cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sparse reconstruction under sensing constraints: A controlled approach

This paper considers a controlled approach to sparse reconstruction under sensing constraints that have been largely ignored in related work on compressive sensing and sparse recovery. The first constraint stems from the reduced number of degrees of freedom of actual information gathering systems, which imposes specific structures on the sensing matrix departing from the conventional random ensembles. The second limitation originates from the unknown statistical model of the corrupting noise. A controlled sensing approach is proposed to guide the collection of informative measurements given the constrained sensing structure. In the presence of additive noise with unknown statistics, the proposed approach is shown to yield stable recovery and dispenses with the usual de-noising requirements. In addition, a sequential implementation with a stopping rule is proposed, thereby reducing the sample complexity for a target performance in reconstruction.
Symmetric connectivity in WSNs equipped with multiple directional antennas

This paper concerns wireless sensor networks (WSNs) of which each node is equipped with k ≥ 1 directional antennas having beam-width θ ∈ (0, 2π). The sum ϕ k of the beam-widths of the k antennas of each node is in (0, 2π). Each node is initially assigned a transmission range 1 that yields a connected unit disk graph spanning all nodes. The objective of the Antenna Orientation (AO) problem concerning symmetric connectivity is to compute an orientation of the antennas and to find a minimum transmission power range r = O(1) such that the induced symmetric communication graph (SCG) is connected. In this paper, we study the AO problem assuming that each node has two antennas (k = 2) each of which has beam-width θ = π/3 or π/4. We propose two approximation algorithms that orient the antennas to yield symmetric connected communication graphs (SCCGs) where the transmission power ranges are bounded by 4 and 5 when θ = π/3 and π/4, respectively. These bounds are the first results for this problem. We also study the performance of our algorithms through simulation.
The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and inference under uncertainty

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis holds that human thought is shaped by language, leading speakers of different languages to think differently. This hypothesis has sparked both enthusiasm and controversy, but despite its prominence it has only occasionally been addressed in computational terms. Recent developments support a view of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis in terms of probabilistic inference. This view may resolve some of the controversy surrounding the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, and may help to normalize the hypothesis by linking it to established principles that also explain other phenomena. On this view, effects of language on nonlinguistic cognition or perception reflect standard principles of inference under uncertainty. WIREs Cogn Sci 2017, 8:e1440. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1440 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Cytogenetics of Vitis III. Partially fertile F 1 diploid hybrids between V. vinifera L. x V. rotundifolia MICHX.

An unusual, partially-fertile population of diploid Vitis vinifera x V. rotundifolia F 1 hybrids is described. These hybrids are partially fertile with varieties of both parental species. It is suggested that the success of hybridization, as measured by the fertility of the F 1 hybrids, depends on the V. vinifera clone originally used as a female parent. In meiosis of these F 1 plants, average bivalent formation varies from 13.1 to 15.6 per cell at MI. There is a correlation in the diploid VR hybrids between chromosomal pairing at MI and fertility of the vines. Some V. rotundifolia characters are dominant in diploid F1 hybrids. In regard to crossability, the F 1 hybrids are reciprocally crossable with V. vinifera varieties, but can only serve as female parents with V. rotundifolia. Evidence from breeding tests indicates that incompatibility between V. rotundifolia x V. vinifera is not due to cytoplasmic inheritance, but is caused by nuclear factors.
Perceptions of community, social capital, and how they affect self-reported health: a multilevel analysis

Abstract Objectives The link between social capital and self-reported health has been widely explored. On the other hand, we know less about the relationship between social capital, community socioeconomic characteristics, and non-social capital–related individual differences, and about their impact on self-reported health in community settings. Methods Cross-sectional study design with a proportional sample of 7965 individuals from 20 US communities were analyzed using multilevel linear regression models, where individuals were nested within communities. The response rates ranged from 13.5% to 25.4%. Results Findings suggest that perceptions of the community and individual level socioeconomic characteristics were stronger predictors of self-reported health than were social capital or community socioeconomic characteristics. Conclusions Policy initiatives aimed at increasing social capital should first assess community member's perceptions of their communities to uncover potential assets to help increase social capital.
Tetra­ethyl­ammonium acetonitriletricarbonyl­(glycinato-κ2N,O)molybdenum(0)

In the title compound, (C8H20N)[Mo(O2CCH2NH2)(NCCH3)(CO)3], obtained from the ligand substitution reaction of [Et4N]3[Mo3(CO)9(OMe)3] with glycine in the solvent acetonitrile the Mo center is in an approximately octahedral geometry.
Large Q and S waves in lead III on the electrocardiogram distinguish patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from athletes

