cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simplified prediction of the modal characteristics of ring-stiffened cylindrical shells

Abstract Two simplified means of predicting the modal characteristics of ring-stiffened circular cylindrical shells are developed. These approaches are based on the receptance method and use the modal characteristics of the unstiffened cylinder and of the rings as inputs. In the first approach simplicity is achieved while retaining accuracy by confining the geometry to a cylindrical shell with simply supported ends stiffened by identical, equally-spaced rings. For this not uncommon configuration, a single non-matrix frequency equation is developed which can be solved surely and rapidly by a numerical method. The second approach is more general and provides insight into the effects of ring stiffeners. The results are not as precise as the first approach, but the calculations are simple enough to be carried out at one's desk given the modal characteristics of the unstiffened cylindrical shell and of the rings.
Reflex actions of the functional divisions in the crayfish oculomotor system

The electrical responses of motor neurons in different anatomical subdivisions of the crayfish oculomotor system were examined during various kinds of experimentally manipulated sensory stimulation. Geotactic reflexes are effected by neurons in the anterior motor cluster and the medulla terminalis. Optokinetic and proprioceptive nystagmus are generated by neurons in the lateral motor cluster. This functional diversity in the major subdivisions contrasts with an intradivisional homogeneity of function, in that the different motor neurons of each all contribute to reflexes initiated by different kinds of sensory input.
Cholinergic Modulation of Fast Inhibitory and Excitatory Transmission to Pedunculopontine Thalamic Projecting Neurons

The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is part of the cholinergic arm of the reticular activating system, which is mostly active during waking and rapid-eye movement sleep. The PPN projects to the thalamus and receives cholinergic inputs from the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus and contralateral PPN. We employed retrograde labeling and whole cell recordings to determine the modulation of GABAergic, glycinergic, and glutamatergic transmission to PPN thalamic projecting neurons, and their postsynaptic responses to the nonspecific cholinergic agonist carbachol. M2 and M4 muscarinic receptor-modulated inhibitory postsynaptic responses were observed in 73% of PPN output neurons; in 12.9%, M1 and nicotinic receptor-mediated excitation was detected; and muscarinic and nicotinic-modulated fast inhibitory followed by slow excitatory biphasic responses were evident in 6.7% of cells. A significant increase in the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and inhibitory postsynaptic currents during carbachol application was observed in 66.2% and 65.2% of efferent neurons, respectively. This effect was blocked by a M1 antagonist or nonselective muscarinic blocker, indicating that glutamatergic, GABAergic, and/or glycinergic neurons projecting to PPN output neurons are excited through muscarinic receptors. Decreases in the frequency of miniature EPSCs, and amplitude of electrical stimulation-evoked EPSCs, were blocked by a M2 antagonist, suggesting the presence of M2Rs at terminals of presynaptic glutamatergic neurons. Carbachol-induced multiple types of postsynaptic responses, enhancing both inhibitory and excitatory fast transmission to PPN thalamic projecting neurons through muscarinic receptors. These results provide possible implications for the generation of different frequency oscillations in PPN thalamic projecting neurons during distinct sleep-wake states.
MAGNETIC FLUX TUBE TUNNELING

We present numerical simulations of the collision and subsequent interaction of {ital orthogonal} magnetic flux tubes. The simulations were carried out using a parallelized spectral algorithm for compressible magnetohydrodynamics. It is found that, under a wide range of conditions, the flux tubes can {open_quotes}tunnel{close_quotes} through each other, a behavior not previously seen in studies of either vortex tube or magnetic flux tube interactions. Two conditions must be satisfied for tunneling to occur: the magnetic field must be highly twisted with a field line pitch {gt}1, and the Lundquist number must be somewhat large, {ge}2880. An examination of magnetic field lines suggests that tunneling is due to a double-reconnection mechanism. Initially orthogonal field lines reconnect at two specific locations, exchange interacting sections, and {open_quotes}pass{close_quotes} through each other. The implications of these results for solar and space plasmas are discussed. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
A retrospective, cohort study of the prevalence and risk factors of oral burning in patients with dry mouth.

Objectives The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of oral burning in a dry mouth cohort of patients and to determine associated factors. Study design A retrospective cohort study was conducted by reviewing the charts of 170 patients who presented to Carolinas Medical Center's Department of Oral Medicine from January 2004 to June 2009. Information collected from their charts was extensive. Results Forty percent (68 of 170) of dry mouth patients had a concomitant complaint of oral burning. Sixty-four were female and 4 were male. The mean age was 61.1 years (range 25-89). Cofactors associated with oral burning included age (OR 1.03, CI 1.00-1.05, P = .028) and use of herbal medications (OR .26, CI .10-.67, P = .005). Conclusions Oral burning is often concomitant with oral dryness. Targeting factors associated with oral dryness may help alleviate an oral burning complaint in select populations.
The immunobiology of respiratory syncytial virus infection

