cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification, Molecular Cloning, and Analysis of Full-Length Hepatitis C Virus Transmitted/Founder Genotypes 1, 3, and 4

ABSTRACT Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is characterized by persistent replication of a complex mixture of viruses termed a “quasispecies.” Transmission is generally associated with a stringent population bottleneck characterized by infection by limited numbers of “transmitted/founder” (T/F) viruses. Characterization of T/F genomes of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has been integral to studies of transmission, immunopathogenesis, and vaccine development. Here, we describe the identification of complete T/F genomes of HCV by single-genome sequencing of plasma viral RNA from acutely infected subjects. A total of 2,739 single-genome-derived amplicons comprising 10,966,507 bp from 18 acute-phase and 11 chronically infected subjects were analyzed. Acute-phase sequences diversified essentially randomly, except for the poly(U/UC) tract, which was subject to polymerase slippage. Fourteen acute-phase subjects were productively infected by more than one genetically distinct virus, permitting assessment of recombination between replicating genomes. No evidence of recombination was found among 1,589 sequences analyzed. Envelope sequences of T/F genomes lacked transmission signatures that could distinguish them from chronic infection viruses. Among chronically infected subjects, higher nucleotide substitution rates were observed in the poly(U/UC) tract than in envelope hypervariable region 1. Fourteen full-length molecular clones with variable poly(U/UC) sequences corresponding to seven genotype 1a, 1b, 3a, and 4a T/F viruses were generated. Like most unadapted HCV clones, T/F genomes did not replicate efficiently in Huh 7.5 cells, indicating that additional cellular factors or viral adaptations are necessary for in vitro replication. Full-length T/F HCV genomes and their progeny provide unique insights into virus transmission, virus evolution, and virus-host interactions associated with immunopathogenesis. IMPORTANCE Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects 2% to 3% of the world9s population and exhibits extraordinary genetic diversity. This diversity is mirrored by HIV-1, where characterization of transmitted/founder (T/F) genomes has been instrumental in studies of virus transmission, immunopathogenesis, and vaccine development. Here, we show that despite major differences in genome organization, replication strategy, and natural history, HCV (like HIV-1) diversifies essentially randomly early in infection, and as a consequence, sequences of actual T/F viruses can be identified. This allowed us to capture by molecular cloning the full-length HCV genomes that are responsible for infecting the first hepatocytes and eliciting the initial immune responses, weeks before these events could be directly analyzed in human subjects. These findings represent an enabling experimental strategy, not only for HCV and HIV-1 research, but also for other RNA viruses of medical importance, including West Nile, chikungunya, dengue, Venezuelan encephalitis, and Ebola viruses.
Gender Differences in Sleep Disruption among Retail Food Workers

As women pursue careers while retaining primary responsibility for family life, discretionary time is an emerging arena of gender inequality in contemporary life. This study examines gender inequality in waking role obligations and the implications for differences in sleep disruption. Drawing on a sample of 583 retail food workers, who regularly worked nights and rotating schedules, we find in our multivariate modeling that women experience significantly more sleep disruption than do men. A decomposition analysis shows that almost one-half of the gender gap in sleep disruption is accounted for by gender differences in health status and various dimensions of work-family context. By implication, the remainder of the gender gap in sleep disruption is attributable to differences in responsibility for work-family obligations. Given the need for more research on how work-family conflict affects health and well-being, further research on sleep patterns is warranted.
Cluster analysis of respiratory time series

We have investigated the respiratory control system with the hypothesis that, although many variables such as minute ventilation (V I), tidal volume (V T),breathing period (T T),inspiratory duration (T I),and exspiratory duration (T E),may be observed, the controller functions more simply by manipulating only 2 or 3 of these. Thus, if tidal volume is the only independent variable, T Ibeing determined by the "off-switch" threshold, these variables should have very similar time courses. Anesthetized dogs were subjected to CO2 breathing and carotid sinus perfusion to stimulate both chemoreceptors. The time series of the variables V I, V T, TT, TEand T Ias well as P A CO 2were determined on a breath by breath basis. Derived characteristics of these time series were compared using Cluster Analysis and the latent dimensionality of respiratory control determined by Factor Analysis. The characteristics of the time series clustered into 4 groups: magnitude (of the response), speed, variability and relative change. One respiratory factor accounted for 86% of the variance for the variability characteristics, 2 factors for magnitude (91%) and relative change (85%) and 3 factors for speed (89%). The respiratory variables were analysed for each of the 4 groups of characteristics with the following results: V Tand T I clustered together only for the magnitude and relative change characteristics where as T Tand T Eclustered closely for all four characteristics. One latent factor was associated with the [T T-TE]group and the other usually with P A CO 2.
Reconstruction of nasal defects using modified composite grafts

