cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reasons for and correlates of antiretroviral treatment interruptions in a cohort of patients from public and private clinics in southern India

Understanding the prevalence and correlates of treatment interruptions (TIs) in resource-limited settings is important for improving adherence. HIV-infected adults on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Bangalore, India, were enrolled into a prospective cohort study assessing HAART adherence. Participants underwent a structured interview assessing adherence, including occurrence of TI > 48 hours since HAART initiation, length of TI, and self-reported reasons for TI. Serum HIV viral load (VL) and CD4 was measured at 6-month intervals. Baseline data are presented in this article. For the 552 participants mean age was 37.8, 32% were female, 70% were married, 45% earned < $2/day. Eighty-four percent were on nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy; median duration on HAART was 18 months (range: 1–175) and median CD4 count was 318 cells/µl (IQR: 195–460) at time of study enrollment. Twenty percent (n=110) reported at least one TI; of these, 33% (n=36) reported more than one TI. Median length of most...
Chromate Content versus Particle Size for Aircraft Paints

Abstract Many industries rely on the corrosion inhibiting properties of chromate-containing primer paints to protect metal from oxidation. However, chromate contains hexavalent chromium (Cr 6+ ), a known human carcinogen. The concentration of Cr 6+ as a function of paint particle size has important implications to worker health and environmental release from paint facilities. This research examines Cr 6+ content as a function of particle size for three types of aircraft primer paints: solvent-based epoxy-polyamide, water-based epoxy-polyamide, and solvent-based polyurethane. Cascade impactors were used to collect and separate paint particles based on their aerodynamic diameter, from 0.7 to 34.1 μm. The mass of the dry paint collected at each stage was determined and an atomic absorption spectrometer was used to analyze for Cr 6+ content. For all three paints, particles less than 7.0 μm contained disproportionately less Cr 6+ per mass of dry paint than larger particles, and the Cr 6+ concentration decreased substantially as particle size decreased. The smallest particles, 0.7 to 1.0 μm, contained approximately 10% of the Cr 6+ content, per mass of dry paint, compared to particles larger than 7.0 μm. The paint gun settings of air to paint ratio was found to have no influence on the Cr 6+ bias.
Self-inflicted destruction of nose and palate: report of case

A case history is described in which a female patient literally picked away her entire nose. The patient was completely rehabilitated by the treatment decided on by the medical, psychiatric, and dental staffs.
Effect of cool temperatures on photosynthesis and stomatal conductance in field-grown sugarcane in Hawaii☆

Abstract Occasional cool nights and early mornings were found to inhibit photosynthetic carbon assimilation and stomatal conductance measured the next day. Preceding night temperature, rather than ambient conditions during measurements, determined the time-course and magnitude of gas exchange the following day. Infrequent occurrences of chilling injury at relatively warm temperatures may have persistent effects on carbon assimilation, representing a previously unrecognized constraint on biomass and sucrose accumulation by sugarcane. Sensitivity to chilling injury exhibited seasonal acclimation, though ca. 5°C distinguished inhibitory from noninhibitory nights in each season. In winter, minimum leaf temperatures of ca. 14°C were associated with inhibition, whereas in summer minimum temperatures as high as ca. 20°C were sufficiently cool. These temperatures are higher than those commonly associated with chilling injury, even in tropical crops. This may reflect high photosynthetic sensitivity to chilling in sugarcane or an indirect effect of reduced nocturnal translocation of assimilate at cool temperatures. Apparent photon fluence (light) response curves of net carbon assimilation vs. photosynthetically active photon flux density at the canopy surface indicated that both light-limited and light-saturated photosynthetic rates were inhibited following chilling events. The relationship between stomatal conductance and carbon assimilation, and calculations of intercellular CO 2 concentration, indicated that stomatal limitation of carbon assimilation did not increase following chilling, but that the photosynthetic capacity of the mesophyll was reduced. Inhibitory effects of moderately cool nights and early mornings should be considered in evaluating genotype adaptation to specific environments and in efforts to model gas-exchange responses in the field.
Two neural streams, one voice: Pathways for theme and variation in the songbird brain

Birdsong offers a unique model system to understand how a developing brain - once given a set of purely acoustic targets - teaches itself the vocal-tract gestures necessary to imitate those sounds. Like human infants, to juvenile male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) falls the burden of initiating the vocal-motor learning of adult sounds. In both species, adult caregivers provide only a set of sounds to be imitated, with little or no information about the vocal-tract gestures used to produce the sounds. Here, we focus on the central control of birdsong and review the recent discovery that zebra finch song is under dual premotor control. Distinct forebrain pathways for structured (theme) and unstructured (variation) singing not only raise new questions about mechanisms of sensory-motor integration, but also provide a fascinating new research opportunity. A cortical locus for a motor memory of the learned song is now firmly established, meaning that anatomical, physiological, and computational approaches are poised to reveal the neural mechanisms used by the brain to compose the songs of birds.
Local blockade of integrins in the temporomandibular joint region reduces Fos-positive neurons in trigeminal subnucleus caudalis of female rats produced by jaw movement.

