cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Active Database Rules with Transaction-Conscious Stable-Model Semantics

Semantics represents a major problem area for active databases in as much as (i) there is no formal framework for defining an implementation-independent semantics of active rules, and (ii) the various systems developed so far have ad-hoc operational semantics that are widely different from each other. This situation contributes to the difficulty of predicting the run-time behavior of sets of rules: thus, ensuring the termination of a given set of rules is currently viewed as a major research issue. In this paper, we introduce a durable change semantics for active database rules; this semantics improves Starburst's deferred activation notion with concepts taken from Postgres and Heraclitus and the semantic foundations of deductive databases. We provide a formal logic-based model for this transaction-oriented semantics, show that it is amenable to efficient implementation, and prove that it solves the non-termination problem.
Manganese G8 dendrimers targeted to oxidation‐specific epitopes: In vivo MR imaging of atherosclerosis

Purpose To determine if manganese (Mn) G8 dendrimers targeted to oxidation-specific epitopes (OSE) allow for in vivo detection of atherosclerotic lesions. Materials and Methods OSE have been identified as key factors in atherosclerotic plaque progression and destabilization. Mn offers a potentially clinically translatable alternative to gadolinium-based agents when bioretention and potential toxicity of gadolinium is anticipated. However, to be effective, high payloads of Mn must accumulate intracellularly in macrophages. It was hypothesized that G8 dendrimers targeted to OSE may allow delivery of high Mn payloads, thereby enabling in vivo detection of macrophage-rich plaques. G8 dendrimers were modified to allow conjugation with MnDTPA (758 Mn ion) and the antibody MDA2 that is targeted to malondialdehyde (MDA)-lysine epitopes. Both the untargeted and targeted G8 dendrimers were characterized and their in vivo efficacy evaluated in apoE−/− mice over a 96-hour time period after bolus administration of a 0.05 mmol Mn/kg dose using a clinical MR system (3T). Results Significant enhancement (normalized enhancement >60%, P = 0.0013) of atherosclerotic lesions was observed within a 72-hour time period following administration of the targeted dendrimers. The presence of Mn within atherosclerotic lesions was confirmed using spectroscopic methods (>8 μg Mn/g). Limited signal attenuation (<18%) and Mn deposition (<1 μg Mn/g) was observed in the arterial wall following injection of the untargeted material. Conclusion This study demonstrates that manganese-labeled dendrimers, allowing a high Mn payload, targeted to OSE may allow in vivo image of atherosclerotic lesions. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:797–805. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accurate Q-factor distributions in optical transmission systems with polarization effects

In a recirculating loop, we successfully emulate straight-line systems with different PDL values by using a loop-synchronous polarization scrambler. Our experiments and simulations using an accurate receiver model show that repolarization of noise causes an asymmetric Q-factor distribution.
Dynamic Pricing and Demand Estimation for a Single Unique Asset

We address the situation of a firm that needs to dispose of a large, expensive asset (e.g., car, machine tool, earth mover, turbine, house, airplane), with or without a given deadline (and either known or unknown to the buyer). If a deadline exists, the asset is salvaged at a known value which may be zero, or even negative if there is a disposal cost. The asset has a known holding cost and may also have an initial nominal (undiscounted) price. The question is how, if at all, the price should be discounted as time progresses to maximize the expected proceeds. We use a dynamic recursion where each decision stage can be optimized based on classic economic monopoly pricing theory with a demand intensity function estimated from sales data, and show that the model is well-behaved in the sense that the optimal price and optimal expected revenue monotonically decline as the deadline approaches. We test the model by comparing its optimal price pattern to the official pricing policy practiced at a used-car dealer. We then extend the model to situations where the buyer knows the seller's deadline and thus may alter his behavior as the deadline approaches.
Synthetic Characters in Health-related Applications

This chapter introduces synthetic character technologies, surveys the broad range of health-related applications using synthetic characters, and addresses in detail the development and usage of health-related synthetic character applications.
Pilot Study of Low-Dose Interleukin-11 in Patients With Bone Marrow Failure

PURPOSE: Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a thrombopoietic cytokine that attenuates postchemotherapy thrombocytopenia at doses of 50 μg/kg/d subcutaneously. Very little is known about the activity of IL-11 in patients with bone marrow failure states. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our preliminary experience with IL-11 at doses of 50 μg/kg/d suggested that patients with bone marrow failure developed significant peripheral and pulmonary edema after the prolonged dosing necessary for treating these conditions. We, therefore, initiated a study of low-dose IL-11 (starting dose, 10 μg/kg/d). RESULTS: Sixteen patients were assessable for response. Six patients had diploid cytogenetics; the others had a variety of chromosomal abnormalities. Six (38%) of 16 patients showed a platelet response to IL-11, and two had a multilineage response (to IL-11 alone, n = 1; to IL-11 plus G-CSF and erythropoietin, n = 1). The median increase in peak platelet counts was 95 × 109/L above baseline in the responders (range, increase of 55 × 109/L ...
The Periplasmic Nitrate Reductase NapABC Supports Luminal Growth of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium during Colitis

