cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gay and Bisexual Identity Development Among Female-to-Male Transsexuals in North America: Emergence of a Transgender Sexuality

We studied a North American sample of female-to-male (FtM) transsexuals sexually attracted to men, aiming to understand their identity and sexuality in the context of a culture of transgender empowerment. Sex-reassigned FtM transsexuals, 18 years or older and attracted to men, were recruited via an FtM community conference and listserv. Participants (N = 25) responded to open-ended questions about identity development, sexual behavior, and social support. Data were analyzed by content analysis. Scores for sexual identity, self esteem, sexual functioning, and psychological adjustment were compared to those of a comparison group (N = 76 nontransgender gay and bisexual men). Of the 25 FtMs, 15 (60%) identified as gay, 8 (32%) as bisexual, and 2 (8%) as queer. All were comfortable with their gender identity and sexual orientation. The FtM group was more bisexual than the nontransgender gay and bisexual controls. No significant group differences were found in self esteem, sexual satisfaction, or psychological adjustment. For some FtMs, sexual attractions and experiences with men affirmed their gender identity; for others, self-acceptance of a transgender identity facilitated actualization of their attractions toward men. Most were “out” as transgender among friends and family, but not on the job or within the gay community. Disclosure and acceptance of their homosexuality was limited. The sexual identity of gay and bisexual FtMs appears to mirror the developmental process for nontransgender homosexual men and women in several ways; however, participants also had experiences unique to being both transgender and gay/bisexual. This signals the emergence of a transgender sexuality.
Rapid assay for detection of Eschenchia coli xanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase activity in transduced cells

Cultured mammalian cells transduced with the Escherichia coli gene, Ecogpt, synthesize the bacterial enzyme xanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (XGPT) (1). This paper describes a method for measuring XGPT activity in crude cell extracts by following the conversion of 14C-xanthine (X) to 14C-xanthine monophosphate (XMP) and 14C-xanthosine (XR) by thin layer chromatography. The method is rapid, easy to use, sensitive and linear over a wide range of XGPT activity and has been useful for detecting XGPT in cells that were transiently transfected or stably transformed with Ecogpt. During our studies, we have found that a human cell line (XP20S) converts xanthine to XMP. This activity is probably catalyzed by a variant hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPT) since the low activity is readily inhibited by hypoxanthine. A low level of conversion of X to XMP may explain why some cell lines are not killed in a medium containing mycophenolic acid and X.
Unactivated PKR exists in an open conformation capable of binding nucleotides.

The dsRNA-activated protein kinase, PKR, plays a pivotal role in the cellular antiviral response. PKR contains an N-terminal dsRNA binding domain (dsRBD) and a C-terminal kinase domain. An autoinhibition model has been proposed in which latent PKR exists in a closed conformation where the substrate binding cleft of the kinase is blocked by the dsRBD. Binding to dsRNA activates the enzyme by inducing an open conformation and enhancing dimerization. We have tested this model by characterizing the affinity and kinetics of binding of a nucleotide substrate to PKR. The fluorescent nucleotide mant-AMPPNP binds to unactivated PKR with a Kd of ∼30 μM, and the affinity is not strongly affected by autophosphorylation or binding to dsRNA. We observe biphasic binding kinetics in which the fast phase depends on ligand concentration but the slow phase is ligand-independent. The kinetic data fit to a two-step model of ligand binding followed by a slow conformation change. The kinetics are also not strongly affected by p...
Behavioral inhibition as modified by melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) and light-dark conditions.

Abstract MSH was administered to rats tested with a passive avoidance response (PAR) at the peak (one hour after dark) and lowest (in the middle of the light period) level of activity. MSH treatment significantly inhibited the PAR in the dark period. For all animals, inhibition of response was intricately related to phase of activity. This implies an effect on memory and/or the expression of fear.
Application of distance geometry to the proton assignment problem.

Assignment of the hydrogen spectrum is the first step in the conventional procedure for the determination of molecular structure by 1H-nmr. In this paper, we explore the possibility of directly exploiting the distances derived from nuclear Overhauser effect experiments to generate a three-dimensional structure that is then assigned based on knowledge of the connectivity or primary sequence. This effort is analogous to that of the protein crystallographers in tracing electron density of the peptide chain. In particular, we compare structures produced by distance geometry to known peptide secondary structures to see what level of information is required to “trace” the backbone α-carbon and amide hydrogens and the β-carbon hydrogens. We conclude that this approach is only useful with excellent quality stereo-resolved data. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Liquid Bridges Between Contacting Balls

The problem studied is that of a rotationally symmetric liquid bridge between two contacting balls of equal radius, with the same contact angle with both balls, and in the absence of gravity. The bridge surface must be of constant mean curvature, hence a Delaunay surface. If the contact angle is less than \({\frac{\pi}{2}}\), existence of a rotationally symmetric bridge is shown for a large range of the relevant parameter, giving unduloidal, catenoidal, and nodoidal bridges. If the contact angle is greater than or equal to \({\frac{\pi}{2}}\), it is shown that no stable rotationally symmetric bridge which is symmetric across the perpendicular bisector of the line segment between the two centers of the balls exists. Existence therefore depends discontinuously on contact angle.
Balance-of-payments crises in a perfect foresight optimizing model

