cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
State Sales Taxation as a Budget Balancing Device

CURRENTLY ALL BUT FIVE STATES raise some portion of their revenues by levies on sales.1 Whenever there is a proposition either to introduce sales taxation or to raise or broaden the base of an existing imposition on sales, the arguments raised against such legislation usually boil down to two: the equity argument and the resource allocation argument. The gist of the equity argument is that sales taxes tend to be regressive, i.e. tend to place a greater burden on lower income groups relative to higher income groups. Whether a sales tax is regressive or not, and if so, to what degree, is a complex empirical question. Whether or not any given state desires a tax that has some degree of regressivity is more a political and value judgment than a strict economic question. Most often states, for whatever reasons, claim to hold the position that it is desirable to avoid or at least limit regressivity in their tax structures and have attempted to restrict their sales taxes either by exempting certain items (like food, etc.) or by giving tax credits or rebates to lower income groups. Such an approach has probably dulled the main thrust of the equity argument against sales taxation. And this argument-perhaps because it is relatively easy to present to the public and because most of the electorate seem to consider themselves in income brackets where they would be relatively worse off given a sales tax (or an increase in an existing tax)-seems to be the stand most often taken by anti-sales tax groups. The other argument against sales taxation indicated above involves a largely abstract analysis of theoretical adverse effects of such an arbitrary increase in prices on efficient resource allocation. Because of the abstract and technical nature of this argument it is mainly limited to specialists, and most likely has had little if any impact one way or the other on electorates or on their representatives in state capitals. What appears to this writer to be a third and perhaps even more important argument against sales taxation has been almost entirely, if not entirely, neglected. The main outline of the argument can be presented as follows: Experience seems to indicate that state sales taxes are most often either passed or increased to fill a "fiscal gap" between state expenditures and state revenues.2 However, experience has also indicated that the sales
Model assessment of the observed relationship between El Niño and the northern East Asian summer monsoon using the Community Climate System Model Community Atmosphere Model‐Community Land Model version 3 (CAM‐CLM3)

[1] Plausibility and reproducibility of the relationship and physical mechanisms proposed between the northern East Asian summer monsoon (NEASM) and El Nino are verified and illuminated using the Community Climate System Model (CCSM) with the Community Atmosphere Model–Community Land Model version 3 (CAM-CLM3). The climate responses over East Asia and western North Pacific to El Nino are simulated in the CCSM3 using dynamic atmosphere and land with prescribed climatological and El Nino sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. A significantly intensified NEASM is simulated for the El Nino experiments, which validates the positive correlation between NEASM precipitation and El Nino found in recent observational analysis. Analysis of lower level wind vector and vorticity in the model experiments elucidates the physical mechanism behind the positive correlation between NEASM precipitation and El Nino, and shows that the western North Pacific anticyclone plays an important role in the connection between the NEASM and the tropical SST anomalies.
Massenspektrometrie und ihre anwendun auf strukturelle und stereochemische Probleme—CCVI: Beobachtungen bei der Fragmentierung Olefinischer Kohlenwasserstoffe

Bei Olefinen der allgemeinen Struktur I, II und III erleidet das unter Elektronenbeschuss erzeugte Molekulion neben der als Hauptreaktion ablaufenden McLafferty-Umlagerung auch bei milden Anregungsbedingungen eine vor der Fragmentierung eintretende Isomerisierung. Es wurde versucht, Herkunft und Entstehungsweg eines sowohl beim Abbau des Molekulions als auch des McLafferty-Ions gebildeten gemeinsamen Bruchstuckes mit Hilfe von 13C- und D-Markierung zu klaren. Der Einfluss einer Verzweigungstelle in γ-, ω- oder ϵ-Position zur Doppelbindung bei Olefinen vom Typ I auf deren Verhalten im Massenspektrometer wurde untersucht. The molecular ions generated by electron-impact from olefins of the general structure I, II and III fragment mainly via the McLafferty rearrangement. Even under mild ionization conditions, however, they undergo isomerization before fragmentation takes place. The origin and mode of formation of an ion generated simultaneously by decay of the molecular ion and the McLafferty ion were investigated by means of 13C- and D-labelling. The influence of branching at the γ-, ω-, or ϵ-positions of the double bond in type I-olefins was studied.
Asymmetric steady states in catalytic slabs with uniform and nonuniform environments

Abstract When a chemical reaction occurs on the exterior surfaces of a catalytic nonporous slab, stable asymmetric steady states may exist. The number of the asymmetric solutions is a complex function of the Biot number of the system. A graphical technique is presented for determination of these solutions for uniform as well as nonuniform environments. Our method provides a rapid determination of the qualitative features of all the solutions and their stability. The procedure enables the determination of the stable steady states from the results of a simple experiment without the need for any information about the functional form of the rate expression or about the kinetic parameters. The results indicate several suprising patterns of solutions. When the temperature of the reactant streams are not equal, a stable steady state may exist for which the heat flux in the slab is against the external temperature driving force.
Fluorescent biorecognition of gold nanoparticle-IgG conjugates self-assembled on e-beam patterns

