cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Directly acting antivirals for the treatment of patients with hepatitis C infection: A clinical development update addressing key future challenges

Current therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is effective in less than 50% of genotype 1-infected patients. Antiviral agents specifically targeting either the HCV protease or polymerase, or other targets, are now in clinical development. In general, direct antivirals are potent inhibitors of HCV replication and can result in rapid declines in serum HCV RNA levels. Yet these agents drive selection pressure for mutant viruses that can reduce susceptibility to any given drug. Using pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) in combination with direct antivirals can suppress viral breakthrough and increase the likelihood of sustained virologic response. Direct antivirals also result in adverse events in a proportion of patients, adding to concerns of tolerability that exist with PEG-IFN and RBV. Direct antivirals are very likely to become an integral part of treatment within the next decade, and already their use in clinical trials has raised important issues related to duration of treatment, early stopping rules, retreatment of previously treated patients, and how or when direct antivirals should be combined. Here, we provide current information regarding the effectiveness of direct antivirals in treating chronic HCV infection and discuss the key questions and challenges now facing the field.
Infrared properties of the extraordinary ray multiphonon processes in sapphire.

Transmission measurements using a linearly polarized diode laser, operating between 4.9 and 5.0 μm, and a sapphire sample with the c axis in the plane of the sample surface are used to determine the first multiphonon absorption coefficient measurements of the extraordinary ray.
Cognitive development and locus of control as predictors of preschoolers' understanding of safety and prevention

Preschoolers' cognitive level and locus of control orientation and their parents' locus of control orientation were considered as possible predictors of children's abilities to differentiate between safe and unsafe situations (safety score) and specify preventive measures (prevention score). Individual interviews were conducted with 3- to 6-year-old children enrolled at a daycare center, and their parents completed the Rotter Internal-External Locus of Control and the Accident Locus of Control (ALOC) scales. As hypothesized, children's level of causal reasoning was positively correlated with their safety and prevention scores. A curvilinear relationship was evident relationship existed with prevention score. Fathers' ALOC score was the only parent measure that predicted children's safety score, while none of the parent measures were predictive of children's prevention score. The findings were discussed in terms of safety education programs and directions for future research.
Stealth false data injection using independent component analysis in smart grid

In smart grid, the strong coupling between cyber and physical operations makes power systems vulnerable to cyber attacks. In this paper, stealth false data attacks are investigated where the attackers without prior knowledge of the power grid topology, try to make inferences through phasor observations. We show that when the system dynamics are small and can be approximated linearly, linear independent component analysis (ICA) can be applied to estimate the Jacobian matrix multiplied by the eigenvectors of the covariance matrix of the state variables. The inferred structural information can then be used to launch unobservable attacks. As demonstrated by the simulation results using data generated by MATPOWER, the proposed scheme can indeed inject false data with low detectability.
Prenatal androgens alter GABAergic drive to gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons: Implications for a common fertility disorder

Polycystic ovary syndrome, a fertility disorder affecting ≈7% of women, is characterized by elevated androgens, disrupted reproductive cycles, and high luteinizing hormone, the latter reflecting increased gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release. In animal models, a similar reproductive endocrine phenotype occurs after prenatal androgen exposure. To study the effects of in utero androgen exposure directly on GnRH neurons, the central regulators of fertility, we prenatally androgenized (PNA) transgenic mice that express GFP in these cells. Pregnant females were injected with dihydrotestosterone, and their female offspring were studied as adults. PNA mice had irregular estrous cycles and elevated testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels, suggesting altered hypothalamo–pituitary–gonadal axis function. GnRH neurons receive a major input from γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons, and GABA type A receptor activation may play a role in their regulation by steroids. We tested whether PNA alters GABAergic drive to GnRH neurons by comparing frequency and size of GABAergic postsynaptic currents in GnRH neurons from PNA and control females. Both postsynaptic current frequency and size were increased in PNA mice; these effects were reversed by in vivo treatment with the androgen receptor antagonist flutamide, suggesting that androgens mediated these effects. Changes in postsynaptic current frequency and size were action potential-independent, suggesting the possibility that PNA increased connectivity between GABAergic and GnRH neurons. The ability of prenatal steroid exposure to initiate changes that alter functional inputs to GnRH neurons in adults has important implications for understanding the regulation of normal reproduction as well as the hypothalamic abnormalities of fertility disorders.
The effect of data pre-processing on understanding the evolution of collaboration networks