Nasal defects in certain areas such as the columellar-lobular junction, the alar rim and the soft triangle are cosmetically challenging to reconstruct. This paper describes a technique that enables the use of composite grafts for these specific nasal defects. Termed modified composite grafts (MCG), they involve creation of a dermal pedicle on the graft that enlarges the surface area of contact between the graft and the recipient bed. In addition, we used postoperative surface cooling for grafts larger than 1.5cm. Both these modifications allow reconstruction of defects larger than 1.5cm, improve graft survival and yield a better cosmetic outcome. Using representative cases from our series of 50 patients, we demonstrate that MCGs provide a simple, single-staged alternative to otherwise complex reconstruction of specific areas of the nose. They offset the need for local flaps, avoid donor-site scars and yield excellent long-term results.
Seed dispersal from vegetation islands

Abstract A model of seed dispersal from vegetation islands of variable sizes is presented. The model is developed using an exponential decay of seeds from individual plants, the quantity of seeds produced by each plant and the density of trees within the island. The quantity of seeds dispersed to a given distance from the island is a function of the seed contribution of each plant at their respective distances from this distance. An example using a species of pine ( Pinus palustris , Mill.) indicates that a vegetation island of two hectares disperses as many seeds away from the island's edge as larger islands. Many small to intermediate size islands should be more effective at revegetating adjacent land than a few large islands for the same size area left in islands.
Generalized Mie theory of optical forces

The theory of optical forces on spherical scatterers is here generalized to arbitrary incident fields. The interaction between spherical harmonics of different order, and the degree and azimuthal parity, is studied in detail. The resulting force from all the contributing components is presented in analytical form. A further generalization of this formulation to nonspherical scatterers is also discussed.
Mutations which decouple the proton pump of the cytochrome c oxidase from Rhodobacter sphaeroides perturb the environment of glutamate 286

Abstract Mutants that decouple the proton pump of cytochrome c oxidase from Rhodobacter sphaeroides are postulated to do so by increasing the pKa of glutamate 286, which is 20 A away. The possibility that a conformational change near E286 is induced by the decoupling mutations (N139D and N207D) was investigated by FTIR difference spectroscopy. In both decoupled mutants, the reduced-minus-oxidized FTIR difference spectra show a shift of 2 cm−1 to lower frequency of the band resulting from the absorbance of E286 in the oxidized enzyme. The decoupling mutants may influence E286 by altering the chain of water molecules which runs from the site of the mutations to E286.
Parental Psychological Control and Childhood Anxiety: The Mediating Role of Perceived Lack of Control

Parental psychological control has been found to relate to the development of childhood anxiety; however, this relation has not been thoroughly examined. The purpose of this study was to understand the nature of the relation between parental psychological control and anxiety symptoms in children, as well as to understand whether this relation is mediated by children’s perceived control. Questionnaires were administered to children ages 8–11. Results indicated a significant relation between parental psychological control and child anxiety symptoms. Results further indicated that this relation was fully mediated by children’s perceptions of how much control they feel they have over events in their lives. These findings suggest that although parental psychological control and a child’s perceived control both contribute to the development of anxiety, it is possible that parental psychological control contributes to the development of anxiety by affecting a child’s perception of control.
Attitude stability of an orbiting vehicle containing a gyrostat.

Attitude stability of orbiting vehicle containing gyrostat, discussing asymptotic stability
Antibody‐independent B cell‐intrinsic and ‐extrinsic roles for CD21/35

Mice lacking C3, C4 or complement receptor 1/2 (Cr) have defective germinal centers (GC). The requirement for C4 implicates complement fixation by immune complexes (IC) via the classical pathway. Yet, transgenic (Tg) mice that lack circulating antibody but still express membrane IgM (mIgM) have normal GC responses. We showed previously that cross-linking mIgM leads to the deposition of C3 on the B cell surface and that disruption of this pathway diminishes GC responses. Here, we investigate the role of Cr in this process by generating mIgM-Tg mice that lack Cr and serum Ig. These mIgM/Cr-/- mice have smaller, transient GC, with incomplete B cell receptor down-regulation and peanut agglutinin up-regulation, compared to mIgM/Crwt counterparts. BM chimera experiments showed that Cr on B cells is required for normal GC responses. These results establish that Cr ligands generated at the B cell surface are sufficient for normal GC responses and function by signaling Cr on B cells. Unexpectedly, chimera experiments also showed a critical role for Cr on follicular dendritic cells (FDC), even in the absence of IC, indicating novel functions for FDC-expressed Cr beyond the capture of C3-coated IC.
Sequence-specific backbone 1H, 13C and 15N assignments of the 34 kDa catalytic domain of PTPN5 (STEP)

