cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Escitalopram in the treatment of impulsive-compulsive internet usage disorder : an open-label trial followed by a double-blind discontinuation phase

Background Isolated reports suggest that escitalopram may be effective for impulsive-compulsive Internet usage disorder (IC-IUD), an impulse-control disorder characterized by excessive time spent on the Internet at the expense of occupational, relationship, and social activities. To assess the safety and efficacy of escitalopram in IC-IUD, we conducted a 10-week, open-label trial followed by a 9-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled discontinuation phase. Method From December 2002 to October 2004, 19 adult subjects with IC-IUD (defined as time consuming, uncontrollable, distressing, and resulting in social, occupational, or financial difficulties) were enrolled. Escitalopram was started at 10 mg/day, then increased and maintained at 20 mg/day for 10 weeks at the end of which completers were randomly assigned to placebo or escitalopram for 9 additional weeks. Two key outcome measures were used: hours spent weekly in nonessential Internet use and overall clinical response (subjects rated "much improved" or "very much improved" on the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale [CGI-I]). Results Fourteen subjects completed the entire study. At the end of the 10th week of open-label esci-talopram, Internet usage decreased significantly from a mean of 36.8 hours/week at baseline to 16.5 hours/week (paired t test: t = 3.58; p = .002). In addition, 64.7% of the sample (N = 11) were considered CGI-I responders. At the end of the double-blind phase, there were no significant differences in outcome measures between patients taking placebo compared to escitalopram (analysis of variance with repeated measures, p > .05). Conclusion Patients showed a significant improvement of IC-IUD symptoms during the open-label escitalopram phase. There was no significant difference between the escitalopram and placebo groups at the end of the subsequent double-blind phase; both groups maintained the gains made in the initial open-label treatment. Larger controlled trials are needed to investigate the efficacy of this and other pharmacologic agents in the treatment of IC-IUD. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00565422.
"With This You Can Meet Your Baby": Fetal Personhood and Audible Heartbeats in Oaxacan Public Health.

[ab]This article examines how amplified fetal heartbeats may be used to make claims about fetuses’ social presence. These claims are supported by the Mexican Public Health system's selection of the maternal–child relationship as a key site of clinical intervention, intertwining medical and moral discourse. Drawing on the robust literature on cross-cultural propositions of “fetal personhood,” this analysis uses ethnographic material from public health institutions in Oaxaca, Mexico, to explore how doctors use diagnostic technology to materialize fetuses for their patients. I argue that Spanish's epistemological distinction between saber (to have knowledge about) and conocer (to be acquainted with) is key to how diagnostic technologies may be deployed to make social claims. I use one doctor's attempts to use technology to shift her patient from saber to conocer as illustrative of underlying cultural logics about fetal embodiment and its proof. Focused on the under-theorized socio–medical deployment of audio fetal heartbeat technology, this article suggests that sound—in addition to sight—is a potent tool for constructing fetal personhood. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Population Modeling: A Systems Approach

A single species population dynamics model based on the functional representations of birth, growth, and death has been constructed. Laboratory parameter estimates were used in a computer implementation of the model to simulate field populations. Preliminary results of replicate runs with parametric sampling indicated reasonable statistical agreement. Further development with the systems analysis technique is planned.
Asymptotically optimal empirical bayes procedures for selecting good

Let ∏1,…,∏k denote k independent populations, where a random observation from population ∏ i has a uniform distribution over the interval (0,θ i ) and θ i is a realization of a random variable having an unknown prior distribution G i . Population ∏ i is said to be a good population if θ i ≥θ0, where θ0 is a given, positive number. This paper provides a sequence of empirical Bayes procedures for selecting the good populationsamong ∏1,…,∏ k . It is shown that these procedures are asymptotically optimal and that the order of associated convergence rates is O(n-r/4) for some r, 0<r<2, where n is the number of accumulated past observations at hand
Design and analysis of nano momentum wheel for picosatellite attitude control system

Purpose – Recent advances in nano and picosatellite missions and future such missions require faster and accurate pointing accuracies using reaction wheels for attitude control purposes. The ability to put one or three reaction wheels on the spacecraft in the 1‐20 kg range enables new classes of missions. The purpose of this paper is to present the detailed design, analysis, and construction of a miniature reaction wheel prototype. The designed pico‐reaction wheel promises to fulfill the need for low cost, low mass, low power, high reliability, and high‐accuracy attitude control systems for applications such as communications, remote sensing, and space science.Design/methodology/approach – Details about the design, analysis and development of pico‐reaction wheel are discussed. The development status of the system is outlined and the working prototype of the device is described and some preliminary test results are given. Requirements specifications, design and analysis and finite element analysis are cove...
Pattern-Integrated Interference Lithography: Prospects for Nano- and Microelectronics