ABSTRACT The food-borne pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium benefits from acute inflammation in part by using host-derived nitrate to respire anaerobically and compete successfully with the commensal microbes during growth in the intestinal lumen. The S . Typhimurium genome contains three nitrate reductases, encoded by the narGHI , narZYV , and napABC genes. Work on homologous genes present in Escherichia coli suggests that nitrate reductase A, encoded by the narGHI genes, is the main enzyme promoting growth on nitrate as an electron acceptor in anaerobic environments. Using a mouse colitis model, we found, surprisingly, that S . Typhimurium strains with defects in either nitrate reductase A ( narG mutant) or the regulator inducing its transcription in the presence of high concentrations of nitrate ( narL mutant) exhibited growth comparable to that of wild-type S . Typhimurium. In contrast, a strain lacking a functional periplasmic nitrate reductase ( napA mutant) exhibited a marked growth defect in the lumen of the colon. In E. coli, the napABC genes are transcribed maximally under anaerobic growth conditions in the presence of low nitrate concentrations. Inactivation of narP , encoding a response regulator that activates napABC transcription in response to low nitrate concentrations, significantly reduced the growth of S . Typhimurium in the gut lumen. Cecal nitrate measurements suggested that the murine cecum is a nitrate-limited environment. Collectively, our results suggest that S . Typhimurium uses the periplasmic nitrate reductase to support its growth on the low nitrate concentrations encountered in the gut, a strategy that may be shared with other enteric pathogens.
Track filtering of boosting targets

With the shift in focus of the missile defense program from intercept of a ballistic missile during reentry to intercept during ascent, the tracking of ballistic missiles under boost is more important. The paper compares filtering performance using standard approaches to that using compensation from acceleration profiles. The results indicate the acceleration compensation is beneficial when applied to either constant velocity or constant acceleration track filters.
Disparities in Health Insurance Coverage, Access, and Outcomes for Individuals in Same-Sex Versus Different-Sex Relationships, 2000–2007

Objectives. We used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to compare health insurance coverage, access to care, and women's cancer screenings for individuals in same-sex versus different-sex relationships.Methods. We estimated logistic regression models by using data on 5265 individuals in same-sex relationships and 802 659 individuals in different-sex relationships.Results. Compared with women in different-sex relationships, women in same-sex relationships were significantly less likely to have health insurance coverage, were less likely to have had a checkup within the past year, were more likely to report unmet medical needs, and were less likely to have had a recent mammogram or Pap test. Compared with men in different-sex relationships, men in same-sex relationships were significantly less likely to have health insurance coverage and were more likely to report unmet medical needs, although they were more likely to have had a checkup in the past year.Conclusions. In the largest and ...
Autoscreener With Secondary Screener

The target screener/FLIR system and its performance were reported at NAECON-77*. The target screener was designed and built by Honeywell for the Air Force in 1974. The system operated on imagery data from an AAS-27 sensor, detected man-made objects (MMOs) and cued the operator by displaying a symbol at each sector area containing MMOs. It achieved 92 percent probability of detection of MMOs and less than 3 percent probability of false alarm. In 1975-76 the target screener system was modified to accept FLIR data and for the first time detection and cueing of HMOs in FLIR imagery was demonstrated. The system achieved 95 percent probability of detection with 5 percent probability of false alarm. Last year the target screener was modified. The manual thresholds for the extraction of candidate MMOs were eliminated by autothreshold which is an automated technique to extract edges and bright signals. The modified system achieved a 91 percent probability of detection with 4.3 percent probability of false alarm. Secondary screener techniques were developed to screen targets based on true size and shape. The overall target screener system, including the secondary screener, achieved 88.5 percent probability of detection and 2 percent probability of false alarm.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The important role of CNS facilitation and inhibition for chronic pain.

Multiple studies have demonstrated that the pain experience among individuals is highly variable. Even under circumstances where the tissue injuries are similar, individual pain experiences may vary drastically. However, this individual difference in pain sensitivity is not only related to sensitivity of peripheral pain receptors, but also to variability in CNS pain processing. Peripheral impulses derived from tissue receptors undergo modification in dorsal horn neurons that can either result in inhibition or facilitation of pain. Such influences are particularly apparent in inflammation where not only peripheral, but also central, pain modulatory mechanisms can significantly increase nociceptive pain. Emotional state, level of anxiety, attention and distraction, memories, stress, fatigue and many other factors can either increase or reduce the pain experience. Increasing evidence suggests that ‘bottom–up’ and ‘top–down’ modulatory circuits within the spinal cord and brain play an important role in pain processing, which can profoundly affect the experience of pain.
Cauliflower mosaic virus major inclusion body protein interacts with the aphid transmission factor, the virion-associated protein, and gene VII product.

The Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) gene VI product (P6) is a multifunctional protein essential for viral infection. In order to perform its various tasks, P6 interacts with both viral and host factors, as well as forming electron-dense cytoplasmic inclusion bodies. Here we investigate the interactions of P6 with three CaMV proteins: P2 (aphid transmission factor), P3 (virion-associated protein), and P7 (protein of unknown function). Based on yeast two-hybrid and maltose-binding protein pull-down experiments, P6 interacted with all three of these CaMV proteins. P2 helps to stabilize P6 inclusion bodies. Although the P2s from two CaMV isolates (W260 and CM1841) differ in the ability to stabilize inclusion bodies, both interacted similarly with P6. This suggests that inclusion body stability may not be dependent on the efficiency of P2–P6 interaction. However, neither P2 nor P3 interacted with P7 in yeast two-hybrid assays.
Ockham Efficiency Theorem for Stochastic Empirical Methods

Ockham’s razor is the principle that, all other things being equal, scientists ought to prefer simpler theories. In recent years, philosophers have argued that simpler theories make better predictions, possess theoretical virtues like explanatory power, and have other pragmatic virtues like computational tractability. However, such arguments fail to explain how and why a preference for simplicity can help one find true theories in scientific inquiry, unless one already assumes that the truth is simple. One new solution to that problem is the Ockham efficiency theorem (Kelly 2002, Minds Mach 14:485–505, 2004, Philos Sci 74:561–573, 2007a, b, Theor Comp Sci 383:270–289, c, d; Kelly and Glymour 2004), which states that scientists who heed Ockham’s razor retract their opinions less often and sooner than do their non-Ockham competitors. The theorem neglects, however, to consider competitors following random (“mixed”) strategies and in many applications random strategies are known to achieve better worst-case loss than deterministic strategies. In this paper, we describe two ways to extend the result to a very general class of random, empirical strategies. The first extension concerns expected retractions, retraction times, and errors and the second extension concerns retractions in chance, times of retractions in chance, and chances of errors.
Optomechanics: Photons that pivot and shuttle

Self-oscillation and shuttling of photons between distinct cavities in a photonic see-saw provide unexpected opportunities in nano-optomechanics.
Oxygen and hydrogen isotope evidence for a temperate climate 3.42 billion years ago

The widely held view that the Archaean climate around 3.5 billion years ago was remarkably warm — with ocean temperatures perhaps as high as 80 °C — has been questioned on the grounds that the established method of estimating ancient ocean temperature (from the oxygen isotope ratios of sedimentary deposits) is subject to significant uncertainty. Michael Hren et al. have adopted a different approach to estimating ocean temperature, based on an analysis of both oxygen and hydrogen isotopes of 3.4 billion-year-old Buck Reef Chert sediments from South Africa. The isotopes sampled are consistent with formation in waters no warmer than about 40 °C, suggesting that Earth's early oceans may have been far cooler than previously thought. The study of stable oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) of Precambrian cherts suggests that ocean temperatures during the Archaean era (about 3.5 billion years ago) were between 55 °C and 85 °C, but uncertainty about the δ18O of the primitive ocean has led to considerable debate regarding this conclusion. Here, a combined analysis of oxygen and hydrogen istopes sampled from 3.42-billion-year-old Buck Reef Chert rocks in South Africa indicates that the ancient ocean was much cooler than previously thought. Stable oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) of Precambrian cherts have been used to establish much of our understanding of the early climate history of Earth1,2,3 and suggest that ocean temperatures during the Archaean era (∼3.5 billion years ago) were between 55 °C and 85 °C (ref. 2). But, because of uncertainty in the δ18O of the primitive ocean, there is considerable debate regarding this conclusion. Examination of modern and ancient cherts indicates that another approach, using a combined analysis of δ18O and hydrogen isotopes (δD) rather than δ18O alone, can provide a firmer constraint on formational temperatures without independent knowledge of the isotopic composition of ambient waters4,5. Here we show that δ18O and δD sampled from 3.42-billion-year-old Buck Reef Chert rocks in South Africa are consistent with formation from waters at varied low temperatures. The most 18O-enriched Buck Reef Chert rocks record the lowest diagenetic temperatures and were formed in equilibrium with waters below ∼40 °C. Geochemical and sedimentary evidence suggests that the Buck Reef Chert was formed in shallow to deep marine conditions, so our results indicate that the Palaeoarchaean ocean was isotopically depleted relative to the modern ocean and far cooler (≤40 °C) than previously thought2.
Neurodegenerative Diseases: Mechanisms and Therapies

