cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A theory of adult intellectual development: Process, personality, interests, and knowledge

Abstract The development of adult intelligence assessment early in this century as an upward extension of the Binet-Simon approach to child intelligence assessment is briefly reviewed. Problems with the use of IQ measures for adults are described, along with a discussion of related conceptualizations of adult intellectual performance. Prior intelligence theories that considered adult intelligence (Cattell, 1943, 1971/1987; Hebb, 1941, 1942, 1949; Vernon, 1950) are reviewed. Based on extensions of prior theory and new analyses of personality-ability and interest-ability relations, a developmental theory of adult intelligence is proposed, called PPIK. The PPIK theory of adult intellectual development integrates intelligence-as-process, personality, interests, and intelligence-as-knowledge. Data from the study of knowledge structures are examined in the context of the theory, and in relation to measures of content abilities (spatial and verbal abilities). New directions for the future of research on adult intellect are discussed in light of an approach that integrates personality, interests, process, and knowledge.
Direct methanol fuel cell with interdigitated anode for operating under ultra-low fuel stoichiometry condition

Abstract Under ultra-low fuel stoichiometry condition, direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) suffers from severe methanol crossover in the inlet region and methanol shortage in the outlet region, which results in significant performance drop. In order to improve uniformity of fuel distribution, this paper proposes an anode structure which has a dead-end fuel chamber with a porous fuel distributor, so called interdigitated anode. Comparative study between the conventional cell and the interdigitated cell was conducted with multi-dimensional model. Calculation result shows the interdigitated structure mitigates anode non-uniformity by switching fuel transport mechanism from diffusion to convection, which leads to enhancement of both cell voltage and fuel efficiency.
Small sample bias in conditional sum-of-squares estimators of fractionally integrated ARMA models

This paper considers estimation of the parameters for the fractionally integrated class of processes known as ARFIMA. We consider the small sample properties of a conditional sum-of-squares estimator that is asymptotically equivalent to MLE. This estimator has the advantage of being relatively simple and can estimate all the parameters, including the mean, simultaneously. The simulation evidence we present indicates that estimation of the mean can make a considerable difference to the small sample bias and MSE of the other parameter estimates.
Latest COBE results

The latest results on the spectrum and anisotropy of the microwave background from the COsmic Background Explorer (COBE) are discussed. The RMS deviation of the spectrum from a 2.728 .004 K [95% CL] Planck function is less than 50 parts per million of the peak intensity. Energy added to the CMBR by hot electrons (y and μ distortions) is less than 60 parts per million [95% CL] of the total CMBR energy for all times later than 1 year after the Big Bang. The anisotropy of the CMBR is consistent with a power law power spectrum of primordial density perturbations with P(k) σ kn, and the spectral index n = 1.2 .3 (1σ), consistent with the n≈ 1 predicted by inflation. The amplitude of power spectrum gives an expected RMS quadrupole of 〈QRMS2〉0.5 = 18 μK if n is forced to be 1.
Photochemically Active Polymers Containing Pendant Ethyl Phenylglyoxylate

Photoreactions of acrylic polymers containing pendant ethyl phenylglyoxylate groups at different distances from the polymeric backbone have been studied. Hydrogen abstraction between pendant groups by an excited triplet phenylglyoxylate carbonyl group from adjacent pendant groups is the primary process. The expected γ-hydrogen abstraction within one pendant group (the Norrish type II reaction) is not observed. The radicals formed react with each other to form cross-linked structures in the polymer. This effects solubility in various solvents which changes significantly after irradiation. The potential of the polymer as an imageable material has been evaluated.
Wandering spiders limit densities of a major microbi-detritivore in the forest-floor food web

Abstract In a long-term field experiment, densities of wandering spiders (i.e. species that do not build webs to capture prey) were reduced in order to determine whether or not a major group of microbi-detritivores, the Collembola (springtails), would increase in response to lowered spider predation. Thirty 4-m 2 fenced plots (15 spider-removal, 15 control plots) and 15 unfenced, undisturbed reference areas were established in a deciduous forest. Spiders were taken from the removal-treatment after being collected by periodic trapping with pitfall traps that contained no preservative, and by searching the litter surface. Judging from a comparison of the numbers captured during periodic censuses in spider-removal and control plots (one census period was two consecutive days of pitfall trapping), wandering spiders were rapidly reduced by ca. 50% and were maintained at levels lower than control plots for 1.3 years. The reduction in numbers was greatest for wolf spiders (Lycosidae; ≈90%). Of six families of Collembola abundant in the leaf litter during the experiment, one family, the Tomoceridae, exhibited a significant release from spider predation. Densities of tomocerids, which are the largest and most active springtails on the research site, gradually increased until they were consistently 2× higher in the spider-removal treatment than in either fenced control plots or unfenced, open reference areas.
Endogenous oxalate synthesis in male and female rats.