In recent years, limitations in optical lithography have challenged the cost-effective manufacture of nano- and microelectronic chips. Spatially regular designs have been introduced to improve manufacturability. However, regular designed layouts typically require an interference step followed by a trim step. These multiple steps increase cost and reduce yield. In the present work, Pattern-Integrated Interference Lithography (PIIL) is introduced to address this problem. PIIL is the integration of interference lithography and superposed pattern mask imaging, combining the interference and the trim into a single-exposure step. Example PIIL implementations and experimental demonstrations are presented. The degrees of freedom associated with the source, pattern mask, and Fourier filter designs are described.
Coronary Artery Dissection Caused by Exit of the Guidewire Through the Distal Perfusion Sidehole of an Auto-Perfusion Angioplasty Balloon Catheter

A previously unrecognized cause of coronary artery dissection is reported. A 67-year-old woman underwent angioplasty of the right coronary artery using an autoperfusion balloon catheter. Dissection occurred because the balloon catheter was advanced while the guidewire exited from one of the distal perfusion sideholes.
Stimulatory effect of glucose upon triglyceride synthesis from acetate, decanoate, and palmitate by mammary gland slices from lactating mice.

Slices prepared from the mammary glands of lactating mice incorporate only small amounts of (1-14C) acetate, (1-14C) decanoate, or (1-14C) palmitate into lipids. However, when glucose is added to the incubation medium, fatty acid incorporation is stimulated—13-fold from acetate, 17-fold from decanoate, and 2-fold from palmitate. Over 90% of the14C activity in the lipid fraction is in triglycerides. Analysis of fatty acids in the triglycerides showed that almost all of the decanoate and the palmitate were incorporated as intact molecules, while acetate yielded acids of varying chain lengths. The glucose stimulation of triglyceride synthesis is not solely due to its effect upon chain elongation but also could involve glyceride-glycerol availability, as well as other unknown factors. However, from measurements of the amounts of glycerol 3-phosphate in the tissue incubated in the presence of palmitate, it would appear that glyceride-glycerol availability is not rate limiting in triglyceride synthesis.
Ultrasound-Guided Biopsies: Tricks, Needle Tips, and Other Fine Points

Ultrasound (US)-guided biopsy of thyroid nodules, abdominal masses, liver masses, random core liver biopsies, as well as aspiration of abdominal or pleural fluid is now routine practice. The ability of US to guide biopsy of abnormalities seen on cross-sectional imaging studies is well recognized as an efficient and effective means of achieving a tissue diagnosis. Its use requires basic knowledge of US image analysis, but clinically useful intuitive and nonintuitive methods can enhance its strengths. The purpose of this review is to provide a practical guide to some of these tricks that may be useful in everyday clinical practice.
Dissociation of processing of featural and spatiotemporal information in the infant cortex.

Abstract A great deal is known about the development of visual object processing capacities and the neural structures that mediate these capacities in the mature observer. In contrast, little is known about the neural structures that mediate these capacities in the infant or how these structures eventually give rise to mature processing. The present research used near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate neural activation in visual, temporal, and parietal cortex during object processing tasks. Infants aged 5–7 months viewed visual events that required processing of the featural (Experiment 1) or the spatiotemporal (Experiment 2) properties of objects. In Experiment 1, different patterns of neural were obtained in temporal cortex in response to shape than color information. In Experiment 2, different patterns of neural activation were obtained in parietal cortex in response to spatiotemporal (speed and path of motion) than featural (shape and color) information. These results suggest a dissociation of processing of featural and spatiotemporal information in the infant cortex and provide evidence for early functional specification of the human brain. The outcome of these studies informs brain-behavior models of cognitive development and lays the foundation for systematic investigation of the functional maturation of object processing systems in the infant brain.
Invasive Congeners Differ in Successional Impacts across Space and Time

Invasive species can alter the succession of ecological communities because they are often adapted to the disturbed conditions that initiate succession. The extent to which this occurs may depend on how widely they are distributed across environmental gradients and how long they persist over the course of succession. We focus on plant communities of the USA Pacific Northwest coastal dunes, where disturbance is characterized by changes in sediment supply, and the plant community is dominated by two introduced grasses – the long-established Ammophila arenaria and the currently invading A. breviligulata. Previous studies showed that A. breviligulata has replaced A. arenaria and reduced community diversity. We hypothesize that this is largely due to A. breviligulata occupying a wider distribution across spatial environmental gradients and persisting in later-successional habitat than A. arenaria. We used multi-decadal chronosequences and a resurvey study spanning 2 decades to characterize distributions of both species across space and time, and investigated how these distributions were associated with changes in the plant community. The invading A. breviligulata persisted longer and occupied a wider spatial distribution across the dune, and this corresponded with a reduction in plant species richness and native cover. Furthermore, backdunes previously dominated by A. arenaria switched to being dominated by A. breviligulata, forest, or developed land over a 23-yr period. Ammophila breviligulata likely invades by displacing A. arenaria, and reduces plant diversity by maintaining its dominance into later successional backdunes. Our results suggest distinct roles in succession, with A. arenaria playing a more classically facilitative role and A. breviligulata a more inhibitory role. Differential abilities of closely-related invasive species to persist through time and occupy heterogeneous environments allows for distinct impacts on communities during succession.
A review of the importance and physiological role of curd formation in the abomasum of young calves