Objective To identify electrocardiographic findings, especially deep Q and S waves in lead III, that differentiate athletes from patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Methods Digital ECGs of athletes and patients with HCM followed at the Stanford Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease were studied retrospectively. All patients with HCM had an echocardiogram performed. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to calculate ORs for various demographic and ECG characteristics. Linear regression was used to correlate ECG characteristics with echocardiogram findings. Results We studied 1124 athletes and 240 patients with HCM. The average Q+S wave amplitude in lead III (IIIQ+S) was significantly higher in patients with HCM compared with athletes (0.71±0.69 mV vs 0.21±0.17 mV, p 1.0 mV as an abnormal finding to the International Criteria for athletic ECG interpretation improved sensitivity from 64.2% to 70.4%, with a minimal decrease in specificity. Conclusion Large Q and S waves in lead III distinguished athletes from patients with HCM, independent of axis and well-known ECG markers associated with HCM. The correlation between IVS thickness in patients with HCM and IIIQ+S suggests a partial explanation for this association.
Development of novel polyethylene air-cathode material for microbial fuel cells

Abstract Air-cathode fabrication is currently a key factor that hinders the scaling up of microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology. A new type of cathode material that contains porous polyethylene (PE) sheet and a blended activated carbon (AC) and highly conductive carbon back (CB) layer was developed for the first time. The PE sheet functions as both gas diffusion layer (GDL) and cathode supporting material. The blended AC and CB layer eliminates expensive current collector. Among different types of PE sheets and AC and CB blending ratios, the cathode with Type I PE sheet (75–110 μm pore size) and a CB/AC ratio of 1: 0.5 demonstrated the best performance (8.4 A m−2 at 0 V) in electrochemical cells. MFCs with this cathode generated more stable and higher power densities compared with those using PTFE cathodes. Simulation of ohmic potential drops across this cathode material suggests that using a two-parallel terminal connection design would result in only 0.04 V potential drop at 1 m2 scale. This study suggests that this new PE cathode material has great potential for use in scaled up MFC systems due to its decent performance, simple fabrication process, and use of low-cost material.
From ecosystem services to Ecological Devices: The CoPED Summer School experience in the Simeto River Valley, Italy

Abstract While limits of natural resources and climate change are forcing communities all over the world to redefine relationships with their own living environments, this challenge can be interpreted in several ways, depending on a broad variety of different values and beliefs. Not all communities worldwide share the same understanding of values such as love for humankind, sensitivity for other forms of life on earth, care for the breathable air and drinkable water, and appreciation for the soil we plough and build upon. As a matter of fact, too often these values are threatened by other social values, such as monetary efficiency and economic growth, which push societies in a quite different direction. For instance, the ecosystem service concept, with its emphasis on how humans can better take advantage of natural ecosystems, is an attempt to address the environmental crisis while maintaining a utilitarian and human-centric perspective. This paper argues for the need and shows the possibility for planning researchers to address environmental issues while framing the concept of ecosystem services within a broader value-centered framework. Drawing from Complexity Theory, Deep Ecology and a relational approach to Ecology, this paper proposes the use in planning practice of the concept of Ecological Device that is inclusive of the Ecosystem Service one. An Ecological Device is intended as a project for eco-systemic improvements whose emphasis is not on the maximization of benefits for humans but is on the creation of multispecies and multi-actors functional and emotional relationships (entanglements). In particular, this paper presents one effort to shape Ecological Devices by a long-term, community-university partnership in the Simeto River Valley (Sicily, Italy) in the context of an annual, action-research summer school called CoPED (Community Planning and Ecological Design). The authors, who are also the founders and instructors of the summer school, show the possibilities for ecological devices generated through a highly pragmatic and engaged approach to research to address environmental technical issues as deeply interconnected with social and political dynamics.
A Vector Algebra Formulation of Mobile Robot Velocity Kinematics

Typical formulations of the forward and inverse velocity kinematics of wheeled mobile robots assume flat terrain, consistent constraints, and no slip at the wheels. Such assumptions can sometimes permit the wheel constraints to be substituted into the differential equation to produce a compact, apparently unconstrained result. However, in the general case, the terrain is not flat, the wheel constraints cannot be eliminated in this way, and they are typically inconsistent if derived from sensed information. In reality, the motion of a wheeled mobile robot (WMR) is restricted to a manifold which more-or-less satisfies the wheel slip constraints while both following the terrain and responding to the inputs. To address these more realistic cases, we have developed a formulation of WMR velocity kinematics as a differential-algebraic system—a constrained differential equation of first order. This paper presents the modeling part of the formulation. The Transport Theorem is used to derive a generic 3D model of the motion at the wheels which is implied by the motion of an arbitrarily articulated body. This wheel equation is the basis for forward and inverse velocity kinematics and for the expression of explicit constraints of wheel slip and terrain following. The result is a mathematically correct method for predicting motion over non-flat terrain for arbitrary wheeled vehicles on arbitrary terrain subject to arbitrary constraints. We validate our formulation by applying it to a Mars rover prototype with a passive suspension in a context where ground truth measurement is easy to obtain. Our approach can constitute a key component of more informed state estimation, motion control, and motion planning algorithms for wheeled mobile robots.
An Examination of Word Stemming in Latent Semantic Index Searches

