cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cellular organization of the brain renin-angiotensin system

A model of intracellular Ang II formation (Figure 1) implies that angiotensinogen neurons exist and that CNS Ang II acts both as a neurotransmitter as well as a neurohormone. Such a mechanism is consistent with the immunocytochemical localization of a fraction of brain Ang II in neurosecretory vesicles. To date, several dozen peptide neurotransmitters and neurohormones have been studied. Those assigned to peptidergic systems follow the generalized pathway of biosynthesis shown in Figure 1. In peptidergic systems, a prohormone and all of its processing enzymes are synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of a cell and move into the Golgi apparatus (Figure 1: #1-3). In the Golgi the prohormone and processing enzymes are packaged into the same vesicle (#3). These secretory vesicles then migrate toward the plasma membrane, frequently via axonal or dendritic projections to terminals. Within these cytoplasmic vesicles and prior to release, the processing enzymes are activated (#4) and the prohormone enzymatically processed, yielding the active peptide (#5-6). Only then do the vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane (in a calcium-dependent process), releasing their contents (#7-8). Once released, the active peptide migrates across the extracellular space and interacts with specific cell surface receptors to initiate a response (#9). Finally, receptor-bound peptide degradation is initiated by receptor-mediated endocytosis (#10-11). For angiotensin peptides to be produced intracellularly, the cell must present only one secretory pathway for Golgi packaging of renin and angiotensinogen; otherwise current theories of protein sorting would predict that these two proteins would be segregated even if synthesized within the same cell. Small quantities of co-packaged renin and angiotensinogen occurring via "spill-over" between compartments seems an unsatisfactory process for a regulated hormone system. Figure 2, depicting an extracellular mechanism for producing Ang II in the brain, has also been proposed. The mechanism of extracellular angiotensin formation is consistent with the molecular information encoded within the component proteins, known mechanisms of protein secretio, well-defined systemic renin-angiotensin enzymatic cascades, and demonstration of all the components of the renin-angiotensin system in the extracellular compartments of the brain. This model (Figure 2) allows independently coordinated gene expression and synthesis of renin (#1R), angiotensinogen (#1A), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (# 1C) in the same or different cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Current perspectives: fecal incontinence in older adults

Fecal incontinence is an important health issue that has devastating psychological, social and economic consequences for the aging population. However, it is under-reported and under-treated, often because of mistaken assumptions that incontinence is a normal part of aging and that little can be done about it. There are effective treatments that can be easily implemented in the primary-care setting, which can greatly improve an older person’s quality of life and potentially avert premature referral to a nursing home. Therefore, it is important that clinicians screen for the problem and are comfortable with its evaluation and treatment. This article reviews the epidemiology of fecal incontinence, approaches to improving identification and quality of care, as well as the assessment and treatment of the most common etiologies of fecal incontinence.
Effects of Cycloheximide, α-Amanitin, and α-Difluoromethylornithine on Thyrotropin-Induced Increases in the Micrococcal Nuclease Sensitivity of Thyroid Nuclear Chromatin*

Treatment of calf thyroid slices with TSH increases the nuclease sensitivity of nuclear chromatin, i.e. the amount of DNA released from nuclei by mild digestion with DNase I and micrococcal nuclease. Cycloheximide and a-aman-itin were used to investigate the roles played by protein and RNA synthesis in mediating this effect of TSH; α-difluoro-methylornithine, an irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarbox-ylase, was used to investigate the possible involvement of polyamines. Calf thyroid slices were incubated with or without TSH (50 mU/ml) for 5 h, in the presence or absence of inhibitors. Nuclei were then prepared, subjected to mild digestion with micrococcal nuclease, and centrifuged at 1200 × g. The amount of DNA in 1200 × g supernatants was increased by TSH; this was inhibited by cycloheximide (100 μg/ml) and α-amanitin (4 μg/ml) when these agents were present throughout incubations with TSH. In contrast, a-amanitin failed to inhibit the TSH effect when it was added to incubations 30 min or 2 h after...
Making Sense of Feminist Theology Today

Feminist theology today denotes a widening field of scholarship that shares historic, pragmatic concerns about gender justice in diverse cultural and racial contexts, but that increasingly differs in approach. In this essay, we discuss internal, creative challenges surfacing in (largely Christian) feminist theologies and review the historical social movements that have shaped them up to the present. Theologians who use race, queer, and postcolonial theory to assert the co-constituting dynamics of gender with race, class, sexuality, nationality, and religion are muddying the waters of older feminisms that focused exclusively on gender, rendering the future of feminist theologies more ambiguous, broad-reaching, and fluid.
Elevated C-reactive protein levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction in chronic cocaine users