Abstract This paper shows empirically how the choice of certain data pre-processing methods for disambiguating author names affects our understanding of the structure and evolution of co-publication networks. Thirty years of publication records from 125 Information Systems journals were obtained from DBLP. Author names in the data were pre-processed via algorithmic disambiguation. We applied the commonly used all-initials and first-initial based disambiguation methods to the data, generated over-time networks with a yearly resolution, and calculated standard network metrics on these graphs. Our results show that initial-based methods underestimate the number of unique authors, average distance, and clustering coefficient, while overestimating the number of edges, average degree, and ratios of the largest components. These self-reinforcing growth and shrinkage mechanisms amplify over time. This can lead to false findings about fundamental network characteristics such as topology and reasoning about underlying social processes. It can also cause erroneous predictions of trends in future network evolution and suggest unjustified policies, interventions and funding decisions. The findings from this study suggest that scholars need to be more attentive to data pre-processing when analyzing or reusing bibliometric data.
A parametrized fixed point theorem

We use bordism theory to extend Lefschetz-Nielsen theory to a family of manifolds and endomorphisms. In particular, we define an invariant, and prove a parametrized fixed point theorem and its converse.
Regulation of Hypothalamic Proopiomelanocortin mRNA by Leptin in ob/ob Mice

The hormone leptin acts on the brain to regulate feeding, metabolism, and reproduction; however, its cellular targets and molecular mechanisms of action remain to be fully elucidated. The melanocortins, which are derived from the precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC), are also implicated in the physiological regulation of body weight. POMC-containing neurons express the leptin receptor, and thus it is conceivable that the POMC gene itself may be part of the signaling pathway involved in leptin's action on the brain. Using in situ hybridization and computerized image analysis, we tested the hypothesis that the POMC gene is a target for regulation by leptin by comparing cellular levels of POMC mRNA in the hypothalamus among groups of leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice, leptin-treated ob/ob mice, and wild-type controls. POMC mRNA levels were significantly reduced throughout the arcuate nucleus in vehicle-treated ob/ob mice relative to wild-type controls, whereas POMC mRNA levels in leptin-treated ob/ob mice were indistinguishable from wild-type controls. These observations suggest that one or more products of POMC serve as an integrative link between leptin and the central mechanisms governing body weight regulation and reproduction.
Healthy practices, social relationships and dental perceptions among US dentate adults.

Objective This study explored and described the effects of healthy practices and social relationships on dental perceptions among U.S. dentate adults. Methods Guided by the Alameda County Study: Health and Ways of Living, weighted data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 8,449 U.S. dentate adults aged 18-64 years were analyzed with SUDAAN 7.5.3. Results Healthy practices and social relationships showed protective effects against unfavorable dental perceptions after controlling for socio-demographic characteristics, dental access, and related clinical dental status. Besides healthy practices and social relationships, education, family income, having dental visit in the past 12 months, having dental decay, having defective tooth condition, and number of natural teeth helped explain unfavorable dental perceptions in the adjusted model. Compared with persons who had high social relationships and high healthy practices, those who had low social relationships with very low, low and medium healthy practices were about five, times (OR=5.07; 99% CI=3.24, 7.91), almost four times (OR=3.61; 99% CI=2.22, 5.87), and two times (OR=2.24; 99% CI=1.37, 3.67) more likely, respectively, to have unfavorable dental perceptions. In the adjusted model, these odds ratios decreased to three (OR=3.30; 99% CI=2.01, 5.41), two (OR=2.06; 99% CI=1.15, 3.69) and non-significant difference, consecutively. Conclusions Influence of healthy practices and social relationships on dental health may encourage dental health professions to participate in general health behavior modifications and social actions to foster social relationships, in addition to preventive dental care.
Effect of Height on Responses of Redheaded Pine Sawfly (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae) Males to Synthetic Pheromone and Virgin Females

Field studies in Florida using sticky traps baited with A-II synthetic female pheromone [(2S,3S,7S)-3,7-dimethylpentadecan-2-yl acetate] or a series of live virgin Neodiprion lecontei (Fitch) females were conducted to determine N. lecontei male flight responses at different heights above ground. A-II and virgin females were interchangeable in eliciting male responses. Most males (≥84%) responded either to A-II-or female-baited traps placed at firetowers at 1 m, rather than at 14 or 28 m. The proportion of males responding to A-II at 1 m usually decreased in competition with the attraction of A-II or females at 14 m. When A-II-baited traps were placed at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 m per host pine 6 m tall, there was no significant ( P > 0.05) difference in the mean numbers of males caught per trap placed on trees with branches and foliage (possible host factor) artificially removed, than on intact (control) trees. When A-II-baited traps were placed singly at either 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 m high per tree in trees with branches and foliage present, there was no significant ( P > 0.05) difference in mean catches. These data indicate that single A-II-baited traps will effectively attract males when placed in young pine stands on stakes at 1 m or on trees at ca. 2 m. Attempts to eradicate N. lecontei by continuous trapping of males at such heights probably would fail when virgin females were present in the crowns of large host trees nearby.
Creep Behavior of Si3N4-Whisker-Reinforced Si3N4-Matrix Composites Using an In Situ Dynamic Beam Profiling Method