In this paper we describe an application with large geographic data sets that was improved using Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) in combination with word stemming. The results are consistent with other published works, and demonstrate value added skill.
Non-Clocked Logic Styles

Non-clocked logic is ubiquitous in electronic design, due to a number of considerations including: Low power consumption Straightforward delay rule timing Inherent reliability and noise immunity Process variation and defect tolerance Migratability into successive technology generations. Deterministic diagnostic capability.
Compressive Sensing and Sparse Coding

Compressive sensing is a technique to acquire signals at rates proportional to the amount of information in the signal, and it does so by exploiting the sparsity of signals. This section discusses the fundamentals of compressive sensing, and how it is related to sparse coding.
A Specificity Principle of Memory: Evidence From Aging and Associative Memory:

The ability to remember associations among components of an event, which is central to episodic memory, declines with normal aging. In accord with the specificity principle of memory, these decline...
Selective Monobenzylation of 2,2-Bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic Acid (bis-MPA) to Yield an AB Linear Monomer and Analogous Linear Oligomers

Abstract The synthesis of a mono-benzylated AB monomer based on bis-MPA is explored and accomplished via a three-step synthesis without column chromatography. This optimized synthesis utilizes a generic acid-catalyzed esterification of bis-MPA to the ethyl ester. Subsequently, a selective mono-benzylation mediated by silver(I) oxide affords the monobenzyl ether of the ethyl ester. Finally, a simple base hydrolysis of monobenzyl ether ethyl ester yields 3-(benzyloxy)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpropanoic acid, the AB monomer. This synthesis was utilized to generate gram quantities of the linear monomer (47% yield) and this monomer was used to produce a small amount of the linear polymer analogs. Although there are many branched analogs of bis-MPA, this is the first linear oligomer that has been confirmed.
Self-strengthening biphasic nanoparticle assemblies with intrinsic catch bonds.

Protein–ligand complexes with catch bonds exhibit prolonged lifetimes when subject to tensile force, which is a desirable yet elusive attribute for man-made nanoparticle interfaces and assemblies. Most designs proposed so far rely on macromolecular linkers with complicated folds rather than particles exhibiting simple dynamic shapes. Here, we establish a scissor-type X-shaped particle design for achieving intrinsic catch bonding ability with tunable force-enhanced lifetimes under thermal excitations. Molecular dynamics simulations are carried out to illustrate equilibrium self-assembly and force-enhanced bond lifetime of dimers and fibers facilitated by secondary interactions that form under tensile force. The non-monotonic force dependence of the fiber breaking kinetics is well-estimated by an analytical model. Our design concepts for shape-changing particles illuminates a path towards novel nanoparticle or colloidal assemblies that have the passive ability to tune the strength of their interfaces with applied force, setting the stage for self-assembling materials with novel mechanical functions and rheological properties. Catch bonds are protein–ligand interactions that exhibit enhancement of bond lifetime when subject to tensile force, which is a desirable yet elusive attribute for man-made nanoparticle interfaces. Here, the authors provide a nanoparticle design that can form catch bonds with tunable force-enhanced lifetimes under thermal excitations.
Between Scylla and Charybdis: The Threat of Democratized Artificial Intelligence

As artificial intelligence (AI) advances, speculations on its implications run parallel, sometimes rampant. On one side, alarmists foresee a technological singularity as AI outstrips human intelligence. On the other, scholars and analysts tend to trail behind the staggering speed of development. Called cultural lag, the deliberate pace of theoretical reflection is out of sync. Steering between the Scylla of doomsday scripts and the Charybdis of cultural lag, we identify and discuss the threat of violent nonstate actors exploiting advanced and democratized AI technologies to commit attacks. We analyze three confirming case studies followed by three potential threats becoming available as AI evolves: self-driving cars, Internet bots, and 3D printing. Our chapter contributes a shrewd approach to threat analysis in the dynamic world of AI development.
Tracing the potential of networks to improve community cancer care: an in-depth single case study