Abstract The paper extends the literature on balance-of-payments crises by treating the issue in a generalized equilibrium framework. Investors maximize a non-separble utility function, defined over consumption and real money balances, under the threat of a future collapse of the fixed exchange rate regime. The paper obtains real effects in the form of current account adjustments when agents realize that the fixed regime is not indefinitely viable. New information regarding official foreign lending can cause attacks at the central bank in the form of sudden shifts by investors out of domestic money into foreign bonds.
Stochastic dynamics of complexation reaction in the limit of small numbers.

We study stochastic dynamics of the non-linear bimolecular reaction A + B↔AB. These reactions are common in several bio-molecular systems such as binding, complexation, protein multimerization to name a few. We use master equation to compute the full distribution of several stochastic equilibrium properties such as number of complexes formed (Nc), equilibrium constant (K). We provide exact analytical and simpler approximate expression for equilibrium fluctuation quantities to quickly estimate the amount of noise as a function of reactant molecules and rates. We construct the phase diagram for a fluctuational quantity f, defined as the ratio of standard deviation to average (f=⟨(ΔNc)2⟩/⟨Nc⟩), as a function of different number of reactant molecules and reaction rates. One of the striking result is, it is possible to have f as high as 45% or higher in significant regions of the phase diagram even when number of reactants involved are around 20–40, typical in biology. Our finding indicates studying averages a...
The stimulus suffix effect with reversed speech

If the redundant suffix “zero” is added to the end of immediate memory stimuli, there is a selective performance decrement in ordered recall which is most apparent in the terminal serial positions. The present study shows that this decrement is independent of whether the suffix is presented in normal or reversed speech. This finding supports the view that the effect of a redundant suffix depends on a precategorical acoustic storage system.
COMPUTATIONAL GEOMETRY COLUMN 13

Twenty open problems from the Seventh ACM Symposium on Computational Geometry are presented.
Solitary breast mass as initial presentation of clinically silent metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Summary Metastasis to the breast from extramammary tumors is rare. Breast metastases of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) origin have been described in sporadic case reports. We present a patient with a solitary breast mass representing the manifestation of clinically silent, metastatic RCC. A 76-year-old female was 12 years priorly removed from radical nephrectomy for localized RCC. Her new breast mass was identified on physical examination. Pathology of the resected mass was diagnostic of metastatic RCC and subsequent imaging studies demonstrated a 1.9 cm renal mass in her solitary kidney. The patient elected subcutaneous Interleukin-2 immunotherapy as primary treatment for her recurrent RCC.
Hyperammonemia in review: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment

Ammonia is an important source of nitrogen and is required for amino acid synthesis. It is also necessary for normal acid-base balance. When present in high concentrations, ammonia is toxic. Endogenous ammonia intoxication can occur when there is impaired capacity of the body to excrete nitrogenous waste, as seen with congenital enzymatic deficiencies. A variety of environmental causes and medications may also lead to ammonia toxicity. Hyperammonemia refers to a clinical condition associated with elevated ammonia levels manifested by a variety of symptoms and signs, including significant central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities. Appropriate and timely management requires a solid understanding of the fundamental pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and treatment approaches available. The following review discusses the etiology, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of hyperammonemia.
High pressure structural phase transitions in the organic superconductor κ-(ET)2Cu[N(CN)2]Cl

Abstract A reversible symmetry-lowering structural phase transition is observed by X-ray diffraction techniques from single crystals of κ-(ET) 2 Cu[N(CN) 2 ]Cl (ET, or BEDT-TTF, is bis(ethylenedithio) tetrathiafulvalene, C 10 H 8 S 8 ) under applied pressure. At room temperature, by use of a diamond anvil cell, a transition above 8 kbar characterized by peak broadening begins to occur. The transition is also observed by cooling crystals coated with Apiezon N vacuum grease, which is a technique that is also used to produce the high pressure superconducting state ( T c =12.8 K, P =0.3 kbar). Given the anisotropic nature of the structure, the ambient pressure linear compressibilities are surprisingly isotropic, with values of β a =2.39(8)×10 -3 , β b =2.47(7)×10 -3 , β c =2.29(9)×10 -3 kbar -1 . At 3 kbar and room temperature, from a complete structure analysis it is shown that the ET molecule conformation is the same as that at ambient pressure although S⋯S contacts are reduced by as much as 0.05 A. A second transition, characterized by reversible disappearance of Bragg intensities consistent with pressure-induced amorphization, was observed between 11.4 and 11.8 kbar.
GUDC inhibits cytochrome c release from human cholangiocyte mitochondria.