PTPN5 is a protein tyrosine phosphatase that plays an integral role in regulating excitatory postsynaptic activity. The sequence-specific backbone assignments of the murine PTPN5 catalytic domain have been determined based on triple-resonance experiments using uniformly [2H,13C,15N]-labeled protein.
Binding and non-distinctness: a reply to Burzio

A serious and widely recognized problem of the standard Binding Theory is that it has no non-circular definition of the crucial notions 'anaphor', 'pronoun' and 'R-expression'. Burzio (i99i) proposes a significant new characterization of these notions, based on their absolute and relative morphological content. Specifically, he proposes that different NP types can be distinguished by their D-feature content: anaphors lack D-features altogether, pronouns have D-features and no other features, and Rexpressions have M-features plus referential information, as in (i). The Binding Theory can then be regarded as a single principle, stated in (2).
Administrative practices of the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayas: lessons for modern development administration ∗

Some of the policies and practices of the ancient civilizations of the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayas are reviewed in this paper. Although the author finds them inadequate as a model for development in the modern world, he suggests that some of the developing countries could learn form the rational administrative systems of these ancient civilizations. Five characteristics of countries that are experimenting a process of development administration are reviewed in the context of these ancient civilizations. These characteristics are: (a) Unorganized and inefficient bureaucracy; (b) Inadequate and unfair tax collection system; (c) Nugatory agricultural practices; (d) A warped judicial order: (e) A poor educational system.
The DNA Replication Program Is Altered at the FMR1 Locus in Fragile X Embryonic Stem Cells

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by a CGG repeat expansion in the FMR1 gene that appears to occur during oogenesis and during early embryogenesis. One model proposes that repeat instability depends on the replication fork direction through the repeats such that (CNG)n hairpin-like structures form, causing DNA polymerase to stall and slip. Examining DNA replication fork progression on single DNA molecules at the endogenous FMR1 locus revealed that replication forks stall at CGG repeats in human cells. Furthermore, replication profiles of FXS human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) compared to nonaffected hESCs showed that fork direction through the repeats is altered at the FMR1 locus in FXS hESCs, such that predominantly the CCG strand serves as the lagging-strand template. This is due to the absence of replication initiation that would typically occur upstream of FMR1, suggesting that altered replication origin usage combined with fork stalling promotes repeat instability during early embryonic development.
War of a Thousand Deserts: Indian Raids and the U.S.–Mexican War

War of a Thousand Deserts: Indian Raids and the U.S.–Mexican War BRIAN DELAY New Haven: Yale University Press, 2008 Pp. xxi + 473, $35.00 (pbk), ISBN 9780 3001 5837 3 Brain DeLay's new work – an in...
Origin of efficient light emission from a phosphorescent polymer/organometallic guest-host system

Time-resolved photoinduced absorption measurements were performed at 77 K and room temperature on thin films of tris[9,9-dihexyl-2-(phenyl-4'-(-pyridin-2"-yl)fluorene]iridium(III) [Ir(DPPF) 3 ] doped into a blend of poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) with 2-(4-biphenylyl)-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (PBD). We observe that in the PVK-PBD host blend, charge trapping (CT) plays an important role in the excited-state dynamics, in addition to exciplex formation and intensity-dependent decay of primary excitations. We develop a physical model which includes all interactions and which is in excellent agreement with the data. We find that 35% of the initial photoexcitation channels into CT states and that exciplexes are formed at a rate of 1/10 ps - 1 . For the Ir(DPPF) 3 doped host composite, we write the rate equations for all population densities (which include the above excited-state species) and include energy-transfer rates from the host to the guest molecules. In both 0.2% and 2% Ir(DPPF) 3 :(PVK-PBD) blends, Forster energy-transfer rates drop to half their low-temperature values at room temperature. We attribute this difference to a limited availability of guest molecules ready for energy transfer following charge trapping and insufficient spectral overlap due to shifts in the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital levels of the guest upon hole trapping. We conclude that the overall host-guest energy transfer is almost complete at room temperature in the 2% phosphorescent blend, with a large contribution (35%) from CT states which exhibit emission at all probe wavelengths.
Effects of adenosine on neutrophil polarization induced by N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, sodium propionate and colchicine.

