cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Global Fund contributions to health security in ten countries, 2014-20: mapping synergies between vertical disease programmes and capacities for preventing, detecting, and responding to public health emergencies.

Summary Background The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is a robust vertical global health programme. The extent to which vertical programmes financially support health security has not been investigated. We, therefore, endeavoured to quantify the extent to which the budgets of this vertical programme support health security. We believe this is a crucial area of work as the global community works to combine resources for COVID-19 response and future pandemic preparedness. Methods We examined budgets for work in Kenya, Uganda, Vietnam, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guatemala, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone from January, 2014 to December, 2020. These ten countries were selected because of the robustness of investments and the availability of data. Using the International Health Regulations Joint External Evaluation (JEE) tool as a framework, we mapped budget line items to health security capacities. Two researchers independently reviewed each budget and mapped items to the JEE. Budgets were then jointly reviewed until a consensus was reached regarding if an item supported health security directly, indirectly, or not at all. The budgets for the study countries were inputted into a single Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and line items that mapped to JEE indicators were scaled up to their respective JEE capacity. Descriptive analyses were then done to determine the total amount of money budgeted for activities that support health security, how much was budgeted for each JEE capacity, and how much of the support was direct or indirect. Findings The research team reviewed 37 budgets. Budgets totalled US$6 927 284 966, and $2 562 063 054 (37·0%) of this mapped to JEE capacities. $1 330 942 712 (19·2%) mapped directly to JEE capacities and $1 231 120 342 (17·8%) mapped indirectly to JEE capacities. Laboratory systems, antimicrobial resistance, and the deployment of medical countermeasures and personnel received the most overall budgetary support; laboratory systems, antimicrobial resistance, and workforce development received the greatest amount of direct budgetary support. Interpretation Over one-third of the Global Fund's work also supports health security and the organisation has budgeted more than $2 500 000 000 for activities that support health security in ten countries since 2014. Although these funds were not budgeted specifically for health security purposes, recognising how vertical programmes can synergistically support other global health efforts has important implications for policy related to health systems strengthening. Funding Resolve to Save Lives: An Initiative of Vital Strategies.
Student Wellness & Academic Libraries: Case Studies and Activities for Promoting Health and Success . Sara Holder and Amber Lannon, eds. Chicago, IL: Association of College and Research Libraries, 2020. 292p. Paper, $86.00 (ISBN 978-0838948644).

Perhaps more than ever, the emotional and mental health of students is understood to be essential for academic success. In addition to providing counseling services, colleges and universities have begun to explore other options for promoting student wellness; and, as Sara Holder and Amber Lannon note in this volume, the academic library has become the “logical home for wellness initiatives.” [1] In Student Wellness & Academic Libraries: Case Studies and Activities for Promoting Health and Success , editors Holder and Lannon have gathered together an in-depth collection of current research studies and wellness programs developed and implemented by academic librarians and educators.
Optimizing Remote Learning: Leveraging Zoom to Develop and Implement Successful Education Sessions

Virtual meeting platforms, such as Zoom, have become essential to medical education during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. However, many medical educators do not have experience planning or leading these sessions. Despite the prevalence of Zoom learning, there has been little published on best practices. In this article we describe best practices for using Zoom for remote learning, acknowledging technical considerations, and recommending workflows for designing and implementing virtual sessions. Furthermore, we discuss the important role of cognitive learning theory and how to incorporate these key pedagogical insights into a successful virtual session. While eventually in-person classrooms will open, virtual teaching will remain a component of medical education. If we utilize these inventive tools creatively and functionally, then virtual learning can augment and elevate the practice of medical education.
Coping with cystic fibrosis: An analysis from the sibling's point of view.

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, life-threatening condition that results in life-long morbidity and premature mortality. CF has a significant impact on healthy siblings' adaptation and well-being. Siblings of patients with a chronic disease may experience psychological difficulties, such as anxiety, depression symptoms and troubles in adaptation. This study aimed to explore the participants' experiences of growing up with a CF patient diagnosed at a paediatric age and their adaptation strategies. Methods We enrolled eight CF siblings (adolescents and young adults) in a 6-month focus group sessions programme. Each session had two phases (psychoeducational and experiential). Transcripts were analysed and grouped through grounded theory analysis to elaborate on data-driven theory. Results We identified 14 subthemes by which the raw data could be organized. All the subthemes were gathered together according to the axial coding process into six themes (illness, changes, communication, avoidance, normalization, and protection and care). We then grouped the six themes into two main themes ('Growing up with a CF brother or sister' and 'Finding the right distance') and conceptualized the grounded theory 'Keeping the right distance'. The participants described the evolving process of maintaining a balance between the illness of their brother or sister, family organization and their own needs. Conclusions Knowing siblings' experiences and their common strategies to deal with the experience of having a brother or sister with a chronic health condition may be useful to ensure more tailored and specific interventions.
Neighborhood racial/ethnic segregation and cognitive decline in older adults