Although ursodeoxycholic acid (UDC) is considered effective treatment for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), its mechanism of action is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that UDC is taken up by cholangiocytes and inhibits caspase 3-dependent apoptosis. We used the human cholangiocyte cell line (H69) and assessed it for expression and function of an apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) by RT-PCR and uptake of tritiated taurocholic acid. We experimentally induced apoptosis in H69 cells using beauvericin (BV) and determined caspase 3 activation using a fluorogenic substrate and mitochondrial cytochrome c release (CC) into the cytosol by immunoblot analysis. We found that a functional ASBT is expressed by H69 cells as demonstrated by RT-PCR and bile acid uptake studies. Exposure of H69 cells to BV induced apoptosis in 39.4 ± 1.3% of cells at 2 h (0.23 ± 0.2% in controls). In contrast, when H69 cells were preincubated with GUDC (50 mM) for 24 h and then exposed to BV, apoptosis was inhibited by 23% (P < 0.03). In cholangiocytes pretreated with GUDC for 24 h and those treated with BV for 2 h, caspase 3-like activity was reduced by 79% and mitochondrial CC release was inhibited. In summary, the human cholangiocyte cell line H69 possesses a functional bile acid transporter, and GUDC decreases BV-induced apoptosis and inhibits activity of caspase 3 protease by blocking CC release from mitochondria. These preliminary results are consistent with our hypothesis that the beneficial effect of UDC on PBC may involve decreased apoptosis after GUDC uptake by cholangiocytes.
Modeling the interaction between the exotic invasive aquatic macrophyte Myriophyllum spicatum and the native biocontrol agent Euhrychiopsis lecontei to improve augmented management programs

Mathematical modeling is used to investigate control of the invasive aquatic plant Myriophyllum spicatum L. by the native watermilfoil weevil Euhrychiopsis lecontei Dietz. An age-structured population model with discrete development class is used to separate the destructive activity of Euhrychiopsis lecontei Dietz larvae from the relatively benign activity of the other developmental stages. Empirical model behavior is evaluated and agrees with expected system characteristics. Simulation results demonstrate diminishing returns in the control impact of E. lecontei Dietz as a function of population stocking density. These results indicate that predictive modeling of this type may be used to optimize the utilization of Euhrychiopsis lecontei Dietz as a biological control agent.
Investigation of replacement fluids and retention-interval effects in taste-aversion learning

In two experiments, taste aversions were tested at different retention intervals. Experiment 1 demonstrated that saccharin aversions were significantly weaker when tested 1 day following conditioning than when tested 3, 5, or 10 days after conditioning. It was hypothesized that the increased drinking observed at the 1-day testing interval might be attributable to limited fluid exposure during the conditioning-to-testing interval (CTI). The results of Experiment 2 indicated that providing replacement fluids during the CTI did not eliminate these retention-interval differences. Instead, these results suggested that an alternative associative or nonassociative mechanism was responsible for the retention-interval effect.
Carbon dioxide fixation as a central redox cofactor recycling mechanism in bacteria

The Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle (Calvin cycle) catalyzes virtually all primary productivity on Earth and is the major sink for atmospheric CO2. A less appreciated function of CO2 fixation is as an electron-accepting process. It is known that anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria require the Calvin cycle to accept electrons when growing with light as their sole energy source and organic substrates as their sole carbon source. However, it was unclear why and to what extent CO2 fixation is required when the organic substrates are more oxidized than biomass. To address these questions we measured metabolic fluxes in the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris grown with 13C-labeled acetate. R. palustris metabolized 22% of acetate provided to CO2 and then fixed 68% of this CO2 into cell material using the Calvin cycle. This Calvin cycle flux enabled R. palustris to reoxidize nearly half of the reduced cofactors generated during conversion of acetate to biomass, revealing that CO2 fixation plays a major role in cofactor recycling. When H2 production via nitrogenase was used as an alternative cofactor recycling mechanism, a similar amount of CO2 was released from acetate, but only 12% of it was reassimilated by the Calvin cycle. These results underscore that N2 fixation and CO2 fixation have electron-accepting roles separate from their better-known roles in ammonia production and biomass generation. Some nonphotosynthetic heterotrophic bacteria have Calvin cycle genes, and their potential to use CO2 fixation to recycle reduced cofactors deserves closer scrutiny.
The Ankle–Brachial Index for Peripheral Artery Disease Screening and Cardiovascular Disease Prediction Among Asymptomatic Adults: A Systematic Evidence Review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

This review informs the updated U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on screening for peripheral artery disease (PAD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment with th...
"You're a what?": family member reactions to the disclosure of homosexuality.

