cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contention-resolving model predictive control for coupled control systems with a shared resource

Abstract Priority-based scheduling strategies are often used to resolve contentions in resource constrained control systems. Such scheduling strategies inevitably introduce time delays into controls and may degrade the performance of control systems. Considering the coupling between priority assignment and control, this paper presents a method to co-design priority assignments and control laws for each control system, which aims to minimize the overall performance degradation caused by contentions. The co-design problem is formulated as a mixed integer optimization problem with a very large search space, rendering difficulty in computing the optimal solution. To solve the problem, we develop a novel contention-resolving model predictive control method to dynamically assign priorities and compute an optimal control. The priority assignment can be determined using a sample-based approach without excessive demand on computing resources, and optimal controls can be computed iteratively following the order of the assigned priorities. We apply the proposed contention-resolving model predictive control to co-design scheduling and controls in networked control systems. We present simulation results to show the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Effects of User Intent Changes on Onboard Sensor Measurements During Exoskeleton-Assisted Walking

Adoption of exoskeletons for rehabilitation and locomotion outside the physical therapy clinic has been limited by relatively primitive methods for identifying and incorporating user intentions. Gait intention resolution varies from high-level goals (increase speed) to mid-level actions (increase stride length) to low-level joint behaviors (increase hip flexion). Onboard sensors only indirectly sense the human via the exoskeleton interface, but offer measurement consistency advantages over more direct methods. In this study, exoskeleton users, both able-bodied and having spinal cord injury, performed goal-level changes in gait speed to characterize joint- and action-level responses. Trials were completed in both trajectory-free and trajectory-based control modes, with both crutches and a walker. Results confirm statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-speed change joint-level measures of position and motor current. Coordination of joint-level changes resulted in significant differences in action-level measures (stride length and stride time). Users realized goal-level speed changes of as much as 0.30 and 0.19m/s in the trajectory-free and trajectory-based modes, respectively. Findings suggest that intent detection is possible for able-bodied and non-able-bodied users with onboard sensors alone. The intent signals depend on exoskeleton control settings, user ability, and gait phase, but do not differ with use of crutches or a walker. The characterization of these intent-related signals via onboard sensors enables more detailed intent recognition without the need for external sensors, which could benefit any control strategy that explicitly incorporates user intent.
Methodological Challenges for Epidemiologic Studies of Deprescribing at the End of Life

To describe approaches to measuring deprescribing and associated outcomes in studies of patients approaching end of life (EOL). We reviewed studies published through 2020 that evaluated deprescribing in patients with limited life expectancy and approaching EOL. Deprescribing includes reducing the number of medications, decreasing medication dose(s), and eliminating potentially inappropriate medications. Tools such as STOPPFrail, OncPal, and the Unnecessary Drug Use Measure can facilitate deprescribing. Outcome measures vary and selection of measures should align with the operationalized deprescribing definition used by study investigators. EOL deprescribing considerations include medication appropriateness in the context of patient goals for care, expected benefit from medication given life expectancy, and heightened potential for medication-related harm as death nears. Additional data are needed on how EOL deprescribing impacts patient quality of life, caregiver burden, and out-of-pocket medication-related costs to patients and caregivers. Investigators should design deprescribing studies with this information in mind.
Regular Unimodular Triangulations of Reflexive IDP 2-Supported Weighted Projective Space Simplices

For each integer partition $$\mathbf {q}$$ with d parts, we denote by $$\Delta _{(1,\mathbf {q})}$$ the lattice simplex obtained as the convex hull in $$\mathbb {R}^d$$ of the standard basis vectors along with the vector $$-\mathbf {q}$$ . For $$\mathbf {q}$$ with two distinct parts such that $$\Delta _{(1,\mathbf {q})}$$ is reflexive and has the integer decomposition property, we establish a characterization of the lattice points contained in $$\Delta _{(1,\mathbf {q})}$$ . We then construct a Grobner basis with a squarefree initial ideal of the toric ideal defined by these simplices. This establishes the existence of a regular unimodular triangulation for reflexive 2-supported $$\Delta _{(1,\mathbf {q})}$$ having the integer decomposition property. As a corollary, we obtain a new proof that these simplices have unimodal Ehrhart $$h^*$$ -vectors.
The Effects of Different Pin-Fin Arrays on Heat Transfer and Pressure Loss in a Narrow Channel

