cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Field evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a combination of spinosad and milbemycin oxime in the treatment and prevention of naturally acquired flea infestations and treatment of intestinal nematode infections in dogs in Europe

Abstract Two separate randomised, blinded, multicentre field trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination of spinosad and milbemycin oxime (MO) (Trifexis ® , Elanco Animal Health) in the treatment and prevention of naturally acquired flea infestations and intestinal nematode infections in European dogs. Treatments using Trifexis ® and each control veterinary product (CVP) were administered once on Day 0 in both field studies. In the flea field trial, 11 veterinary clinics in France participated in the study. On Day 0, whole body flea comb counts were conducted on all dogs being evaluated for enrolment. Dogs with ≥ 7 fleas on Day 0 were enrolled, treated once on Day 0 with spinosad/MO or the CVP (Stronghold ® ; selamectin) and then underwent post-treatment flea counts on Days 14 and 30. There were 150 spinosad/MO treated dogs and 71 CVP treated dogs included in the flea effectiveness population. Effectiveness against fleas (% reduction in geometric means; GM) was 98.97% and 97.37% for the spinosad/MO treated dogs, and 97.43% and 93.96% for the CVP dogs on Days 14 and 30, respectively, compared to the pre-treatment baseline flea counts. Of the spinosad/MO dogs, 89.3% and 80.0% had no live fleas on Days 14 and 30, compared to 77.5% and 70.4% of the CVP dogs, respectively. In the nematode field trial, data from 10 veterinary clinics in France and 19 in Ireland were pooled. Faecal samples from dogs at each clinic were analysed. A positive result at screening (parasite eggs from Toxocara canis , Toxascaris leonina , Trichuris vulpis or Ancylostoma caninum ) allowed for enrolment. Dogs were randomised to spinosad/MO or the CVP (Milbemax ® ; MO/praziquantel). On Day 8, a post-treatment faecal sample was taken and analysed. Of 2333 dogs screened for nematode eggs, 238 dogs were positive with one or more of these nematodes, and 229 were enrolled in the study. Of the 229 dogs, 151 were treated with a single dose of spinosad/MO, and 77 were treated with a single dose of CVP. Post-treatment effectiveness against all nematodes (% reduction GM) was achieved with reductions of 98.57% and 97.57% for the spinosad/MO treated dogs and CVP dogs, respectively, as compared to the pre-treatment baseline faecal egg counts. Trifexis ® was shown to be safe and effective against natural infestations of fleas as well as mixed and single intestinal nematode infections in client owned dogs in Europe when administered as a single oral administration at the recommended dose.
Cobalt(II) complexes of 2,6-Lutidine N-oxide

Abstract Cobalt(II) complexes containing the Lewis base, 2,6-lutidine N-oxide (2,6-LuNO) have been synthesized and examined by a number of physical methods. The halide complexes ([Co(2,6-LuNO) 2 X 2 ]; X = Cl, Br, I) are found to be tetrahedral in the solid state, in nitromethane and dichloromethane solutions, and in the 2,6-LuNO-dichloromethane mixed solvent system. Only the iodide complex reacts in 2,6-LuNO-nitromethane (to produce [Co(2,6-LuNO) 3 I]I) and in pure 2,6-LuNO (to produce [Co(2,6-LuNO) 5 ]I 2 solutions. The thiocyanate complex, [Co(2,6-LuNO) 2 (NCS) 2 ]– while pseudotetrahedral in dichloromethane and nitromethane solutions–is five-coordinate in the solid state, with one of the thiocyanate groups acting as a bridging ligand. The solid state data for the perchlorate complex, (Co(2,6-LuNO) 4 (ClO 4 ) 2 , do not at present allow for an unequivocal designation of structure. The various possibilities are discussed. Dissolution of the perchlorate compound in nitromethane produces a concentration-dependent mixture of species, while dissolution in dichloromethane yields a four-coordinate cation which interacts with the hydrogen-bonding solvent. Dissolution of the compound in pure 2,6-LuNO or in the 2,6-LuNO-nitromethane solvent system produces [Co(2,6-LuNO) 5 ] 2+ . A similar result is also obtained in 2,6-LuNO-dichloromethane solutions, although solvent-solute interaction is suspected.
The effect of supplier capacity on the supply chain profit

In this paper, we study the role of capacity on the efficiency of a two-tier supply chain with two suppliers (leaders, first tier) and one retailer (follower, second tier). The suppliers compete via pricing (Bertrand competition) and, as one would expect in practice, are faced with production capacity. We consider a model with differentiated substitutable products where the suppliers are symmetric differing only by their production capacity. We characterize the prices, production amounts and profits in three cases: (1) the suppliers compete in a decentralized Nash equilibrium game, (2) the suppliers “cooperate” to optimize the total suppliers’ profit, and (3) the two tiers of the supply chain are centrally coordinated. We show that in a decentralized setting, the supplier with a lower capacity may benefit from restricting her capacity even when additional capacity is available at no cost. We also show that the loss of total profit due to decentralization cannot exceed 25 % of the centralized chain profits. Nevertheless, the loss of total profit is not a monotonic function of the “degree of asymmetry” of the suppliers’ capacities. Furthermore, we provide an upper bound on the supplier profit loss at equilibrium (compared with the cooperation setting) that depends on the “market power” of the suppliers as well as their market size. We show that there is less supplier profit loss as the asymmetry (in terms of their capacities) increases between the two suppliers. The worst case arises when the two suppliers are completely symmetric.
Fiber optic chemical sensing