The present review summarizes what is known about reactions of family members to disclosure of homosexual identity, both within the family of origin and in families where the disclosing member is a spouse or parent. It is suggested that the traumatic nature of family member reaction consists of two related processes: (a) the application of negative values about homosexuality to the disclosing member, and (b) a perception that homosexual identity negates or violates previous family roles. Future research in this complex and understudied area could reveal much about the nature of both homosexual identity and family relationships.
Technological tying and the intensity of price competition: An empirical analysis of the video game industry

Using data from the 128-bit video game industry I evaluate the impact technologically tying has on the intensity of console price competition and the incentives for hardware firms to tie their produced software to their hardware. Tying occurs when a console hardware manufacturer produces software that is incompatible with rival hardware. There are two important trade-offs an integrated firm faces when implementing a technological tie. The first is an effect that increases console market power and forces hardware prices higher. The second, an effect due to the integration of the firm, drives prices lower. A counterfactual exercise determines technological tying of hardware and software increases console price competition; console makers subsidize consumer hardware purchases in order to increase video games sales, in particular their tied games, where the greatest proportion of industry profits are made. I also determine technological tying to be a dominant strategy for hardware manufacturers when software development costs are low.
A novel control system for offshore wind turbines under the effects of ice and tide

This paper summarizes (1) the dynamic model of a general purpose offshore wind turbine (WT) operating under the effects of ice and tide, and (2) the design of a novel torque control system able to reduce the mechanical fatigue of the turbine in these extreme weather conditions. By examining the frequency response and model uncertainty of the WT, this work shows the challenging effects of ice and tide, which increase the amplitude of tower vibrations at some particular frequencies, creating greater mechanical fatigue. To counteract these effects, the paper also develops a novel torque control system, varying the generator torque in the above rated wind speed region, while (a) meeting the thermal specifications of the power converters and generator and (b) maintaining an average torque over time that continues to produce the rated power of the WT. The control strategy is validated with a realistic nonlinear simulator.
Energy-efficient Resource Management for QoS-guaranteed Computing Clusters

A cluster computing system in data centers not only improves service availability and performance but also increase power consumption. It is a challenge to increase the performance of a cluster computing system and reduce its power consumption simultaneously. MapReduce has recently evolved in data-intensive parallel computing. It is a programming model for processing large data sets. The implementation of MapReduce typically runs on a large scale of cluster computing systems consisting of thousands of commodity machines simply called MapReduce clusters that results in high power consumption, which is a major concern by service providers such as Amazon and Yahoo. In this research, we consider a collection of cluster computing resources owned by a service provider to host an enterprise application for business customers. We investigate the problem of resource allocation for power management in MapReduce clusters. Specifically, we propose resource allocation approaches to minimizing the mean end-to-end delay of customer jobs or services under the constraints of the energy consumption and the availability of MapReduce clusters and to minimizing the energy consumption of MapReduce clusters under the availability of MapReduce clusters and the mean end-to-end delay of customer jobs or services that play an essential role in the delivery of quality of services (QoS) for customer services.. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed approaches are applicable and efficient to solve these resource allocation problems for power management in MapReduce clusters.
Crystal growth and characterization of new high Curie temperature (1−x)BiScO3–xPbTiO3 single crystals

Abstract Novel perovskite ferroelectric (1−x)BiScO3–xPbTiO3 single crystals with tetragonal phase were successfully grown by a conventional high-temperature solution method using a Pb3O4 and Bi2O3 flux. The typical crystal size was 2–15 mm with rectangular shape and green/blue color. The dielectric constant (K) at room temperature was determined to be 400–550, decreasing to about 300 after the poling process. The Curie temperature of 0.43BiScO3–0.66PbTiO3 single crystals was found to be about 460°C, similar to the polycrystalline data. The remanent polarization (Pr) was 28 μC/cm2 with a coercive field (Ec) of 34 kV/cm. The piezoelectric coefficient d33 was about 200 pC/N for 〈0 0 1〉-oriented tetragonal crystals. The longitudinal electromechanical coupling coefficient k33 was ∼73% with a lateral mode coupling coefficient k31 of ∼−35.8% and a thickness mode coupling kt of 60–64%.
Neural Network Based Tracking Control of Mechanical Systems

A method for tracking control of mechanical systems based on artificial neural networks is presented. The controller consists of a proportional plus derivative controller and a two-layer feedforward neural network. It is shown that, the tracking error of the closed-loop system goes to zero while the control effort is minimized. Tuning of the neural network's weights is formulated in terms of a constrained optimization problem. The resulting algorithm has a simple structure and requires a very modest computation effort. In addition, the neural network's learning procedure is implemented on-line.
Description of a New Abernessia with Notes on Neotropical Ctenocerinae (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)

ABSTRACT A new species of Ctenocerinae, Abernessia prima sp. nov., is described for Brazil based on the male sex only. This is the first male to be described for the subfamily in the Neotropics. A brief discussion of the current status of Ctenocerinae is provided. Distribution records and illustrations for another Neotropical Ctenocerinae species, Lepidocnemis antiquus, also are provided.
PMRD: plant microRNA database