This paper describes a detailed experimental investigation of a narrow rectangular channel based on the double-wall cooling concept that can be applicable to a gas turbine airfoil. The channel has dimensions of 63.5 mm by 12.7 mm, corresponding to an aspect ratio of 5:1. The pin diameter, D, is 12.7 mm, and the ratio of pin-height-to-diameter, H/D is 1. The inter-pin spacing is varies in both spanwise and streamwise directions to form two inline, and two staggered pin-fin configurations. The Reynolds number, based on the hydraulic diameter of the pin fin and the mean bulk velocity, ranges from 6,000 to 15,000. The experiments employ a hybrid technique based on transient liquid crystal imaging to obtain the distributions of the local heat transfer coefficient over all of the participating surfaces, including the endwalls and all the pin elements. The heat transfer on both the endwall and pin-fin surfaces revealed similar pattern compared to the typical circular pin-fin array, which were conducted at higher Reynolds number. The total heat transfer enhancement of current pin-fin array is approximately four times higher than that of fully developed smooth channel with low pressure loss, which resulted in much higher thermal performance compared to other pin-fin array as reported in the literature.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The role of photoelectronic processes in the formation of a fluorescent plume by 248-nm laser irradiation of single crystal NaNO3

Visible fluorescent “plumes” are readily produced when nominally transparent ionic materials are exposed to pulsed UV laser irradiation. Over a wide range of laser fluences where plumes are observed, however, the photon and electron densities are inadequate to support multiphoton ionization and inverse bremsstrahlung, which are often used to explain plasma production and excitation of atomic spectral lines. We present evidence that the great majority of charged particles (electrons and positive ions) comprising the plume at the onset of formation in defect-laden NaNO3 are emitted directly from the surface. A model is described wherein the required electron energy to excite and eventually ionize neutral atoms is provided by electrostatic interactions in the expanding plume. The time evolution of the “overlap” between the expanding charge cloud and thermally emitted neutrals accounts for the time evolution of the atomic line emissions after the laser pulse.
Motivation and Perception Mechanisms in Mobile Agents for Electronic Commerce

In this paper, the authors describe a mobile agency and an extendable mobile agent architecture that are specifically designed for Electronic Commerce. These agents are composed using two categories of mechanism: Reflexive Mechanism; and Deliberative Mechanism. Reflexive Mechanisms run concurrently in the agent, and the agent has no way of consciously controlling or directing its functions. On the other hand, the functions of Deliberative Mechanisms are consciously directed by the agent. This paper describes two Reflexive Mechanisms used in building deliberate agents: perception; and motivation mechanisms. We explore the types of knowledge and information stored in the Long-term and Short-term memory of the agent, how this knowledge and information are used by these mechanisms to perceive the external world, how the motives of the agent are revised, and finally, how motivations are generated.
Automatic Extraction of Filled-In Items from Bank-Check Images

In this paper we propose a new method to extract separately filled-in items from Japanese bank-checks based on prior knowledge about their color characteristics and layout. We have analyzed the bank-check characteristics and proposed a model that can be used to extract the filled-in items applicable to any Japanese bank-checks. The areas where the filled-in item is supposed to appear are first extracted through a template. Then the filled-in characters and seal imprints are extracted on the basis of their color characteristics in HSV color space. The results of testing experiments show that this extraction method is capable of extracting the filled-in items from most Japanese bank-checks.
A Cellular Automata Model of Early T Cell Recognition

T cells are key components of the immune system, recognizing the presence of foreign antigens by coming in direct contact with specialized antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and scanning the array of surface molecules presented by the APC. During the first 60 seconds of contact, thousands of molecules on both cell surfaces interact. Based on these interactions the T cell makes a first crucial decision to either sustain contact, eventually leading to activation, or to disengage and move on. This paper presents a Cellular Automata model to study how a T cell integrates a varied array of positive and negative signals into its first activation decision. Our simulations use available biological data and support the notion that complex behaviors, such as the signal processing function of a cell, can emerge from the varied local interactions of many cellular receptors.
H/sup /spl infin// adaptive filtering

H/sup /spl infin// optimal estimators guarantee the smallest possible estimation error energy over all possible disturbances of fixed energy, and are therefore robust with respect to model uncertainties and lack of statistical information on the exogenous signals. We have shown that if the prediction error is considered, then the celebrated LMS adaptive filtering algorithm is H/sup /spl infin// optimal. We consider prediction of the filter weight vector itself, and for the purpose of coping with time-variations, exponentially weighted, finite-memory and time-varying adaptive filtering. This results in some new adaptive filtering algorithms that may be useful in uncertain and non-stationary environments. Simulation results are given to demonstrate the feasibility of the algorithms and to compare them with well-known H/sup 2/ (or least-squares based) adaptive filters.
El Aristoteles Sinicus: Examen del comentario aristotélico en chino de la primera Edad Moderna desde una perspectiva comparativa

Este articulo se propone estudiar la adaptacion del pensamiento aristotelico al chino por los misioneros jesuitas al inicio del siglo xvii. Para pensar la especi-ficidad de este encuentro cultural e intelectual, se comparan los comentarios aristotelicos redactados en chino con los comentarios de los jesuitas tanto en Europa como en America. Esto lleva a entender la adaptacion como una suer-te de acomodacion y a subrayar en que medida los rasgos culturales influyen sobre las modalidades del encuentro.(Jesuitas, filosofia aristotelica, comentarios, China, encuentros culturales)
Evaluation of an experimental Ti-Co alloy for dental restorations.