Abstract There is increasing evidence that young children with severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)–induced bronchiolitis are at high risk of developing allergy and asthma during their later life. The determinants for this association are not well understood. Current studies suggest that both genetic backgrounds and unique characteristics of the virus play critical roles in determining the type of immune responses to RSV infection, leading to altered regulation of airway tone associated with wheezing. In susceptible subjects, RSV may either enhance the Th2 immune response or decrease the Th1 immune response. This altered Th1/Th2 cytokine response associated with RSV infection is not commonly observed among other RNA viruses, suggesting that RSV may have unique characteristics. Multiple clinical studies support the link between severe RSV bronchiolitis and the subsequent development of allergy and asthma. This link will be further tested by the ongoing large studies on the effect of early RSV intervention on the development of allergy. The administration of palivizumab, an anti-RSV monoclonal antibody, seems to be helpful for RSV prevention and treatment at early stage. There are no effective RSV vaccines available, and this is, at least in part, because of the poorly understood immunology and pathogenesis of RSV disease. The use of experimental animal models has led to a better, but not sufficient, understanding of the immunologic basis of RSV-induced disease, particularly asthma. Further studies on the immunopathology of RSV infection with animal models, including the nonhuman primate models, may help develop effective RSV vaccines.
Identification of protein biomarkers in nipple aspiration fluid

Nipple aspiration fluid (NAF) can be useful for studying relevant changes in breast parenchyma and identification of potential biomarkers for detection, monitoring therapy and risk assessment of breast cancer. NAF has been investigated extensively for identification of protein biomarkers using approaches such as ELISA, immunoassay, western blot for chosen individual protein markers such as prostate specific antigen, basic fibroblast growth factor, prostaglandin E2 etc., or by using comprehensive analysis of protein expression using platforms such as surface enhanced laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. The results of the former studies indicate the potential value of selected markers for detection of cancer which have not been validated in larger studies. The results of majority of studies that performed comprehensive protein analysis indicate that protein expression patterns are highly conserved between cancerous and non cancerous breasts and that protein profiling of NAF may have more value for risk assessment than for detection of breast cancer. Using a novel approach of protein microarray for seven markers with significant differences in protein levels were found between NAF obtained from cancerous and contralateral breast and healthy controls for markers such as cathepsin and urokinase. Overall, proteomic studies of NAF indicate the probable value of several protein biomarkers. There is a need for validation of the markers that have been identified so far, to be promising for risk assessment or early detection of breast cancer in large prospective clinical trials.
Viral Advertising: Definitional Review and Synthesis

The objectives of this article are threefold. First, it provides an overview of the past published social media research focusing on different aspects of the viral communication, variously termed “electronic word-of-mouth,” “word-of-mouse,” “viral marketing,” and “buzz.” Second, it clarifies and analyzes the concept of viral advertising in social media. Third, it provides a definition to reduce the prevailing ambiguities in the past definitions. All the forms of new electronic marketing methods differ in terms of the five key aspects: (1) the platforms used, (2) traditional communication or Internet, (3) their objectives, (4) type of message transmitted, and (5) orientation of the communication. The study analyzes these differences in order to clarify the numerous concepts related to viral marketing. As the social media communication technology continues to grow in the U.S. economy, the academic explanations defining, as well as capturing, the phenomenon also grow, creating a litany of terms.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE EVOLUTION AND OUTCOME OF CIRRHOSIS IN HEPATITIS C

Cirrhosis is the end stage of a pathologic process in which fibrosis plays an important role. 2 Precisely how chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection enhances the process of fibrogenesis in the liver with provisional transition to cirrhosis is incompletely understood, but the common denominators appear to be hepatocellular necrosis and inflammation that lead to a release of cytokines, proteases, and pro-oxidants. These products trigger the transformation of lipocytes (also known as Ito, stellate, fat-storing, or perisinusoidal cells) into myofibroblast-like cells. Lipocytes reside within the space of Disse between the sinusoidal wall and the outer sinusoidal surface of the hepatocyte. Proliferation of activated lipocytes (myofibroblasts) leads to an increased production and deposition of collagen bundles, with a preference for type I collagen, at a rate that often exceeds its degradation by collagenases. A potent mediator of lipocyte collagen synthesis that leads to fibrogenesis is transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), often working in concert with other soluble or insoluble factors. Cellular sources of TGF-β include Kupffer cells and inflammatory cells that traffic to sites of injury. Once activated, lipocytes also can secrete TGF-β in an autocrine fashion. Other stimuli to collagen deposition include oxidant stress and alterations of the extracellular matrix. The contractile properties of the myofibroblasts, which contain actin-like filaments, ultimately lead to contraction of the tissue in the mature scar. This contraction causes the formation of dense bands of fibrous tissue containing increased numbers of myofibroblasts that surround nodules of hepatocytes. The accompanying lobular disarray eventually impedes intrahepatic blood flow, causing progressive hepatic dysfunction with clinical evidence of portal hypertension, a process that may continue to evolve if viral infection continues unabated. Removal of the noxious agent, for example, with successful antiviral therapy, should lead to resolution of the disease process. In contrast, development of cirrhosis with cross-linking of collagen is generally considered to be irreversible.
Trace constituents of Europa's atmosphere

