cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving tractability of POMDPs by separation of decision and perceptual processes

Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) and Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes (POMDPs) are very powerful frameworks to model decision and decision learning tasks in a wide range of problem domains. Thus, they are used widely in complex and real-world situations such as robot control tasks. However, this modeling power and generality of the framework comes at a cost in that the complexity of the underlying model and corresponding algorithms grows dramatically as the complexity of the task domain increases. To address this issue in the context of tasks where raw sensory features are used as a basis for complex decision making, this paper presents an integrated and adaptive approach that attempts to reduce the complexity of the decision learning problem by separating the POMDP model into separate decision and perceptual processes. In the proposed framework, a sampling method is used for the perceptual process and reinforcement learning serves to address the decision process. Handling the perceptual and decision processes separately here promises the potential to make it easier to extract relevant perceptual information and concentrate the decision process on relevant state attributes. This, in turn, promises to allow the framework to scale to problems in which traditional POMDP methods are intractable. We show and discuss the effectiveness of our method analytically and empirically.
155 A REDUCTION IN CRANIAL SCLEROSIS DURING CALCITRIOL THERAPY IN A PATIENT WITH CRANIOMETAPEYSEAL DYSPLASIA

A 1 month old male presented with a left facial nerve palsy, hepatosplenomegaly, and sclerosis of long bones and the base of the skull. The original diagnosis of osteopetrosis was revised to craniometaphyseal dysplaisa (CMD) based on mandibular sclerosis and normal density of the vetebrae. by 2 months of age, hepatosplenomegaly had resolved, but the base of the skull had become more sclerotic and there was no improvement of facial nerve function. Parameters from an iliac crest biopsy included: trabecular bone volume, 15.1% (25±3%); osteoclast surface area, 2.6% (1.1±0.3%); and osteoclast number/mm trabecular bone surface, 0.37 (0.12±0.02). All these parameters differ significanly from childhood norms (±SD). Osteoblastic parameters were normal. The patient was begun on high dose (1.5 mcg/kg/d) calcitriol (Hoffmann-La-Roche) and a low calcium (15 mg/kg/d) diet (Ross Laboratories). After 7 months of therapy, the facial nerve palsy had improved. Raiographs of the base of the skull demonstrated decreased density. A CT demonstrated increased size of optic foramina and internal auditory canals. A reapeat iliac crest biopsy showed decreased osteoclast number and increased trabecular bone volume.
Linear and Log-Linear Models

(2000). Linear and Log-Linear Models. Journal of the American Statistical Association: Vol. 95, No. 452, pp. 1290-1293.
Using the Optimal Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve to Design a Predictive Genetic Test, Exemplified with Type 2 Diabetes

Current extensive genetic research into common complex diseases, especially with the completion of genome-wide association studies, is bringing to light many novel genetic risk loci. These new discoveries, along with previously known genetic risk variants, offer an important opportunity for researchers to improve health care. We describe a method of quick evaluation of these new findings for potential clinical practice by designing a new predictive genetic test, estimating its classification accuracy, and determining the sample size required for the verification of this accuracy. The proposed predictive test is asymptotically more powerful than tests built on any other existing method and can be extended to scenarios where loci are linked or interact. We illustrate the approach for the case of type 2 diabetes. We incorporate recently discovered risk factors into the proposed test and find a potentially better predictive genetic test. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of the proposed test is estimated to be higher (AUC = 0.671) than for the existing test (AUC = 0.580).
Subcellular distribution of native estrogen receptor α and β subtypes in cultured human lens epithelial cells

The expression and intracellular localization of the estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes, ERalpha and ERbeta were examined in cultured human lens epithelial cells (HLE-B3). ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA expression was evaluated by coupled reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern blot analysis. Subcellular localization of ERalpha and ERbeta was determined on formaldehyde-fixed, Saponin-permeabilized cells using conventional immunofluorescence techniques, as well as immunodetection of differential cellular components after subjecting the cultured cells to fractionation by sucrose gradient centrifugation. Using RT-PCR, ER species specific primers distinguished mRNA from total RNA extracted from HLE-B3 cells, as well as from human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7), which provided a positive control. The 286-bp (ERalpha) and 167-bp (ERbeta) PCR products were verified by sequence analysis. Southern blot analysis using internal oligonucleotides directed to specific primer pairs for ERalpha and ERbeta, respectively, further confirmed the authenticity of the PCR products. HLE-B3 cells expressed ERalpha and ERbeta in association with the nucleus and ERbeta in the mitochondria. That the mitochondrial-enriched subfraction correlated with the presence of the ERbeta subtype was confirmed by Western blot analysis. The differential subcellular partitioning of ERalpha and ERbeta subtypes lends a new aspect to the estrogen signalling system wherein mitochondrial stabilization, possibly through ER binding, may play a causal role in the maintenance of cellular integrity. The occurrence of ER subtypes in human lens epithelial cells suggests that estrogen plays a role in the physiology of the lens. The comparative nuclear and mitochondrial distribution of ERalpha and ERbeta raises the interesting probability that the two receptors, dependent upon subcellular localization, may have differential cytoprotective potential, and by inference, disparity in their mechanisms of action.
Bureaucratic Discretion and Political Control of the Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA)