Precision and surface quality of pure titanium (Ti) castings for dental and biomedical uses are limited because of the high melting temperature and the violent reactivity of Ti with mold materials during casting procedures. This feasibility study evaluates an experimental low-melting Ti-Co alloy in term of its microstructure and physical and mechanical properties. Tensile samples of Ti-12 wt % Co alloy were cast under a protective argon atmosphere. The melting range of the cast samplers was determined. Cast samples were annealed at 1010°C for various time intervals in order to homogenize microstructures. Microstructures were examined by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Tensile strength and microhardness tests were performed and correlated with microstructures resulting from annealing processes. Ti2Co intermetallic compound coexisted with Ti-Co solid solution in all samples. The melting range of the alloy was 1062–1088°C, which is 568°C lower than that of Ti. The thickness of the surface oxide scale on cast samples was dramatically reduced to 1–3 μm because of the low-melting nature of the alloy. Solution treatment at 1010°C for 100 h yields the highest tensile strength. Ultimate tensile strength is measured from 852 to 1240 MPa which is stronger than currently used dental alloys. Microhardness values were ranged from 341 to 488 KHN and elongation was from 1.2 to 1.8%. Both microhardness and percentage elongation are similar to those of dental Co-Cr alloys. One hundred hours of annealing dissolved dendritic boundaries and transformed the alloy to a more microductitle matrix, however, the intermetallic compound of Ti2Co remained. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 101B: 1419–1427, 2013.
Kingship and Masculinity in Late Medieval England

Introduction. 1. Kingship and masculinity in late medieval England 2. Approaching Henry V and Henry VI Part I. Henry V 3. Son and brother 4. The new man 5. Agincourt 6. Hegemonic Henry Part II Henry VI 7. The king who never grew up 8. The beginning of personal rule? 9. The unwarlike king 10. Marriage and chastity 11. Recovery and breakdown 12. Margaret, Prince Edward and a substitute kingship 13. Epilogue
An Assessment of Potential of Mean Force Calculations with Implicit Solvent Models

An adequate representation of aqueous solvent is a fundamental problem in the field of macromolecular simulations. To assess the ability of different solvent models to reproduce experimental data, we performed a series of molecular dynamics simulations on a small peptide, each utilizing a different model of solvent. The generalized Born (GB) model, the analytical continuum electrostatics (ACE) potential, the effective energy function-1 (EEF1), the solvent accessible surface area (SASA) model, and the standard TIP3P model of explicit solvent were evaluated in this study. For each solvent model, the potential of mean force (pmf) for folding a 12-residue peptide from the fully extended state to a compact state, where the two ends of the pep-tide are in close proximity, was computed. These data were compared to experimental results on the peptide's end-to-end distance distribution obtained with fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments. For each solvent model, the FRET efficiency was computed f...
Torsional Vibration Detection Using High Sampling Rate and High Resolution Keyphasor Information

Torsional vibration excitation in rotating machinery can cause system reliability issues or even catastrophic failures. Torsional vibration detection and monitoring becomes an important step in rotating machinery condition monitoring, especially for those machines driven by a variable frequency drive (VFD), a pulse width modulation motor (PWM), or a synchronous motor (SM), etc. Traditionally, the torsional vibration is detected by a phase demodulation process applied to the signals generated by tooth wheels or optical encoders. This demodulation based method has a few unfavorable issues: the installation of the tooth wheels needs to interrupt the machinery normal operation; the installation of the optical barcode is relatively easier, however, it suffers from short term survivability in harsh industrial environments. The geometric irregularities in the tooth wheel and the end discontinuity in the optical encoder will sometimes introduce overwhelming contaminations from shaft order response and its harmonics. In addition, the Hilbert Transform based phase demodulation technique has inevitable errors caused by the edge effect in FFT and IFFT analyses. Fortunately, in many industrial rotating machinery applications, the torsional vibration resonant frequency is usually low and the Keyphasor® and/or encoder for speed monitoring is readily available. Thus, it is feasible to use existing hardware for torsional vibration detection.In this paper, we present a signal processing approach which used the Keyphasor/encoder data digitized by a high sampling rate and high digitization resolution analog-to-digital (A/D) convertor to evaluate the torsional vibration directly. A wavelet decomposition (WD) based method was used to separate the torsional vibration from the shaft speed, so that the time history of the torsional vibrations can be extracted without significant distortions. The developed approach was then validated through a synchronous motor fan drive and an industrial power generation system. Detailed results are presented and discussed in this paper.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Human embryonic stem cell derived cardiac myocytes detect hERG-mediated repolarization effects, but not Nav1.5 induced depolarization delay.