A new concept for line patterning of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in nanometer scale using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) self-assembled in a nanochannel written with an electron beam is proposed and demonstrated. AuNPs are synthesized by reducing KAuCl4 with NaBH4, producing AuNPs 40-70 nm in size, where Cl- ions are capping AuNPs thus making them negatively charged and subsequently stabilized. IgG is conjugated to these AuNPs by simple adsorption. Single or multiple nanochannels are written with an electron beam using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) in a layer of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), which is spin-coated on a p-doped Si wafer. AuNPs bind into the etched nanochannel where the Si surface is exposed, while the relatively hydrophobic PMMA area repels the particles. The particles with a diameter larger than the channel width are not able to go inside of it. Anti-IgG, conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), is then exposed to the patterned surface, binding specifically to the IgG-AuNP conjugates within the line patterns. These antibody-antigen bindings can be visualized with a fluorescent microscope, showing the fluorescent signal only along with the nanometer line pattern. These initial steps will lead to the formation of complex protein nanoarrays, based on the size-dependent self-assembly of AuNPs within variously sized nanopatterns.
Manliness, Religion, and Our Manly Scientists

The source of the manly exaggerations characteristic of members of our species is our abstract and idealistic ability to imagine ourselves as more than we really are. Our scientists are right that religious cruelty has often been the product of our manly inclination to exaggerate our personal importance. Our scientists, however, characteristically forget that we also have the abstract and idealistic ability to imagine ourselves as less than we really are. Surely their theoretical manliness or proud self-transcendence is also unrealistically self-confident, and it can even produce its own forms of “dehumanizing” cruelty. In spite of our scientists’ criticisms, the truth will always be known by a particular person, and any realistic account of all we can know must include room for persons.
Metaphors for Embarrassment and Stories of Exposure: The Not‐So‐Egocentric Self in American Culture

C'est l'idee de “personne,” l'idee du “moi.” Tout le monde la trouve naturelle, precise au fond de sa conscience, toute equipee au fond de la morale qui s'en deduit.[Mauss 1938:263]
TOXICOLOGY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF NON-ENZYMATIC BROWNING REACTION PRODUCTS: REVIEW

This article summarizes toxicity and antioxidative activity of non-enzymatic browning reaction products. The subject focuses on the formation and toxicity testing of mutagenic Maillard reaction products (MPRs) formed in food model systems and in actual foods. The MRPs have also been investigated for nutritional, physiological, and biological activities. The antioxidant properties of MRPs are also reviewed in terms of protection potential against oxidative damage associated with a wide variety of diseases such as diabetes and cancer, and pathological conditions such as aging.
Purple-to-blue transition of bacteriorhodopsin in a neutral lipid environment.

The red shift in the absorption maximum of native purple membrane suspensions caused by deionization is missing in lipid-depleted purple membrane, and the pK of the acid-induced transition is down-shifted to pH approximately 1.4 and has become independent of cation concentration (Szundi, I., and W. Stoeckenius. 1987. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 84:3681–3684). However, the proton pumping function cannot be demonstrated in these membranes. When native acidic lipids of purple membrane are exchanged for egg phosphatidylcholine or digalactosyldiglyceride, bacteriorhodopsin is functionally active in the modified membrane. It shows spectral shifts upon light-dark adaptation, a photocycle with M-intermediate and complex decay kinetics; when reconstituted into vesicles with the same neutral lipids, it pumps protons. Unlike native purple membrane, lipid-substituted modified membranes do not show a shift of the absorption maximum to longer wavelength upon deionization. A partial shift can be induced by titration with HCl; it has a pK near 1.5 and no significant salt dependence. Titration with HNO3 and H2SO4, which causes a complete transition in the lipid-depleted membranes, i.e., it changes their colors from purple to blue, does not cause the complete transition in the lipid-substituted preparations. These results show that the purple color of bacteriorhodopsin is independent of cations and their role in the purple-to-blue transition of native membranes is indirect. The purple and blue colors of bacteriorhodopsin are interpreted as two conformational states of the protein, rather than different protonation states of a counterion to the protonated Schiff base.
Radiation-induced Changes in Reactivity of Bovine Fibrinogen

THE acute effects of total body irradiation on mammalian haemostasis are now well established1. Information concerning direct effects on individual clotting components is meagre, and in the case of fibrinogen is confined to observations following the application of doses of X-rays of such high magnitude as to have no practical significance in the field of mammalian radiation damage2,3. The present study of fibrinogen is therefore concerned with the direct influence of low doses of irradiation.
The effect of muraglitazar on adiponectin signalling, mitochondrial function and fat oxidation genes in human skeletal muscle in vivo