Neurodegenerative diseases are amongst the most costly and devastating diseases, both to patients as well as to their families. This year will mark the 100th anniversary of the first case description of what we now call Alzheimer's disease, the most common neurodegenerative disease. This special time provides a unique opportunity for us to reflect on how much we have learned and yet to also appreciate how much more is left to do to solve this enormous health and social problem. Indeed, there has been an exponential increase in our knowledge of disease mechanisms especially during the past decade: the old doctrine was rejected while new ones arose from its debris. This is a fascinating and, we believe, critical period for novel findings and new ideas to quickly and globally change our understanding of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. At this historical time, in this issue of the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, we have been fortunate to gather some of the foremost thinkers in the field to discuss up-to-date information concerning new developments in this exciting area of research as well as their therapeutic implications. This area of research has attracted some of the most innovative research groups in the field and, as Editors, we are truly privileged that many of these investigators have contributed to this issue. We express our sincerest gratitude to the contributing authors as well as to the vision of the Editor-in-Chief, Dr Abdelali Haoudi, for the opportunity provided by the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology. Mark A. Smith George Perry Xiongwei Zhu
Composition and Abundance of Ground-Dwelling Coleoptera in a Fragmented and Continuous Forest

The structure of the ground-dwelling beetle community at two forested sites in northern Delaware was compared by examining composition and abundance at the species or genus level for five target families and at the family level for all other Coleoptera. The beetle communities at an isolated 15-ha woodlot and a nearby plot of relatively continuous forest were sampled using pitfall traps during 2000 and 2001. The results showed an absence or reduced abundance of many beetle taxa in the isolated woodlot relative to the continuous forest site and elevated abundances of a few taxa. Most notably, the species richness of poorly dispersing species of carabid beetles was lower in the isolated woodlot, with 12 of 19 brachypterous species completely absent from pitfall samples. Although this study does not constitute a test of habitat fragmentation hypotheses, the data do suggest that the beetle community in the woodlot may be suffering from isolation effects. The estimated response to fragmentation was correlated with body size for the 19 most common carabid species caught, suggesting that body size may be a useful predictor of vulnerability to forest fragmentation. At least in Carabids, larger body size seems to be associated with greater susceptibility to fragmentation. A number of staphylinid beetle taxa were also significantly less abundant or absent in the isolated woodlot, as were some beetles in other trophic groups, including carrion beetles (Silphidae) and geotrupid beetles (Geotrupidae). Although it retains some faunal similarity with nearby continuous forest, the woodlot may be too isolated to sustain populations of some beetle taxa, especially large, poorly dispersing forest species.
Second-Order Balanced Truncation for Passive-Order Reduction of RLC K Circuits

In this paper, we propose a novel model-order reduction (MOR) approach, second-order balanced truncation (BT) for passive-order reduction (SBPOR), which is the first second-order BT method proposed for passive reduction of RLCK circuits. By exploiting the special structure information in the circuit formulation, second-order Gramians are defined based on a symmetric first-order realization in descriptor from. As a result, SBPOR can perform the traditional balancing with passivity-preserving congruency transformation at the cost of solving one generalized Lyapunov equation. Owing to the second-order formulation, SBPOR also preserves the structure information inherent to RLCK circuits. We further propose, second-order Gramian approximation (SOGA) version of SBPOR , to mitigate high computational cost of solving Lyapunov equation. Experimental results demonstrate that SBPOR and SOGA are globally more accurate than the Krylov subspace based approaches.
Monitoring Progress in Population Health: Trends in Premature Death Rates

INTRODUCTION Trends in population health outcomes can be monitored to evaluate the performance of population health systems at the national, state, and local levels. The objective of this study was to compare and contrast 4 measures for assessing progress in population health improvement by using age-adjusted premature death rates as a summary measure of the overall health outcomes in the United States and in all 50 states. METHODS To evaluate the performance of statewide population health systems during the past 20 years, we used 4 measures of age-adjusted premature (<75 years of age) death rates: current rates (2009), baseline trends (1990s), follow-up trends (2000s), and changes in trends from baseline to the follow-up periods (ie, "bending the curve"). RESULTS Current premature death rates varied by approximately twofold, with the lowest rate in Minnesota (268 deaths per 100,000) and the highest rate in Mississippi (482 deaths per 100,000). Rates improved the most in New York during the baseline period (-3.05% per year) and in New Jersey during the follow-up period (-2.87% per year), whereas Oklahoma ranked last in trends during both periods (-0.30%/y, baseline; +0.18%/y, follow-up). Trends improved the most in Connecticut, bending the curve downward by -1.03%; trends worsened the most in New Mexico, bending the curve upward by 1.21%. DISCUSSION Current premature death rates, recent trends, and changes in trends vary by state in the United States. Policy makers can use these measures to evaluate the long-term population health impact of broad health care, behavioral, social, and economic investments in population health.
Acetadote (intravenous acetylcysteine): adverse effects more significant than with oral acetylcysteine.