Introduction Cardiac safety is of paramount importance in contemporary drug development. Efficient and sensitive evaluation of cardiac safety in the research and development of new molecular agents begins with preclinical in-vitro models. A new model that is currently under evaluation is the human embryonic stem-cell derived cardiac myocytes (hESC-CM) (Peng, Lacerda, Kirsch, Brown, & Bruening-Wright, 2010). Methods hESC-CM were exposed in-vitro to 15 test compounds, and action potentials (AP) recorded with perforated patch-clamp technique to assess changes in AP duration (APD90) and upstroke velocity (Vmax). The test compounds included: 10 hERG channel, 4 Na⁺ channel, and 1 IKs channel inhibitors. For comparison purposes, the test compounds were evaluated in the isolated rabbit heart assay (IRH) to determine changes in conduction (QRS) and repolarization (QTc). Potency at hERG, NaV1.5 and IKs channel was also determined. Results For 7 of 10 hERG channel inhibitors, the potency values across the three functional assays were similar (≤5-fold). Three compounds (dofetilide, sertindole, and terfenadine) showed >10-fold discrepancy between hERG potency and inhibitory concentrations in the hESC-CM and IRH assays. Of the four Na⁺ channel inhibitors, only mexiletine exhibited similar potency values across the three assays (~3-fold); the others exhibited marked variation (>10-fold) in inhibitory potency. No effect on repolarization was observed in hESC-CM treated with a potent IKs blocker, but QTc prolongation was evident in the IRH. Discussion The functional data indicate that hESC-CM are sensitive for detecting repolarization delay induced by hERG channel blockade, and AP prolongation correlated with potency in the hERG channel and IRH assays. However, hESC-CM were less sensitive for detecting depolarizing delay by Na⁺ channel blockers, and unable to detect delayed repolarization caused by IKs blockade.
THE PHOSPHATURIC RESPONSE OF THYROPARATHYROIDECTOMIZED DOGS TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF PARATHYROID HORMONE BY UNILATERAL RENAL ARTERIAL INFUSION.

Acutely thyroparathyroidectomized dogs were administered partially purified parathyroid hormone by way of the left renal artery. When the hormone was given by this route at a relatively high dose, either by injection of 30 or more units or as a continuous infusion at the rate of 30 units/hour, the renal response, an increase in the % of filtered phosphate excreted, was rapid and essentially identical by both kidneys. On the other hand, when the parathyroid hormone preparation was infused into the renal artery at a relatively slow rate (1–12.5 units/hour), the response either was confined to the infused kidney or it was greater by the infused kidney than by the noninfused kidney. Control infusions of physiological salt solution or of a nonparathyroid tissue extract resulted in no differential effect on the infused kidney. These results, added to those of similar experiments in intact dogs by Pullman, Lavender, Aho, and Rasmussen, support the conclusion that parathyroid hormone acts directly on the mammalian renal tubule.
Lysosomes in the Renal Papillae of Rats: Formation Induced by Potassium-Deficient Diet

Lysosomes appeared in the cytoplasm of cells of the renal papillae of rats fed on a potassium-deficient diet. The lysosomes were identified by their morphologic appearance when examined by electron microscopy, and by their acid phosphatase activity shown by both light and electron micro-scopic examination of Gomori-treated tissue.
Realization of Events by Logical Nets

In Representation of Events in Nerve Nets and Finite Automata [3], S. C. Kleene obtains a number of interesting results. The most important of these, his analysis and synthesis theorems (theorems 5 and 3), are obscured both by the complexity of his basic concepts and by the nature of the elements used in his nets. In this paper we give a new formulation and new proofs of Kleene’s analysis and synthesis theorems, in which we presuppose no acquaintance with Kleene’s work. We use simpler basic concepts and construct our nets out of more familiar and convenient elements (see section 4). The simplified formulation and proofs should make these important results more widely accessible. Some detailed comments on Kleene’s ideas are made in section 7.
Reversible skeletal changes after treatment with bevacizumab in a child with cutaneovisceral angiomatosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome.

Cutaneovisceral angiomatosis with thrombocytopenia (CAT) syndrome is a rare vascular disorder of the skin and gastrointestinal tract for which there is no standard treatment. We present a case in which a child with CAT syndrome was treated with bevacizumab, a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor, and subsequently developed asymptomatic metaphyseal bone lesions. Though not previously described as a side effect, we hypothesize that the use of bevacizumab in a child with active epiphyseal growth plates caused these radiographic lesions. Because of the potential for altered bone growth and metabolism, children receiving VEGF inhibitors should be monitored closely for bony toxicity. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:418–420. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A model for πp, Kp and ψp total cross section ratios☆

Abstract We calculate the ratios of πp, Kp and ψp total cross sections utilizing coupled homogeneous linear integral equations supplemented with SU(4) symmetry for the couplings. Kinematic effects arising from mass splitting and tmin effects are crucial. We obtain σ π p σ Kp ≈ 1.7 and σ ψ p σ π p ≈ 1 50 .
Chronic brain injury and behavioral impairments in a mouse model of term neonatal strokes