Abstract Europa is bombarded by intense radiation that erodes the surface, launching molecules into a thin “atmosphere” representative of surface composition. In addition to atoms and molecules created in the mostly water ice surface such as H 2 O, O 2 , H 2 , the atmosphere is known to have species representative of trace surface materials. These trace species are carried off with the 10–10 4 H 2 O molecules ejected by each energetic heavy ion, a process we have simulated using molecular dynamics. Using the results of those simulations, we found that a neutral mass spectrometer orbiting ∼100 km above the surface could detect species with surface concentrations above ∼0.03%. We have also modeled the atmospheric spatial structure of the volatile species CO 2 and SO 2 under a variety of assumptions. Detections of these species with moderate time and space resolution would allow us to constrain surface composition, chemistry and to study space weathering processes.
Voltage-gated potassium channels at the crossroads of neuronal function, ischemic tolerance, and neurodegeneration.

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels are widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system and are crucial mediators of neuronal excitability. Importantly, these channels also actively participate in cellular and molecular signaling pathways that regulate the life and death of neurons. Injury-mediated increased K+ efflux through Kv2.1 channels promotes neuronal apoptosis, contributing to widespread neuronal loss in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and stroke. In contrast, some forms of neuronal activity can dramatically alter Kv2.1 channel phosphorylation levels and influence their localization. These changes are normally accompanied by modifications in channel voltage dependence, which may be neuroprotective within the context of ischemic injury. Kv1 and Kv7 channel dysfunction leads to neuronal hyperexcitability that critically contributes to the pathophysiology of human clinical disorders such as episodic ataxia and epilepsy. This review summarizes the neurotoxic, neuroprotective, and neuroregulatory roles of Kv channels and highlights the consequences of Kv channel dysfunction on neuronal physiology. The studies described in this review thus underscore the importance of normal Kv channel function in neurons and emphasize the therapeutic potential of targeting Kv channels in the treatment of a wide range of neurological diseases.
A Vision Educators Can Put Into Practice: Portraying the Constructivist Classroom as a Cultural System

Constructivist perspectives on learning have helped math and science educators better understand how students make sense of their experiences. Unfortunately, the intuitively appealing explanations of how learners construct knowledge have not been translated into a systematic body of pedagogical methods or a coherent curricular approach. Constructivist teaching is often portrayed in the literature as an alternative to traditional instructional approaches or as a toolbox of pedagogical techniques. These incomplete images do little to help practitioners understand constructivism or how it should be integrated into the life of the classroom. There may, however, be help for teachers in conceptualizing constructivism as a foundation for classroom practice. Recent anthropological investigations of learning have directed attention to the culture of classroom environments and the characteristic norms, beliefs, and practices that participants share in their dealings with one another. This article contends that envisioning the classroom as an articulated system of beliefs and practices not only serves an explanatory function for learning theorists but, more importantly, serves as a heuristic for teachers in conceptualizing constructivism and offers a starting point for teachers in implementing constructivist practices.
Detecting and assessing statistical interactions with multiple regression

This paper focuses on the treatment of statistical interactions (i.e., non‐additivity) within the framework of multiple regression. The nature of statistical interactions in relation to other types of effects and the implications of interactions for analysis and interpretation are discussed. We argue that researchers using regression analyses (1) often either fail to test for interactions (2) or use inadequate methods for testing for interactions (3) and, consequently may make faulty conclusions about their data. We outline several methods of dealing with interactions with regression and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each. Recommendations are made for the detection and treatment of interactions within regression.
Metal contents of phosphate rocks

Abstract Significant amounts of phosphate rocks (PRs) are mined around the world annually. The rocks are either applied directly to soils or manufactured to produce water‐soluble phosphorus (P) fertilizers. In this study, we analyzed 12 PRs obtained from various deposits in Africa, United States, and Peru for total P, ten trace metals [cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), rubidium (Rb), and zinc (Zn)] and eight nontrace metals [aluminum (Al), barium (Ba), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and strontium (Sr)]. The empirical formulae and the unit‐cell a dimension of the apatite contents were also determined. Results showed that the values of the unit‐cell a dimension ranged from 9.324 A for North Carolina PR to 9.365 A for Tahoua PR. The total P contents ranged from 109 g/kg for Kodjari PR to 176 g/kg for Parc W PR. The concentration of the trace metals in the PRs varied considerably. Expressed in mg/k...
Mating and oviposition byCotesia (=Apanteles) marginiventris (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in presence of synthetic pheromone ofSpodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Two blends of fall armyworm,Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), pheromonal components were evaluated in the laboratory for possible close-range effects on mating and oviposition byCotesia marginiventris (Cresson). Neither a two- nor a five-component blend had any significant effect on mating or parasitization ofS. frugiperda larvae by this parasitoid. Dosages of 200, 400, and 800 μg were tested.
Comparison of the effects of DMSO and pentobarbitone on experimental brain oedema.