Sharon Ternullo is Coordinator, Drug Information Services, Finger Lakes Poison and Drug Information Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY. For correspondence, write: Sharon Ternullo, PharmD, CSPI, Ruth A. Lawrence, Poison and Drug Information Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Box 321, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14642; E-mail: Sharon_Ternullo@urmc.rochester.edu. J Emerg Nurs 2006;32:98-100. 0099-1767/$32.00 Copyright n 2006 by the Emergency Nurses Association. doi: 10.1016/j.jen.2005.09.015
On the propagation of flexural waves in anisotropic bars

Propagation of flexural waves in circularly cylindrical bars of anisotropic material on the basis of the exact three-dimensional theory of elasticity of small deformations is considered, the rigor of the analysis being the same as the one of the Pochhammer-Chree theory. A system of the governing equations of motion for the cylindrical orthotropy (its axis coinciding with the axis of the bar) is derived and expressed in terms of radial, tangential and axial displacement components. For a steady-state sinusoidal flexural wave the system reduces to coupled ordinary second order differential equations with a regular singular point. Solution for a transversely isotropic is obtained by means of Frobenius series method. Upon using two or three terms of the series approximate dispersion relations for isotropic material as well as for the pyrolytic graphite type material and two other types of anisotropic materials are obtained and illustrated by graphs. Higher order modes than those already known are found.
Cytoplasmic and nuclear signaling pathways of V1-vascular vasopressin receptors

We studied the cytoplasmic and nuclear signaling pathways of V1-vascular AVP receptors of human platelets, primary cultures of renal glomerular mesangial cells, and established cultures of the A7r5 aortic smooth muscle cell line. The immediate transmembrane signals are triggered by the formation of ligand-receptor complexes as illustrated by binding experiments with [3H]AVP (Kd = 2.50 nM), d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP (Kd = 0.62 nM), the linear V1 antagonist phenylacetyl-D-Tyr(Et)-Phe-Val-Asn-Lys-Pro-[125I]Tyr-NH2 (Kd = 1.42 nM) or by fluorescence experiments with linear antagonists like phenylacetyl-D-Tyr(Et)-Phe-Gln-Asn-Lys-Pro-Arg-NH2 coupled to biotin and made fluorescent by labeling with tetramethylrhodamine-avidin. We used several approaches (radioreceptor binding, radioactive labeling, autoradiographic, enzymatic, photoaffinity labeling, and immunoblotting procedures) to identify the guanine nucleotide regulatory protein coupled to V1-vascular vasopressin receptors. AVP-stimulated GTPase activity of human platelet membranes was blocked by pretreatment with antibodies specific for the C-terminal of the newly described Gq alpha protein. In the presence of MgCl2, AVP increased labeling by the photoreactive GTP analog [alpha-32P]azidoanilido GTP of a platelet membrane protein of apparent molecular mass of 42 kDa. AVP effect was reversed by the specific V1-vascular antagonist d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP and labeling was completely abolished by GTP gamma s.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
On Linguistic Support for Distributed Programs

Technological advances have made it possible to construct systems from collections of computers connected by a network. At present, however, there is little support for the construction and execution of software to run on such a system. Our research concerns the development of an integrated language/system whose goal is to provide the needed support. This paper discusses a number of issues that must be addressed in such a language. The major focus of our work and this paper is support for the construction of robust software that survives node, network, and media failures.
Pressure and porosity influences on VP-VS ratio in unconsolidated sands

Elevated pore pressures, commonly encountered in the shallow, unconsolidated section of the sedimentary column, present a significant hazard during the drilling and completion of offshore wells. The porosity of the ocean-floor sediments is high and a cover of low-permeability clay can prevent the underlying sediments from draining, even at very shallow depths below the seafloor. As further deposition loads the sediment, the entrapped fluids impede normal compaction by becoming pressurized. The lowered effective stress that results from the higher pore fluid pressure produces a proportional drop in the strength of non-cohesive sediments, resulting in very weak shallow sands. This weakness can result in washouts or fracturing in the shallow strata, potentially leading to the loss of the well and of neighboring wells.
Conditions for promoting reasoning in problem solving: Insights from a longitudinal study

This paper describes insights on how to promote mathematical reasoning in problem solving based on the mathematical experiences of participants in a long-term study in which the students engaged in strands of well-defined, open-ended mathematical investigations, as a context for research on the development of particular concepts and ways of reasoning. Over the years, the students demonstrated ways of working in which sense making became a cultural norm and collective and individual sharing and justifying of ideas was a common practice. The paper examines the environment that enhanced the development of these and other qualities. The insights address aspects of task design and researcher role in the students’ mathematical activity. Both were central in enhancing the students’ engagement in thoughtful and meaningful problem-solving activity. The paper addresses the relationship between problem solving and mathematical reasoning from the perspective of the long-term study and provides an examination of students’ problem solving over time, both from a behavioral and introspective perspective.
Therapeutic implications of the prostaglandin pathway in Alzheimer's disease