Polarization of human neutrophils (a characteristic bipolar shape change) can be induced by the chemotactic peptide N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP); sodium propionate, which causes a rapid acidification of the cytosol; or colchicine, which disrupts microtubules. We have previously reported that adenosine, endogenously produced in human neutrophil suspensions, inhibits FMLP-induced polarization. We report here that endogenously produced adenosine also inhibits sodium propionate-induced polarization but has no effect on colchicine-induced polariaation. These results suggest that neutrophil polarization may be a multistep process inducible by compounds that trigger different biochemical events.
Neuromagnetic fields and language: the problem of source localization

Human thought and language has its biological substrate in the neural machineiy of the cerebral cortex. The cerebral hemispheres are composed of approximately one hundred separate regions that perform specialized information processing functions. When activated, synchronized electrical currents in these regions can produce magnetic fields that are measureable from the surface of the scalp, a procedure known as magnetoencephalography (MEG). To study the physiology of language perception, we have recorded MEG evoked by auditorily presented phonemic and nonphonemic stimuli. Problems arise in interpreting such data, as multiple spatially-distributed cortical generators probably contribute to the measured magnetic fiekL Two approaches may be taken to resolving this problem: principal components analysis of temporally separated fields and residual field analysis. Both approaches require experimental verification before they can be applied widely. Despite this limitation, MEG data are already capable of detecting abnormalities of cortical language localization, as ifiustrated in a case of displaced language cortex resulting from an arteriovenous malformation.
Transmitting scalable MPEG-2 video over ATM-based networks

For high-end real-time video services, a prioritized transmission scheme (PT) should match the video information distribution of the high priority and low priority bitstreams generated by a layered source coder. This paper studies two PT schemes, which are respectively coupled- concatenated transmission (CCT) and coupled-interlaced transmission (CIT). Simulation results reveal that: given the same amount of network resource, the CIT scheme outperforms both the CCT scheme and the non-layered scheme in terms of the delivered video quality and the network resource utilization.
Perturbative Approach to Superconvergence Relations and Current Algebra

Using unitary representations of the Lorentz group, and expanding in powers of mass splitting, we introduce a perturbative approach to superconvergence relations and current algebra.
Research Note: Are Life-Course-Persistent Offenders At Risk for Adverse Health Outcomes?

Moffitt's developmental taxonomy of adolescence-limited and life-course-persistent offenders has received much empirical attention, with researchers focusing on the etiology and trajectory of offending between the two groups. Recently, Moffitt articulated a new hypothesis that has yet to be empirically assessed—that life-course-persistent offenders will be at high risk in midlife for poor physical and mental health, cardiovascular disease, and early disease morbidity. Using data from the Baltimore portion of the National Collaborative Perinatal Project, a longitudinal study of several thousand individuals followed from birth to ages 27 to 33, the authors test this hypothesis. We find that, compared to adolescence-limited offenders, life-course-persistent offenders are more likely to experience adverse physical and mental health outcomes. We also find that life-course-persistent offenders are more likely than their counterparts to be involved in antisocial lifestyles, which in turn increase the chances of ...
Development of novel SAW devices in CMOS technology for biosensor applications

This paper reports the outline of the research work that yielded a PhD dissertation with contributions to fields of medicine, molecular biology, electrical and computer engineering. It lays out the four major components of research that were motivated by their respective problem definitions. Namely, methodology for design and analysis of surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices in complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology, development and characterization of a novel, CMOS compatible post-processing sequence, application of design novelties for improved SAW performance and development of a biosensor for detecting secreted proteins associated with breast cancer. The biosensor represents a novel device that can be integrated with standard electronics circuits on the same microchip to provide a stand-alone solution. Experimental results show sensitive and selective attachment of a cancer biomarker to functionalized sensor surfaces. The research fulfilled the broad objective to design, model, fabricate, post process and characterize SAW devices in CMOS technology for biosensing applications.
Challenges of a Venus entry mission

There have been numerous NASA and international orbiters, atmospheric probes, and landers that have explored Venus over the past 50 years. The Russian Space Agency (RSA) conducted over twenty missions to Venus from the 1960's to 1980's, including flybys, entry probes, landers and orbiters. NASA's first measurements of Venus came from a flyby of the Mariner 10 in 1973. Later that same decade, the Pioneer-Venus (PV) program, consisting of two orbiters and a multiple entry probe mission, explored different regions of the planet, radar mapped the surface, and made measurements of atmospheric composition and profile. In the 1990's NASA's Magellan Orbiter provided detailed radar maps of the surface, providing detailed topographical information for future Lander missions. The European Space Agency's (ESA) Venus Express mission has yielded further information on surface topography and atmospheric composition.12
Multi-time-step integration using nodal partitioning

An algorithm is presented which integrates different groups of nodes of a finite element mesh with different time steps and different integrators. Since the nodal groups are updated independently no unsymmetric systems need be solved. Stability is demonstrated by showing that an energy norm of the solution decreases after every update if the time step is less than a given critical value. The element eigenvalue inequality theorem is used to give the critical time step in terms of element eigenvalues.
The Asset Pricing-Macro Nexus and Return-Cash Flow Predictability ⁄

