cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automated and scalable QoS control for network convergence

Network convergence is becoming increasingly important for cost reduction and management simplification. However, this convergence requires strict performance isolation while keeping fine-grained control of each service (e.g. VoIP, video conference etc.). It is difficult to guarantee the performance requirements for various serviceswith manual configuration of the Quality-of-Service (QoS) knobs on a per-device basis as is prevalent today. We propose a network QoS control framework for converged fabrics that automatically and flexibly programs a network of devices with the necessary QoS parameters, derived from a high level set of application requirements. The controller leverages our QoS extensions of OpenFlow APIs, including per-flow rate-limiters and dynamic priority assignment. We also present some results from a testbed implementation to validate the performance of our controller.
Distributed theorem proving for distributed hybrid systems

Distributed hybrid systems present extraordinarily challenging problems for verification. On top of the notorious difficulties associated with distributed systems, they also exhibit continuous dynamics described by quantified differential equations. All serious proofs rely on decision procedures for real arithmetic, which can be extremely expensive. Quantified Differential Dynamic Logic (QdL) has been identified as a promising approach for getting a handle in this domain. QdL has been proved to be complete relative to quantified differential equations. But important questions remain as to how best to translate this theoretical result into practice: how do we succinctly specify a proof search strategy, and how do we control the computational cost? We address the problem of automated theorem proving for distributed hybrid systems. We identify a simple mode of use of QdL that cuts down on the enormous number of choices that it otherwise allows during proof search. We have designed a powerful strategy and tactics language for directing proof search. With these techniques, we have implemented a new automated theorem prover called KeYmaeraD. To overcome the high computational complexity of distributed hybrid systems verification, KeYmaeraD uses a distributed proving backend. We have experimentally observed that calls to the real arithmetic decision procedure can effectively be made in parallel. In this paper, we demonstrate these findings through an extended case study where we prove absence of collisions in a distributed car control system with a varying number of arbitrarily many cars.
Optimization of Output Functions with Nonholonomic Virtual Constraints in Underactuated Bipedal Walking Control

Underactuation is a challenging issue to deal with in bipedal walking control. Because of the highly nonlinear behaviors of bipedal robotic walking, nonlinear control theories, especially state feedback control based on input-output feedback linearization, has been applied to achieve stable walking. For underactuated bipeds, control design based on input-output linearization can result in internal dynamics whose stability and convergence rate to the desired gait affect the closed-loop stability and the overall convergence rate. Because the stability and the convergence rate of the internal dynamics can only be affected by the output function design, this paper proposes a general output function design to allow for greater freedom in output function optimization and better control performance as compared with previous studies. The proposed output function design and optimization, as well as the input-output linearizing controller, are simulated on a planar bipedal robot to validate the fast convergence rate to desired gait and the high robustness to external disturbances of the proposed method.
belling the CAT in the sky

The CAT in the sky, which has created a variety of problems since aviation began, is being attacked by an extensive measurement program sponsored by the United States Air Force under the code name ALLCAT. Clear air turbulence data gathering programs at all altitudes important to modern aviation are described, and some of the meteorological applications of the data are pointed out. It is shown how a properly instrumented airplane can be used to obtain actual gust velocities. The power spectral and exceedance statistics methods used to incorporate gust measurement data in aircraft design procedure are summarized and illustrated. The article concludes that the program will be an important step in taming all the CATS.
The longevity of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride varnish's preventative effects: Assessment of white spot lesion formation.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To test how long casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) fluoride varnish prevents enamel demineralization in vitro. Materials and Methods: Human molars and premolars were sectioned buccolingually and randomly assigned to two groups. Standardized pretreatment images of enamel surfaces were obtained using FluoreCam. The control group received no treatment, and the experimental group received an application of CPP-ACP fluoride varnish. Over simulated periods of 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, specimens were placed in a toothbrushing simulator, thermocycled, subjected to 9 days of pH cycling, and imaged with FluoreCam. Samples were sectioned and polished for polarized light microscope (PLM) evaluation. Results: There were statistically significant time (P < .001) and varnish (P < .001) effects on area, intensity, and impact of enamel demineralization. The control group showed significant and progressive demineralization over the 12 weeks (P < .001). The experimental group reve...
Brainstem serotonergic, catecholaminergic, and inflammatory adaptations during chronic hypercapnia in goats

