cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emotional induced attentional blink in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Abstract Background Although an attentional bias for threat is implicated in anxiety disorders, such a bias has not been consistently observed in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This inconsistency is partially due to a paucity of studies employing robust attentional tasks. The emotional attentional blink (EAB), a phenomenon in which the brief appearance of a task-irrelevant, emotionally arousing image captures attention to such an extent that target stimuli cannot be detected, have increasing been employed as more robust tasks of attentional biases. Methods In the present study, patients with OCD (n = 23) and controls (n = 24) completed an EAB paradigm that required searching for a target embedded within a series of rapidly presented images. Critically, a fear, disgust, positive, or neutral distracter image appeared 200 ms or 800 ms before the target (i.e., lag 2 and lag 8). Results Although accuracy was significantly reduced for control participants when emotionally arousing images served as distractors compare to neutral images at lag 2 (but not at lag 8), no statistically significant differences in accuracy were observed between emotionally arousing images and neutral images among those with OCD. Subsequent analysis did show that OCD symptoms across all participants was significantly correlated with difficulty disengaging from emotionally arousing, but not neutral, images. Limitations Relatively small sample size and absence of personally-relevant threatening stimuli. Conclusions The reduced attentional capture by emotionally arousing images in OCD, relative to neutral images neutral, may suggest inefficient engagement and disengagement of attentional networks.
Speculators and Middlemen: The Strategy and Performance of Investors in the Housing Market

Housing market transactions are a matter of public record and thus provide a rare opportunity to analyze the behavior, performance, and strategies of individual investors. Using data for all housing transactions in the Los Angeles area from 1988-2009, this paper provides empirical evidence on investor behavior that is consistent with several rationales for speculative investment in the finance literature, including the roles of middlemen and na¨ive speculators. Speculative activity by novice investors increased sharply in the recent housing boom. These investors earned little more than the market rate of appreciation and demonstrated no ability to foresee market price movements.
Comparative Measures of Grit, Tenacity and Perseverance

Motivation to learn has been shown to be an important asset for success in school and career. This study examined the relationship between psychometric scales as well as survey items regarding motivational characteristics related to learning and achievement. Newer measurement indices related to grit and perseverance are compared to historical indices related to persistence and motivation to study to explore the commonalities or differences in the measures. Major findings were that the three scales of Study Habits from the Computer Attitude Questionnaire (CAQ), Grit part 2 Persistence of Effort and CAQ Motivation / Persistence were closely associated with each other while Grit part 1 Consistency of Interests remained independent, as a separate measure. Multiple gender differences in the measures indicate that females in this study are higher in most of the areas measured.
Dealing with Uncertainty

In the previous chapters we assumed that the robot was able to perfectly control its motions, i.e. to exactly follow the geometrical paths generated by the planner. This assumption is realistic when the workspace is relatively uncluttered and the goal configuration does not have to be achieved too precisely. In those cases, if necessary, uncertainty in robot’s control can be taken into account by slightly “growing” the C-obstacles and planning a free path among the grown C-obstacles. Motions that can be planned in this way are often called gross motions.
Patent trend analysis: The case of microgenetic engineering

This paper reviews the use of patent statistics. Contemporaneous patent profiles of ‘mutation/genetic engineering’ over the 1970s are compared and contrasted and a cumulative net cash-flow forecast is presented for the genetic engineering industry to the year 2000.
Resting energy expenditure of rats acclimated to hypergravity.

BACKGROUND: The use of centrifugation at 1 G has been advocated as a control condition during spaceflight and as a countermeasure to compensate for the adverse effects of spaceflight. Rodents are the primary animal model for the study of the effects of spaceflight and will be used in the evaluation of centrifugation as a countermeasure and means of control at 1 G during flight. HYPOTHESIS: The present study was designed to assess whether resting energy expenditure (EER) of male rats was increased in relation to the magnitude of the level of gravity to which the animals were exposed. The influence of body mass and age on resting energy expenditure (EER) of male rats (n = 42, age 40-400 d) was determined following 2 wk of acclimation to 1, 2.3, or 4.1 G. Hypergravity environments were created by centrifugation. Measurements were made at the gravity level to which the animal was acclimated and during the lights-on period. RESULTS: In rats matched for body mass (approximately 400 g), mean O2 consumption and CO2 production were higher (18% and 27%, respectively) in the 2.3- and 4.1 -G groups than controls. Mean respiratory exchange ratio (RER) increased from 0.80 to 0.87. EER was increased from 47 +/- 0.1 kcal x d(-1) at 1 G, to 57 +/- 1.5 and 58 +/- 2.2 kcal x d(-1) at 2.3 and 4.1 G, respectively. There was no difference in EER between the hypergravity groups. When age differences were considered, EER (kcal x kg(-1) x d(-1)) with increased gravity was 40% higher than at 1 G. The increase in EER was not proportional over gravity levels. CONCLUSION: Acclimation of rats to hypergravity increases their EER, dependent on body mass and age, and may alter substrate metabolism. The increase in EER was not related to the level of gravity increase.
THE ROLE OF STEERING AND SUSPENSION DEGRADATIONS AND FAILURES IN ACCIDENT CAUSATION