In this paper we develop a measure of aggregate dividends (net payout) and a corresponding valuation ratio that incorporate the economic restrictions that all outstanding equity should be held by investors. Using this market clearing based aggregate measure of payouts changes the traditional views on the sources of asset price variation; with the aggregate dividend measure, a lot of the asset price variation is due to predictability of payout growth. In addition, the new aggregate payout measure is naturally cointegrated with aggregate consumption. We develop a long-run risks based economic model that incorporates this restriction. We show that the model can account for the return and payout growth predictability needed to explain the asset price variation in conjunction with the risk premium and volatility puzzles.
Distributed Intelligent Agent Algorithms in Human Computation

Research into algorithms for coordinating computational agents that cooperatively solve problems can shine light on potential strategies for coordinating human computation. Here, we briefly summarize key concepts manifested in distributed intelligent agent algorithms, and highlight some opportunities for translating pertinent concepts to benefit human computation.
Characterizing Response to Elemental Unit of Acoustic Imaging Noise: An fMRI Study

Acoustic imaging noise produced during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies can hinder auditory fMRI research analysis by altering the properties of the acquired time-series data. Acoustic imaging noise can be especially confounding when estimating the time course of the hemodynamic response (HDR) in auditory event-related fMRI (fMRI) experiments. This study is motivated by the desire to establish a baseline function that can serve not only as a comparison to other quantities of acoustic imaging noise for determining how detrimental is one's experimental noise, but also as a foundation for a model that compensates for the response to acoustic imaging noise. Therefore, the amplitude and spatial extent of the HDR to the elemental unit of acoustic imaging noise (i.e., a single ping) associated with echoplanar acquisition were characterized and modeled. Results from this fMRI study at 1.5 T indicate that the group-averaged HDR in left and right auditory cortex to acoustic imaging noise (duration of 46 ms) has an estimated peak magnitude of 0.29% (right) to 0.48% (left) signal change from baseline, peaks between 3 and 5 s after stimulus presentation, and returns to baseline and remains within the noise range approximately 8 s after stimulus presentation.
Application of transform theory to the resonance Raman spectra of the 1:1 hexamethylbenzene: TCNE electron donor—acceptor complex

Abstract The resonance Raman excitation profiles of the 1:1 electron donor—acceptor complex between hexamethylbenzene and tetra-cyanoethylene (TCNE) have been gathered and analyzed using transform theory. Scaling factors and non-Condon factors have been obtained for the excitation profiles of the donor—acceptor stretch at 168 cm −1 , the CC stretch at 1550 cm −1 , and the CN stretch at 2223 cm −1 , and used to estimate the change in donor—acceptor distance and in TCNE bond lengths in the charge trasfer excited state.
Reducing the Need for Double Annotation

The quality of annotated data is crucial for supervised learning. To eliminate errors in single annotated data, a second round of annotation is often used. However, is it absolutely necessary to double annotate every example? We show that it is possible to reduce the amount of the second round of annotation by more than half without sacrificing the performance.
Comparative Analysis of Optimal Maintenance Policies Under General Repair With Underlying Weibull Distributions

Various replacement policies under Kijima's general repair model with the underlying Weibull distribution function are studied via two efficient methods. The first one is based on our previously derived approximate formula for the g-renewal function; the second is an improved Monte Carlo method. These methods enable an in-depth, comparative analysis of the maintenance polices in question. An efficient algorithm is suggested for finding optimal preventive replacement times. The influence of restoration factor, including the deviation from a minimal repair assumption, on the optimal solution is studied. A practical study illustration is provided.
Economics of Salary Dispersion in the National Basketball Association

In the business world, every firm faces salary allocation decisions. Managers and executives of companies have to ask themselves how to allocate salaries across positions. This question also applies to teams within the National Basketball Association (NBA). NBA players provide a differing amount of value to their respective team and therefore are worth different amounts of money in comparison to one another. General managers have to decide which players to sign as well as figure allocation decisions of the salary they distribute to their signed players. An important research question to consider is: What is the best way to allocate salary amongst a NBA team? The term “best” in this situation can be interpreted in different ways. First, “best” can be viewed as a salary distribution that maximizes wins. Wins are obviously important to fans and are also important to management. In addition to win maximizing, “best” can also be viewed as a salary distribution that maximizes revenue as each team is attempting to make money. This article is available in The Park Place Economist: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/parkplace/vol20/iss1/16 The Park Place Economist, Volume XX 73 ECONOMICS OF SALARY DISPERSION IN THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Affordances for second language learning in world of warcraft

What are the affordances of online gaming environments for second language learning and socialization? To answer this question, this qualitative study examines two college-age Spanish learners' experiences participating in the Spanish language version of the massively multi-player online game World of Warcraft. Using data culled from participant observation, interviews, logs of in-game chat, and student journal entries, we describe how the design of the game, cultural norms for its use, and participants' own abilities interact to afford distinct opportunities for language learning for these two students. Discussion focuses on how online games might be used for language teaching and learning in ways that take full advantage of the medium's affordances for both experienced and inexperienced players.
Constructing curvature-continuous surfaces by blending