Drawing on theories of political control and bureaucratic discretion this research examines two states' experiences with RCRA implementation and administration in the United States. This research finds that both bureaucratic actors and political actors shape the implementation of these environmental programs with money source and regional EPA offices playing a bigger role than expected.
Cefotaxime kinetics after intravenous and intramuscular injection of single and multiple doses

The kinetics of cefotaxime, a cephalosporin with an unusually broad antibacterial spectrum, were examined in humans after intravenous bolus injection, intravenous infusion every 6 hr for 14 days, and intramuscular injection every 8 hr for 10 days. Mean peak serum level after bolus injection of 500 mg was 37.9 µg/ml; after 1 gm, 102.4 µg/ml; and after 2 gm, 214.1 µg/ml. The half-life (t½) was 1 hr for the 3 doses. Total serum clearance was the same for all doses. Overall excretion was 50% to 60%; part of the drug was excreted as the desacetyl derivative. After multiple intravenous infusion the elimination rate constants and t½ were the same on days 1 and 15. Assayable levels were present on all days 5 min before injection of a dose. Multiple intramuscular injections of 500 mg produced serum levels of 9.2 to 11.9 µg/ml. The t½ was 0.93 hr. Mean serum levels at 8 hr ranged from 0.08 to 0.55 µg/ml. Serum levels produced by intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection were inhibitory for most (90%) aerobic gram-positive and gram-negative organisms susceptible to cefotaxime. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1980) 27, 677–685; doi:10.1038/clpt.1980.96
Chance, command, and chaos in ancient military engagements 1

Abstract The Greeks and the Romans believed that commanders ought to exercise their foresight to preclude risks in combat. They also tried to inculcate and to preserve order in their military systems by the use of initiatory mechanisms, repetitive drill, and replication of the military order in social, economic, and spatial arrangements. In spite of their efforts to minimize entropy within their military units, these systems sometimes underwent chaotic transformations during set‐piece engagements on the battlefield. These set‐piece battles which followed a simple, formulaic pattern provide the data for a case‐study in the behavior of military systems within a relatively simple set of constraints. The results suggest that command functions can have little influence once a system is actively engaged with the enemy and that small effects can drive even simple military systems irreversibly over thresholds into chaos. They illustrate the dangers in any analysis of military phenomena which assumes linear rather...
Neurofilaments: Abundant but mysterious neuronal structures

Neurofilaments are by far the most obvious elements of the neuronal cytoskeleton. Their subunits are biochemically among the most abundant neuron specific components, particularly in axons. Clearly they must be important to the neuron or they would not be so numerous But what do they do?.
Topical TLR9 agonists induce more efficient cross-presentation of injected protein antigen than parenteral TLR9 agonists do.

Topical application of adjuvant to the skin promotes the generation of immune responses to co-administered peptide or protein antigen. We demonstrate that topical administration of CpG adjuvant (a TLR9 agonist) induces the cross-presentation of, and antigen-specific CTL induction to, locally injected soluble protein antigen. C57BL/6 mice were immunized by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection with ovalbumin (OVA) protein as model antigen. Application of CpG to the local skin induced more efficient cross-presentation of the injected antigen than co-injected adjuvant. Robust antigen-specific CTL responses were generated, as determined by antigen-specific CTL enumeration using tetramers, IFN-γ ELISPOT analysis and cytotoxicity assays. Long-term memory CTL responses were induced. Topical administration of adjuvant induced Langerhans cell migration, local type 1 IFN-dependent myxovirus-resistance protein A expression and bystander dendritic cell (DC) activation. Soluble antigen-bearing DC within the skin draining lymph nodes were mainly CD11chiCD11bhilangerinloDEC205lo. Topical administration did not result in the splenomegaly or systemic cytokine induction (including TNF-α, IL-12, IFN-γ and MCP-1) noted with parenteral administration. Topical TLR9 family agonists may be used to modulate the immune response to soluble protein vaccines administered by standard percutaneous route. Topical adjuvant administration increases efficacy of CTL induction and reduces toxicity when compared to parenteral adjuvant administration.
Disulfide linkages between antigen-binding receptors on chicken B-lymphocytes☆

Abstract Membrane immunoglobulin receptors on chicken B-cells have been shown to display a heterogeneity with respect to interchain disulfide linkages. One fraction of the surface Ig (sIg) appears to display the traditional H 2 -L 2 linkage. We also present evidence that this Ig is covalently bound via a disulfide linkage to actin. In this instance, the isolated Ig heavy chain, after reduction, has a mol. wt of 80 K. Perhaps more significantly, we show that another fraction of the sIg exists in a highly aggregated form that is stabilized by disulfide linkages. In contrast to the sIg found in the H 2 -L 2 configuration, there is no evidence of actin within the aggregates and the sIg heavy chains isolated from these aggregates display a slightly faster mobility on SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions, running at about 77 K. Furthermore, it appears that the Ig within the large aggregates may have a higher avidity with respect to antigen binding, and so this Ig structure may be the more relevant to antigen-induced receptor-mediated signaling in the B-cell.
Tremor-related quality of life: A comparison of essential tremor vs. Parkinson's disease patients

