cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Capturing Complexity: An Empirical Typology of Nonagentic Sexual Interactions

ABSTRACT Using cluster analysis and a data set of 227 sexual incidents experienced by college women as unwilled, we articulate and assess the validity of an empirically derived, multivariate typology of “nonagentic sexual interactions.” Five homogeneous clusters, or types, are identified based on four characteristics of the events (physical intrusiveness, force, relationship closeness, and women's alcohol use): (1) Sober Intimate Intrusion; (2) Sober Acquaintance Intrusion; (3) Forced Intrusion; (4) Touch; and (5) Alcohol Impaired Intrusion. Analyses demonstrate the clusters to be significantly associated with contextual and psychological consequence variables, providing validation for the derived typology. Findings indicate that a multidimensional typology of nonagentic sexual interactions shows promise for investigating the implications of these events for women's well-being and sexuality development.
The effects of strabismus on quality of life in adults.

Purpose As a first step in the development of a health-related quality of life (HRQOL) instrument, we conducted in-depth interviews to identify the specific concerns of adults with strabismus. Design Prospective cross-sectional study. Methods Thirty adults with strabismus, 17 with diplopia, and 13 without were recruited. Individual interviews, using 11 open-ended questions, were audiotaped, transcribed, and transcripts reviewed independently by three investigators. Phrases regarding how strabismus affected everyday life were grouped into topic areas and the frequency of each topic analyzed for subjects with and without diplopia. Results A total of 1,508 phrases were extracted: 207 (14%) of 1,508 were excluded because they did not pertain to HRQOL. From the remaining 1,301 phrases, 48 topic areas were apparent. For patients with diplopia, the most frequently occurring topics were: nonspecific negative feeling (15/17; 88%) ("really hard"); general disability (15/17; 88%) ("affects everything"); and driving (14/17; 82%). In those without diplopia, the most frequently mentioned topics were appearance to others (12/13; 92%) ("people notice my eyes") followed by problems with eye contact (10/13; 77%) and interpersonal relationships (10/13; 77%). Of the topics that were common to both groups (n = 42), two of the most frequent were driving and nonspecific negative feeling. Conclusions Multiple individual interviews revealed many topics that negatively affect quality of life in patients with strabismus. The frequency and type of concerns confirm the importance of HRQOL assessment as an important aspect of strabismus management.
Prevalence of and racial/ethnic variation in lower urinary tract symptoms and noncancer prostate surgery in U.S. men ☆

Abstract Objectives. To estimate the proportion of U.S. men affected by specific lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and to assess whether the prevalence of LUTS varies by race/ethnicity. Methods. Included were 30+-year-old men who took part in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Men were asked whether they experienced nocturia, incomplete emptying, or hesitancy. Men 60+ years old were also asked whether they had a decreased urinary stream or had ever undergone noncancer prostate surgery. To obtain the estimated prevalences for the U.S. population, we applied sampling fraction weights. We calculated age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 3+ symptoms or surgery by race/ethnicity using logistic regression analysis. Results. Only nocturia was common in 30 to 59-year-old men. Among men who had not had prostate surgery, 59.9% of men 60 to 69 years old and 75.1% of men 70+ years old had at least one symptom. All four symptoms were reported by 3.0% of men 60 to 69 years and 5.6% of men 70+ years old. Of the men 60 to 69 years old and men 70+ years old, 8.0% and 22.4%, respectively, reported having undergone surgery. In men 60+ years old, the age-adjusted OR for either having 3+ symptoms or surgery was 0.8 for non-Hispanic black men compared with non-Hispanic white men. The odds of having 3+ symptoms (OR = 1.6), but not surgery (OR = 1.1), appeared greater for Mexican-American men than for non-Hispanic white men. Conclusions. Specific LUTS are common in older U.S. men. Older black men were not more likely to have LUTS than were older white men. The apparent modestly higher prevalence of LUTS in older Mexican-American men requires additional study.
Bacterial ADP-ribosyltransferase with a substrate specificity of the rho protein disassembles the Golgi apparatus in Vero cells and mimics the action of brefeldin A.

Abstract Epidermal-cell differentiation inhibitor (EDIN) is an exoenzyme produced by Staphylococcus aureus that catalyzes the ADP-ribosylation of rho proteins, members of the small GTP-binding protein family. In this study we demonstrate that EDIN induces a rapid morphological change in the Golgi structure of monkey kidney Vero cells that is similar to the changes elicited by brefeldin A (BFA). Treatment of Vero cells with EDIN resulted in a rapid disappearance of N-7-(4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole)-6-aminocaproylsphingosine, a 110-kDa protein (beta-COP, coat protein), and mannosidase II from the Golgi structure. Lower doses of EDIN and BFA had a synergistic effect on the redistribution of the Golgi markers. The similarities in the effects of EDIN and BFA in Vero cells also include the EDIN- or BFA-mediated protection of Vero cells from ricin cytotoxicity and prevention of the effects of EDIN or BFA on the distribution of Golgi markers by the pretreatment of Vero cells with guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate or forskolin. Incubation of a Vero-cell homogenate with [32P]NAD+ and EDIN in vitro resulted in the appearance of a labeled band with an apparent molecular mass of 22 kDa. The morphological change of the Golgi structure induced by EDIN was inhibited by nicotinamide, an inhibitor of EDIN-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation. Thus these data suggest that a rho protein is involved in the membrane trafficking between the Golgi and the endoplasmic reticulum of Vero cells and that this rho protein may be a target shared by EDIN and BFA.
Origin of terraced hillslopes on active folds in the southern San Joaquin Valley, California