Stroke in term neonates remains a significant cause of long-term neurological morbidity. This study was designed to assess the relationships between ischemic stroke induced by permanent unilateral carotid ligation in P12 CD1 mice and the structural and functional outcomes in the young mice as a consequence. After P12 ischemic strokes, mice were behaviorally tested using accelerated rotorod, spontaneous alternation on a T-maze, open-field, and cylinder tests between P33 and P39. Brain injury was scored by histology at P40 with cresyl violet-stained coronal sections and computerized quantification of the ischemic injury. The ligation-injured mice were not different from controls on cylinder testing for asymmetric use of their forelimb, or on rotorod measures. In the spontaneous alternation task, however, injured mice demonstrated significantly lower rates of alternation indicating a deficit in working memory. Open-field testing repeated on two consecutive days revealed that the ligated mice were less active than the controls and that they failed to habituate to the open field environment between sessions indicating a learning deficit. Overall, our results demonstrate that ischemia induced by our neonatal stroke model produces behavioral deficits that are consistent with the brain injury.
Ultrastructural study of a cerebral toruloma.

Biopsy tissue from a human cerebral toruloma was studied ultrastructurally. Numerous yeasts were found within extracellular space and within macrophages or epithelioid cells and demonstrated a prominent mucopolysaccharide capsule. Extensive vacuolization of yeast-bearing macrophages was demonstrated. Coating material lined these vacuoles as well as the surface of these cells where numerous coatacts with lymphocytes were observed. The macjophages further displayed prominent subplasmalemmal linear densities, structures common to epithelioid cells in granulomatous diseases as well as a variety of cells of presumed mesodermal origin.
Strontium distribution in Geosecs oceanic profiles

Abstract Ocean-water profiles from some Atlantic Geosecs stations and a few Pacific samples have been analyzed for strontium by a mass spectrometric isotope dilution technique having a coefficient of variation of less than 0.2%. The strontium-to-salt distribution pattern resembles the nutrient element patterns. From a regression of strontium against phosphorus the prediction is that for every mole of phosphorus transferred in the ocean 0.67 moles of strontium is transferred. The specific agent for the transport of strontium is believed to be the SrSO 4 tests of the protozoan class Acantharia.
Towards network security policy generation for configuration analysis and testing

Access-control lists are an essential part in the security framework of any system. Researchers are always in need to have a repository of ready made policies for conducting research and development. Such policies, especially firewall policies which are the focus of our work, are needed to perform performance testing as well as configuration analysis.In this paper we introduce a novel technique to perform access-control policy generation. The proposed approach learns policy parameters from a set of given policies. It generates policies that conform with natural policy-writing practices while following the grammar syntax required by the security device. A probabilistic learning approach is used to infer transition probabilities for the given policy grammar.
Axon-myelin transfer of glycerol-labeled lipids and inorganic phosphate during axonal transport.

Abstract Axon-to-myelin transfer of lipids and lipid precursors have been studied in the rabbit optic system by intraocular injection of [ 32 P]orthophosphate, [ 14 C]glycerol and [ 3 H]glycerol. Choline and ethanolamine phosphoglycerides and myelin showed increasing [ 32 P]-radioactivity between 7 and 21 days following injection, while [ 3 H]- and [ 14 C]-radioactivities remained relatively constant. The latter radioactivities decreased, however, in all the axon- and axolemma-enriched fractions during the same period. These findings supported the concept that a portion of substances undergoing axonal transport enters the pool of myelin lipids by two mechanisms: transcellular transfer of intact lipid and axon-myelin transfer of precursors which are re-utilized for lipid biosynthesis by myelin-localized enzymes. The present study shows that inorganic phosphate, possibly generated by catabolic activity within the axon, is able to enter myelin and participate in the re-utilization mechanism as previously described for serine, choline and acyl chains. The relative invariance of the 3 H: 14 C ratio suggested that the majority of glycerol is not re-utilized in this manner but probably enters myelin through transfer of intact lipid. These and earlier results suggest a possible form of metabolic dependence of myelin on trophic substances from the axon.
Steady Baroclinic Flow through Ridges with Narrow Gaps

Abstract The steady baroclinic flow in a basin containing a meridional barrier representing a midocean ridge is studied in the linear, quasigeostrophic limit of a two-layer model. Thermal damping and a simple friction provide dissipation of thickness (heat) and momentum. The ridge is pierced by two gaps in the upper layer but only a single gap in the lower layer. The flow in the model is forced by specified upwelling at the upper surface and by a specified cross-isopycnal velocity at the interface in addition to the autogenerated cross-isopycnal velocity associated with the thermal damping. The forcing may be either broad in longitude or narrowly confined. The nature of the geometry of the model ridge mixes the baroclinic and barotropic response to the forcing, and this has profound consequences for the resulting circulation. In particular, when the baroclinic interaction of the two layers is strong, the recirculation region to the east of the ridge, previously discovered in earlier barotropic models of t...
A GENERALIZATION OF DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS.