The purpose of this report is to compare the effect of acute therapy with dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and pentobarbitone on experimental brain oedema produced by a cryogenic lesion over the left hemisphere in albino rabbits. A group of animals received DMSO (1 mg/kg−10% solution) by intravenous bolus, and another group received a pentobarbitone intravenous 30-minute infusion (40 mg/kg). Intracranial pressure (ICP), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), central venous pressure (CVP), and EEG were studied. Brain water and electrolyte content were analyzed at one hour following the initiation of therapy. ICP was promptly reduced with both forms of therapy. A 66% reduction from control values was reached at 50 ± 12 minutes with pentobarbitone, and a 45% reduction from control values was reached at 30 minutes with DMSO. There was no significant reduction in the water content of the brain with either form of therapy. A significant elevation in brain potassium content was noted following DMSO when compared to untreated controls. CVP was essentially unchanged in both groups. Pentobarbitone produced a reduction of SAP with a mean value of 20.3 torr at 45 minutes from infusion. DMSO produced no reduction of SAP. It is concluded that DMSO and pentobarbitone are just as effective in reducing ICP. DMSO has the capacity to maintain SAP which pentobarbitone does not have, thus assuring a better cerebral perfusion pressure.
On the scalar potential of a point charge associated with a time-harmonic dipole in a layered medium

It is demonstrated that one can choose the form of the magnetic vector potential to render the scalar potential of a single point charge associated with a horizontal, time-harmonic dipole in a layered medium identical to that associated with a vertical dipole, provided that the source and observation points are within the same layer. This proves the existence of the so-called mixed-potential electric field integral equation for objects of arbitrary shape in layered media.
The next twenty years for higher education

This final Caregie Council report examines the current condition of higher education in the United States, makes enrollment projections, and suggests future courses of action for colleges and universities and for the state and federal governments. It seeks to improve quality, expand research, and reallocate resources within the confines of fiscal and enrollment stress. Intelligence, good-will, wit, and hope permeate the report. The bases for projections and suggestions flow from the current realities, deficiencies, and strengths recognized in United States higher education. The report considers more fully than its predecessors the great diversity of institutions, and the regional and state ideosyncracies characterizing the higher education "system". The title, Three Thousand Futures, may appear enigmatic except to those who know and appreciate the extensive variety within the system public community and junior colleges, state colleges and universities, and their counterparts in private education in all about 2400 colleges and universities and 600 seminaries and specialized schools. The Council views each institution as individualistic with a future appreciably different from all others. The report suggests elements of diversity ranging from types of academic terms to productivity to affirmative action. The Council also sees each institution shaped by the multifarious, uncoordinated agencies of the federal government and the government of one of the fifty states, each of which has a precise individuality in structure, law, mores, decision processes, and administration. The book is divided into two parts: the formal report some 130 pages and a series of twelve supplements written by staff. Of the eight chapters in the formal report, the first four analyze and present enrollment estimates; the remaining four set out policy choices and suggestions for institutional and governmental action. Over-optimism in enrollment projections characterizes the stance of individual insti-
Cyclosporin A — a chemoprotectant against microcystin-LR toxicity

Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is a potent hepatotoxin that rapidly produces death in experimental animals. We have shown that cyclosporin A (CsA) can prevent the toxic and lethal effects of MCLR in mice. The LD50 of MCLR in mice is approximately 61 micrograms/kg, and 100 micrograms/kg produces death in 100% of treated mice. The minimum dose of CsA which prevented lethality in mice given 100 micrograms MCLR/kg i.p. was 10 mg/kg. This dose of CsA did not protect mice against higher doses of MCLR. Survival of all mice given 100 micrograms MCLR/kg was achieved if 10 mg CsA/kg was given 0.5-3 h prior to the MCLR but not if the CsA was co-administered or given after the MCLR. The results indicate that CsA effectively protects mice against a lethal dose of MCLR, but that the time of administration and the dose of CsA are critical determinants of the chemoprotective effects.
Clinical Versus Public Health Perceptions of Notifiable Disease Reporting Burden