Aims The molecular mechanisms by which muraglitazar (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ/α agonist) improves insulin sensitivity in Type 2 diabetes mellitus are not fully understood. We hypothesized that muraglitazar would increase expression of 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase and genes involved in adiponectin signalling, free fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle. Methods Sixteen participants with Type 2 diabetes received muraglitazar, 5 mg/day (n = 12) or placebo (n = 4). Before and after 16 weeks, participants had vastus lateralis muscle biopsy followed by 180 min euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp. Results Muraglitazar increased plasma adiponectin (9.0 ± 1.1 to 17.8 ± 1.5 μg/ml, P < 0.05), while no significant change was observed with placebo. After 16 weeks with muraglitazar, fasting plasma glucose declined by 31%, fasting plasma insulin decreased by 44%, insulin-stimulated glucose disposal increased by 81%, HbA1c decreased by 21% and plasma triglyceride decreased by 39% (all P < 0.05). Muraglitazar increased mRNA levels of 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase, adiponectin receptor 1, adiponectin receptor 2, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator–1 alpha and multiple genes involved in mitochondrial function and fat oxidation. In the placebo group, there were no significant changes in expression of these genes. Conclusions Muraglitazar increases plasma adiponectin, stimulates muscle 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase expression and increases expression of genes involved in adiponectin signalling, mitochondrial function and fat oxidation. These changes represent important cellular mechanisms by which dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists improve skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity.
Transfer-messenger RNA-SmpB Protein Regulates Ribonuclease R Turnover by Promoting Binding of HslUV and Lon Proteases

RNase R, an important exoribonuclease involved in degradation of structured RNA, is subject to a novel mechanism of regulation. The enzyme is extremely unstable in rapidly growing cells but becomes stabilized under conditions of stress, such as stationary phase or cold shock. RNase R instability results from acetylation which promotes binding of tmRNA-SmpB, two trans-translation factors, to its C-terminal region. Here, we examine how binding of tmRNA-SmpB leads to proteolysis of RNase R. We show that RNase R degradation is due to two proteases, HslUV and Lon. In their absence, RNase R is stable. We also show, using an in vitro system that accurately replicates the in vivo process, that tmRNA-SmpB is not essential, but it stimulates binding of the protease to the N-terminal region of RNase R and that it does so by a direct interaction between the protease and SmpB which stabilizes protease binding. Thus, a sequence of events, initiated by acetylation of a single Lys residue, results in proteolysis of RNase R in exponential phase cells. RNase R in stationary phase or in cold-shocked cells is not acetylated, and thereby remains stable. Such a regulatory mechanism, dependent on protein acetylation, has not been observed previously in bacterial cells.
The seven wonders of computer arithmetic

There are many good concepts that have been developed that collectively enable the achievement of incredibly high levels of performance in current computers. In this paper, seven key concepts are identified.
Contralateral Intramammary Silicone Lymphadenitis in a Patient with an Intact Standard Dual-Lumen Breast Implant in the Opposite Reconstructed Breast

Silicone lymphadenopathy is a recognized complication of silicone gel implant rupture; the ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes are most commonly involved. We report imaging findings on a range of different imaging modalities and biopsy results in a case of biopsy-proven silicone lymphadenitis involving contralateral intramammary and axillary lymph nodes in a patient with an intact standard dual-lumen breast implant in the opposite reconstructed breast. This case demonstrates that in a patient with disrupted lymph drainage due to prior mastectomy and axillary node dissection for breast cancer treatment, silicone particles can migrate in a retrograde fashion via the ipsilateral internal mammary lymph nodes and reach not only the contralateral axilla but also the outer quadrants of the contralateral breast, even in the presence of an intact breast implant.
Diagnostic features of gastric extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue

Gastric extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue may be difficult to distinguish from florid gastritis and other small B-cell lymphomas. The following review details a practical summary of the morphologic features, immunohistochemical markers, and molecular tests that currently provide for an accurate diagnosis in daily practice.
Determination of total chromium by flow injection analysis

Abstract The determination of total chromium by flow injection analysis is described. Cerium(IV) and nitric acid are used to convert chromium(III) to chromium(VI); the oxidation rate is enhanced by placing the reaction coil in an 80°C oil bath. 1,5-Diphenylcarbazide is used to form a colored complex with chromium(VI) that is measured at 540 nm. For both chromium(III) and chromium(VI), relative standard deviation of less than 1% is achieved with a sampling rate of 40 per hour. Linear response is obtained for 0.5–10 mg l −1 chromium.
Binding of an electron to a molecular quadrupole: (BeO)2