Monitoring of chemical species is important to a number of industrial and energy related industries. This paper presents a comparison of two fiber optic sensing schemes which are demonstrated for the detection of acetylene and carbon monoxide. The first sensor configuration utilizes the newly developed random hole optical fiber and detects gases entering into the holes in the fiber through the interaction with the evanescent field. The second scheme utilizes a hollow micro-capillary tube based fiber optic sensor system. In both systems, the detection of the chemical species is accomplished by analysis of the infrared absorption spectra produced by the species present in the path of the optical signal. The effect of varying pressure, micro-capillary tube diameter, capillary tube length, and gas species is presented.
Fast Fourier transforms without sorting

This correspondence presents a mechanization of the fast Fourier transform which results in a particularly simple and compact FORTRAN program without the need for sorting the answers.
Using Abelian Varieties to Improve Pairing-Based Cryptography

We show that supersingular Abelian varieties can be used to obtain higher MOV security per bit, in all characteristics, than supersingular elliptic curves. We give a point compression/decompression algorithm for primitive subgroups associated with elliptic curves that gives shorter signatures, ciphertexts, or keys for the same security while using the arithmetic on supersingular elliptic curves. We determine precisely which embedding degrees are possible for simple supersingular Abelian varieties over finite fields and define some invariants that are better measures of cryptographic security than the embedding degree. We construct examples of good supersingular Abelian varieties to use in pairing-based cryptography.
High-resolution solution structure of reduced French bean plastocyanin and comparison with the crystal structure of poplar plastocyanin.

Abstract The three-dimensional solution structure of reduced (Cu I ) plastocyanin from French bean leaves has been determined by distance geometry and restrained molecular dynamics methods using constraints obtained from 1 H n.m.r. (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy. A total of 1244 experimental constraints were used, including 1120 distance constraints, 103 dihedral angle constraints and 21 hydrogen bond constraints. Stereospecific assignments were made for 26 methylene groups and the methyls of 11 valines. Additional constraints on copper co-ordination were included in the restrained dynamics calculations. The structures are well defined with average atomic root-mean-square deviations from the mean of 0·45 A for all backbone heavy atoms and 1·08 A for side-chain heavy atoms. French bean plastocyanin adopts a β-sandwich structure in solution that is similar to the X-ray structure of reduced poplar plastocyanin; the average atomic root-mean-square difference between 16 n.m.r. structures and the X-ray structure is 0·76 A for all backbone heavy atoms. The conformations of the side-chains that constitute the hydrophobic core of French bean plastocyanin are very well defined. Of 47 conserved residues that populate a single χ 1 angle in solution, 43 have the same rotamer in the X-ray structure. Many surface side-chains adopt highly preferred conformations in solution, although the 3 J αβ coupling constants often indicate some degree of conformational averaging. Some surface side-chains are disordered in both the solution and crystal structures of plastocyanin. There is a striking correlation between measures of side-chain disorder in solution and side-chain temperature factors in the X-ray structure. Side-chains that form a distinctive acidic surface region, believed to be important in binding other electron transfer proteins, appear to be disordered. Fifty backbone amide protons form hydrogen bonds to carbonyls in more than 60% of the n.m.r. structures; 45 of these amide protons exchange slowly with solvent deuterons. Ten hydrogen bonds are formed between side-chain and backbone atoms, eight of which are correlated with decreased proton exchange. Of the 60 hydrogen bonds formed in French bean plastocyanin, 56 occur in the X-ray structure of the poplar protein; two of the missing hydrogen bonds are absent as a result of mutations. It appears that molecular dynamics refinement of highly constrained n.m.r. structures allows accurate prediction of the pattern of hydrogen bonding.
Small-area estimation of forest stand structure in Jalisco, Mexico

Natural resource statistics are often unavailable for small ecological or economic regions and policymakers have to rely on state-level datasets to evaluate the status of their resources (i.e., forests, rangelands, grasslands, agriculture, etc.) at the regional or local level. These resources can be evaluated using small-area estimation techniques. However, it is unknown which small area technique produces the most valid and precise results. The reliability and accuracy of two methods, synthetic and regression estimators, used in small-area analyses, were examined in this study. The two small-area analysis methods were applied to data from Jalisco’s state-wide natural resource inventory to examine how well each technique predicted selected characteristics of forest stand structure. The regression method produced the most valid and precise estimates of forest stand characteristics at multiple geographical scales. Therefore, state and local resource managers should utilize the regression method unless appropriate auxiliary information is not available.
Measuring crop residue cover using remote sensing techniques