Abstract The northern-facing forelimbs of the active San Emigdio and Wheeler Ridge anticlines in the southern San Joaquin Valley (SSJV) are marked by numerous, sharply defined terracettes. Terracette treads and risers are 3–5 and 7–11 m wide, respectively. The terracettes are discontinuous along their length, with the longest being ∼300 m, although most terminate more abruptly forming lobate mounds. The terracettes form on 10–25° slopes underlain by loosely consolidated coarse conglomerate beds of the Pleistocene Tulare Formation that dip subparallel to terracette risers. Soil developed on the slopes is comprised of a 1- to 2-m-thick calcic Bk horizon, overlain by a 0.5-m-thick argillic claypan Bt horizon, followed by 1- to 3-m-thick AB and A horizons that have been extensively bioturbated. A number of hypotheses have been proposed for the genesis of similar terracettes. The two most viable tectonic models for our study area are based on growth of active fault-bend folds and include (i) sediment onlap with seismic folding and (ii) flexural slip faulting. We produced a very high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) (1.67-m spatial resolution and ±5-cm vertical accuracy) using NASA's RASCAL (RAster SCanning Airborne Lidar) instrument and completed numerical modeling that we interpret to disprove both of the active fold growth models. The discovery and mapping of similar terracettes on NW- to NE-facing hillslopes on the Kettleman Hills anticline and Comanche Point in the northern Tehachapi Mountains suggest that a northern-facing aspect is an important factor contributing to terracette development. The terracettes are also present only on hillslopes that overlie blind or emergent thrust faults. We propose that a soil creep model based on flow-dominant mass wasting is the most likely cause of terracette development. Creep is confined to the thick A and AB cumulic soil horizons that delaminate above the rigid Bt claypan and occurs predominantly on northern-facing slopes due to increased soil moisture retention. The barrier to creep caused by the decrease in slope at the base of fold limbs leads to the development of terracettes that become more sharply defined in a downslope direction. We interpret the overthickened A and AB soil horizons to form preferentially on northern-facing slopes due to increased bioturbation and deposition of eolian silt. Strong ground motions produced by earthquakes may facilitate soil creep, and thereby contribute to the overall development of the terracettes.
Sex Differences in Outcome with Bevacizumab Therapy: Analysis of Patients with Advanced-Stage Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with or without Bevacizumab in Combination with Paclitaxel and Carboplatin in the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Trial 4599

Introduction E4599 compared carboplatin and paclitaxel with (PCB) or without (PC) bevacizumab in patients with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Bevacizumab improved overall survival. However, an unplanned subset analysis did not show a survival benefit for females treated with bevacizumab. Methods Known prognostic factors and toxicities were compared by sex. Proportional hazards models of survival with multiple factor combinations were used to adjust for treatment effect. Results The analysis includes 850 patients. The median survival was 8.7 months (PC) versus 11.7 months (PCB) for males (p = 0.001) and 13.1 months (PC) versus 13.3 months (PCB) for females (p = 0.87). Progression-free survival and response rate on the PCB arm were 6.3 months and 29% for males and 6.2 months and 41% for females (p > 0.05). Progression-free survival and response rate on the PC arm were 4.3 months and 16% for males and 5.3 months and 14% for females (p > 0.05). No significant demographic differences were seen between the two arms for males, whereas fewer females on the PCB arm had liver metastasis (PCB 11.7% versus PC 23.2%, p = 0.003). Adverse events with a sex difference on the PCB arm included severe hypertension (males: 4.2%, females: 9.9%, p = 0.02), constipation (males: 1.4%, females: 4.7%, p = 0.05), and abdominal pain (males: 0.9%, females: 5.2%, p = 0.01). In the proportional hazards model adjusting for the other factors, the test for a sex by treatment interaction was not significant (p = 0.09). Conclusions Multiple factors may contribute to the apparent sex-specific differences in efficacy of bevacizumab noted in this study.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of FCC Metallic Nanowires: A Review