Despite the prevalence of CO2 retention in human disease, little is known about the adaptive neurobiological effects of chronic hypercapnia. We have recently shown 30-d exposure to increased inspired CO2 (InCO2) leads to a steady-state ventilation that exceeds the level predicted by the sustained acidosis and the acute CO2/H+ chemoreflex, suggesting plasticity within respiratory control centers. Based on data showing brainstem changes in aminergic and inflammatory signaling during carotid body denervation-induced hypercapnia, we hypothesized chronic hypercapnia per se will lead to similar changes. We found that: 1) increased InCO2 increased IL-1β in the medullary raphe (MR), ventral respiratory column, and cuneate nucleus after 24 h, but not after 30 d of hypercapnia; 2) the number of serotonergic and total neurons were reduced within the MR and ventrolateral medulla following 30 d of increased InCO2; 3) markers of tryptophan metabolism were altered following 24 h, but not 30 d of InCO2; and 4) there were few changes in brainstem amine levels following 24 h or 30 d of increased InCO2. We conclude that these changes may contribute to initiating or maintaining respiratory neuroplasticity during chronic hypercapnia but alone do not account for ventilatory acclimatization to chronic increased InCO2.-Burgraff, N. J., Neumueller, S. E., Buchholz, K. J., LeClaire, J., Hodges, M. R., Pan, L., Forster, H. V. Brainstem serotonergic, catecholaminergic, and inflammatory adaptations during chronic hypercapnia in goats.
Leisure Mobility of Chinese Millennials

This study focuses on Chinese millennials as a unique travel group and investigates how the usage of mobile technology impacts their leisure travel experience and continuous engagement with mobile ...
Early Deprivation Revisited: Contemporary Studies of the Impact on Young Children of Institutional Care

There is clear evidence that early deprivation in the form of early institutional care affects children both immediately and long after they are removed from the institution. This article reviews t...
Oculomotor Treatment in Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.

Importance: Vision impairments are common after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Little evidence exists to assist clinicians with effective interventions for impaired oculomotor skills in people with TBI. Objective: To pilot a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of oculomotor treatment in TBI rehabilitation. Design: An impairment-based oculomotor protocol was compared with an activity-based standard of care in a two-group RCT. Participants were masked to assignment. Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation. Participants: For 1 yr, 138 people with TBI, ages 18–65 yr, were screened. Twenty-six were eligible; 6 declined. Inclusion criteria: oculomotor impairment. Exclusion criteria: inpatient stay <6 wk, blind, no functional arm use, unable to follow a three-step command, attention <30 min, or in another clinical trial. Intervention: Participants were randomized into an experimental group (n = 10) receiving the Six Eye Exercises protocol or a control group (n = 10) receiving a standard-of-care protocol for 30 min/day, 5 days/wk, for 4 wk. Oculomotor and related functional impairments were measured at baseline and posttreatment. Outcomes and Measures: Measures were chosen before the start. Primary outcome measure: Craig Hospital Eye Evaluation Rating Scale for oculomotor status. Secondary measures for functional status: King-Devick Test, Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System Trail Making Test: Condition 1 Visual Scanning, Modified Nelson–Denny Reading Test, and Subjective Vision Symptom Scale. Results: Sixteen participants finished. Fatigue was the primary reason for withdrawal. No other negative effects were noted. Selected outcome measures captured positive improvements in both groups. Conclusions and Relevance: Study findings suggest conducting an appropriately powered RCT to evaluate efficacy of oculomotor treatment in this population. What This Article Adds: Oculomotor dysfunction seems to improve during inpatient TBI rehabilitation with remedial treatment. Best practice in occupational therapy has not yet been established. An appropriately powered RCT could positively contribute to the evidence available to clinicians.
Mucosa and Rejection in Facial Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND Facial vascularized composite allotransplantation (fVCA) presents an established approach to restore form and function of patients with catastrophic facial defects. Skin is one of the target tissues of the rejection process, and due to its easy accessibility has become the gold standard in the diagnosis of rejection. Mucosal rejection frequently occurs; however, the added value of mucosal rejection assessment for patient management is unknown. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of manuscripts listed in the MEDLINE/PubMed and GoogleScholar databases to identify articles that provide data on mucosal rejection following fVCA. For inclusion, papers had to be available as full-text and written in English. Non-VCA studies and animal studies were excluded. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. RESULTS We included 17 articles that described changes in allotransplanted mucosa of fVCAs. These articles yielded data on 168 BANFF graded biopsies of corresponding skin and mucosa biopsies. Rejection grades were consistently higher in mucosal biopsies. Concordance between allograft skin and mucosa biopsy grades increased with an increasing skin-BANFF grade. Mucosa rejection grades were on average lower in the early stages of the posttransplant period ( postoperative mo 12). CONCLUSIONS The mucosa of facial allotransplants is one of the primary targets of rejection. The data indicates that higher-grade skin rejection does not occur in absence of mucosal rejection. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the exact role of mucosal biopsies for fVCA patient management.
Soil Structure Interaction

This chapter addresses the interaction between the structure and its foundation. It begins with a seldom covered problem: rocking of the structure on the foundation and possible “lift-off” that would act as stress reliever. Different techniques to model this problem are outlined. Then, deconvolution, the technique to apply a proper seismic excitation at the base of a model foundation as opposed to the accelerations recorded at the surface, is presented. It will be followed by the derivation of the wave equation which is essential to understanding the most commonly used soil structure interaction (SSI) model: the one by Lysmer. Then, the roles of both SSI and adjoining free field are discussed in a model developed by the first author along with a battery of simple validation problems highlighting the benefits of simple or complex SSI are presented. Finally, the chapter concludes with techniques to properly mesh a structure where the SSI is addressed.
Heart Rate Variability and Circulating Inflammatory Markers in Midlife.

