cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Who in their right mind wants war? Violence, death, and meaning.

Despite the fact that we pride ourselves on being a rational species, warfare appears to be one of the invariable constants in human history. From William James’s (1910) The Moral Equivalent to War to the recent highly acclaimed book by Chris Hedges (2002a) War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning, those seeking an end to the institution of warfare have been suggesting that internal, spiritual factors are at least as important in contributing to our addiction to warfare as are external, material factors. This article discusses this tradition with special focus on interpretive insights drawn from psychological works of Otto Rank, Ernest Becker, and Robert Jay Lifton. Early in the twentieth century, in his essay “The Moral Equivalent of War,” William James (1910) drew dramatic attention to an aspect of human thought that many in his time would rather have ignored, namely, the paradoxical human attitude toward war and violence. James’s astuteness here is seen in hindsight as all the more amazing, given that he was writing at a time when his progressive colleagues in America and Europe largely assumed that in the modern world, major armed conflict between nations was a thing of the past. War was stupid, irrational, counterproductive, and made obsolete by the exponentially increased destructive power of modern weaponry. This was clear to any right-minded person, it was thought. Unfortunately, as we know only too well from the subsequent history of the century, the coming decades brought not the peace and prosperity such progressive thinkers expected, but the most terrible wars of human history, in which the exclusionary lines between combatant and noncombatant were simply erased. Over the course of the
Aortic insufficiency following mediastinal radiation for Hodgkin's disease

Abstract Aortic insufficiency developed 13 months after mediastinal radiation in a patient with Hodgkin’s disease. The estimated cardiac dose was 4200 rads. Several years later, a cerebral embolus occurred. The evidence for valvular and endocardial damage due to radiation is reviewed.
Color Development in a Model System During Frying: Role of Individual Amino Acids and Sugars

The color of fried potato products is limited by reducing sugars, but can be affected by free amino acids. Filter paper discs saturated with solutions of amino acids in combination with glucose, fructose and sucrose were fried in oil to investigate color formation. Four phases of color development were identified; equilibrium, lag, rapid and slow phase, corresponding to the water content of the system. Lysine, 7-aminobutyric acid and glycine produced most color and glutamic acid least. Fry color of glucose and fructose systems was very similar, but sucrose systems produced less color. Glucose and fructose systems were not affected by pH changes, but there was a slight effect on sucrose systems.
Perception of oppositely moving verniers and spatio-temporal interpolation

Abstract Even at moderatos speeds, moving objects stimulate many retinal photoreceptors within the integration time of the receptors, yet usually no motion blur is experienced. An elegant model for the elimination of motion blur was proposed by Anderson and van Essen [(1987) Proceedings of the National Academy of Science U.S.A., 84, 6297–63011. These authors suggested that so-called shifter circuits shift the neuronal representation of retinal images on their way to the cortex. The retinal image of an object moving in the outer world is thus shifted in the opposite direction to the object motion, and the cortical representation of objects would be stable at least during short periods of time. To test the hypothesis of “shifter circuits”, I measured thresholds for two vernier stimuli, moving simultaneously into opposite directions over identical parts of the retina. Motion blur for these stimuli was not stronger than with a single moving stimulus, and thresholds for the detection of vernier offsets could be below a photoreceptor diameter. This finding poses serious problems for the hypothesis of shifter circuits, since shifter circuits would be able to stabilize only one of the stimuli. In additional experiments, stimuli moved discontinuously, requiring spatio-temporal interpolation for the perception of smooth motion. The results are consistent with those obtained with continuous motion. Precision of spatio-temporal interpolation is in the hyperacuity range even for stimuli moving in opposite directions over the same small part of the visual field.
Variation Procedure for Multichannel Scattering Processes

We present a variation iteration procedure for nonreactive multichannel scattering processes. Its essential features include the expansion of the trial function in terms of the eigenfunctions of a zeroth-order Hamiltonian; the use of the zeroth-order Green's function to impose the correct outgoing behavior on the trial function; and further improvement of the transition matrix element by iteration. The procedure is applied to a problem in atomic-molecular energy exchange.
Strength, hardness and abrasion characteristics of dental cements

Fourteen commercial restorative materi­ als, including silicate, zinc phosphate and zinc oxide-eugenol cements, were tested in a series of experiments to determine their relative hardness, strength and abra­ sion resistance properties. Specimens of each material were tested after 24 hour and seven day storage. Six experimental modifications were made to investigate the influence of certain additive agents on the three properties. The silicate ce­ ments proved to be superior in all three of the physical properties tested. N o clear relation between the three properties is indicated by a comparison o f the data on strength, hardness and abrasion resist­ ance. Further research is necessary to explain the exact relation of these proper­ ties and their clinical significance.
You’ve Either Got It or You Don’t? The Stability of Political Interest over the Life Cycle