Social determinants of health, including neighborhood factors, play a key role in the health of diverse older adults. However, few longitudinal studies have examined the role of neighborhood racial/ethnic segregation on cognitive decline in diverse samples. We examined older non-Hispanic White (NHW), Black, and Latino participants evaluated at an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Neighborhood racial/ethnic segregation was measured using the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic, a spatial measure of clustering that was created for Latino and Black clustering separately. Cognitive outcomes included episodic memory, semantic memory, and executive function. We used mixed effects multivariable regression models to evaluate associations between segregation and cognitive function and decline. We had 452 individuals: 46% NHW, 26% Black, and 21% Latino in 309 census tracts with an average of 5.2 years of follow-up data (range 0.6-15.0). In analyses that adjusted for a variety of covariates (including neighborhood SES), individuals in neighborhoods with a higher clustering of Latino residents (higher Gi* statistic) had slower declines over time on semantic memory and those in neighborhoods with a higher clustering of Black residents had slower declines over time on episodic memory. In race/ethnicity-stratified adjusted analyses: for Black participants, the association between clustering and cognition was present for episodic memory and executive function, showing lower baseline scores in highly clustered Black and Latino neighborhoods, respectively. There was no association with cognitive change. Among Latino participants, highly clustered Latino neighborhoods were associated with lower baseline scores in semantic memory, but slower declines in episodic memory; Latinos living in neighborhoods with a greater clustering of Black residents also had slower declines in episodic memory. Among NHWs, residing in neighborhoods with a higher clustering of Latino residents was associated with slower declines over time on semantic memory. Segregated neighborhoods may be differentially associated with cognitive outcomes depending on individual race/ethnicity.
Keeping up with the evidence base: Survey of behavior professionals about Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions:

Professionals who primarily deliver services to children on the autism spectrum employ a range of techniques and supports that are colloquially known as applied behavior analysis therapy. The lands...
Coalescence of Nanoscale Islands during Polycrystalline Thin Film Growth

We describe a simulation framework designed to track individual grains in a material during simulations of their formation and processing. The framework employs a “grain continuum” model of films [Cale et al., Comp. Mat. Sci. 23 (3), (2002)] and can be used to complement discrete atomistic simulations, and link their results to continuum simulations. We demonstrate the use of multiplelevelset methods to track islands nucleated on substrates, during growth and impingement to form polycrystalline films. We briefly discuss how this simulation tool might be used in an integrated multiscale process simulation environment [Bloomfield et al., Electrochem. Soc. PV2001–24, pp.77–84, 2001] to establish a link from atomistic simulations upward to feature, pattern, and reactor scale simulations.
Who Said It Better? A Test of Wording Differences in the MedWatch “Toll-Free Statement” for Consumer Reporting of Side Effects in Direct-to-Consumer Television Advertisements

Background:A toll-free statement alerting consumers how to report side effects to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is required for both prescription drug labeling and direct-to-consumer (DTC) print ads. Because of different regulatory requirements between these materials (the Toll-free Number for Reporting Adverse Events on Labeling for Human Drug Products Rule [TFNR] versus the FDA Amendments Act [FDAAA], respectively), the wording of this statement differs. We studied how statement wording for reporting side effects to FDA in DTC television ads affects comprehension of product risks and benefits, comprehension of and memory for the toll-free statement, and perceived statement clarity.Methods:Participants viewed 1 of 8 mock prescription drug television ads that varied the wording and placement of the toll-free statement, and then responded to a questionnaire.Results:The FDAAA statement was more noticeable, clear, and more participants were able to recall and recognize its correct purpose. Compre...
Antioxidant Capacity of Wyoming Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis) Varies Spatially and is not Related to the Presence of a Sagebrush Dietary Specialist

Sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) in North America is an abundant native plant species that is ecologically and evolutionarily adapted to have a diverse array of biologically active chemicals. Several of these chemicals, specifically polyphenols, have antioxidant activity that may act as biomarkers of biotic or abiotic stress. This study investigated the spatial variation of antioxidant capacity, as well as the relationship between a mammalian herbivore and antioxidant capacity in Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis). We quantified and compared total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity of leaf extracts from sagebrush plants from different spatial scales and at different levels of browsing by a specialist mammalian herbivore, the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis). We found that antioxidant capacity of sagebrush extracts was positively correlated with total polyphenol content. Antioxidant capacity varied spatially within and among plants. Antioxidant capacity in sagebrush was not related to either browsing intensity or duration of association with rabbits. We propose that the patterns of antioxidant capacity observed in sagebrush may be a result of spatial variation in abiotic stress experienced by sagebrush. Antioxidants could therefore provide a biomarker of environmental stress for sagebrush that could aid in management and conservation of this plant in the threatened sagebrush steppe.
USES OF GAME THEORY TO EXPLAIN THE SALT PROCESS