Crop residues are managed under conservation tillage programs to leave as much as possible on the surface for minimization soil erosion and for improving water quality. Because current methods for measuring crop residue cover are tediuous and somewhat subjective, there is a need for new methods to measure residue cover that are rapid, accurate, and objective. We discuss the potential for discriminating crop residues from soils using reflectance and fluorescence techniques and examine experimentally the changes in wheat residue fluorescence during weathering. The fluorescence of crop residue was a board band phenomenon with emissions extending from 420 to 600 nm for excitation of 350–420 nm. Soils had low intensity broad band emissions over the 400–690 nm region for excitations of 300–600 nm. We found that the fluorescence intensities for the crop residues were much greater than the fluorescence of the soils, but as the crop residues decompose, their blue-green fluorescence intensities approach the fluorescence of the soils. We conclude that fluorescence techniques are less ambiguous and better suited for discriminating crop residues from soils than the reflectance methods. However, the potential problems, that must be addressed to implement the fluorescence technique, are (i) adequate excitation energy must be supplied to induce fluorescence and (ii) the fluorescence signal is small relative to normal, ambient sunlight. Nevertheless, if properly implemented, we believe that the fluorescence techniques can be used to quantify crop residue cover in the field.
Does the Great Valley Group contain Jurassic strata? Reevaluation of the age and early evolution of a classic forearc basin

The presence of Cretaceous detrital zircon in Upper Jurassic strata of the Great Valley Group may require revision of the lower Great Valley Group chronostratigraphy, with significant implications for the Late Jurassic-Cretaceous evolution of the continental mar- gin. Samples (n 5 7) collected from 100 km along strike in the purported Tithonian strata of the Great Valley Group contain 20 Cretaceous detrital zircon grains, based on sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe age determinations. These results suggest that Great Val- ley Group deposition was largely Cretaceous, creating a discrepancy between biostratig- raphy based on Buchia zones and chronostratigraphy based on radiometric age dates. These results extend the duration of the Great Valley Group basal unconformity, provid- ing temporal separation between Great Valley forearc deposition and creation of the Coast Range Ophiolite. If Great Valley forearc deposition began in Cretaceous time, then sedi- ment bypassed the developing forearc in the Late Jurassic, or the Franciscan subduction system did not fully develop until Cretaceous time. In addition to these constraints on the timing of deposition, pre-Mesozoic detrital zircon age signatures indicate that the Great Valley Group was linked to North America from its inception.
Medical futility and nonbeneficial interventions: an algorithm to aid clinicians.

Medical futility is a clinically relevant and controversial issue. In 2005, 87% of Canadian intensivists surveyed 1 believed that they had provided futile medical interventions during the past year. A 2013 study 2 of 5 academic intensive care units found that physicians considered nearly 20% of all interventions provided over a 3-month period to be futile. The duration of futile interventions ranged from 1 to 58 days, with an estimated cost of $2.6 million during the 3-month study. More than half of the cases were considered futile because even with intervention the physician believed that the patient’s goals were unreachable. In 31% of the futile intervention cases, the physicians believed that the patient would never survive outside of the intensive care unit. 2,3 Despite some authors describing the “rise and fall of the futility movement,” the challenge of intervening in these scenarios remains difficult and clinically prevalent. 4
Techniques for the development of a multi-objective optimization model

Techniques for the development of a large mathematical model for the TVA-operated reservoir system are described. The major goal of the model is to provide a planning tool based on optimization methodology for the operation and modification of the reservoir system. Such a model introduces these questions: What are adequate representations of the system and the system objectives? What is the proper optimization methodology? What programming techniques can aid in model development?
Activation of NFkB is a novel mechanism of pro-survival activity of glucocorticoids in breast cancer cells

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are pro-apoptotic as a co-medication to treat leukemia and lymphoma. However, the effects in breast cancer (BC) are diverse with mechanisms less understood. In this study using BC model cell MCF7, we found that dexamethasone (Dex) promotes cell proliferation. Gene expression analysis identified that c-Myc was enhanced by Dex, providing an important link to the pro-survival effect of GCs in BC. Dex treatment promoted NFkB transcriptional activity leading to the up-regulation of c-Myc. RelA was activated by Dex but with decreased interaction with GR, thus identifying a new pattern of regulation of NFkB by GC/GR in BC cells.
A Links‐Nodes‐Blobs Model for Conductive Polymer Composites