Despite inherent difficulties of assessment, accident investigation can provide useful estimates of the role of steering and suspension degradations and failures in causing accidents; studies conducted by the Indiana University Institute for Research in Public Safety indicate that such factors probably account for no more than about 5% of accidents, and other causation studies record similarly low involvement percentages. However, neither the influence of different original equipment capabilities nor the role of degradations as a source of driver fatigue has been adequately considered. Another group of studies has shown that degradations in steering and suspension components can adversely affect vehicle handling, and that such degradations are common in the vehicle-in-use population.
A novel field deployable filter paper based amperometric gas sensor for the measurement of arsenic in water

Abstract The presence of toxic levels of inorganic arsenic in drinking water is a worldwide problem. Measurement of millions of samples in the field for arsenic is an analytical challenge and the first step to solve the problem. Here, we developed a novel electrochemical arsine sensor and system based on the cell: C(s)/I 3 − I 2 , AsH 3 (g/aq)//I 3 − , I 2 AgI(s)/Ag(s), where I 3 − /I 2 mediated AsH 3 (g/l) oxidation which occurred on the C(s) electrode. The sensor system requires 50 μL of 10 mM iodine solution and a small piece of filter paper placed inside a novel electrochemical cell. The cell exhibited highly efficient arsine mass transport with a limit of detection of 15 μg/L As(III) in water. A mathematical model of mass transfer of AsH 3 (g/aq) and following electrochemical reaction was developed and applied to explain the experimental data. Groundwater samples containing arsenic were measured to prove its utility in a field deployable instrument.
A low voltage CMOS transresistance-based variable gain amplifier

This paper presents a CMOS realization of a low voltage transresistance amplifier (LVTA) that is capable of operation at a supply voltage as low as 1.5V in a 5V CMOS technology. The circuit employs current feedback to reduce stacking of devices between the supply rails and to lower voltage signal swings, enabling low voltage operation. A R-2R ladder based variable gain amplifier (VGA) designed using the LVTA shows good linearity and a closed loop gain independent of bandwidth. Measured results for a prototype fabricated in a 0.5/spl mu/ CMOS technology are presented that experimentally demonstrates the proposed approach.
Dementia resulting from dural arteriovenous fistulas: the pathologic findings of venous hypertensive encephalopathy.

PURPOSE: Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are acquired arteriovenous shunts located within the dura. The highly variable natural history and symptomatology of DAVFs range from subjective bruit to intracranial hemorrhage and are related to the lesion's pattern of venous drainage and its effect on the drainage of adjacent brain. We examined the prevalence and features of DAVFs in patients with progressive dementia or encephalopathy. METHODS: The records and radiologic studies of 40 consecutive patients with DAVFs treated at our institution were reviewed. RESULTS: Five (12.5%) of 40 consecutive patients with DAVFs had encephalopathy or dementia. In each patient, high flow through the arteriovenous shunt combined with venous outflow obstruction caused impairment of cerebral venous drainage. Hemodynamically, the result was widespread venous hypertension causing diffuse ischemia and progressive dysfunction of brain parenchyma. Results of CT or MR imaging revealed abnormalities in each patient, reflecting the impaired parenchymal venous drainage. Pathologic findings in one patient confirmed the mechanism of cerebral dysfunction as venous hypertension. The hemodynamic mechanism and resulting abnormality appeared identical to that seen in progressive chronic myelopathy resulting from a spinal DAVF (Foix-Alajouanine syndrome). Remission of cognitive symptoms occurred in each patient after embolization. CONCLUSION: Venous hypertensive encephalopathy resulting from a DAVF should be considered a potentially reversible cause of vascular dementia in patients with progressive cognitive deficits.
Charged polypeptide Vesicles with Controllable Diameter

We report the preparation and characterization of charged, amphiphilic block copolypeptides that form stable vesicles and micelles in aqueous solution. Specifically, we prepared and studied the aqueous self-assembly of a series of poly(l-lysine)-b-poly(l-leucine) block copolypeptides, KxLy, where x ranged from 20 to 80 and y ranged from 10 to 30 residues, as well as the poly(l-glutamatic acid)-b-poly(l-leucine) block copolypeptide, E60L20. Furthermore, the vesicular assemblies show dynamic properties, indicating a high degree of membrane fluidity. This characteristic provides stimuli-responsive properties to the vesicles and allows fine adjustment of vesicle size using liposome-based extrusion techniques. Vesicle extrusion also provides a straightforward means to trap solutes, making the vesicles promising biomimetic encapsulants.
Enabling Systems and the Adaptability of Complex Systems-of- Systems