Despite overall declines in cancer mortality in the USA over the past three decades, many patients in community settings fail to receive evidence-based cancer care. Networks that link academic medical centers (AMCs) and community providers may reduce disparities by creating access to specialized expertise and care, but research on network effectiveness is mixed. The objective of this study was to identify factors related to whether and how an exemplar AMC network served to provide advice and referral access in community settings. An embedded in–depth single case study design was employed to study a network in the Midwest USA that connects a leading cancer specialty AMC with community practices. The embedded case units were a subset of 20 patients with young-onset colorectal cancer or risk-related conditions and the providers involved in their care. The electronic health record (EHR) was reviewed from January 1, 1990, to February 28, 2018. Social network analysis identified care, advice, and referral relationships. Within-case process tracing provided detailed accounts of whether and how the network provided access to expert, evidence-based care or advice in order to identify factors related to network effectiveness. The network created access to evidence-based advice or care in some but not all case units, and there was variability in whether and how community providers engaged the network, including the path for referrals to the AMC and the way in which advice about an evidence-based approach to care was communicated from AMC specialists to community providers. Factors related to instances when the network functioned as intended included opportunities for both rich and lean communication between community providers and specialists, coordinated referrals, and efficient and adequately utilized documentation systems. Network existence alone is insufficient to open up access to evidence-based expertise or care for patients in community settings. In-depth understanding of how this network operated provides insight into factors that support or inhibit the potential of networks to minimize disparities in access to evidence-based community cancer care, including both personal and organizational factors.
Molecular Characterization of Wheat Stripe Rust Pathogen (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) Collections from Nine Countries.

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most important diseases of wheat worldwide. To understand the worldwide distribution of its molecular groups, as well as the diversity, differentiation, and migration of the Pst populations, 567 isolates collected from nine countries (China, Pakistan, Italy, Egypt, Ethiopia, Canada, Mexico, Ecuador, and the U.S.) in 2010–2018 were genotyped using 14 codominant simple sequence repeat markers. A total of 433, including 333 new multi-locus genotypes (MLGs), were identified, which were clustered into ten molecular groups (MGs). The MGs and country-wise populations differed in genetic diversity, heterozygosity, and correlation coefficient between the marker and virulence data. Many isolates from different countries, especially the isolates from Mexico, Ecuador, and the U.S., were found to be identical or closely related MLGs, and some of the MGs were present in all countries, indicating Pst migrations among different countries. The analysis of molecular variance revealed 78% variation among isolates, 12% variation among countries, and 10% variation within countries. Only low levels of differentiation were found by the pairwise comparisons of country populations. Of the 10 MGs, 5 were found to be involved in sexual and/or somatic recombination. Identical and closely related MLGs identified from different countries indicated international migrations. The study provides information on the distributions of various Pst genetic groups in different countries and evidence for the global migrations, which should be useful in understanding the pathogen evolution and in stressing the need for continual monitoring of the disease and pathogen populations at the global scale.
Correction: Absorption and Metabolism of Iron

In the article "Absorption and metabolism of iron" [Science 123, 87 (20 Jan. 1955)], the wavelength of maximum absorption of the iron-siderophilin complex was incorrectly given as 520 millimicrons....
Hyperlocalized Measures of Air Pollution and Preeclampsia in Oakland, California

Exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), black carbon (BC), and ultrafine particles (UFPs) during pregnancy may increase the risk of preeclampsia, but previous studies have not assessed hyperlocalized differences in pollutant levels, which may cause exposure misclassification. We used data from Google Street View cars with mobile air monitors that repeatedly sampled NO2, BC, and UFPs every 30 m in Downtown and West Oakland neighborhoods during 2015-2017. Data were linked to electronic health records of pregnant women in the 2014-2016 Sutter Health population, who resided within 120 m of monitoring data (N = 1095), to identify preeclampsia cases. We used G-computation with log-binomial regression to estimate risk differences (RDs) associated with a hypothetical intervention reducing pollutant levels to the 25th percentile observed in our sample on preeclampsia risk, overall and stratified by race/ethnicity. Prevalence of preeclampsia was 6.8%. Median (interquartile range) levels of NO2, BC, and UFPs were 10.8 ppb (9.0, 13.0), 0.34 μg/m3 (0.27, 0.42), and 29.2 # × 103/cm3 (26.6, 32.6), respectively. Changes in the risk of preeclampsia achievable by limiting each pollutant to the 25th percentile were NO2 RD = -1.5 per 100 women (95% confidence interval (CI): -2.5, -0.5); BC RD = -1.0 (95% CI: -2.2, 0.02); and UFP RD = -0.5 (95% CI: -1.8, 0.7). Estimated effects were the largest for non-Latina Black mothers: NO2 RD = -2.8 (95% CI: -5.2, -0.3) and BC RD = -3.0 (95% CI: -6.4, 0.4).
Revealing latent value of clinically acquired CTs of traumatic brain injury through multi-atlas segmentation in a retrospective study of 1,003 with external cross-validation