Abstract It is shown that when dimensional concepts are developed within the context of elementary group theory they enjoy a concrete foundation. Furthermore, the utilization of groups for this purpose enables a generalization of dimensional analysis to be formulated as an aspect of a far-reaching theory that has been herefore invoked principally for similarity analyses . Specifically, it is shown that for applications wherein the governing equations are in view a systematic procedure can be invoked which yields conclutions that are in every instance at least as general as those obtained via more conventional dimensional approaches. For those applications wherein the governing equations are not in view, a novel pi-theorem , which evolves naturally as a part of the theory introduced here may be utilized.
Specific reduction of hepatic glucose 6-phosphate transporter-1 ameliorates diabetes while avoiding complications of glycogen storage disease.

Abstract d-Glucose-6-phosphatase is a key regulator of endogenous glucose production, and its inhibition may improve glucose control in type 2 diabetes. Herein, 2′-O-(2-methoxy)ethyl-modified phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) specific to the glucose 6-phosphate transporter-1 (G6PT1) enabled reduction of hepatic d-Glu-6-phosphatase activity in diabetic ob/ob mice. Treatment with G6PT1 ASOs decreased G6PT1 expression, reduced G6PT1 activity, blunted glucagon-stimulated glucose production, and lowered plasma glucose concentration in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast to G6PT1 knock-out mice and patients with glycogen storage disease, excess hepatic and renal glycogen accumulation, hyperlipidemia, neutropenia, and elevations in plasma lactate and uric acid did not occur. In addition, hypoglycemia was not observed in animals during extended periods of fasting, and the ability of G6PT1 ASO-treated mice to recover from an exogenous insulin challenge was not impaired. Together, these results demonstrate that effective glucose lowering by G6PT1 inhibitors can be achieved without adversely affecting carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
A party for all seasons: Electoral adaptation of Romanian Communist successor parties

Abstract This article analyzes the reasons for the remarkable adaptability and electoral success of Communist successor parties in post-1990 Romania. The first part develops a three-dimensional classification scheme to identify Communist successor parties on the basis of their institutional, personnel and ideological continuity with the defunct Communist Party. The second section traces the political evolution of Communist successor parties, and argues that their remarkably strong and consistent electoral performance is primarily due to their ability to appeal to voters beyond the traditional base of East European ex-Communist parties on the left of the ideological spectrum. The final section uses survey data to suggest that the continued electoral appeal of Communist successor parties in Romania is due neither to Communist nostalgia or lack of democracy but to the complicated legacy of the Ceausescu regime and the 1989 revolution.
Edge coloring of hypergraphs and a conjecture of ErdÖs, Faber, Lovász

Call a bypergraphsimple if for any pairu, v of distinct vertices, there is at most one edge incident to bothu andv, and there are no edges incident to exactly one vertex. A conjecture of Erdős, Faber and Lovasz is equivalent to the statement that the edges of any simple hypergraph onn vertices can be colored with at mostn colors. We present a simple proof that the edges of a simple hypergraph onn vertices can be colored with at most [1.5n-2 colors].
Maternal psychological distress and visitation to the neonatal intensive care unit.

Aim To examine associations between maternal NICU visitation rates, maternal psychological distress (“distress”), and preterm infant outcome post-NICU discharge in a contemporary cohort of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
The Mototícachi Massacre: Authorized Pimas and the Specter of the Insurrectionary Indian

On July 29, 1688, the Pima rancheria of Mototicachi went up in flames. All of its residents—without regard to age or gender—were seized and shackled by a group of soldiers from the Sinaloa presidio. The prisoners were taken to the nearby rancheria of Bacoachi, where forty-two men were killed and the rest were transferred to Sinaloa as prisoners of war. The burning, the imprisonment, and the subsequent executions all were ordered by Nicolas de Higuera, a young corporal from the Sinaloa presidio charged with protecting the Teuricachi Valley against the invasions of the Janos, Jocomes, Sumas, and Apaches. Letters written in the days that followed illustrate Spanish fears that the fire at Mototicachi would cast its embers across the then-peaceful Pimeria Alta. The specter of the insurrectionary Indian hovered in Spanish imagination during the late seventeenth century, ever since the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. In August of that year, the seemingly pacified and friendly Pueblo Indians had synchronized a rebellion that succeeded in expelling all Spaniards from Pueblo lands in northern New Mexico. The blood spilled during that unexpected episode fractured the certainties of Spanish officials and fed paranoid concerns across New Spain that any and all Indians could suddenly turn against the Spanish empire and its colonial settlers. Near the Pimeria Alta, anxieties were further fueled by the frequent theft of livestock and the sporadic killing of Spanish soldiers and vecinos. Although most of these assaults were attributed to enemy groups such as the Janos and Jocomes, on several occasions the Pimas were accused of being either accomplices or solely responsible for the attacks.1 The documentary record illustrates that Spanish authorities,
Sexual Modulation of Testosterone: Insights for Humans from Across Species