Abstract For complex techno-social system-of-systems, the system's robustness and its ability to adapt to changing environments and circumstances over the life cycle of the systems is an important measure of system quality and effectiveness. The IEEE 15288-2004 standard describes the concept of “enabling systems” that provide non-operational services to the system- of-interest at various times in the system life cycle. This concept of enabling systems provides critical components and perspective in the architecting and analysis of systems-of-systems adaptability and capabilities over time. Enabling systems also provide a potential strong link between the technical system and larger environmental effects such as economic conditions. This paper develops the role of enabling systems in systems and systems-of-systems performance and adaptability.
Lactic Bulk Culture System Utilizing Whey-Based Bacteriophage Inhibitory Medium and pH Control. IV. Applicability to Italian and Swiss Cheese Cultures

Abstract One Lactobacillus and four Streptococcus strains used in Swiss and Italian cheese cultures demonstrated superior acid producing activity in pH-controlled bacteriophage-resistant sweet whey medium. The Streptococcus cultures, challenged with bacteriophage, produced acid more actively in the medium than in conventional nonfat dry milk medium when both were under pH control.
Outline of a mathematical theory of the removal of malarial parasites from the blood stream

By making some plausible assumptions, a set of differential equations is proposed which describes the kinetics of interaction between periodically multiplying parasites and continuously produced phagocytes. These equations establish some general conditions which are necessary in order that the number of parasites should increase or decrease. Some consequences of the equations are discussed, and some experimental procedures for the determination of the parameters entering those equations are suggested.
Black, White, and Shades of Gray: The Sixty-Year Debate Over Propaganda versus Public Diplomacy

This article explores public debates over the use of U.S. “soft power”—international government-to-people communication, generally classified by proponents as informational “public diplomacy” and critics as persuasive “propaganda” efforts. The focus is on challenges emerging during both the Cold War and the War on Terror. The study relies heavily upon previously classified documents from the Truman and Eisenhower presidential libraries, as well as reporter Bob Woodward's contemporary accounts based upon classified materials in the Bush White House. The author examines the 1953 debate over the role of U.S. propaganda, and shows how many of the same issues reemerged following the September 11 terror attacks. While there is broad consensus for communicating U.S. policies and values to foreign audiences, differences of opinion in the role, scope, and administration of overseas information programs dominate the debate. The role the State Department plays in administering these public relations programs, first ...
Differential K-selection versus ecological determinants of race differences in sexual behavior

Abstract Rushton and Bogaert's (1987, 1988) differential K selection interpretation of racial differences in sexual development, morphology, behavior, and fertility was contrasted with an ecological interpretation. The reliability of racial differences on some variables was questioned in light of methodological limitations in the original research, and cross-cultural evidence for intraracial variability in development and performance. Cross-species comparisons suggested problems with the r K selection construct, and indicated that sexuality was not inversely related to intelligence. Analyses of 1960–1985 U.S. fertility data revealed that differences in black versus white birth rates were strongly associated with differences in infant mortality rates. As black infant mortality rates declined, black birth rates also declined at rates parallel to that of whites. Such findings suggest that the sexual behavior of blacks and whites may be equally responsive to their ecologies, rather than a function of genetic differences in K-selection reproductive strategies.
Real-time reduction of nuclear physics data

Small scientific computers have been widely used in research laboratories for on-line data acquisition to improve the efficiency of data collection and to perform sophisticated data manipulation before storage. An equally productive use of such computers is for the subsequent reduction of these data in real time, permitting interaction between investigatar and computer and providing immediate interpretation of masses of data. This report describes the philosophy and techniques developed for the SCANS (Stanford Computers for the Analysis of Nuclear Structure) system for the reduction in real time of multichannel pulse-height spectra, which comprise the bulk of data in Nuclear Physics. The programming language for users is FORTRAN, to provide flexibility and ease in introducing and modifying sophisticated concepts such as nonlinear least-squares fitting. Software interface to specific real-time hardware devices such as oscilloscope display and light pen is accomplished via library subroutines which perform a variety of general purpose services. Several different applications of this approach to various types of data spectra are discussed to illustrate the degree of mutual interaction achieved between investigator and computer and the resultant optimization of reduction techniques to suit particular types of data.
MECHANICAL CONTROLS ON FAULT GEOMETRY

Abstract Faults inevitably become non-planar because of how they grow and how they are affected during slip by mechanical heterogeneities inherent in the earth. Some faults acquire a non-planar geometry because of non-uniform tectonic deformation or because they grow by the linkage of originally discontinuous structures. However, even faults that are originally planar are unlikely to remain so. Elastic analyses show that as a fault slips, it rotates with the surrounding rock. It rotates uniformly and remains planar if: (a) the shear stress drop along the fault is uniform, (b) the rock surrounding the fault is uniform and isotropic, and (c) the far-field stress state is uniform. Variation in stress drop or in fault strength, heterogeneity in host-rock stiffness, and interaction with other faults cause non-uniform rotation along a fault that slips, and the fault geometry deforms. Mechanical and geometrical heterogeneities are inherent in the earth, so all natural faults will tend to become non-planar to some degree as they slip, even if they were initially planar. Information on fault shape can illuminate the mechanics of faulting, and, in conjunction with slip data, help locate contacts between rock bodies of different elastic moduli. In uniform isotropic rocks, fault curvature is proportional to the rate at which the stress drop varies as a function of position along a fault, whereas the slip profile reflects a weighted average of the stress drop.
Corporate Domicile and Average Effective Tax Rates: The Cases of Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States