Molecular dynamic simulation studies are reviewed to understand the influence of strain rate, temperature, and cross-section size on the mechanical properties of face-centered cubic (FCC) metallic nanowires (MNWs). The yield stress of FCC MNWs is found to be 100 times higher than that of the corresponding bulk metals. The yield strain and fracture stress of MNWs are also found to be significantly higher compared with those of the bulk metals. The influence of deformation mechanisms (slip and twinning) on the mechanical properties of FCC MNWs is discussed. FCC MNWs are found to exhibit novel structural reorientation, phase transformation, elastic recovery, pseudoelasticity, and shape memory effect. MNWs with body-centered cubic (BCC) and hexagonal closed-packed crystal structures are compared with the FCC MNWs. Pseudoelasticity was also observed in BCC MNWs similar to that of FCC MNWs. Dense nano-twin arrays were found in Mg nanowires despite the high twin boundary energy.
Interface mediated transport properties in n-type SrTiO3 : Induced dipole alignment at oxide grain boundaries

Low temperature potentiometry and capacitance measurements based on noncontact atomic force microscopy were used to quantify local properties due to grain boundaries at a 0.05 wt.% Nb-doped SrTiO3 [001] surface. Local I-V curves were constructed by combining potential steps and transport currents measured at individual grain boundaries (GBs) under different lateral biases. The GBs exhibit a positive temperature coefficient of resistivity (PTCR) effect. A comparison of transport properties and calculations suggest that SrTiO3 grain boundaries undergo a non-polar to polar state phase transition induced by the large electric field associated with the boundary charge. This is supported by the temperature dependence of the barrier height and the boundary charge obtained by numerical simulation of I-V curves using a double Schottky barrier model. The built-in potential associated with the boundary was directly imaged with frequency-modulated Kelvin probe force microscopy at different temperatures and the results support the previous conclusion.
The merger of two pediatric residency programs: lessons learned.

l l A M S P D C he last 20 years have seen many mergers in business, law, and banking, as well as in medical schools and hospitals, generally for economic reasons. Mergers of residencies or educational purposes are less common and even more infreuent for pediatric programs. The most carefully studied resiency mergers have involved family medicine, pediatrics, surery, and psychiatry and have evaluated resident and faculty pinions in such areas as institutional culture, governance, educaional curriculum and teaching, programs costs, and resident career irections. Key benefits from these mergers have included ncreasingly diverse populations of patients for clinical and educaional purposes and academic enhancement. Challenges have ncluded resolving conflicts between differing cultures, decreased esident–faculty collegiality, and resident morale challenges.
Cardiac Performance after Open Intracardiac Surgery

Cardiac output and related variables were measured in patients after open intracardiac surgery. Factors affecting cardiac performance during this period were the original anatomic lesions, the details of the operative procedure, ventricular-outflow resistance, transfusion of blood, the stage of convalescence, and digitalis. In postoperative patients, metabolic rate, level of hemoglobin, and level of oxygen in arterial blood varied more widely and acutely than in nonsurgical patients, resulting in a less predictable relation between cardiac output and oxygen saturation of mixed venous blood. Therapeutic applications of these observations were discussed.
The external anion binding site of the human erythrocyte anion transporter: DNDS binding and competition with chloride

The interaction between chloride and the anion transport inhibitor DNDS (4,4'-dinitro stilbene-2,2'-disulfonate) at the external anion binding site of the human erythrocyte anion transporter was examined by two techniques: a) chloride tracer flux experiments in the presence of varying concentrations of DNDS, and b) DNDS equilibrium binding experiments in the presence of varying concentrations of intracellular and extracellular chloride, Cli and Clo. DNDS inhibited competitively the Clo-stimulated chloride efflux from intact red cells at 0 degree C and pH 7.8 with an inhibitor constant of 90 nM. Under the same conditions DNDS bound reversibly to one class of binding sites on intact cells with a capacity of 8.5 X 10(5) molecules/cell. Clo competitively inhibited DNDS binding with an inhibitor constant of 6 mM. In the absence of Clo the DNDS binding constant was 84 mM. The competition between chloride and DNDS was also tested in nystatintreated cells in which Clo always equaled Cli. Under these conditions the values of the DNDS binding constant and the chloride inhibitor constant were significantly larger. All these data were in quantitative agreement with a single-site, alternating access kinetic scheme with ping-pong-type kinetics that we have previously developed for modeling chloride exchange transport. The data also served to rule out special cases of an alternative two-sited sequential-type kinetic scheme. DNDS binding experiments were also performed at 10 and 20 degree C. We found that neither the DNDS binding constant nor the Clo inhibitor constant were significantly changed compared to 0 degree C.
p-character and the polarizability of molecular hydrogen

The polarizability of molecular hydrogen has been calculated over a range of internuclear separations by Hartree-Fock perturbation theory, both coupled and uncoupled, using Gaussian functions as basis set. It is shown that a relatively simple function having the proper admixture of s and p character can yield polarizabilities comparable in accuracy with those obtained from highly sophisticated wave-functions.
Immunoregulatory functions of mTOR inhibition