Abstract Ab initio calculations are presented for cyclic (BeO) 2 and its anion. The dimerization energy of the neutral species is found to be 7.2 eV. The anion is predicted to be stable to both dissociation and autodetachment of an electron. The binding of the “extra” electron is considered as arising primarily from the large quadrupole field of the neutral molecule.
The Neurotrophin Receptor p75NTR as a Positive Modulator of Myelination

Schwann cells in developing and regenerating peripheral nerves express elevated levels of the neurotrophin receptor p75 NTR . Neurotrophins are key mediators of peripheral nervous system myelination. Our results show that myelin formation is inhibited in the absence of functional p75 NTR and enhanced by blocking TrkC activity. Moreover, the enhancement of myelin formation by endogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor is mediated by the p75 NTR receptor, whereas TrkC receptors are responsible for neurotrophin-3 inhibition. Thus p75 NTR and TrkC receptors have opposite effects on myelination.
Melt infiltration casting of bulk metallic-glass matrix composites

The authors describe a technique for melt infiltration casting of composites with a metallic-glass matrix. We made rods 5 cm in length and 7 mm in diameter. The samples were reinforced by continuous metal wires, tungsten powder, or silicon carbide particulate preforms. The most easily processed composites were those reinforced with tungsten and carbon steel continuous wire reinforcement. The Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu12.5Ni10.0Be22.5 matrix was quenched to a glass after infiltrating the reinforcement. We analyzed the microstructure of the composites by x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The measured porosity was less than 3% and the matrix was about 97% amorphous material.
The role of lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer: was the ASTEC trial doomed by design and are we destined to repeat that mistake?

Abstract Objective This study examines the design of previous and future trials of lymph node dissection in endometrial cancer. Methods Data from previous trials were used to construct a decision analysis modeling the risk of lymphatic spread and the effects of treatment on patients with endometrial cancer. This model was then applied to previous trials as well as other future trial designs that might be used to address this subject. Results Comparing the predicted and actual results in the ASTEC trial, the model closely mimics the survival results with and without lymph node dissection for the low and high risk groups. The model suggests a survival difference of less than 2% between the experimental and control arms of the ASTEC trial under all circumstances. Sensitivity analyses reveal that these conclusions are robust. Future trial designs were also modeled with hysterectomy only, hysterectomy with radiation in intermediate risk patients, and staging with radiation only with node positive patients. Predicted outcomes for these approaches yield survival rates of 88%, 90%, and 93% in clinical stage I patients who have a risk of pelvic node involvement of approximately 7%. These estimates were 78%, 82%, and 89% in intermediate risk patients who have a risk of nodal spread of approximately 15%. Conclusions This model accurately predicts the outcome of previous trials and demonstrates that even if lymph node dissection was therapeutic, these trials would have been negative due to study design. Furthermore, future trial designs that are being considered would need to be conducted in high-intermediate risk patients to detect any difference.
Virtue and Marital Conflict: A Theoretical Formulation and Research Agenda:

This article presents a theoretical perspective and a research agenda for the study of the relationship between love and effective conflict management in marriage. Love is conceptualized as virtue....
Mass Media Use, Neighborliness, and Social Support Assessing Causal Links With Panel Data

This study assesses pathways of causal influence between two mass media use measures (campaign exposure and news attention) and two indicators of social capital (neighborliness and social support). This assessment encompasses the evaluation of a health media campaign that targeted African Americans in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Analysis of panel survey data indicated a significant over-time increase in neighborliness but not social support. Among the three cross-lagged effect models of influence, the best fit was of the mass media use causes social capital model. Similarly, among the three synchronous effect models of influence, the best fit was of the mass media use causes social capital model. This analysis provides support for the media campaign's effectiveness and, more broadly, allows for the extension of recent research that has used panel data to strengthen inferences of causation in different mass communication scenarios.
Transcatheter treatment of a large traumatic ventricular septal defect

We report the first successful transcatheter closure of a large traumatic ventricular septal defect in a 16-year-old adolescent. The risks of standard open heart repair using cardiopulmonary bypass were felt to be prohibitive due to coexistent injuries. This case demonstrates the feasibility of transcatheter therapy for traumatic ventricular septal defects.
Design and analysis of rectangular microstrip patches embedded in electromagnetically anisotropic composite laminates

This paper proposes an innovative antenna module where the microstrip antennas are embedded in composite laminates. The electromagnetic fields of the anisotropic medium by using Hertzian potentials will be derived to form the bases to develop the electromagnetic model of anisotropic composite laminates and the dimensions of radiators at desired operating frequency are solved by the spectral domain immittance functions with Parseval's theorem and Galerkin's method. Analyses show that ply angle, anisotropy ratio and stacking sequence are critical to performance and the composite laminates embedded with microstrip antennas will be a good candidate in aerospace communication applications.
Socio-Demographic Determinants of Child Health Services Utilization in Nepal