Testosterone (T) is generally understood to influence sexual behavior, but how T responds to sexuality is less well characterized across vertebrate species. Here, we review and synthesize findings on sexual modulation of T in primates (including humans), birds, fish, and rodents, with attention to the specific elements of sexual situations that drive T responses. We use a comparative perspective to show how research with females and males from a wide distribution of taxa provides novel insights for understanding effects of sexuality on T in humans. Among other patterns, our cross-species synthesis highlights a) the importance of the context surrounding a sexual interaction, over and above specific sensory modalities, to sexual modulation of T; b) that changes in T and changes in sexual behavior or arousal do not always occur in concert; c) that sexual contexts may be especially likely to increase T when coupled with aggression or competition, but sexuality contributes to T profiles independently as well; and d) that variation in T responses may be adaptive in balancing behavioral and physiological costs and benefits of T. We discuss how broadening the ways sexuality is defined, and especially decoupling sexuality from reproduction, would further clarify predictors and potential functions of sexually-modulated T. Overall, effects of sexuality on T across species highlight the malleability of androgens, particularly in response to the social environment. Not only does sexual behavior affect T, but the social environment in turn modulates the extent of sexuality’s effect on T.
Managing the acutely ill child

Children are different. It is 30 years since the Royal College of General Practitioners published its policy ‘The Care of Children’1 (in response to the Committee on Child Health Services' Fit for the Future ).2 The policy largely supported Donald Court's ideas to improve the care of children, but it balked at the new concept of a primary care paediatrician. However, the idea has not gone away and still forms an integral part of the strategic direction for the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).3 They point to the role such consultants have in much of Europe and the US, dealing with the acutely ill child, and the lack of formal paediatric training in a third of GPs. Yet, 34 million consultations with children are carried out by GPs each year, and our record on preventative measures, such as immunisations, is excellent. The RCPCH needs to double the consultant workforce just to deliver a consultant-led service, let alone deliver a comprehensive primary care service. Indeed, general paediatric consultant numbers have risen by only 7% per annum between 1999 and 2003, with community paediatric posts remaining static.4 Therefore, GPs will continue to be responsible for the care of this vulnerable group for years to come. This must not make GPs complacent. The NHS has gone through unprecedented structural change recently and is now looking to improve the care of all patients through clinical change. The government's green paper Every Child Matters, published in 2003,5 and the Children Act 2004 set the environment for a complete change in the care of children. The National Service Framework (NSF) for Children, Young People and the Maternity Services , published in the autumn …
IL-1β regulates rat mesangial cyclooxygenase II gene expression by tyrosine phosphorylation

IL-1β regulates rat mesangial cyclooxygenase II gene expression by tyrosine phosphorylation. The pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1β, induces the mRNA for prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase II gene in renal mesangial cells. This inductive effect is selective for prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase II and not prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase I. In the present experiments IL-1β increased COX II mRNA, and this was inhibited by genistein and herbimycin A, both inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinases. The dose dependent effect of genistein on inhibition of mRNA for COX II correlated with the inhibition of the release of PGE 2 into the media. Induction of COX II by interleukin-1β was mimicked by incubating the cells in the presence of a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, vanadate. These experiments also illustrate selective induction of COX II mRNA without induction of COX I mRNA. Western analysis utilizing antiphosphotyrosine antibodies demonstrated in whole lysates of mesangial cells treated with interleukin-1β that the transient phosphorylation of several proteins occurred. Interleukin-1β induced the transient phosphorylation of a protein of about 39/40 kD. Similarly, vanadate also produced a rapid and transient phosphorylation of a protein of about 39/40 kD in addition to other proteins. Immunoprecipitation of mesangial cell lysates with agarose conjugated antiphosphotyrosine antibody and Western analysis of precipitated proteins with anti-ERK2 antibody demonstrate that the 39/40 kD protein phosphorylated on tyrosine is ERK2 and suggests participation of one of the MAP kinase family of extracellular receptor kinases in IL-1β stimulated induction of the COX II gene.
Child Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorderv (ADHD) in Same-Sex Parent Families in the United States: Prevalence and Comorbidities

Aims: This paper presents the first population data on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children raised by same-sex parents with the aims 1) to test whether residence with same-sex parents is associated with higher ADHD prevalence, and 2) to observe and assess any clinically significant aggravators or comorbidities.Methodology: Aggregate data for 1997-2013 from the U.S. National Health Interview Survey yielded a representative sample of children from 207,007 households, including 512 with same-sex parents, permitting inferential comparisons.Results: ADHD was more than twice (OR 2.4, 95% CL 1.6-3.4) as prevalent among children with same-sex parents than in the general population, after controlling for age, sex, ethnicity and parent SES. Comorbidities with general emotional problems and defiance behavior were standard. ADHD risk with same-sex parents was reduced among adopted children (OR 0.54 95% CL .27-1.1), null in the presence of parent psychological distress, and substantially elevated in the presence of stigmatization (OR 7.3 95% CL 1.4-38.1). In same-sex families, children with ADHD were over seven times (OR 7.5 95% CL 1.2-46.8) more likely to suffer stigmatization due to impaired interpersonal coping skills.Conclusion: Diagnostic intake for ADHD should include parent sexual orientation, and treatment programs should include resources to bolster anti-victimization skills, particularly for children with same-sex parents. Results suggest the presence of shared genetic factors for same-sex attraction and ADHD, though more research is needed to confirm.
Experience with Installation of a Computer Based Information System in an Operating Nuclear Power Plant