The potent immunosuppressive action of rapamycin is commonly ascribed to inhibition of growth factor-induced T cell proliferation. However, it is now evident that the serine/threonine protein kinase mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has an important role in the modulation of both innate and adaptive immune responses. mTOR regulates diverse functions of professional antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells (DCs), and has important roles in the activation of effector T cells and the function and proliferation of regulatory T cells. In this Review, we discuss our current understanding of the mTOR pathway and the consequences of mTOR inhibition, both in DCs and T cells, including new data on the regulation of forkhead box P3 expression.
Contact-cooled U-monochromators for high heat load x-ray beamlines

This paper describes the design, expected performance, and preliminary test results of a contact-cooled monochromator for use on high heat load x-ray beamlines. The monochromator has a cross section in the shape of the letter U. This monochromator should be suitable for handing heat fluxes up to 5 W/square millimeter. As such, for the present application, it is compatible with the best internally cooled crystal monochromators. There are three key features in the design of this monochromator. First, it is contact cooled, thereby eliminating fabrication of cooling channels, bonding, and undesirable strains in the monochromator due to coolant-manifold-to-crystal-interface. Second, by illuminating the entire length of the crystal and extracting the central part of the reflected beam, sharp slope changes in the beam profile and thus slope errors are avoided. Last, by appropriate cooling of the crystal, tangential slope error can be substantially reduced.
The investigation of the geographical and vertical distribution of several trace elements in sea water using neutron activation analysis

Abstract Methods for the determination of 18 trace elements in sea water by neutron activation analysis have been developed. Of these elements sufficient analyses have been completed for gold, selenium, antimony, silver, cobalt and nickel to permit a discussion of their distributions in the world ocean. The distributions of gold, selenium and antimony are more uniform than those of silver, cobalt and nickel, so little can be said regarding the processes important to their supply to and removal from the world ocean. The variations observed for silver, cobalt and nickel, however, make possible the evaluation of several factors which influence their concentrations in the ocean: The Atlantic Ocean north of 10°S receives 60 per cent of the total dissolved material supplied to the ocean by streams, but is lower in silver, cobalt and nickel than is the remainder of the world ocean indicating that continental run-off is not important in the deep-sea economy of these elements. Relatively high concentrations of cobalt and nickel are found in water of the central Pacific Ocean in areas where the cobalt/manganese and nickel/manganese ratios in manganese nodules are high. The evidence that the nodule material in these areas is of volcanic origin may also imply a volcanic origin for the cobalt and nickel in the overlying water. No such source is indicated for silver. Unweathered rock material supplied directly to the ocean by Antarctic glaciers seems to be sufficient to affect the silica economy of the ocean and may in part affect the economy of other trace elements such as cobalt and nickel. The data are not sufficient, however, to permit an unambiguous interpretation. Cobalt and nickel are relatively low in Long Island Sound compared to the North Atlantic indicating near-shore removal of these elements from sea water. In the deep sea much of the cobalt and nickel may be removed by co-precipitation with manganese oxide, but no mechanism seems singularly important in the removal of silver. Increase in concentration of silver, cobalt and nickel with depth in areas of high organic productivity indicates alteration of trace element concentration by organic reactions. In areas where upwelling currents oppose the downward movement of organic material a relatively high steady state concentration may be produced.
Intravitreal Devices for the Treatment of Vitreous Inflammation

The eye is a well-suited organ for local delivery of therapeutics to treat vitreous inflammation as well as other pathologic conditions that induce visual loss. Several conditions are particularly challenging to treat and often require chronic courses of therapy. The use of implantable intravitreal devices for drug delivery is an emerging field in the treatment of vitreous inflammation as well as other ophthalmologic diseases. There are unique challenges in the design of these devices which include implants, polymers, and micro- and nanoparticles. This paper reviews current and investigational drug delivery systems for treating vitreous inflammation as well as other pathologic conditions that induce visual loss. The use of nonbiodegradable devices such as polyvinyl alcohol-ethylene vinyl acetate polymers and polysulfone capillary fibers, and biodegradable devices such as polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, and polylactic-co-glycolic acid, polycaprolactones, and polyanhydrides are reviewed. Clinically used implantable devices for therapeutic agents including ganciclovir, fluocinolone acetonide, triamcinolone acetonide, and dexamethasone are described. Finally, recently developed investigational particulate drug delivery systems in the form of liposomes, microspheres, and nanoparticles are examined.
A mixed displacement-based finite element formulation for acoustic fluid-structure interaction

Abstract The solutions of fluid-structure interaction problems, using displacement-based finite element formulations for acoustic fluids, may contain spurious non-zero frequencies. To remove this deficiency, we present here a new formulation based on a three-field discretization using displacements, pressure and a “vorticity moment” as variables with an appropriate treatment of the boundary conditions. We propose specific finite element discretizations and give the numerical results of various example problems.
Tribological properties of edge card connector spring/tab interface