We use financial statement information to estimate three alterantive average effective tax rates for firms domiciled in Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States during the period 1982 to 1991. While many of the firms we examine operate worldwide, we use the termdomicile to refer to the legal residence or site of incorporation of the parent company. Our objective is to determine themarginal impact of a company's domicile on its worldwide tax burden, with controls for industry and year. We find both among domestic-only companies and among multinational companies the domiciles are consistently ranked in descending order by average effective tax rates as Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. In comparing domestic-only companies and multinationals domiciled in the same jurisdiction, only U.S. multinationals consistently face a greater tax burden than their domestic counterparts.
Procedural learning is impaired in Huntington's disease: Evidence from the serial reaction time task

The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that Huntington's disease (HD) is associated with impairment of procedural learning. We identified 13 patients with mild to moderate HD whose manual performance was still sufficiently intact to assess learning on the serial reaction time (SRT) task. Twelve age-matched neurologically normal control subjects were studied as well. The SRT task was a four-choice reaction time task in which the stimuli followed a sequence (10 items in length) which repeated itself 10 times during each of the first four blocks of trials. During the fifth block of trials, the stimuli were ransom. Learning was manifested by a reduction in response latency over the first four blocks and an increase in response latency in the fifth (random) block. learning in this task has been demonstrated in other amnesics of other etiologies. The HD patients were significantly impaired on sequence-specific learning, using the log-transformed reaction time data (P < 0.004). In addition, in an individual-by-individual analysis, five of the HD patients and none of the control subjects failed to show sequence-specific learning, a difference in proportions that was significant (P < 0.04). No feature of the standard cognitive or motor assessment of the HD patients was associated with efficacy of procedural learning. HD, including patients with mild disease, was associated with a deficit in procedural learning, consistent with the hypothesis that the striatum plays a critical role in supporting procedural learning.
Newly Stemming Functions of Macula Densa–Derived Prostanoids

See related article, pp 1047–1054 Macula densa (MD) cells are chief cells within the kidney, playing key sensory and regulatory functions in the maintenance of body fluid, electrolyte homeostasis, and blood pressure. MD cells are strategically positioned in the distal nephron at the entrance of the glomerulus as the tubular component of the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA), an important renal anatomic site that controls renal hemodynamics, glomerular filtration, and renin release (renin–angiotensin system activation). Despite their importance, MD cells have been a mysterious renal cell type mainly because their low number (only ≈20 cells per nephron) and relative inaccessibility make them difficult to study. Therefore, our knowledge of the MD is limited to the traditional functions of these cells: the sensing of variations in the distal tubular fluid microenvironment (tubular salt, metabolites, and flow) and the generation and release of paracrine mediators for tubulovascular cross talk that controls afferent arteriole vasoconstriction (tubuloglomerular feedback) and renin secretion.1–4 Tubular salt sensing by the MD involves apical NaCl transport via the furosemide-sensitive Na:2Cl:K cotransporter (NKCC2), which is the primary NaCl entry mechanism in these cells. In fact, a classic hallmark of MD-mediated renin release is its effective stimulation by furosemide or other loop diuretics.1,2 The downstream elements of MD-mediated renin release signaling include the low tubular salt-induced and NKCC2-mediated activation of p38, extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2, mitogen-activated protein kinases, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), microsomal prostaglandin E …
Three-dimensional analysis of thermal resistance of exterior basement insulation systems (EIBS)

Abstract A consortium 1 research project was initiated to determine the field performance of various thermal insulation products as applied in the exterior insulation basement system (EIBS). Initially a two-dimensional (2-D) analytical tool was used to derive the thermal transmission characteristics from an array of temperature measurements performed over a period of two years. Results immediately showed the influence of lateral heat flux between various products that differed in thermal transmission properties. Therefore, development of a three-dimensional (3-D) model became imperative. This paper gives the theoretical and numerical approaches adopted to develop a 3-D computer model of heat transfer. The implicit Spline Method was selected for the problem solver. The applicability of the model was verified using measured data on temperature distributions at several material interfaces. Then the model was used to estimate the effect of lateral heat flows. The paper also briefly reports the experimental details and presents results on model verification.
Influence of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria on Alloy 625 and Austenitic Stainless Steel Weldments

Abstract A series of welded austenitic stainless steel (SS) and alloy 625 (UNS N06625)-clad specimens were exposed to natural lake water inoculated with a mixed culture of anaerobic organisms high in sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Total exposure was 300 days. The water and bacteria were taken from an actual service water system. Electrochemical testing included electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), monitoring of open-circuit potential (Eoc), and zero resistance ammetry (ZRA) tests. Comparison of electrochemical and visual observations to sterile controls indicated electrochemical behavior of all materials in the test matrix was influenced by the bacteria. Polarization resistance (Rp) and Eoc values were reduced dramatically. Attack was along the fusion line of the weld. The magnitude of these effects followed a trend predicted by the pitting index (PI) for each material.
The canary in the coalmine: the sensitivity of mesolimbic dopamine to environmental adversity during development.