Abstract The importance of abomasal protein clotting for optimal nutrient utilization, health and growth of milk-fed calves remains a controversial issue. Clotting of casein in whole, waste and colostral milks was thought to be responsible for improved digestibility, greater daily gains and improved calf health. Early milk replacers were formulated with casein containing protein sources. The milk replacer industry in the United States is currently using protein sources that are non-clotting, primarily whey and soy protein, in the formulations of replacers. In the past, milk replacers that exhibited no curd formation were characterized as inferior because of their association with poor growth rates and high incidences of diarrhea. Research suggests that factors other than clotting are directly responsible for this decreased performance. The calf's immature digestive system during the first three weeks of life indicates a physiological need for clotting in the abomasum to fully utilize complex proteins. Thus whole milk proteins are suggested by some as the most suitable liquid diets for this age. Enzymatic secretion is limited up to one month of age, restricting digestion of carbohydrate, fat and protein. After three weeks of age most calves can perform comparably when fed non-clotting milk replacers. Inhibition of coagulation with an oxalate–sodium buffer illustrated that clotting may only affect nutrient flow and not nutrient digestibility or performance of calves. Therefore, clotting may not be the fundamental element causing poor performance. Evidence suggests that the types of protein sources, the manufacturing methods and the inclusion of other less digestible sources of nutrients in the milk replacer may be the components hindering the growth and health of calves less than one month of age. The physical or chemical nature of milk substitutes as well as their digestibility may influence the nutrient delivery from the abomasum to the small intestine. The milk replacer industry in the US has been formulating milk replaces based on calf performance rather than only analyzed quality.
A Model of Optimal Foreign Exchange Hedging Without Exchange Rate Projections

This article presents a technique for optimal hedging decisions for a general set of international financial problems, specifically within the context of a floating exchange rate regime. The techniques discussed are designed specifically to require neither exchange rate projections nor the specification of a utility function for the decision-maker. Rather, the decision-maker is encouraged to analyze the implications of a given financial strategy over a reasonable range of future exchange rates, choosing the strategy that best meets corporate financial goals in light of possible (and uncertain) exchange rate fluctuations.
Tracking correlations between mechanical response and microstructure in three-dimensional reconstructions of a commercial stainless steel

A three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction of the microstructure of an austenitic stainless steel, incorporating experimentally measured spatial and crystallographic data, was input into 3-D finite element simulations of the mechanical response of the microstructure. Visualizations in two and three dimensions were used for qualitative analyses of the simulation results. Subsequently, quantitative image-based data mining and warehousing techniques were employed to determine correlations between mechanical behavior and microstructure, and to identify artifacts resulting from boundary conditions.
Pseudo‐Oversensing of the T Wave by an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: A Nonclinical Problem

Two patients are described who had pseudo-oversensing of T waves during follow-up testing of the Medtronic PCD. Each patient exhibited appropriate T wave sensing following closely coupled spontaneous QRS complexes to subthreshold stimuli without having T wave sensing following sensed or paced complexes. One patient also revealed T wave sensing following fusion beats. The occurrence of T wave sensing in these unique clinical situations was due to the auto-adjusting sensitivity threshold function used by the PCD. Recognition of this normal sensing function will prevent inappropriate reprogramming of the sensitivity or postpace refractory period, interventions that could potentially lead to ventricular tachyarrhythmia undersensing.
Automatic-target-recognition-assisted image coding

In this paper, we present an intelligent image compression system whereby regions of interest (ROI) and background information are coded independently of each other. We apply less compression (more bits) to regions of interest (targets), and more compression (fewer bits) to background data. This methodology preserves relevant features of targets for further analysis, and preserves the background only to the extent of providing contextual information. The resulting system dramatically reduces the bandwidth/storage requirements of the digital imagery, while preserving the target-specific utility of the imagery.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mapping of Macular Substructures with Optical Coherence Tomography for Glaucoma Diagnosis