Abstract Theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence suggest that the parasympathetic nervous system engages in active monitoring and moderating of inflammatory processes. A clearer understanding of the bidirectional communication between the parasympathetic nervous system and the immune system could lead to novel clinical interventions for inflammatory illnesses. The current study used a large (N ​= ​836) nationally representative sample of adults in the United States to investigate the associations between resting parasympathetic modulation of the heart, indexed through both high frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) and low frequency heart rate variability (LF-HRV), and six circulating markers of inflammation. Statistical analyses revealed robust inverse associations of HF-HRV with interleukin-6 (IL6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen, with or without covariate adjustment. Similar inverse associations were observed between LF-HRV and IL6 and CRP. No significant associations were observed between HRV and either inflammatory adhesion molecules (E-selectin, intracellular adhesion molecule-1) or soluble IL6 receptor. Results are consistent with the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and suggest that parasympathetic modulation of inflammation through the vagus nerve may act on specific inflammatory molecules more than others.
Resource Misallocation Among Listed Firms in China: The Evolving Role of State-Owned Enterprises

We document that publicly listed Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are less productive and profitable than publicly listed firms in which the state has no ownership stake. In particular, Chinese listed SOEs are more capital intensive and have a lower average product of capital than non-SOEs. These productivity differences increased between 2002 and 2009, and remain sizeable in 2019. Using a heterogeneous firm model of resource misallocation, we find that there are large potential productivity gains from reforms which could equalize the marginal products of listed SOEs and listed non-SOEs.
The Emerging Factors and Treatment Options for NAFLD-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, followed by cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). HCC is the third most common cause of cancer death worldwide, and its incidence is rising, associated with an increased prevalence of obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, current treatment options are limited. Genetic factors and epigenetic factors, influenced by age and environment, significantly impact the initiation and progression of NAFLD-related HCC. In addition, both transcriptional factors and post-transcriptional modification are critically important for the development of HCC in the fatty liver under inflammatory and fibrotic conditions. The early diagnosis of liver cancer predicts curative treatment and longer survival. However, clinical HCC cases are commonly found in a very late stage due to the asymptomatic nature of the early stage of NAFLD-related HCC. The development of diagnostic methods and novel biomarkers, as well as the combined evaluation algorithm and artificial intelligence, support the early and precise diagnosis of NAFLD-related HCC, and timely monitoring during its progression. Treatment options for HCC and NAFLD-related HCC include immunotherapy, CAR T cell therapy, peptide treatment, bariatric surgery, anti-fibrotic treatment, and so on. Overall, the incidence of NAFLD-related HCC is increasing, and a better understanding of the underlying mechanism implicated in the progression of NAFLD-related HCC is essential for improving treatment and prognosis.
Introduction to network epidemiology

Most compartment models in epidemiology characterize the space-time evolution of their populations through a set of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations. These equations generally have no analytical solution and we have to solve them numerically. Here we introduce the basic concepts of numerical methods for partial differential equations and illustrate network diffusion and finite element methods to solve them. To demonstrate the features of these two approaches, we derive and compare explicit and implicit network diffusion and finite element methods for the SIS model. The learning objectives of this chapter on network epidemiology are to
Alleged Threats from Genetics

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the recent fears of biology that have been greatly exaggerated. In the area of dangerous products, the history of the controversy over recombinant DNA research suggests that the scientific community did behave responsible and that excessive involvement of the public in the phase of technical assessment of risks impeded rather than advance the process of arriving at reasonable judgments. In a second area, knowledge that may give us dangerous powers, restrictions on advances in the knowledge, as opposed to restrictions on its applications, are difficult to justify, because one is not able to foresee the full range of good and bad consequences of such advances. A third concern over increased insights into human nature and human diversity is more complex. On one hand, evidence that conflict with treasured preconceptions may be painful, whereas on the other hand science gives valuable insights as well as technological powers, and while the latter have generated the growing crisis of mankind, insight into the biological roots of our behavior may be what is most needed to meet that crisis.
Instill the Entrepreneurial Mindset

(2007). Instill the Entrepreneurial Mindset. Research-Technology Management: Vol. 50, No. 6, pp. 11-13.
A statistically selected part-based probabilistic model for object recognition