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are approximately 21 nucleotide-long non-coding small RNAs, which function as post-transcriptional regulators in eukaryotes. miRNAs play essential roles in regulating plant growth and development. In recent years, research into the mechanism and consequences of miRNA action has made great progress. With whole genome sequence available in such plants as Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, Populus trichocarpa, Glycine max, etc., it is desirable to develop a plant miRNA database through the integration of large amounts of information about publicly deposited miRNA data. The plant miRNA database (PMRD) integrates available plant miRNA data deposited in public databases, gleaned from the recent literature, and data generated in-house. This database contains sequence information, secondary structure, target genes, expression profiles and a genome browser. In total, there are 8433 miRNAs collected from 121 plant species in PMRD, including model plants and major crops such as Arabidopsis, rice, wheat, soybean, maize, sorghum, barley, etc. For Arabidopsis, rice, poplar, soybean, cotton, medicago and maize, we included the possible target genes for each miRNA with a predicted interaction site in the database. Furthermore, we provided miRNA expression profiles in the PMRD, including our local rice oxidative stress related microarray data (LC Sciences miRPlants_10.1) and the recently published microarray data for poplar, Arabidopsis, tomato, maize and rice. The PMRD database was constructed by open source technology utilizing a user-friendly web interface, and multiple search tools. The PMRD is freely available at http://bioinformatics.cau.edu.cn/PMRD. We expect PMRD to be a useful tool for scientists in the miRNA field in order to study the function of miRNAs and their target genes, especially in model plants and major crops.
Temperature distribution in a flowing fluid heated in a microwave resonant cavity

This paper presents results of an analytical study of microwave heating of a fluid flowing through a tube situated along the axis of a cylindrical microwave applicator. The interaction of the microwave field pattern and the fluid velocity profiles is illustrated for both laminar and turbulent flow. Resulting temperature profiles are compared with those generated by conventional heating through a surface heat flux. It is found that microwave heating offers several advantages over conventional heating.
Molecular distributions in polycondensations involving unlike reactants. II. Linear distributions

A general procedure is developed for the treatment of the molecular distributions arising from linear polycondensations involving more than one monomer. The distributions actually arising are rather complex, and are usually represented by several series. A method is elucidated by which the number average molecular weight may be derived directly and by which normalizing factors for the number and weight fraction distributions may be determined. The general expression for the number fraction of a given species of molecule is found to be a product of several probabilities. The weight fraction distribution and the weight average molecular weight may be derived in a straightforward manner from the number fraction distribution. A number of molecular distributions are worked out in detail. These include reactions of diacids with glycols, reactions of acid anhydrides with glycols, reactions involving asymmetric reactants, and reactions of mixtures of the above types of reactants. Certain polycondensations of interest are treated by the methods of this work. The results are the following: (1) The distribution of AB self-condensing is identical to the condensation of AA with BB only if all have identical molecular weights and equivalent amounts of AA and BB are used. (2) In the condensation of AA with BB, the more unequal the proportions, the broader the molecular weight distribution. (3) In the above condensation, the greater the difference in molecular weights, the broader the distribution. (4) For all distributions, as MN → ∞ MW/MN → 2. (5) The distributions for anhydrides or unsymmetrical reactants are narrower than for symmetrical reactants, and are different from each other.
Percutaneous suprapubic tube bladder drainage after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a step-by-step guide

Objective To describe our technique of maintaining bladder drainage after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) using a percutaneous suprapubic tube (PST) in place of a urethral catheter. Methods A watertight anastomosis permits placement of the PST. Contraindications include morbid obesity, concomitant inguinal hernia mesh repair, anticoagulation therapy, limited hand dexterity in the patient, bladder neck reconstruction and extensive adhesiolysis at RARP. The necessary equipment includes a 14-F PST balloon catheter set, a three-way connector, a connecting tube, a suture passer, 1/0 polypropylene sutures on a CT1 needle, a sterile plastic button, adhesive and steri-strips. Results The important steps for PST placement are: Step 1: robot-assisted placement of a bladder wall anchor suture; Step 2: transferring the bladder wall suture to anterior abdominal skin; Step 3: guided placement of the PST under robotic vision; Step 4: securing the PST within the bladder and abdominal wall; Step 5. postoperative care: clamping the PST on postoperative day 5, recording each void and post-void residual urine volumes in a patient diary, removal of the PST on postoperative day 7 after 48 h of voiding with residual urine <100 mL per void. Conclusion We provide a concise step-by-step guide for placement of a PST during RARP as well as important management aspects for the successful adoption of this technique.
Contradiction and Forgetting in Yewéssey Culture