Purpose To use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to identify the specific retinal layers and macular regions damaged in glaucoma. Design Observational cross-sectional study. Participants One hundred forty-nine participants in the Advanced Imaging for Glaucoma Study, divided into 3 groups: normal (N) perimetric glaucoma (PG), and glaucoma suspect and preperimetric glaucoma (GSPPG) with 44, 73, and 29 persons, respectively. Methods The Zeiss Stratus OCT system (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Dublin, CA) was used to map the macula over a 6-mm diameter and to scan the circumpapillary nerve fiber layer (cpNFL). The macular OCT images were exported for automatic segmentation using software developed by the authors. The thickness of the macular nerve fiber layer (mNFL), ganglion cell layer (mGCL), inner plexiform layer (mIPL), inner nuclear layer (mINL), outer retinal layer (mORL), and total retinal thickness were measured. Thickness measurements of GSPPG and PG eyes were compared with those of N eyes. The ability to differentiate between GSPPG and PG eyes against N eyes was assessed by fractional loss, standardized deviation, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Main Outcome Measures Area-weighted average thicknesses of retinal sublayers in the macula. Results The mNFL, mGCL, mIPL, and mINL were significantly ( P Conclusions Glaucoma leads to thinning of the mNFL, mGCL, mIPL, and mINL, even before detectable visual field changes occur. A combination of the 3 innermost layers seems to provide optimal glaucoma detection. Increasing the sampling of peripheral macula with a new OCT scan pattern may improve glaucoma diagnosis further.
Histaminergic control of oxytocin release in the paraventricular nucleus during lactation in rats.

The central neurotransmitters regulating both systemic and central release of oxytocin (OT) during lactation are not completely defined. Although central histaminergic systems have been implicated in systemic release of OT, the role of this neurotransmitter in suckling-induced intranuclear OT secretion has not been investigated. Therefore, microdialysis of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) was used to determine if suckling stimulates histamine release within the PVN and if nursing-induced intranuclear OT release is reduced by local blockade of either H1 or H2 histamine receptors. Female Holtzman rats were implanted with microdialysis probes adjacent to the PVN on lactation days 8-12. The next day, the pups and dam were separated for 4 h, reunited, and again separated. Histamine concentrations in dialysates were measured before, during, and following suckling. In separate animals, a similar separation/reunion paradigm was used, but the dialysate OT concentration was measured during PVN perfusion with vehicle or an H1 or H2 receptor antagonist. Suckling increased dialysate concentrations of both histamine and OT in the PVN. Furthermore, local pharmacological blockade of either H1 or H2 receptors prevented the increase in OT release in the PVN during suckling. These data demonstrate that activation of histamine receptors in the PVN is necessary for intranuclear release of OT induced by suckling and extend previous findings demonstrating a similar relationship between central histamine and systemic release of OT.
Insurance principles and the design of prospective payment systems.

Abstract This paper applies insurance principles to the issues of optimal outlier payments and designation of peer groups in Medicare's case-based prospective payment system for hospital care. Arrow's principle that full insurance after a deductible is optimal implies that, to minimize hospital risk, outlier payments should be based on hospital average loss per case rather than, as at present, based on individual case-level losses. The principle of experience rating implies defining more homogeneous peer groups for the purposes of figuring average cost. The empirical significance of these results is examined using a sample of 470, 568 discharges from 469 hospitals.
A meta-analysis of consumer impulse buying

Abstract This study provides a meta-analysis of the impulse buying literature and examines common antecedents for impulse buying behavior. An exploration of the impulse buying literature results in the establishment of three overarching constructs used as independent variables: dispositional, situational, and sociodemographic variables. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to assess which variables are shown to have the strongest effect on impulse buying and suggest that the dispositional/situational interaction variables have the strongest relationship with impulse buying followed by dispositional, situational, and sociodemographic main effects, respectively. Specific dispositional, situational, and sociodemographic constructs are explored further along with moderating effects. Implications of the findings are discussed.
An investigation of best practices for interactive content controls

This contribution presents an experimental design that seeks to answer the question of which type of interactive control works best for interactive, map-based content on the Web. The study used a matched pair's t-test and found a significant difference between a joystick/trackball-oriented interactive control versus two different control mechanisms that were based on multi-directional buttons. While the content of the study focused on map-based content, the findings have applicability to other content forms. Additionally, the quantitative approach used in this study provides a framework for work in the fields of usability and interface design as it relates to computer graphics.
Nonlinear Bending and Collapse of Long, Thin, Open Section Beams and Corrugated Panels

En flexion longitudinale les poutres minces longues, de section ouverte ainsi que les panneaux canneles subissent un applatissement de la section transversale. Ceci conduit a une reponse moment-courbure non lineaire et a une instabilite geometrique. Le probleme est analyse a l'aide d'une serie fumee, convergente d'equations algebriques et integrales
Optimized synthesis of sucrose polyesters: comparison of physical properties of sucrose polyesters, raffinose polyesters and salad oils.