A Links-Nodes-Blobs (L-N-B) model, based on the fractal and percolation concepts, is used to study the electrically conductive mechanism of conductive filler loaded polymer composites. The change in the conductivity of polymer composites during the mixing process can be explained as the competition between the breakdown of filler aggregates and the diffusion of ingredients of matrix material and impurities onto the surface of the filler. The value of the fractal dimension μ, which is the exponent in the power-law relationship of the electrical conductivity σ = σ 0 * (o - o c ) μ , is calculated as 1.88. This value is close to the values obtained directly from experiments or from other simulations. The positive temperature coefficient (PTC) behavior in the conductivity of composite material is also explained by this model as the breakdown of the conductive filler network. If the thermo-expansion induced strain is greater than the apparent onset strain e onset = [(mQ+2G)/2dG].e b of the L-N-B model, a strong PTC effect would happen.
Measurement of locus of control in cocaine abusers

Although the course of recovery for cocaine abusers is particularly problematic, there has been little investigation of perceptions of control in this population. The purposes of this study were (1) to develop an instrument that would measure specific expectancies of control in cocaine abusers, and (2) to examine the relationship between specific and generalized expectancies of control in these subjects. Rotter's I-E scale and a modification of the Drinking-Related Locus of Control (DRIE) scale were administered to 40 cocaine abusers in their first week of treatment. The Modified DRIE scale demonstrated adequate internal consistency and satisfactory test-retest reliability in the sample. No significant correlation was found between the Modified DRIE scale and the TE scale, probably because of the relatively small sample size. Further validation of the Modified DRIE scale is indicated.
Bubble Size in a Cocurrent Fiber Slurry

Bubble diameter measurements in a two-dimensional cocurrent bubble column are obtained using a gas−liquid−solid system in which the solid component is a cellulose fiber. Flash X-ray radiography, a ...
Simple surgical repair of bilateral renal artery stenosis in a patient with neurofibromatosis.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a common autosomal dominant disease that manifests as characteristic skin pigmentation known as cafe-au-lait macules and also as hypertension.1 Hypertension associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 is mostly a consequence of renal artery stenosis.2 We present a unique technique of surgical repair for bilateral renal artery stenosis in a pediatric patient with neurofibromatosis type 1.
Provision of boundary conditions for a convection-permitting ensemble: comparison of two different approaches

Abstract. The current resolution of the operational global models favours the possibility of driving convection-permitting limited-area model (LAM) simulations directly, sparing the necessity for an intermediate step with a coarser-resolution LAM. Though the resolution of global ensemble systems is generally lower than that of deterministic ones, it is also possible to consider this opportunity in the field of ensemble forecasting. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of this choice for driving a convection-permitting ensemble based on the COSMO model, for a specific application, namely the forecast of intense autumn precipitation events over Italy. The impact of the direct nesting in the ECMWF global ensemble is compared to a two-step nesting, which makes use of a LAM ensemble system with parametrised convection. Results show that the variability introduced in the geopotential field by the direct nesting is usually contained within the uncertainty described by the standard ensemble, and differences between pairs of members following different nesting approaches are generally smaller than the ensemble error, computed with respect to analysis. The relation between spread and error is even improved by the direct nesting approach. In terms of precipitation, it is found that the forecasts issued by members with different nesting approaches generally have differences at spatial scales between 16 and 180 km, depending on the case, hence not negligible. Nevertheless, the skill of the LAM ensemble precipitation forecasts, evaluated by means of an objective verification, is comparable. Therefore, the overall quality of the 2.8 km ensemble for the specific application is not deteriorated by the provision of lower resolution lateral boundary conditions directly from the global ensemble.
Harvesting the lateral femoral circumflex chimera free flap: guidelines for elevation.

Background: Reconstruction of complex head and neck defects having three-dimensional multiple tissue structural requirements can be a daunting challenge. Although many of these complex defects can be reconstructed with a lateral femoral circumflex chimera flap, elevation of these multiple component flaps can be difficult and confusing. Methods: To simplify harvesting of the lateral femoral circumflex chimera flap, the authors describe a method of freestyle flap elevation concentrating on the anatomy and principles in 12 steps. The initial incision is made medial and proximal to all cutaneous perforators of the lateral femoral circumflex system. It is used primarily for orientation and for defining the anatomy and tissue planes. In contradistinction to freestyle elevation of a simple perforator flap, complex chimera flaps are best dissected from the pedicle to the various tissue components of the chimera flap using a combination of retrograde and ante-grade dissection of the perforators. Results: Sixty flaps based on the lateral femoral circumflex vascular system have been elevated using this technique by the senior author (LJ.G.) over the past 4 years. Thirty-seven of these were true chimera flaps. One patient had perforators of inadequate size that precluded using the lateral femoral circumflex flap. Conclusions: The authors describe a straightforward, safe, and versatile 12-step method for freestyle harvesting of complex lateral femoral circumflex chimera free tissue transfers. The flap can be harvested without fear of anatomical inconsistencies and the surgeon is not required to commit to a specific flap design before ensuring that the quality, quantity, and anatomical location of perforating vessels are adequate for the reconstructive plan.
Measuring need for closure in classroom learners