Anthropologists are now inescapably aware of conflict, contradiction, and negotiation in even the most seemingly "traditional" socio-cultural orders. The literature on "memory" is particularly rich in illustrations of how contradictory evocations of the past undergird conflicting performances and assertions of interest in the present. This study of the traditionally nomadic Yewessey people documents a genre of performance seldom discussed in the anthropological literature—the ritual performance of forgetting as a means of resolving intractable conflicts and cultural contradictions. This essay is written with an undergraduate or lay audience in mind and is intended to introduce anthropological comparative method, and some of its most important vocabulary, in accessible language. Questions for classroom discussion are provided at the end.
Designing an inductive data stream management system: the stream mill experience

There has been much recent interest in on-line data mining. Existing mining algorithms designed for stored data are either not applicable or not effective on data streams, where real-time response is often needed and data characteristics change frequently. Therefore, researchers have been focusing on designing new and improved algorithms for on-line mining tasks, such as classification, clustering, frequent itemsets mining, pattern matching, etc. Relatively little attention has been paid to designing DSMSs, which facilitate and integrate the task of mining data streams---i.e., stream systems that provide Inductive functionalities analogous to those provided by Weka and MS OLE DB for stored data. In this paper, we propose the notion of an Inductive DSMS---a system that besides providing a rich library of inter-operable functions to support the whole mining process, also supports the essentials of DSMS, including optimization of continuous queries, load shedding, synoptic constructs, and non-stop computing. Ease-of-use and extensibility are additional desiderata for the proposed Inductive DSMS. We first review the many challenges involved in realizing such a system and then present our approach of extending the Stream Mill DSMS toward that goal. Our system features (i) a powerful query language where mining methods are expressed via aggregates for generic streams and arbitrary windows, (ii) a library of fast and light mining algorithms, and (iii) an architecture that makes it easy to customize and extend existing mining methods and introduce new ones.
The emergency department: rethinking the safety net for the safety net.

ABSTRACT: America's emergency departments (EDs) are in crisis. The dwindling numbers of EDs are increasingly overcrowded as they cope with rising demand. In a Health Affairs Web Exclusive, Glenn Me...
Optimization of the testing volumes with respect to neutron flux levels in the two-target high flux D-Li neutron source for the international fusion materials irradiation facility

A design using two 250-mA beams on two lithium targets has been proposed to maximize the test volume while minimizing the flux gradients. A spatial, energy-, and angle-dependent neutron source model the D-Li reaction was used to provide a 3-D map of uncollided flux within the test volume. An optimization of the uncollided flux showed that approximately 8 l of test volume with uncollided fluxes of 10/sup 14/ n/cm/sup 2//s is available with flux gradients >
The role of the support in solid phase peptide synthesis

Effet du support polymere sur la cinetique et l'efficacite de couplage des condensations d'aminoacides. Changements du taux de gonflement du reseau support au cours de la synthese peptidique. Isolement des sites en relation avec la flexibilite de la chaine de polystyrene
Fuzzy model identification for classification of gait events in paraplegics

Fuzzy system identification was applied to a biomedical system for classification purposes. Gait achieved through functional electrical stimulation (FES) of paraplegics was divided using sensor measurements of kinematic variables as inputs to five discrete events. Two identification algorithms were used to estimate the system model. Both max-min and max-product composition were used. Membership functions were either trapezoidal or triangular and all membership functions in a particular universe of discourse had the same shape and size. The universe of discourse was varied by altering the overlap between membership functions. The classification performance was assessed quantitatively, by measuring the percentage of time steps in which the correct event was found, and qualitatively, by observing types of errors. The identification algorithm affected system performance. No difference in classification was found between max-min and max-product composition. The performance was dependent on membership function overlap. A comparison of the classification found using the fuzzy rule base versus that found using a traditional look-up table demonstrated that the fuzzy approach was superior. It is speculated that the use of fuzzy logic decreased errors stemming from sensor noise and/or small variations in the input signals. The performance of this approach was compared to that of a feedforward neural network and the fuzzy system is found superior.
Ethnic Identity, Academic Achievement, and Global Self-Concept in Four Groups of Academically Talented Adolescents

In this study, academically talented African American (n = 28), Asian American (n = 171), Hispanic (n = 28), and White (n = 92) middle and high school students are compared on ethnic identity (EI) ...
Late Outcomes of Infants Supported by Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Following the Norwood Operation

Background:Hospital survival for infants who require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) following the Norwood operation is 30% to 60%. However, little is known about late outcomes of hospit...
Virtually Pipelined Network Memory

We introduce virtually-pipelined memory, an architectural technique that efficiently supports high-bandwidth, uniform latency memory accesses, and high-confidence throughput even under adversarial conditions. We apply this technique to the network processing domain where memory hierarchy design is an increasingly challenging problem as network bandwidth increases. Virtual pipelining provides a simple to analyze programing model of a deep pipeline (deterministic latencies) with a completely different physical implementation (a memory system with banks and probabilistic mapping). This allows designers to effectively decouple the analysis of their algorithms and data structures from the analysis of the memory buses and banks. Unlike specialized hardware customized for a specific data-plane algorithm, our system makes no assumption about the memory access patterns. In the domain of network processors this will be of growing importance as the size of the routing tables, the complexity of the packet classification rules, and the amount of packet buffering required, all continue to grow at a staggering rate. We present a mathematical argument for our system?s ability to provably provide bandwidth with high confidence and demonstrate its functionality and area overhead through a synthesizable design. We further show that, even though our scheme is general purpose to support new applications such as packet reassembly, it outperforms the state of the art in specialized packet buffering architectures.
Lafutidine, a Protective H2 Receptor Antagonist, Enhances Mucosal Defense in Rat Esophagus