An important pathologic hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is neuroinflammation, a process characterized in AD by disproportionate activation of cells (microglia and astrocytes, primarily) of the non-specific innate immune system within the CNS. While inflammation itself is not intrinsically detrimental, a delicate balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory signals must be maintained to ensure that long-term exaggerated responses do not damage the brain over time. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) represent a broad class of powerful therapeutics that temper inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-mediated signaling pathways including prostaglandins, which are the principal mediators of CNS neuroinflammation. While historically used to treat discrete or systemic inflammatory conditions, epidemiologic evidence suggests that protracted NSAID use may delay AD onset, as well as decrease disease severity and rate of progression. Unfortunately, clinical trials with NSAIDs have thus far yielded disappointing results, including premature discontinuation of a large-scale prevention trial due to unexpected cardiovascular side effects. Here we review the literature and make the argument that more targeted exploitation of downstream prostaglandin signaling pathways may offer significant therapeutic benefits for AD while minimizing adverse side effects. Directed strategies such as these may ultimately help to delay the deleterious consequences of brain aging and might someday lead to new therapies for AD and other chronic neurodegenerative diseases.
The Internet public library: an intellectual history

The ideas and work behind the Internet Public Library are described, from the original conception and initial set of projects through to current endeavors. Emphasis is given to questions asked about the nature of librarianship in a digital environment and projects and services that attempt to answer those questions.
Determination of the rates of free radical formation in the catalytic decomposition of hydroperoxides

Decomposition of 2-hydroperoxy-1, 3-dioxolane initiated by Co(II) and Co(III) acetates has been studied. It has been established that the rates of free radical formation and of catalyst oxidation or reduction are equal. Radical decomposition of hydroperoxide amounts to 7–8%.
Vascular Calcification in Predialysis CKD: Common and Deadly

Vascular calcification (VC) is prevalent among patients with CKD and has been associated with high cardiovascular mortality in patients on dialysis ([1][1],[2][2]). The risk factors that probably predispose patients with CKD to VC include traditional ones such as older age, diabetes mellitus,
Semi-solid albumin solder improved mechanical properties for laser tissue welding.

Background and Objective A semi-solid albumin solder formulated with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) was designed to improve the characteristics of liquid and solid solders. Study Design/Materials and Methods Acute tensile strengths were determined on canine small bowel in vitro by using liquid 50% bovine serum albumin (BSA), semi-solid 48% BSA with HPMC, and solid 60% BSA solder. Long-term healing of liquid and semi-solid solders, compared with a suture control, was evaluated in a porcine skin model, with tensile strength as well as histologic findings obtained on postoperative day 7. Results Acutely, semi-solid solder demonstrated a significantly (P < 0.05) higher tensile strength when compared with liquid or solid solder. At 7 days, HSA semi-solid and BSA semi-solid had significantly (P < 0.05) higher tensile strength than suture control; however, no differences were seen for liquid or solid solder groups. No differences in histology were appreciable between any of the solder groups in a porcine skin model. Conclusion Acutely and at 7 days, semi-solid solder was stronger than 50% liquid albumin with better handling characteristics. Lasers Surg. Med. 27:140–146, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Studies on squalene biosynthesis in Sarcophaga bullata larvae

Abstract The source of squalene found in Sarcophaga bullata has been investigated. After in vivo and in vitro incubations with [2- 14 C]mevalonate, no apparent biosynthesis of squalene was observed. The results suggest that squalene originates from the diet. It is proposed that the absence of cholesterol synthesis in insects is due, in part, to the deletion of the enzyme squalene synthetase, which condenses farnesyl pyrophosphates into squalene.
A fractional step θ-method for convection–diffusion problems☆

Abstract In this article, we analyze the fractional step θ -method for the time-dependent convection–diffusion equation. In our implementation, we completely separate the convection operator from the diffusion operator, and stabilize the convective problem using a Streamline Upwinded Petrov–Galerkin (SUPG) method. We establish a priori error estimates and show that the optimal value of θ yields a scheme that is second-order in time. Numerical computations are presented which demonstrate the method and support the theoretical results.
Inertia in simple dipolar continua

A l'aide d'une definition axiomatique de l'inertie dans des modeles de corps simples on calcule la forme la plus generale de l'inertie dans un milieu continu simple dipolaire. On montre que dans un milieu continu simple avec contraintes de couple, l'inertie dipolaire doit tendre vers zero
Feelings of Loss in Response to Divorce: Assessment and Intervention.