Objective: To examine the relationship of the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and endothelial function and their associations with coronary artery calcification, lipid profile and cardiac changes. Methods: The analyses for serum lipids and CRP, echocardiography, spiral computed tomography scans and endothelial function assay were performed in 53 participants with a history of chronic cocaine use. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics and drug use between CRP normal ( 5, 16.7 vs. 0%; P=0.036) and more cardiac diastolic dysfunction expressed as deceleration time >240 ms (16.7 vs. 0%; P=0.036). Conclusions: Elevated serum CRP levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction, coronary artery calcification and cardiac diastolic dysfunction in chronic cocaine users.
Auxin-binding proteins and their possible roles in auxin-mediated plant cell growth

Like several other classes of hormones, the class of plant hormones called auxins exert myriad effects on cell development. While auxins are most noted for inducing cell elongation, they are also involved in cell division, cell differentiation, cell and organ polarity, and wound responsiveness. Consistent with this pleiotropy, is the recent identification of several putative auxin receptors that in theory could represent the primary elements of more than one auxin signal pathway leading to distinct responses or leading in parallel to a single response. Our current working hypothesis is that some auxin-mediated responses may be mediated by multiple receptors. We describe some of what is known about each of the new putative receptors and elaborate on the hypothesis using the example of cell elongation. Specifically for auxin-induced elongation, we propose that two rapid events, specific gene transcription and cell wall acidification, are separately mediated by at least two receptors, acting in the nucleus and at the plasma membrane, respectively.
Multi-User Signal Classification via Spectral Correlation

With the proliferation of wireless devices being used, the RF spectrum's capacity continues to dwindle. In recent years, a new technology called Cognitive Radio has been advocated to solve the impending spectral drought. The premise of Cognitive Radio is that it can modify its signal to either avoid currently occupied frequency bands or alter its transmission parameters so as to cohabit the frequency band without interfering with the primary user. However, if the widespread use of Cognitive Radios and Dynamic Access Networks becomes a reality, it would enable multiple users to occupy the same frequency band. There have yet to be any works published regarding how to classify the signals of multiple users, a barrier which will have great implications in the future use of Cognitive Radio. In addition to future commercial applications for multi- user signal classification, there is currently a need for this technology in the military. Military communication devices are used in scenarios where the RF spectrum is filled with jamming and interference from enemies. A method to detect and classify what signals are being used to jam and interfere would solve a significant roadblock for the military. Cyclic spectral analysis has proven to be a key tool in Cognitive Radios, giving them the ability to determine the parameters of the present signal, thus being able to modify its own transmission accordingly. Using this analysis as a foundation, we revisit the signal classification problem and propose a novel multi-user signal classification scheme using spectral correlation.
Occurrence and prediction of sigma phase in fuel cladding alloys for breeder reactors

Abstract In sodium-cooled fast reactor systems, fuel cladding materials will be exposed for several thousand hours to liquid sodium. Satisfactory performance of the materials depends in part on the sodium compatibility and phase stability of the materials. This paper mainly deals with the phase stability aspect, with particular emphasis on sigma phase formation of the cladding materials upon extended exposures to liquid sodium. A method of predicting sigma phase formation is proposed for austenitic stainless steels and predictions are compared with the experimental results on fuel cladding materials. Excellent agreement is obtained between theory and experiment. The proposed method is proven to be more accurate compared to the empirical methods suggested for superalloys. The present method uses the Fe-Cr-Ni ternary phase diagram for predicting the sigma-forming tendencies and exhibits a wide range of applicability to austenitic stainless steels and heat-resistant Fe-Cr-Ni alloys.
High temperature deformation of polycrystalline NiO and CoO

Abstract High temperature creep of polycrystalline NiO appears to be controlled by oxygen lattice diffusion at temperatures between 1273 and 1373 K and at stress levels from 34.5 to 79.8 MPa (5 to 11 ksi). Experimentally observed creep rates agree well with predictions obtained from deformation maps based on self-diffusion data. TEM examination indicates that dislocations present in crept NiO specimens are predominantly glide-type rather than climb-type dislocations as found in CoO. The difference in creep behavior of these materials is believed to be due to the difference in stacking fault energies and the nature of charge associated with lattice defects.
Instability of inviscid, compressible free shear layers

The linear spatial instability of inviscid, compressible laminar mixing of two parallel streams, comprised of the same gas, has been investigated with respect to two-dimensional wave disturbances. The effects of the velocity ratio, temperature ratio and the temperature profile across the shear layer have been examined. a nearly universal dependence of the normalized maximum amplification rate on the convective Mach number is found, with the normalized maximum amplification rate decreasing significantly with increasing convective Mach number in the subsonic region. These results are in accord with those of recent growth-rate experiments in compressible turbulent free shear layers and other similar recent calculations.
PostScript: Doing Agency in Archaeology

We argue that since agency and structure are indivisible parts of a single process through which society is continuously created over time, everything that persists or changes in archaeological sites is evidence of agency. The challenge is to adopt appropriate descriptive levels and language to avoid falsely dividing agency and structure. Successful archaeological studies use networks and chains as models or metaphors for connections in sequences of action over time. We argue that models must also link micro-scale actions to outcomes on the macroscale. Because theories of agency differ in the degree of freedom of action they assume, archaeologists must also clearly identify their own position with respect to constraints on action.
Comparison of the effects of repetitive low-dose and single-dose antigen challenge on airway inflammation.