Some people are more politically interested than others, but political scientists do not know how stable these differences are and why they occur. This paper examines stability in political interest. Eleven different panel surveys taken in four different countries over 40 years are used to measure stability. Several studies include a much larger number of interview waves—up to 23—than commonly used panels. The analysis empirically characterizes the stability of interest over time using a model that accounts for measurement error and a dynamic panel model. The large number of panel waves makes it possible to relax many restrictive assumptions to ensure robustness. With one exception (Germany reunification), political interest is exceptionally stable in the short run and over long periods of time. Hence, this study provides strong justification for efforts to understand how political interest forms among young people.
Estimating fatigue curves with the random fatigue-limit model

In a fatigue-limit model, units tested below the fatigue limit (also known as the threshold stress) theoretically will never fail. This article uses a random fatigue-limit model to describe (a) the dependence of fatigue life on the stress level, (b) the variation in fatigue life, and (c) the unit-tounit variation in the fatigue limit.We fit the model to actual fatigue datasets by maximum likelihood methods and study the fits under different distributional assumptions. Small quantiles of the life distribution are often of interest to designers. Lower confidence bounds based on likelihood ratio methods are obtained for such quantiles. To assess the fits of the model, we construct diagnostic plots and perform goodness-of-fit tests and residual analyses.
Studies in Turkey Nutrition Using a Purified Diet

Abstract THE quantitative requirements of the poult for riboflavin, choline, pantothenic acid, niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid, vitamins A and D, calcium, phosphorus and manganese have been reported. Nevertheless, much information is still lacking as to the levels of many of the common nutrients necessary for optimum growth in the young turkey. The turkey growth studies conducted in the past using purified diets have, on the whole, given subnormal growth responses indicating either that certain nutrients were not being supplied in adequate amounts or that certain unknown factors were missing from these diets. In view of this, studies were undertaken in this laboratory to obtain further information regarding the optimum nutrition of turkey poults. EXPERIMENTAL The studies reported in this paper were conducted with White Holland poults of mixed sex, 15 poults per lot. The poults were housed in electrically heated pens having raised wire floors. A purified diet was devised, taking . . .
Development of glycerol/O2 biofuel cell

Abstract Glycerol is an attractive fuel for a fuel cell, because it is non-toxic, non-volatile, non-flammable, has high energy density, and is abundant due to the fact that it is a byproduct of biodiesel production. However, it has not been an effective fuel for low temperature, precious metal catalyzed fuel cells. In this paper, we describe the use of glycerol as a fuel in an enzymatic biofuel cell. An alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase-based bioanode has been developed that oxidizes glycerol, a safe high energy density fuel. Glycerol/O 2 biofuel cells employing these bioanodes have yielded power densities of up to 1.21 mW cm −2 , and have the ability to operate at 98.9% fuel concentrations. Previous biofuel cells could not operate effectively at high fuel concentrations due to the nature of the solid fuel such as sugar or the solvent characteristics of fuels such as lower aliphatic alcohols. The glycerol/O 2 biofuel cell provides improved power densities compared to ethanol biofuel cells due to ability to more completely oxidize the fuel.
Transitional sedimentation styles in the Moodies and Fig Tree Groups, Barberton Mountain Land, South Africa: Evidence favouring an Archean continental margin☆

Abstract Lithologic and paleoenvironmental interrelationships within the ca. 3300 Ma old Fig Tree and Moodies Groups can best be accommodated within an evolving back-arc or passive margin geotectonic model. Associated with early rifting, banded iron formations at the base of the Fig Tree Group developed in localized grabens in response to volcanic exhalative activity. During initial spreading a ‘Steep Rift Type’ continental margin is considered to have developed, along which proximal high-concentration conglomeratic and distal low-concentration graywacke turbidites of the Fig Tree Group accumulated. A conformable transition into overlying fluvial conglomerates at the base of the Moodies Group indicates a narrow continental shelf at that stage of basin development. A subsequent rise in sea level, possibly associated with increased rates of spreading, coupled with the presence of the underlying turbidite sedimentary wedge, produced a widened continental shelf. The overlying Moodies Group sediments, including a well-developed assemblage of marginal marine facies, were deposited along this ‘Shelf Rise Type’ continental margin.
Electromechanical transients in liquid metal on field disruption

Abstract The present paper deals with the transient electromechanical interaction in a thin layer of liquid metal on sudden disruption of an imposed magnetic field. The problem is of fundamental importance for understanding the transient performance of various magnetohydrodynamic devices, such as electromagnetic agitators, pumps, liquid metal machines, etc.
Spherical Nucleic Acids as a Divergent Platform for Synthesizing RNA–Nanoparticle Conjugates through Enzymatic Ligation

Herein, we describe a rapid, divergent method for using spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) as a universal platform for attaching RNA to DNA-modified nanoparticles using enzyme-mediated techniques. This approach provides a sequence-specific method for the covalent attachment of one or more in vitro transcribed RNAs to a universal SNA scaffold, regardless of RNA sequence. The RNA–nanoparticle constructs are shown to effectively knock down two different gene targets using a single, dual-ligated nanoparticle construct.
Functional trajectories among older persons before and after critical illness.