In an object recognition task where an image is represented as a constellation of image patches, often many patches correspond to the cluttered background. If such patches are used for object class recognition, they will adversely affect the recognition rate. In this paper, we present a statistical method for selecting the image patches which characterize the target object class and are capable of discriminating between the positive images containing the target objects and the complementary negative images. This statistical method select those images patches from the positive images which, when used individually, have the power of discriminating between the positive and negative images in the evaluation data. Another contribution of this paper is the part-based probabilistic method for object recognition. This Bayesian approach uses a common reference frame instead of reference patch to avoid the possible occlusion problem. We also explore different feature representation using PCA an 2D PCA. The experiment demonstrates our approach has outperformed most of the other known methods on a popular benchmark data set while approaching the best known results.
SPPV: a new formal verification environment

The increasing complexity of hardware systems necessitates the development of new methods to test the correctness of their operation. Lately, Formal Verification has proven to be a powerful alternative to conventional simulation and testing methods. In this paper we present a formal verification software environment, SPPV, based on a formal verification technique referred to as Series-Parallel Poset Verification.
Verbs Are It

This essay explains how lawyers and law students can make their writing more effective by focusing on the verbs. It provides easy-to-follow advice and examples.
Evidence for catalytic cooperativity during ATP hydrolysis by beef heart F1-ATPase. Kinetics and binding studies with the photoaffinity label BzATP

The photoaffinity analog of ATP, 3'-O-(4-benzoyl) benzoyl ATP (BzATP), was used to covalently modify the catalytic sites on the beef heart mitochondrial F1-ATPase. In the absence of actinic illumination, BzATP was a slow substrate for the enzyme (Vmax = 0.19 mumol min-1 mg-1; kcat/Km = 2.2 X 10(6) M-1s-1) and behaved as a classical competitive inhibitor versus ATP (Ki = 0.85 microM). Under photolytic conditions, BzATP inactivated F1 with pseudo first-order kinetics, and the photoinactivation reaction showed rate saturation suggesting specific, reversible binding of BzATP to F1 prior to covalent bond formation. ATP protected against F1 photoinactivation (Kprotect = 0.3 microM) and partially covalently modified F1 yielded the same Km for ATP as unmodified enzyme. These results strongly suggested that BzATP was bound to catalytic sites on the enzyme. In the absence of photolysis, BzATP saturated two binding sites on the F1 (KD = 1.6 microM), and under photolytic conditions, 1 mol of BzATP was shown to be covalently liganded to the beta subunit of the enzyme coincident with 100% loss in ATPase activity. Previous studies with the mitochondrial F1-ATPase have suggested a mechanism involving catalytic cooperativity during ATP hydrolysis. Our demonstration of a molar stoichiometry of 1 for photoinactivation is in accord with this mechanism. It is suggested that either F1 is unable to hydrolyze covalently bound BzATP, or that subsequent to hydrolysis, the BzADP product can not be released from the catalytic site. It is therefore inferred that F1 hydrolytic activity requires cooperativity between multiple, viable catalytic sites and that covalent modification of a single catalytic site is sufficient for complete enzyme inactivation.
Neutron Star Masses

A review of the literature is given to summarize the present evidence for masses of neutron stars in radio pulsars as well as in X-ray binaries. The material is arranged in the following sections: Introduction Methods of analysis Binary and millisecond pulsars Relativistic systems The nature of the secondaries X-ray pulsars: the better determined cases Black hole candidates A few indeterminate cases Conclusion
Further characterization of protective Trypanosoma cruzi-specific CD4+ T- cell clones: T helper type 1-like phenotype and reactivity with shed trypomastigote antigens

Abstract We previously reported the isolation from immune mice of a panel of murine clonal T-cell lines which specifically recognize antigens expressed by the trypomastigote stage of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of human Chagas' disease. Our analysis indicated that distinct clones which recognize common as well as strain-specific antigenic determinants were represented. The immunoprotective potential of several of these T-cell clones was demonstrated by adoptive transfer of protection to naive syngeneic recipients. Here we report that these T-cell clones are all of the TH1 phenotype, as determined from their lymphokine secretion patterns. Significant levels of stimulatory activity for each clone were detected in trypomastigote supernatants, and the release of this activity was time and temperature dependent. Seven of 10 T-cell clones tested responded to nitrocellulose-immunoblotted trypomastigote proteins in the range of 90 to 47 kDa; no fewer than six distinct epitopes residing on at least five distinct polypeptide species were recognized by this panel of clones. Two clones (2G8 and 4B10) previously shown to protect in vivo responded to immunoblotted proteins in the range of 65 to 53 and 90 to 80 kD, respectively. Stimulatory activity for the latter clone was shown to be expressed on the surface of trypomastigotes and to bind specifically to wheat germ agglutinin, indicating that its target antigen is an 85-kDa trypomastigote surface glycoprotein.
Induced-modulation-instabilities limit to "fast" light propagation