Medical imaging plays a key role in guiding treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and for diagnosing intracranial hemorrhage; most commonly rapid computed tomography (CT) imaging is performed. Outcomes for patients with TBI are variable and difficult to predict upon hospital admission. Quantitative outcome scales (e.g., the Marshall classification) have been proposed to grade TBI severity on CT, but such measures have had relatively low value in staging patients by prognosis. Herein, we examine a cohort of 1,003 subjects admitted for TBI and imaged clinically to identify potential prognostic metrics using a "big data" paradigm. For all patients, a brain scan was segmented with multi-atlas labeling, and intensity/volume/texture features were computed in a localized manner. In a 10-fold cross-validation approach, the explanatory value of the image-derived features is assessed for length of hospital stay (days), discharge disposition (five point scale from death to return home), and the Rancho Los Amigos functional outcome score (Rancho Score). Image-derived features increased the predictive R2 to 0.38 (from 0.18) for length of stay, to 0.51 (from 0.4) for discharge disposition, and to 0.31 (from 0.16) for Rancho Score (over models consisting only of non-imaging admission metrics, but including positive/negative radiological CT findings). This study demonstrates that high volume retrospective analysis of clinical imaging data can reveal imaging signatures with prognostic value. These targets are suited for follow-up validation and represent targets for future feature selection efforts. Moreover, the increase in prognostic value would improve staging for intervention assessment and provide more reliable guidance for patients.
Incorporation of Ion Channels in Polymerized Membranes and Fabrication of a Biosensor

A receptor-based biosensor uses biomolecules with specific molecule- recognition capability to detect chemicals. For this proposed receptor-based biosensor, proteins composed of binding sites and ion channels are embedded in a lipid bilayer. The protein-lipid membrane is deposited onto a transducing electrode.1,2 When a chemical of interest binds to the receptor site, the ion channel opens to permit an ionic current to flow through the membrane. The lipid bilayer has two purposes: first, it serves as the medium to support the proteins, and, second, it acts as an insulating membrane on the transducing electrode. The presence of the chemical of interest may thus be detected by the ion current.
Morning and evening circadian oscillations in the suprachiasmatic nucleus in vitro.

Daily biological rhythms are governed by an innate timekeeping mechanism, or ‘circadian clock’. In mammals, a clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) comprises multiple autonomous single-cell oscillators, but it is unclear how SCN cells interact to form a tissue with coherent metabolic and electrical rhythms that might account for circadian animal behaviors. Here we demonstrate that the circadian rhythm of SCN electrophysiological activity, recorded as a single daytime peak in hamster hypothalamic coronal slices, shows two distinct peaks when slices are cut in the horizontal plane. Substantiating an idea initially derived from behavioral observations, the properties of these two peaks indicate functional organization of SCN tissue as a clock with two oscillating components.
Comparing the Accuracy of Digital Subtraction Angiography, CT Angiography and MR Angiography at Estimating the Volume of Cerebral Aneurysms

While there are many studies that compare imaging modalities in the detection of cerebral aneurysms there are no existing studies that compare two dimensional digital subtraction angiography (DSA), CT angiography (CTA) and MR angiography (MRA) in calculating the volume of cerebral aneurysms. This study will compare these imaging modalities on seven in-vitro models of known volume. Seven silicone models of cerebral aneurysms were chosen representing slight variations in geometric shape and size. The volume of each model was measured by weighing the amount of water required to fill the aneurysm to the parent artery. Contrast enhanced images of the models were taken with DSA, CTA and MRA. The images were interpreted by four independent readers and the volumes were calculated. The measured volumes from the water weight analysis were compared to the volumes calculated from the interpreter’s measurements. The accuracy of DSA, CTA and MRA were compared using the percent of absolute and true variance from the measured volume. The average percent absolute variance for DSA was 14.3%, CTA was 16.8% and MRA was 18.6%. While these differences were minimal, comparing the percent of true variance demonstrated an average variance of -1.9% for DSA, 16.1% for CTA and -15.9% for MRA. Calculating the volume of cerebral aneur-ysms, while increasingly important, is difficult and error prone. It is important to understand the limitations and inherent errors before relying on calculated volumes in clinical decision-making. Regardless of imaging modality, one should consider error rates of 14-19% for calculating volume while keeping in mind the tendency for CTA to overestimate volume, MRA to underestimate volume and DSA to both under and overestimate equally.
Nonlinear viscoelasticity and relaxation phenomena of polymer solids

In the light of a three-chain model of statistical network theories of rubberlike elastic models, it is assumed that the free energy function of incompressible viscoelastic polymer solids is a separable, symmetric function of the principle stretch ratios and the hidden thermodynamic coordinates along the same directions. This assumption leads to a characterization of those viscoelastic polymer solids which exhibit the property of factorizability between the time and strain functions.
Exploring disability identity and disability rights through narratives: finding a voice of their own

When activist ethnographers speak of ‘militant anthropology’, we refer to a very specific kind of methodology – one that is neither inspired by violent confrontation nor animated by the usurpation ...
Are Some Fungal Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Mycotoxins