Abstract Background: Airway allergen provocation provides a model to study allergic inflammation in relationship to pulmonary physiology. Allergen provocation is usually administered as a relatively large single-dose challenge that might not reflect a chronic, natural, low-dose airborne allergen exposure. Objective: We sought to compare the magnitude, characteristic features, and kinetics of airway inflammation induced by means of repetitive low-dose antigen challenges with those factors induced by means of an equivalent single-dose allergen challenge in allergic asthma. Methods: This was a 2-period crossover study. During separate phases, each subject was administered either a predetermined single-dose antigen challenge or 25% of that dose on each of 4 consecutive days. The airway response to allergen challenge was determined by means of measurement of pulmonary function and sputum features of inflammation, including eosinophil, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin, and fibronectin levels. Results: Both models of antigen challenge caused significant and equivalent sputum eosinophilia. The immediate decrease in FEV 1 and the FEV 1 /forced vital capacity ratio and the increase in sputum eosinophilia, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin, and fibronectin levels occurred gradually over the first 3 low doses and then reached a plateau or tended to decrease with the fourth antigen exposure. Conclusion: Our data suggest that although the 2 challenge models had similar quantitative effects on lung function and sputum eosinophilia, the qualitative responses and kinetics of these changes were distinct. Repetitive low doses of antigen, as might mimic natural allergy exposure, produced an equivalent inflammatory response to the large single-dose challenge but with a smaller amount of antigen, suggesting that priming and accumulative effects might have occurred. Moreover, our limited data also suggest that immunologic tolerance might be induced by frequent challenges. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003;111:818-25.)
A Reference Grammar of Egyptian Arabic by ABDEL-MASSIH, ERNEST T., ZAKI N. ABDEL-MALEK, EL-SAID M. BADAWI, & ERNEST N. MCCARUS.

A review of the book "A Reference Grammar of Egyptian Arabic," by Ernest T. Abdel-Massih, Zaki N. Abdel-Malek, El-Said M. Badawi, and Ernest N. McCarus is presented.
The immunocytochemical localization of N-acetylaspartyl glutamate, its hydrolysing enzyme NAALADase, and the NMDAR-1 receptor at a vertebrate neuromuscular junction.

Although glutamate is thought to be the neurotransmitter at the invertebrate neuromuscular junction, acetylcholine is accepted as the primary neurotransmitter of the vertebrate motoneurons. N-acetylaspartylglutamate, a dipeptide localized in putative glutamatergic neurons in brain, is also found in high concentrations (> mM) in mammalian motoneurons and the ventral roots of spinal cord. N-acetylaspartylglutamate, which is released from neurons by depolarization in a Ca2+-dependent fashion, is implicated in glutamatergic transmission in two ways: it is a partial agonist at NMDA receptors, and it is cleaved to yield extracellular glutamate and N-acetylasparate by the specific peptidase N-acetylated alpha-linked acidic dipeptidase. Given the localization of N-acetylaspartylglutamate in motor neuronal perikarya and axons, we wondered whether N-acetylaspartylglutamate or glutamate cleaved from N-acetylaspartylglutamate by N-acetylated alpha-linked acidic dipeptidase may also play a role in neuromuscular transmission. Here we describe the immunocytochemical detection at the rat neuromuscular junction of N-acetylaspartylglutamate in terminals of motoneurons, of N-acetylated alpha-linked acidic dipeptidase in perisynaptic Schwann cells, and of the NMDAR-1 glutamate receptor subunit on postsynaptic muscle membranes. These results point to a potential role for N-acetylaspartylglutamate at the rat neuromuscular junction. Further, this is the first demonstration of a glutamate receptor protein at vertebrate neuromuscular synapses. Together with other recent findings, our results suggest that glutamate-like molecules are involved in neuromuscular transmission not only in invertebrates but also in vertebrates where they may modulate signaling by acetylcholine.
Separation Of Form Perception And Stereopsis

This study addresses the question of whether static and dynamic stereopsis require the perception of form. The retinal image requirements of the visual mechanisms subserving form perception and stereopsis are not only distinct but potentially antagonistic. Form perception requires the retinal image to have luminance gradients that are steep enough to produce suprathreshold temporal transients in the receptors during normal eye movements. Stereopsis, on the other hand, requires identification of corresponding luminance gradients in the two retinal images so that their retinal disparity can be calculated. Thus, while the motion of the retinal image caused by normal eye movements is essential to form perception, it may be detrimental to stereopsis. We eliminated the motion of the retinal image that would normally have occurred during eye movements by using a pair of SRI dual-Purkinje-image eyetrackers and stimulus deflectors to stabilize the retinal images of selected form elements. We examined the thresholds for perceiving motion in depth under stabilized and unstabilized conditions and found that the perception of motion in depth continues in the absence of monocular form perception. Likewise, when we stabilized the disparate images of a line stereogram, stereopsis persisted in the absence of form perception of those elements whose retinal disparity deter-mined their perceived depth. These results imply profound separation of the form-perception and stereopsis mechanisms.
Learners, performers, caregivers, and team players: Descriptions of the ideal medical student in longitudinal integrated and block clerkships.