Computer based colorgraphic display systems provide improved convenience and clarity of information for the nuclear power plant operator during emergency and normal operations. Installation in an operating plant presents design challenges due to the need for integration with existing systems and procedures, a critical shortage of available space, and limited access to plant operating systems. Maintainability and reliability of the system is a primary design consideration. The challenge was met at Plant Hatch through use of a network of rugged and compact Military Specification computers and modular implementation during available outage time.
Marburg and Ebola--arming ourselves against the deadly filoviruses.

As of May 26, 2005, the Angolan Ministry of Health had reported 399 cases of Marburg hemorrhagic fever, 335 of which were fatal. Dr. C.J. Peters explains that our progress in understanding the filoviruses has been slow because of their rare appearance in nature, the danger they pose to those who study them, and a lack of financial support.
A test for spatial and temporal aggregation

Abstract A test for spatial and temporal aggregation is derived which permits the researcher to assess when a given econometric model may be appropriately aggregated across micro units and across sample observations.
Preliminary Model for Extrusion and Rifting at the Axis of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, 36°48′ North

The inner rift valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 36°48′ N. is 1.5 to 3 km wide and 100 to 400 m deep. It is symmetrical in profile with a discontinuous medial ridge 100 to 240 m high and 800 to 1,300 m wide along its axis. The medial ridge is replaced every 1 to 3 km with a central trough 200 to 600 m wide. The medial ridge is apparently built by eruptions of pillow basalt recurring at intervals of roughly 14,000 years at a given point. Between eruptions (and possibly during them), the ridge splits and divides along its axis and subsides, which produces the central trough. As the trough widens and deepens, it eventually taps magma in a shallow reservoir, initiating a new eruption that rebuilds the medial ridge. Outward spreading of the inward-dipping shingled halves of the former medial ridge produces a layer of pillowed basalts about 400 m thick (oceanic layer 2A), in which resides the bulk of the remanant magnetization of the ocean floor. This layer overlies a layer of intrusive rock (layer 2B) composed of a dike complex that feeds eruptions building the medial ridge as well as the outward moving, solidified shells of a shallow magma chamber.
Asymptotic approximation for ionic-covalent configuration mixing in hydrogen and alkali hydrides

A pseudo-potential treatment of ionic-covalent configuration interaction or curve-crossing is given which employs simple but asymptotically exact wavefunctions and avoids introducing orbital approximations. The asymptotic wavefunctions are determined solely from known atomic parameters: the ionization potential of the donor species and the electron affinnity and Slater atomic radius of the acceptor. The splitting ΔV(R c) between the adiabatic potential curves at the diabatic ionic-covalent crossing radius R c and the potential curves for R⪸R c are derived from two and three-state secular equations. Results are given for excited electronic states of H2, particularly the B 1Σ u + state which involves interaction of H(1s)+H(2s, 2p) and H++H-(1s2) configurations, and for the ground and several excited 1Σ+ states of LiH and other alkali hydrides. Comparisons with spectroscopic data and various theoretical calculations show that for large R c the simple asymptotic approximation gives good accuracy, within 10–20...
Insect transferrins: multifunctional proteins

Abstract Background Many studies have been done evaluating transferrin in insects. Genomic analyses indicate that insects could have more than one transferrin. However, the most commonly studied insect transferrin, Tsf1, shows greatest homology to mammalian blood transferrin. Scope of review Aspects of insect transferrin structure compared to mammalian transferrin and the roles transferrin serves in insects are discussed in this review. Major conclusions Insect transferrin can have one or two lobes, and can bind iron in one or both. The iron binding ligands identified for the lobes of mammalian blood transferrin are generally conserved in the lobes of insect transferrins that have an iron binding site. Available information supports that the form of dietary iron consumed influences the regulation of insect transferrin. Although message is expressed in several tissues in many insects, fat body is the likely source of hemolymph transferrin. Insect transferrin is a vitellogenic protein that is down-regulated by Juvenile Hormone. It serves a role in transporting iron to eggs in some insects, and transferrin found in eggs appears to be endowed from the female. In addition to the roles of transferrin in iron delivery, this protein also functions to reduce oxidative stress and to enhance survival of infection. General significance Future studies in Tsf1 as well as the other insect transferrins that bind iron are warranted because of the roles of transferrin in preventing oxidative stress, enhancing survival to infections and delivering iron to eggs for development. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Transferrins: Molecular mechanisms of iron transport and disorders.