Abstract The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis has been the focus of extensive research with regard to the phenotypic plasticity this system shows in response to environmental influences on mammalian development. This review proposes that the mesolimbic dopamine system is similarly reactive to indicators of environmental adversity during development. Physical, physiological, and toxicological stressors encountered during perinatal development have been routinely demonstrated to affect dopamine neurophysiology, most likely through consequent exposure to maternal glucocorticoids or a reduction in oxygen supply. However, findings remain inconsistent with regard to the nature of impact these events have on the dopamine system. Both hyper- and hypo-dopaminergic changes have been noted. This review argues that the directionality of change is a function of chronicity and severity of the insult, and that both resultant phenotypes are adaptive developmental responses, despite their potential for conferring vulnerability for psychopathology in humans.
Single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) assisted therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with roux-en-y anastomosis.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with Roux-en-Y anastomosis is a complex challenge. Long length of afferent limb after an acute angle at the jejunojejunostomy and altered location of the biliary orifice make biliary cannulation difficult. Single balloon enteroscopy assisted ERCP (SBE-ERCP) is a promising alternative to conventional approaches. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of SBE-ERCP in patients with Roux-en-Y reconstruction at a high volume tertiary referral center. This is a retrospective cohort study. All procedures were performed by a single, experienced pancreatobiliary endoscopist. Patient demographics and related clinical data were obtained. The rate of procedure successes and complications were determined. Fourteen patients (nine women) with a median age of 63 years (range 35–83 years) underwent 22 SBE-ERCP procedures from March 2009 to May 2011. Surgically altered anatomy consisted of Whipple procedure (n = 4), hepaticojejunostomy (n = 9) and partial gastrectomy (n = 1). Indications for SBE-ERCP were obstructive jaundice (n = 10), cholangitis (n = 7), post-PTC internalization (n = 3) and biliary stent extraction/exchange (n = 2). The hepaticojejunostomy site (HJS) was reached in 15 (68 %) procedures. Successful interventions were performed in 11 (73 %) of 15 cases, including balloon dilation of biliary strictures (n = 3), insertion of biliary stents (n = 7), retrieval of biliopancreatic stents (n = 4) and biliary stone extraction (n = 4). The mean procedural time for successful interventions was 97.6 min (range 73–147 min). No procedural complications occurred during the median follow-up of 501 days (range 22–1,242 days). SBE-ERCP is safe and carries an acceptable success rate in experienced hands.
Chromosome numbers in African and Madagascan Loranthaceae and Viscaceae

Eighty-five chromosome numbers representing about 63 species and 23 genera are reported for African and Madagascan Loranthaceae. The base chromosome number of all genera studied is χ= 9. This chromosome number also typifies all other Old World genera of the tribe Lorantheae, and thus supports the previously suggested thesis that the Asian and African Loranthaceae are relatively closely related. Seventy-six chromosome numbers, representing three genera (Arceuthobium, Korthalsella, Viscum) and 40 species are reported for African and Madagascan Viscaceae. Most of the data are for Viscum. The number χ= 14 is suggested as the base chromosome number for both Viscum and the family as a whole. The Madagascan Visca, however, have a modal chromosome number of χ= 13. Aneuploid chromosome numbers of χ= 12, 11 and 10 occur in Viscum at the north-south distributional extremes in southern Africa and Europe and, with the addition χ= 13, in all the species with eastward distributions in Madagascar, Asia and Australia. Polyploidy is rare in African and Madagascan members of both families, as is generally also true for other parts of the world where they have been studied. Translocation heterozygosity is reported for a number of species in Viscum.
Cost Effectiveness of Routine Intrapartum Rubella Screening in a High-Risk Population

The value of intrapartum rubella screening in a population of patients who present with no prenatal care (with patient discharge prior to immune status determination) has not been examined. We obtained rubella titers on 638 consecutive no-prenatal-care patients who presented to the University of California, San Diego labor and delivery suite from January 1, 1992 to December 31, 1992. Maternal and neonatal records were available for 621 patients, and these were examined for demographic data and follow-up vaccination where appropriate. Five hundred eighty of 621 (93.4%) patients were rubella immune. Of the 41 rubella-nonimmune patients, only three returned for the 6-week postpartum checkup, and none were immunized. Further analysis according to race demonstrated that 514 of 549 Hispanics (93.6%), 39 of 39 African Americans (100%), and 22 of 26 Caucasians (84–6%) were rubella immune. No demographic characteristics (maternal age, parity, race) further identified a subpopulation of patients who might benefit f...
How hot? Systematic convergence of the replica exchange method using multiple reservoirs