Background Luminal acid or CO2 induces a hyperemic response in the esophagus, via activation of acid sensors on capsaicin-sensitive afferent nerves (CSAN). Since disruption of the hyperemic response to luminal CO2 acidifies the interstitium of the esophageal mucosa, the hyperemic response may maintain interstitial pH (pHint). We hypothesized that acid-related hyperemia maintains pHint, preventing acid-induced injury in the esophageal mucosa. Methods We examined the effects of capsaicin (Cap) or lafutidine (Laf), a mucosal protective H2 antagonist, on the regulation of pHint and blood flow in rat esophagus using ratiometric microimaging and laser-Doppler measurements of the lower esophageal mucosa of living rats. The esophagus was topically superfused with pH 7.0 buffer, or a pH 1.0 or pH 1.0 ? pepsin (1 mg/ml) solution with or without Laf. Results Cap (30 or 100 lM) or Laf (0.1 or 1 mM) dosedependently increased blood flow, accompanied by increased pHint. The pH 1.0 solution increased blood flow without pHint change, whereas Laf (1 mM) increased blood flow and pHint during acid exposure. The effects of Laf were abolished by ablation of CSAN. Perfusion of the acidified pepsin solution gradually decreased pHint, inhibited by Laf perfusion. Conclusions Activation of CSAN by Laf with or without acid, accompanied by hyperemia, increased pHint, preventing acidified pepsin-induced interstitial acidification. Stimulation of the capsaicin pathway with compounds such as Laf enhances mucosal protection from acid-related injury in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Clarifying the Role of Incretin-Based Therapies in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Background Glucose homeostasis is the result of a complex interaction of a spectrum of hormones, including insulin, glucagon, amylin, and the incretins. Incretins are released by enteroendocrine cells in the intestine in response to a meal. Incretin dysfunction, along with a number of other defects, has been implicated in contributing to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therapies that restore incretin activity may reduce the pathophysiologic consequences of diabetes. Objectives The aim of this article was to review incretin physiology and studies of incretin therapy with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors that were developed to specifically address the blunted incretin response in patients with T2DM. Methods Relevant English-language publications between 1995 and 2010 were identified through a search of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases using the search terms incretin , type 2 diabetes mellitus , GLP-1 , glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide , and DPP-4 . Review articles and preclinical and clinical trials that described relevant details of the epidemiology of diabetes and incretin physiology in health and in T2DM were selected for review and inclusion. Clinical trials were used to describe the clinical efficacy and safety of the GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors in patients with T2DM. An occasional systematic review article and/or meta-analysis summarizing numerous clinical trials of a particular agent was selected for summarizing key data. Results Pharmacologic modulation of incretin pathophysiology by GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors significantly improved glycemic control, benefited β-cell function, improved dyslipidemia, and lowered the risk of hypoglycemia compared with insulin and sulfonylureas. Unlike the DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy also produced weight loss, an important consideration given the close association among T2DM, overweight/obesity, and cardiovascular disease. The most common adverse events with GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy included nausea (28%–44%), vomiting (13%–17%), and diarrhea (11%–17%), which generally reduced in incidence and severity with continued therapy. The tolerability profile of the DPP-4 inhibitors was very good, with the incidence of adverse events similar to that of placebo. There was a suggestion of an increased incidence of nasopharyngitis versus placebo (5%–6% vs 3%–4%) with sitagliptin and urinary tract infection (6.8% vs 6.1% with placebo) and headache with saxagliptin (6.5% vs 5.9% with placebo). Conclusion The 2 incretin drug classes provided effective and consistent glycemic control with a good tolerability profile. These agents might also improve long-term β-cell function and either reduce body weight or be weight neutral. Their role in the therapeutic armamentarium of T2DM is evolving as their potential strengths and weaknesses become better defined.
Phospholipase Cγ in distinct regions of the ventral tegmental area differentially regulates morphine‐induced locomotor activity

Neurotrophic factors and the signaling pathways they activate play a role in mediating long-term molecular, cellular, and behavioral adaptations associated with drug addiction. Here we mimicked the biological response of phospholipase C-γ (PLCγ) induction in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) observed after chronic morphine using viral-mediated gene transfer. Using a behavioral sensitization paradigm, we demonstrate that microinjections of PLCγ1 into distinct (rostral vs. caudal) regions of the VTA result in differential locomotor responses to morphine. Synapse 56:166–169, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Quantitative Chemical Composition of Peptidoglycan of Listeria monocytogenes

