemical procedures make LSC an attractive technique which can also be applied by laboratories lacking specific radiochemistry facilities and experience.
Contact temperature of a skidding tire

Abstract The rate of heat generation in the contact patch of a skidding tire is quite high. An approximate solution is derived for the interface temperature and the rate of heat flow into the tire. The results show that after a fraction of a second essentially all the generated heat flows into the pavement and the interface temperature has reached a steady state. This temperature depends primarily on pavement properties, a fact which should be considered by highway designers.
THE EFFECT OF NETWORK STRUCTURE ON DYNAMIC TEAM FORMATION IN MULTI‐AGENT SYSTEMS

Previous studies of team formation in multi-agent systems have typically assumed that the agent social network underlying the agent organization is either not explicitly described or the social network is assumed to take on some regular structure such as a fully connected network or a hierarchy. However, recent studies have shown that real-world networks have a rich and purposeful structure, with common properties being observed in many different types of networks. As multi-agent systems continue to grow in size and complexity, the network structure of such systems will become increasing important for designing efficient, effective agent communities. We present a simple agent-based computational model of team formation, and analyze the theoretical performance of team formation in two simple classes of networks (ring and star topologies). We then give empirical results for team formation in more complex networks under a variety of conditions. From these experiments, we conclude that a key factor in effective team formation is the underlying agent interaction topology that determines the direct interconnections among agents. Specifically, we identify the property of diversity support as a key factor in the effectiveness of network structures for team formation. Scale-free networks, which were developed as a way to model real-world networks, exhibit short average path lengths and hub-like structures. We show that these properties, in turn, result in higher diversity support; as a result, scale-free networks yield higher organizational efficiency than the other classes of networks we have studied.
Comment: Integrating methodologies in the scientific study of interpersonal psychotherapy: A reaction to "Therapist immediacy in brief psychotherapy: Case study I and case study II".

In this reaction article, the author con-centrates on selected methodologicalcomponents characterizing both Kasper,Hill, and Kivlighans and Hill, Sim,Spangler, Stahl, Sullivan, and Teybersrespective case studies of therapist imme-diacy in brief psychotherapy. In tandem,the foci and methodology of these investi-gations break new ground in the scienti cstudy of interpersonal psychotherapy, andmore generally they serve as paradig-matic illustrations of the form that psy-chotherapy research can take if it is to betruly more meaningful and useful forpractitioners. Emphasis is placed on theinvestigators integration of single-caseresearch, elements of change processresearch, and quantitative and qualitativemethods in a way that enables highlyintensive examination of this core inter-vention in interpersonal psychotherapy.Speci c elements and implications ofeach of these methodological componentsare brie y discussed, which also createsa context for addressing the issue of dis-covery versus veri cation as this pertainsto the present studies. Some underlyingphilosophical considerations are alsobrie y touched on along the way.Keywords: interpersonal psychotherapy,single-case research, change processresearch, mixed methods, discovery andveriÞcation
Seasonality of first coitus in the United States.

Abstract Recent attention to causes of seasonality of births leads to an interest in seasonality patterns in the antecedents to birth, including gestational length, conception, and coital activity. In this paper we study the beginning of the process: first intercourse among adolescents and young adults. Analysis of a small and local dataset is suggestive that loss of virginity is particularly likely during the summer. A test of this “Summer Vacation Theory” using a large national dataset supports the generality of the phenomenon. Further, a prediction that seasonality patterns will change during the transition from high school to work and college is tested and supported. The existence of both biological and psycho‐social mechanisms is suggested. Policy implications are reviewed.
Effects of dipalmitoylglycerol and fatty acids on membrane structure and protein kinase C activity