Abstract This study assessed the influence of integrins on trigeminal brainstem neural activity evoked during jaw movement (JM). Limited range of motion and pain during jaw opening are common complaints of patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. JM (0.5 Hz, 30 min) was presented to ovariectomized (OvX) female rats given estrogen replacement and males under barbiturate anesthesia. Quantification of Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-LI) after JM served as an index of evoked neural activity. Rats were injected locally in the TMJ with either an active (GRGDS, 300 μM, 25 μl) or an inactive integrin antagonist (SDGRG) prior to JM. The effect of prior inflammation of the TMJ region was assessed in separate groups of rats by injecting bradykinin (10 μM, 25 μl) with or without integrin drugs prior to JM. Active integrin antagonist significantly reduced JM-evoked Fos-LI in superficial laminae at the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis/upper cervical cord (Vc/C2) junction in OvX compared to male rats independent of bradykinin pretreatment. Fos-LI produced in the dorsal paratrigeminal and trigeminal subnucleus interpolaris/caudalis (Vi/Vc) transition regions was not reduced by active integrin antagonist in males or OvX females. Active integrin antagonist did not affect Fos-LI produced after injection of bradykinin alone into the TMJ. These results suggest that RGD binding integrins contribute to JM-evoked neural activity at the Vc/C2 junction under naive and inflamed conditions in a sex-dependent manner.
Discontinuous Galerkin method for multicomponent chemically reacting flows and combustion

This paper presents the development of a discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method for application to chemically reacting flows in subsonic and supersonic regimes under the consideration of variable thermo-viscous-diffusive transport properties, detailed and stiff reaction chemistry, and shock capturing. A hybrid-flux formulation is developed for treatment of the convective fluxes, combining a conservative Riemann-solver and an extended double-flux scheme. A computationally efficient splitting scheme is proposed, in which advection and diffusion operators are solved in the weak form, and the chemically stiff substep is advanced in the strong form using a time-implicit scheme. The discretization of the viscous-diffusive transport terms follows the second form of Bassi and Rebay, and the WENO-based limiter due to Zhong and Shu is extended to multicomponent systems. Boundary conditions are developed for subsonic and supersonic flow conditions, and the algorithm is coupled to thermochemical libraries to account for detailed reaction chemistry and complex transport. The resulting DG method is applied to a series of test cases of increasing physico-chemical complexity. Beginning with one- and two-dimensional multispecies advection and shock–fluid interaction problems, computational efficiency, convergence, and conservation properties are demonstrated. This study is followed by considering a series of detonation and supersonic combustion problems to investigate the convergence-rate and the shock-capturing capability in the presence of one- and multistep reaction chemistry. The DG algorithm is then applied to diffusion-controlled deflagration problems. By examining convergence properties for polynomial order and spatial resolution, and comparing these with second-order finite-volume solutions, it is shown that optimal convergence is achieved and that polynomial refinement provides advantages in better resolving the localized flame structure and complex flow-field features associated with multidimensional and hydrodynamic/thermo-diffusive instabilities in deflagration and detonation systems. Comparisons with standard third- and fifth-order WENO schemes are presented to illustrate the benefit of the DG scheme for application to detonation and multispecies flow/shock-interaction problems.
Type Ia supernovae: Observations, modeling, distances

Abstract Observations indicate that Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) can be arranged in a sequence ranging from peculiar powerful explosions like SN 1991T through the nearly homogeneous normal ones like SN 1981B and 1989B to peculiar weak events like SN 1991bg. The powerful SNe Ia are observationally and intrinsically uncommon the normal ones are observationally and intrinsically common, and weak events are observationally uncommon but intrinsically common. SNe Ia appear to be thermonuclear disruptions of carbon-oxygen white dwarfs that involve a “delayed detonation”, in which a subsonic deflagration flame becomes a supersonic detonation. This mechanism may account for both normal and weak SNe Ia in terms of white dwarfs at (or above) the Chandrasekhar mass. The unique SN 1991T remains enigmatic. On the basis of one astronomical (Cepheid) and two astrophysical (56Ni-powered light curves, expanding photosphere method) determinations of SN Ia absolute magnitudes we conclude that the value of the Hubble constant is low, H0 ∼- 50–60 km s−1 Mpc−1. Determining the value of the cosmic deceleration parameter, q0 by means of SNe Ia appears to be feasible.
Nonproliferation Policy of the Clinton Administration toward India: Shifting of Nuclear Goalposts?