Negotiations in international relations must be analyzed not only in terms of the substance of policy which is of relevance to the negotiating process, but also with regard to the negotiating process itself. This paper focuses on the negotiating process leading up to the SALT I agreements of 1972. Through the insights of game theory we can better understand the difficulties inherent in reaching accords in nuclear arms negotiations.
Public access to federally funded research: The Cornyn-Lieberman and CURES bills

Deux projets de lois recemment introduits au Senat des Etats-Unis devraient augmenter de facon consequente l'acces public aux resultats de la recherche financee au niveau federal. Il s'agit du Federal Research Public Access Act de 2006, introduit par J. Cornyn et J. Lieberman, et de l'American Center for CURES Act de 2005. Ils fournissent notamment un acces en ligne gratuit a toutes les publications apres un delai de six mois, sans toucher au systeme d'evaluation inter-pair des journaux ni a la loi sur le droit d'auteur.
Genes and environment in personality development

Introduction Behavior Genetic Methods Application to Extraversion Genes, Environment, and the `Big Five' Personality Traits Levels of Analysis General or Specific? Heredity, Environment, and Change Complexities and Contexts
Serum bactericidal activity of ceftriaxone plus metronidazole against common intra-abdominal pathogens

The activity of ceftriaxone plus metronidazole against pathogens usually involved in intra-abdominal infections was studied. Metronidazole 1 g and ceftriaxone 1 g (as the sodium salt) were simultaneously administered i.v. over 30 minutes every 24 hours to 12 healthy volunteers for three doses. Serum samples were collected at baseline, just before the last dose, and 12, 16, 20, 22, and 24 hours after the start of infusion of the last dose. Serum bactericidal titers (SBTs) were performed in duplicate for each serum sample from 12 hours on. Serum ceftriaxone and metronidazole concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the elimination rate and half-life were calculated for each antimicrobial in each volunteer. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of each antibiotic for two strains each of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Bacteroides fragilis were determined by microdilution. Eleven volunteers completed the study. Ceftriaxone and metronidazole maintained SBTs of at least 1:4. Serum ceftriaxone concentrations remained above the MICs for E. coli, P. mirabilis, and K. pneumoniae, and serum metronidazole concentrations remained above the MIC for B. fragilis throughout the study. Ceftriaxone combined with metronidazole resulted in intense and prolonged activity against E. coli, P. mirabilis, K. pneumoniae, and B. fragilis.
The Full T1 Theorem for Certain Triebel ‐ Lizorkin Spaces

Previous authors have considered generalizations of the David-Journe T1 theorem to the scale of Triebel - Lizorkin spaces (IRn) under the T1 = 0 and T = 0 assumptions, where T is a (generalized) Calderon - Zygmund operator. We prove boundedness on (IRn) under weaker assumptions on T1 and T1, which are related to the sharp T1, TBMO assumptions for in the David-Journe theorem. In some cases we also show that our conditions are sharp. By similar techniques, we also obtain sharper conditions for “families of molecules” and “norming families” for these spaces.
Ultrastructure of penetration by Colletotrichum graminicola of highly resistant oat leaves

Abstract The penetration of highly resistant oat leaves by an isolate of the maize anthracnose fungus Colletorichum graminicola has been studied at an ultrastructural level. Conidial germination of C. graminicola occurred 10 to 14 h after inoculation on oat leaves and appressoria were formed after 14 to 18 h. Penetration pegs and papillae were present 24 h after inoculation. In 48 h the cuticle and epidermal walls were breached but not the underlying papillae. After 72 h the protoplasts of invaded cells appeared to be disorganized and the vacuolated electron-dense hyphae of the fungus were restricted to the first two to three adjacent cells.
063 Electroporation‐Facilitated Gene Therapy for Wound Healing

Introduction: Using peptide growth factors to improve upon natural wound healing provides promise, but topical application of growth factors has found limited clinical success. Gene therapy has been limited by low transfection efficiency. We are investigating the use of electroporation (EP)in vivo to enhance transfection efficiency and improve wound healing with DNA expression vectors for growth factors. Methods: To assess plasmid transfection and wound healing, gWIZ luciferase vector and PCDNA3.1/KGF expression vector were used, respectively. Cutaneous wounds were produced via 8 mm-punch biopsy in Sprague Dawley rats. Healing was impaired by cecal ligation induced sepsis. We used NIH image analysis software and histologic assessment to assess wound closure. Results: Plasmid Transfection: EP effectively increased expression of gWIZ luciferase vector 53-fold compared to vector without EP (p < 0.001). We demonstrated that transfection was localized to skin when transfected skin was reflected to reveal underlying muscle. We found that EP-assisted transfection lasted for 30 days, which is appropriate for treatment of wound healing. Wound Healing: Using PCDNA3.1/KGF expression vector and EP wounds were 60% smaller on day 12 versus vector without EP (p < 0.009). We assessed quality of healing with a histologic scoring system grading quality of epithelial coverage, organization of scar and resolution of inflammation. KGF vector + EP score of 3.0 +/− 0.3 was better than that of 1.8 +/− 0.3 for treatment with vector alone (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results demonstrate the capacity of electroporation-facilitated transfection with DNA plasmid expression vector for growth factor to improve wound healing. Acknowledgments: Funding from USAMRMC PRMRP DAMDI7-03-1-0029 and Maryland State Firefighters Fund
The SDEF programming system