Abstract Background Tremor-related quality of life is a multi-dimensional concept that reflects the physical, emotional and other health effects of tremor. Curiously, tremor-related quality of life has never been directly compared in patients with the two major tremor disorders, essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson's disease (PD). We performed a head-to-head comparison of ET with PD patients. Methods The Quality of Life in Essential Tremor (QUEST) questionnaire was administered to 103 ET and 103 matched PD patients enrolled in a clinical-epidemiological study in New York. Results The QUEST total score and QUEST physical subscore were higher in ET than PD patients (both p Conclusions Tremor is a clinical entity that can have numerous effects on patients. While there were relative differences between the two major tremor disorders, ET and PD, in absolute terms, tremor impacted on several domains of quality of life, from physical to psychosocial, in a large proportion of ET and PD patients. Attempts to judge the efficacy of treatments for tremor, whether pharmacological or surgical, should consider its broad impact.
A fuzzy set theoretic framework for knowledge-based simulation

Abstract Complex systems such as an industrial enterprise operating in a physical, biological, socioeconomic environments generally have many ill defined or imprecisely known parameters which are typically approximated by exact numbers or represented with random variables. Fuzzy set theory is a promising alternative for explicitly treating these aspects of a system. This paper describes a fuzzy set theoretic formalism for knowledge-based simulations. A prototype system is being implemented in Mathematica.
Computational model for oxygen transport and consumption in human vitreous.

Purpose Previous studies that measured liquefaction and oxygen content in human vitreous suggested that exposure of the lens to excess oxygen causes nuclear cataracts. Here, we developed a computational model that reproduced available experimental oxygen distributions for intact and degraded human vitreous in physiologic and environmentally perturbed conditions. After validation, the model was used to estimate how age-related changes in vitreous physiology and structure alter oxygen levels at the lens. Methods A finite-element model for oxygen transport and consumption in the human vitreous was created. Major inputs included ascorbate-mediated oxygen consumption in the vitreous, consumption at the posterior lens surface, and inflow from the retinal vasculature. Concentration-dependent relations were determined from experimental human data or estimated from animal studies, with the impact of all assumptions explored via parameter studies. Results The model reproduced experimental data in humans, including oxygen partial pressure (Po2) gradients (≈15 mm Hg) across the anterior-posterior extent of the vitreous body, higher oxygen levels at the pars plana relative to the vitreous core, increases in Po2 near the lens after cataract surgery, and equilibration in the vitreous chamber following vitrectomy. Loss of the antioxidative capacity of ascorbate increases oxygen levels 3-fold at the lens surface. Homogeneous vitreous degeneration (liquefaction), but not partial posterior vitreous detachment, greatly increases oxygen exposure to the lens. Conclusions Ascorbate content and the structure of the vitreous gel are critical determinants of lens oxygen exposure. Minimally invasive surgery and restoration of vitreous structure warrant further attention as strategies for preventing nuclear cataracts.
Outplaying Kronos' Hunger: Massimo Bontemplelli's GENTE NEL TEMPO

This essay offers an interpretation of Massimo Bontempelli's “novecentista” novel, Gente nel tempo, by examining and expanding upon the implications of the “modernized” classical Greek myth of Kronos. In the light of the author's ideas on artistic creativity, history and time, this myth lies at the very core of the work and suggests that this novel, while pointing to the destructive, devouring pattern of time intended as Kronos, could also hint at a way in which an alternative, more human time (Kairos) might be salvaged and re-experienced. Bontempelli's desired “recovery of the individual” and his related aesthetic project of escape from the negativity of History may derive from an alternative “kairotic” experience in which time is characterized by its qualitative rather that its quantitative nature and artistic creativity reacquires a preeminent, active role. For Bontempelli, I ultimately argue, the category of “play,” in all its ramifications, represents this sort of salvific experience.
Interaction between pesticides and essential metal copper increases the accumulation of copper in the kidneys of rats.