Summary form only given. A recent technique for creating "fast" light pulses (i.e. pulses of light having group velocity greater than c or less than zero) uses a continuous-wave bichromatic Raman pump laser beam to tailor the dispersion properties of an atomic vapor. We have discovered a number of effects that impose limits on fast-light propagation as the gain increases. Most important is the modulation instability, a nonlinear effect that can lead to temporal modulation of intense continuous-wave laser fields. We discuss the induced modulation instability in the context of high-gain bichromatically driven atomic systems, specifically in the context of fast-light pulse propagation. We further discuss the practical limitations that the induced modulation instability imposes on this method for creating faster-than-c pulses.
Enhancing case ascertainment of Parkinson's disease using Medicare claims data in a population-based cohort: the Cardiovascular Health Study

Purpose We sought to improve a previous algorithm to ascertain Parkinson's disease (PD) in the Cardiovascular Health Study by incorporating additional data from Medicare outpatient claims. We compared our results to the previous algorithm in terms of baseline prevalence and incidence of PD, as well as associations with baseline smoking characteristics. Methods Our original case ascertainment used self-reported diagnosis, antiparkinsonian medication, and hospitalization discharge International Classification of Diseases—Ninth version code. In this study, we incorporated additional data from fee-for-service Medicare claims, extended follow-up time, review of hospitalization records, and adjudicated cause of death. Two movement disorders specialists adjudicated final PD status. We used logistic regression models and controlled for age, sex, African American race, and education. Results We identified 75 additional cases but reclassified 80 previously identified cases as not having PD. We observed significant inverse association with smoking status (odds ratio = 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.22, 0.79), and inverse linear trends with pack-years (p = 0.005), and cigarettes per day (p = 0.019) with incident PD. All estimates were stronger than those from the previous algorithm. Conclusions Our enhanced method did not alter prevalence and incidence estimates compared with our previous algorithm. However, our enhanced method provided stronger estimates of association, potentially due to reduced level of disease misclassification. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low-cost end-point modular PUMA array

A simple and straight-forward PUMA array design is presented. Where earlier PUMA arrays were built using less-reliable Rogers 5880LZ material and were modular at the feed points, the presented array is manufactured using significantly fewer processing steps on more reliable Rogers 6002 or 3003 and is modular at the dipole end points. The array can achieve 3∶1 operational bandwidth with VSWR < 2 for 45-degree scans in all planes, VSWR < 3 for 60-degree scans in all planes. The simple low-profile design is ideal for many phased array applications and is suitable for manufacturing across a wide range of frequencies with proven results up to 40GHz.
Community notification: perceptions of its effectiveness in preventing child sexual abuse

Megan's law, a law designed to protect children from sexual abuse, enables law enforcement to notify communities when convicted sex offenders reside in their neighborhoods. Although there is vast support for the law, little is known about the perceived efficacy of the law. Community members', law enforcement officials', and law students' attitudes toward community notification and other child abuse prevention measures were investigated. The groups significantly differed in support of Megan's Law and surrounding issues, such as whether all criminals should be subject to community notification. Also, perceptions of the efficacy and the degree to which offenders' rights are violated differed according to whether community notification tactics were typical or extreme.
The biology of pastoral man as a factor in conservation

Abstract This paper discusses the basic relationship between the dietetic needs of pastoral people, the number of stock they must keep to supply these needs, and the productive capacity of the environment. While overgrazing and erosion in pastoral areas is usually attributed to ‘prestige’ overstocking, it is shown here that there is a basic minimum number of animals required to support a human family. This requirement is usually about 3 Standard Stock Units each of 500 kg live-weight per head, but varies from 2·5–4·5 according to the ecological conditions, and is made up of various classes of stock that are kept for meat or milk. Where rising human population becomes too great to permit each family to maintain this necessary minimum herd, damage to the environment through overstocking becomes inevitable. In addition, by competing for the available milk supply, the pastoral peoples inevitably starve the calves and depress the quality of their stock, especially where human populations are high. The prevalent ‘overgrazing’ situation is seen as one of human over-population in many areas—requiring the removal of humans, or alteration of their dietetic habits, as well as mere reduction of stock numbers. Possible methods of alleviating the situation include partial dependence on bought grain, or settlement on irrigation schemes, but none are easy or short-term.
The impact of teacher immediacy and perceived caring on teacher competence and trustworthiness

This research investigated the impact of teacher caring and teacher immediacy on student perceptions of teachers' credibility. While the results of the two studies conducted indicated the presence of strong main effects for teacher caring and immediacy and strong negative effects for teacher non‐caring and nonimmediacy on the various dimensions of teacher credibility (as hypothesized), significant interaction effects were observed between caring and nonimmediacy on both dimensions of credibility studied (competence and trustworthiness). In most cases, when teacher caring was low, whether the teacher was in the immediate or nonimmediate condition made no significant difference—both produced negative perceptions of teacher credibility. In contrast, when teacher caring was high, teacher nonimmediacy significantly lowered perceived credibility. Probing of the interaction results suggested that high verbal caring tends to soften the negative impact of teacher nonimmediacy. The results of these studies demonstr...
Immunologic Cross-Reactivity between Penicillins and Cephalosporins: A Review