Abstract SDEF, a systolic array programming system, is presented. It is intended to provide (1) systolic algorithm researchers/ developers with an executable notation, and (2) the software systems community with a target notation for the development of higher-level systolic software tools. The design issues associated with such a programming system are identified. A spacetime representation of systolic computations is described briefly in order to motivate SDEF's program notation. The programming system treats a special class of systolic computations, called atomic systolic computations, any one of which can be specified as a set of properties: the computation's (1) index set (S), (2) domain dependencies (D), (3) spacetime embedding (E), and nodal function (F). These properties are defined and illustrated. SDEF's user interface is presented. It comprises an editor, a translator, a domain type database, and a systolic array simulator used to test SDEF programs. The system currently runs on a Sun 3/50 operating under Unix and Xwindows. Key design choices affecting this implementation are described. SDEF is designed for portability. The problem of porting it to a Transputer array is discussed.
The effect of banking market structure on the volatility of growth of manufacturing sectors in developing countries

I explore the effect of banking concentration and banking competition on the volatility of the growth of value added of manufacturing sectors in the developing countries. In this paper, I bring together two strands of literature, one that discusses the effect of financial intermediation on volatility of growth and another one that discusses the effect of banking concentration and competition on credit access. Following the industrial organization literature, I look at the effect of banking competition and banking concentration on the volatility of manufacturing sectors separately. I find that banking concentration has a dampening effect on the volatility of growth of the industries. On the other hand, I find that as banking competition increases, the volatility of the growth of industries increases, also.
Learning equilibria in constrained Nash-Cournot games with misspecified demand functions

We consider a constrained Nash-Cournot oligopoly where the demand function is linear. While cost functions and capacities are public information, firms only have partial information regarding the demand function. Specifically, firms either know the intercept or the slope of the demand function and cannot observe aggregate output. We consider a learning process in which firms update their profit-maximizing quantities and their beliefs regarding the unknown demand function parameters, based on disparities between observed and estimated prices. A characterization of the mappings, corresponding to the fixed point of the learning process, is provided. This result paves the way for developing a Tikhonov regularization scheme that is shown to learn the correct equilibrium, in spite of the multiplicity of equilibria. Despite the absence of monotonicity of the gradient maps, we prove the convergence of constant and diminishing steplength distributed gradient schemes under a suitable caveat on the starting points. Notably, precise rate of convergence estimates are provided for the constant steplength schemes.
YANG-MILLS THEORY ON A CYLINDER

Abstract Yang-Mills theory on a two dimensional cylinder is studied in the hamiltonian formalism, without using gauge conditions. Since the only gauge invariant variable is the Wilson loop (holonomy) this system is equivalent to a finite dimensional system. The eigenstates and eigenvalues of the hamiltonian are found exactly.
Detection of oxacillin-resistance in Staphylococcus aureus by MicroScan MIC panels in comparison to four other methods

Two hundred fifty-two isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were tested for oxacillin susceptibility by MicroScan Gram positive overnight and rapid MIC panels. Results were compared with nonautomated methods including disk diffusion, MRSA Crystal ID, and Etests using MRSA Screen Agar as reference. One hundred sixty-nine isolates (67.1%) were oxacillin-susceptible and 83 (32.9%) were resistant. All methods agreed for 234 (92.9%) isolates. Very major error rates were 1.2% for disk diffusion, 3.6% for Etest, and 0 for all other methods. Major error rates were 5.3% for MicroScan overnight panels, 3% for rapid panels, 2.4% for disk diffusion, 1.2% for Etest, and 0.6% for MRSA Crystal ID. Nine oxacillin-susceptible isolates with borderline MICs and discrepant results for 1 or more methods were tested for the mec A gene and all were negative. Each was susceptible to β lactam/β lactamase inhibitor combinations, suggesting that false resistance may have been due to excessive β lactamase production. Oxacillin-resistant S. aureus with borderline MICs determined by MicroScan should be confirmed by an alternate method. The most practical and cost-effective means among those we tested is the MRSA Screen Agar.
Bounds for convective contributions to transport coefficients

Bounds for contributions to transport coefficients in systems with convective mode coupling described by nonlinear Langevin equations are obtained by moment-theory summation of perturbation series. The results are illustrated with long-time tails in two-dimensional simple fluids and anomalous transport in binary critical solutions.
Johannes Kepler’s computer simulation of the universe: Some remarks about theory in psychology