Importance Little is known about functional trajectories of older persons in the year before and after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) or how pre-ICU functional trajectories affect post-ICU functional trajectories and death. Objectives To characterize functional trajectories in the year before and after ICU admission and to evaluate the associations among pre-ICU functional trajectories and post-ICU functional trajectories, short-term mortality, and long-term mortality. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective cohort study of 754 community-dwelling persons 70 years or older, conducted between March 23, 1998, and December 31, 2012, in greater New Haven, Connecticut. The analytic sample included 291 participants who had at least 1 admission to an ICU through December 2011. Main Outcomes and Measures Functional trajectories in the year before and after an ICU admission based on 13 basic, instrumental, and mobility activities. Additional outcomes included short-term (30 day) and long-term (1 year) mortality. Results The mean (SD) age of participants was 83.7 (5.5) years. Three distinct pre-ICU functional trajectories identified were minimal disability (29.6%), mild to moderate disability (44.0%), and severe disability (26.5%). Seventy participants (24.1%) experienced early death, defined as death in the hospital (50 participants [17.2%]) or death after hospital discharge but within 30 days of admission (20 participants [6.9%]). Among the remaining 221 participants, 3 distinct post-ICU functional trajectories identified were minimal disability (20.8%), mild to moderate disability (28.1%), and severe disability (51.1%). More than half of the participants (53.4%) experienced functional decline or early death after critical illness. The pre-ICU functional trajectories of mild to moderate disability and severe disability were associated with more than double (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.41; 95% CI, 1.29-4.50) and triple (adjusted HR, 3.84; 95% CI, 1.84-8.03) the risk of death within 1 year of ICU admission, respectively. Other factors associated with 1-year mortality included ICU length of stay (adjusted HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.05), mechanical ventilation (adjusted HR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.91-4.37), and shock (adjusted HR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.63-4.38). Conclusions and Relevance Among older persons with critical illness, more than half died within 1 month or experienced significant functional decline over the following year, with particularly poor outcomes in those who had high levels of premorbid disability. These results may help to inform discussions about prognosis and goals of care before and during critical illness.
Flexible neurocage array for live neural network study

A flexible multi-electrode-array (MEA) with parylene-C (PA-C) cages on PA-C substrate for neural network study in vitro is presented here. 8×8 cage arrays were fabricated on a 10-μm-thick PA-C film. For our use, the array was glued on a 100μm-thick glass substrate for ease of handling. Each cage is to trap an individual neuron to force a close proximity of the neuron to an embedded electrode inside the cage for stimulation and recording. In addition, each neurocage has six tunnels emanating from the cage to allow axons and dendrites to grow outward and form synapses with other trapped neurons. The Electrode inside each neurocage can then be used to stimulate and/or record electrical activity from the trapped cell at any given time. Why thin and flexible? From our previous work, it is learned that manually loading neuron one-by-one into the cage is time-consuming. We then propose to use laser tweezer to do the cell loading from the backside of the array. To facilitate laser tweezer neuron loading, the neurocage array must be transparent and thin. On the other hand, device flexibility facilitates a high-yield fabrication, easy singulation and attachment to almost any substrate for use.
New particle formation in the presence of an aerosol: Rates, time scales, and sub-0.01 μm size distributions

Abstract In a previous paper [McMurry and Friedlander, Atmos. Environ. 13, 1635 (1979)] a dimensionless theory for predicting rates of new particle formation in chemically reacting systems was described. In the present study mathematical approximations that were made in the previous work were eliminated and time-dependent solutions to dimensionless aerosol population balance equations were obtained numerically. It is shown that steady-state size distributions of sub-0.01 μm particles are typically established 10 to 300 min after the start of gas-to-particle conversion. These times depend on the rate of aerosol formation, the amount of preexisting aerosol and particle size; time scales for 1 nm particles are about an order of magnitude shorter than those for 10 nm particles. The theory shows that steady-state sub-0.01 μm size distributions increase sharply with decreasing particle size. While reliable measurements of aerosols in this size range cannot yet be made on a routine basis, such measurements are essential for testing this and other theories of aerosol formation by gas-phase chemical reactions.
ON BIPOLAR REDUCTION AND SPLINTERED PIECES

Objects variously called bipolar cores, pieces esquillees and other things are abundant in the record. Some interpret them as the exhausted remnants of bipolar reduction, others as wedges used with antler or bone. I propose that we call them “splintered pieces” to avoid functional connotations. Splintered pieces illustrate the problem of equifinality, different causes producing like consequences. A growing but uncertain consensus regards most splintered pieces as cores. Reviewing the latest expression of a different interpretation, I conclude that experimental, ethnographic, and archaeological data continue to support the view that most—not all—splintered pieces are cores. Nevertheless, the need remains urgent to search ethnographic accounts for support of the wedge view, to conduct further experiments, and to seek conclusive archaeological association of splintered pieces with wedging.
OH and H I absorption at the nucleus of NGC 660