Several approaches have been undertaken in the study of possible immunologic cross-reactivity between cephalosporins and penicillins. Although the chemical structures of these compounds are similar in several respects, there are distinct differences in their degradation and transformation. Various degrees of cross-reactivity of antibodies produced in response to administration of these drugs have been demonstrated both with test systems that measure IgG and IgM antibodies and with those that measure IgE antibodies. The clinical significance of immune responses to cephalosporins is best understood in regard to immunohematologic abnormalities: positive direct antiglobulin (Coombs') tests occur in only approximately 3% of patients receiving cephalosporins; however, several cases of cephalosporin-induced immune hemolytic anemia have been reported. Clinical studies of the cephalosporins indicated that patients with a history of penicillin allergy have increased incidence of reactivity to cephalosporins, but it is impossible to determine to what extent this finding is due to immunologic cross-reactivity because penicillin-allergic patients have an increased incidence of hypersensitivity reactions to drugs immunologically unrelated to penicillins. In addition, there is evidence of specific immune response to cephalosporins that indicates independently acquired hypersensitivity rather than cross-reactivity in some patients.
SEX-ROLE IDENTITY ACROSS TWO CULTURES

Cross-cultural data on 57 U.S. and 24 Australian women are provided for the Bem Sex-role Inventory. Femininity scores significantly differed; American women scored more feminine than Australian women. There was no cultural difference in masculinity or androgyny scores.
Responses of sexually experienced and naive male rats to cues from receptive vs. nonreceptive females

In order to learn more about their reaction to the female sex attractant, 61 male Norway rats were given two-choice preference tests in which they reacted to cues from receptive vs. non-receptive females. In the first experiment, 16 heterosexually experienced males showed a reliable preference (p < .01) for receptive over nonreceptive anesthetized females, as did 15 naive males (p < .02) which later proved to be copulators. Ten naive males which later proved to be noncopulators showed no reliable preference for either type of female. In the second experiment, 15 naive males which later proved to be copulators showed no reliable preference for the odors from receptive vs. nonreceptive females. From these experiments, we conclude that naive males which later prove to be sexually vigorous are attracted to the composite bodily cues from receptive females, and that this attraction is not mediated by olfactory cues alone.
Fostering success through a sense of urgency: Organizational culture and change efforts

A Sense of Urgency By John P. Kotter Boston: Harvard Business Press, 2008. 196 pp. ISBN: 978-1-4221-7971-0. $22.00
Transport of fatty acids by myoglobin—An hypothesis

Abstract An hypothesis is presented regarding the nature of binding sites of proteins for fatty acids. We have tentatively identified two such sites in myoglobin on the basis of studies of a Corey-Pauling model.
The proton-deuteron scattering lengths

Abstract Proton-deuteron quartet and doublet scattering lengths resulting from configuration-space Faddeev calculations are reported. Our values of 4 a pd ≈ 14 fm and 2 a pd ≈ 0..1 fm differ substantially from the accepted experimental values and from theoretical estimates using approximate methods to include Coulomb effects. An explanation of our results in terms of the two-body strong-plus-Coulomb potential is provided.
Ischemic but not thermal pain sensitivity varies across the menstrual cycle.

Objective and method Findings from both animal and human research suggest that pain sensitivity changes across the menstrual cycle; however, among humans the nature of these menstrual cycle effects remains unclear. The present study used a repeated-measures design to evaluate changes in thermal and ischemic pain responses during three phases of the menstrual cycle, midfollicular (postmenstrual), ovulatory, and mid-to-late luteal (premenstrual), in 11 healthy women. The cycle phase during which subjects began their participation was determined randomly. Plasma levels of estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and beta-endorphin were determined at each experimental session. Participants also completed a daily diary of physical and emotional symptoms for two complete menstrual cycles before the experimental sessions. Results The results indicated that women showed less ischemic pain sensitivity during the midfollicular compared with the ovulatory and mid-to-late luteal phases, but thermal pain responses did not vary significantly across menstrual cycle phases. Physical and emotional symptoms were minimal and did not change significantly across the menstrual cycle. Conclusions These findings indicate greater ischemic but not thermal pain sensitivity among women after the midcycle LH surge. The practical relevance and potential mechanisms of these findings are discussed.
F-atom deexcitation of DF(ν = 1): isotope effect

Abstract The 1 → 0 vibrational transition probability of DF(ν = 1) + F → DF(ν = 0) + F has been calculated based on the collinear collision of F—D…F. A comparison of the result with that of HF(ν = 1) + F yields the information that DF(ν = 1) relaxes two to three times faster than HF(ν = 1) in the temperature range 100–3000 K.
Racial differences in the frequency of depressive symptoms among community dwelling elders: the role of socioeconomic factors.