The individual and combined effects of the saturated diacylglycerol (DAG) dipalmitin (DP) and saturated or polyunsaturated unesterified fatty acids (PUFAs) on both the structure of phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylserine (PC/PS; 4:1 mol/mol) bilayers and on protein kinase C (PKC) activity were studied using 2H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and enzyme activity assays. In the absence of DP, PUFAs only slightly activated PKC whereas palmitic acid had no effect. In the absence of fatty acids, DP induced lateral phase separation of the bilayer into liquid-crystalline and gel phases. Under these conditions virtually all DP was sequestered into the gel phase and no activation of PKC was observed. The addition of polyunsaturated arachidonic or docosahexaenoic acids to the DP-containing bilayers significantly increased the relative amounts of DP and other lipid components in the liquid-crystalline phase, correlating with a dramatic increase in PKC activity. Furthermore, the effect was greater with PS, resulting in an enrichment of PS in the liquid-crystalline domains. In the presence of DP, palmitic acid did not decrease the amount of gel phase lipid and had no effect on PKC activity. The results explain the observed lack of PKC-activating capacity of long-chain saturated DAGs as due to the sequestration of DAG into gel domains wherein it is complexed with phospholipids and thus not available for the required interaction with the enzyme.
Genes and Addictions

Addictions are a diverse set of common, complex diseases that are to some extent tied together by shared genetic and environmental etiological factors. They are frequently chronic, with a relapsing/remitting course. Genetic studies and other analyses clarifying the origins of addiction help destigmatize addiction, leading to more prompt treatment. Knowledge of genetic factors in etiology and treatment response may enable the individualization of prevention and treatment, as well as the identification of new therapeutic targets. Addictions are chronic relapsing psychiatric disorders characterized by the compulsive and dyscontrolled use of a drug or activity, with maladaptive and destructive outcomes. Although use of addictive agents is volitional, addiction leads to loss of volitional control. The use and abuse of legal and illegal psychoactive substances is a worldwide public health priority with repercussions extending from the level of the individual to the family, community, and society. The World Health Organization, in its 2004 Global Status Report on Alcohol (http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_status_report_2004_overview.pdf), estimated that 2 billion people consume alcoholic beverages and 76.3 million of these have an alcohol use disorder. There are 1.3 billion tobacco users worldwide (http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/facts/global_burden/en/index.html). The United Nations estimated that in the late 1990s some 185 million people worldwide—4.3% of people aged 15 years and above—were consuming illicit drugs (http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/WDR.html). Three phenomena characterize addiction: craving (preoccupation/anticipation), binge/intoxication, and withdrawal/negative affect.1 Impulsivity and positive reinforcement often dominate the first stages, driving the motivation for drug seeking, and compulsivity and negative reinforcement dominate the terminal stages of the addiction cycle. Addictive drugs induce adaptive changes in gene expression in brain reward regions, including the striatum,2 representing a mechanism for tolerance and habit formation with craving and negative affect that persist long after consumption ceases. These neuroadaptive changes are key elements in relapse. Once an individual becomes addicted, the clinical options are untargeted and only partially effective. To what extent are the processes involved in the initiation and maintenance of drug use influenced by inherited variation, such that new therapies and preventive strategies could be developed and better targeted to individuals?
Rail versus Pipeline: Bayesian Decision Problem

In response to increased foreign demand for United States bulk commodities, state officials must decide how to improve their port facilities and inland transportation networks. They must consider where improvements should take place, the size of the improvements, and how modes such as railroads and pipelines should be used. They are uncertain, however, about many things: the stability of export markets and their state's share; the cost of the transportation projects; the future payoff to the state in terms of revenues, jobs, and industrial tax base; and the negative impacts on the environment, recreational assets, and quality of life in the port area. An approach to solving this problem based on the theory of Bayesian decision analysis is presented in this paper. The approach is sufficiently general so that it may be applied in a variety of settings where port development is being contemplated, and it is demonstrated with a specific case study based on recent North Carolina coal export projects. Results o...
Effective regulation versus tacit collusion in the long-distance market: an empirical analysis

Regulatory decisions often must be made in an atmosphere of uncertainty, and arguments presented by the affected parties frequently add to, rather than resolve, that uncertainty. Here, we examine several of the deregulatory decisions affecting the long-distance market that were rendered by the FCC over the two-decade period following the divestiture of AT&T. Our purpose is to provide empirical evidence relevant to some of the arguments regarding market conditions that were presented during that period. Findings suggest that some of the more prominent allegations are not supported by the data.
The association of parasitic infections in pregnancy and maternal and fetal anemia: a cohort study in coastal Kenya.