Computer simulation may be an overly seductive way of formulating theory in the social sciences. The capability of constructing complex computer simulation models may remove some of the incentive for finding simple laws. This point is illustrated via a fantasy in which the sixteenth century astronomical theorist, Johannes Kepler, uses Ms computer instead of his mind to account for extant data on stellar and planetary motion. Similarities between sixteenth century cosmology and twentieth century psychology are discussed.
Ab Initio and DFT Potential Energy Surfaces for Cyanuric Chloride Reactions

Ab initio and nonlocal density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to determine reaction mechanisms for formation of the six-membered ring C3N3Cl3 (cyanuric chloride) from the monomer cyanogen chloride (ClCN). MP2 geometry optimizations followed by QCISD(T) energy refinements and corrections for zero-point energies for critical points on the potential energy surface were calculated using the 6-31G* and 6-311+G* basis sets. DFT (B3LYP) geometry optimizations and zero-point corrections for critical points on the potential energy surface were calculated with the 6-31G*, 6-311+G*, and cc-pVTZ basis sets. Good agreement is found for MP2 and DFT geometries and frequencies of cyanuric chloride and ClCN when compared with experimental values. Two formation mechanisms of cyanuric chloride were investigated, the concerted triple association (3 ClCN → cyanuric chloride) and the stepwise association (3ClCN → Cl2C2N2 + ClCN → cyanuric chloride). All calculations show that the lower energy path to forma...
TWo-Dimensional Echocardiographic Detection of Mediastinal Pheochromocytoma

A patient had a functioning pheochromocytoma in the aorticopulmonary region of the middle mediastinum. Two-dimensional echocardiography, utilizing the suprasternal approach, was useful in detecting the tumor and in defining its anatomic relationships to other vascular structures within the mediastinum.
Hydrophobic hydration is an important source of elasticity in elastin-based biopolymers.

Molecular dynamics simulations with explicit waters have been employed to investigate the dominant source of elastin's elasticity. An elastin-like peptide, (VPGVG)18, was pulled and released in molecular dynamics simulations, at 10 and 42 °C, lasting several nanoseconds, which is consistent with the experimentally determined dielectric and NMR relaxation time scales. At elastin's physiological temperature and degree of extension, the simulations indicate that the orientational entropy of waters hydrating hydrophobic groups decreases during pulling of the molecule, but it increases upon release. In contrast, the main-chain fluctuations and other measures of mobility suggest that elastin's backbone is more dynamic in the extended than released state. These results and the agreement between the simulations with various experimental observations suggest that hydrophobic hydration is an important source of the entropy-based elasticity of elastin. Moreover, elastin tends to reorder itself to form a hydrophobic ...
Dysregulated Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis Function Contributes to Altered Endocrine and Neurobehavioral Responses to Acute Stress

Organisms react to environmental challenges by activating a coordinated set of brain-body responses known as the stress response. These physiological and behavioral countermeasures are, in large part, regulated by the neuroendocrine hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Normal functioning of the HPA axis ensures that an organism responds appropriately to altered environmental demands, representing an essential system to promote survival. Over the past several decades, increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that disruption of the HPA axis can lead to dysregulated stress response phenotypes, exacting a physiological cost on the organism commonly referred to as allostatic load. Further, it has been recognized that high allostatic load can contribute to increased vulnerability of the organism to further challenges. This observation leads to the notion that disrupted HPA function and resulting inappropriate responses to stressors may underlie many neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety. In the present set of studies we investigate the role of both the normally functioning and disrupted HPA axis in the endocrine, neural, and behavioral responses to acute stress. Using a model of non-invasive chronic corticosterone (CORT) treatment in mice, we show that dysregulating the normal function of the HPA leads to a mismatch between the hormonal and neural response to acute stress, resulting in abnormal behavioral coping strategies. We believe this model can be leveraged to tease apart the mechanisms by which altered HPA function contributes to neurobehavioral dysregulation in response to acute stress.
The Duality of Leakage and Aliasing and Improved Digital Spectral Analysis Techniques

When processing, recording, and analyzing continuous, analog signals or functions with a digital computer, information is lost when the signals are converted to digital form. When signals are sampled in one domain (time or frequency), the loss of information is characterized as aliasing in the other (frequency or time, respectively) domain. When a signal or function is truncated in one domain, the information loss is characterized as leakage in the other domain. It is shown that because of the dual nature of leakage and aliasing, that leakage in one domain reduces aliasing in the other domain and visa-versa. Examples of reducing leakage or aliasing in each domain by the dual in the other domain are given to illustrate. Since current art has not used time aliasing to reduce frequency leakage previously, a time alias processor for this purpose is described. A flat-top window function with spectral lineshape one frequency line in width is used in conjunction with the time alias processor to maintain leakage to within the nearest frequency line.
An emergent community ecosystem model applied to the California Current System