Public health surveillance depends, in part, on provider-submitted reports of communicable diseases. The 'Improving Population Health through Enhanced Targeted Regional Decision Support' research project is implementing a novel technology to pre-populate report forms in order to streamline reporting workflows, lower reporting barriers, increase data completeness, improve timeliness and, ultimately, provide access to higher quality surveillance data for public health organizations. We will share preliminary evaluation results regarding barriers and facilitators to implementation and utilization of the intervention; and differences in perceptions regarding reporting burden on clinical and public health workers.
A model for characterizing the motion of the solid-liquid interface in freezing solutions☆

Abstract This paper describes a model for computing the velocities at a set of points which describe the solid-liquid interface in freezing solutions. The model is based on decomposing the motion of a two dimensional boundary, which may change shape with time, into translational and radial components. The major categories of geometry that may typify the morphology of the interface under varying thermal and compositional constraints are planar, cellular and dendritic. The specific objective of this paper is to characterize distinctively the motion of each of the three morphological structures. Several illustrative examples are given to show the performance of the model as applied to the experimentally generated interfaces.
Electrochemically Actuated Microvalves for Microfluidic Systems

Electrochemical actuation is used to make active control elements for microfluidic applications that require no moving mechanical parts. Electrochemical bubbles were generated directly inside the micro-channels, which serve as valves. Bubble formation and its physical interaction with the fluid were visualized using epi-fluorescent microscopy, which shows that the valve completely stops the flow. Valve closing/opening was quantitatively characterized for flow rates ranging from ≈5 mm/s to 27 mm/s (inlet pressures 102 kPa to105 kPa). It was found that valves could be closed/opened in relatively short times (≈30 ms) and consume low power (≈10μJ). The current versus time curves measured at progressively higher voltages (from 3.8 V to 5.2 V) shows a linear relationship between the total charges transferred during electrolysis and the resulting bubble size. The large volume change associated with liquid to gas transformation can also be used to displace liquid for dosing or pumping.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Our 2008 reviewers [reviewer thanks]

The articles in IEEE Software are the result of many people's hard work. We deeply appreciate the efforts of everyone who participated in our peer review process last year. Authors often tell us how much they value reviewers' comments and suggestions. Their expertise, care, and attention help maintain Software's quality.
Thin film cadmium telluride-cadmium sulfide alloys and devices [solar cells]

The CdTe-CdS alloy system has been characterized at typical solar cell processing temperatures in order to elucidate the role of interdiffusion in CdTe/CdS-based solar cells. Predominately single-phase CdTe/sub 1-x/S/sub x/ thin films with x/spl equiv/[S]/([S]+[Te]) ranging from 0 to 0.45, were grown by vacuum co-evaporation of CdS and CdTe. Phase segregation was promoted by heat treatment of the films at 415/spl deg/C in the presence of CdCl/sub 2/. The solubility limits of S in CdTe and Te in CdS at 415/spl deg/C were derived by measuring the compositions of the two phases in the films after the CdCl/sub 2/ treatment. The solubility limit of S in CdTe was determined to be 5.8%. Solar cells were fabricated with compositionally uniform absorber layers of CdTe/sub 1-x/S/sub x/ with x near the solubility limit before heat treatment. An efficiency of 10.8% was achieved by a CdTe/sub 1-x/S/sub x//CdS device. The V/sub oc/, J/sub sc/, fill factor and spectral response of this device were all very similar to vacuum evaporated conventional CdTe/CdS cells where the alloy is formed by diffusion of S during cell processing.
Efficacy of recombinant chimeric lectins, consisting of mannose binding lectin and L-ficolin, against influenza A viral infection in mouse model study

Influenza A virus infection could result in fatal complications. Although immunization is the most effective prevention it is not effective to pandemic infection and is less effective or not approved for certain age groups. Some influenza virus strains have developed resistance to antiviral agents. Thus, new therapeutic agents are urgently needed. We focused on innate immune molecules, including mannose-binding lectin (MBL). In order to optimize its antiviral activities, we have previously generated three recombinant chimeric lectins (RCL), by introducing portions of L-ficolin, another innate immune lectin. Our in vitro characterizations previously selected RCL2 and RCL3 for further investigations against viruses, including influenza viruses. Here, we examined efficacy of these lectins against infection with PR8 (H1N1) influenza A virus using mouse model studies and a human tracheal epithelial cell system. Our results provide in vivo evidence that RCL3 is effective agent against influenza virus infection. The therapeutic mechanisms are in part by providing host protective responses mediated by cytokines. We conclude that RCL3 is a potential new innate immune anti-influenza virus therapeutic agent.
Morphological changes in the junctional complex of cells in the arachnoid layer of the rat after cold injury