Background Relative contribution of these infections on anemia in pregnancy is not certain. While measures to protect pregnant women against malaria have been scaling up, interventions against helminthes have received much less attention. In this study, we determine the relative impact of helminthes and malaria on maternal anemia.
Model of functional cardiac aging: young adult mice with mild overexpression of serum response factor.

Serum response factor (SRF) is an important transcription factor that may have a role in the maintenance of cardiac structure and function. The level of SRF mRNA expression increases ∼16% in the he...
Open Reading Frame 26 of Human Herpesvirus 8 Encodes a Tetradecanoyl Phorbol Acetate- and Butyrate-Inducible 32-Kilodalton Protein Expressed in a Body Cavity-Based Lymphoma Cell Line

DNA sequences corresponding to a novel herpesvirus (human herpesvirus 8 [HHV8]) are associated with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), Castleman's disease, and body cavity-based lymphomas (BCBL). Studies of a BCBL-derived cell line suggest a direct correlation between seropositivity against antigens specifically present in such lines and the development of KS. We have generated recombinant proteins corresponding to open reading frame (ORF) 26 of HHV8 and have produced affinity-purified antibodies. Using these antibodies, we studied the expression of HHV8 ORF26 in a BCBL-derived cell line and found that it encodes a cytoplasmic protein whose expression is induced 16-fold by treatment with phorbol ester or sodium butyrate. This protein induction correlates with a significant induction of viral RNA transcripts. Interestingly, under our experimental conditions minimal increases in viral DNA were observed. No antibodies to the ORF26 protein of HHV8 were found in the sera from two human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients with KS as determined by immunoprecipitation analysis. However, antibodies in the sera from the two KS patients immunoprecipitated a 34-kDa protein found in extracts from induced BCBL1 cells that was not recognized by the control sera.
The Indian species ofPandanus (sectionRykia)

This is a monographic study, based upon morphology, of the species ofPandanus (sectionRykia) in India and Nepal. To the three known species are added the following new species:P. diversus, P. emarginatus, P. katatonos, P. nepalensis, andP. sikkimensis.
Component-based simulation modeling

This paper presents a component-based framework for designing simulation models and discusses its implementation in a package called Simkit. In this framework, components are defined to be monolithic software entities that interact with other components in one of only three ways. Although seemingly restrictive, this approach supports more extensibility and customization of simulation models than conventional object-oriented design.
The Kidney Awareness Registry and Education (KARE) study: protocol of a randomized controlled trial to enhance provider and patient engagement with chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common and is associated with excess mortality and morbidity. Better management could slow progression of disease, prevent metabolic complications, and reduce cardiovascular outcomes. Low patient awareness of CKD and ineffective patient-provider communication can impede such efforts. We developed provider and patient-directed interventions that harness health information technology to enhance provider recognition of CKD and delivery of guideline concordant care and augment patient understanding and engagement in CKD care. We report the design and protocol of the Kidney Awareness Registry and Education (KARE) Study, a 2x2 factorial randomized controlled trial that examines the impact of a multi-level intervention on health outcomes among low-income English, Spanish and Cantonese-speaking patients with CKD in a safety net system. The intervention includes: (1) implementation of a primary care electronic CKD registry that notifies practice teams of patients’ CKD status and employs a patient profile and quarterly feedback to encourage provision of guideline-concordant care at point-of-care and via outreach; and (2) a language-concordant, culturally-sensitive self-management support program that consists of automated telephone modules, provision of low-literacy written patient-educational materials and telephone health coaching. The primary outcomes of the trial are changes in systolic blood pressure (BP) and the proportion of patients with BP control (≤140/90 mmHg) after one year. Secondary outcomes include patient understanding of CKD, participation in healthy behaviors, and practice team delivery of guideline-concordant CKD care. Results from the KARE study will provide data on the feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptability of technology-based interventions that support primary care efforts at improving health outcomes among vulnerable patients with CKD. ClinicalTrials.gov, number: NCT01530958
Hodgkin's Disease