AbstractBackground: Hidden curriculum literature suggests that different learning environments and curricular designs reinforce disparate values and behaviors.Aim: This study explores potential differences in learning environments afforded by two clerkship models through perceptions of the ideal student.Methods: In this qualitative study, research assistants interviewed 48 third-year students and 26 clinical supervisors from three US medical schools. Students and supervisors participated in longitudinal integrated clerkships (LICs) or block clerkships. Students and supervisors described the ideal student in their clerkship. Using phenomenographic techniques, authors identified five ideal student profiles and coded students’ and supervisors’ descriptions for alignment with one or more profiles.Results: Most students in both models described an ideal student who matched a learner profile (proactive and self-directed). More LIC students described an ideal student who fit a caregiver profile (engaging with an...
Instability of (±)-7β,8α-dihydroxy-9β,10β-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (syn-BaPDE)−DNA adducts formed in benzo[a]pyrene-treated wistar rat embryo cell cultures

One of the peaks present in HPLC profiles of [3H]benzo[a]-pyrene (BaP)-deoxyribonucleosides prepared by enzymatic degradation of [3H]BaP-DNA isolated from Wistar rat embryo cell cultures exposed to [G-3H]BaP was found to be r-7,c-9,c-10,t-8-tetrahydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydroBaP, a BaP-DNA adduct decomposition product (Pruess-Schwartz, D. and Baird, W.M., Cancer Res., 46, 545-552, 1986). To investigate the stability of the hydrocarbon-deoxyribonucleoside linkages in intact BaP-modified DNA, DNA was isolated from Wistar rat embryo cells that had been exposed to [G-3H]BaP and incubated in darkness at 37 degrees C at a range of pH values from 5 to 11 for 72 h or for 1-150 h at pH 7. The rate of breakdown of [3H]BaP-DNA adducts (0.25%/h) was linear over 150 h. The amounts of the two major BaP-DNA adduct decomposition products, I and II (present in a ratio of 1:3), increased with length of time of incubation. Formation of I was not affected by pH, whereas, formation of II was highest at acidic and neutral pH. Analysis of the decomposition products by immobilized boronate chromatography and reverse-phase HPLC demonstrated that both I and II contained cis-vicinal hydroxyl groups and decomposition product II cochromatographed with r-7,c-9, c-10,t-8-tetrahydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydroBaP, a (+/-)-7 beta,8 alpha-dihydroxy-9 beta,10 beta-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydroBaP (syn-BaPDE)-derived tetraol. At neutral pH [3H](+/-)-syn-BaPDE-modified calf thymus DNA formed a decomposition product identical to II. Analysis of the BaP-DNA adducts that remained covalently bound to the DNA after the above incubations demonstrated that the amounts of both major syn-BaPDE-deoxyguanosine adducts decreased with length of time of incubation. Thus, syn-BaPDE-deoxyribonucleoside adducts formed in the DNA of [3H]BaP-treated Wistar rat embryo cells are unstable and breakdown spontaneously in the absence of light to yield syn-BaPDE-tetraol decomposition products.
Evaluating suicide risk in the medically ill patient.

Common medical conditions, treatments, medications, and depression can increase the risk of suicide, which is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States. Health care providers are in key positions to prevent suicide because most people seek medical treatment for physical symptoms and they give clues before they commit suicide. Unfortunately, suicide risk typically remains undetected because suicide clues, including depression, are overlooked. This article reviews assessment of suicide risk, incidence of completed suicide, and interventions in primary care settings. Suicide lethality, therapeutic strategies, and referrals are considered. Depression is discussed because it is the most common precipitant of suicide in primary care. Language: en
Characterizing Multistage Nonlinear Drivers and Variability for Accurate Timing and Noise Analysis

Nanoscale device characteristics and noise coupling have rendered traditional waveform-based gate delay models increasingly difficult to adopt. While the widely adopted delay models are built upon the assumption of simple ramp-like signal waveforms, realistic signal shapes in nanoscale designs can be far more complex. The need for considering process-voltage-temperature (PVT) variations imposes further accuracy requirement on gate models. We present a parameterizable waveform independent gate model (PWiM) where no assumption is made upon the input waveforms. The PWiM model is constructed by encapsulating the driver's intrinsic nonlinear dc and dynamic characteristics, which are important to model for complex signal waveforms, via novel and yet easy-to-implement characterization steps. As such, PWiM can provide near-SPICE accuracy for input signals that significantly deviate from simple ramps. While recently developed current-based models can only be applied to single channel-connected component, PWiM can work for multistage cells leading to improved library compactness and analysis efficiency. Our experiments have indicated that the proposed driver model not only provides up to two orders of magnitude speedups over SPICE for delay and noise analysis, it also offers accurate assessment of performance variability introduced by process and environmental variations.
A Cybernetic Model of Impression Management Processes in Organizations