The junctional complexes of cells in the outer arachnoid layer overlying the cerebral cortex of 2-week-old rats were examined with freeze-fracture electron microscopy up to 60 min after transcranial cold injury to the dorsal surface of the brain. Within 30 min after injury, areas of gap and tight junctions with morphological features characteristic of junction formation and/or junction disruption were found scattered among normal junctional complexes in some arachnoid cells. Within 60 min after injury, tight junctions with features typical of less leaky zonulae occludentes were present in all arachnoid cells examined. These morphological features include increases in the number of tight junctional strands and the number of strand-to-strand anastomoses. Gap junctions were interspersed among the tight junctional strands, and many were completely encircled by the strands. The increase in the number and complexity of the tight junctional strands in response to brain injury may be the morphological basis for the maintenance of the cerebrospinal fluid-blood dural barrier.
A Fractional Hypercube Decomposition Theorem for Multiattribute Utility Functions

This paper establishes a fundamental decomposition theorem in multiattribute utility theory. The methodology uses fractional hypercubes to generate a variety of attribute independence conditions that are necessary and sufficient for various decompositions: the additive, Keeney's quasi-additive, Fishburrt's diagonal, and others. These other nonaddirive utility decompositions contain some nonseparable interaction terms and are therefore applicable to decision problems not covered by earlier models. The paper defines a fractional hypercube and introduces the corresponding multiple element conditional preference order. The main theorem is produced from the solution of equations that are derived from transformations of linear functions that preserve these conditional preference orders. The computations and scaling required in implementing the main result are demonstrated by obtaining four utility decompositions on three attributes: apex, diagonal, quasi-pyramid, and semicube. We illustrate the methodology with geometric structures that correspond to the fractional hypercubes.
Visual cortical evoked potentials under conditions of apparent motion

The present study examined visual evoked potentials (VEPs) under three subjectively different stimulus conditions, two of which involved apparent motion. The hypotheses that the apparent motion conditions would result in smaller amplitude VEPs were rejected by data analyses, indicating very similar responses under all three conditions. It was suggested that nervous system mechanisms underlying the different perceptual experiences produced in this experiment must lie at some area in the brain oilier Than those reflected in the locations used in the present study.
Bath-5-methoxypsoralen-UVA therapy for psoriasis

Background: After oral intake, 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP) is as effective as 8-MOP for PUVA therapy for psoriasis, with a lower incidence of acute cutaneous side effects. Objective: We compared bath-water delivery of 5-MOP and 8-MOP for photochemotherapy of psoriasis. Methods: Twenty-two patients underwent phototesting with 0.0003% 5-MOP or 8-MOP aqueous solutions. Twelve patients with palmar psoriasis were studied with a side-to-side comparison, and 10 patients with recurrent plaque-type psoriasis were treated with one therapy or the other. Results: Minimal phototoxic dose (MPD) values were 2.8 ± 1.2 J/cm 2 with 8-MOP and 2 2.0 ± 1.2 J/cm2 with 5-MOP ( p p p = 0.02). Bath-5-MOP-UVA was also more effective in the treatment of plaque-type psoriasis (cumulative UVA doses, 56.8 ± 39.2 vs 59.1 ± 27.9 J/cm2; number of exposures, 20.0 ± 5.7 vs 21.6 ± 4.7), but these differences were not significant ( p = NS). Patients developed an intense tan significantly earlier with 5-MOP than with 8-MOP (3.5 ± 0.5 weeks vs 4.4 ± 0.5 weeks; p Conclusion: Bath-5-MOP-UVA was more phototoxic than bath-8-MOP-UVA. It was more effective in the treatment of palmar psoriasis, whereas its greater pigmentogenic activity appeared to have an adverse effect on therapeutic effectiveness in the treatment of plaque-type psoriasis.
HOW HEALTH STATUS IMPACTS THE TYPES OF INFORMATION CONSUMERS SEEK ONLINE

A few studies examine what types of health information people seek online, yet we know little about how this varies by health status. To examine this question we used data collected from a random sample of 2,038 adults for the Pew Internet and American Life Project, which asked respondents in the United States whether they searched for 16 different types of information. These 16 topics were grouped into three broad areas, including medical conditions and treatments, health issues (e.g. diet and smoking cessation), and providers and payment (e.g. a particular hospital). To build on prior literature, two measures of health status were used: a self-report and the presence of a medical condition. The data suggest that health status impacts the types of health or medical information people seek on the Internet. Self-reported health status was not significantly related to any of the topics; however, respondents diagnosed with a disability or chronic disease were more likely to seek medical information on 13 of ...
Cross-Modal Plasticity Results in Increased Inhibition in Primary Auditory Cortical Areas