The influence of multilayer surface coatings on the tribological behavior of an edge-card connector was studied. The card tab had a multilayer structure consisting of a printed circuit board with overplated layers of copper, nickel, hard gold, and soft gold; the thickness of each was found to alter the frictional characteristics of the surface. Dry experimental data were found to agree with Finkin's theoretical model for solid film lubrication. As the thickness of soft gold increased for both dry and lubricated conditions, the coefficient of friction and wear increased. Surface roughness was observed to increase friction, and the increase of the soft gold-layer thickness had the tendency to increase surface roughness. It was found that the addition of a minimum layer of lubricant can lower the friction on the contact surface and reduce the influence of the layered surface coatings. The coefficient of friction remained relatively constant from thin film to flooded conditions. The difference in wear between dry and thin-film-lubricant conditions was minor. >
Los fundamentos morales del derecho privado

Las reglas que muchos sistemas occidentales disponen para regular determinados aspectos de las instituciones juridicas del derecho privado, como la propiedad, el contrato, la responsabilidad civil y el enriquecimiento injusto, pueden explicarse de mejor manera si se recurren a algunos conceptos tradicionales, en lugar de recurrir a las teorias juridicas creadas por la doctrina juridica moderna, o por el analisis economico del derecho. Rules of many occidental systems, which govern certain aspects of legal institutions of private law, as property, contract, tort and unjust enrichment, can be better explained with some concepts of the ancient tradition, instead of drawing on law theories thought up by modern law doctrines, or by law and economics.
A Unified Convection Scheme (UNICON). Part I: Formulation

AbstractThe author develops a unified convection scheme (UNICON) that parameterizes relative (i.e., with respect to the grid-mean vertical flow) subgrid vertical transport by nonlocal asymmetric turbulent eddies. UNICON is a process-based model of subgrid convective plumes and mesoscale organized flow without relying on any quasi-equilibrium assumptions such as convective available potential energy (CAPE) or convective inhibition (CIN) closures. In combination with a relative subgrid vertical transport scheme by local symmetric turbulent eddies and a grid-scale advection scheme, UNICON simulates vertical transport of water species and conservative scalars without double counting at any horizontal resolution.UNICON simulates all dry–moist, forced–free, and shallow–deep convection within a single framework in a seamless, consistent, and unified way. It diagnoses the vertical profiles of the macrophysics (fractional area, plume radius, and number density) as well as the microphysics (production and evaporati...
Capturing the heterogeneity in systemic sclerosis with genome-wide expression profiling

Heterogeneity in the clinical presentation and basic science findings of systemic sclerosis (SSc) has hindered the understanding of pathogenesis and development of effective treatments. Genome-wide profiling of SSc has measured this heterogeneity. Gene expression studies of diffuse SSc skin have shown reproducible, disease-specific gene expression signatures when compared with healthy controls and, surprisingly, disease-specific gene expression was found in both lesional and non-lesional skin. SSc-specific gene expression in peripheral blood cells and the lungs has also been demonstrated. Hypothesis-driven approaches that assess the contribution of individual pathways provide insight into the etiology of gene expression subsets.
Work in Progress: Engineering Faculty Members' Descriptions of the Boundaries of Engineering

Existing engineering programs that aim to recruit or retain women in engineering often use "pipeline" or "chilly climate" metaphors to help structure their programming and assessment. However, research in science and technology studies and women's studies areas suggest that the "boundaries" of academic engineering itself are gendered as to exclude the study of types of technology and work historically associated with women. This paper describes an ongoing study of how engineering faculty members make decisions about what counts as "engineering," how they understand and interact with the boundaries of their field, and how their daily research and teaching actions may result in the perpetuation of a gendered discipline.
Sensitivity of neurite outgrowth to microfilament disruption varies with adhesion molecule substrate.

Interactions between the cytoskeleton and cell adhesion molecules are presumed responsible for neurite extension. We have examined the role of microfilaments in neurite outgrowth on the cell adhesion molecules L1, P84, N-CAM, and on laminin. Cerebellar neurons growing on each substrate exhibited differing growth cone morphologies and rates of neurite extension. Growth of neurites in the presence of cytochalasin B (CB) was not inhibited on substrates of L1 or P84 but was markedly inhibited on N-CAM. Neurons on laminin were initially unable to extend neurites in the presence of CB but recovered this ability within 9 h. These studies suggest that neurite outgrowth mediated by different cell adhesion molecules proceeds via involvement of distinct cytoskeletal interactions. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
What can you say and what does it mean

This paper examines some of the criteria for a certificate architecture that supports trusted collaboration. Key to this support are (1) the separation of statements from the actions they engender and (2) the ability to make arbitrary statements. The separation of statement from action enables organizations to set their own policies and therefore control what is authorized in response to a statement. The open ended nature to allow arbitrary statements to be created enables the signer to fully specify her intentions. It should be possible to make these statements arbitrarily precise, by tying the statements to their (semantic) contexts. Furthermore, we argue that it is important not only to support completely formalizable statements but also informal statements as well. We then describe an architecture we are building which meets the above criteria and give examples of its efficacy.
Robust hybrid source-seeking algorithms based on directional derivatives and their approximations