Synthesis and purification of sucrose polyesters (SPE) were optimized to obtain high yields of SPE. Sucrose octaacetate (SOAC) and fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) of salad oils or FAME blends of homogenous fatty acids and salad oils were interesterified in the presence of sodium metal. Yields 99.6–99.8% of purified SPE based on initial weight of SOAC were obtained. SPE structure was confirmed by infrared (IR) and C-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (C-13 NMR) spectroscopy. Physical properties of SPE and raffinose polyesters (RPE) were similar to physical properties of conventional salad oils. The hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of SPE and RPE were between 2–6 HLB units. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to determine the melting properties of SPE and RPE. Neither SPE nor RPE was susceptible to in vitro lipolysis.
Block copolymer directed self-assembly enables sublithographic patterning for device fabrication

The use of block copolymer self-assembly for device fabrication in the semiconductor industry has been envisioned for over a decade. Early works by the groups of Hawker, Russell, and Nealey [1-2] have shown a high degree of dimensional control of the self-assembled features over large areas with high degree of ordering. The exquisite dimensional control at nanometer-scale feature sizes is one of the most attractive properties of block copolymer self-assembly. At the same time, device and circuit fabrication for the semiconductor industry requires accurate placement of desired features at irregular positions on the chip. The need to coax the self-assembled features into circuit layout friendly location is a roadblock for introducing self-assembly into semiconductor manufacturing. Directed self-assembly (DSA) and the use of topography to direct the self-assembly (graphoepitaxy) have shown great promise in solving the placement problem [3-4]. In this paper, we review recent progress in using block copolymer directed self-assembly for patterning sub-20 nm contact holes for practical circuits.
Medical Management of Nocturnal Symptoms of Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease in the Elderly

Elderly patients with nocturnal symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) usually experience a more aggressive and complicated disease course compared with younger patients, resulting in impaired quality of life. The severity of disease and possible complications should be evaluated with upper endoscopy once the diagnosis is suspected. Elderly patients with nocturnal symptoms of GORD and evidence of endoscopic complications (oesophagitis, Barrett's oesophagus, etc.) and those with severe endoscopically negative reflux disease (ENRD) should be treated with proton pump inhibitors. Histamine H(2) receptor antagonists are suitable for mild-to-moderate ENRD. Antacids and lifestyle modifications may be incorporated into the management as adjuncts to more potent and durable therapeutic agents. Effective treatment of nocturnal GORD symptoms in the elderly will result in relief of symptoms, healing of oesophagitis and improved quality of life, and should be maintained indefinitely to prevent relapses of the disease.
A Regional Computer‐based Blood Inventory Information System

A computer-based blood inventory system for a regional blood distribution center is described. The inventory system keeps track of every unit of blood outstanding in affiliated hospital blood banks. Information recorded and updated daily for each blood unit consists of unit number, blood type, expiration date, date received by hospital, and state of availability in regard to reservation for a patient. The computer used is a time-sharing system with teletypewriter connections. The system can be updated to reflect shipments, transfusions, transfers, etc., at any time of the day, but to keep cost down it is updated only once each day. Affiliated hospitals may contact the computer system directly to acquire their inventory reports. Alternatively, the reports can be sent to them. A variety of summary statistics are produced daily for planning and control.
Study of Rapid Grain Boundary Migration in a Nanocrystalline Ni Thin Film.

Abstract Grain boundary migration associated with abnormal grain growth in pulsed-laser deposited Ni was studied in real time by annealing electron transparent films in situ in the transmission electron microscope. The resulting texture evolution and grain boundary types produced were evaluated by ex situ electron backscatter diffraction of interrupted anneals. The combination of these two techniques allowed for the investigation of grain growth rates, grain morphologies, and the evolution of the orientation and grain boundary distributions. Grain boundaries were found to progress in a sporadic, start/stop fashion with no evidence of a characteristic grain growth rate. The orientations of the abnormally growing grains were found to be predominately 〈1 1 1〉//ND throughout the annealing process. A high fraction of twin boundaries developed during the annealing process. The intermittent growth from different locations of the grain boundary is discussed in terms of a vacancy diffusion model for grain growth.
Contextual determination of apparent weight as demonstrated by the method of constant stimuli

The contextual determination of apparent weight is here confirmed with a constant-stimuli procedure. S, judging weights lifted in his right hand, makes a short set of successive comparisons between a standard (s) and a series of variable (v) weights. Simultaneously, he lifts his left hand non-judged context-weights (cws) which provide differing backgrounds for s and v respectively. The cws prove to exert consistent effects on the apparent heavinesses of the judged weights, as reflected in the frequency with which every v in the series is judged lighter vs heavier than s.
Strategic entry and externalities in groundwater resources: Evidence from the lab ☆