In this paper we describe an approach to the construction of curvature-continuous surfaces with arbitrary control meshes using subdivision. Using a simple modification of the widely used Loop subdivision algorithm we obtain perturbed surfaces which retain the overall shape and appearance of Loop subdivision surfaces but no longer have flat spots or curvature singularities at extraordinary vertices. Our method is computationally efficient and can be easily added to any existing subdivision code.
On the directional selectivity of cells in the visual cortex to drifting dot patterns

It is well established that cortical neurons frequently show different preferred drift directions for random dots and gratings. Dot stimuli often produce two preferred directions which are arranged symmetrically on either side of the preferred directions for gratings. Based on their filter properties in three-dimensional (3-D) Fourier space and on the 3-D power spectra of drifting dot patterns, we estimated the optimal direction to drifting dots for ten neurons in the striate cortex of five adult cats. These estimates frequently gave two optimal directions, one on either side of the optimal direction to gratings. The angle between the two estimated peaks increases with drift speed. Predicted and actual angles were in reasonably good agreement. We conclude, therefore, that the directional selectivity of cortical neurons to drifting random dot patterns can be understood from linear filtering properties. For this reason, the directional tuning to drifting dot patterns seems to reflect the same mechanisms that mediate the responses to sinusoidal gratings and do not require a separate directional mechanism.
How the First French Railways Were Planned

France is often described as the country that planned its network of railroads with the greatest care, wisely arranging for private construction and operation under control of the Government. She deserves criticism, it has been said, only because it took ten years to make these excellent arrangements. Yet most of the writers who have painted this rather attractive picture have not looked beyond the well-known books of Audiganne and Kaufmann, studies based chiefly upon collections of French statutes and legislative debates as well as the best known contemporary newspapers and literary reviews. Little attention has been paid to the Corps des ponts et chaussees, whose activities were far more important than the speeches of its director in the Chambers. Little concern has been given to the vital problem of obtaining the very large amounts of capital that were needed, or to the influence of the serious depression that began in 1837.
De Los Heros, Susana, & Mercedes Niño–Murcia. (Eds.). Fundamentos y modelos del estudio pragmático y sociopragmático del español. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2012. Pp. xiv, 386. $89.95, paper. ISBN 978–1–58901–936–2.

A review of the book "Fundamentos y modelos del estudio pragmatico y sociopragmatico del espanol," edited by Susana de los Heros and Mercedes Nino-Murcia, is presented.
Parsing method for signed telecommunication

A technique for parsing and coding sign language is presented. The code can be used to generate and send signs over the telephone lines. A system called the graphics communication device (GCD), which can transmit the constructed signs in full duplex over regular telephone lines, has been developed for use by deaf persons. In the initial coding, the most often used hand shape, position, orientation, and movement of the hands are supported. As a result, some of the signs may not have the proper representation. Since the sign subcomponents are organized hierarchically in a tree structure a more extensive set of signs can be easily included. The method of parsing and coding of the signs is described in detail. >
The Overexpression of Bax Produces Cell Death upon Induction of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition

Stably transfected Jurkat T cells were produced in which Bax expression is inducible by muristerone A. The cell death resulting from induction of the overexpression of Bax was prevented by inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) with cyclosporin A (CyA) in combination with the phospholipase A2 inhibitor aristolochic acid (ArA). The caspase-3 inhibitor Z-Asp-Glu-Val aspartic acid fluoromethylketone (Z-DEVD-FMK) had no effect on the loss of viability. The MPT was measured as the CyA plus ArA-preventable loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim). The MPT was accompanied by the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria, caspase-3 activation in the cytosol, cleavage of the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP), and DNA fragmentation, all of which were inhibited by CyA plus ArA. Z-DEVD-FMK had no effect on the loss of DeltaPsim and the redistribution of cytochrome c but did prevent caspase-3 activation, PARP cleavage, and DNA fragmentation. It is concluded that Bax induces the MPT, a critical event in the loss of cell viability. In addition to the cell death, the MPT mediates other typical manifestations of apoptosis in this model, namely release of cytochrome c, caspase activation with PARP cleavage, and DNA fragmentation.
Nonparametric estimation of cause-specific cross hazard ratio with bivariate competing risks data

We propose an alternative representation of the cause-specific cross hazard ratio for bivariate competing risks data. The representation leads to a simple plug-in estimator, unlike an existing ad hoc procedure. The large sample properties of the resulting inferences are established. Simulations and a real data example demonstrate that the proposed methodology may substantially reduce the computational burden of the existing procedure, while maintaining similar efficiency properties.
Micro-analysis of infant looking in a naturalistic social setting: insights from biologically based models of attention