Rationale: High child mortality and morbidity in developing countries are highly associated with limited access to and poor quality of health care. Utilization of health services for children plays an important role towards achieving the Millennium Development Goal in the reduction of child mortality. In Nepal, several studies reveal disparities in child health outcomes across socio-economic levels and regions of the country. Health inequalities found in the relationship between socio-demographic determinants and the utilization of child health services has not been under rigorous examination. Objectives: The primary goal of the study is to examine empirical evidence of the socio-demographic determinants of child health services utilization, such as geographical access, household income, and mother's age and education level. Methodology: Using 1996 and 2001 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) data, both cross-sectional and fixed-effects logit models are used to analyze the effect of the determinants health services utilization for children suffering from diarrhea and/or respiratory illness. Results: Results show inequalities in child health utilization by sex of the child, maternal education, and across household income quintiles. Overall, health use increased over time and income; however, a smaller increase is observed for the top two income quintiles. Male health service utilization improved over time across all income groups; female health use also improved with the exception of the top quintile. Conclusions: In order to improve child survival, it is important to understand the determinants of healthcare use so that appropriate policies can be developed to maximize health services utilization. This study undertakes such an analysis to understand determinants of health services utilization for children in Nepal. This study demonstrates that sex of the child, household income, mother's education, partner's employment, and distance to health provider play a role in determining health services utilization for children under-5 years in Nepal. An important health equity implication of the association is the design of health policies and programs that reach children most at risk by increasing coverage to ensure including or targeting programs towards them. The analysis highlights the usefulness of the NDHS 1996 and 2001 data as tools to conduct health services research, and in developing policies to address health inequalities and improve access to underutilized health services.
Resistance in Colletotrichum siamense From Peach and Blueberry to Thiophanate-Methyl and Azoxystrobin

Anthracnose fruit rot was observed in some late-season peach cultivars in South Carolina in the 2012 and 2013 production seasons as well as increased anthracnose leaf spot of blueberry in a commercial operation of the same state in 2012. Single-spore isolates of Colletotrichum siamense were either sensitive or resistant to both thiophanate-methyl and azoxystrobin with the concentration of the fungicide at which fungal development is inhibited by 50% of ≥100 μg/ml. Resistant isolates revealed the E198A mutation in β-tubulin and the G143A mutation in cytochrome b. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the complete CYTB gene from genomic DNA of C. siamense isolates revealed an intronless genotype (CsI) and a genotype revealing two introns (CsII) at amino acid positions 131 and 164. Resistance to thiophanate-methyl or azoxystrobin was not found in isolates of C. fructicola collected from peach fruit. The CYTB gene of isolates of this species was of the CfII genotype or revealed a unique CfIIa genotype. Phylogenetic analysis of C. siamense isolates from different locations and different crops showed that the resistant isolates were genetically closer to each other than to sensitive isolates, suggesting that field resistance to thiophanate-methyl and azoxystrobin fungicides is derived from a common ancestor.
The Case for Education in Virtual Worlds

This article is a practical, often ethnographically based, argument for the current value and future potential of virtual worlds in education that attempts to specifically address the concerns and reservations of the many thoughtful educators and observers who are not yet convinced. It relates our experience teaching the course `CyberOne: Law in the Court of Public Opinion` at Harvard and in Second Life and the principles for successful teaching in a virtual environment that we derived from it: (a) use the technology for what it is good for and not for what it does not do well, (b) seek advantages in what appear to be limitations, and (c) where new capabilities are offered, find ways to use them.
KLF11 Epigenetically Regulates Glycodelin-A, a Marker of Endometrial Biology Via Histone-Modifying Chromatin Mechanisms

Endometrial biology is characterized by programmed proliferation and differentiation that is synchronous with ovarian folliculogenesis to maximize the chance of pregnancy. Glycodelin-A, an endometrial secretory protein, promotes pregnancy mostly through immunomodulatory mechanisms. Glycodelin-A is repressed during the proliferative and early secretory phase and activated thereafter. Progesterone activates glycodelin via the Sp1 (Specificity Protein 1) transactivator. We identify a novel role for Kruppel-like transcription factor 11 (KLF11) as a glycodelin-A repressor. Although KLF11 bound 2 distinct regulatory elements, it regulated glycodelin promoter activity differentially through each element. Whereas KLF11 weakly activated glycodelin promoter activity via a region that also bound Sp1, the dominant effect of KLF11 was repression of promoter activity, messenger RNA (mRNA), and protein expression via a novel, specific binding element. KLF11 mediated this repression by recruiting the SIN3/histone deacetylase (HDAC) corepressor complex to the glycodelin promoter. KLF11 may solely, or by competing with Sp1, repress glycodelin-A levels and thereby influence its role in the endometrium.
Rapid Assessment of the HIV/AIDS Crisis in Racial and Ethnic Minority Communities: An Approach for Timely Community Interventions