Abstract This study uses economics experiments to extend the literature on common-pool resources by focusing on entry investment behavior in a stylized, spatially explicit aquifer. The model consists of a two-stage game, where participants make an entry decision in the first stage and, if they choose to enter, decide how much resource to extract in the second stage. Results show that entry behavior and groundwater pumping decisions are significantly affected by the underlying spatial externalities of the resource. In instances where the impacts of groundwater use are spread across all resource users, we observe both a greater number of users choosing to use the resource and a higher intensity of use. The results support expectations from the model that groundwater management policies should focus on entry in addition to decisions related to the volume of pumping. The results also discern the interplay of entry with both hydrogeologic characteristics of the resource and the option to exit and reveal that the option to exit increases the intensity of extraction as well as initial entry rates.
The induction of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression on human fetal astrocytes by interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha, lymphotoxin, and interleukin-1: relevance to intracerebral antigen presentation.

Antigen presentation reactions are dependent upon the expression of the class II major histocompatibility antigens (MHC), the T-cell receptor, and the presented antigen. Recent studies demonstrate that such processes also require the presence of adhesion molecules such as lymphocyte functional antigen 1 (LFA-1) and its cell surface ligand, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). It has been suggested that the brain astrocyte can function as a facultative antigen presenting cell (APC). This hypothesis is based upon th ability to induce the expression of the class II MHC antigens on astrocytes, and on their ability to present myelin basic protein on encephalitogenic T-cells in vitro. The best in vivo data showing that astrocytes serve as intracerebral APCs is the finding that astrocytes in multiple sclerosis plaques are DR+ (class II MHC in human). However, it still remains to be resolved whether the in vivo expression of the MHC antigens in disease states is instrumental to antigen presentation mechanisms or whether these cell suface glycoproteins are expressed secondary to brain immune responses. If astrocytes function as immunocompetent APCs within the brain, it would seem that they would also be able to express molecules important for intercellular adhesion. Here, we present the first data that indicates that human astrocytes are capable of expressing ICAM-1 in response to cytokines that either induce or upregulate the expression of DR. In essence, cytokines derived from different cell types seem to exert similar pleiotropic effects on the modulation of MHC and ICAM-1 expression on astrocytes. This suggests that mechanisms critical to the initiation of brain immune responses involve a dynamic molecular interface between a variety of resident central nervous system and peripheral cell types.
Computational Study of Interdependence Between Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase of Pandemic 2009 H1N1

Influenza type A viruses are classified into subtypes based on their two surface proteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). The HA protein facilitates the viral binding and entering a host cell and the NA protein helps the release of viral progeny from the infected cell. The complementary roles of HA and NA entail their collaboration, which has important implications for viral replication and fitness. The HA protein from early strains of pandemic 2009 H1N1 of swine origin preferentially binds to human type receptors with a weak binding to avian type receptors. This virus caused several human deaths in December 2013 in Texas, USA, which motivated us to investigate the changes of genetic features that might contribute to the surged virulence of the virus. Our time series analysis on the strains of this virus collected from 2009 to 2013 implied that the HA binding preference of this virus in USA, Europe, and Asia has been the characteristic of swine H1N1 virus since 2009. However, its characteristic of seasonal human H1N1 and its binding avidity for avian type receptors both were on steady rise and had a clear increase in 2013 with American strains having the sharpest surge. The first change could enhance the viral transmission and replication in humans and the second could increase its ability to cause infection deep in lungs, which might account for the recent human deaths in Texas. In light of HA and NA coadaptation and evolutionary interactions, we also explored the NA activity of this virus to reveal the functional balance between HA and NA during the course of virus evolution. Finally we identified amino acid substitutions in HA and NA of the virus that were critical for the observed evolution.
Nonperiodic order in classical lattice systems

Abstract Lattice gas models without periodic ground states are discussed. It is shown that for most interactions, that is, generically, ground states have long range order but not the perfect order of true periodicity.
Measurements and predictions of the RCS of Bruderhedrals at millimeter wavelengths

Polarimetric radar cross sections (RCSs) were measured for two large Bruderhedrals at 35 and 93 GHz. The overall spread in the measured RCS was 2 dB. It was found that the absolute RCS as well as the dependence of the RCS on elevation angle could be significantly altered by a slight misalignment of the Bruderhedral. The calculations of these RCSs by theories for a top hat and RCS simulation codes based on geometric and physical optics (PO) generally agreed with the measurements to within 3 db. Radar calibrations using these Bruderhedrals that are based on the predictions are not reliable, however, if accuracies better than 3 dB are required, The measured values of the cross-polarization RCS were very small compared to the copolarization ones, consistent with the codes and theoretical considerations.
Exposing extra-solar planets