Male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 175–200 g, six per group were fed AIN 93M diet (CON) or diets containing 500 mg Ca (LCa), 7 mg Zn (LZn), 2 mg Cu (LCu), 60 mg Zn (HZn), or 12 mg Cu (HCu) per kilogram of diet in the following combinations: control (CON), LCa+LZn (LC+Z), LCa+LZn+LCu (LC+Z+C), or HZn+HCu (HZ+C) without or with a pesticides mixture (PM); Endosulfan, Thiram, and Acephate were added to the diets at 25% of LD50/kg. Rats were fed for 2 wk (small intestinal changes) or 4 wk (tissues changes). Plasma Zn was 47% lower than CON in the experimental groups. Plasma Cu and ceruloplasmin concomintantly decreased in the LC+Z+C group and increased with the addition of PM Kidney Cu was 40% lower in LC+Z+C group, than CON and increased by 31% with PM; in the HZ+C+PM group, kidney Cu was 38% higher than the HZ+C group. Mucosal and small intestines Ca declined by 47% in all experimental groups; PM increased Zn in the LC+Z+C and HZ+C groups; PM further decreased intestinal and muocsal Cu retention in the LC+Z+C and HZ+C groups. Data suggest that low levels of PM in the diet can induce Cu accumulation in the kidney when dietary Zn and Cu are low or high.
Disparities in infant health among American Indians and Alaska natives in US metropolitan areas.

Objective. To determine geographic variation in urban American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) rates of infant mortality, low birth weight, pre- natal care use, and maternal- child health care service availability. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study using data from the 1989 to 1991 birth-death linked database from the National Center for Health Statistics. We exam- ined births from metropolitan areas with a minimum of 300 AI/AN births during the study period. Key outcomes of interest included rates of low birth weight, neonatal mortality, postneonatal mortality, and women receiving inadequate prenatal care using the modified Kessner in- dex. To determine the type of health services tailored to AI/AN mothers residing in these urban areas, we con- ducted a telephone survey of the 36 urban Indian health programs operating in 1997 using a semistructured sur- vey. Items in the survey included questions about the availability of prenatal and infant health care. Results. During the 1989 to 1991 study period, there were 72 730 singleton births to AI/AN mothers and/or fathers residing in urban areas, representing 49% of all AI/AN births in the United States. Overall 14.4% of ur- ban AI/AN births were to women who received inade- quate care during pregnancy, 5.7% of pregnancies re- sulted in low birth weight infants, and 11.0 infants died per 1000 live births. Death rates for the neonatal period (5.5 per 1000 births) and postneonatal period (5.4 per 1000 births) were similar. Marked disparity in these indicators exist between pregnancies to AI/AN and white women. Among the 54 metropolitan areas, 46 had a rate ratio (AI/AN: white) for inadequate care of >1.5 (range: 0.9 - 8.5). The mean rate ratios for neonatal and postneonatal mortality were 1.6 (range: 0.3- 4.0) and 2.0 (range: 0.5-5.5). There was also considerable geographic variation of AI/AN mortality rates between metropolitan areas in all of the outcomes studied. All of the 20 metropolitan areas with the highest birth counts had some type of direct medical care or outreach services available from an urban clinic targeted toward AI/AN patients. Conclusions. Considerable variation also exists among rates of AI/ANs between metropolitan areas. Dis- parity exists in rates of perinatal outcomes between AI/ ANs and whites living in the same metropolitan areas Although AI/AN urban health programs exist in most cities with large birth counts, it seems that many have inadequate resources to meet existing needs to improve perinatal outcomes and infant health. Pediatrics 2002;109: 627- 633; American Indians, Alaska Natives, health status, urban health, infant mortality, prenatal care.
Differential impact of longitudinal medication non-adherence on mortality by race/ethnicity among veterans with diabetes.

OBJECTIVE To examine the differential effect of medication non-adherence over time on all-cause mortality by race/ethnicity.
An agent system for managing uncertainty in the integration of spatio-environmental data

Recent applications in environmental systems have necessitated the integration of data from multiple, heterogeneous sources. The integration process involves challenges related to issues of uncertainty and imprecision associated with both the data and the process itself. While the handling of uncertainty in geographical information systems (GIS) has been a focal point of research in recent years, the additional challenges of dealing with multiple data sources and types, as well as specific fields of analysis, lead to much more complex situations. In this paper, we present a framework for the use of fuzzy mobile agents to address these additional challenges from the standpoint of large-scale environmental systems.
Selective neutrality of mitochondrial ND2 sequences, phylogeography and species limits in Sitta europaea

Variation and geographic differentiation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was studied in the widespread and phenotypically variable Eurasian nuthatch (Sitta europaea). To assess whether sequences were evolving in a selectively neutral fashion, we used McDonald-Kreitman [Nature 351 (1991) 652] tests and a tree-based method, which suggested that although ND2 sequences are affected by natural selection against slightly deleterious alleles, the effects do not compromise phylogeographic inferences. Three phylogenetic species-level clades of nuthatches were discovered, corresponding to the Caucasus, southern Europe, and northern Europe plus Asia. Unimodal mismatch distributions within each clade suggest that populations have undergone recent growth. A westward range expansion was inferred from the geographic pattern in nucleotide diversity. Although samples were insufficient, it is possible that nuthatches in England and Japan are recently differentiated. Two specimens of the subspecies S. e. arctica formed a sister group to all other S. europaea, differing by ca. 10% uncorrected sequence divergence, pointing the need for additional study of this phenotypically distinct taxon. As with other species, mtDNA data support major phenotypic distinctions, but not subspecies.
Lignin Composition of Chemically Treated Feeds as Determined by Nitrobenzene Oxidation and Its Relationship to Digestibility