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-compounds that easily evaporate at room temperature. Toxins are biologically produced poisons; mycotoxins are those toxins produced by microscopic fungi. All fungi emit blends of VOCs; the qualitative and quantitative composition of these volatile blends varies with the species of fungus and the environmental situation in which the fungus is grown. These fungal VOCs, produced as mixtures of alcohols, aldehydes, acids, ethers, esters, ketones, terpenes, thiols and their derivatives, are responsible for the characteristic moldy odors associated with damp indoor spaces. There is increasing experimental evidence that some of these VOCs have toxic properties. Laboratory tests in mammalian tissue culture and Drosophila melanogaster have shown that many single VOCs, as well as mixtures of VOCs emitted by growing fungi, have toxic effects. This paper describes the pros and cons of categorizing toxigenic fungal VOCs as mycotoxins, uses genomic data to expand on the definition of mycotoxin, and summarizes some of the linguistic and other conventions that can create barriers to communication between the scientists who study VOCs and those who study toxins. We propose that “volatoxin” might be a useful term to describe biogenic volatile compounds with toxigenic properties.
Systematic Review of Couple-Based HIV Intervention and Prevention Studies: Advantages, Gaps, and Future Directions

We conducted a systematic review of couple-based HIV biobehavioral (skills-building, VCT, and adherence) and biomedical (ART, circumcision) prevention and intervention studies designed to reduce sexual- and drug-risk behaviors and HIV transmission and acquisition. Of the 11,162 papers identified in the search, 93 peer-reviewed papers met the inclusion criteria and yielded a total of 33 studies conducted globally. Biobehavioral couple-based prevention and intervention studies have been efficacious in reducing sexual- and drug-risk behaviors, increasing access to HIV testing and care, and improving adherence. Biomedical couple-based studies were found to reduce HIV incidence among HIV-negative sex partners and viral load among HIV-positive partners. Despite much progress, couple-based HIV prevention and intervention studies remain limited; a number of methodological gaps exist and studies focusing on MSM, people who inject drugs, and sex workers are scarce.
Effect of Postnatal Exposure of Female Rats to An Alcohol Diet: Influence of Age and Circulating Sex Steroids

We have previously reported that when compared with animals fed ad libitum, adult ovariectomized (OVX) female rats fed an alcohol diet, but not its isocaloric equivalent control, showed a blunted ACTH response to the intravenous injection of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta). The present work was undertaken to determine whether this finding could be extended to intact rats, and whether the stage of sexual maturation and/or circulating sex steroids of ovarian origin modulated the inhibitory influence of alcohol. Intact female rats were exposed to alcohol or pair-fed between postnatal days 25-35 (group I), 35-45 (group II), or 45-55 (group III). Animals of comparable age and fed ad libitum served as controls. All alcohol-exposed animals had similar blood alcohol levels measured during the eighth night of treatment. Group I lost the most weight following exposure to alcohol, but did not show measurable changes in ACTH released in response to 20 or 100 ng IL-1 beta/kg. Both alcohol and pair-feeding caused a modest decrease in IL-1-stimulated ACTH in rats of group II, but only alcohol significantly blunted corticotrophs' activity in group III. Group III, when fed alcohol, also showed lower CRF content in the median eminence compared with absolute controls or the isocaloric diet. No measurable changes, however, were observed in steady-state CRF mRNA levels in the hypothalamus of animals fed any of the diets. When intact and OVX rats were compared at 55 days of age, alcohol feeding caused a decrease in IL-1-induced ACTH secretion which was slightly, though not significantly, larger in intact animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
#71 Clinical assessment of her-2/neu Overexpression among african-american and caucasian women

Abstract PURPOSE: Her-2/ neu overexpression is a marker for poor prognosis and overall survival in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Since the approval of the DAKO HercepTest ® for Her-2/ neu expression by the FDA in 1998, no systematic investigation has been conducted to assess the proportion of women screened for the marker. We conducted this cross-sectional study to determine the proportion of African-American (AA) and Caucasian (CA) women diagnosed with stage I-IV breast cancer who were screened for Her-2/ neu overexpression. METHODS: In this ongoing investigation, study participants were identified from the Tumor Registry of the Henry Ford Health System (HFHS), the second largest health care system in Southeastern Michigan. AA and CA women diagnosed with and treated for primary invasive breast cancer between January 1999 and December 2002 at HFHS were eligible for inclusion in the study. Clinical, pathologic, and demographic data were retrieved from electronic and/or hardcopies of medical records. Univariate statistics and multivariate logistic regression were applied to evaluate the predictors of screening for Her-2/ neu. RESULTS: So far, a total of 225 women, 78 AA and 147 CA, have met the eligibility criteria. Of these, 111 women (51.3% AA, 48.3% CA) were screened for Her-2/ neu . Women who were screened were younger than those who were not (AA: 55.0 ± 4.4 vs.61.7 ± 5.1, CA: 56.6 ± 3.2 vs. 61.5 ± 3.3). AA women who were screened had a higher node fraction (#positive nodes/ total nodes) (0.29 ± 0.1 vs. 0.13 ± 0.07) than those AA women who were not. For the total study population, race and income were not significant predictors of Her-2/ neu screening in the multivariate logistic regression model, but when controlling for these, age (OR: 0.97, 95%CI: 0.95-0.99) and node fraction (OR: 3.95, 95%CI: 1.18-13.23) remain significant predictors. CONCLUSION: Preliminary findings suggest that age is the only limiting factor for being evaluated for Her-2/ neu overexpression.
Developmental regulation of the enzyme UDP-galactose polysaccharide transferase