Abstract The qualitative and quantitative chemical composition of the peptidoglycan layer of Listeria monocytogenes cell walls was determined. The peptidoglycan layer was isolated from intact cells after treatment with sodium lauryl sulfate and digestion with Pronase. The isolated peptidoglycan contained carbohydrates which included hexose, rhamnose, and amino sugars. The amino sugar was identified as glucosamine which was present in very high micromole concentration, as compared with the amino acids, muramic acid, or diaminopimelic acid. In addition, protein and phosphorus were also present. However, the presence of teichoic acid was not detected in the peptidoglycan. Protein moiety contained a total of 18 amino acids with lysine as the N-terminal amino acid.
What If School Choice in New Zealand Included Private Schools

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the New Zealand government instituted a countrywide transformation of its school system into public schools of choice, somewhat similar to charter schools in the United States. Yet, the plan was not as market based as other choice programs that enable families to choose any school—public or private. What if school choice in New Zealand included private schools? To answer this question, this chapter examined if there is a significant difference in reading, math, and science achievement between New Zealand students enrolled in public schools and those in independent private schools. Results indicate no significant difference in reading based on school type, but students in private schools significantly outperform those in public schools in both math and science.
Russian Banks in Q1 2014

Substantial outflow of retail deposits from the banking sector in Q1 2014 forced banks to increase their liability to the regulators – the Central Bank of Russia and the Ministry of Finance – reaching record values. The quality of the retail credit portfolio keeps deteriorating while the banking business facing decline in profitability.
Robotic donor nephrectomy and robotic kidney transplant

Kidney transplant is the best treatment for patients with chronic renal failure. Robotics has expanded the ability to complete complex procedures such as kidney transplantation in minimally invasive fashion. This new minimal invasive approach offers the opportunity to perform kidney transplantation. Base on our experience, we can state that robotic-assisted kidney transplantation is a safe and effective operation. By minimizing surgical trauma, surgical complications are reduced and patient and graft survival improved.
Romans 4 as Apologetic Theology

In recent years, scholars have maintained that sections of the genuine Pauline epistles (especially 1 and 2 Corinthians) and even entire epistles are selfapologies in which Paul defends his apostleship. In the ancient sources, the term “apology” is not restricted to self-defense; the most characteristic Jewish Hellenistic apologies were propaganda on behalf of the law rather than an author's defense against personal accusations. Some fifty years ago, Gunther Bornkamm proposed that Paul adapted and modified Jewish Hellenistic apologetic traditions in Rom 1:18 — 3:21. For the most part the thesis of Bornkamm's article and its implications for interpreting Romans have been benignly neglected; even those who accept it only emphasize its pertinence specifically for Romans 1–3. Ernst Kasemann, for instance, believes that with Romans 4, Paul fully embraces “rabbinic methods” and other more traditional Jewish modes of argumentation. This article challenges Kasemann's claim and affirms that Romans 4 is best understood as apologetic theology.
Temporal and Spatial Patterns of Fish Distribution and Diversity in the Noxubee River, Mississippi and Alabama

The Mobile Basin has undergone extensive channel modification with corresponding declines in the distribution and abundance of native aquatic fauna. However, many of the declining aquatic species of the Mobile Basin may persist within unmodified sub-basins. The Noxubee River is a sub-basin of the Mobile Basin that is relatively unaltered throughout its watershed, and we hypothesized that the system could serve as a refugium for declining riverine species of the Mobile Basin. We characterized species richness and assemblage structure of fishes in the Noxubee River and its tributaries to determine whether or not contemporary fish assemblages resembled the historical assemblages as described before construction of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. We found that fish assemblages of the contemporary river are similar to those of the historical river, and many species now absent from another portion of the Mobile Basin are still present and maintain similar distribution and abundance patterns. Our results are i...
Life-Space Mobility in a Sample of Independent Living Residents within a Continuing Care Retirement Community with an Embedded Wellness Program

ABSTRACTObjective: This article examines life-space mobility within one year of relocation to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) with an embedded wellness program.Methods: Ninety-six independent living (IL) residents self-repor`ted life-space mobility and physical, cognitive, and psychosocial variables.`Results: Mean life-space mobility of the current sample was 56.65 (SD = 16.92), suggesting the majority of residents moved independently inside the community but rarely traveled beyond the CCRC campus. Residents who were largely limited to the CCRC showed lower cognitive ability, t(94) = −3.37, p = .001, d = -.69, functional ability, t(94) = −4.85, p < .001, d = .88, and functional mobility, t(94) = 5.22, p < .001, d = 1.07, but did not report higher levels of depression, t(80) = 1.15, p = .254, or loneliness, t(94) = .63, p = .532, compared to residents who travelled beyond the CCRC campus.Conclusions: Results suggest that the majority of IL residents limited mobility to the CCRC campus, withou...