Abstract The composition of lignin in chemically treated feeds and its relationship to feed digestibility were investigated for corn stover, peanut hulls, rice hulls, and wheat straw, each treated with various amounts of sodium chlorite, hydrogen peroxide, or peroxyacetic acid. As determined by nitrobenzene oxidation, the composition of lignin in treated feeds was drastically altered in all except peanut hulls. Lignin composition and digestibility of treated feeds were generally related to feed and level of reagent but not to the specific reagent used, although in some instances widely different results were obtained between reagents. When analyzed across treatments by feeds, the relationships of lignin composition and digestibility were feed specific.
1182 PROTEASE ANATAGONISTS INHIBIT THE IN VIVO AND IN VITRO REPLICATION OF ROTAVIRUS

Rotavirus is a major cause of gastrointestinal disease in humans. Rotaviruses replicate in the gastrointestinal tract and their growth is stimulated by gastrointestinal proteases. We investigated the ability of protease inhibitors to prevent rotavirus replication both in the presence and absence of exogenous proteases. We evaluated macromolecular protease inhibitors including alpha-1 anti-trypsin, soy protease inhibitor, and egg white inhibitor as well as low molecular weight inhibitors such as bestatin, pepstatin, and bis-(5 amidino-2-benzimidazolyl) methane (BABIM). All of the protease inhibitors demonstrated in vitro efficacy against rotavirus as determined by the inhibition of replication of cultivatable rotavirus strains in primary cell lines. Efficacy was noted both in the presence and absence of added proteases. In addition, BABIM was found to inhibit the replication of murine rotavirus in orally infected mice. The drug could be administered orally or parenterally and was without toxic effects at effective doses. The other protease inhibitors demonstrated lower levels of in vivo efficacy. BABIM is a protease inhibitor which is capable of preventing the in vivo and in vitro replication of rotavirus. This drug and other protease inhibitors might have efficacy for the prevention and treatment of human infection with rotaviruses and other protease requiring viruses.
Evaluation of residual promoter activity in γ-retroviral self-inactivating (SIN) vectors.

Therapeutic gene delivery mediated by retroviral vectors has the advantage of stable integration into the host genome. A major safety concern for gene delivery achieved by murine leukemia virus (MLV)-based retroviral vectors is the activation of adjacent cellular genes including oncogenes following integration into the host genome. Self-inactivating (SIN) vectors lacking viral enhancers/promoters in their 3′ long terminal repeat (LTR) have been proposed as a means of overcoming this safety concern. However the MLV-based SIN vectors currently used by laboratories to assess insertional mutagenesis, integration site selection, and the potency of transgene expression are not uniform in the composition of their 3′ LTRs. We constructed a series of SIN vectors representative of the currently employed vectors, but lacking an internal promoter. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used as a reporter gene. Target cells exposed to these vectors were evaluated for number of integrants and GFP expression at the messenger RNA (mRNA) level and protein level. We found that viral promoter activity in the 3′ LTR is not attenuated in many currently employed SIN vectors. These results suggest that the influence of strong residual promoter activity should be taken into consideration when interpreting experimental results obtained using SIN vectors in gene therapy research.
Superposed epoch analyses of ion temperatures during CME- and CIR/HSS-driven storms

Abstract Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and corotating interaction regions associated with high speed solar wind streams (CIR/HSSs) drive geomagnetic storms in the terrestrial magnetosphere. Each type of storm driver yields different dynamics of storm evolution. We present results from comparative superposed epoch analyses of global ion temperatures calculated from TWINS energetic neutral atom (ENA) data and simulations using the comprehensive ring current model (CRCM). During the June 2008–April 2012 timeframe, 48 geomagnetic storms (minimum Dst≤−40 nT) occurred. Of these, 21 storms were CME-driven and 15 were driven by CIR/HSSs. Superposed epoch analysis results demonstrate that ion temperatures increase during the recovery phase of CIR/HSS-driven storms, while ions are rapidly heated at the commencement of CME-driven storms then cool over the main phase, particularly for intense (minimum Dst≤−78 nT) CME-driven storms. Higher energy ions are convected to lower L-shells during CME-driven storms, while CIR/HSS-driven storms tend to have average ion temperatures that are higher on the dayside than nightside.
Transient electric fields induced by mechanically assisted corrosion of Ti-6Al-4V.