This article examines the nuclear nonproliferation policy of the Clinton administration (1993–2001) toward India. It is argued that initially President Clinton was focused on a “capping, rollback, and eliminate” approach toward Indian nuclearization. But, after India conducted nuclear tests in 1998, there was a discernible change in Clinton's policy toward India, which has largely gone unrecognized. The Clinton administration considerably shifted the nuclear goalposts—from the cap, rollback, and eliminate Indian nuclear weapons—to merely the exercise of nuclear restraint by India. This, in turn, implied a tacit acceptance of the nuclear weapons possessed by India. The Clinton administration cleared the languishing nuclear debris and created space for the next administration to reset the anomalous nuclear relationship with India.
Casinos and campus crime

Abstract This work examines the hypothesized positive relationship between casinos and local crime rates. Analysis of reported crime data for 173 residential colleges and universities in four Midwestern states suggests that robberies and motor vehicle thefts, but not burglaries, are significantly higher in number for campuses located within 10 miles of a casino.
Modulation of the electron redistribution in mixed valence cytochrome C oxidase by protein conformational changes.

Abstract The redistribution of two electrons in the four redox centers of cytochrome c oxidase following photodissociation of CO from the CO-bound mixed valence species has been examined by resonance Raman spectroscopy. To account for both the kinetic data, obtained from 5 μs to 2 ms, and the equilibrium results, a model is proposed in which the electron redistribution is modulated by a protein conformation transition from a nascent P1 state to a relaxed P2 state in a time window longer than 2 ms. In this model, all six possible two-electron reduced species are considered. The high population of species with a one-electron reduced binuclear center, in which the spectrum of heme a3 is perturbed by the redox state of CuB, accounts for the significant residuals in the fitting of the kinetic data with four standard spectra derived from redox species with either zero or two electrons in the binuclear center. Under equilibrium conditions, the conformational change to the P2 state destabilizes the redox states with only one electron in the binuclear center with respect to those with either zero or two electrons. As a result, the redox equilibrium is perturbed, and the electrons are redistributed. A simulation based on the new kinetics scheme, in which the electron redistribution is modulated by the protein conformation, gives reasonable agreement with both the equilibrium and the kinetic data, demonstrating the validity of this model.
Introduction of the Dual-System Urban Interchange Design

The new unconventional dual-system urban interchange (DSUI) design has the potential to improve interchange operations and provide additional access capacity to barrier-separated general purpose (GP) and managedlane systems. Servicing both GP and managed-lane systems at one crossstreet interchange location by using conventional interchange design has been viewed as difficult to construct geometrically, and conventional design also introduces undesirable operational issues. The DSUI design includes a system of one-way frontage roads parallel to the freeway facility that is used to manage traffic flows through a series of coordinated signalized intersections. Ramps to and from these frontage roads serve both the GP and managed-lane systems, providing both systems with either direct or indirect interchange access to a common cross street. The DSUI design was developed for a particular interchange location as part of a managed-lane project in Atlanta, Georgia, and has been viewed as a win-win solution by both...
Recursion relations for the extended Krylov subspace method

Abstract The evaluation of matrix functions of the form f ( A ) v , where A is a large sparse or structured symmetric matrix, f is a nonlinear function, and v is a vector, is frequently subdivided into two steps: first an orthonormal basis of an extended Krylov subspace of fairly small dimension is determined, and then a projection onto this subspace is evaluated by a method designed for small problems. This paper derives short recursion relations for orthonormal bases of extended Krylov subspaces of the type K m , mi + 1 ( A ) = span { A - m + 1 v , … , A - 1 v , v , A v , … , A mi v } , m = 1 , 2 , 3 , … , with i a positive integer, and describes applications to the evaluation of matrix functions and the computation of rational Gauss quadrature rules.
GRAVES' DISEASE: TREATMENT WITH RADIOIODINE (I131)*†

CARRIER-FREE I131 has been administered by us to patients with Graves' disease since August 1944 in order to study primarily: a) the efficiency of I131 as an agent employed to destroy hyperfunctioning thyroids subtotally; and b) the uptake of iodine by the thyroid before and after those symptoms of hyperfunction of the thyroid associated with Graves' disease have been relieved (1). Up to the time of writing this summary, 68 patients with Graves' disease have been studied and sufficient data are available to permit reporting results in 46 patients. All these patients had undoubted Graves' disease varying in degree from mild to severe; the majority had moderately enlarged thyroids, moderate hyperthyroidism and (with one exception) no nodules in the thyroid. In the initial phases of this study, small (250 microcuries) doses of radioactive iodine were given at weekly intervals; more adequate single doses of 1000 to 4000 microcuries were given and repeated as necessary up to a total dose as high as 10,411 micr...
Munchausen syndrome by proxy: A review, case study, and nursing implications

Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a serious form of child abuse that often remains undetected for years. Victims (and often their siblings) suffer serious physiological and psychological damage and sometimes even death. Nurses educated about this syndrome can have significant impact on its earlier diagnosis and intervention. This article presents a literature review and case study and concludes with a discussion of nursing implications including the effect of MSBP on nursing staff.
Single-Point Stabilization of Zygomatic Fractures With the Minicompression Plate

• Unstable zygomatic fractures frequently require stabilization at two points. A new "mini" dynamic compression plating system designed specifically for zygomatic fractures permits single-point stabilization. We used a minicompression plating system with a series of patients at the University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals, Seattle. Satisfactory single-point stabilization of displaced zygomatic fractures was consistently achieved with this method. The plate and screws are substantially smaller than commonly used in mandibular fractures facilitating cosmetic concealment. There are theoretical advantages of this plating system as they apply to the unique geometry of the zygomatic fracture. ( Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1987;113:267-270)
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension with Primary Aldosteronism: Report of 2 Cases

Although unconfirmed, the syndrome idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), commonly seen in overweight 20- to 50-year-old women, has been proposed to have its origins in an endocrine-based disturbance of electrolytes. Herein we report on 2 women with IIH and primary aldosteronism (PAL). Aged 57 and 55 (patients 1 and 2), each had a longstanding history of mild-to-moderate arterial hypertension, recurrent hypokalemia, and headaches. They were found to have IIH at ages 51 and 45. PAL was diagnosed at ages 57 and 35, respectively, due to proven left adrenal adenoma in patient 1; and presumptive adrenal nodular hyperplasia in patient 2. This is the first report to appear in the English medical literature that describes an association between IIH and PAL. It raises the prospect that in some cases of IIH associated with arterial hypertension, an autonomous production of aldosterone should be considered.
Circadian variabilities of modulated ventricular parasystole

Abstract Acircadian rhythm of the discharge rate of continuous ventricular parasystole was recently described 1 . This phenomenon, however, has not been previously reported in cases of modulated parasystole.
Proto-TAI: Quick Design Prototyping Using Tangible Assisted Interfaces

In the real world, we use our innate manual dexterity to create and manipulate 3D objects. Conventional virtual design tools largely neglect this skill by imposing non-intuitive 2D control mechanisms for interacting with 3D design models. Their usage is thus cumbersome, time consuming and requires training. We propose a novel design paradigm that combines users’ manual dexterity with the physical affordances of non-instrumented and ordinary objects to support virtual 3D design constructions. We demonstrate this paradigm through Proto-TAI, a quick prototyping application where 2D shapes are assembled into 3D representations of ideated design concepts. Here, users can create 2D shapes in a pen-based sketch medium and use expressive handheld movements of a planar proxy to configure the shapes in 3D space. The proxy provides a metaphorical means for possessing and controlling the shapes. Here, a depth sensor and computer vision algorithms track the proxy’s spatial movement. The 3D design prototype constructed in our system can be fabricated using a laser cutter and physically assembled on-the-fly. Our system has vast implications in many design and assembly contexts, and we demonstrate its usability and efficacy through user studies and evaluations.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
The use of He's variational iteration method for obtaining the free vibration of an Euler-Bernoulli beam

This paper presents a way of using He's variational iteration method to solve free vibration problems for an Euler-Bernoulli beam under various supporting conditions. By employing this technique, the beam's natural frequencies and mode shapes can be obtained and a rapidly convergent sequence is obtained during the solution. The results obtained are the same as the results obtained by the Adomian decomposition method. It is verified that the present method is accurate and it provides a simple and efficient approach for solving vibration problems for uniform Euler-Bernoulli beams. A robust and efficient algorithm is also programmed using Matlab based on the present method, which can be easily used to solve Euler Bernoulli beam problems.
Changes in Configuration of the Ventricular Chambers during the Cardiac Cycle

Cinefluorographic angiocardiography has been used to record the sequential changes in the size and shape of the right and left ventricular chambers and the external cardiac silhouette in dogs. Evidence is presented which indicates that (1) the left ventricle is usually filled more rapidly than it is emptied, (2) the diastolic size appears to remain remarkably constant during a major portion of the diastolic period and (3) residual blood remains within the ventricle at the end of systole.
Tight frame approximations for Gabor and wavelet frames

Given a window function which generates a Gabor (resp. Wavelet) frame. We consider the best approximation by those window functions that generate normalized tight (or just tight) frames. Using a parameterizations of window functions by certain class of operators in the von Neumann algebras associated with shift operators in time and frequency over certain lattices, we are able to prove that for any window function of a Gabor frame, there exists a unique window function which generates a tight Gabor frame and is the best approximation (among all the tight Gabor frames) for the given window function. More generally, we show that this is true for any frame induced by a projective unitary representation for a group. However, this result is not valid for wavelet frames. We will provide a restricted approximation result for semi-orthogonal wavelet frames.
Neuroreceptors in the tissues of the knee joint