Objectives. The US Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the Congressional Black Caucus, created a new initiative to address the disproportionate ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis in racial/ethnic minority populations. Methods. This initiative included deploying technical assistance teams through the Office of HIV/AIDS Policy. The teams introduced rapid assessment and response methodologies and trained minority communities in their use. Results. The first 3 eligible cities (Detroit, Miami, and Philadelphia) focused assessments in small geographic areas, using multiple methodologies to obtain data. Conclusions. Data from the first 3 eligible cities provided critical information about changing the dynamics of the HIV/AIDS epidemic at the local level, including program and policy changes and infrastructure redeployment targeted at the most serious social and environmental conditions.
TGF-β signaling alterations and susceptibility to colorectal cancer

In 2006, more than 55 000 patients died of colorectal cancer in the US, accounting for ∼10% of all cancer deaths. Despite significant progress in screening combined with the development of novel effective therapies, colorectal cancer ranks second to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death. Twin studies indicate that 35% of all colorectal cancers are inherited, but high-penetrance tumor susceptibility genes only account for ∼3-6% of all cases. The remainder of the unexplained familial risk is presumably due to other high-penetrance genes, but polygenic mechanisms and low-penetrance tumor susceptibility genes are likely to account for a greater proportion of familial colorectal cancers. In this regard, there is growing evidence that a common hypomorphic variant of the type I TGF-β receptor, TGFBR1*6A, may account for ∼3% of all colorectal cancer cases, a fraction higher than that attributable to mismatch repair genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. Furthermore, TGFBR1*6A is emerging as a potent modifier of colorectal cancer risk among individuals with a strong family of colorectal cancer. The TGF-β signaling pathway plays a central but paradoxical role in the predisposition and progression of colorectal cancer. TGF-β is a potent inhibitor of normal colonic epithelial cells acting as a tumor suppressor. However, TGF-β promotes the survival, invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells, thereby acting as an oncogene. Understanding how selective alterations of the TGF-β signaling pathway contribute to colorectal cancer development and progression will likely permit the identification of an additional fraction of inherited colorectal cancer cases and provide novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
Toward practical cooperative stereo for robotic colonies

In this paper we describe an approach towards cooperative stereo. The key problems, significant different views, different scale and occlusion, will be addressed in the context of a distributed robotic system. An algorithmic approach is described towards solving these problems and results on real scenes are presented.
Resonant-wavelength control and optical-confinement analysis for graded SCH VCSELs using a self-consistent effective-index method

We report novel design considerations for graded separate confinement heterostructure (SCH) cavities of oxide-confined vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). Using a self-consistent effective-index method, we have analyzed ungraded, linearly and exponentially graded SCH cavities of an 850-nm VCSEL. An ungraded SCH gives the best optical-confinement factor, while linear and exponential gradings reduce the factor by 18% and 9%, respectively. Grading the SCH cavities of oxide-confined VCSELs leads to both a shift in the resonant wavelength as well as a decrease in the optical-confinement factor. The resonant-wavelength shifts in graded SCH cavities are attributed to two competing effects: the formation of an effective-index step that redefines the /spl lambda/ cavity, and larger optical-field leakage, which relaxes the confinement. We have also demonstrated that wavelength shifts can be easily compensated by optimized width extensions of the aperture layers which sandwich the graded SCH cavity, without further reducing the optical-confinement factor. Based on a revised understanding of the resonances for graded SCH cavities, we can therefore control the design of graded SCH VCSELs to obtain a desired resonant wavelength with great precision.
USE OF MACROINVERTEBRATES TO IDENTIFY CULTIVATED WETLANDS IN THE PRAIRIE POTHOLE REGION

We evaluated the use of macroinvertebrates as a potential tool to identify dry and intensively farmed temporary and seasonal wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region. The techniques we designed and evaluated used the dried remains of invertebrates or their egg banks in soils as indicators of wetlands. For both the dried remains of invertebrates and their egg banks, we weighted each taxon according to its affinity for wetlands or uplands. Our study clearly demonstrated that shells, exoskeletons, head capsules, eggs, and other remains of macroinvertebrates can be used to identify wetlands, even when they are dry, intensively farmed, and difficult to identify as wetlands using standard criteria (i.e., hydrology, hydrophytic vegetation, and hydric soils). Although both dried remains and egg banks identified wetlands, the combination was more useful, especially for identifying drained or filled wetlands. We also evaluated the use of coarse taxonomic groupings to stimulate use of the technique by nonspecialists and obtained satisfactory results in most situ- ations.
A gradient method for computing the optimal H/sub infinity / norm

A fast algorithm for computing the optimal H/sub infinity / norm is presented. The algorithm is based on certain explicit computations of gradients. Examples are given to show that the gradient method is much faster than the bisection method. The gradient method can be used without the upper and lower bound computations. This could be a substantial additional saving because computing these bounds requires the computation of the H/sub infinity / norm. >
Complementary sequences for ISI channel estimation