High-resolution interferometric data of the H I and OH absorption in the nuclear region of NGC 660 reveal three distinct absorbing structures. The central disk of the galaxy with a large velocity gradient dominates the absorption signature. The gas in the warped outer disk appears in absorption close to the systemic velocity; the outer rings of the warp located at large radii are moving in front of the nuclear radio source. Third, an outflowing feature can be seen at the center of the radio source at 100 km s −1 below the systemic velocity. This mostly molecular feature could be due to a perturbed spiral structure in the inner regions of the disk
Association between C-reactive protein and depressive symptoms in women with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Converging lines of evidence support an association between systemic inflammation and depressive symptoms. Neuroimmune pathways may account for the high prevalence of depression in individuals with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, this relationship is complicated by factors linked to both inflammatory disease activity and mood, such as pain and physical disability. The goal of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and depressive symptoms among 173 women with RA. Somatic symptoms of depression and circulating CRP were significantly associated in regression analyses adjusted for body mass index ( β = .19, p β = .09, p = .24). CRP was not significantly associated with negative mood symptoms of depression. Findings suggest that depression in the context of RA may result from the overlap of somatic depressive and RA symptoms rather than neuroimmune pathways.
A multi-country study of the information in the shorter maturity term structure about future inflation

Abstract Empirical analysis of data from ten OECD countries indicates that, except for France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, the shorter maturity term structure does not contain a great deal of information about the future path of inflation. On the other hand, except for the United Kingdom there is a great deal of information in the term structure of nominal interest rates at shorter maturities about the term structure of real interest rates. These results are explained by differences in the relative variability of expected future inflation changes and real term structure slopes for the different countries.
Stature estimates for some African Plio-Pleistocene fossil hominids

To estimate stature in fossil hominids, researchers generally use the Trotter & Gleser (1952, 1958) equations. These equations are based on a sample whose individuals are larger than the fossil sample to which they are customarily applied. This results in significant overestimates of early hominid statures. We offer here revised stature estimates for 15 reasonably well-preserved African Plio-Pleistocene hominid femora and tibiae (including AL 288-1 and WT 15000) based on least squares and major axis regression equations we developed for contemporary South African black tribal populations. By using this smaller and more homogeneous extant African sample, we predict that most of these hominids were smaller than McHenry's (and those subsequent) estimates have suggested. In the case of AL 288-1, our Model II estimate matches almost exactly Schmid's (1983; 1986; Geissmann 1986a) anatomical reconstruction, while it differs significantly from the estimates derived from analyses of Olivier's recommended pygmy population. Although there is some disproportionality in the AL 288-1 lower limb, evidence is provided here to indicate that its effect on our stature estimates is probably small. This permits greater confidence to be placed in our estimates of her stature. In the final analysis, we find that except for Homo erectus the various groups of early hominids have overlapping ranges and differ little from one another in stature.
Diabetes Care to Date: “The Hits Just Keep on Coming!”

With this issue, we complete 18 months as the editorial team for Diabetes Care and document our progress for the preceding 6 months. We had provided a comprehensive update in January 2013 (1), and one would think that by this point in our tenure, the changes and updates would be minimal. However, as will be appreciated, nothing could be further from the truth. The changes have been many, and the quality of published articles continue to be at an incredibly high level. Thus, this article’s subtitle—“The Hits Just Keep on Coming!”—clearly can present several interpretations. On the one hand, it refers to past songs, TV shows, or movies that are judged to be most popular by the public. On the other hand, the phrase has also referred to negative outcomes, e.g., continued bad luck, additional penalties, or unpopular laws. I use it here to point to the favorable developments that greatly contribute to the continued upward trajectory of the journal’s impact. These developments include 1 ) the continuation of our Diabetes Care Symposium at the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA's) Scientific Sessions, 2 ) the elimination of formats felt to no longer be in the best interest of Diabetes Care along with the addition of manuscript categories to address specific needs and interests, 3 ) the highlighting of landmark studies as part of a specific focus of regular issues, and 4 ) the publishing of an unprecedented number of state-of-the-art reviews and summary statements. First and foremost, this issue features articles from our annual Diabetes Care Symposium, now in its second year. This high-level symposium, held at the ADA’s recent 73rd Scientific Sessions in Chicago, represents a competition of manuscripts submitted to the journal through the category of Symposium Article. Once again, more than 150 manuscripts were submitted for the competition; this year, five were …
A Collaborative Approach to Expand Clinical Experiences and Cultural Awareness Among Undergraduate Nursing Students

Nurse educators are constantly seeking opportunities to expose undergraduate students to different cultures. This requirement is essential to prepare tomorrow's nursing professionals to practice culturally component care in diverse health care environments. This article describes a unique collaborative experience between the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing and the Miami Children's Hospital that offers senior baccalaureate students the opportunity to complete one term of clinical experience in a culturally diverse health care facility.
Transoral robotic surgery: radical tonsillectomy.