We have devised a systematic approach to converge a replica exchange molecular dynamics simulation by dividing the full temperature range into a series of higher temperature reservoirs and a finite number of lower temperature subreplicas. A defined highest temperature reservoir of equilibrium conformations is used to help converge a lower but still hot temperature subreplica, which in turn serves as the high-temperature reservoir for the next set of lower temperature subreplicas. The process is continued until an optimal temperature reservoir is reached to converge the simulation at the target temperature. This gradual convergence of subreplicas allows for better and faster convergence at the temperature of interest and all intermediate temperatures for thermodynamic analysis, as well as optimizing the use of multiple processors. We illustrate the overall effectiveness of our multiple reservoir replica exchange strategy by comparing sampling and computational efficiency with respect to replica exchange, as well as comparing methods when converging the structural ensemble of the disordered Abeta(21-30) peptide simulated with explicit water by comparing calculated Rotating Overhauser Effect Spectroscopy intensities to experimentally measured values.
Structural properties of BCC and FCC iron: LMTO-ASA-Stoner calculations

Abstract The LMTO-ASA (Linear Muffin-Tin Orbitals - Atomic Spheres Approximation) calculations of structural properties of BCC and FCC iron were performed. The ground-state magnetic properties: ferromagnetic contributions to the total energy and magnetic moments, were found by making use of the Stoner theory of itenerant ferromagnetism, rather than spin-polarized calculations. This enabled us to circumvent the difficulty resulting from using the traditional local spin-density approximation which is known to have failed predicting correctly the energetics of iron phases. The Stoner exchange parameter, I , was calculated from the linear response theory as a function of volume. Then a constant enhancement factor, β, was introduced and the new Stoner parameter, β βI , was used in all the calculations. The factor β was found by fitting the equilibrium atomic volume of the ferromagnetic BCC phase to its experimental value. No other adjustments of any quantities were performed. The calculations revealed that the nonmagnetic BCC modification was unstable with respect to the spontaneous magnetization. Ferromagnetism stabilizes the BCC phase. The calculated bulk moduli, magnetic moments and the BCC-FCC energy difference are in good agreement with the available experimental data.
Prospective Comparison of the Six-Item Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Scale and Portable Nerve Conduction Testing in Measuring the Outcomes of Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Steroid Injection:

Background We prospectively studied patients clinically diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and treated with the injection of corticosteroid into their carpal tunnel in order to compare changes in the six-item CTS symptoms scale and portable nerve conduction study (NCS) parameters as outcome tools. Our pilot study was the first to assess the utility of the six-item CTS symptom scale (CTS-6) with steroid injections as a patient-directed outcome measure for the treatment of CTS.
Closed-form expressions for matrix functions (including e^{At} )

In this technical note, we develop closed-form expressions for f(A) where A is any constant n \times n matrix and f(\lambda) is any analytic function in a region containing the eigenvalues λ i of A, i = 1,2, ..., n . The matrix A may have nondistinct eigenvalues.
Loss of CFTR Chloride Channels Alters Salt Absorption by Cystic Fibrosis Airway Epithelia In Vitro

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by the loss of functional CFTR Cl- channels. However, it is not understood how this defect disrupts salt and liquid movement in the airway or whether it alters the NaCl concentration in the thin liquid film covering the airway surface. Using a new approach, we found that CF airway surface liquid had a higher NaCl concentration than normal. Both CF and non-CF epithelia absorbed salt and liquid; however, expression of CFTR Cl- channels was required for maximal absorption. Thus, loss of CFTR elevates the salt concentration in CF airway surface liquid and in sweat by related mechanisms; the elevated NaCl concentration is due to a block in transcellular Cl- movement. The high NaCl may predispose CF airways to bacterial infections by inhibiting endogenous antibacterial defenses.
Test of grocery shopping skills: Discrimination of people with and without mental illness.

Abstract The Test of Grocery Shopping Skills (TOGSS) is a performance measure of shopping ability in a grocery store that requires complex cognitive skills. The present study examines the validity of the TOGSS by comparing performance of two groups with significant cognitive impairments i.e., individuals who have schizophrenia or bipolar disorders and meet the criteria for serious mental illness (SMI), with a normative population. Individuals in the normative group took less time and showed less redundancy in the completing the task than individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. There was no difference between groups on accuracy of finding items.
The demarcation protocol: a technique for maintaining constraints in distributed database systems