A four-point flexure test, capable of simultaneously measuring load-point and beam-center displacements and permitting in situ profiling of the beam throughout the test, has been developed. Compressive and tensile strains in the outer fibers, together with the neutral axis displacement, were determined in real time for Si 3 N 4 -whisker-reinforced Si 3 N 4 -ceramic-matrix composites. Combining these data with the closed form solution of Chen and Chuang gave excellent correspondence between the creep exponents determined from flexure tests with those determined independently from tensile and compressive creep tests.
Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver: A rare cause of obstructive jaundice and portal hypertension in a child

Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) of the liver and intrahepatic bile ducts is a rare cause of obstructive jaundice and portal hypertension in the pediatric age group. Becuse it seems to have a better long-term outcome than many of the conditions with which it may be confused, it is important to recognize the radiologic and pathologic features of this rare lesion so that appropriate therapy may be instituted.
Toward New Models for Research, Community, and Consumer Partnerships: Some Guiding Principles and an Illustration

This article comments on four articles in this Special Issue pertaining to collaborative partnerships in community-based child mental health research. Several guiding principles are reviewed, and illustrations are provided based on the Research Evaluation and Training partnership between the University of Hawaii and the Hawaii Department of Health.
NAC (NAM/ATAF/CUC) transcription factors in different stresses and their signaling pathway

Plants have evolved several molecular mechanisms to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses. Successful adaptation to stress is regulated through the activation or repression of the effects of transcription factors on specific target genes. The NAC (NAM, ATAF and CUC) transcription factors (TFs), which constitute one of the largest plant-specific transcription factor family, have been reported to be involved in plant development, biotic and abiotic stress regulation. Thus NAC TFs might be promising candidates for improving plants’ stress tolerance. Ongoing research on this transcription factor family has greatly broadened our knowledge in terms of its structure, functions, interaction with phytohormones, evolution and usage. This review focuses on the current status of NACs as regulators of stress.
Computing the effect of sound on the marine environment by the adaptive mesh refinement method

Concern about the impact of sound on marine mammals has increased over the past decade causing regulatory agencies to take a more rigorous look at the potential impact of activities that introduce sound into the marine environment. Environmental Impact Statements (EIS's) must now be prepared to anticipate the impact of anthropogenic sound on marine mammals before engaging in underwater sound activities. In this paper we address the computational challenges of predicting the risk of non-physiological marine mammal harassments out to distant ranges. The maximum extent and step sizes of each dimension (range, depth and bearing) of the simulation space will have a significant impact on the amount of processing time required as well as the resulting accuracy. However, dynamic changes in the predicted sound pressure level as a function of depth and range combined with undulating bathymetry make it difficult to apply one simple grid structure at the outset of the simulation. Here, we investigate the current need for faster and more accurate calculations by applying the Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) method to provide maximum accuracy in localized regions on an as-needed basis, and using sparser sampling in the larger regions of ocean where the sound field is relatively unchanged.
Highlat Russet potato for Alaskans

Potato production in Alaska is mainly of white skin, white flesh varieties. Highlat Russet was selected at this latitude to fulfill grower need for a productive, attractive, high quality, baking-type russet skin potato. It was chosen from among 4384 seedling tubers representing 67 crosses made by plant breeders at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland.
Comparison of pretreatments and dispersants on clay determination by the hydrometer method

Abstract Three pretreatments and five dispersing treatments in a factorial design were applied to particle size analysis samples from a Rozellville 2Bt horizon and a Rosholt Bt horizon. The sodium citrate ‐ dithionite pretreatment and calgon, sodium pyrophosphate, and sodium oxalate as dispersing treatments resulted in significantly higher clay concentrations than the other treatments when applied to the Rosholt samples. The same trends were apparent when these dispersing treatments were applied to the Rozellville samples, however, clay concentrations were not significantly higher.
Airborne laser (ABL) - A legacy and a future for high-energy lasers

The Airborne Laser (ABL) is being built by the USAF as the primary weapon system for boost-phase defense against theater ballistic missiles. The ABL is a legacy of the Airborne Laser Laboratory built in the late 70's that demonstrated the viability of high-energy laser platforms for the future. The ABL is the first airborne laser weapon system for the 21st century, and will be the stepping stone to future high-energy laser systems.
Skin test conversion following transfer factor. A double-blinded study of normal individuals.

Abstract The use of skin test conversion as a measure of change in cellular immune status is a fairly routine procedure despite considerable potential for variation in testing. This study is a double-blinded and randomized reassessment of this assay in the context of transfer factor (TF) activity. Thirty-three normal people with negative tuberculin skin tests received either dialyzable TF, column purified TF, hypoxanthine, or saline in a randomized and double-blinded fashion. Skin test reactivity to tuberculin and keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) was read by three of the investigators. Nine of 20 recipients of TF and 7 of 13 controls demonstrated an increase in tuberculin reactivity after "transfer." Four reactions were greater than 10 mm. Fourteen of 20 recipients of TF and 7 of 13 controls demonstrated some reactivity to KLH on initial testing post-transfer. Control solutions were as effective as TF preparations in "causing" skin test conversion. These observations stress the importance of controlled and blinded studies when serial skin test reactivity is used to evaluate cellular immune status in humans.
Chromatin, DNA methylation and neuron gene regulation--the purpose of the package.