Abstract Need for closure, as formulated by Kruglanski and colleagues [Kruglanski, A. W. (1990). Lay epistemic theory in social-cognitive psychology. Psychological Inquiry, 1(3), 181–197; Kruglanski, A. W., & Webster, D. M. (1996). Motivated closing of the mind: Seizing and freezing. Psychological Review, 103, 263–283; Webster, D. M., & Kruglanski, A. W. (1994). Individual differences in need for cognitive closure. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 76(6), 1049–1062], refers to the motivated tendency to seek structure, simplify complex information, and avoid ambiguity. In this article, we argue that this motive may impact classroom learning in important ways and introduce a self-report measure of need for closure situated in the classroom learning environment. Psychometric properties of the new measure are assessed in multiple samples using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Correlations between the new measure and existing indicators of cognitive closure, as well as variables known to influence motivation and academic achievement, support our assertions regarding the association between need for closure and academic functioning while also providing evidence for the construct validity of the measure. Finally, internal consistency and test–retest reliability suggest that the new measure functions as a reliable measure of need for closure within the classroom.
Using a partially observable Markov chain model to assess colonoscopy screening strategies – A cohort study

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is notoriously hard to combat for its high incidence and mortality rates. However, with improved screening technology and better understanding of disease pathways, CRC is more likely to be detected at early stage and thus more likely to be cured. Among the available screening methods, colonoscopy is most commonly used in the U.S. because of its capability of visualizing the entire colon and removing the polyps it detected. The current national guideline for colonoscopy screening recommends an observation-based screening strategy. Nevertheless, there is scant research studying the cost-effectiveness of the recommended observation-based strategy and its variants. In this paper, we describe a partially observable Markov chain (POMC) model which allows us to assess the cost-effectiveness of both fixed-interval and observation-based colonoscopy screening strategies. In our model, we consider detailed adenomatous polyp states and estimate state transition probabilities based on longitudinal clinical data from a specific population cohort. We conduct a comprehensive numerical study which investigates several key factors in screening strategy design, including screening frequency, initial screening age, screening end age, and screening compliance rate. We also conduct sensitivity analyses on the cost and quality of life parameters. Our numerical result demonstrates the usability of our model in assessing colonoscopy screening strategies with consideration of partial observation of true health states. This research facilitates future design of better colonoscopy screening strategies.
Chiral aspon model: An alternative fully gauged model of CP violation.

A chiral aspon model is constructed which avoids problems with quantum gravity violation of continuous global symmetries. The model contains only gauged local symmetries before spontaneous symmetry breaking, has no vectorlike fermions with bare mass terms, solves strong CP conservation, and has calculable weak CP violation. The model requires axigluons with mass locked to the aspon scale
Observations on the Fine Structure of the Ciliate Dileptus anser

Dileptus anser is a relatively large multinucleate ciliate (gymnostome) which bears an anteriorly directed non-retractable proboscis. On the ventral surface of the proboscis is found a “feeding groove” which is bounded laterally by large feeding cilia. In the ventral mid-line of this groove is a small fiber which passes from the anterior tip to the cytostome-cytopharyngeal complex, which is located at the base of the proboscis. Electron micrographs show that this fiber is composed of smaller fibrils. These smaller fibrils are attached to the kinetosomes of the feeding cilia on both the right and left sides of the larger fibril bundle. Thus, the mid-ventral fibril bundle lies between two ciliary rows and provides fibrils for kinetosomes on both its right and left sides. Therefore, it seems likely in the case of this gymnostome, that there exists an exception to the rule of desmodexy as postulated by Chatton and Lwoff (1935). The function of these fibrils remains obscure but it is suggested that, in view of their close association with the feeding cilia and the non-retractable nature of the proboscis, their function may be primarily coordinative. However, the possibility that they may also be concerned secondarily with minor contractions is not excluded. The armature of the cytostome-cytopharyngeal complex is composed of two distinct systems: (1) a system of fibrils which are apparently kinetodesmal and (2) a system of trichites. The fibrils are thought to be associated with the feeding cilia of the proboscis as well as with those which surround the cytostome. The fibrils extend into the cytoplasm of the armature and are intermingled among the trichites. The tri-chites are arranged in two concentric cones around the cytostome. In the outermost cone they are larger and arranged in almost single file as opposed to the smaller size and the more or less random orientation of those of the inner cone. They are composed of smaller hexagonally packed rods which measure 170-180 A in diameter and are separated by a space of about 100 A.
Naturally occurring haemonchosis in a white-tailed deer.