Recent theory and research have suggested that a significant portion of human behavior in organizations is motivated by impression management concerns, that is, by the desire to be perceived by others in certain ways. However, the complex interpersonal dynamics of impression management in organizations remain largely unexplored. This paper synthesizes theory and research across several disciplines and literatures to present an integrative, process-oriented model of impression management in organizations. Potential applications and implications of the model for management research and practice are discussed and directions for future research are provided.
Kinetics of continuous hydrogen reduction of copper from a sulfate solution

The objective of this experimental investigation was to obtain information on the reaction kinetics for the hydrogen reduction of copper from copper sulfate solutions in a continuous, countercurrent tubular reactor. Aqueous copper sulfate solution was introduced at the top of the reactor while hydrogen was sparged into the bottom. Separations of the bottom (liquid-solid) and overflow (gas-liquid) products were accomplished in individual high pressure separators. The rate of reaction increases with temperature up to about 180 to 220 °C depending on the residence time and thereafter levels off or decreases slightly. Feed solutions having a pH greater than 1.8 yielded a product which was contaminated with cuprus oxide. Over the range of this study, the operating pressure, and consequently the solubility of hydrogen in the aqueous reactant demonstrated negligible effect on the depletions. Likewise, very little change in depletions was observed beyond residence times of 10 minutes. Acid addition to the feed retarded the rate of reaction, whereas addition of sulfate ion increased the rate; these two observations agree with the results of previous investigators.
Transglutaminase-independent binding of gliadin to intestinal brush border membrane and GM1 ganglioside

Anti-ganglioside antibodies have been described in celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, in conjunction with the presence of central and peripheral nervous system deficits. The observed antibody reactivity to gangliosides is postulated to be related to the anti-gliadin immune response, either through antigenic mimicry, or by formation of gliadin-ganglioside complexes and haptenization. We examined the possibility of the presence of ganglioside-like epitopes in gliadin, as well as the potential for complex formation between gliadin and GM1 ganglioside. Low levels of glycosylation were present in gliadin, but ganglioside-like carbohydrate epitopes were not detected. However, gliadin was found to bind to GM1 ganglioside and to the GM1-rich intestinal brush border membrane. The described complex formation and possible haptenization of GM1 by gliadin may be responsible for driving the anti-ganglioside antibody response in some patients with gluten sensitivity. Furthermore, binding of gliadin to GM1 on the intestinal epithelium might have a role in the anti-gliadin immune response and contribute to the intestinal inflammatory reaction in celiac disease.
Cost-effective variability reduction approaches to enable future technology nodes

This paper will describe a comprehensive study of the primary sources of variability and their effects on active devices, interconnect and ultimately product performance and yield. We will first provide an overview of process variability sources and the resulting random and systematic variability down to 28nm. Next we will present the evolution of yield loss mechanisms and characterization methods for assessing process-design interactions with a focus on layout printability for 28nm and below. To overcome the impact of such a high level of variability on product performance, circuit designers should adopt advanced statistical process characterization, performance verification and optimization techniques. We will describe robust design methodology requirements based on statistical optimization approaches with realistic process/device characterization for logic, memory and analog circuits. We will then present an extremely regular layout methodology for 28nm and below. The key to the practical implementation of this methodology is the creation of a design fabric with a limited number of printability friendly patterns that enable the co-optimization of circuit, process and design. We will demonstrate that this methodology will enable future technology nodes utilizing current generation lithography while minimizing cost per good die.
The Return of Hephaistos, Dionysiac Processional Ritual and the Creation of a Visual Narrative *

The return of Hephaistos to Olympos, as a myth, concerns the establishment of a balance of power among the Olympian gods. Many visual representations of the myth in Archaic and Classical Greek art give visible form to the same theme, but they do so in a manner entirely distinct from the manner in which it is expressed in literary narratives of the tale. In this paper, I argue that vase-painters incorporated elements of Dionysiac processional ritual into representations of the return of Hephaistos in order to articulate visually the principal theme of the myth. The vase-painters structured the myth along the lines of epiphanic processions in which Dionysos was escorted into the city of Athens. Like Dionysiac epiphanic processions, the procession of Hephaistos, Dionysos and the wine-god's followers is distinguished visually by drunkenness, ostentatious display of the phallus and obscene or insulting behaviour. To judge from the aetiological myths associated with them, the epiphanic processions symbolized the triumph of Dionysos over, and his belated acceptance by, those who denied his status as a god. By structuring the visual representations of the return of Hephaistos along the lines of such Dionysiac processions, artists conveyed visually the idea that the myth al so concerned the triumph of a god over those who rejected him, and his acceptance among the Olympians. It is not necessary to assume that the vase-painters relied on a detailed poetic account of the myth to create their representations of it, because they employed elements of religious spectacle, an inherently visual phenomenon, to convey the essence of the story.
Fiscal Transparency in EU Accession CountriesProgress and Future Challenges