The accessibility of cognate binding sites within a gene promoter can be modified by the condensation or relaxation of local chromatin structure. Local chromatin structure is in turn programmed by covalent modifications of cytosine bases in DNA and amino acid residues in histone protein tails. These chemical and physical adaptations around gene promoters can significantly change levels of mRNA expression. Furthermore, linear patterns of covalent modification of histone protein tails are emerging as a distinct regulatory code — another form of cellular memory. Because chromatin structure can be modified by conventional pharmacologic therapy, a novel approach to the regulation of neuronal gene expression in clinical populations is possible.
Paleo-reconstructed net basin supply scenarios and their effect on lake levels in the upper great lakes

Paleo-reconstructed hydrologic records offer the potential to evaluate water resources system performance under conditions that may be more extreme than seen in the historical record. This study uses a stochastic simulation framework consisting of a non-homogeneous Markov chain model (NHMM) to simulate the climate state using Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI)-reconstructed data, and K-nearest neighbor (K-NN) to resample observational net basin supply magnitudes for the Great Lakes of North America. The method was applied to generate 500 plausible simulations, each with 100 years of monthly net basin supply for the Upper Great Lakes, to place the observed data into a longer temporal context. The range of net basin supply sequences represents what may have occurred in the past 1,000 years and which can occur in future. The approach was used in evaluation of operational plans for regulation of Lake Superior outflows with implications for lake levels of Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie, and their interconnecting rivers. The simulations generally preserved the statistics of the observed record while providing new variability statistics. The framework produced a variety of high and low net basin supply sequences that provide a broader estimate of the likelihood of extreme lake levels and their persistence than with the historical record. The method does not rely on parametrically generated net basin supply values unlike parametric stochastic simulation techniques, yet still generates new variability through the incorporation of the paleo-record. The process described here generated new scenarios that are plausible based on the paleo and historic record. The evaluation of Upper Great Lakes regulation plans, subject to these scenarios, was used to evaluate robustness of the regulation plans. While the uncertain future climate cannot be predicted, one can evaluate system performance on a wide range of plausible climate scenarios.
Simulation study of the effect of golden-angle KWIC with generalized kinetic model analysis on diagnostic accuracy for lesion discrimination.

Purpose To quantitatively evaluate temporal blurring of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI data generated using a k-space weighted image contrast (KWIC) image reconstruction technique with golden-angle view-ordering.
A Bayesian approach to testing decision making axioms

Abstract Theories of decision making are often formulated in terms of deterministic axioms, which do not account for stochastic variation that attends empirical data. This study presents a Bayesian inference framework for dealing with fallible data. The Bayesian framework provides readily applicable statistical procedures addressing typical inference questions that arise when algebraic axioms are tested against empirical data. The key idea of the Bayesian framework is to employ a prior distribution representing the parametric order constraints implied by a given axiom. Modern methods of Bayesian computation such as Markov chain Monte Carlo are used to estimate the posterior distribution, which provides the information that allows an axiom to be evaluated. Specifically, we adopt the Bayesian p -value as the criterion to assess the descriptive adequacy of a given model (axiom) and we use the deviance information criterion (DIC) to select among a set of candidate models. We illustrate the Bayesian framework by testing well-known axioms of decision making, including the axioms of monotonicity of joint receipt and stochastic transitivity.
Recognizing plants using stochastic L-systems

Recognizing naturally occurring objects has been a difficult task in computer vision. One of the keys to recognizing objects is the development of a suitable model. One type of model, the fractal, has been used successfully to model complex natural objects. A class of fractals, the L-system, has not only been used to model natural plants, but has also aided in their recognition. This research extends the work in plant recognition using L-systems in two ways. Stochastic L-systems are used to model and generate more realistic plants. Furthermore, to handle the complexity of recognition, a learning system is used that automatically generates a decision tree for classification. Results indicate that the approach used here has great potential as a method for recognition of natural objects. >
Electrophysiologic remodeling at coronary sinus ostium is induced by intermittent coronary sinus burst pacing and facilitates atrial arrhythmias