Traditional protocols for distributed database management have a high message overhead; restrain or lock access to resources during protocol execution; and may become impractical for some scenarios like real-time systems and very large distributed databases. In this article, we present the demarcation protocol; it overcomes these problems by using explicit consistency constraints as the correctness criteria. The method establishes safe limits as "lines drawn in the sand" for updates, and makes it possible to change these limits dynamically, enforcing the constraints at all times. We show how this technique can be applied to linear arithmetic, existential, key, and approximate copy constraints.
Light Higgs production in a two Higgs doublet model

Abstract We derive the low-energy theorems for the coupling of a light Higgs boson to the chiral lagrangian in a two Higgs doublet model. The one-loop effective hamiltonian for the decay s → dh in the two Higgs doublet model is presented and the branching ratio for K → πh is calculated for various values of the parameters of the model.
Duodeno-gastric reflux: An endoscopic study

In a systematic endoscopic study, duodenogastric reflux was observed in one-fifth of subjects with no digestive disease. But reflux occurred with more than twice that frequency in patients with duodenal and gastric ulcers, achlorhydria, and alcoholic cirrhosis.
2-((2-((dimethylamino)methyl)phenyl)thio)-5-iodophenylamine (ADAM): an improved serotonin transporter ligand.

Abstract Serotonin transporters (SERT) are target-sites for commonly used antidepressants, such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and so on. Imaging of these sites in the living human brain may provide an important tool to evaluate the mechanisms of action as well as to monitor the treatment of depressed patients. Synthesis and characterization of an improved SERT imaging agent, ADAM (2-((2-((dimethylamino)methyl)phenyl)thio)-5-iodophenylamine)(7) was achieved. The new compound, ADAM(7), displayed an extremely potent binding affinity toward SERT ( K i =0.013 nM , in membrane preparations of LLC-PK 1 -cloned cell lines expressing the specific monoamine transporter). ADAM(7) also showed more than 1,000-fold selectivity for SERT over norepinephrine transporter (NET) and dopamine transporter (DAT) ( K i =699 and 840 nM , for NET and DAT, respectively). The radiolabeled compound [ 125 I]ADAM(7) showed an excellent brain uptake in rats (1.41% dose at 2 min post intravenous [IV] injection), and consistently displayed the highest uptake (between 60–240 min post IV injection) in hypothalamus, a region with the highest density of SERT. The specific uptake of [ 125 I]ADAM(7) in the hypothalamus exhibited the highest target-to-nontarget ratio ([hypothalamus − cerebellum]/cerebellum was 3.97 at 120 min post IV injection). The preliminary imaging study of [ 123 I]ADAM in the brain of a baboon by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) at 180–240 min post IV injection indicated a specific uptake in midbrain region rich in SERT. These data suggest that the new ligand [ 123 I]ADAM(7) may be useful for SPECT imaging of SERT binding sites in the human brain.
On the neuropharmacology of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH).

Abstract In this review the effects of exogenously administered TRH on behavior and other neuronally mediated phenomena in experimental animals are documented. A more cursory account of the limited neuropharmacological studies performed to date with TRH in human subjects is also provided. Where appropriate to facilitate our understanding of the actions (and their underlying mechanisms) of TRH, the behavioral and other effects of a novel TRH agonist, MK-771, are included in this discussion. The effects of these peptides on neuronal excitability, putative transmitter metabolism and certain organ systems of the body along with the attempts to pharmacologically dissect the mechanisms underlying their unique actions are described. It would appear from the available information that a unifying hypothesis regarding the mode of action of TRH is not available to account for the multiple neurobiological effects of this peptide. However, a facilatory interaction of TRH with central cholinergic mechanisms may at least partially account for several of the actions of TRH including its remarkable antinarcosis effects. Finally, predicated on its pharmacological profile and our limited insight into the mode of action, some of the potential therapeutic applications of a potent and selective TRH agonist, such as MK-771, are briefly described.
Multicultural Personality Dispositions and Psychological Well-Being

The authors investigated the empirical relationship between K. I. van der Zee and J. P. van Oudenhoven's (2000, 2001) multicultural personality dispositions and C. D. Ryff's (1989b) dimensions of psychological well-being. The present sample included 270 students from one primarily graduate university and one primarily undergraduate university in the northeast region of the United States. Factor analysis indicated that a three-dimensional model of the multicultural personality was the best fit structure for the sample. Correlations between multicultural personality scores and psychological well-being scores were generally positive and in the predicted directions. However, the academic setting of the participants appeared to influence the pattern of relationships. The authors identified the multicultural personality as a promising construct for research across diverse psychology specialties.
Factors Associated With Provision of Addiction Treatment Information by Community Pharmacists