Objective To describe and show the feasibility of a new surgical technique for transoral robotic surgery (TORS) radical tonsillectomy. Design A prospective, phase 1 clinical trial. Setting Academic, tertiary referral center. Patients A total of 27 participants were prospectively selected using a volunteer sample. All eligible patients agreed to participate in the study. Interventions Patients underwent TORS radical tonsillectomy for previously untreated invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsillar region without free-flap reconstruction, staged neck dissection, and adjuvant therapy. Main Outcome Measures Outcome measures included final pathologic margin status, need for short- and long-term tracheotomy tube placement, and need for gastrostomy tube feedings among patients with a minimum 6-month follow-up. The incidence of significant postoperative complications was recorded. Results No mortality occurred. Final margins found to be negative for cancer were achieved in 25 of 27 patients (93%). Surgical complications included 1 case each of postoperative mucosal bleeding, delirium tremens, unplanned tracheotomy for temporary exacerbation of sleep apnea, and hypernasality and 2 cases of moderate trismus. Twenty-six of 27 patients (96%) were swallowing without the use of a gastrostomy. Conclusions Radical tonsillectomy using TORS is a new technique that offers excellent access for resection of carcinomas of the tonsil with acceptable acute morbidity. Future reports will focus on long-term oncologic and functional outcomes.
Expression of the enkephalin precursor gene in C6 rat glioma cells: Regulation by β-adrenergic agonists and glucocorticoids

Abstract Cultured C6 rat glioma cells contain mRNA coding for preproenkephalin (A), the precursor of methionine- and leucine-enkephalin. The abundance in untreated cells was determined by blot hybridization methods to be 3–6 pg per μg total RNA. Treatment of confluent cells for 12 h with 10 μM (−)-norepinephrine, which activates C6 adenylate cyclase, transiently elevated preproenkephalin mRNA to 3.3 and 7.7 times the control in the absence and presence of the glucocorticoid dexamethasone, respectively. Hydrocortisone and corticosterone also potentiated the effect of norepinephrine. However, glucocorticoids alone did not alter the preproenkephalin mRNA abundance. The effect of norepinephrine + dexamethasone was blocked by the β-adrenergic antagonist propranolol but not by the α-adrenergic antagonist phentolamine. Forskolin, which directly activates adenylate cyclase, similarly elevated the preproenkephalin mRNA abundance; its effect was also potentiated by dexamethasone. C6 cells contain Met-enkephalin-containing protein resembling proenkephalin (apparent M r 30,000) but little Met-enkephalin, suggesting a low level of proper precursor processing. Treatment with norepinephrine + dexamethasone raised the content of proenkephalin-like protein 11-fold. Thus, preproenkephalin mRNA levels in C6 cells are regulated synergistically by adenosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate and glucocorticoids. These results suggest modes of regulation of proenkephalin biosynthesis in normal rat enkephalinergic cells.
Cortico-striatal evoked potentials in cats

Abstract The topographical distribution of evoked (gross) potentials in the striatum elicited by cortical stimuli has been systematically studied in unanesthetized ( cerveau isole ) cats. Striatal responses elicited by cortical stimuli were always positive-negative in wave-shape. Pericruciate cortex stimuli elicited responses primarily in the dorsal and lateral regions of the caudate head, and responses elicited from different parts of the sensorimotor cortex overlapped extensively. Orbitofrontal cortex stimuli elicited potentials in the rostro-medio-ventral region of the caudate head. Responses to cingulate gyrus stimuli were very small and were restricted to postero-mediodorsal areas of the caudate head.
Real-time multispectral diffuse optical tomography system for imaging epileptic activity and connectivity

ABSTRACT We describe a multispectral continuous-wave diffuse optical tomography (DOT) system that can be used for in vivo three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of seizure dynamics. Fast 3-D data acquisition is realized through a time multiplexing approach based on a parallel lighting configuration - our system can achieve 0.12ms per source per wavelength and up to 14Hz sampling rate for a full set of data for 3-D DOT image r econstruction. The system is validated using both static and dynamic tissue-like phantoms. rat experiments using both focal and generalized models of seizure are also In vivodemonstrated. In the focal seizure experiment, hemodynamic seizure focus was clearly detected and tracked. In the generalized seizure experiment, early hemodynamic responses with heterogeneous patterns were detected several minutes preceding the EEG onset of seizures and widespread hemodynamic changes were found evolving from local regions. Connectivity changes were also found during the development of seizures. This study demonstrates that DOT represents a powerful tool for investigating seizure generati on and propagation, elucidating the causes and mechanism of seizures. Keywords: Real-time Diffuse optical Tomography, Epileptic seizures, Noninvasive functional imaging, Epileptic networks, Seizure prediction
A generalized Nyquist-type stability criterion for multivariable feedback systems†