In a biracial sample of community dwelling elders (n = 4162, the Duke EPESE), African-Americans endorsed more items than Whites on a standardized depression scale, the CES-D, in unadjusted, cross-sectional analyses. However, indices of socioeconomic status (e.g., education and problems meeting needs) were found to mediate the relationship between race and depression. When these socioeconomic variables were included in cross-sectional analyses, the association between depressive symptoms and race reversed such that Whites were significantly more likely to endorse depressive symptoms than African-Americans. Further, whereas in unadjusted, longitudinal analyses, race was unrelated to changes in depressive symptoms over time, with the inclusion of the socioeconomic variables Whites were found to endorse more depressive symptoms than African-Americans. We conclude that socioeconomic variables influence the size and direction of racial differences in the endorsement of depressive symptoms in community dwelling ...
Low-Latitude Noctilucent Cloud of 15 June 1963

A bright noctilucent cloud was observed and photographed north-west of Tucson on 15 June 1963. Results of computations indicate that the cloud was at a height of 71 kilometers. The cloud appears to have resulted from the launching of a Scout space vehicle.
Enhancement of Capacitance by Electrochemical Oxidation of Nanodiamond Derived Carbon Nano-Onions

Abstract Electrode responsiveness and electrochemical capacitance behavior of nanodiamond-derived carbon nano-onions (N-CNOs) were studied. N-CNOs were prepared by thermal annealing of nanodiamond powders. A thin film of N-CNOs was mounted on glassy carbon (GC) current collector and showed an excellent electrochemical behavior with rectangular voltammetric curves as well as great scan rate dependence of capacitance. The capacitance showed negligible drops over a wide range of scan rates (50 mV/s - 5 V/s) in both KCl and H 2 SO 4 . This excellent capacitive behavior was attributed to good electrical conductivity and mesoporous nature of N-CNOs. In order to further enhance capacitance, electrochemical oxidation of N-CNOs was carried out by iterating anodic cycling in acidic electrolytes. The capacitance enhancement of oxidized N-CNOs was probed by cyclic voltammetry as well as galvanostatic charging-discharging measurement. This study demonstrates that electrochemical oxidation can be an effective method to improve capacitance and energy density of carbon nanomaterials while maintaining a good scan rate performance.
Reduced Bone Cortical Thickness in Boys with Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Bone development, casein-free diet use, supplements, and medications were assessed for 75 boys with autism or autism spectrum disorder, ages 4–8 years. Second metacarpal bone cortical thickness (BCT), measured on hand-wrist radiographs, and % deviations in BCT from reference medians were derived. BCT increased with age, but % deviations evidenced a progressive fall-off (p = .02): +3.1 ± 4.7%, −6.5 ± 4.0%, −16.6 ± 3.4%, −19.4 ± 3.7%, −24.1 ± 4.4%, at ages 4–8, respectively, adjusting for height. The 12% of the boys on casein-free diets had an overall % deviation of −18.9 ± 3.7%, nearly twice that of boys on minimally restricted or unrestricted diets (−10.5 ± 1.3%, p < .04), although even for boys on minimally restricted or unrestricted diets the % deviation was highly significant (p < .001). Our data suggest that the bone development of autistic boys should be monitored as part of routine care, especially if they are on casein-free diets.
AcademyHealth and the future of comparative effectiveness research: making sure evidence matters.

Dr Lisa Simpson is the president and CEO of AcademyHealth, and its advocacy arm, the Coalition for Health Services Research. A nationally recognized health policy researcher and pediatrician, Dr Simpson is a passionate advocate for the translation of research into policy and practice. Before joining AcademyHealth, Dr Simpson was director of the Child Policy Research Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Health Policy and Clinical Effectiveness, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati (OH, USA). She served as the Deputy Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) from 1996 to 2002. She previously served on the Institute of Medicine’s Committee on Comparative Effectiveness Research Priorities and the Committee on Highly Effective Clinical Services. Dr Simpson is a member of the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program National Advisory Council and the AHRQ Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Ste...
Cricetine Rodents of the Middle Pliocene of the Mulholland Fauna, California