This article presents a cognitively based model to use as a basis for assessment and intervention strategies for assisting individuals to cope with feelings of loss they may experience in response to divorce.
DIFFERENTIAL ITEM FUNCTIONING AND THE MANTEL‐HAENSZEL PROCEDURE

The Mantel-Haenszel procedure is a noniterative contingency table method for estimating and testing a common two-factor association parameter in a 2×2×k table. As such it may be used to study “item bias” or differential item functioning in two groups of examinees. This technique is discussed in this context and compared to other related techniques as well as to item response theory methods.
Control of Wood Dust from Horizontal Belt Sanding

An auxiliary ventilation system has been developed to reduce the wood dust emission from horizontal belt sanders. This system consists of two devices: a hood and a jet stripper. The hood is a narrow low-volume, high-velocity slot hood located between a belt surface and a worktable; the push device is a jet stripper located inside a driven pulley hood opposite the operator site. In combination with a standard sander hood, both devices significantly reduced the wood dust emission into the workroom. Laboratory data were confirmed by field tests conducted at an oscillating edge belt sander at a wood furniture manufacturing plant. These devices work independently of each other and do not interfere with the operator's sanding activity. They do not require special maintenance and are economically feasible.
Collecting Data From the Criminal Courts: Perspectives of Court Staff Members—A Research Note

Because court policies and programs must be evaluated, the relationship between researchers and the staff members overseeing court data is an essential part of the process. Past research indicates that researchers commonly believe that their efforts are hampered by court staff members, who, accordingly, often have suspicions about the agendas of researchers. The present study examines an alternative viewpoint—the perspectives of court staff members who oversee the data requests of researchers. Specifically, 30 county-level and 30 state-level court staff members were interviewed about their relations with researchers in the data collection process, and the strategies they believe researchers can use to make the process more efficient. The authors find that staff members do not view their relations with researchers to be as problematic as the researchers perceive. The authors also discovered that there are several approaches that both sides can use to establish a better data collection process.
Conflict and Dominance Between Siblings as Predictors of Children’s Peer Victimization

This study examined relations among sibling conflict, sibling dominance, and peer victimization. Participants were 65 elementary school students and their parents, with additional data provided by teachers and classmates. Structured interviews were used to gather information about children’s relationship with their nearest-age sibling. Findings differed substantially based on parent versus child sibling conflict ratings. Sibling dominance negatively predicted parent-rated sibling conflict. Sibling dominance moderated the relation between child-rated sibling conflict and self-rated peer victimization such that sibling conflict positively predicted peer victimization for dominant siblings, but negatively predicted victimization for children who were submissive to their sibling. The linear and curvilinear sibling dominance terms moderated relations between sibling conflict and peer victimization as rated by teachers and peers, but the nature of interactions varied by parent versus child report of sibling conflict. Children regarded by parents as engaging in frequent sibling conflict were at greater risk of teacher- and peer-reported victimization, but not if the child was dominant over their sibling. The curvilinear dominance term also moderated the relation between child-rated sibling conflict and peer-reported victimization. Child-rated conflict negatively predicted victimization for children in balanced sibling relationships but positively predicted victimization for children in sibling dyads characterized by dominance disparity. Findings are complex, but suggest healthy sibling relationships characterized by balanced levels of social dominance can protect against peer victimization.
Trophic status of three large Missouri River reservoirs

Abstract Bolgrien, D.W., J.V. Scharold, T.R. Angradi, T.D. Corry, E.W. Schwieger and J.R. Kelly. 2009. Trophic status of three large Missouri River reservoirs. Lake Reserv. Manage. 25:176–190. Probability-based surveys conducted between 2001–2004 characterized the three large reservoirs of the Missouri River—Lake Oahe, Lake Sakakawea, and Fort Peck Lake—as mesotrophic to eutrophic, phosphorus (P) limited, and generally supporting cold water habitat (bottom waters 5 mg/L) in midsummer. Riverine zones were shallower, warmer, more eutrophic, and had lower DO and higher suspended matter concentrations than lacustrine zones. Similar, although more variable, differences were found between bays and open-water areas. Between sampling years, water levels decreased in each reservoir. In the first year of sampling, area-weighted mean reservoir trophic status index based on chlorophyll (TSIchl) was about 37 in all three reservoirs. Sixty percent of Oahe and Sakakawea an...
Synthesis and characterization of imide oligomers end-capped with 4-(phenylethynyl)phthalic anhydrides

Abstract A new series of phenylethynyl end-capped imide oligomers was synthesized and analysed for thermal stability, thermo-oxidative stability, glass transition temperature (Tg), cure temperatures and adhesive strength. Thus, 4-(phenylethynyl)phthalic anhydride (PEPA) and four substituted PEPAs containing electron-withdrawing groups were synthesized and used as end-capping agents for oligomers of 1,4-diaminobenzene and 2,2′-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane dianhydride. The oligomers underwent an exothermic reaction above 350°C to afford an insoluble network. The cure reaction was apparently promoted by electron-withdrawing groups as the oligomers end-capped with the substituted PEPAs started to cure at lower temperatures. Their rate of cure was also faster, as evidenced by the faster rise in their Tgs. The cured resins had Tgs as high as 405°C and displayed good thermo-oxidative stability at 371°C. A cured sample of a PEPA end-capped oligomer with a calculated molecular weight of 4200 g mol−1 displayed moderate high-temperature adhesive strength.
The scent of a male: The role of floral volatiles in pollination of a gender dimorphic plant