Abstract This article considers the stability of n-input-n-output, linear time invariant convolution feedback systems. Stability theorems are expressed in terms of the Nyquist plots of the eigenvalues of Gcirc(s) where s varies along the Nyquist contour in the complex plane and Ĝ(s) is the transfer function of the open loop system which is allowed to have poles in the right half plane. Our objectives are to state clearly these theorems and to prove them. The paper investigates the geometry of the eigenvalues in the complex plane; in particular, the properties of the eigenvalues on and near the exceptional points, and the graph theoretic properties of the loci of the eigenvalues are studied. The stability theorems are proved using these geometric properties.
Painful symptoms reported by ambulatory HIV-infected men in a longitudinal study.

Abstract We studied the painful symptoms associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and its treatment in a group of men enrolled in a prospective longitudinal study of HIV effects on the nervous system. The most common painful illnesses reported were HIV-related headaches, herpes simplex, painful peripheral neuropathy, back pain, herpes zoster, 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (AZT)-induced headaches, throat pain, and arthralgia. Painful illnesses were reported at all stages of systemic disease but were more common in the later stages of disease and in subjects who progressed to a more advanced stage during the study period. There was an association between the frequency of multiple pains, increased disability on the Karnofsky scale, and higher depression scores, as measured by the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). We conclude that painful symptoms are important even in relatively healthy and independent HIV-infected men.
Evidence for a corticoid-pituitary negative feedback mechanism in the American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

Abstract Corticosterone or aldosterone was administered to bullfrogs daily for 14 days. Subsequently, the secretion of corticoid hormones by the adrenal glands was determined in vitro. Pretreatment with corticosterone resulted in a significant decrease in the in vitro production of both corticosterone (33%) and aldosterone (7%) over the levels secreted by control adrenal glands. The administration of aldosterone also resulted in a significant decrease in the production of corticosterone (25%) and aldosterone (28%) in vitro. These data indicate that both corticosterone and aldosterone have a negative feedback influence on pituitary ACTH. Treatment with corticosterone or aldosterone did not alter adrenal weight or body weight.
Fracture Toughness of Ceramics Measured by a Chevron‐Notch Diametral‐Compression Test

A diametral-compression test that features disk specimens with chevron notches was developed and applied to measure fracture toughness (Klc) of three ceramics. Fracture–toughness values calculated from the fracture loads and a compliance analysis were in good agreement with values measured by other fracture–mechanics techniques. Advantages of the proposed test include simple specimen geometry, minimal requirements for fixtures, and consequent potential for application at elevated temperatures.
Personal Privacy in the Health Care System: Employer-Sponsored Insurance, Managed Care, and Integrated Delivery Systems

Widespread collection and use of identifiable information can promote social goods while, at the same time, infringing on personal privacy. Information systems are developing within the context of a fundamental transformation in the organization, delivery, and financing of health care. Changes in the health care system include rapid development of employer-sponsored health coverage, managed care organizations, and integrated delivery systems. These complex, multifaceted arrangements for delivering and paying for health care require ever-more-sophisticated information systems that facilitate extensive sharing of personal data. Systemic flows of sensitive health information occur both vertically and horizontally among employers, hospitals, insurers, laboratories, and suppliers. Beyond this complex web of vertical and horizontal sharing are the multiple demands for information management, quality assurance, research, governmental regulation, and public health. Theoretical problems exist with the law and ethics of informational privacy. The traditional method of exercising control over personal health information is through informed consent. Informed consent, however, within a modern health information infrastructure becomes highly complex. In this kind of environment, the doctrine of informed consent is flawed and does not provide sufficient control over personal information to assure adequate protection of privacy.
Leverage and Regression through the Origin

Abstract The problem of deciding whether an intercept model or a no-intercept model is more appropriate for a given set of data is a problem with no simple solution. Often, the underlying physical situation will suggest an appropriate model; however, there still may be interest in assessing which model best fits the data or is the better predictor. In this article a different interpretation of regression through the origin is derived, that of a full fit to the original data set augmented by one further point. Examination of the leverage and influence of the augmented data point can provide help in comparing the models.
Histologic and biomechanical evaluation of a novel macroporous polytetrafluoroethylene knit mesh compared to lightweight and heavyweight polypropylene mesh in a porcine model of ventral incisional hernia repair

Purpose To evaluate the biocompatibility of heavyweight polypropylene (HWPP), lightweight polypropylene (LWPP), and monofilament knit polytetrafluoroethylene (mkPTFE) mesh by comparing biomechanics and histologic response at 1, 3, and 5 months in a porcine model of incisional hernia repair.
Effects of dynamic task distributions on the performance of a class of irregular computations