Cricetine rodents from the Middle Pliocene of North America have been recorded from the Edson beds of Kansas, the Thousand Creek and Smith Valley beds of Nevada, and the Kern River beds of California. Each of the cricetines in these deposits, except one of doubtful generic status, has been referred to the genus Peromyscus. Recently, remains of cricetines have been recovered from the quarries of the Mulholland Fauna of the San Francisco Bay region, California, which deposits were judged by Stirton (1939, p. 366) to be of early Middle Pliocene age. These fossils not only indicate another record of the genus Peromyscus in the Middle Pliocene of North America but more interestingly provide evidence of a new genus which superficially appears to be intermediate between the wood rats and Nearctic mice of the subfamily Cricetinae, and which genus, in certain respects, parallels structurally the Recent genus Neotomodon of Mexico. Associated with the cricetines in the quarry, of the Mulholland Fauna, designated as site 2 are the following mammalian remains, as reported by Stirton (op. cit.): a rabbit (probably of the genus Hypolagus), a ground sloth (Megalonychidae), a canid, a rhinoceros (possibly Teleoceras fossiger), two kinds of horses (Nannippus and Pliohippus cf. spectans) and two kinds of camels. The only mammalian fossil from the quarry designated as site 1, in addition to one specimen of a cricetine, is an antilocaprid (Stirton, op. cit., p. 385). Through the kindness of Dr. R. A. Stirton the specimens herein reported were placed at my disposal when I made a study of the phylogenetic relationships of the Nearctic cricetine rodents. Mr. Owen Poe prepared the drawings of Pliotomodon and Mrs. Emily Thompson prepared those of Neotomodon.
The Comprehensive Muscular Activity Profile (CMAP): Its High Sensitivity, Specificity and Overall Classification Rate for Detecting Submaximal Effort on Functional Capacity Testing

Introduction A traditional problem faced by clinicians attempting to objectively measure musculoskeletal disorders such as low back pain, where there is often primarily soft tissue involvement, is that psychosocial factors (e.g., fear-avoidance, secondary gain) frequently influence the experience/reporting of pain. Nevertheless, there is still a great need for the quantification of physical function, with appropriate criteria in place, in order to help assess both physical impairment and therapeutic endpoint following treatment. One such potentially objective measure is surface electromyographic (sEMG) recordings during purposeful muscular activity and resting states. The present randomized controlled study assessed the potential validity of a new sEMG approach—the comprehensive muscular activity profile (CMAP)—by addressing the following question: can the CMAP accurately document whether a subject is exerting appropriate muscular effort during range-of-motion and lifting testing, or is submaximum effort being exerted? Methods Eighty healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to either: (1) an instruction group encouraging maximum effort on the tests; or (2) an instruction group encouraging “faking” and not putting in maximum effort on the tests. Therapists, who then administered the CMAP protocol (range-of-motion and lifting tests), were kept blind to subject group assignment. They were also asked to complete a rating scale evaluating whether subjects were exerting maximum effort after all the tests were completed. Results In differentiating between the two instruction groups, the CMAP demonstrated high levels of sensitivity [predicting maximum effort on all tests (ranging from 84.6 to 94.9%)]. In contrast, the sensitivity of the therapists’ ratings was much lower (ranging from only 72.5 to 80.0%). Most importantly, when the CMAP data and therapists’ ratings were combined, logistic regression analyses revealed high rates of sensitivity (94.4–97.2%), specificity (84.6–92.3%), and overall classification (90.7–93.3%). Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate the potential utility of the CMAP, combined with therapist ratings, as a valid method of objectively quantifying subject muscular performance and effort during lumbar range-of-motion and lifting tasks.
Novel cryoprotectant significantly improves the post-thaw recovery and quality of HSC from CB

Background Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) have traditionally been frozen using the cryoprotectant DMSO in dextran-40, saline or albumin. However, the process of freezing and thawing results in loss of HSC numbers and/or function.Methods This study investigated the use of CryoStor™ for the freezing of HSC from cord blood (CB). CB donations (n=30) were collected under an Institutional Ethics Committee-approved protocol, volume reduced and frozen using three different methods of cryoprotection. Aliquots were frozen with either 10% DMSO in dextran-40, 10% DMSO in CryoStor™ or 5% DMSO in CryoStor™. Prior to freezing samples were separated for nucleated cell (NC) and CD34+ counts and assessment of CD34+ viability. Aliquots were frozen and kept in vapor phase nitrogen for a minimum of 72 h. Vials were rapidly thawed at 37°C and tested for NC and CD34+ counts and CD34+ viability and colony-forming unit (CFU) assay.Results Cells frozen with CryoStor™ in 10% DMSO had significantly improved NC (P < 0.001), CD34+ rec...
Deformation-driven electrical transport in amorphous TiO 2 nanotubes

A series of in situ transmission electron microscopy combined with scanning tunneling microscopy measurements were carried out to investigate the effect of mechanical deformation on the electrical transport properties of amorphous TiO2 nanotubes. Under no mechanical straining, it was found that the TiO2 nanotubes behave as electrical insulators. However, the nanotubes show semiconducting behavior under a highly deformed state. On the basis of a metal–semiconductor–metal model, it was suggested that in-shell defects, surface defect-driven conduction modes, are responsible for the appearance of the semiconducting behavior.