We have recently shown in isolated right (RA) and left atria that intermittent burst pacing of coronary sinus (CS) or pulmonary veins accelerates repolarization at the vascular ostia but not in the atrium per se. We hypothesized this would initiate atrial electrical remodeling and create an arrhythmogenic substrate, and used bigeminal pacing to provoke arrhythmia in isolated rabbit RA preparations before and after burst pacing. Methods: We paced RA from sinus node (SAN) region and applied burst pacing as follows: SAN was paced at CL 400 ms for 3 hours and every 5 minutes interrupted with 30 s pacing from CS at CL 200 ms. We applied 5 minutes of bigeminal pacing before and after 3 hour protocol of burst pacing: S1 was delivered from SAN and S2 from CS. S1-S2 interval was the shortest eliciting a propagated response. Microelectrodes were used to record repolarization time (RT conduction time action potential duration) at CS ostium and at SAN region. Results: The 3 hour burst pacing protocol decreased repolarization time in CS ostia from 102 4 to 85 5 ms (P 0.05) while SAN showed no change (Control 104 3, burst pacing 102 4 ms, NS). The result was increased RA dispersion of repolarization. Bigeminal pacing induced no arrhythmia during control in 10 RA preparations. After burst pacing protocol, arrhythmia incidence increased to 8/10 (P 0.05) RA while S1-S2 decreased from 145 8 to 120 9 ms, P 0.05. Conclusions: Two factors contribute to the arrhythmogenic RA substrate: increased dispersion of repolarization and decreased S1-S2. In RA, both factors result from regional changes induced by intermittent burst pacing and allow subsequent bigeminal pacing to trigger arrhythmias. These results stress the importance of regional diversity in determining atrial arrhythmogenesis.
Unsupervised Event Detection in Videos

This paper presents a method for automatic event detection in videos. The method requires no prior definition of events or their modeling and is thus suitable for unsupervised learning of events in a variety of applications. The presented approach relies on firing patterns of a collection of random local detectors in the field of view of a camera. The firing patterns of the detectors are clustered through a modified vector quantization approach. The resulting clusters are annotated, if needed to assign a meaningful description to each clustered group of firing patterns. The resulting codebook can be used for future detection of events of interests. We demonstrate our approach using data from two different applications.
Antenatal depressive symptoms increase the likelihood of preterm birth

Objective We evaluated the relationship between antenatal depressive symptoms and preterm birth. Study Design Patients completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale between 24-28 weeks of gestation. A score ≥12 (or thoughts of self-harm) indicated an at-risk woman. Symptomatic women were compared to risk-negative patients for relevant demography, historical variables, and pregnancy outcome. Results After screening 14,175 women we found a screen positive rate of 9.1% (n = 1298). At-risk women had a significant increase in preterm birth at Conclusion In this large cohort of prenatally screened women, those with depressive symptoms had an increased likelihood of preterm birth.
A New Maastrichtian Species of the Centrosaurine Ceratopsid Pachyrhinosaurus from the North Slope of Alaska

The Cretaceous rocks of the Prince Creek Formation contain the richest record of polar dinosaurs found anywhere in the world. Here we describe a new species of horned dinosaur, Pachyrhinosaurus perotorum that exhibits an apomorphic character in the frill, as well as a unique combination of other characters. Phylogenetic analysis of 16 taxa of ceratopsians failed to resolve relationships between P. perotorum and other Pachyrhinosaurus species (P. canadensis and P. lakustai). P. perotorum shares characters with each of the previously known species that are not present in the other, including very large nasal and supraorbital bosses that are nearly in contact and separated only by a narrow groove as in P. canadensis, and a rostral comb formed by the nasals and premaxillae as in P. lakustai. P. perotorum is the youngest centrosaurine known (70–69 Ma), and the locality that produced the taxon, the Kikak-Tegoseak Quarry, is close to the highest latitude for recovery of ceratopsid remains.
An analysis of bipolar breakdown and its application to the design of ESD protection circuits

Analytical expressions for the breakdown voltage of an NPN with a resistively grounded base, both with and without the Zener diode trigger which is used in a common ESD protection circuit, are presented for the first time. The results are used to explain anomalous behavior in the I-V curve of the protection circuit, and to achieve a more efficient ESD protection circuit design.
Separation of multi-unit nerve impulse trains by a multi-channel linear filter algorithm.

Abstract We have applied a technique involving multi-channel linear filtering to the problem of sorting and identifying single unit neuronal activity in records containing several simultaneously active units. The technique is effective even when the wave-forms of forms of two or more nerve impulses are supemimposed. We have applied it successfully to data involving up to 6 units, and in theory it is applicable to substantially more. Current limitations are that the waveform of the impulse from each unit must first be determined by identifying and averaging several isolated examples, and that the number of recording electrodes must approximate the number of units present.
A dynamically tuned sorting library