A merit factor based on the sequence autocorrelation function, whose minimization leads to the reduction in the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) for the variance of "two-sided" intersymbol interference (ISI) channel estimation is introduced. Pairs of binary pilot symbol sequences (a preamble and a postamble) for channel estimation are jointly designed to minimize this merit factor. Given that the number of channel taps is L and the length of a pilot symbol sequence is (N+L-1), where N/spl ges/L, we distinguish between the case when N is even and the case when it is odd. For even N, we show that complementary sequences not only minimize the merit factor, but also the CRLB. For a subset of odd N we construct almost-complementary periodic sequence pairs that minimize the merit factor. The optimal pilot symbol block signaling requires alternating between two (in most cases) different binary sequences that form the merit-minimizing pair.
Dopamine Receptor Subtypes Selectively Modulate Excitatory Afferents from the Hippocampus and Amygdala to Rat Nucleus Accumbens Neurons

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) receives excitatory afferents from several cortical and limbic regions and dense dopaminergic inputs from the ventral tegmental area. We examined the effects of dopamine (DA) D1 and D2 selective drugs on the responses evoked in the NAc shell neurons recorded in vitro by stimulation of hippocampal and amygdaloid afferents. Activation of hippocampal and amygdaloid afferents induced excitatory postsynaptic responses that were depressed by bath application of DA in most of the cells recorded. The DA effect was substantially blocked by the D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390, but not by the D2 receptor antagonist eticlopride. Moreover, the D1 receptor agonist SKF 38393, but not the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole, mimicked the effects of DA, although a small population of neurons exhibited a D1-mediated facilitation of the EPSP amplitude following fornix stimulation. These data demonstrate a DA receptor subtype-specific modulation of glutamatergic inputs to the NAc, with D1 agonists attenuating amygdaloid inputs, whereas hippocampal-evoked responses were either depressed or potentiated by D1 stimulation. Such facilitation or attenutation of hippocampal afferents against a background of suppression of other afferents would permit the hippocampus to have a dominant influence over behavior during periods of exploration.
Simulation of circularly polarized luminescence spectra using coupled cluster theory

We report the first computations of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) rotatory strengths at the equation-of-motion coupled cluster singles and doubles (EOM-CCSD) level of theory. Using a test set of eight chiral ketones, we compare both dipole and rotatory strengths for absorption (electronic circular dichroism) and emission to the results from time-dependent density-functional theory (TD-DFT) and available experimental data for both valence and Rydberg transitions. For two of the compounds, we obtained optimized geometries of the lowest several excited states using both EOM-CCSD and TD-DFT and determined that structures and EOM-CCSD transition properties obtained with each structure were sufficiently similar that TD-DFT optimizations were acceptable for the remaining test cases. Agreement between EOM-CCSD and the Becke three-parameter exchange function and Lee-Yang-Parr correlation functional (B3LYP) corrected using the Coulomb attenuating method (CAM-B3LYP) is typically good for most of the transitions, though agreement with the uncorrected B3LYP functional is significantly worse for all reported properties. The choice of length vs. velocity representation of the electric dipole operator has little impact on the EOM-CCSD transition strengths for nearly all of the states we examined. For a pair of closely related β, γ-enones, (1R)-7-methylenebicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one and (1S)-2-methylenebicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-7-one, we find that EOM-CCSD and CAM-B3LYP agree with the energetic ordering of the two possible excited-state conformations, resulting in good agreement with experimental rotatory strengths in both absorption and emission, whereas B3LYP yields a qualitatively incorrect result for the CPL signal of (1S)-2-methylenebicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-7-one. Finally, we predict that one of the compounds considered here, trans-bicyclo[3.3.0]octane-3,7-dione, is unique in that it exhibits an achiral ground state and a chiral first excited state, leading to a strong CPL signal but a weak circular dichroism signal.
Computational pharmacology of rifampin in mice: an application to dose optimization with conflicting objectives in tuberculosis treatment

Dose selection for rifampin in the treatment of active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) illustrates some of the challenges for dose optimization within multidrug therapies. Rifampin-based anti-TB regimens are often combined with antiretroviral therapies to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection. The potent cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme inducing properties of rifampin give rise to significant drug-drug interactions, the minimization of which by limiting the dose, conflicts with the maximization of bacterial killing by increasing the dose. Such multiple and conflicting objectives lead to a set of trade-off optimal solutions for dose optimization rather than a single best solution. Here, we combine pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling with multiobjective optimization to quantitatively explore trade-offs between therapeutic and adverse effects of optimal dosing for the example of rifampin in TB-infected mice. The PK/PD model describes rifampin concentrations in plasma and liver following oral administration together with hepatic CYP enzyme induction and bacterial killing kinetics. We include optimization objectives descriptive of antimicrobial efficacy, CYP-mediated drug-drug interactions, and drug exposure-dependent toxicity. Results show non-conventional dosing scenarios that allow for increased efficacy relative to uniform dosing without increasing drug-drug interactions. Additionally, we find currently employed dosages for rifampin to be nearly optimal with respect to trade-offs between efficacy and toxicity. While limited by the accuracy and applicability of the PK/PD model, these results provide an avenue for experimental investigation of complex dose optimization problems. This method can be extended to include additional drugs and optimization objectives, and may provide a useful tool for individualized medicine.
Nonthermal plasma (NTP) applications to the environment: gaseous electronics and power conditioning