Abstract An ecosystem model that supports considerable phytoplankton diversity is coupled to a circulation model of the California Current System. The Regional Ocean Modeling System is configured for a realistic simulation at 0.1° resolution for years 2000–2004. The concentration-based ecosystem model includes multiple nutrients, dissolved and particulate organic pools, two grazers, and 78 phytoplankton organism. Primary producers divide into 4 functional groups representing diatoms, large phytoplankton that do not require silicate, Prochlorococcus-like organisms, and small phytoplankton that can use nitrate. Random selection of phytoplankton growth parameters creates an autotrophic community able to fill multiple environmental niches created by the physical circulation and plankton population. In the 5-year average, over 98% of the total biomass at the surface is contained within 8 primary producers, with 30 additional phytoplankton sustained at lower levels. Modeled surface phytoplankton biomass is evaluated on multi-annual and seasonal bases using satellite chlorophyll estimates for the same period. The self-organized communities produced by the model represent various features of the California Current Ecosystem, including the biogeographic break at Pt. Conception. The annual average fields generally reveal high diatom concentrations nearshore, with small phytoplankton more broadly distributed. Prochlorococcus-like organisms are absent or at relatively low concentrations at the coast, increasing across the California Current. Small non-Prochlorococcus-like phytoplankton types are found at highest concentrations nearshore and far offshore. The model exhibits both surface and subsurface features, including a seasonal subsurface chlorophyll maximum along CalCOFI Line 77 between May and October. Time-series of area averaged model fields show seasonal progressions of different phytoplankton groups.
Structural brain abnormalities in first-episode mania

Abstract Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we studied brain morphometric differences between patients with first-episode mania ( n = 17) and normal control subjects ( n = 16). Patients were admitted for their first psychiatric hospitalization and met DSM-III-R criteria for bipolar disorder, manic or mixed. Diagnoses were made using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R. Patients and control subjects were matched for age, gender, height, past history of substance abuse, and handedness, although control subjects had attained higher levels of education. MRI inversion recovery coronal scans were used for measurements. Volumetric measurements were obtained for cerebral hemispheres, lateral and third ventricles, caudate, thalamus, and cingulate gyrus. Patients with first-episode mania demonstrated significantly larger third-ventricular volumes, possibly increased lateral ventricular volumes, and differences in gray/white matter distribution compared with normal control subjects. The possible pathophysiologicical meaning of these findings is discussed.
Strychnine effects on discrimination learning in mice: Effects of dose and time of administration

Abstract Experiment 1 examined the dose response effects of posttrial injections of strychnine sulphate (0.012–1.25 mg/kg) on learning in mice. Injections were given each day immediately after 3 massed training trials on a food reward visual discrimination task. Facilitation was found with low (0.25, 0.05, 0.10 mg/kg) and high (1.0 and 1.25 mg/kg) doses, but not with intermediate doses (0.20, 0.40, 0.80 mg/kg). Experiment 2 examined the effects of time of pre- or posttrial drug injection of two doses: 0.10 and 1.00 mg/kg. With both doses significant facilitation of learning was obtained with posttrial injection intervals of one hour or less. With 1.0 mg/kg facilitation was obtained with all pretrial injection times examined (longest interval was 1 hr). With 0.10 mg/kg significant facilitation was obtained with injections given 30 min but not 60 min pretrial. These findings are interpreted as providing further evidence that strychnine facilitates learning by affecting posttrial neurobiological processes underlying memory storage.
Granularity of beam positions in digital phased arrays

Many phased arrays are designed to use digital or digitalized phase shifters in which the phase shift varies in discrete steps rather than continuously. In such cases, the beam can be steered only in discrete steps. Granularity, defined as the finest realizable increment between adjacent beam positions, is an important parameter in the description of the performance of a phased array antenna using digital phase shifters. Two approaches to the problem of determining granularity are developed in this paper. The first is based upon the expansion by its moments of complex aperture distribution functions; the second is based upon approximating the actual discrete phase distribution by a linear continuous one. Results of the two approaches are shown to be in excellent agreement, with a variation of less than 3.6 percent being obtained. Arrays employing binary digital phase shifters are explicitly considered, but the techniques can be generalized to other types of digital, or digitalized, phase shifters. For other than the first beam position, there are alternate phase distributions which might be used to obtain a given beam position. The selection of a specific phase distribution depends, at least in part, upon the computer logic and round-off procedures. It is shown that these alternate phase distributions do not produce large differences in the beam position. The spread in beam position is between 2 and 3 percent for the alternate distributions. The effect of an amplitude taper on granularity is also considered. It is found that when the edge elements are less intensely illuminated than those at the center, the first beam position off-broadside is nearer broadside than for an array having the same phase distribution but uniform amplitude. The average granularity of a phased array has been determined, and is plotted against the number of elements with the number of phase bits as a parameter.
Studies on the relationship between glycolysis, lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis, and pyruvate kinase activity of rat and chicken hepatocytes.