A significantly large and exceptionally dark ldquoblind spotrdquo is required to directly detect planets around distant stars without the blinding glare of the parent star. Experimental results are reported for an optical vortex coronagraph.
Explaining cross-racial differences in teenage labor force participation: Results from a two-sided matching model

White teenagers are substantially more likely to search for employment than black teenagers. This differential occurs despite the fact that, conditional on race, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to search. While the racial wage gap is small, the unemployment rate for black teenagers is substantially higher than that of white teenagers. We develop a two-sided search model where firms are partially able to search on demographics. Model estimates reveal that firms are more able to target their search on race than on age. Employment and wage outcome differences explain half of the racial gap in labor force participation rates.
Electrophysiologic effects of acute ethanol exposure. I. Alterations in the action potentials of dorsal root ganglia neurons in dissociated culture.

Abstract Dissociated dorsal root ganglion neurons from embryonic rats were exposed to 0.05, 0.15 and 0.30 g% ethanol for 1 h. Action potentials were recorded and statistically compared for differences from the control values. Exposure to ethanol produced no significant alterations in the resting membrane potential, spike amplitude, or maximum rate of rise in any of the experimental conditions. Significant differences were noted in parameters associated with the repolarization phase including decreases in the maximum rate of fall and one-half time to convergence and increases in the full width of half maximum and full width of base parameters. These alterations were reversed within 30 min after ethanol removal. In order to determine the specific ionic conductances affected by ethanol, action potentials were recorded from neurons exposed to specific Na + , Ca 2+ , and K + current blockers. Analysis of the data indicates that K + conductance is decreased as a result of a decreased Ca 2+ current. Further, maximum Na + conductance is not significantly affected by physiologic concentrations of ethanol.
Hierarchically parallel coupled finite strain multiscale solver for modeling heterogeneous layers

Summary We develop a three-dimensional, hierarchically parallel, finite strain multiscale solver capable of computing nonlinear multiscale solutions with over 1 billion finite elements and over 574 million nonlinear equations on 1552 computing cores. In the vein of FE2, we use the nested iterative procedure and devote the solver to multiscale cohesive modeling of heterogeneous hyperelastic layers. The hierarchically parallel multiscale solver takes advantage of a client-server non-blocking communication matrix that limits latency, starvation, and overhead by overlaying computations at different scales. We perform simulations of real-scale engineering devices and bridge in length-scales, spanning from mm to nm in spatial resolution. Verification of the hierarchically parallel solver is provided together with a mesh convergence study. Moreover, we report on the scaling performance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Syndrome of intermetamorphosis: A new perspective

Capgras syndrome is an often reported misidentification syndrome. In contrast, the syndrome of intermetamorphosis has been rarely reported. We describe three new cases of the syndrome of intermetamorphosis and propose a new nomenclature that may further systematic study of misidentification syndromes.
Phylogenetic relationships within the blueberry tribe (Vaccinieae, Ericaceae) based on sequence data from MATK and nuclear ribosomal ITS regions, with comments on the placement of Satyria

The blueberry tribe (Vaccinieae) is a large and morphologically diverse group that is widespread in the temperate and tropical zones of most continents. The greatest species diversity is in the tropics, where Vaccinieae are a major component of montane cloud forests. Generic limits are poorly understood, and many of the characters traditionally used fail to adequately distinguish among taxa. This study analyzed sequence data from the chloroplast matK gene and the nrITS region for 93 species of Vaccinieae, representing 28 genera, and 16 sections (of the ∼33 currently recognized) of Vaccinium. Results indicated that, in general, traditional generic circumscriptions were not corroborated, but several well-supported clades were found: an Andean clade (including at least some members of 18 of the 23 Neotropical genera sampled), a Meso-American/Caribbean clade, an East Malesian clade (including the Old World taxa Paphia and Dimorphanthera), an Agapetes clade comprised of some Asian Vaccinium and Agapetes, and a Bracteata-Oarianthe clade (Vaccinium spp.). This study is the first to address phylogenetic relationships among members of Vaccinieae on a worldwide basis and the results indicate that the large genus Vaccinium is not monophyletic, but likely represents a grade group out of which several more specialized clades evolved.
ANIMATION - a system for animation scene and contents creation, retrieval and display

There is an increasing interest in the computer animation. The most of the current animation software tools are described by Richard Parent in [5]. The driving ideas behind animation in general and computer animation in particular are presented in [6]. More and more animations are available in various places on the Internet. The increasing availability of potentially interesting materials makes the search extremely difficult especially when the search is by the animation contents. This work is devoted to analyzing the syntax contents of the animations. In the paper we present the ANIMATION system – a system for animation scene and contents creation, retrieval and display. The system is based on MPEG-4 standard [3, 4]. MPEG-4 is an ISO/IEC standard developed by MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group). These standard makes interactive video on CD-ROM and Digital Television possible.
Relative Importance of Various Risk Factors for Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis versus Coronary Heart Disease Incidence: The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities Study