Hodgkin9s disease is one of the most curable of the malignant tumors that afflict children. Cure can be achieved by radiation alone for localized Hodgkin9s disease or by chemotheraphy alone for advanced disease. Combined treatment is comparably effective for intermediate stages, but it entails a greater order of toxicity. Combined-modality treatment, is usually indicated if staging laparotomy is to be avoided. A major concern is the long-term toxicity of treatment, especially immunosuppression and the possibility of treatment-induced leukemia. These problems are minor when compared with the gratifying cure rate effected by modern therapy. Research into the pathogenesis of Hodgkin9s disease suggests that an infectious agent may mediate the genesis of the disease and its immune defect. Recent work demonstrating a unique human tumor virus associated with a T-cell leukemia in patients in Japanese and the West Indies may indicate an opening in our understanding of the etiology of Hodgkin9s disease.
High-performance insulator structures for accelerator applications

A new, high gradient insulator technology has been developed for accelerator systems. The concept involves the use of alternating layers of conductors and insulators with periods of order 1 mm or less. These structures perform many times better (about 1.5 to 4 times higher breakdown electric field) than conventional insulators in long pulse, short pulse, and alternating polarity applications. We describe our ongoing studies investigating the degradation of the breakdown electric field resulting from alternate fabrication techniques, the effect of gas pressure, the effect of the insulator-to-electrode interface gap spacing, and the performance of the insulator structure under bi-polar stress.
Joint iterative beamforming and power adaptation for MIMO ad hoc networks

In this paper, we present distributed cooperative and regret-matching-based learning schemes for joint transmit power and beamforming selection for multiple antenna wireless ad hoc networks operating in a multi-user interference environment. Under the total network power minimization criterion, a joint iterative approach is proposed to reduce the mutual interference at each node while ensuring a constant received signal-to-interference and noise ratio at each receiver. In cooperative and regret-matching-based power minimization algorithms, transmit beamformers are selected from a predefined codebook to minimize the total power. By selecting transmit beamformers judiciously and performing power adaptation, the cooperative algorithm is shown to converge to a pure strategy Nash equilibrium with high probability in the interference impaired network. The proposed cooperative and regret-matching-based distributed algorithms are also compared with centralized solutions through simulation results.
State reconstruction for linear time-invariant systems with binary-valued output observations

This paper studies state reconstruction problems for systems whose outputs are measured only by binary-valued sensors. The traditional passive-type state reconstruction that does not require input design will fail in general, even if the system has a full rank observability matrix. It is shown that under controllability conditions and bounded uncertainty on the initial state, it is always possible to construct a causal input that will cause the output to cross the sensor threshold in a designated time interval. Information on the time instants of threshold crossing is then used to reconstruct the initial state. It is proved that if the system is observable, such a reconstruction is always possible if the eigenvalues of the system are all real valued. If the eigenvalues of the system contain only simple imaginary values, it is sufficient that threshold crossing occurs within a relatively small time interval. In general, an input can be randomized to ensure that the state can be reconstructed with probability one. These results lead to an active state reconstruction algorithm.
Frontal lesions and the rate of operant behavior in the rat