In this paper, a modified version of previously proposed quasi-barrier technique is developed. On distributed memory machines, relaxation with modified quasi-barriers can be used to perform basis computations that arise in symbolic polynomial manipulation. In this type of synchronous computation, the set of tasks is distributed across the processors. Each nonzero result of a task reduction dynamically generates a set of new tasks. The distribution of these newly generated tasks can have a significant impact on the overall execution time of the parallel computation. In this paper, four task distribution strategies, named modified block, modified sorted block, modified cyclic, and modified sorted cyclic are developed and their performances are comparatively evaluated. For the experiments performed on an 18-node IBM SP2, the modified cyclic distribution provides the best performance overall.
Efficient Translation Initiation Is Required for Replication of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Subgenomic Replicons

An internal ribosome entry site (IRES) mediates translation initiation of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) RNA. Studies have suggested that a portion of the N(pro) open reading frame (ORF) is required, although its exact function has not been defined. Here we show that a subgenomic (sg) BVDV RNA in which the NS3 ORF is preceded only by the 5' nontranslated region did not replicate to detectable levels following transfection. However, RNA synthesis and cytopathic effects were observed following serial passage in the presence of a noncytopathic helper virus. Five sg clones derived from the passaged virus contained an identical, silent substitution near the beginning of the NS3 coding sequence (G400U), as well as additional mutations. Four of the reconstructed mutant RNAs replicated in transfected cells, and in vitro translation showed increased levels of NS3 for the mutant RNAs compared to that of wild-type (wt) MetNS3. To more precisely dissect the role of these mutations, we constructed two sg derivatives: ad3.10, which contains only the G400U mutation, and ad3.7, with silent substitutions designed to minimize RNA secondary structure downstream of the initiator AUG. Both RNAs replicated and were translated in vitro to similar levels. Moreover, ad3.7 and ad3.10, but not wt MetNS3, formed toeprints downstream of the initiator AUG codon in an assay for detecting the binding of 40S ribosomal subunits and 43S ribosomal complexes to the IRES. These results suggest that a lack of stable RNA secondary structure(s), rather than a specific RNA sequence, immediately downstream of the initiator AUG is important for optimal translation initiation of pestivirus RNAs.
The CNS microvascular pericyte: pericyte-astrocyte crosstalk in the regulation of tissue survival

The French scientist Charles Benjamin Rouget identified the pericyte nearly 140 years ago. Since that time the role of the pericyte in vascular function has been difficult to elucidate. It was not until the development of techniques to isolate and culture pericytes that scientists have begun to understand the true impact of this unique cell in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. In the brain the pericyte is an integral cellular component of the blood-brain barrier and, together with other cells of the neurovascular unit (endothelial cells, astrocytes and neurons) the pericyte makes fine-tuned regulatory adjustments and adaptations to promote tissue survival. These regulatory changes involve trans-cellular communication networks between cells. In this review we consider evidence for cell-to-cell crosstalk between pericytes and astrocytes during development and in adult brain.
Thermal impedance of a contact-incubated bird's egg

Abstract 1. 1. Intermittently incubated eggs are alternately warmed by the brood patch during nest visits and allowed to cool during absences from the nest. 2. 2. The thermal energetics of such eggs are not governed by conventional measures of thermal energetics, like thermal conductance or thermal resistance, which only measure the steady-state component of heat flow through an egg. 3. 3. The transient component of heat flow that intermittently incubated eggs experience is limited by by a time-dependent analog of thermal resistance, the thermal impedance. This paper outlines methods for measuring the thermal impedance and other transient-state properties of contact-incubated birds' eggs. Data are presented on these properties for infertile chicken eggs warmed by an artificial brood patch. 4. 4. The infertile chicken egg behaves analogously to a low-pass thermal filter, in which slowly-varying heat inputs modify the temperature of the egg more than rapidly-varying heat inputs. 5. 5. At heat inflow period of 60 min or less, the thermal impedance rises sharply above the thermal resistance. 6. 6. Time constants of contact-incubated chicken eggs are about 20 min, considerably shorter than the 42 min observed in chicken eggs cooling in air. 7. 7. The ‘effective thermal mass’ of a chicken egg, that is the portion of the egg experiencing transient heat flows increases with period of the heat input. As a result, time-varying heat inputs with periods less than 60 min will have little influence on egg temperatures of an egg incubated via a brood patch.
Sex Differences in Antiretroviral Therapy Toxicity: Lactic Acidosis, Stavudine, and Women