Empirical search is a strategy used during the installation of library generators such as ATLAS, FFTW, and SPIRAL to identify the algorithm or the version of an algorithm that delivers the best performance. In the past, empirical search has been applied almost exclusively to scientific problems. In this paper, we discuss the application of empirical search to sorting, which is one of the best understood symbolic computing problems. When contrasted with the dense numerical computations of ATLAS, FFTW, and SPIRAL, sorting presents a new challenge, namely that the relative performance of the algorithms depend not only on the characteristics of the target machine and the size of the input data but also on the distribution of values in the input data set. Empirical search is applied in the study reported here as part of a sorting library generator. The resulting routines dynamically adapt to the characteristics of the input data by selecting the best sorting algorithm from a small set of alternatives. To generate the run time selection mechanism our generator makes use of machine learning to predict the best algorithm as a function of the characteristics of the input data set and the performance of the different algorithms on the target machine. This prediction is based on the data obtained through empirical search at installation time. Our results show that our approach is quite effective. When sorting data inputs of 12M keys with various standard deviations, our adaptive approach selected the best algorithm for all the input data sets and all platforms that we tried in our experiments. The wrong decision could have introduced a performance degradation of up to 133%, with an average value of 44%.
Blood pressure is associated with occult cardiovascular disease in prospectively studied Hodgkin lymphoma survivors after chest radiation

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to prospectively screen a cohort of asymptomatic long-term survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) treated with chest irradiation for occult cardiovascular disease (CVD), and correlate screen-detected disease with prospectively measured cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs). A total of 182 HL survivors treated with chest irradiation (median follow-up time 14.8 years) were enrolled and underwent prospective CRF measurement and resting and stress echocardiography to assess coronary artery disease (CAD)/valve disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). Forty-seven (26%) patients had occult CAD/valve disease and/or LVSD. LVSD was not correlated with CRFs. Controlling for treatment factors, hypertension (odds ratio [OR] = 3.0) and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (OR = 2.7) increased the likelihood of occult CAD/valve disease. Risk of CAD/valve disease rose exponentially with increasing blood pressure (BP) values, even in the normal range. Ou...
The effect of pentobarbital (Nembutal) on prolactin release in the rat.

SummaryThe effect of Nembutal on plasma prolactin levels of ovariectomized rats was investigated in three situations which bring about increased release of the hormone. Prolactin was determined by radioimmunoassay. Nembutal lowered the elevated plasma prolactin in etherized rats. It completely reversed the elevation induced by α-methyl-m-tyrosine, an inhibitor of catecholamine synthesis, and also reduced the elevated levels observed in estrogen-treated animals. The results support the hypothesis that Nembutal blocks the release of a prolactin-releasing factor which is released by ether stress, α-methyl-m-tyrosine and estrogen.
Narrative, Expression and Mental Substance

This paper starts from the debate between proponents of a neo‐Lockean psychological continuity view of personal identity, and defenders of the idea that we are simple mental substances. Each party has valid criticisms of the other; the impasse in the debate is traced to the Lockean assumption that substance is only externally related to its attributes. This suggests the possibility that we could develop a better account of mental substance if we thought of it as having an internal relation to its states. I suggest that we may be able to do this by relying on the notion of expression. In developing this idea I draw heavily on aspects of Wittgenstein's philosophical psychology, while also developing and criticizing Strawson's account of persons and recent work by Lynne Baker. I conclude by arguing that mental substance, understood in this way, can only be grasped in narrative terms; substantialist and narrative accounts of personal identity, far from being opposed, are mutually supporting and require one an...
A comparison of molecular dynamic simulations and experimental observations: the sputtering of gold {1 0 0} by 20 keV argon

In order to further illuminate the sputtering process, the bombardment of Au {1 0 0} by 20 keV Ar is investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The MD results are compared to experimental observations discussed by M.W. Thompson in his recent review of the atomic collision cascade process [Vacuum 66 (2) (2002) 99]. In his review, Thompson explains characteristics of experimental time-of-flight (ToF) and polar distributions using ejection mechanisms. Using mechanisms deduced from the MD results the ToF distributions are divided at 70 μs with atoms sputtered by direct recoil at shorter ToF and atoms sputtered by focused collision sequences at longer ToF. Surface lens assisted focusing arises from impacts along crystal symmetry lines (slice impact points) and results in a peak at surface normal in the polar distribution. These conclusions help to clarify the experimental observations made by Thompson and contribute to the overall description of sputtering.
Estimation of airway obstruction using oximeter plethysmograph waveform data