Four types of receptors have been described in the articular tissues of the knee joint in humans and animals. The first three types are encapsulated; the fourth is unencapsulated: type I, Ruffini endings; type II, Pacinian corpuscles; type III, Golgi tendon organs; and type IV, free nerve endings. Ruffini endings, Pacinian corpuscles, and free nerve endings are most prevalent in the fibrous joint capsule; Golgi tendon organs are most common in the collateral and cruciate ligaments and the menisci. In the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL, PCL), receptors are concentrated at the tibial and femoral attachments of the ligaments. In the menisci, neural elements penetrate the horns and the outer and middle thirds of the body. Ruffini mechanoreceptors are believed to contribute mainly to maintenance of muscle tone, Pacinian corpuscles and Golgi tendon organs are stimulated during movement, and free nerve endings are nociceptors. Thus, receptors of the knee joint are able to produce a discriminating afferent inflow to the central nervous system (CNS), thereby contributing to the protection and function of the joint through the musculature.
Central Neurocytoma: A Review

Central neurocytomas are rare intraventricular neoplasms of the central nervous system, compromising 0.25–0.5% of brain tumors. The diagnosis and management of these tumors remains controversial since most clinical series are small. Typically, patients with central neurocytomas have a favorable prognosis, but in some cases the clinical course is more aggressive. Although histological features of anaplasia do not predict biologic behavior, proliferation markers including MIB-1 might be more useful in predicting relapse. The most important therapeutic modality is surgery, and a safe maximal resection confers the best long-term outcome. In cases of a subtotal resection, standard external beam radiation can be added or radiation can be delayed until tumor progression occurs. Smaller residual tumor volumes or recurrences can be treated with more conformal radiation or focused radiosurgery. Re-operation for recurrence should be considered if the procedure can be safely performed. Chemotherapy may be useful for recurrent central neurocytomas that cannot be resected and have been radiated, although long-term responses have not been reported for chemotherapy. Overall, this paper reviews the findings of the larger studies and highlights some of the important case reports that contribute to the current management of central neurocytomas.
SEASONAL PATTERNS IN THE ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF CALIFORNIA CETACEANS, 1991-1992

This study presents a detailed seasonal comparison of the abundance and distribution of cetaceans within 100-150 nmi (185-278 km) of the California coast during 1991 and 1992. The results of a shipboard line-transect survey conducted in July-November 1991 (“summer”) were compared to those from aerial line-transect surveys conducted in March-April 1991 and February-April 1992 (“winter”). Using a confidence-interval-based bootstrap procedure, abundance estimates for six of the eleven species included in the comparison exhibited significant (a = 0.05) differences between the winter and summer surveys. Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), common dolphins (Delphinus spp.), and northern right whale dolphins (Lissodelphis borealis) were significantly more abundant in winter. The abundance of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculuss) and gray whales (Eschrichtius vobwtus) reflected well-documented migratory patterns. Fin whales (€4. physalus) were significantly more abundant during summer. No significant differences in seasonal abundance were identified for Dall’s porpoises (Phocoenoides dalli), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), killer whales (Orcinw orca), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), or humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Significant northlsouth shifts in distribution were found for Dall’s porpoises, common dolphins, and Pacific white-sided dolphins, and significant inshore/offshore differences were identified for northern right whale dolphins and humpback whales.
Dynamics of New Product Campaigns

competitive economy is that most of them fail. Yet every one of these new products is originally launched with enthusiasm and seeming good reason. Indeed, the greater the enthusiasm and the higher the hopes, the more difficult it is to recognize a failure. First, a trade-retailing pipeline must be filled; then a consumer trial period follows; and eventually some combined trade-consumer level of acceptance emerges. The early trade shipments and consumer sales may tell little about the final outcome. A million units sold bears quite different meanings if a million consumers have tried once, or if half that many have tried and repeated. Thus, new product campaign strategies must be able to handle a spectrum of failures and successes. They must be able to use information from the field early and continuously, and to accelerate or decelerate new product campaigns objectively for maximum profit performance. The time advantage of a new product success can easily perish for want of adequate follow-through actions in production, logistics, and retail distribution. Sins of omission in successful introductions can cost reduced profits, even though they may be less noticeable than failures. The game of stud poker furnishes a useful analogy here. The hole card corresponds to the new product. The cards dealt face up on the table represent field performance of the product during the campaign. Accelerating or decelerating the new product campaign as new marketing information becomes available corresponds to the betting, "seeing," and "folding up" that occur as new cards are dealt.
A BAD NETWORK PROBLEM FOR THE SIMPLEX METHOD AND OTHER MINIMUM COST FLOW ALGORITHMS