Abstract Community pharmacists in the United States have significant opportunity to engage in community-level prescription substance abuse prevention and treatment efforts, including dissemination of information specific to available addiction treatment options. Our cross-sectional study of Tennessee community pharmacists noted that 26% had previously provided addiction treatment facility information to one or more patients in the past. The purpose of this study was to employ multivariate modeling techniques to investigate associations between community pharmacist and community pharmacy factors and past provision of addiction treatment information to pharmacy patients. Multivariate logistic regression indicated having addiction treatment facility information in a pharmacy setting (aOR=8.19; 95% CI=4.36–15.37), having high confidence in ability to discuss treatment facility options (aOR=4.16; 95% CI=2.65–6.52), having participated in prescription opioid abuse-specific continuing education (aOR=2.90; 95% CI=1.70–4.97), being male (aOR=2.23; 95% CI=1.38–3.59), and increased hours per week in the practice setting (aOR=1.02; 95% CI=1.004–1.05) were all significantly associated with provision of information about addiction treatment. Dissemination of addiction treatment information, improvements in communicative self-efficacy beliefs, and dissemination of prescription opioid abuse-specific continuing education are modifiable factors significantly associated with increased provision of addiction treatment information by community pharmacists.
Algebraic and numerical techniques for the computation of matrix determinants

We review, modify, and combine together several numerical and algebraic techniques in order to compute the determinant of a matrix or the sign of such a determinant. The resulting algorithms enable us to obtain the solution by using a lower precision of computations and relatively few arithmetic operations. The problem has important applications to computational geometry.
Decisions to Make a Difference: The Role of Efficacy in Moderate Student Activism

Radical student protest has declined in the USA since the 1960s, but less militant forms of campus activism have continued to be a substantial part of larger social movement efforts. However, little research examines participation by today's youth in these moderate campus-based social movement organizations. This study addresses our lack of knowledge about less sensational forms of student activism with fieldwork and semi-structured interviews that illuminate the reasons for undergraduate participation in a student-led environmental group. The data show how school and employment considerations, career goals and social networks influence student decisions to join the organization. Moreover, the findings demonstrate the importance of organizational outcomes to participatory decisions. Students were led to actively participate according to their determination of the social movement organization's ability to achieve tangible goals and the perceived necessity of their contribution.
Commercial Real Estate Valuation, Development and Occupancy under Leasing Uncertainty

A model of commercial property valuation is developed where individual property owners are price takers and tenants randomly arrive and depart. Spot lease and tenant reservation prices are stochastic and correlated and can divert from but eventually revert back to market equilibrium. Within this framework we examine built property values and vacancy rates for varying parameter sets representing differing markets and economic conditions. We also examine how potential and existing vacancies, spot lease prices and tenant reservation prices feed back into development decisions. We demonstrate how preleasing acts as a hedge to the developer against the risk of leasing uncertainty.
Emerging therapies in allergic conjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome

Introduction: Inflammatory disorders of the anterior surface of the eye consist of a spectrum of disorders that range from ocular allergy, dry eye syndrome (DES), and various infections. They exhibit similar pathological profiles, but have divergent immune mechanisms with some overlap. A number of novel treatments are currently being studied that capitalize on the growing understanding of underlying immunopathophysiology. Areas covered: The goal of this review is to examine the emerging pipeline for noninfectious inflammatory disorders of the anterior surface of the eye – primarily allergic conjunctivitis (AC) and DES – in light of the recent basic science discoveries that have fueled their development. Novel molecules for the treatment of AC and DES from clinicaltrials.gov as well as recently filed patents for new molecular entities were reviewed from PUBMED and OVID. Expert opinion: Significant progress toward targeted treatments for AC and DES has become increasingly reliant on understanding the immuno...
Selective resonant tunneling into microcavity exciton-polariton state

Electron resonant tunneling into the exciton state in a semiconductor quantum well may be turned into the tunneling to hybrid exciton-photon modes (exciton polaritons). The latter process can be used to make electrically pumped light-emitting devices with high (\ensuremath{\sim}50%) quantum efficiency and fast (\ensuremath{\sim} ps) radiative decay time.
Isolation and characterization of immunoglobulin from thymocytes of inbred rats.

Isolated plasma membrane vesicles from thymic lymphocytes of inbred ACI rats, either intact or dispersed with 9 M urea + 10% acetic acid, were labeled with 125I by lactoperoxidase catalysis and dissolved in Triton X-100 at different concentrations. The samples were then reacted with rabbit anti-rat IgG antiserum to determine the optimal conditions for membrane IgG extraction. The immune precipitates were characterized by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The amounts of 125I taken up by the intact vesicles and the acid-urea dispersed membranes were about 2% and 12% of the added iodine, respectively. The amount of IgG extracted from both of these samples was highly dependent on Triton X-100 concentration, the maximal extraction being at 0.02% and a Triton to protein ratio of 3–4 (w/w). The labeling of acid-urea dispersed samples was more than 5 times that of the intact vesicles, and the percentage of the total membrane radioactivity precipitated as IgG from the acid-urea dispersed samples was one and a half times greater than that from the membrane vesicles. These results suggest that the IgG molecule is not completely exposed on the thymocyte membrane. SDS-gel electrophoresis of the reduced immune precipitates revealed two prominent components with mobilities close to those of rat serum IgG heavy-chain and light-chain, respectively.