Death of a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawn was attributed to massive infection with Haemonchus contortus. Overcrowding, food shortage, and competition by cattle and hogs were contributing factors.
Oral EBV and KSHV Infection in HIV

The gamma herpesviruses, Kaposi's-sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), are tightly associated with the development of AIDS-associated oral disease and malignancy during immune suppression. The objective of this investigation was to characterize oral infection and pathogenesis in healthy and immune-suppressed individuals. To characterize oral EBV and KSHV infection, we examined throat washings and oral epithelial cells from HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals. Quantitative/real-time polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) assays, transmission electronmicroscopy, immunostaining, and sequence analysis were used to identify viral infection. Virus was isolated from throat-wash samples and was used to infect epithelial and lymphoid cell lines. We detected EBV and KSHV in the oral cavity in healthy and immune-suppressed individuals. Viral strain analysis of KSHV K1 in multiple clones from the oral cavities of healthy persons and immunosuppressed patients detected several strains previously detected in KS lesions, with minor strain variation within individuals. Immunoelectron microscopy for multiple viral antigens detected consistent expression of viral proteins and oral epithelial specimens. In oral epithelial cells infected with wild-type KSHV in vitro, the K8.1 glycoprotein associated with lytic KSHV infection was detected in both primary and telomerase immortalized oral epithelial cultures by 24 hours post-infection. Virions were detected, subsequent to infection, by scanning electron microscopy. Oral epithelial cells were also infected in vitro with wild-type EBV originating from throat washes. Analysis of these data suggests that, like EBV, KSHV infection is present in the oropharynx of healthy individuals, is transmissible in vitro, and may be transmitted by saliva.
Lifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorders in women with perimenstrual difficulties

Abstract Fifty-eight women age 30–40 years, blind to the purpose of the study were segregated according to whether they reported none-mild or moderate-severe perimenstrual difficulties on screening interview. Lifetime prevalence of major psychiatric disorders was ascertained using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Women in the moderate-severe group (n = 29) showed a significantly greater lifetime prevalence of affective disorders and drug abuse. No cases of somatization disorder were detected in either group.
Disorders of cognition, attention and learning

The inability to successfully navigate the educational system can cause serious problems for children, their parents, the Indian society, and the world at large. When children are required to engage in academic exercises which require attention, specific cognitive abilities and processes, and demonstrations of learning, a subset of these children are unable to perform due to some type of intellectual, emotional, behavioural, physical, or environmental deficit. Any combination of these factors can result in school failure. Although, resources for remedial or special education services in Southeast Asia and India are particularly meager, efforts must be directed towards the retention and achievement of those children who do enroll in primary and secondary schools. Learning disability represents a major form of impairment in society, and much more needs to be done to bring about a general awareness of its consequences. An urgent priority is the education of physicians and teachers about disorders of cognition, learning, and attention.
Low temperature fast-neutron and gamma irradiation of glass fiber-epoxy composite. Part 2: Structure and chemistry

Abstract Structure and chemistry of S2-glass fiber-epoxy composite to fast-neutron and gamma irradiation at 4.2 K have been studied. Fast-neutron fluence ranged from 0.9 × 1022 to 1 × 1023 n/m2. At the neutron fluence of 3.1 × 1022 n/m2, ordering of the amorphous S2-glass structure intervened. Ordering was followed by partial crystallization at the neutron fluence of 1 × 1023 n/m2. Although the epoxy matrix retained its amorphous structure, reactor irradiation induced crosslink formation and hydrogen evolution. These processes became significant at neutron fluences equal to or higher than 1.8 × 1022 n/m2. No evidence has been found for hydrogen bubble or void nucleation at the glass-epoxy interface at the neutron fluence of 3.1 × 1022 n/m2. Futhermore, sharp compositional changes measured at the glass-epoxy interface preclude an extended irradiation-induced atom mixing at this neutron fluence.
Design of nonstandard spur gears cut by a hob

Abstract A numerical technique has been developed for determining the individual hob offsets for a pair of spur gears designed to operate at a nonstandard center distance with the maximum ratio of recess to approach action or to balance tooth strengths of the pinion and gear. The numerical technique is based on determining the limit to which the hob is offset to create a full recess-action gearset, to balance the tooth strengths, to maintain a desired contact ratio, and to avoid undercutting. The values of the hob offsets from these design criteria are calculated, and the limiting value selected to produce an acceptable gearset. In this paper, backlash is incorporated into the solution method and a new numerical technique is employed to solve the optimum hob offsets. This paper presents the formulation of the equations for each of the design criteria and the corresponding solution methods, which include backlash, that are used to determine the optimum hob offsets. These design criteria have been incorporated into a Basic program. Example problems and results from the program are presented.
The Supervision of Group Work Model: Adapting the Discrimination Model for Supervision of Group Workers

The purpose of this article is to present a supervision model applicable to group work. This model uses a 3 × 3 × 3 conceptual system that synthesizes concepts from the discrimination model and group systemic levels to provide a framework for supervisors of group workers in training. Discussion of the model includes considerations for group leadership development, cross-cultural issues in group work, and supervision of group workers in individual, triadic, and group formats. Implications for supervisors, counselor education programs, and future research are also addressed.
Self-deception in an evolutionary game.