A current theory of attention posits that several micro-indices of attentional vigilance are dependent on activation of the locus coeruleus, a brainstem nucleus that regulates cortical norepinephrine activity (Aston-Jones et al., 1999). This theory may account for many findings in the infant literature, while highlighting important new areas for research and theory on infant attention. We examined the visual behaviors of n = 16 infants (6–7 months) while they attended to multiple spatially distributed targets in a naturalistic environment. We coded four measures of attentional vigilance, adapted from studies of norepinergic modulation of animal attention: rate of fixations, duration of fixations, latency to reorientation, and target ‘hits’. These measures showed a high degree of coherence in individual infants, in parallel with findings from animal studies. Results also suggest that less vigilant infants showed greater habituation to the trial structure and more attentiveness to less salient stimuli during periods of high attentional competition. This pattern of results is predicted by the Aston-Jones model of attention, but could not be explained by the standard information processing model.
A Gender-Biased Definition: Unintended Impacts of the Fear Requirement in Stalking Victimization:

This study sought to understand (a) whether or not, compared with men, women are more likely to report being frightened by stalking behaviors, when controlling for correlates associated with fear, and (b) whether or not men and women have significantly different (gendered) reactions to factors associated with increased levels of fear. The author found women were exponentially more likely than men to report fear, despite controlling for indications that women had experienced the more serious stalking incidents. Furthermore, these variable factors affected both men and women in similar ways. Arguably, the fear requirement present in most states’ definitions of stalking is inherently gender-biased and should be removed, as no other type of crime is defined by an emotional response.
Frontal sinus fractures: evaluation of CT scans in 132 patients.

PURPOSE To determine the frequency of detection of frontal sinus fractures on initial CT scans of patients with intracranial injuries, and to characterize associated injuries. METHODS The initial head CT scans in 132 patients with clinical or radiographic evidence of a frontal sinus fracture were retrospectively reviewed to further characterize the fracture. Additional radiographic studies and medical records were reviewed to determine associated injuries, therapy, clinical outcome, and complications. RESULTS In 90% (124) of the patients, the frontal sinus fractures were visualized on initial head CT scans that were obtained to evaluate suspected intracranial injury. Complex fractures involving both the anterior and posterior wall of the sinus accounted for 65% of cases (86 patients), whereas fractures of the anterior wall only or posterior wall only occurred in 24% (32) and 11% (14) of patients, respectively. Significant intracranial hemorrhage occurred in over 90% of patients with fractures involving the posterior wall. CONCLUSIONS In general, fractures that involved the posterior wall had more complications and a worse clinical outcome than fractures that only involved the anterior wall; nearly all frontal sinus fractures can be detected on head CT studies in patients with intracranial injuries.
Critical Learning Skills For Business Students

A survey addressing critical skills for business students was developed and disseminated. Sixteen critical skills (such as critical thinking and time management) were identified as skills that need to be acquired in order for business students to be successful in their advanced courses and careers. The survey was disseminated and taken by several business faculty at various institutions. The survey participants were asked to rank both the importance of a particular skill and where their students currently rank in possessing this skill. This paper discusses the format of the survey, presents the survey results, analyzes the top three critical skills, and mentions future research opportunities.
Intracanalicular aneurysm of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery revealed by multi-detector CT angiography.

Summary: A 62-year-old woman had sudden-onset headache and posterior neck pain, and a subarachnoid hemorrhage was revealed by unenhanced CT. Both multi-detector CT angiography and digital subtraction angiography were performed and revealed a small intracanalicular aneurysm of the left anterior inferior cerebellar artery. The patient underwent successful retrosigmoid craniectomy and trapping of the aneurysm. This case shows the ability of multi-detector CT angiography to indicate bony landmarks that can alter the surgical approach.
Comparison of Nondeployable Hearing Profiles by Army Component (Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve) and by Gender

ABSTRACT The Hearing Conservation Service at Fort Bliss conducted baseline-hearing assessments from January 2003 to March 2005 on 14,974 soldiers in the Active Duty (AD), National Guard (NG), and Reserve Component (RC). The percentages of soldiers with >H-2 (i.e., nondeployable) hearing profiles based on Army component and gender are as follows: AD male = 2.21%; AD female = 0.65%; NG male = 5.05%; NG female = 1.64%; RC male = 5.02%; and RC female = 0.54%. Female soldiers in all three components and AD male soldiers are not significantly different (p H-2 hearing profiles than NG and RC male soldiers after adjusting for age. With the Army engaged in worldwide missions, these results should prove useful to commanders and medical officers for assessing deployment capabilities and for hearing conservation interventions.
Promoting Multivitamins to Hispanic Adolescents and Mothers: Communicating Benefits That Resonate