Samples of Ti-6Al-4V were immersed in physiological solution and abraded via an electrochemical scratch method to observe the development of transient electric fields a finite distance from the scratch event. Transient electric fields were detected near both potentiostatically held and freely corroding samples. Transient currents measured by a potentiostatically held PtIr microelectric probe near a potentiostatically held sample were opposite in sign to those of the mechanically induced sample currents and were found to change character with sample potential, probe potential, and distance from the scratch event. Transient probe currents measured near a freely corroding sample were of the opposite sign as the sample transient near the primary site of oxidation, but were of the same sign near the primary site of reduction. The measured transients are a direct result of the electrochemical processes ongoing during oxide fracture and repassivation and can be sensed several millimeters remote from the abrasion site. A model for the generation of these fields is presented. Possible effects that these potentials may have on cellular structures surrounding an implant are proposed.
The role of reasons in the ingroup bias phenomenon

Using a ‘near minimal ’ group paradigm (see Taifel et al., 1971), this research tested whether the reasons people think about following group categorization can account for the magnitude of ingroup bias. College students were randomly assigned to four conditions. These conditions instructed subjects either to think about reasons for ingroup choice (‘ingroup’ condition), outgroup choice (‘outgroup’), to think about anything they wanted (‘basic’), or to think about distracting activities (‘distraction’). The hypothesized ordering of ingroup bias and polarized attitudes was: ingroup > basic > distraction > outgroup. The results support both hypotheses. The meaning of these results are discussed in relation to social identity theory and Billig's (1985) rhetorical approach to prejudice.
Preception: Autonomic Response to Shock as a Function of Predictability in Time and Locus

Signals were used to manipulate S's ability to predict when and where (i.e., on which limb) he would receive each of 48 painful shocks. Two groups of 24 Ss received 12 shocks in each of four predictability conditions. Heart rate and palmar SC were monitored throughout. Both HR and SC responses to shock were consistently reduced when shock was preceded by a warning signal; predictability of locus had no effect on HRR and a weak effect on SCR. More anxious Ss showed greater post-shock HR acceleration under all conditions; less anxious Ss showed greater anticipatory HR acceleration. In a separate experiment, 9 Ss in whom the later components of the vertex AER increased systematically with shock intensity showed a decrease in these same components when shock was made predictable in time.
Script and language identification for handwritten document images

A system for automatically identifying the script used in a handwritten document image is described. The system was developed using a 496-document dataset representing six scripts, eight languages, and 279 writers. Documents were characterized by the mean, standard deviation, and skew of five connected component features. A linear discriminant analysis was used to classify new documents, and tested using writer-sensitive cross-validation. Classification accuracy averaged 88% across the six scripts. The same method, applied within the Roman subcorpus, discriminated English and German documents with 85% accuracy.
Smart-Grid -enabled load and distributed generation as a reactive resource

At the residential level, devices which are in place now and expected in the future have the ability to provide reactive power support. Inverters which connect distributed generation such as solar panels and pluggable hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to the grid are an example. Such devices are not currently utilized by the power system. We investigate the integration of these end-user reactive-power-capable devices to provide voltage support to the grid via a secure communications infrastructure. We show how to determine effective locations in the transmission system and how to control reactive power resources at those locations. We also discuss how to determine reactive support groups which parallel the regions of the secure communications architecture that is presented. Ultimately, our goal is to present how the Smart Grid can allow the utilization of available end-user devices as a resource to mitigate power system problems such as voltage collapse.
A novel approach for preparation of pH-sensitive hydrogels for enteric drug delivery

Abstract A new rationale of preparing pH-sensitive hydrogels based on thermally reversible polymers is proposed, according to which a new class of hydrogels has been synthesized. These special gels are sensitive to both temperature and pH, and respond to the pH change to a much greater extent than hydrogels based on poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-coacrylic acid) or poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogels. At 37°C, they are above their lower critical solution temperature when uncharged. Therefore, at gastric pH (1.4), these gels contain only a moderate amount of water, all of it as bound water. But at enteric pH (6.8–7.4), they swell extensively, permitting sustained enteric delivery of drugs such as indomethacin, which would otherwise cause stomach irritation. An in vitro study has shown that only a negligible amount of indomethacin is released at pH 1.4 in 24 hours, while at pH 7.4 more than 90% of the total drug in the gels is gradually released over ca. 5 hours. The release rate at pH 7.4 increases with the fraction of non-freezing, free water in the gels, which is in parallel with the gel acrylic acid content. An anomalous release profile was observed for all the pH-sensitive heterogeneous hydrogels at this pH, suggesting a swelling-controlled mechanism.
The catwalk task: Reflections and synthesis: Part 2

Abstract In this article we recount our experiences with a series of encounters with the catwalk task and reflect on the professional growth that these opportunities afforded. First, we individually reflect on our own mathematical work on the catwalk task. Second, we reflect on our experiences working with a group of community college students on the catwalk task and our interpretations of their mathematical thinking. In so doing we also detail a number of innovative and novel student-generated representations of the catwalk photos. Finally, we each individually reflect on the entire experience with the catwalk problem, as mathematics learners, as teachers, and as professionals.
The Contradictions in Enabling Private Developers of Affordable Housing: A Cautionary Case from Ahmedabad, India:

Through a case study of a private developer of housing in India, this paper critically examines the policy advice of enabling markets and market-based actors to provide affordable housing in developing countries. In this case, after receiving public sector help, the developer stopped constructing housing for low-income groups. The paper argues for a more cautious, circumspect and varied approach because enabling strategies focused on market actors can produce highly uncertain outcomes. In addition, it emphasises that policy-makers need a better understanding of how the informal and formal sectors can overlap. Enabling informal developers can be even trickier because public support can reduce their flexibility and incentives, as well as impacting on the expectations and opportunities of the home-buyers.
A Phase Field Analysis of Thermomechanically Coupled Liquid Crystal Elastomers

A nonlinear phase field approach is developed to investigate micron scale liquid crystal structure evolution within an elastomer network. The polymer network is described by hyperelastic constitutive relations while a set of configurational forces are introduced to simulate the liquid crystals. A general theoretical framework is given which illustrates coupling between the liquid crystal domains and elastomer without introducing explicit phenomenological coupling constants. The model is implemented numerically using a finite element phase field approach. Problems involving thermal gradients are reviewed to illustrate bending behavior due to liquid crystal reorientation. This is shown to also have implications on photomechanical liquid crystal elastomers.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Mutagenicity in drug development: interpretation and significance of test results.

The use of mutagenicity data has been proposed and widely accepted as a relatively fast and inexpensive means of predicting long-term risk to man (i.e., cancer in somatic cells, heritable mutations in germ cells). This view is based on the universal nature of the genetic material, the somatic mutation model of carcinogenesis, and a number of studies showing correlations between mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. An uncritical acceptance of this approach by some regulatory and industrial concerns is over-conservative, naive, and scientifically unjustifiable on a number of grounds: Human cancers are largely life-style related (e.g., cigarettes, diet, tanning). Mutagens (both natural and man-made) are far more prevalent in the environment than was originally assumed (e.g., the natural bases and nucleosides, protein pyrolysates, fluorescent lights, typewriter ribbon, red wine, diesel fuel exhausts, viruses, our own leukocytes). "False-positive" (relative to carcinogenicity) and "false-negative" mutagenicity results occur, often with rational explanations (e.g., high threshold, inappropriate metabolism, inadequate genetic endpoint), and thereby confound any straightforward interpretation of mutagenicity test results. Test battery composition affects both the proper identification of mutagens and, in many instances, the ability to make preliminary risk assessments. In vitro mutagenicity assays ignore whole animal protective mechanisms, may provide unphysiological metabolism, and may be either too sensitive (e.g., testing at orders-of-magnitude higher doses than can be ingested) or not sensitive enough (e.g., short-term treatments inadequately model chronic exposure in bioassay). Bacterial systems, particularly the Ames assay, cannot in principle detect chromosomal events which are involved in both carcinogenesis and germ line mutations in man. Some compounds induce only chromosomal events and little or no detectable single-gene events (e.g., acyclovir, caffeine, methapyrilene). In vivo mutagenicity assays are more physiological but appear to be relatively insensitive due to the inability to achieve sufficiently high acute plasma levels to mimic cumulative long-term effects. Examination of the mutagenicity of naturally occurring analogs may indicate the irrelevance of a test compound's mutagenicity (e.g., deoxyguanosine and the structurally related antiviral drug, acyclovir, have identical mutagenicity patterns). Life-threatening or severe debilitating diseases (e.g., cancer, severe psychoses, severe crippling arthritis, sight-threatening diseases) may justify treatment with mutagenic or even carcinogenic therapeutic agents (benefit/risk considerations).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Angiotensin II increases pituitary cell prolactin release and arachidonate liberation

The effects of angiotensin II (AII) on prolactin release and arachidonate liberation were studied in anterior pituitary cells preincubated with [3H]arachidonate to label the cellular phospholipids. AII increased prolactin release and [3H]arachidonate liberation over similar concentration ranges with the dynamics of these two events proving identical. Dopamine attenuated both prolactin release and [3H]arachidonate liberation. The diacylglycerol lipase inhibitor RHC80267 decreased AII-stimulated prolactin release and arachidonate liberation. Further evidence that AII-induced release of arachidonate is mediated by a diacylglycerol lipase is suggested by the finding that AII increased [14C]stearate liberation from cells prelabeled with the fatty acid. Although arachidonate itself may have some role in prolactin secretion, it is likely that arachidonate metabolites are more directly involved because BW755c and AA861, inhibitors of arachidonate metabolite formation, increased AII-stimulated arachidonate liberation, but decreased prolactin release.
Medical Comorbidities in Disorders of Consciousness Patients and Their Association With Functional Outcomes