Abstract The effects of dietary ethanolamine, glycolic acid, glycine, and ethylene glycol on oxaluria and kidney oxalate deposition in male and female rats are described. Supplementation of control diets with 2% glycolic acid and ethylene glycol resulted in oxaluria and kidney oxalate deposition in male rats but not in female rats. Glycine and ethanolamine had no effect. Vitamin B6 deficiency eliminated the sex difference and markedly enhanced kidney oxalate deposition and oxaluria in female rats on 2% glycolic acid supplementation. Glycine was also stimulatory in vitamin B6-deficient male rats. The oxidation of glycolic acid to glyoxylic acid and glyoxylic acid to oxalic acid proceeds twice as rapidly in male rat liver homogenate as in female rat liver homogenates. No sex difference was noted in other enzymes assayed. The lower rate of glycolic and glyoxylic acid oxidation in the female rat may explain its greater resistance to glycolic acid nephrotoxicity.
EXAFS Determinations of Uranium Structures: The Uranyl Ion Complexed with Tartaric, Citric, and Malic Acids

U LIII-edge EXAFS spectra were measured for 1:1 mixtures of the uranyl ion with tartaric, malic, and citric acids. The room-temperature EXAFS spectra of these mixtures demonstrate the characteristic uranium−oxygen interactions of the uranyl ion UO22+ and also show a U−U interaction at 3.92 A, indicating the presence of a uranyl dimer. On the basis of models proposed by Martell et al. from earlier potentiometric titration experiments, it is concluded that the dimer is the ligand-bridged species (UO2)2(L)2, in which bridging occurs through the α-hydroxyl groups of the polycarboxylate ligands.
Transcatheter Alcohol Embolization of an Aldosteronoma

Successful transcatheter arterial embolization of symptomatic adrenal aldosteronoma in a 56-year-old woman with hypertension and hypokalemia is described. The presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of aldosterone-producing tumors are subsequently discussed.
Nonlinear guided waves in a negative-index slab waveguide

We report the existence of nonlinear waves propagating in a waveguide composed of a negative-index medium surrounded by conventional media, i.e. in a slab waveguide with a negative-index nonlinear core. We study the dispersion relation of found modes and calculate the associated energy flow. Finally, we discuss other possible mode families of the structure. Their shape depends on the sign of the magnetic permeability of the cladding layers.
Logging fatalities in the united states by region, cause of death, and other factors -- 1980 through 1988

Logging has been reported to be one of the most hazardous industries in the United States for fatal injury. However, most studies have been at the state level and did not look at the logging industry specifically, but identified the risk of this industry through comparisons of fatalities across all industries. National data on logging injuries have concentrated on nonfatal injuries, not fatal injuries. To learn more about fatal logging injuries, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health analyzed the National Traumatic Occupational Fatality surveillance system for demographic differences in logging fatalities occurring in the United States from 1980 through 1988. The results indicate that there are regional differences in logging fatality rates, with the highest fatality rates occurring in those regions of the country harvesting primarily hardwood sawtimber. No significant differences in fatality rates between African-American and white workers were found.
Eigen-MINACE SAR detection filters with improved capacity

Distortion-invariant correlation filters are used to detect and recognition distorted objects in scenes. They are used in a correlator and are thus shift-invariant. We describe a new way to design distortion-invariant correlation filters that ensures good generalization (same performance on training and test sets) and improved capacity (fewer filters that recognize distorted versions of multiple classes of objects). The traditional way of designing correlation filters uses different types of frequency domain preprocessing and linear combination of training images. We show that these different approaches can be implemented in a framework using linear combination of eigen-images of preprocessed training data. Using eigen-domain data is shown to produce filters that generalize better and have large capacity. We show results on SAR data with multiple classes of objects using eigen-MINACE filters.
Reversible oxidation of glucose by glucose dehydrogenase.