For any integern, a modified transportation problem with 2n + 2 nodes is constructed which requires 2 n + 2 n−2−2 iterations using all but one of the most commonly used minimum cost flow algorithms. As a result, the Edmonds—Karp Scaling Method [3] becomes the only known “good” (in the sense of Edmonds) algorithm for computing minimum cost flows.
Control of Non-Spherical Particles in Microfluidic Channel

A precise control of orientation and position of micro- and nano-particles is critical for their applications in micro- and nano-scale systems. This research is focused on a numerical investigation of controlling the cylindrical particle/road with transverse electric field in a pressure driven microchannel flow with Finite Element Method (FEM). The particle/rod is initially located at the channel centerline with different initial angles. The electrophoretic force and hydrodynamic force are combined to control particle/rod movement. It was found that pressure, applied voltage and initial angles have different impact on particles dynamic behavior.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Stimulus generalization among odorants by rats

Abstract An operant conditioning procedure was used to train rats to discriminate between two odors each highly characteristic of a different stereochemical class. Following training the rats were tested for stimulus generalization to previously unexperienced odors. Generalization to new odors was in accord with predictions derived from a steric-similarity analysis of the odorant molecules.
Cell-mediated drug delivery to the brain

The inability of most potent therapeutics to cross the blood–brain barrier following systemic administration necessitates the need to develop unconventional, clinically applicable drug delivery systems for the treatment of brain disorders. Smart, biologically active vehicles are crucial to accomplishing this challenging task. In this review, we discuss new drug delivery systems that utilize living cells for drug carriage to the brain. Using inflammatory response cells enables targeted drug transport and prolonged circulation times, along with reductions in cell and tissue toxicities. In addition, these cells are capable of cell-to-cell transmission of drug-laden nanoparticles that improves their therapeutic outcomes. Noteworthy, a proper differentiation of drug carriers into particular subtypes may further boost the therapeutic efficiency of cell-based drug formulations. Such systems for drug carriage and targeted release represent a novel strategy that can be applied to a spectrum of human disorders.
Domestic Politics, International Pressure, and the Allocation of American Cold War Military Spending

Although foreign policy choices, especially on security questions, are often treated as autonomous state responses to international pressures, these events and conditions do not affect society in a uniform way. International conditions influence policy, but their implications depend on the interests of the domestic political faction controlling the state. Because decisions about military strategy and force structure are closely linked to the international balance of power, they offer an especially demanding test of this argument. This article offers evidence that Republican and Democratic presidents systematically differed on the allocation of resources within the Pentagon during the Cold War. Republicans directed spending toward strategic forces, while Democrats stressed conventional forces. Furthermore, although Soviet gains in relative nuclear capabilities influenced Democrats' decisions about strategic forces, they had little or no influence on Republican choices. These differences make sense in light...
Hybrid Control for Connectivity Preserving Flocking

In this technical note, we address the combined problem of motion and network topology control in a group of mobile agents with common objective the flocking behavior of the group. Instead of assuming network connectivity, we enforce it by means of distributed topology control that decides on both deletion and creation of communication links between agents, adapting the network to the group's spatial distribution. With this protocol ensuring network connectivity, a decentralized motion controller aligns agent velocity vectors and regulates inter-agent distances to maintain existing network links. The stability of the flocking controller is established in continuous time by means of an observability argument on a quadratic form of the graph Laplacian that exploits the time delay between link deletion and creation caused by the topology control protocol, which induces a dwell time between network switches.
Investigating Differences in How the News Media Views Homosexuality Across Nations: An Analysis of the United States, South Africa, and Uganda†

While there is a wealth of information about the extent to which people across the world disapprove of homosexuality, we know a lot less about the lenses through which they view same-sex relations. The aim of this study is to understand better how homosexuality is framed in the public press, and how religion and economic development may combine to shape this discourse. Through an analysis of almost 400 newspaper articles, this study compares how homosexuality is framed in Uganda, South Africa, and the United States. Because these nations have high levels of religious belief, but differ in their level of economic development and democracy, we can assess how these factors interact to shape portrayals. Drawing on work from cultural sociology and the sociology of religion, this study shows that the United States is much more likely than Uganda to frame homosexuality as a civil rights issue and use entertainers as claimsmakers. Conversely, articles from Uganda are more likely than those from the United States or South Africa to frame homosexuality as a religious issue and draw on religious claimsmakers. Likewise, Uganda is much more likely than South Africa to discuss homosexuality in the context of Western influences.
Divergence of Structure and Function in the Haloacid Dehalogenase Enzyme Superfamily: Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron BT2127 Is an Inorganic Pyrophosphatase.