Lactic acidosis a serious complication of treatment with nucleoside analogue reverse-transcriptase inhibitors was first reported in patients with HIV infection 115 years ago. Initial reports included patients treated with didanosine and zidovudine but it later became clear that treatment with stavudine was most closely associated with this complication. A common finding in the literature describing case series of nucleoside analogue reverse-transcriptase inhibitor-related lactic acidosis has been the over-representation of women (who accounted for 83% of cases in 1 series) especially obese women. Sex-specific event rates for lactic acidosis were not calculated in earlier series because of limited prospective data; however given the relatively low proportion of women in HIV care in the mid-1990s in the United States and Europe one can imagine that the female-specific incidence rates were very high. Because of the fact that 150% of people with HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa are women the high rates of lactic acidosis being reported in recent data from antiretroviral treatment programs in South Africa should not come as a surprise. Geddes et al. reported 14 cases of lactic acidosis among 891 patients receiving treatment with stavudine lamivudine and a nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor. In their series all 14 cases of lactic acidosis occurred among obese women with a median weight of 81 kg. The overall incidence rate was 19 cases per 1000 patient-years; however this rate included both men and women in the denominator. (excerpt)
Effects of a highly dispersive atomic medium inside an optical ring cavity

Atomic media inside an optical cavity can significantly alter the spectral response of the cavity. Both theoretical and experimental examinations are made of the cavity transmission with a highly dispersive intracavity multilevel atomic medium. It is found, owing to the reduced absorption and steep dispersion change accompanying electromagnetically induced transparency in such a multi-level atomic medium, that the cavity linewidth can be made much narrower than the empty cavity linewidth. Cavity linewidth narrowing is measured as a function of both the coupling beam power and the atomic density. These experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.
Child and adolescent fast-food choice and the influence of calorie labeling: a natural experiment.

Child and adolescent fast-food choice and the influence of calorie labeling: a natural experiment
Influence of Hartree-Fock exchange on the calculated Mössbauer isomer shifts and quadrupole splittings in ferrocene derivatives using density functional theory

Influence of molecular geometry, type of exchange-correlation functional, and contraction scheme of basis set applied at the iron nuclei have been tested in the calculation of 57Fe Mossbauer isomer shifts and quadrupole splittings for a wide range of ligand types, as well as oxidation and spin states, in inorganic and organometallic systems. It has been found that uncontraction of the s-part of Wachter's full-electron basis set at the iron nuclei does not appreciably improve the calculated isomer shifts. The observed correlations for all tested sets of geometries are close to each other and predominantly depend on the employed exchange-correlation functional with B3LYP functional being slightly better as compared to BPW91. Both hybrid (B3LYP) and pure (BPW91) exchange-correlation functionals are suitable for the calculation of isomer shifts in organometallic compounds. Surprisingly, it has been found that the hybrid B3LYP exchange-correlation functional completely fails in accurate prediction of quadrupole splittings in ferrocenes, while performance of the pure BPW91 functional for the same systems was excellent. This observation has been explained on the basis of relationship between the amount of Hartree-Fock exchange involved in the applied exchange-correlation functional and the calculated HOMO-LUMO energy gap in ferrocenes. On the basis of this explanation, use of only pure exchange-correlation functionals has been suggested for accurate prediction of Mossbauer spectra parameters in ferrocenes.
Synthesis, structural characterization and redox properties of copper(II) and manganese(II) complexes containing tridentate (N-(2-methylpyridine)-2-aminomethyl benzoate) ligand

Abstract Two new complexes, [Cu(mamba)2] and [Mn(mamba)2] (mamba−, N-(2-methylpyridine)-2-aminomethyl benzoate) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Whereas the [Cu(mamba)2] complex crystallizes in a monoclinic P21/c space group, the [Mn(mamba)2] complex crystallizes in a triclinic P 1 space group. The nature of the metal ion greatly influences the lattices and the molecular structures of the compounds. In the crystal lattice of the copper complex are four cocrystallized methanol solvent, which are all involved in building six strong H-bonds with the complex. However, the lattice for the manganese complex contain only one cocrystallized methanol, along with one NaClO4, that is also involved in making one H-bond with the [Mn(mamba)2] unit. Nevertheless, the sodium ion is coordinated to the ClO4−, the methanol and two [Mn(mamba)2] to form a stable extended chain metal complex. Electrochemical studies indicated that both complexes undergo quasi reversible one electron reduction in acetonitrile.
Thermal conductivity of Si/SiGe and SiGe/SiGe superlattices

The cross-plane thermal conductivity of four Si/Si0.7Ge0.3 superlattices and three Si0.84Ge0.16/Si0.76Ge0.24 superlattices, with periods ranging from 45 to 300 and from 100 to 200 A, respectively, were measured over a temperature range of 50 to 320 K. For the Si/Si0.7Ge0.3 superlattices, the thermal conductivity was found to decrease with a decrease in period thickness and, at a period thickness of 45 A, it approached the alloy limit. For the Si0.84Ge0.16/Si0.76Ge0.24 samples, no dependence on period thickness was found and all the data collapsed to the alloy value, indicating the dominance of alloy scattering. This difference in thermal conductivity behavior between the two superlattices was attributed to interfacial acoustic impedance mismatch, which is much larger for Si/Si0.7Ge0.3 than for Si0.84Ge0.16/Si0.76Ge0.24. The thermal conductivity increased slightly up to about 200 K, but was relatively independent of temperature from 200 to 320 K.