This paper discusses the findings of fiscal transparency reports on standards and codes (ROSCs) for most EU accession candidate countries. Emphasis is given to the need to establish effective and accountable medium-term budget frameworks to establish policy credibility and anchor adjustment programs to meet EU fiscal goals. Adoption of budgeting and accounting standards consistent with the IMF Government Finance Statistics Manual 2001 framework will also help link budget decisions to EU standards of fiscal reporting. More consistent and comprehensive coverage of off-budget activities is needed for assessing fiscal risk and sustainability. Finally, local government issues need to be addressed by many of these countries since EU fiscal goals are set with reference to general government. Progress in all of these areas can be monitored by keeping fiscal ROSC assessments up to date.
Viscoelastic and rheological properties of concentrated solutions of proteoglycan subunit and proteoglycan aggregate

The oscillatory and steady shear rheological properties of concentrated solutions of proteoglycan subunit (PGS) and aggregate (PGA) from bovine articular cartilage have been studied using a Rheometrics fluids spectrometer. At comparable concentrations in the physiological range tan delta increases from 0.5 to 1.0 for PGA as the oscillation frequency (omega) increases from 10(-1) to 10(2) rads/s, compared to a decrease from 40 to 5 for PGS. Thus PGA solutions exhibit predominantly elastic response whereas those of PGS exhibit primarily viscous behavior. PGA solutions show pronounced shear-thinning behavior at all shear rates (gamma) in the range 10(-2) less than gamma (s-1) less than 10(2), whereas PGS solutions exhibit predominantly Newtonian flow. For PGA, the small-strain complex viscosity eta* (omega) is substantially smaller than the steady-flow viscosity eta(gamma) at comparable values of omega and gamma. These observations indicate that the presence of proteoglycan aggregates leads to formation of a transient or weak-gel network. Since aggregation leads to a large increase in molecular hydrodynamic volume and hence in the relaxation times for macromolecular rotation, it appears that role of aggregate formation is to shift the linear viscoelastic response from the terminal viscous flow into the plateau elastomeric regime of relaxational behavior. Normal or pathological changes that produce a decrease in aggregation will result in a loss of elastomeric behavior of the proteoglycan matrix.
Marius Victorinus: A Biographical Note

Marius Victorinus, fourth-century Rome's most distinguished professor of rhetoric, appears immediately as a definite personality to one who looks into his biography. So vividly has Augustine, in the eighth book of the Confessions, told the story of the old rhetor's conversion that he seems real flesh and blood. Yet a feeling of uneasiness soon takes possession of the investigator. The limits of Victorinus's life have not been established even in terms of broad approximation; and it is perhaps of some importance for understanding the character of the man and the times of which he is so pertinent a representative to know, for example, whether his youth and early manhood were passed in the atmosphere of Diocletian's persecutions or of Constantine's tolerant reign. I have tried, therefore, in this study to discover the means of determining at least approximately the date of his birth and of his death.
A novel, non-substrate-based series of glycine type 1 transporter inhibitors derived from high-throughput screening

The synthesis and structure-activity relationships (SAR) of a series of indane and tetralin inhibitors of the type 1 glycine transporter, derived from a high-throughput screening (HTS) hit, are described. Key modifications that reduced the 5HT1B receptor affinity of the HTS hit and the P450 2D6 inhibition of subsequent analogues are delineated. While these modifications led to potent and selective GlyT1 inhibitors, HERG affinity and human microsomal clearance remain an issue for this series of compounds.
Increasing aphasia treatment intensity in an acute inpatient rehabilitation program: A feasibility study.

Background: Intensity of therapy is a critical factor influencing outcomes in aphasia. However, there are many barriers to increasing treatment intensity for those with acute/subacute aphasia including the demands of the inpatient medical facilities and the endurance of the participants. Nevertheless, with some modifications to its original procedures, evidence suggests that Constraint-Induced Language Therapy (CILT) may yield positive outcomes when given in the early stages of recovery.Aims: To investigate the feasibility of increasing the amount of therapy provided to individuals with aphasia on an inpatient rehabilitation unit by adding CILT at a modified intensity, and to assess whether those receiving 2 weeks of the additional CILT show more improvement than control participants who did not receive the additional treatment.Methods & Procedures: A case-series single-subject design study was conducted. All participants received usual care of approximately an hour of speech and language treatment, 5–6 d...
An explanatory model of factors related to well baby visits by age three years for Medicaid-enrolled infants: a retrospective cohort study