Validated measures to assess the severity of airway obstruction in patients with obstructive airway disease are limited. Changes in the pulse oximeter plethysmograph waveform represent fluctuations in arterial flow. Analysis of these fluctuations might be useful clinically if they represent physiologic perturbations resulting from airway obstruction. We tested the hypothesis that the severity of airway obstruction could be estimated using plethysmograph waveform data. Using a closed airway circuit with adjustable inspiratory and expiratory pressure relief valves, airway obstruction was induced in a prospective convenience sample of 31 healthy adult subjects. Maximal change in airway pressure at the mouthpiece was used as a surrogate measure of the degree of obstruction applied. Plethysmograph waveform data and mouthpiece airway pressure were acquired for 60 seconds at increasing levels of inspiratory and expiratory obstruction. At each level of applied obstruction, mean values for maximal change in waveform area under the curve and height as well as maximal change in mouth pressure were calculated for sequential 7.5 second intervals. Correlations of these waveform variables with mouth pressure values were then performed to determine if the magnitude of changes in these variables indicates the severity of airway obstruction. There were significant relationships between maximal change in area under the curve (P < .0001) or height (P < 0.0001) and mouth pressure. The findings suggest that mathematic interpretation of plethysmograph waveform data may estimate the severity of airway obstruction and be of clinical utility in objective assessment of patients with obstructive airway diseases.
Upper respiratory problems.

Upper respiratory symptoms are a common chief complaint among patients seeking evaluation and treatment from primary care providers. Occupational exposures of a wide variety may aggravate or cause upper respiratory disorders, but often are overlooked when considering the differential diagnosis. Even when providers and patients are aware of a likely relationship between occupational exposures and upper respiratory illness, the condition is often viewed as a nuisance unlikely to lead to serious adverse health effects. Prolonged exposure to potent irritants such as chromium and nicke1'2*28 may have devastating consequences, however, and patients who have occupational allergic rhinitis may be at substantial risk to develop occupational asthma if exposure continue^.'^,'^ This article provides an overview of occupational upper respiratory problems commonly encountered in a primary care setting that have received formal study. Emphasis is placed on diagnostic methods. Pertinent exposures are included but a comprehensive listing of causative agents is beyond the scope of this review. The importance of recognizing occupational upper respiratory disorders and offering appropriate therapy is highlighted.
The September 11th 2001 Terrorist Attacks and Reports of Posttraumatic Growth among a Multi-Ethnic Sample of Adolescents.

Correlates of posttraumatic growth (PTG), the construing of benefits from a traumatic event, attributed to the September 11th terrorist attacks were examined among 513 middle school adolescents (mean age=13.5 years; 63% female; 44% Hispanic/Latino, 25% Asian, 16% White, 10% multiethnic/other, and 4% Persian; all residing in California). One-third of the participants, on average, reported experiencing positive changes post- 9/11 in the following areas: appreciation of life, life priorities, spirituality, relationships, and self-reliance. Hispanic and White, compared to Persian (largely Iranian), participants had significantly higher PTG scores. Discussion of the terrorist attacks, identification with a religion, and optimism were positively associated with PTG, while alcohol use, depressive symptoms, and anxiety were inversely associated with PTG. Ethnicity, discussion of the terrorist attacks, identification with a religion, optimism, anxiety, and alcohol use remained associated with PTG after adjusting f...
Habituation and recovery of salivation and motivated responding for food in children

Salivary responses habituate to repeated presentations of food cues, and these responses recover when new food stimuli are presented. Research suggests that within-session changes in motivated responding for food may also habituate, and motivated responding may, therefore, recover when new foods are presented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate similarities in the pattern of salivation and motivated responding for a cheeseburger stimulus in children, followed by either a novel stimulus (French fries) or another cheeseburger trial. The order of the task (salivation or motivation) was counterbalanced over days. Salivation and motivated responding for cheeseburger were reliably reduced over seven trials, and responses recovered after presentation of French fries on trial 8. Random regression models showed a significant relationship between the rate of change in motivated responding and salivation. These results provide additional support for similarities in processes that regulate salivation and motivated responding for food and strengthen support for the hypothesis that changes in motivated responding can be understood by habituation theory.
A Genomic Analysis of Histomonas meleagridis Through Sequencing of a cDNA Library

Abstract: Histomonas meleagridis, a flagellated protozoan of the Order Trichomonadida, is the causative agent of blackhead disease in gallinaceous birds. Few genes have been identified in this organism; thus, little is known regarding the molecular basis for its metabolism, virulence, and antigenicity. To identify new genes, a cDNA library derived from a lab strain of H. meleagridis was sequenced and annotated. Data obtained from these experiments identified 3,425 H. meleagridis genes. Analysis of the data allowed the identification of 81 genes coding for putative hydrogenosomal proteins and was used to determine the codon usage frequency. Sequence information also identified bacteria that are cultured with H. meleagridis. Future analysis of these data should provide valuable molecular insights into H. meleagridis and provide the platform for molecular studies aimed at understanding the pathogenesis of blackhead disease.
The Impact of Computer Augmented Online Learning and Assessment Tool