From the perspective of philosophy, the idea of humans lying to themselves seems irrational and maladaptive, if even possible. However, the paradigm of cognitive modularity admits the possibility of self-deception. Trivers argues that self-deception can increase fitness by improving the effectiveness of inter-personal deception. Ramachandran criticizes Trivers' conjecture, arguing that the costs of self-deception outweigh its benefits. We first modify a well-known cognitive modularity model of Minsky to formalize a cognitive model of self-deception. We then use Byrne's multi-dimensional dynamic character meta-model to integrate the cognitive model into an evolutionary hawk-dove game in order to investigate Trivers' and Ramachandran's conjectures. By mapping the influence of game circumstances into cognitive states, and mapping the influence of multiple cognitive modules into player decisions, our cognitive definition of self-deception is extended to a behavioral definition of self-deception. Our cognitive modules, referred to as the hunger and fear daemons, assess the benefits and the cost of competition and generate player beliefs. Daemon-assessment of encounter benefits and costs may lead to inter-daemonic conflict, that is, ambivalence, about whether or not to fight. Player-types vary in the manner by which such inter-daemonic conflict is resolved, and varieties of self-deception are modeled as type-specific conflict-resolution mechanisms. In the display phase of the game, players signal to one another and update their beliefs before finally committing to a decision (hawk or dove). Self-deception can affect player beliefs, and hence player actions, before or after signaling. In support of Trivers' conjecture, the self-deceiving types do outperform the non-self-deceiving type. We analyse the sensitivity of this result to parameters of the cognitive model, specifically the cognitive resolution of the players and the influence of player signals on co-player beliefs.
The Emergence Of A Climate Anthropology In Northeast Brazil

Climate studies have traditionally fallen within the purview of the natural sciences where cause and predictable pattern are sought for such phenomena as climate change and climate variability. In the past, social scientists had little occasion to cross disciplinary paths with atmospheric or oceanographic scientists. Not that social science has ignored climate, for anthropology and geography claim a rich literature on the impacts of climate variability, particularly drought, on human populations (e.g., Franke and Chasin 1980; Watts 1983; Langworthy and Finan 1997). New theoretical ground, fertilized by an increasing number of empirical studies, now promises to bear the fruit we call climate anthropology. The expanding social science agenda has responded to two relatively recent advances in the natural sciences. The first has been the widening scientific consensus regarding global climate change and its anthropogenic causes. Global change cannot be adequately characterized without understanding the human-e...
Genetics and genomics in human lung transplantation.

Lung transplantation is the only effective treatment for many advanced lung diseases. However, long-term survival after transplantation remains relatively poor, thus limiting the application of lung transplantation to patients with end-stage disease only. Acute and chronic rejection is the main reason for allograft failure. Attempts to treat or prevent rejection have been stymied by our incomplete understanding of the mechanisms leading to this devastating complication and the lack of representative animal models. A systems-biology approach to lung transplantation with the use of genomics and gene expression profiling has led to new insights into the pathogenesis of rejection, by elucidating the mechanisms of T-cell activation and uncovering the role of B cells and innate immunity. Systems-biology approaches, such as genetics and genomics, may allow minimally invasive diagnosis of rejection and permit individually tailored immunosuppressive regimens. Herein we review the emerging application of genomics a...
A Distributed Self-Deployment Algorithm Suitable for Multiple Nonholonomic Mobile Robots

This paper introduces a novel distributed algorithm for deploying multi-robot systems, consisting of mobile robots with onboard sensing and wireless communication of limited ranges, to approach the desired sensory coverage while maintaining communication connection over targeted 2D environments. A virtual potential energy is defined for each mobile robot according to the difference between the actual and desired configurations in the neighborhood of the robot, which generates the actuating force to move the robot towards the desired local coverage. The Rayleigh’s dissipation function is adopted to provide the necessary damping mechanism which maintains the stability of the deployment motion for each robot. The equation of deployment motion for each mobile robot is then derived from the Hamilton’s principle using the method of the variational calculus, which defines the movement of the robot to approach the desired local configuration. The formulation of the variational calculus also provides a convenience way to incorporate the nonholonomic constraint arising in wheeled robots. Since the equation of deployment motion for each robot depends on only the robot’s own kinematic state and its detectable positional relationship with nearby objects, the proposed algorithm decentralizes the multi-robot deployment problem into the motion control of individual robots. Simulation results show the feasibility of the proposed approach in guiding the deployment of multi-robot systems.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
New insights into mechanisms of immune-mediated glomerular diseases

Immune-mediated glomerular diseases result from interplay of humoral and cellular elements. Abrogation of initiating immune events would be the most effective treatment; however many questions remain regarding the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritides. Most pathogenic antigens that trigger the inflammatory cascade are unknown. Do antisense proteins or products of dysregulated apoptosis initiate auto-immunity? Do environmental factors or genetic components play a role? Knowledge about these mechanisms will lead us beyond non-specific immunosuppression in the treatment of immune-mediated glomerular disease.
Localization for a Family of One-dimensional Quasiperiodic Operators of Magnetic Origin