Well baby visits (WBVs) are a cornerstone of early childhood health, but few studies have examined the correlates of WBVs for socioeconomically vulnerable infants. The study objective was to identify factors related to the number of WBVs received by Medicaid-enrolled infants in the first three years of life and to present a preliminary explanatory model. We analyzed Iowa Medicaid claims files and birth certificate data for infants born in calendar year 2000 (N = 6,085). The outcome measure was the number of well baby visits (WBVs) received by Medicaid-enrolled infants between age 1 and 41 months (range: 0 to 10). An ecological health model and existing literature were used to evaluate 12 observed factors as potential WBV correlates. We ran multiple variable linear regression models with robust standard errors (α = 0.05). There were a number of infant, maternal, and health system factors associated with the number of WBVs received by Medicaid-enrolled infants. Infants whose mothers had a greater number of prenatal healthcare visits (s = 0.24 to 0.28; P = .001) or were married (s = 0.20; P = .002) received more WBVs. Having a chronic health condition (s = 0.51; P < .0001) and enrollment in a case management program (s = 0.48; P < .0001) were also positively associated with WBVs. Eligibility for Medicaid through the Supplemental Security Income Program (s = −0.70; P = .001), increased maternal age (s = −0.27 to −0.35; P = .004), higher levels of maternal education (s = −0.18; P = .005), maternal smoking (s = −0.13; P = .018), and enrollment in a health maintenance organization plan (s = −1.15; P < .0001) were negatively associated with WBVs. There was a significant interaction between enrollment in a health maintenance organization plan and enrollment in a Medicaid case management program (P = .015). Maternal race, maternal alcohol use during pregnancy, and rurality were not significantly related to the number of WBVs. Multiple infant, maternal, and health system variables were related to the number of WBVs received by Medicaid-enrolled infants. Additional research is needed to develop strategies to optimize access to WBVs for Medicaid-enrolled infants at risk for poor use of preventive medical care services.
Newsworthiness and Islam: An Analysis of Values in the Muslim Online Press

This study examined how the values of the Islamic faith may have an impact on news reporting in several Middle Eastern nations. An analysis of 1,773 stories from 10 online Middle Eastern newspapers indicated that Islam as a way of life has an effect on how domestic news was structured in the presentation of news topic, the actors in the news, the positive or negative orientation of the news, and the use of sources. Previous explanations of newsworthiness in Middle Eastern societies that do not consider the impact of Islamic values may be incomplete in their evaluation of the press.
Location of extreme stresses

A casual survey of particular solutions in elasticity theory suggests that, when a bounded Hookean body is loaded only by boundary forces that are in equilibrium, the absolute maximum tensile stress occurs at a boundary point. Using potential theory, G. Polya [1] investigated this question in 1930. He demonstrated that extremes of the cubical dilatation and the rotation necessarily occur on the boundary, and he proved several other theorems, but his conclusions concerning extreme principal stresses appear to be inferential. This question is discussed in this note. Normal stresses are compared algebraically; e.g., a tensile stress is considered to be greater than a compression stress. A stress will be said to have a proper (improper) relative maximum at a point P if, throughout a deleted neighborhood of P, its value is less than (less than or equal to) its value at P. Similarly, proper and improper relative minima are defined. It is not possible for all three principal stresses (o-1, o-2, °3) to have relative maxima (or minima) at an interior point P of a body unless all the extremes are improper, since otherwise the sum o-1 +a2+o-3 would have a proper relative maximum (or minimum) at P. However, this is impossible, since o-1 + a2 + a3 is a harmonic function, and it is known [2] that a harmonic function cannot have a proper relative extreme at an interior point of the region of regularity.
Modular robot locomotion based on a distributed fuzzy controller: The combination of modred's basic module motions

We describe a distributed and autonomous technique for dynamic gait adaptation for a chain-type, modular self-reconfigurable robot (MSR) using a fuzzy logic based, closed-loop controller. To maneuver itself, each module of the MSR is provided with a set of basic or fundamental gaits within a gait control table(GCT). A relevant problem in locomotion of a chain-type MSR is how to coordinate the gait of the individual modules with each other so that the desired locomotion of the MSR can be achieved. To address this problem, our proposed controller maps the inputs from the sensors of each module to an appropriate gait for the module determined from the goal and position of the module in the configuration, using a fuzzy technique. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) is used to close the loop between the goal and the module. We have verified the operation of our controller on a simulated 3-D model of an MSR called ModRED within the Webots robot simulator and also implemented it on the physical ModRED MSR. Our results illustrate that our controller can successfully adapt ModRED's locomotion by dynamically combining basic gaits from the individual modules in the configuration, regardless of the number of modules in the configuration and in the presence of noisy sensor inputs.
The numerical computation of the Voigt function by a corrected midpoint quadrature rule for

Abstract This paper presents a method for computing the Voigt function, through the application of a midpoint quadrature rule that has been corrected to accurately integrate a certain class of meromorphic functions.
Similarities between cortical “up” states during slow wave sleep and wakefulness: the implications for schizophrenia