A family of hybrid control algorithms is developed that steer a nonholonomic autonomous vehicle to the source of a scalar signal present in the environment. In an idealized setting, we develop a general hybrid control scheme that globally asymptotically stabilizes the vehicle position about the source. Pursuing a practical implementation, a series of perturbations to the family of controllers is introduced, resulting in a semi-global practical stability of the vehicle position about the source. An example of a recently developed conjugate direction-based controller fitting into this family is developed and demonstrated by simulation and experiment.
Long-term potentiation in an avian basal ganglia nucleus essential for vocal learning

Vocal learning in songbirds provides an excellent model for sensorimotor learning in vertebrates, with an accessible, well-defined behavior and discrete neural substrate. The rich behavioral plasticity exhibited by songbirds, however, contrasts starkly with the scarcity of candidate cellular mechanisms. Here, we report for the first time on an activity-dependent form of synaptic plasticity in area X, a component of the song system required for song learning and song maintenance. In slice preparations of zebra finch area X, pairing of high-frequency presynaptic stimulation with postsynaptic depolarization induces Hebbian long-term potentiation (LTP) of the glutamatergic inputs to spiny neurons. This form of LTP requires activation of NMDA receptors and D1-like dopamine receptors. In addition, LTP is observed in birds as young as 47 d after hatching and also in adult birds but not in younger birds, providing evidence of developmental regulation of the onset of synaptic plasticity. These properties make this form of LTP the best known candidate mechanism for reinforcement-based vocal learning in juveniles and song maintenance in adult birds.
Analysis of a renormalization group method and normal form theory for perturbed ordinary differential equations

Abstract For singular perturbation problems, the renormalization group (RG) method of Chen, Goldenfeld, and Oono [Phys. Rev. E. 49 (1994) 4502–4511] has been shown to be an effective general approach for deriving reduced or amplitude equations that govern the long time dynamics of the system. It has been applied to a variety of problems traditionally analyzed using disparate methods, including the method of multiple scales, boundary layer theory, the WKBJ method, the Poincare–Lindstedt method, the method of averaging, and others. In this article, we show how the RG method may be used to generate normal forms for large classes of ordinary differential equations. First, we apply the RG method to systems with autonomous perturbations, and we show that the reduced or amplitude equations generated by the RG method are equivalent to the classical Poincare–Birkhoff normal forms for these systems up to and including terms of O ( ϵ 2 ) , where ϵ is the perturbation parameter. This analysis establishes our approach and generalizes to higher order. Second, we apply the RG method to systems with nonautonomous perturbations, and we show that the reduced or amplitude equations so generated constitute time-asymptotic normal forms, which are based on KBM averages. Moreover, for both classes of problems, we show that the main coordinate changes are equivalent, up to translations between the spaces in which they are defined. In this manner, our results show that the RG method offers a new approach for deriving normal forms for nonautonomous systems, and it offers advantages since one can typically more readily identify resonant terms from naive perturbation expansions than from the nonautonomous vector fields themselves. Finally, we establish how well the solution to the RG equations approximates the solution of the original equations on time scales of O ( 1 / ϵ ) .
Fully integrated hybrid silicon free-space beam steering source with 32 channel phased array

Free-space beam steering using optical phased arrays is a promising method for implementing free-space communication links and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) without the sensitivity to inertial forces and long latencies which characterize moving parts. Implementing this approach on a silicon-based photonic integrated circuit adds the additional advantage of working with highly developed CMOS processing techniques. In this work we discuss our progress in the development of a fully integrated 32 channel PIC with a widely tunable diode laser, a waveguide phased array, an array of fast phase modulators, an array of hybrid III-V/silicon amplifiers, surface gratings, and a graded index lens (GRIN) feeding an array of photodiodes for feedback control. The PIC has been designed to provide beam steering across a 15°x5° field of view with 0.6°x0.6° beam width and background peaks suppressed 15 dB relative to the main lobe within the field of view for arbitrarily chosen beam directions. Fabrication follows the hybrid silicon process developed at UCSB with modifications to incorporate silicon diodes and a GRIN lens.
Analysis of multiply antimicrobial-resistant isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae from the United States.

Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates resistant to penicillin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline and sulfamethoxazole-trimethroprim are being recovered with increasing frequency in the United States. We analyzed the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE) genotypes, and ribotypes of 22 multiresistant serotype 23F isolates of S. pneumoniae from the United States and 1 isolate each from Spain and South Africa. Also included were seven multiresistant isolates of other serotypes, three penicillin-resistant but chloramphenicol-susceptible serotype 23F isolates, and two penicillin-susceptible isolates (one penicillin-susceptible isolate was serotype 23F). Fifteen of the 22 multiresistant isolates from the United States and the isolates from Spain and South Africa had identical PBP patterns, MLEE profiles, and ribotypes. Six of the remaining seven multiresistant isolates were related by PBP pattern, but demonstrated slightly different MLEE and/or ribotype profiles, possibly because of acquisition of additional resistance markers (four of the six isolates were also resistant to erythromycin). The remaining multiresistant serotype 23F isolate had a unique PBP pattern and ribotype and was only distantly related to the other pneumococcal isolates by MLEE analysis. The PBP patterns, MLEE profiles, and ribotypes of the multiresistant serotype 23F isolates were easily distinguished from those of six multiresistant isolates of other serotypes; three other penicillin-resistant, chloramphenicol-susceptible, serotype 23F isolates; and two penicillin-susceptible isolates. One exception was a multiresistant serotype 19A isolate that was highly related to the clonal group by PBP pattern and MLEE analysis and that had a ribotype similar to those of the other erythromycin-resistant serotype 23F isolates. MLEE analysis and ribotyping were more discriminating than were the PBP patterns in discerning strain differences. These data strongly suggest that a multiresistant clone of S. pneumoniae serotype 23F that is related to multiresistant isolates from Spain and South Africa has become disseminated in the United States. Clinicians should be alerted to the spread of these multiresistant strains in the United States. Images
Rural Definitions for Health Policy and Research

The term “rural” suggests many things to many people, such as agricultural landscapes, isolation, small towns, and low population density.However, defining “rural” for health policy and research pu...
Abolition of arteriolar dilation but not constriction to histamine in cremaster muscle of eNOS–/– mice

Histamine increases the permeability of capillaries and venules but little is known of its precapillary actions on the control of tissue perfusion. Using gene ablation and pharmacological intervent...
The Pre-Conceptual Map Methodology: Development and Application.

The objective of this article is to present the Pre-Conceptual Map methodology as a formalized way to identify, document, and utilize preconceived assumptions on the part of the researcher in qualitative inquiry. This technique can be used as a stand alone method or in conjunction with other qualitative techniques (i.e., naturalistic inquiry). This document explains how to utilize the process and includes specific examples based on a formal study of the pilot of The Drama Discovery Curriculum. The article highlights the Pre-Conceptual Map methodology for use by other researchers by examining: the need for the methodology, how it is related to the literature, the implications for other professions, and the contribution to the field of qualitative methodology. Key Words: Pre-Conceptual, Map, Qualitative, Methodology, Assumptions, Bias, and Research
Synaptic noise as a means of implementing weight-perturbation learning

Weight-perturbation (WP) algorithms for supervised and/or reinforcement learning offer improved biological plausibility over backpropagation because of their reduced circuitry requirements for realization in neural hardware. This paper explores the hypothesis that biological synaptic noise might serve as the substrate by which weight perturbation is implemented. We explore the basic synaptic noise hypothesis (BSNH), which embodies the weakest assumptions about the underlying neural circuitry required to implement WP algorithms. This paper identifies relevant biological constraints consistent with the BSNH, taxonomizes existing WP algorithms with regard to consistency with those constraints, and proposes a new WP algorithm that is fully consistent with the constraints. By comparing the learning effectiveness of these algorithms via simulation studies, it is found that all of the algorithms can support traditional neural network learning tasks and have similar generalization characteristics, although the re...
Defining and Computing Optimum RMSD for Gapped and Weighted Multiple-Structure Alignment

Pairwise structure alignment commonly uses root mean square deviation (RMSD) to measure the structural similarity, and methods for optimizing RMSD are well established. We extend RMSD to weighted RMSD for multiple structures. By using multiplicative weights, we show that weighted RMSD for all pairs is the same as weighted RMSD to an average of the structures. Thus, using RMSD or weighted RMSD implies that the average is a consensus structure. Although we show that in general, the two tasks of finding the optimal translations and rotations for minimizing weighted RMSD cannot be separated for multiple structures like they can for pairs, an inherent difficulty and a fact ignored by previous work, we develop a near-linear iterative algorithm to converge weighted RMSD to a local minimum. 10,000 experiments of gapped alignment done on each of 23 protein families from HOMSTRAD (where each structure starts with a random translation and rotation) converge rapidly to the same minimum. Finally we propose a heuristic method to iteratively remove the effect of outliers and find well-aligned positions that determine the structural conserved region by modeling B-factors and deviations from the average positions as weights and iteratively assigning higher weights to better aligned atoms.
Nanostructures: Sensor and Catalytic Properties

It is not a coincidence that very often the materials and sensitization methodologies used in chemical sensing are basically the same as the ones practiced in the field of catalysis. In both fields, a chemical reaction on the surface of the sensor or catalyst is the origin of the desired reaction products (in catalysis) or the electrical signals (in sensing). These fields were widely explored during the past few decades but both are currently experiencing a renaissance thanks to exciting new opportunities offered by nanotechnology.1
DNA-Mediated Cellular Delivery of Functional Enzymes