The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of an experimental online learning tool on student performance. By applying cognitive load theory to online learning, the experimental tool used was designed to minimize cognitive load during the instructional and learning process. This tool enabled students to work with programming code that was supplemented with instructor descriptions and feedback, embedded directly within the code while maintaining the original integrity of the coding environment. A sample of 24 online graduate students at a southeastern university were randomly assigned to four groups: Group 1 (Control group), Group 2 (Assessment group: the tool was used to provide feedback on student work), Group 3 (Lecture group: the tool was used to describe examples of code provided in lectures), and Group 4 (Total tool group: the tool was used to provide feedback on student work as well as describe examples of code in lectures). Student learning was measured via analysis of six online quizzes. While provision of tool-facilitated feedback alone did not appear to enhance student learning, the results indicate that students performed best when they had the opportunity to view examples of code facilitated by the tool during the learning process of new material. This implies a carefully designed online learning environment, especially while controlling for and minimizing cognitive load when presenting new information, can enhance that student learning.
Molecular parameters of 6-methylsalicylic acid synthetase from gel filtration and sucrose density gradient centrifugation.

Abstract Molecular parameters for 6-methylsalicylic acid (MSA) synthetase have been estimated by using a combination of Sephadex G-200 gel filtration and sucrose density gradient centrifugation on crude extracts of Penicillium patulum. A value of 85A for the Stokes radius from gel filtration and an s 20.w of 10.4S from sucrose density gradient centrifugation leads to a molecular weight of about 3.7 × 10 5 and a frictional ratio ( f f 0 ) of 1.8 when a partial specific volume of 0.725 cm 3 is assumed. The synthesis of MSA therefore appears to be carried out by a molecular complex of enzymes similar to the fatty acid synthetase complex. The MSA synthetase activity is stable in lyophilized mycelium for at least several weeks, but the activity rapidly decays in crude extracts. While enough stabilization is obtained in high ionic strength buffer to permit the characterization reported here, instability has so far prevented purification of the crude extracts.
Orthogonal estimation algorithm

This paper introduces a new algorithm for nonlinear parameter estimation. It is valid for a memoryless nonlinearity where the output is a nonlinear function of the input. A set of orthogonal basis functions is defined that allow independent estimation of the nonlinear parameters. The nonlinearity is estimated as a linear combination of the basis functions. A curious feature about this algorithm is that it uses only additions and multiplications but no divisions. The algorithm uses the probability density function statistics of the input to formulate the orthogonal basis functions. The method is shown to be convergent and stable in the large. It compares favorably with the LMS estimator in terms of accuracy and computational complexity. Simulations are included that show that this algorithm can estimate polynomial and transcendental nonlinearities accurately.
Synthesis of the frequency response of an inhomogeneous resistive strip

A novel approach to synthesize the frequency response of a scatterer is proposed. A cost function which can be optimized by a number of optimization techniques is obtained in terms of the field scattered by the body under study and the desired frequency response. The field diffracted by the scatterer is obtained by means of the uniform geometrical theory of diffraction. This is done in order to minimize the time spent in calculating these fields, since optimization is an iterative process where the scattered field must be calculated many times. Using this approach, multisection transformers have been designed which substantially reduce the echo width of a perfectly electrically conducting half-plane scatterer for both a wide range of frequencies and over a broad range of backscatter angles. >
Risk Analysis For Invasive Species And Emerging Infectious Diseases: Concepts And Applications

Abstract Management and control of biological invasions and emerging infectious diseases are leading topics of research in theoretical and applied ecology. When the initial number of potentially invasive or infectious individuals is small, demographic stochasticity can lead to rapid extinction, suggesting that the transient dynamics of establishment for invasive species and epidemics should be modeled as a stochastic process. Quantitative risk assessment can exploit this conceptualization to calculate risk metrics such as the chance of invasion or epidemic and to study the potential effectiveness of rapid response interventions. Here I review some simple establishment models and demonstrate how understanding the underlying stochastic processes can lead to more effective policies for risk management. As examples, I study the dynamics of feral nutria (Myocastor coypus) in East Anglia, UK, and infection by bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis) in various species. Nutria are fur-bearing aquatic mammals th...
Assessment of Hull-less Barley as a Locally Grown Swine Feed Ingredient in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States1

Abstract Crossbred pigs (six replicate pens of four pigs per treatment, avg. initial BW = 38 kg) were used in a 6-wk growth and digestibility trial to assess a hull-less barley adapted for the mid Atlantic region of the U.S. as the primary ingredient in pelleted diets for growing pigs. There were five experimental diets: 1) a corn-soybean meal-based diet, 2) a diet containing 46% hull-less barley and 1.6% added fat, 3) a diet containing 41% hulled barley and 4.1% added fat, 4) a diet containing 46% hulled barley and 1.6% added fat, and 5) a diet containing 46% wheat and 0.68% added fat. For diets based on small grains, a fixed inclusion rate of 25% corn was used. With the exception of Diet 4, all diets were formulated to be iso-lysinic and iso-caloric. Diet type had no effect (P>0.10) on ADFI or ADG. Pigs fed the hulled barley, high-fat diet (Diet 3) had slightly improved feed efficiency (P