Abstract During development of Dictyostelium discoideum wild type, the enzyme UDP-galactose polysaccharide transferase appears and accumulates to a peak of specific activity, is preferentially released by the cells, and is then destroyed. These events are correlated with the occurrence of specific morphogenetic events. A comparative study of morphogenetically deficient mutants has revealed that (a) strains incapable of proceeding beyond a particular developmental stage are likewise incapable of applying those controls over transferase activity which the wild type exerts during the subsequent development; (b) mutants which ordinarily accumulate little or no transferase activity can synthesize considerable levels of enzyme when they develop synergistically in mixtures with other mutants or with the wild type. A highly effective procedure for induction of slime mold mutants using nitrosoguanidine is described.
Nuclear Data Sheets for 183Tl

Abstract Abstract: Nuclear structure data pertaining to 183 Tl have been compiled and evaluated, and incorporated into the ENSDF data file. This evaluation of 183 Tl supersedes the previous publication (R.B. Firestone, Nuclear Data Sheets 65, 589 (1992) (literature cutoff date 9 January 1991)), and includes literature available by 1 January 2002. The newly incorporated references are: 2001Mu26, 2000Re04, 1999Ba45, 1998Ak04, 1995Au04, 1992BoZO, 1992BlZW, 1984ScZQ, 1980Sc09.
The Socionatural Engineering of Reductionist Metaphors: A Political Ecology of Synthetic Biology

Political ecologists and biomedical anthropologists influenced by science and technology studies view genes as socionatural articulation points, or boundary objects, in the reshaping of societies, natures, and economies. Many of these scholars portray genetic technology as a tool for producing a new class of commodities. Scientists working for biotechnology corporations, they argue, mobilize the reductive metaphor that genes are information or code. They do this to stabilize genes for trade and ownership. Social scientists note that social negotiations involved in this reductive work, along with contingencies in the biological functioning of genes, limit and pattern how genetic material can be commodified. In this paper I critically review and extend these empirical analyses with attention to how current legal battles are redefining how genes can be owned. I then identify places where political ecologists can contribute to detailing the social, legal, and biological mutations motivated by the commodificat...
Dynamical Correlation for Multivariate Longitudinal Data

Nonparametric methodology for longitudinal data analysis is becoming increasingly popular. The analysis of multivariate longitudinal data, where data on several time courses are recorded for each subject, has received considerably less attention, despite its importance for practical data analysis. In particular, there is a need for measures and estimates to capture dependency between the components of vector-valued longitudinal data. We propose and analyze a simple and effective nonparametric method to quantify the covariation of components of multivariate longitudinal observations, which are viewed as realizations of a random process. This includes the notion of a correlation between derivatives and time-shifted versions. The concept of dynamical correlation is based on a scalar product obtained from pairs of standardized smoothed curves. The proposed method can be used when observation times are irregular and not matching between subjects or between responses within a subject. For higher-dimensional dat...
Electoral Incentives, Political Business Cycles and Macroeconomic Performance: Empirical Evidence from Post-War US Personal Income Growth

Conventional wisdom suggests that macroeconomic outcomes do not follow a political business cycle (PBC) pattern. In this study, the nature of the electoral underpinnings of such opportunistic behaviour are investigated by analysing alternative formulations of PBC theory: (1) a naive-unconditional PBC, (2) an electoral security-conditional PBC, (3) an electoral uncertainty-conditional PBC; and (4) a partisan-conditional PBC. Data on the US real personal income growth rate for the 1948:1–2000:4 quarterly period reveals support for both naive-unconditional and partisan-conditional PBCs, yet rejects an electoral cycle attributable to the incumbent administration's ex ante re-election prospects. Simulation analysis reveals that while Democratic administrations enjoy higher income growth than Republican counterparts for non pre-election stimulus periods, Republican presidents are associated with larger pre-election economic expansions than Democratic presidents consistent with a partisan-conditional PBC theoretical model. This finding supports the notion that incumbent governments engage in partisan-based policy balancing with respect to the creation of opportunistic electoral cycles in real macroeconomic activity. On a broader level, these statistical findings provide strong support for adaptive models of the electoral cycle that emphasize partisan differences while refuting the policy neutrality proposition and rational-competence models predicated on the extent to which an incumbent administration experiences electoral vulnerability.
SURVIVORS' TRAUMA AND DEPARTMENTAL RESPONSE FOLLOWING DEATHS OF POLICE OFFICERS '