Abstract Chicken hepatocytes synthesize glucose and fatty acids at rates which are faster than rat hepatocytes. The former also consume exogenous lactate and pyruvate at a much faster rate and, in contrast to rat hepatocytes, do not accumulate large quantities of lactate and pyruvate by aerobic glycolysis. α-Cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate, an inhibitor of pyruvate transport, causes lactate and pyruvate accumulation by chicken hepatocytes. Glucagon and N 6 , O 2 ′-dibutyryl adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (dibutyryl cyclic AMP) convert pyruvate kinase (EC 2.7.1.40) of rat hepatocytes to a less active form. This effect explains, in part, inhibition of glycolysis, inhibition of lipogenesis, stimulation of gluconeogenesis, and inhibition of the transfer of reducing equivalents from the mitochondrial compartment to the cytoplasmic compartment by these compounds. In contrast, pyruvate kinase of chicken hepatocytes is refractory to inhibition by glucagon or dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Rat liver is known to have predominantly the type L isozyme of pyruvate kinase and chicken liver predominantly the type K. Thus, only the type L isozyme appears subject to interconversion between active and inactive forms by a cyclic AMP-dependent, phosphorylation-dephos-phorylation mechanism. This explains why the transfer of reducing equivalents from the mitochondrial compartment to the cytoplasmic compartment of chicken hepatocytes is insensitive to cyclic AMP. However, glucagon and dibutyryl cyclic AMP inhibit net glucose utilization, inhibit fatty acid synthesis, inhibit lactate and pyruvate accumulation in the presence of α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate, and stimulate gluconeogenesis from lactate and dihydroxyacetone by chicken hepatocytes. Thus, a site of action of cyclic AMP distinct from pyruvate kinase must exist in the glycolytic-gluconeogenic pathway of chicken liver.
Visual tracking and segmentation using Time-of-Flight sensor

Time-of-Flight (TOF) sensors provide range information at each pixel in addition to intensity information. They are becoming more widely available and more affordable. This paper examines the utility of dense TOF range data for image segmentation and tracking. Energy based formulations for image segmentation are used, which consist of a data term and a smoothness term. The paper proposes novel methods to incorporate range information, obtained from the TOF sensor, into the data and the smoothness term of the energy. Graph cut is used to minimize the energy.
Phenomenological constitutive model for a CNT turf

Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNT), grown on a substrate, form a turf – a complex structure of intertwined, mostly nominally vertical tubes, cross-linked by adhesive contact and few bracing tubes. The turfs are compliant and good thermal and electrical conductors. In this paper, we consider the micromechanical analysis of the turf deformation reported earlier, and develop a phenomenological constitutive model of the turf. We benchmark the developed model using a finite element implementation and compare the model predictions to the results two different nanoindentation tests. The model includes: nonlinear elastic deformation, small Kelvin–Voigt type relaxation, caused by the thermally activated sliding of contacts, and adhesive contact between the turf and the indenter. The pre-existing (locked-in) strain energy of bent nanotubes produces a high initial tangent modulus, followed by an order of magnitude decrease in the tangent modulus with increasing deformation. The strong adhesion between the turf and indenter tip is due to the van der Waals interactions. The finite element simulations capture the results from the nanoindentation experiments, including the loading, unloading, viscoelastic relaxation during hold, and adhesive pull-off.
Estimation of arrest careers using hierarchical stochastic models

This paper introduces a general procedure using hierarchical stochastic models for characterizing criminal careers within a population of heterogeneous offenders. Individuals engage in criminal careers which are treated as stochastic processes governed by fixed parameters (e.g., a rate parameter), and these parameters come from specified distributions. The parameters of these distributions at the upper level of the hierarchy must then be specified. The models are estimated using data on all persons arrested at least once in the six-county Detroit Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area during the 4 years 1974–1977 for a criterion offense (an index crime other than larceny) and arrested at least once for robbery through April 1979. The collected data set is not a random sample of all such offenders in the population. There is a bias toward selecting those with a higher arrest frequency. In order to make more general inferences, statistical adjustment was needed to overcome the arrest-frequency sampling bias. We construct a series of models for the arrest career and fit the models with the data set of arrests. After correcting biases in the data, we estimate the model parameters using empirical Bayes methods and then examine the resulting models.
The Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances in the Silicification of Calothrix: Evidence from Microbial Mat Communities in Hot Springs at Yellowstone National Park, USA

We provide nanoscale evidence of the role of sheath exopolymers in the silicification of the sheathed cyanobacteria Calothrix. Electron microscope observations of silicified Calothrix cells revealed that silica accretes directly onto EPS sheath fibrils to produce an open web of silica particles that could remain permeable to nutrients and waste products. We also found that silicified Calothrix cells from different microhabitats contained morphologically distinct silica particles. Differences in silicification texture suggest that environmental variables may influence silicification at the nanoscale. We develop a framework based on aggregation kinetics to address silicification processes in Calothrix and other sheathed cyanobacteria.
INCREASE IN GONADOTROPIC CONTENT OF PITUITARY GLANDS OF FEMALE RATS TREATED WITH ANTIGONADOTROPIC SERUM1