Most flowering plants rely on animal pollinators to transfer male gametes between individuals, and thus a significant problem for gender dimorphic plants is that pollinators often avoid female flowers. Here we show for the first time that one important reason pollinators shun female flowers is because they do not smell like males. We compared emission rates and floral scent composition in a gynodioecious wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) where females receive half as many visits by generalist pollinators as conspecific hermaphrodites. We used floral extracts to determine the source of sexually dimorphic odor and pollinator responses. Specifically, we used extracts of whole flowers and specific floral parts in choice tests to determine that pollinators preferred the scent of hermaphrodite flowers over those of females and that this discrimination was due primarily to the scent of hermaphrodite anthers. These data conclusively show that scent can be a major driver of pollinator behavior in gender dimorphic plants. Our results also indicate that scent is an important modulator of pollinator behavior even in a small flowered, weakly scented species visited by generalist pollinators, and not just peculiar to intensely scented, deceptive, or specialized pollination systems.
Nonadiabatic effects in a method that combines classical and quantum mechanics

We have included nonadiabatic effects in the calculation of the dynamical evolution of a system where a quantum particle in a double well is coupled to a classical oscillator. By performing an exponential resummation of the evolution operator we have included ‘‘polarization’’ effects (similar to the self‐energy corrections for an electron that moves in a polarizable medium) which lead to a renormalization of the energy of the quantum particle.
Picosecond photodetector for 257 nm to 1 μm laser pulses

Picasecond temporal response and broad spectral response photodetectors have been fabricated using commercially available diode chips. Improved photoresponse sensitivity is achieved by removing the anode gold contact which obscures the active region. Junction geometry is such that the depletion region is approximately normal to the surface being illuminated, making the device especially useful for fast UV photodetection.
Family ethnic socialization and ethnic identity: A family-driven, youth-driven, or reciprocal process?

The current study examined the longitudinal associations between family ethnic socialization and youths’ ethnic identity among a sample of Mexican-origin youth (N = 178, Mage = 18.17, SD = .46). Findings from multiple-group cross lagged panel models over a two year period indicated that for U.S.-born youth with immigrant parents, the process appeared to be family-driven: Youths’ perceptions of family ethnic socialization in late adolescence were associated with significantly greater ethnic identity exploration and resolution in emerging adulthood, while youths’ ethnic identity during late adolescence did not significantly predict youths’ future perceptions of family ethnic socialization. Conversely, for U.S.-born youth with U.S. born parents, youths’ ethnic identity significantly predicted their future perceptions of family ethnic socialization but perceptions of family ethnic socialization did not predict future levels of youths’ ethnic identity, suggesting a youth-driven process. Findings were consistent for males and females.
Diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for gastrointestinal cancer among American veterans.

AIM: To assess the risk of biliary and pancreatic cancers in a large cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: Eligibility for this study included patients with type 2 DM (ICD-9 code 250.0) who were discharged from Department of Veteran Affairs hospitals between 1990 and 2000. Non-matched control patients without DM were selected from the same patient treatment files during the same period. Demographic information included age, sex and race. Secondary diagnoses included known risk factors based on their ICD-9 codes. By multivariate logistic regression, the occurrence of biliary and pancreatic cancer was compared between case subjects with DM and controls without DM. RESULTS: A total of 1 172 496 case and control subjects were analyzed. The mean age for study and control subjects was 65.8 ± 11.3 and 64.8 ± 12.6 years, respectively. The frequency of pancreatic cancer in subjects with DM was increased (0.9%) in comparison to control subjects (0.3%) with an OR of 3.22 (95% CI: 3.03-3.42). The incidence of gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary cancers was increased by twofold in diabetic patients when compared to controls. The OR and 95% CI were 2.20 (1.56-3.00) and 2.10 (1.61-2.53), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that patients with DM have a threefold increased risk for developing pancreatic cancer and a twofold risk for developing biliary cancer.
Cost-sharing and provider choice.

Abstract Restoring financial incentives to encourage patients to shop for the lowest prices for medical care underlies current procompetitive health financing proposals. This paper analyzes the impact of one such financial incentive - cost-sharing in health insurance - on patients' provider shopping behavior. Using data from the ‘Health Insurance Study’, the relationship of cost- sharing with the specialty type of the primary care provider and with the costliness of the selected provider is investigated. The results were mixed as to whether patients who have only catastrophic coverage seek lower priced physicians than patients who have free care; however, any differences were small. Even among the well-educated, who are likely to be more efficient than the less educated at obtaining comparative price information, the effects of cost-sharing on the costliness of the selected medical care provider were minimal.