Loss of sensory input from peripheral organ damage, sensory deprivation, or brain damage can result in adaptive or maladaptive changes in sensory cortex. In previous research, we found that auditory cortical tuning and tonotopy were impaired by cross-modal invasion of visual inputs. Sensory deprivation is typically associated with a loss of inhibition. To determine whether inhibitory plasticity is responsible for this process, we measured pre- and postsynaptic changes in inhibitory connectivity in ferret auditory cortex (AC) after cross-modal plasticity. We found that blocking GABAA receptors increased responsiveness and broadened sound frequency tuning in the cross-modal group more than in the normal group. Furthermore, expression levels of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) protein were increased in the cross-modal group. We also found that blocking inhibition unmasked visual responses of some auditory neurons in cross-modal AC. Overall, our data suggest a role for increased inhibition in reducing the effectiveness of the abnormal visual inputs and argue that decreased inhibition is not responsible for compromised auditory cortical function after cross-modal invasion. Our findings imply that inhibitory plasticity may play a role in reorganizing sensory cortex after cross-modal invasion, suggesting clinical strategies for recovery after brain injury or sensory deprivation.
Action of actinomycin D on exocrine pancreas cell differentiation

The nature of RNA synthesis has been investigated in control and actinomycintreated organ cultures of differentiating mouse embryo pancreas cells. No differences were detected in stable classes of RNA, or in rapidly labeled hetero-disperse classes, that were synthesized by control cultures in different developmental states. Actinomycin D inhibited subsequent cyto-differentiation if applied to cultures in which most cells were dividing. In these cases, uridine incorporation into rapidly labeled non-4 s RNA was inhibited by at least 72%; incorporation into stable classes of non-4 s RNA was inhibited by 97%. Actinomycin treatment also caused a shift in the ratio of labeled material sedimenting in the 28 s and 18 s regions from about 2 in controls to about 1 or less in inhibited cultures. When identical experiments and analyses were carried out on slightly older cultures—those containing a population of non-dividing cells that differentiate in the presence of actinomycin—no differences in degree or type of inhibition of RNA synthesis were detected. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the bulk of nucleic acids needed for the initiation of specialized synthesis and cytodifferentiation are available by the time that overt differentiation commences.
Three applications of a bonus relation for gravity amplitudes

Abstract Arkani-Hamed et al. have recently shown that all tree-level scattering amplitudes in maximal supergravity exhibit exceptionally soft behavior when two supermomenta are taken to infinity in a particular complex direction, and that this behavior implies new non-trivial relations amongst amplitudes in addition to the well-known on-shell recursion relations. We consider the application of these new ‘bonus relations’ to MHV amplitudes, showing that they can be used quite generally to relate ( n − 2 ) ! -term formulas typically obtained from recursion relations to ( n − 3 ) ! -term formulas related to the original BGK conjecture. Specifically we provide (1) a direct proof of a formula presented by Elvang and Freedman, (2) a new formula based on one due to Bedford et al., and (3) an alternate proof of a formula recently obtained by Mason and Skinner. Our results also provide the first direct proof that the conjectured BGK formula, only very recently proven via completely different methods, satisfies the on-shell recursion.
Sensitivity of novel ultrathin platinum film immunosensors to buffer ionic strength

The direct detection of antibody/antigen binding is demonstrated with a conductivity-based sensor. The sensor consists of an ultrathin film of platinum 25 A thick deposited onto an insulating silicon dioxide or silicon nitride substrate. The film has a metal island structure, as demonstrated by atomic force microscope images of the surface. The impedance response at 20 Hz to 1 MHz measured in buffers of differing pH and ionic strength indicates that the conductivity of the solution is a dominant factor in defining the response of the sensor.
Three-dimensional echocardiography in the assessment of prosthetic valves

Over the past few decades, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has evolved from one-dimensional imaging using a probe with a single-crystal, M-mode transducer to two-dimensional imagingwith phased-array transducers and now three-dimensional (3D) imaging with matrix array transducers. Current 3D imaging probes are vastly superior to the earlier technique of using multi-plane TEE imaging to reconstruct 3D images. While these earlier techniques enabled improved visualization of valvular anatomy, acquisition of images was tedious and time-consuming and extensive post-processing was required to generate images. As well, image quality was poor and frequently affected by artifact limiting its use for research purposes. Recent advancements in real-time three-dimensional (RT3D) TEE have propelled 3D TEE imaging into clinical practice from the research realm. With the development of the matrix array TEE probe real-time acquisition and on-line display of 3D TEE images are now easy to acquire and there is no need for either sequential multi-plane acquisition or off-line reconstruction. These images have enabled the visualization of valvular anatomy from unique orientations with improved spatial relationships not previously seen with 2D echocardiography. In particular, RT3D TEE has allowed improved visualization and assessment of prosthetic valves. In this editorial, we will discuss the use of RT3D TEE in the assessment of prosthetic valves, their associated complications such as prosthetic valve endocarditis and paravalvular regurgitation as well as limitations and future uses of RT3D TEE.
The amplifying effects of humans on fire regimes in temperate rainforests in western Patagonia