The explosion of protein sequence information requires that current strategies for function assignment evolve to complement experimental approaches with computationally based function prediction. This necessitates the development of strategies based on the identification of sequence markers in the form of specificity determinants and a more informed definition of orthologues. Herein, we have undertaken the function assignment of the unknown haloalkanoate dehalogenase superfamily member BT2127 (Uniprot accession code Q8A5 V9) from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron using an integrated bioinformatics-structure-mechanism approach. The substrate specificity profile and steady-state rate constants of BT2127 (with a k(cat)/K(m) value for pyrophosphate of ~1 × 10(5) M(-1) s(-1)), together with the gene context, support the assigned in vivo function as an inorganic pyrophosphatase. The X-ray structural analysis of wild-type BT2127 and several variants generated by site-directed mutagenesis shows that substrate discrimination is based, in part, on active site space restrictions imposed by the cap domain (specifically by residues Tyr76 and Glu47). Structure-guided site-directed mutagenesis coupled with kinetic analysis of the mutant enzymes identified the residues required for catalysis, substrate binding, and domain-domain association. On the basis of this structure-function analysis, the catalytic residues Asp11, Asp13, Thr113, and Lys147 as well the metal binding residues Asp171, Asn172, and Glu47 were used as markers to confirm BT2127 orthologues identified via sequence searches. This bioinformatic analysis demonstrated that the biological range of BT2127 orthologue is restricted to the phylum Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi. The key structural determinants in the divergence of BT2127 and its closest homologue, β-phosphoglucomutase, control the leaving group size (phosphate vs glucose phosphate) and the position of the Asp acid/base in the open versus closed conformations. HADSF pyrophosphatases represent a third mechanistic and fold type for bacterial pyrophosphatases.
Geographic information systems: are they decision support systems?

Geographic information systems (GIS) are a special case of information systems with a capability to integrate spatial and descriptive data. As GIS enter into mainstream business applications, understanding how they are similar and different from more familiar information systems such as DSS can be useful. An attempt is made to converge on a definition of GIS. The potential for many decisions to be viewed as spatially (and temporally) dependent is noted. Special analysis issues and problems associated with spatial data are discussed. DSS are defined relative to Sprague's (1980) DSS components model; it is concluded that specialized decision support applications exist for decision aiding but that the model management component for a true DSS is missing. Cross-fertilization from DSS and GIS research is discussed, along with implications for IS management of GIS. >
Nonlinear holographic associative memories

Recent progress in the field of holographic optical associative memories is reviewed. The addition of nonlinear optical feedback to holographic memories using phase conjugation techniques has resulted in a new class of nonlinear holographic associative memories. These systems perform associations between input patterns and stored patterns as in classical holography. Unlike classical holography, however, external nonlinearities are used to make decisions and select between competing alternatives, perform error corrections, and increase storage capacity. Such optical associative processors may have applications in future implementations of optical neural networks. >
Transactionalizing legacy code: an experience report using GCC and Memcached

The addition of transactional memory (TM) support to existing languages provides the opportunity to create new soft- ware from scratch using transactions, and also to simplify or extend legacy code by replacing existing synchronization with language-level transactions. In this paper, we describe our experiences transactionalizing the memcached application through the use of the GCC implementation of the Draft C++ TM Specification. We present experiences and recommendations that we hope will guide the effort to integrate TM into languages, and that may also contribute to the growing collective knowledge about how programmers can begin to exploit TM in existing production-quality software.
Sushi consumption rates and mercury levels in sushi: ethnic and demographic differences in exposure

There are few papers on sushi consumption and its role in methylmercury exposure. We interviewed 1289 people in a New Jersey university community regarding fish and sushi consumption and collected ‘sushi’ samples for total mercury analysis from New Jersey stores and supermarkets and from New York City, and Chicago. The 92% of interviewees who ate fish, ate an average of 5.06 fish and fish-sushi meals/month; 77% of interviewees reported eating sushi (mean = 3.27 meals/month). Caucasians and Asians ate more sushi meals/month, and more sushi pieces/meal than other ethnicities, with East Asians eating more than South Asians. Some people in all ethnic groups ate more than 40 fish-sushi pieces/ month. Total mercury levels varied significantly by type and quality of sushi, with tuna sashimi having the highest mean levels (0.68 ± 0.05 μg/g = ppm on wet weight basis equivalent to about 0.61 ppm of methylmercury). Tuna roll averaged 0.46 ± 0.09 ppm of total mercury. Other types of sushi averaged less than 0.06 ppm ...
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Signaling Rewrites the Glucocorticoid Transcriptome via Glucocorticoid Receptor Phosphorylation