Results previously obtained by the method of electrical stimulation indicate that the frontal pole and adjacent cortex of the rat can have an inhibitory influence on the rate of barpressing for food. The effects of bilateral lesions in this cortical area of the rat on the rate of barpressing were investigated. When lesioned rats were hungry, neither their rate of barpressing for food nor their rate of responding during extinction was increased as compared with control rats. When lesioned rats were allowed ad-lib feeding in the home cage, the rate of barpressing for food was also not increased, but the rate of responding during extinction was increased. Stabilimeter activity of these rats was increased when they were hungry, but not when they were allowed ad-lib feeding in the home cage. It is concluded that these frontally lesioned rats displayed a perseveration tendency in their operant behavior, but that this tendency was counteracted by the effects of increased general activity when they were hungry.
A cost comparison of datacenter network architectures

There is a growing body of research exploring new network architectures for the data center. These proposals all seek to improve the scalability and cost-effectiveness of current data center networks, but adopt very different approaches to doing so. For example, some proposals build networks entirely out of switches while others do so using a combination of switches and servers. How do these different network architectures compare? For that matter, by what metrics should we even begin to compare these architectures? Understanding the tradeoffs between different approaches is important both for operators making deployment decisions and to guide future research. In this paper, we take a first step toward understanding the tradeoffs between different data center network architectures. We use high-level models of different classes of data center networks and compare them on cost using both current and predicted trends in cost and power consumption.
Behavior under the microscope: Increasing the resolution of our experimental procedures

Behavior analysis has exploited conceptual tools whose experimental validity has been amply demonstrated, but their relevance to large-scale and fine-grained behavioral phenomena remains uncertain, because the experimental analysis of these domains faces formidable obstacles of measurement and control. In this essay I suggest that, at least at the fine-grained end of the behavioral spectrum, we have not taken sufficient advantage of all available procedures. Specifically, I propose that an examination of eye movements, joint control, and response latency in intraverbal tasks might help us to formulate more complete accounts of complex human behavior.
Extensive hepatic necrosis after transarterial chemoembolization.

A 62-year-old man with a metastatic hepatic carcinoid tumor originating from the distal ileum underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of the right hepatic artery with cisplatin, adriamycin, and mitomycin C (Fig. 1). Four days later, patient had a sudden change in mental status, generalized weakness, and intractable vomiting. On examination, patient was jaundiced, hypotensive, and febrile. The abdomen was non-distended and non-tender, and the liver was not palpable. Patient was septic with markedly elevated liver enzymes. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed a wedge-shaped distribution of abnormal gas collections concentrated into the right lobe corresponding to the site of TACE (Fig. 2). Heterogeneity with diminished attenuation suggested necrosis of the chemoembolized metastatic tumor. The portal vein was patent. Blood cultures grew Gram-positive bacteria, and the patient was treated with antibiotics. Patient was not a surgical candidate due to the extent of hepatic necrosis and eventually died of multiorgan failure as a result of sepsis. CT scan immediately after TACE may reveal small amounts of intrahepatic gas as a result of necrosis from ischemic liver damage [1]. Liver failure and sepsis may
A theoretical analysis of the performance of code division multiple access communications over multimode optical fiber channels-part I: transmission and detection

This paper presents results of a theoretical investigation to evaluate the performance of code division multiple access communications over multimode optical fiber channels in an asynchronous, multiuser communication network environment. The system is evaluated using Gold sequences for spectral spreading of the baseband signal from each user employing direct-sequence biphase shift keying and intensity modulation techniques. The transmission channel model employed is a lossless linear system approximation of the field transfer function for the /spl alpha/-profile multimode optical fiber. Due to channel model complexity, a correlation receiver model employing a suboptimal receive filter was used in calculating the peak output signal at the ith receiver. The performance measures for the system, i.e., signal-to-noise ratio and bit error probability for the ith receiver, are derived as functions of channel characteristics, spectral spreading, number of active users, and the hit energy to noise (white) spectral density ratio. >