We report a strategy for creating a new class of protein transfection materials composed of a functional protein core chemically modified with a dense shell of oligonucleotides. These materials retain the native structure and catalytic ability of the hydrolytic enzyme β-galactosidase, which serves as the protein core, despite the functionalization of its surface with ∼25 DNA strands. The covalent attachment of a shell of oligonucleotides to the surface of β-galactosidase enhances its cellular uptake of by up to ∼280-fold and allows for the use of working concentrations as low as 100 pM enzyme. DNA-functionalized β-galactosidase retains its ability to catalyze the hydrolysis of β-glycosidic linkages once endocytosed, whereas equal concentrations of protein show little to no intracellular catalytic activity.
Maintaining Competence in General Internal Medicine

To The Editor: As Chair of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Internal Medicine Board and former chair of the Internal Medicine Exam Writing Committee, I appreciate Dr. Feldman’s recent editorial on the ABIM Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program.1 While I cannot comment on specific exam questions due to ABIM’s examination non-disclosure policy, I can attest that ABIM exams are carefully constructed by practicing internists and are intended to cover content that the exam committees have determined a qualified candidate should be able to recognize without consulting medical resources or references. Additionally, general internists serve on the Internal Medicine exam committee and collectively decide whether content is appropriate for the practicing internist. All new questions undergo rigorous review by physician experts, followed by pretesting without risk to examinees. More information on ABIM’s exam development process is available at http://www.abim.org/about/examInfo/developed.aspx. That said, ABIM agrees with many of the concerns Dr. Feldman raises, which echo what we have heard from other diplomates. Since the editorial’s publication, ABIM issued a statement announcing changes to the MOC program in response to diplomate feedback and in recognition that MOC needs to better meet diplomates’ needs.2 The statement also expresses ABIM’s commitment to work closely with diplomates to enhance the MOC program through various channels, including in-person meetings and workshops, diplomate surveys and a blog at http://transforming.abim.org/. Among the announced changes is an update to the Internal Medicine MOC examination blueprint to make the exam more reflective of what physicians in practice are doing. Through a structured review process, ABIM is collecting diplomate input on the updated blueprint, which will be implemented for the Fall 2015 MOC exam, with other specialties to follow. Additionally, to make the secure exam a more helpful feedback mechanism to inform physicians’ ongoing learning, ABIM is introducing enhanced exam score reports with the Spring 2015 MOC exam administration. These score reports were developed with feedback from physician focus groups, and will provide exam takers with more detailed exam performance data on their strengths and weaknesses. ABIM also recently launched Assessment 2020, an initiative to work with the broader health care community to define what competencies physicians will need as the field of medicine continues to evolve. The Assessment 2020 website at http://assessment2020.abim.org/ features a blog on which we welcome feedback, as well as a section on exam enhancements in research and development.3 As Dr. Feldman noted, all physicians are committed to lifelong learning. MOC needs to be a value-added process that helps us keep up in our rapidly changing fields and improve the quality of care we provide to our patients. I look forward to working with the community to develop an MOC program that better meets the needs of physicians across the diversity of internal medicine practice.
Isolation and culture of human intestinal smooth muscle cells.

AbstractIntestinal smooth muscle cells were isolated from human bowel and maintained in culture through several passages. These cells were obtained by enzyme digestion of slices taken from the circular layer of the muscularis propria of human jejunum. When subcultured, they initially flattened out and then began proliferating after 3 days. After 3 weeks in culture, they began aggregating into ridges. Fluorohistochemical staining revealed numerous prominent actin stress fibers. When these cells were exposed to the C-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin they contracted in a dose-dependent fashion. The availability of human intestinal smooth muscle cells in culture will considerably enhance our ability to study the contractile, proliferative and connective tissue responses of the smooth muscle of the human gastrointestinal tract.
Multi-axial Failure Strengths of Open-Cell Foams with Tetrakaidecahedral Cells Using Finite Element Analysis

Finite element method based micromechanics has been used for predicting the multi-axial failure strengths of open cell foams which have tetrakaidecahedral unit-cells. Low density foams with equi-sided and Kelvin-elongated tetrakaidecahedron as unit cells are studied. The struts are modeled using three-dimensional beam elements. The effect of varying cross section on the failure strengths is presented. Failure envelopes for two-dimensional and three-dimensional stress states are plotted for foams with equisided and elongated tetrakaidecahedron unit cells. Effect of anisotropy in foams with elongated tetrakaidecahedral unit cells on the failure envelopes is also discussed.
Black Placemaking: Celebration, Play, and Poetry:

Using Chicago as our case, this article puts forth a notion of black placemaking that privileges the creative, celebratory, playful, pleasurable, and poetic experiences of being black and being aro...