Abnormal glucocorticoid and neurotrophin signaling has been implicated in numerous psychiatric disorders. However, the impact of neurotrophic signaling on glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-dependent gene expression is not understood. We therefore examined the impact of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling on GR transcriptional regulatory function by gene expression profiling in primary rat cortical neurons stimulated with the selective GR agonist dexamethasone (Dex) and BDNF, alone or in combination. Simultaneous treatment with BDNF and Dex elicited a unique set of GR-responsive genes associated with neuronal growth and differentiation and also enhanced the induction of a large number of Dex-sensitive genes. BDNF via its receptor TrkB enhanced the transcriptional activity of a synthetic GR reporter, suggesting a direct effect of BDNF signaling on GR function. Indeed, BDNF treatment induces the phosphorylation of GR at serine 155 (S155) and serine 287 (S287). Expression of a nonphosphorylatable mutant (GR S155A/S287A) impaired the induction of a subset of BDNF- and Dex-regulated genes. Mechanistically, BDNF-induced GR phosphorylation increased GR occupancy and cofactor recruitment at the promoter of a BDNF-enhanced gene. GR phosphorylation in vivo is sensitive to changes in the levels of BDNF and TrkB as well as stress. Therefore, BDNF signaling specifies and amplifies the GR transcriptome through a coordinated GR phosphorylation-dependent detection mechanism.
The Frobenius method for complex roots of the indicial equation

In the real domain with a(x)and b(x)analytic at x= 0 and the roots of the indicial equation complex conjugate, it is demonstrated that the real and imaginary parts of any complex solution of the differential equation x2y” + xa(x)y’ + b(x)y =0obtained, for example, by the Frobenius method using any one root, constitute a real basis for the solution space. With the above result in mind, and using the Frobenius method, explicit series representations for the two real linearly independent solutions are obtained for the particular class of equations x2y"+x(a0+a1xn)y'+(b0 + b1xn)y=0, where nis a non‐negative integer and a0, a1, b0 and b1 are real constants, with the additional proviso that a0 and b0 are chosen to guarantee complex roots. The structure of the solutions and the question of convergence are examined, and the general results are applied to two concrete examples.
Factors affecting variability in the urinary biomarker 1,6-hexamethylene diamine in workers exposed to 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate

Although urinary 1,6-hexamethylene diamine (HDA) is a useful biomarker of exposure to 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), a large degree of unexplained intra- and inter-individual variability exists between estimated HDI exposure and urine HDA levels. We investigated the effect of individual and workplace factors on urine HDA levels using quantitative dermal and inhalation exposure data derived from a survey of automotive spray painters exposed to HDI. Painters' dermal and breathing-zone HDI-exposures were monitored over an entire workday for up to three separate workdays, spaced approximately one month apart. One urine sample was collected before the start of work with HDI-containing paints, and multiple samples were collected throughout the workday. Using mixed effects multiple linear regression modeling, coverall use resulted in significantly lower HDA levels (p = 0.12), and weekday contributed to significant variability in HDA levels (p = 0.056). We also investigated differences in urine HDA levels stratified by dichotomous and classification covariates using analysis of variance. Use of coveralls (p = 0.05), respirator type worn (p = 0.06), smoker status (p = 0.12), paint-booth type (p = 0.02), and more than one painter at the shop (p = 0.10) were all found to significantly affect urine HDA levels adjusted for creatinine concentration. Coverall use remained significant (p = 0.10), even after adjusting for respirator type. These results indicate that the variation in urine HDA level is mainly due to workplace factors and that appropriate dermal and inhalation protection is required to prevent HDI exposure.
The action of Depo-Provera in 3 girls with idiopathic isosexual precocity: Decrease in estrogen effect without urinary gonadotropin reduction**

6 Alpha-methyl-17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera ® ), a progestationalagent, was used in the treatment of 3 girls with idiopathic isosexual precocity. A decrease in the biologic manifestations of estrogen was noted for all patients but there was no deceleration in the rate of linear growth and osseous maturation for the 2 younger patients. There was no decrease in the titer of urinary gonadotropins in the 3 girls with isosexual precocious development or in 3 girls with the XO syndrome during the parenteral administration of Depo-Provera. There was no indication of primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency during treatment.
Efficient Levenberg-Marquardt minimization of the cross-entropy error function

The Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm is one of the most common choices for training medium-size artificial neural networks. Since it was designed to solve nonlinear least-squares problems, its applications to the training of neural networks have so far typically amounted to using simple regression even for classification tasks. However, in this case the cross-entropy function, which corresponds to the maximum likelihood estimate of the network weights when the sigmoid or softmax activation function is used in the output layer, is the natural choice of the error function and a convex function of the weights in the output layer. It is an important property which leads to a more robust convergence of any descent-based training method. By constructing and implementing a modified version of the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm suitable for minimizing the cross-entropy function, we aim to close a gap in the existing literature on neural networks. Additionally, as using the cross-entropy error measure results in one single error value per training pattern, our approach results in lower memory requirements for multi-valued classification problems when compared to the direct application of the algorithm.