Negative and positive symptoms are defining features of schizophrenia. This illness is commonly associated with a number of cognitive and affective deficits as well as with some more specific sleep abnormalities. It has been previously proposed that psychosis and positive symptoms in schizophrenia could be understood as disorders of internal brain dynamics. This proposed disordered network interplay might be particularly displayed during sleep when modulation by the senses is at the minimum. It is argued here that sleep abnormalities in schizophrenia inform our understanding of the pathomechanisms involved in psychosis. More specifically, sleep spindle initiation in NREM sleep and the preparation of sensory pathways for upcoming motor actions during wakefulness may share a common mechanism, and this shared mechanism is suggested to be impaired in schizophrenia.
Evaluation of a computer-mediated eating disorder prevention program

To date, no eating disorder prevention intervention has been found to be effective although health care providers call for public education on this topic. A number of self-help treatments have been found to be effective in treating women with eating disorders. It is hypothesized that self-help treatment models found effective in eating disorders will have utility to prevention efforts. This investigation evaluated Student Bodies, an eating disorder prevention multimedia program and computer-mediated discussion group. It was hypothesized that women who participated in the Student Bodies eating disorder prevention program would: (1) increase their body satisfaction, (2) decrease their disordered eating behavior and (3) decrease their preoccupation with weight and dieting. Fifty-seven undergraduate women were randomly assigned to either a control group or treatment group. Subjects were assessed at baseline, three months later at post-test, and again at three months follow-up. Subjects completed the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) Bulimia and Drive for Thinness sub-scales, the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) Weight and Shape sub-scales, the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and a knowledge questionnaire. Results indicated that treatment group subjects significantly improved their scores on all measures over time whereas the control group subjects significantly improved only their EDI Bulimia score over time. However, when the treatment group was compared to the control group, only the treatment group's BSQ score was significantly improved. Post-hoc exploratory analyses found that subjects who reported completing the Weight Regulation section of Student Bodies improved their eating behavior and dieting attitudes. Overall, treatment group subjects examined slightly more than half of the sections in Student Bodies. Body image concerns, failed weight loss attempts and family pressure were the topics most frequently discussed by participants in the newsgroup. While subjects expressed feelings of hopelessness, frustration and anxiety in their messages, they provided very little emotional support to one another. The hypotheses in this study were only partially supported. Treatment group subjects did improve their scores over time, but only on the BSQ were their improvements significantly better than the improvements made by the control group. Both structural and conceptual problems may have accounted for the minimal results.
Production of gliotoxin by Gliocladium virens as a function of source and concentration of carbon and nitrogen

Sources of carbon and nitrogen and the carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratio influenced both production of gliotoxin and growth by a strain of Gliocladium virens . Higher antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus was expressed in a defined medium amended with glucose and phenylalanine as the sources of carbon and nitrogen, respectively, than with other carbon and nitrogen sources tested. Gliotoxin extracted from the 6-day-old culture filtrate of the fungus and diluted by a factor of ten had greater antibacterial activity than four other unidentified antibacterial substances extracted from the same culture filtrate. Dynamics of mycelial growth and gliotoxin production were consistent over a range of C:N ratios (18:1, 31:1, and 42:1). Overall, as the mycelial weight of the fungus increased, the amount of gliotoxin increased up to 140 mg litre −1 of medium after 8–10 days of incubation. The rate of gliotoxin production (mg ml −1 ) was slower when the fungus was grown in a C:N ratio of 80:1 than in the other C:N ratios tested. Similar results were obtained when gliotoxin was recorded as mg gliotoxin per unit of mycelial weight. Maximum gliotoxin (140 mg l −1 ) was produced after eight days at all C:N ratios tested, except 80:1 for which ten days were required to produce this level of gliotoxin. The composition of the medium yielding maximum gliotoxin after eight days incubation consisted of 25 g glucose, 5·0 g phenylalanine, 2·0 g KH 2 PO 4 , 1·0 g MgSO 4 · 7H 2 O, 0·01 g FeSO 4 · 7H 2 O in 1·0 litre distrilled water, adjusted to pH 3·5 with 25% phosphoric acid.
Evolutionary computation and post-wildfire land-cover mapping with multispectral imagery

The Cerro Grande/Los Alamos wildfire devastated approximately 43,000 acres (17,500 ha) of forested land, and destroyed over 200 structures in the town of Los Alamos. The need to monitor the continuing impact of the fire on the local environment has led to the application of a number of advanced remote sensing technologies. During and after the fire, remote-sensing data was acquired from a variety of aircraft- and satellite-based sensors, including Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+). We now report on the application of a machine learning technique to the automated classification of land cover using multispectral imagery. We apply a hybrid genetic programming/supervised classification technique to evolve automatic feature extraction algorithms. We use a software package we have developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory, called GENIE, to carry out this evolution. We use multispectral imagery from the Landsat 7 ETM+ instrument from before and after the wildfire. Using an existing land cover classification based on a Landsat 5 TM scene for our training data, we evolve algorithms that distinguish a range of land cover categories, along with clouds and cloud shadows. The details of our evolved classification are compared to the manually produced land-cover classification.