Neural tube defects (NTDs) can be reduced by 50% to 70% with sufficient periconceptional intake of folic acid. Hispanic women are up to 3 times more likely than non-Hispanics to have a child affected by NTDs. This disparity is complicated by health literacy, as women impacted by this disparity are also at-risk for low health literacy. The purpose of this project was to pilot advertisements to promote multivitamins, increasing folic acid consumption, among Hispanic adolescents. The advertisements for Hispanic adolescents and their mothers focused on broad benefits of a multivitamin, downplaying folic acid’s role in prenatal health. Participants were Hispanic mothers (n = 25) and adolescents (n = 25) at a clinic in the Southwestern United States. Likert-type survey items and an open-ended question were used to assess attitudes toward multivitamins and advertisements. The Newest Vital Sign (NVS) was used to assess participants’ health literacy. Participants’ impressions of the ads were positive. Both groups expressed the intent to start taking a daily multivitamin after viewing the ads—adolescents for themselves and mothers to start their daughters on a daily multivitamin. There was no relationship between participants’ health literacy and perceptions of the advertisements or intentions to begin a multivitamin habit. This research illustrates the potential of messages that rely on peripheral health benefits to overcome communication barriers posed by health literacy and address serious health problems such as NTDs.
United States v. Textron, Inc.: A Hollow Taxpayer Victory for Privilege in the First Circuit

This article analyzes the First Circuit’s decision and argues that the court’s remand is inconsistent with the intent of the work-product doctrine and renders the decision upholding work-product privilege a hollow victory for taxpayers. The article also provides some practical advice for companies in light of the First Circuit’s decision.
0032 Building capacity among local health departments to disseminate naloxone to community members in north carolina

Statement of purpose Over 1,000 people each year die from drug overdose in North Carolina. Naloxone can effectively reverse an opioid overdose. Community access to naloxone has increasingly become a standard overdose prevention strategy. In 2013, North Carolina passed a Good Samaritan/Naloxone Access law intended to increase access to naloxone by those at risk, community, and family members. The use of standing orders for naloxone among Local Health Departments (LHDs) may be an effective distribution mechanism for the state. However, to date, it is unclear which LHDs have standing orders in place and which need further technical assistance. Methods/Approach North Carolina Division of Public Health teamed with University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health graduate students to assess the statewide implementation of standing orders and the need for additional technical assistance to LHDs. Using mixed methods, the team combined survey results and key informant interviews to document standing order procedures, collect resources, analyse lessons learned and create a tailored dissemination plan to assist LHDs in establishing standing orders for naloxone distribution. Results Key informant interviews are ongoing. A survey of LHDs has been launched and data collected. However, based on historical results, the survey response rate should be over 80% of the 87 LHDs based in NC. Toolkit development is in progress with plans to finalise and distribute mid-2015. Conclusions Drug overdose continues to plague many areas. North Carolina successfully passed legislation in 2013 that would expand the use of naloxone (opioid antidote) by communities, friends and families. LHDs play a critical role in disseminating naloxone to the community to help prevent and reduce additional mortality and morbidity. Significance and contribution to the field Understanding the implementation of overdose prevention strategies at the local level is critical to preventing future deaths. Despite the passage of a naloxone bill, it was unclear to what extent LHDs were able to successfully implement standing orders and provide naloxone to those who might be at risk. Developing a toolkit for LHDs and tailored dissemination plan was essential to this project and to building local capacity for naloxone distribution.
Careers in Systamatic Entomology

The following summarizes information on manpower distribution and needs in the field of insect systematics in North America. Included are points of view current amongst some insect systematists, some personal comments and suggestions, and references that may be of interest. First, it is evident that there are far fewer professionally employed insect systematists than the generally recognized need for their research and services would appear to warrant. Despite this recognized need, adequate professional positions have not been provided by the user community and insect systematists have been relatively unsuccessful in competing for funds for positions. Few positions wait to be filled. In fact, there has been keen competition for professional openings for atleast the past decade.
Extended therapy of stage D carcinoma of the prostate with oral estramustine phosphate.

AbstractWe treated 50 patients with stage D carcinoma of the prostate with 15mg. per kg. per day oral estramustine phosphate for 3 to 24 months. We are able to evaluate 44 patients. Objective remissions were induced in 8 of the 44 patients (19 per cent) and subjective remission occurred in all objective respondeis and in 7 additional patients for a subjective response of 15 of 44 (36 per cent). No hematologic or renal toxicity was encountered. Transient nausea occurred early in half of the patients and was dose limiting in 3 patients. One case of hepatic toxicity was seen. Oral estramustine phosphate is well tolerated and long-term therapy is feasible.
Simple Resistance is Not an Option: Playing and Transforming the Indicator Game

Professor Daniel Lee Kleinman reflects on the essays comprising the ESTS Thematic Collection, "Implicated in the Indicator Game? An Experimental Debate."