For nearly two decades, interest in gas-phase pollution control has greatly increased, arising from a greater respect for the environment, more attention to the effects of pollution, and a larger body of regulations and laws. Nonthermal plasma (NTP) technology shows promise for destroying pollutants in gas streams and cleaning contaminated surfaces, using plasma-generated reactive species (e.g., free radicals). NTPs can generate both oxidative and reductive radicals - showing promise for treating a variety of pollutants, sometimes simultaneously decomposing multiple species. In this paper, some applications of NTP processing for the environment, associated discharge physics and plasma chemistry, and power conditioning systems for driving the NTP reactors will be discussed.
Suprathreshold visual psychophysics and structure-based visual masking

Current state-of-the-art algorithms that process visual information for end use by humans treat images and video as traditional "signals" and employ sophisticated signal processing strategies to achieve their excellent performance. These algorithms also incorporate characteristics of the human visual system (HVS), but typically in a relatively simplistic manner, and achievable performance is reaching an asymptote. However, large gains are still realizable with current techniques by aggressively incorporating HVS characteristics to a much greater extent than is presently done. Achieving these gains requires HVS characterizations which better model natural image perception ranging from sub-threshold perception (where distortions are not visible) to supra-threshold perception (where distortions are clearly visible). This paper reviews classical psychophysical HVS characterizations focused on the visual cortex (V1), pertaining to the contrast sensitivity function, summation, and masking, which have been obtained using unrealistic stimuli such as sinusoids and white noise. The direct applicability of these results to natural images is often not clear. Complementary results are then presented which have been obtained using realistic stimuli derived from or consisting of natural images, along with several applications of these results. Finally, a new structure-based masking model is proposed to model masking in homogeneous natural image patches as a function of the image type: textures, edges, or structures.
Compliance versus adherence in serious and persistent mental illness

Failure to follow prescribed treatment has devastating consequences for those who are seriously and persistently mentally ill. Nurses, therefore, try to get clients to take psychotropic medication on a long-term basis. The goal is either compliance or adherence. Although current nursing literature has abandoned the term compliance because of its implications of coercion, in psychiatric nursing practice with patients suffering from serious long-term mental illness compliance and adherence are in fact different goals. The ideal goal is adherence, which requires the patient to be an active participant in the team. This goal is consistent with nurses' ethical values, but for such patients this is frequently unrealistic. If the person is severely psychotic, treatment may be involuntary and the goal compliance. Psychiatric nurses participate in involuntary treatment and thus should acknowledge the ethical implications of compliance as a goal and not obscure the issue by calling compliance adherence.
Measuring Risk on Consumer Instalment Credit

The advantages of statistical measures for grading credit risks in lending to consumers have been widely recognized but relatively little use has been made of such systems. The paper develops a relatively simple statistical method for measuring risk on individual accounts that can also be used for measuring and controlling portfolio quality and for estimating loss rates. The procedure entails four steps: Comparison of good and bad accounts in the search for characteristics that are associated with bad accounts; Calculation of bad account probabilities for discriminating characteristics; Development of a risk index from bad account probabilities to be used in grading accounts; Evaluation of the risk index. A test of the Method the accounts of a commercial bank is described and the judgements implied by the risk index are compared to the criteria used by interviewers in rejecting applicants. A great many similarities are found between the results of the two methods but a number of striking dissimilarities are observed. The last section of the paper illustrates the ways in which the risk index can be used to adjust credit quality to the desired volume and loss experience. It also demonstrates its use in measuring portfolio quality and in estimating loss rates.
Health impact assessment in planning: Development of the design for health HIA tools

Abstract How can planners more systematically incorporate health concerns into practical planning processes? This paper describes a suite of health impact assessment tools (HIAs) developed specifically for planning practice. Taking an evidence-based approach the tools are designed to fit into existing planning activities. The tools include: a short audit tool, the Preliminary Checklist; a structured participatory workshop, the Rapid HIA; an intermediate health impact assessment, the Threshold Analysis; and a set of Plan Review Checklists. This description provides a basis for future work including assessing tool validity, refining specific tools, and creating alternatives.