It was hypothesized that satisfaction with supportive reactions of the police department following the on-duty death of an officer helps to ameliorate traumatic stress in surviving spouses. This hypothesis is based on the premise that the police-work group is cohesive and provides a psychological safety net for the surviving spouse. A secondary analysis was conducted of data obtained from 162 surviving police spouses. Analysis indicated that spouses' reported satisfaction with the department was significantly associated with lower trauma stress scores. These findings suggest that police departments should formulate policy to provide assistance to spouses surviving duty-related police deaths.
Cellular distribution of 111In-LDTPA galactose BSA in normal and asialoglycoprotein receptor-deficient mouse liver.

Abstract 111 In-LDTPA galactose BSA (bovine serum albumin) was used to evaluate the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) system in both normal and ASGPR-deficient mice. The radiolabeled glycoprotein had complete liver uptake in both normal and ASGPR-deficient mice. Metabolism and hepatic cell-type distribution studies were performed. The normal mouse excreted greater than 60% of the hepatic activity, while the ASGPR-deficient mouse excreted less than 40% of the hepatic activity. 111 In-LDTPA galactose BSA was metabolized to 111 In-LDTPA-l-lysine in both mouse types. Normal mice showed 70% of the radioactivity in the hepatocyte, whereas the homozygous ASGPR-deficient mouse had equal activity in the hepatocyte and the hepatic endothelial cell.
Electric dipole polarizabilities of hydrogen and helium isotopes

The electric dipole polarizabilities of {sup 3}H, {sup 3}He, and {sup 4}He are calculated directly using the Schroedinger equation with the latest generation of two- and three-nucleon interactions. These quantities are necessary in order to obtain accurate nuclear-polarization corrections for transitions involving S-waves in one-and two-electron atoms. Our results are compared to previous results, and it is shown that direct calculations of the electric polarizability of {sup 4}He using modern nuclear potentials are smaller than published values calculated using experimental photoabsorption data. The status of this topic is assessed in the context of precise measurements of transitions in one- and two-electron atoms.
Biological characteristics of primary tumors induced by polyoma virus in hamsters.

Eleven primary subcutaneous tumors induced by polyoma virus in hamsters were analyzed for morphology, growth capacity in vitro, transplantability and karyology. In most cases, cultures prepared from these tumors grew for a few generations and then degenerated with loss of a majority of cells; from the few surviving cells, a population emerged that was able to grow indefinitely in vitro. The initial explanted population differed from that which emerged from the degenerative phase in its susceptibility to the toxic activity of 3,4-benzo (a)pyrene and in its high MTD (median tumor dose) values (105–106 cells) when transplanted in adult hamsters. The MTD decreased to 102–103 cells with prolonged growth in vitro. Cultures derived from the transplanted tumors grew permanently in vitro and had low MTD values. All the tumors were aneuploid with a prevalent near-diploid mode and remained so even after prolonged growth in vitro. No common karyotypic changes were observed, but in 4/8 tumors there was a chromosome marker longer than the X. The long chromosome of the various lines differed in the arm ratios. The occurrence of monosomy and trisomy of pairs ≠1 and ≠21 was not random in 4/8 primary tumors. A comparison with previous studies of hamster embryo cells infected in vitro with polyoma virus indicates that there is a strong parallelism in the biological properties and progression toward neoplasia between cell populations infected in vivoor in vitro by the virus.
Aristophanes, William James, Rollo May, and our Dog Dickens

Abstract A biography of Rollo May is presented and a discussion of his stance as a psychologist and author. May concerned himself with the lived experiences of whole persons in contrast to part functions, and he did not hesitate to use his own subjective experience in his studies of human psychology. In these regards, May was in sharp contrast to the humans‐as‐machines image of much of current psychology. Examination of key assumptions of mechanistic psychology identifies: materialism, objectivity, positivism, explicitness, causality, historicity, statistical reality, sampling validity, and independence of parts. Seven contrasting qualities characterize a more humanistic perspective: unsophisticated description, phenomenological significance, personally meaningful, pertinent to the subjective, experientially supported, open‐ended conclusions, and value‐sensitive.
Sera from AIDS patients contain multiple factors that suppress in vitro proliferation of lymphoid cells

In previous studies we found that sera from patients with AIDS and AIDS-related disorders inhibit mitogen-stimulated proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors. We have extended these studies to examine the effect of AIDS sera on proliferation of various IL- 2independent, well-characterized T4-positive and T4-negative continuous human lymphoid cell lines. The results suggest that AIDS serum inhibition results from several mechanisms, one involving the induction of prostaglandin E2.