Major risk factors for coronary heart disease are also associated with early carotid artery thickening, but no studies have yet examined patterns of risk factors to see whether they differ for the two outcomes. Assuming similar pathogenesis for both coronary and carotid atherosclerosis, one could interpret risk factor pattern differences as relating to differences in staging, i.e., early atheroma versus later stenotic or occlusive atherothrombosis. This study included 12,193 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study participants aged 45-64 years who were free of clinical cardiovascular disease in 1987-1989, in whom 420 myocardial infarctions or coronary heart disease deaths occurred over the next 6 years. Plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and smoking were major risk factors for both outcomes. Compared with these factors, triglycerides and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were associated only weakly with carotid atherosclerosis but were associated strongly with coronary heart disease incidence. No other risk factors, including those associated with diabetes mellitus, hemostasis, and inflammation, differed in their relative contribution to the two outcomes. These results suggest that the high triglyceride-low HDL cholesterol pattern is involved in the transition from atheroma to atherothrombosis, and that control of this pattern may be important in persons with detectable subclinical disease.
Propranolol and the Prevention of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Is it Wrong to Erase the “Sting” of Bad Memories?

The National Institute of Mental Health (Bethesda, MD) reports that approximately 5.2 million Americans experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) each year. PTSD can be severely debilitating and diminish quality of life for patients and those who care for them. Studies have indicated that propranolol, a beta-blocker, reduces consolidation of emotional memory. When administered immediately after a psychic trauma, it is efficacious as a prophylactic for PTSD. Use of such memory-altering drugs raises important ethical concerns, including some futuristic dystopias put forth by the President's Council on Bioethics. We think that adequate informed consent should facilitate ethical research using propranolol and, if it proves efficacious, routine treatment. Clinical evidence from studies should certainly continue to evaluate realistic concerns about possible ill effects of diminishing memory. If memory-attenuating drugs prove effective, we believe that the most immediate social concern is the over-medicalization of bad memories, and its subsequent exploitation by the pharmaceutical industry.
Closed-form likelihoods for stochastic differential equation growth models.

The authors derive closed-form expressions for the full, profile, conditional and modified profile likelihood functions for a class of random growth parameter models they develop as well as Garcia's additive model. These expressions facilitate the determination of parameter estimates for both types of models. The profile, conditional and modified profile likelihood functions are maximized over few parameters to yield a complete set of parameter estimates. In the development of their random growth parameter models the authors specify the drift and diffusion coefficients of the growth parameter process in a natural way which gives interpretive meaning to these coefficients while yielding highly tractable models. They fit several of their random growth parameter models and Garcia's additive model to stock market data, and discuss the results. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 38: 474–487; 2010 © 2010 Statistical Society of Canada Les auteurs obtiennent des expressions analytiques pour les fonctions de vraisemblance complete, de profil, conditionnelle et de profil modifie pour une classe de modeles a parametre de croissance aleatoire qu'ils ont developpee ainsi que pour le modele additif de Garcia. Ces expressions facilitent l'obtention des estimateurs des parametres pour les deux types de modeles. Les fonctions de vraisemblance de profil, conditionnelle et de profil modifie sont maximisees par rapport a un nombre restreint de parametres afin d'obtenir des estimateurs pour l'ensemble de tous les parametres. Dans le developpement de leurs modeles a parametre de croissance, les auteurs specifient les coefficients de derive et de diffusion du processus a parametre de croissance de faccon a permettre une interpretation naturelle de ces coefficients tout en obtenant des modeles tres simples. Ils ajustent des donnees provenant de marches boursiers a leurs modeles a parametres de croissance et au modele additif de Garcia et ils analysent leurs resultats. La revue canadienne de statistique 38: 474–487; 2010 © 2010 Societe statistique du Canada
INTERMEDIATE VALENCE METALS

The ground state of rare earth intermediate valence (IV) metals is that of a heavy mass Fermi liquid. The transport, optical conductivity, dHvA signals, and Q-resolved neutron spectra reflect the existence of a Fermi surface with strongly renormalized masses and a hybridization gap. On the other hand, properties such as the susceptibility, specific heat, valence and spin dynamics that are dominated by the spin fluctuations, which are highly localized, can be understood qualitatively (and sometimes quantitatively) as those of a collection of non-interacting Anderson/Kondo impurities. Anomalies exist in some compounds both in the low temperature behavior and in the rate of crossover from Fermi liquid to local moment behavior which may reflect non-universal behavior of the Anderson lattice.