Abstract Objective To identify, for patients in states of seriously impaired consciousness, comorbid conditions present during inpatient rehabilitation and their association with function at 1 year. Design Abstracted data from a prospective cross-sectional observational study with data collection occurring January 1996 through December 2007. Setting Four inpatient rehabilitation facilities in metropolitan areas. Participants The study sample of 68 participants is abstracted from a database of 157 patients remaining in states of seriously impaired consciousness for at least 28 days. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure One-year cognitive, motor, and total FIM score. Results The most common medical complications during inpatient rehabilitation for the study sample are active seizures (46%), spasticity (57%), urinary tract infections (47%), and hydrocephalus with and without shunt (38%). Presence of ≥3 medical complications during inpatient rehabilitation, controlling for injury severity, is significantly ( P r =−.20, −.21, −.18; P ≤.15), active seizures ( r =−.31, −.22, −.42), spasticity ( r =−.38, −.28, −.40), and urinary tract infections ( r =−.25, −.24, −.26) were significantly ( P Conclusions Reported findings indicate that persons in states of seriously impaired consciousness with higher numbers of medical complications during inpatient rehabilitation are more likely to have lower functional levels 1-year postinjury. The findings indicate that persons with ≥3 medical complications during inpatient rehabilitation are at a higher risk for poorer functional outcomes at 1 year. It is, therefore, prudent to evaluate these patients for indications of these complications during inpatient rehabilitation.
Plug-In Electric Vehicle and Voltage Support for Distributed Solar: Theory and Application

This paper examines plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) grid integration, which is a specific, yet significant, component of the overall innovation being adopted by the electric power system. We propose a PEV charging policy that considers transmission and distribution integration issues and reacts to market signals across time scales and systems. More specifically, we propose that the PEV should make economic charging decisions every 5 min based on a real-time market energy price signal. On the time scale of seconds, the PEV provides voltage support for the distribution network, which may allow increased penetrations of distributed photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays. Simulation results using Electric Reliability Council of Texas wholesale power market data suggest that this voltage support service may be provided at a low cost to the individual PEV owner ($5-$50 per year). Therefore, this may prove a more attractive option for supporting distributed PV arrays than distribution network upgrades such as tap-changer-equipped transformers. Finally, we demonstrate the feasibility of our control algorithm through a test system located at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Reinforcement learning for balancing a flying inverted pendulum

The problem of balancing an inverted pendulum on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been achieved using linear and nonlinear control approaches. However, to the best of our knowledge, this problem has not been solved using learning methods. On the other hand, the classical inverted pendulum is a common benchmark problem to evaluate learning techniques. In this paper we demonstrate a novel solution to the inverted pendulum problem extended to UAVs, specifically quadrotors. This complex system is underactuated and sensitive to small acceleration changes of the quadrotor. The solution is provided by reinforcement learning (RL), a platform commonly applied to solve nonlinear control problems. We generate a control policy to balance the pendulum using Continuous Action Fitted Value Iteration (CAFVI) [1] which is a RL algorithm for high-dimensional input-spaces. This technique combines learning of both state and state-action value functions in an approximate value iteration setting with continuous inputs. Simulations verify the performance of the generated control policy for varying initial conditions. The results show the control policy is computationally fast enough to be appropriate of real-time control.
Perceived control as a longitudinal moderator of late-life stressors on depressive symptoms

Objectives: This study examined perceived control as a moderator of the relationship between late-life stressors and depressive symptoms among a sample of older New Zealanders. Method: Data were drawn from a longitudinal study with two data collection periods, one year apart. The Time 1 sample consisted of 1489 participants ranging in age from 65 to 94 years and 72% percent participated at Time 2. Correlational and multiple regression procedures were used to examine study hypotheses. Results: Results showed that Time 1 perceived control beliefs were a unique predictor of depressive symptoms at Time 2 after controlling for Time 1 depressives symptoms and other relevant variables. Further, perceived control beliefs at Time 1 moderated the relationship between late-life stressors and depressive symptoms at Time 2. Those with low perceived control demonstrated a stronger relationship between late-life stressors and depressive symptoms than those with high perceived control. Conclusion: This study provides evi...
Chronic disease surveillance and testing of clustering of disease and exposure: Application to leukemia incidence and TCE‐contaminated dumpsites in upstate New York

Surveillance of large geographic areas for “clusters” of adverse health events, particularly cancers, has interested statisticians and epidemiologists. Recent statistical research involves so-called “focused” clustering of disease, i.e. aggregation of incident cases of disease in the vicinity of prespecified, putative foci of increased risk. We introduce a statistical test of focused clustering with optimal, or near-optimal power properties. This test, and two other recent tests of focused clustering are illustrated and compared using leukemia incidence data for 1978–1982 in a region of upstate New York, with inactive hazardous waste sites containing trichloroethylene acting as the suspected foci. Once potential problem areas are identified, more localized methods may be applied.
Risk perception and new food production technologies

In this study, survey data were used to develop a model to measure the relationship between a set of socio-economic characteristics of consumers and their risk perception of feed additives and growth hormones use in livestock production. Perceptions were measured indirectly by constructs based on responses to multiple questions. Factor analysis was used to identify the perception measures. Next, two econometric approaches were applied to estimate the relationships between the explanatory variables and risk perceptions. Estimation results gave both the direct and total effects of each explanatory variable on the three constructs: risk perception due to the use of feed additives and antibiotics in livestock and poultry, risk perception due to the use of bioengineering in food production or its specific example – the porcine somatotropin (pST) – the pig growth hormone, and support of pST use in pig production.