We show strong dynamical localization for a family of one-dimensional quasiperiodic Jacobi operators of magnetic origin, throughout the regime of positive Lyapunov exponents.
Extending the Power of Snap Rounding Variants

Snap Rounding (SR for short) is a method for converting arbitrary-precision arrangements of line segments into a fixed-precision representation. In the previous years two variants of SR were presented: Iterated Snap Rounding (ISR) and Iterated Snap Rounding with Bounded Drift (ISRBD). Their goal was to eliminate an undesirable property that SR possesses. Prior to their appearances, the capabilities of SR were extended in two publications. One showed how to support dynamic rounding (insertion and deletion of line segments). The other extended SR to IR 3 (limited to arrangement of line segments). In this work we show how to extend ISR and ISRBD to support these capabilities.
Functions and Metabolism of Trace Elements

The human and animal body contains most, if not all, of the elements in the periodic table (Fig. 1). Some of these elements are found in larger amounts, and their main functions have been quite well elucidated. Others are present only in trace quantities, and their functions (if indeed they have any) are not understood at all. The presence of an element in larger or smaller amounts in the body cannot be taken as an indication of its greater or lesser importance for the organism. Cobalt, for example, is found only in the tiniest quantities and has only a few enzyme-linked functions in the mammalian body, but it is an “essential” element, meaning that it is crucial for life, health, and reproduction. Elements for which essentiality has not been established are often more important quantitatively than some trace elements known to be essential (Table I).
Native and exotic plant cover vary inversely along a climate gradient 11 years following stand-replacing wildfire in a dry coniferous forest, Oregon, USA

Community re-assembly following future disturbances will often occur under warmer and more moisture-limited conditions than when current communities assembled. Because the establishment stage is regularly the most sensitive to climate and competition, the trajectory of recovery from disturbance in a changing environment is uncertain, but has important consequences for future ecosystem functioning. To better understand how ongoing warming and rising moisture limitation may affect recovery, we studied native and exotic plant composition 11 years following complete stand-replacing wildfire in a dry coniferous forest spanning a large gradient in climatic moisture deficit (CMD) from warm and dry low elevation sites to relatively cool and moist higher elevations sites. We then projected future precipitation, temperature and CMD at our study locations for four scenarios selected to encompass a broad range of possible future conditions for the region. Native perennials dominated relatively cool and moist sites 11 years after wildfire, but were very sparse at the warmest and driest (high CMD) sites, particularly when combined with high topographic sun exposure. In contrast, exotic species (primarily annual grasses) were dominant or co-dominant at the warmest and driest sites, especially with high topographic sun exposure. All future scenarios projected increasing temperature and CMD in coming decades (e.g., from 4.5% to 29.5% higher CMD by the 2080's compared to the 1971-2000 average), even in scenarios where growing season (May-September) precipitation increased. These results suggest increasing temperatures and moisture limitation could facilitate longer term (over a decade) transitions toward exotic-dominated communities after severe wildfire when a suitable exotic seed source is present.
A comparison of alternative sample preparation procedures for the analysis of swainsonine using LC-MS/MS

Introduction – Swainsonine, a polyhydroxy indolizidine alkaloid and known glycosidase inhibitor, is found in a number of different plants that cause a lysosomal storage disease known as locoism in the western USA. Most recently swainsonine has been analysed by LC-MS/MS after sample extraction and preparation from ion-exchange resins. Objective – To compare previously published sample preparation procedures with several new alternative procedures to provide methods using either commercially available solid-phase extraction equipment or procedures which significantly reduce sample preparation time. Methodology – A previously reported and validated sample preparation method using ion-exchange resin was compared with methods using a commercially available solid-phase extraction cartridge, a solvent partitioning procedure or a single solvent extraction procedure using one of two solvents. Twenty different plant samples of varying swainsonine concentrations were prepared in triplicate and analysed by LC-MS/MS. The measured concentration of swainsonine was then statistically compared between methods. Results – There were no statistically significant differences found between four of the five different sample preparation methods tested. Conclusion – A commercially available SPE cartridge can be used to replace the previously used ion-exchange resin for swainsonine analysis. For very rapid analyses the SPE procedure can be eliminated and a simple, single solvent extraction step used for sample preparation. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sticking coefficient as a single parameter to characterize step coverage of SiO/sub 2/ processes

The authors use a single parameter, the sticking coefficient (or reaction probability), to model the step coverage of low pressure chemical vapor deposited (LPCVD) SiO/sub 2/ films. Earlier studies show that a low sticking coefficient, instead of surface diffusion, is the key step coverage improving mechanism. A simulation program based on a hypothesized reaction mechanism has been written to simulate deposition profiles. The program is capable of simulating redeposition and surface diffusion. Simulated profiles, using a single sticking coefficient (SC), agree well with experimental oxide films deposited on a variety of different geometries. The coefficient depends strongly on the silicon source used, and its magnitude decreases with increasing temperature. >