SINCE THE ANTIHORMONE CONCEPT was first presented by Collip and his co-work-ers (1) many papers have appeared corroborating their report of the inhibitory action of antihormone upon simultaneously administered gonadotropins. Further work with a specific antigonadotropic serum has demonstrated its power to inhibit not only exogenous gonadotropic extracts but also the secretion of an animal's own pituitary gland (2–6). Recent experiments by Severinghaus and Thompson (7, 8) and by us (9) have shown that in addition to the inhibitory effect on gonadal growth, changes can be produced in the cell types of the anterior pituitary gland by antihormone treatment. These changes which consist mainly of an increase in number and siz;e of the basophiles and decrease in number of chromophobes are like those seen after castration. In addition to the histological effects, we have shown in other expert ments (10. 11) that there is a corresponding increase in secretion of gonadotropic hormone.
HIV-1 entry into quiescent primary lymphocytes: molecular analysis reveals a labile, latent viral structure.

Abstract Productive infection of human T lymphocytes by HIV-1 is dependent upon proliferation of the infected cell. Nonproliferating quiescent T cells can be infected by HIV-1 and harbor the virus in an inactive state until subsequent mitogenic stimulation. We use a modification of the polymerase chain reaction method, which is both sensitive and quantitative, to demonstrate that HIV-1 DNA synthesis is initiated in infected quiescent T cells at levels comparable with those of activated T cells. However, unlike that of activated T cells, the viral genome is not completely reverse transcribed in quiescent cells. Although this viral DNA structure can persist in quiescent cells as a latent form, it is labile. We discuss the lability of this HIV-1 DNA structure in relation to a "self-restricting persistent infection" by HIV-1 and propose that this may explain the low percentage of infected cells in the circulation of AIDS patients.
Pentoxifylline alone versus pentoxifylline combined with superoxide dismutase prolongs survival in a rat hemorrhagic shock model

Pentoxifylline (PTX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) have each proven effective in improving survival when administered during resuscitation in animal models of hemorrhagic shock. This study was conducted to determine if PTX and SOD combined would have synergistic effectiveness in the treatment of hemorrhagic shock. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 40) were phlebotomized at 25 ml/kg for 2 min, then subjected to a 45-min ischemic period, and resuscitated with lactated Ringer's solution (LR) (50 ml/kg) over 1 h. This model resulted in 70% mortality over 72 h when resuscitation was with LR alone. Animals were randomized into groups to receive one of the following agents during resuscitation: PTX in LR, SOD in LR, a combination of PTX and SOD in LR, or LR alone. PTX or SOD alone were effective in prolonging survival. However, the combination of PTX and SOD did not prolong survival above LR control.
Fourth Reported Case of Hemoglobin South Florida: A Rare Hemoglobin Variant That Causes Falsely Elevated HbA1c Values

We report a case of a rare hemoglobin (Hb) variant, Hb South Florida (Hb-SF) with only three cases reported worldwide to our knowledge since initial description in 1985. It causes falsely elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) results during standard laboratory testing in the range of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. A 42-year-old woman with a history of sclerosing bone dysplasia was noted to have an elevated HbA1c (13.8%) during routine blood work using the ion-exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The patient did not have a prior diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and denied any symptoms consistent with diabetes. Physical exam was unremarkable. Her blood sugars were normal to minimally elevated. Over several months, she was noted to have persistent elevation in HbA1c in the range of 12-14%. She remained asymptomatic. The patient was referred to endocrinology clinic. Hb electrophoresis was performed due to suspicion for a hemoglobinopathy. The patient was noted to be heterozygous for a rare Hb variant called Hb South Florida that causes falsely elevated HbA1c levels. Her corrected HbA1c, when evaluated by affinity column HPLC, was in normoglycemic range. Hb South Florida was first described in 1985 in Tampa Florida and has since been reported in two other cases worldwide. The Hb is not associated with any clinical disorder reported in literature. There are many commercially available tests for measuring HbA1c levels. Additionally, structural variants in Hb interfere with many of the methods. Ion-exchange HPLC separates Hb based on their charge differences. Hb South Florida variant substitutes a neutral amino acid for a charged one, with valine substituted by methionine. This alteration decreases the transit time in the ion exchange column and causes it to co-elute together with HbA1c, giving a falsely elevated value as they get measured as same species. Affinity chromatography is based on affinity of a species for a particular ligand. It recognizes the structure of the N-terminal glycated amino acids of the beta chain of Hb. In the case of Hb South Florida, it was able to separate the variant Hb from glycated species. This is the fourth case of Hb variant South Florida to our knowledge. It is important for clinicians to keep a wide perspective when making an assessment of diabetes solely based on HbA1c values. Patients who do not present with symptoms consistent with diabetes, and have normal blood glucose should prompt a further workup for abnormal Hb variants. This should be done in order to prevent incorrect diagnosis and treatment. J Med Cases. 2015;6(5):229-231 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jmc2134w