Abstract During European colonization and settlement of southern hemisphere temperate ecosystems, historical fire regimes were often dramatically altered by either burning vast areas to create farmland, or reducing fire frequencies by suppressing fires or by eliminating aboriginal populations that formerly set fires. To determine the historical range of variability of wildfire and the potential human influences on wildfire activity in temperate rainforests of western Patagonia, we used tree rings to reconstruct fire history over the past ca. 400 years. Over a 6° latitudinal range, we examined spatiotemporal changes in fire history and compared it to ethnohistorical evidence of human activities. Time series of fire years were developed from fire-scars at 27 sites for comparison with a priori defined periods of land use in each of six areas of homogeneous land-use history. We also examined the influence of climate variability to discriminate the relative roles of human ignitions and decadal-scale climate variability on fire activity. Fires were relatively common in the forest-bog habitats sampled in our study, at least two centuries prior to any likely impact from Euro-Chilean settlers, implying that fires set by the indigenous peoples in this rainforest climate were much more common (and sometimes even widespread) than previously known. Our results also show that coincident with Euro-Chilean settlement, fire regimes shifted into long-lasting regimes of substantially higher fire frequency. However, decadal-scale climate variability, also clearly was a driver of shifts in fire regimes, and the second half of the 20th century has been a time of increased temperatures and drought throughout the region. Overall, our findings indicate that although in both pre-historic and modern times climate variability is the dominant control on years of widespread fires, aboriginals and Euro-Chilean settlers have amplified fire activity (particularly during the 20th–21st centuries) and shifted the region's fire regimes to new behaviors.
Practical, biochemical and evolutionary implications of the discovery of HLA class I supermotifs

Abstract Recent data suggest that the majority of HLA-A and -B alleles in human populations can be grouped into four major supertypes, as defined by their broad peptide-binding specificities. As discussed by John Sidney and colleagues, these data add to our understanding of the evolutionary and biochemical processes involved in the generation of MHC polymorphism, and suggest that HLA class I alleles may ultimately be reclassified on the basis of their peptide-binding specificities.
Pad Assignment for Power Nets in VLSI Circuits

This paper deals with the problem of single layer routing of power nets in building-block-style layout. It is assumed that power-supplying terminals are placed on the boundary of the chip and that each module within the chip has to be supplied by two or three different sources. The problem considered here is how to assign the power pads on the boundary of the chip so that their number is minimum while maintaining the planar routability of the power nets.
Poor nutrition during pregnancy and lactation negatively affects neurodevelopment of the offspring: evidence from a translational primate model

Background: Studies of the effects of prenatal nutrition on neurodevelopment in humans are complicated because poor nutrition occurs in the context of psychosocial stressors and other risk factors associated with poor developmental outcomes. Objective: Under controlled experimental conditions, we tested an effect of prenatal nutrition on neurodevelopmental outcomes in the nonhuman primate. Design: Juvenile offspring of 19 female baboons, whose diets were either restricted [maternal nutrition restriction (MNR)] or who were fed ad libitum (control), were administered the progressive ratio task from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Activity, persistence, attention, and emotional arousal were coded from videotapes. These established, reliable methods were consistent with those used to assess individual differences in the behaviors of school-age children. Results: MNR offspring (3 female and 4 male offspring) had significantly fewer responses and received fewer reinforcements on the progressive ratio task than did control offspring (8 female and 4 male offspring). MNR offspring showed a more variable activity level and less emotional arousal than did control offspring. Female MNR offspring showed more variable and lower levels of persistence and attention than did female control offspring. Thus, under controlled experimental conditions, data support a main effect of prenatal nutrition on highly translatable neurodevelopmental outcomes. Conclusions: Nutritional interventions during pregnancy have been successfully used to target neurodevelopmental problems, such as increasing folic acid intake during pregnancy to decrease the incidence of neural tube defects. Results from the current study can be used to support the testing of nutritional preventive interventions for the most-common childhood behavior problems.
Clinicians' perceptions of implementation extensiveness of 100% tobacco free practices: a longitudinal study of New York state.

In 2008, the state of New York required substance use disorder treatment organizations to be 100% tobacco-free. This longitudinal study examined clinicians’ perceptions of the implementation extensiveness of the tobacco-free practices approximately 10–12 months (Time 1) and 20–24 months (Time 2) post regulation and investigated whether clinicians’ commitment to change and use of provided resources at Time 1 predicts perceptions of implementation extensiveness at Time 2. Clinicians (N = 287) noted a mean implementation of 5.60 patient practices (0–10 scale), 2.33 visitor practices (0–8 scale), and 6.66 employee practices (0–12 scale) at Time 1. At Time 2, clinicians perceived a mean implementation of 5.95 patient practices (no increase from Time 1), 2.89 visitor practices (increase from Time 1), and 7.12 employee practices (no increase from Time 1). Commitment to change and use of resources positively predicted perceived implementation extensiveness of visitor and employee practices. The use of resources positively predicted implementation for patient practices.