Ox liver has been shown to contain an enzyme, glucose dehydrogenase, which catalyses the reaction1,2:
Creep of silver at C

Creep behaviour of polycrystalline silver at C depends primarily on the purity of the Ag. Specimens of 99.999% purity dynamically recrystallized during creep; the stress for recrystallization was MPa. Oxygen partial pressure had no effect on the creep response. For 99.9% Ag, no dynamic recrystallization occurred; instead, steady-state creep was observed, with the rate-controlling deformation occurring primarily by dislocation motion. Long-term annealing of 99.9% Ag in increased the steady-state stress by a factor of . Depending on test conditions, the 99.9% Ag was up to twice as strong as the 99.999% Ag.
Information Age: Do Urban African-American Youth Find Sexual Health Information Online?

The purpose of the present study was to understand the extent to which urban African-American youth access information via the Internet for a variety of sexual health topics and to identify the conditions under which they find sexual health information. African-American heterosexual youth (N = 81; 15–17 years) residing in low-income neighborhoods completed semi-structured interviews. Data on access to and use of the Internet for sexual health information were extracted, coded, and charted. Access to the Internet was widespread. Nearly half of the respondents had used the Internet for sexual health information; a variety of topics were covered (e.g., HIV/STIs; condoms; communication; relationships). Notably, many youth accessed information in the context of a sex education assignment or through advertisements on social network sites (SNSs). Universal use of the Internet has not led to widespread use of digital media for sexual health information. The Internet continues to be an underutilized resource, but our findings suggest several pathways through which youth may be reached with sexual health information online. We identify several testable hypotheses, which can be explored in larger quantitative studies and which will enhance our ability to develop effective strategies to reach youth with legitimate sexual health information online.
The Effect of Tempering (Artificial Aging) on the Crashworthiness Performance of Mass-Efficient Extruded Aluminum Structures

The effect of tempering (artificial aging) on the axial crush strength of four cell extruded rectangular aluminum alloy (AA) 6061 and 6063 tubes is developed in this report. Increasing the aging time from the press quenched condition increases the flow strength of the material and also increases the axial energy absorbed up to a point when the material showed fracture. Good predictions were made between experimental, theoretical, and numerical mean crush loads for various tempers of AA6061 and AA6063, except in the cases where a large amount of fracture was present. A recommended temper time of three hours was obtained for AA6063, with an increase in mean crush load of 60%. A recommended temper time of six hours was obtained for AA6061 with an increase in mean crush load of 40%. These results will be useful in future aluminum automotive body projects, both for their predictive capability, and for the temper recommendations.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Quantification of white spot syndrome virus DNA through a competitive polymerase chain reaction

Abstract A competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for quantification of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) genome was developed. A pair of WSSV primers, designated WSSV341F/R, was selected to amplify a 341-bp DNA fragment from the WSSV genome. For a competitive internal standard, we constructed and cloned a 289-bp DNA fragment, the result of a 52-bp deletion from the 341-bp amplicon. In a competitive PCR reaction, we co-amplified the target WSSV DNA with known concentrations of the internal standard using WSSV341F/R primers. The amplicons from WSSV DNA and from internal standard DNA differed in size and could be distinguished after gel electrophoresis. The concentration of WSSV genomes was determined from its relation to the concentration of the internal standard. The log–log plot of the ratio of the amplicons (internal standard: WSSV) on the internal standard concentration was linear. Using this competitive PCR procedure, we quantified WSSV DNA in the samples of hemolymph and tissues of the cephalothorax of individual WSSV-infected shrimp. The number of WSSV genomes in both hemolymph and tissues corresponded to the severity of infection determined by histological evaluation. In addition, the changes in number of WSSV genomes in the hemolymph during the course of the infection were determined.
Evaluation of Abdominal Fluid: Peripheral Blood Creatinine and Potassium Ratios for Diagnosis of Uroperitoneum in Dogs

Objective:To determine the clinical efficacy of abdominal fluid to peripheral blood ratios of creatinine and potassium concentrations to diagnose uroperitoneum in dogs. Design:Records of 13 dogs with confirmed uroabdomen were retrospectively analyzed. Prospective evaluation of 8 dogs with nonrenal ascites provided data for a control population. Setting:Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Animals:Client owned dogs. Interventions:None Measurements and Main Results:Abdominal fluid potassium (mEq/L) and creatinine concentrations (mg/dl) were recorded. Peripheral blood potassium and creatinine concentrations were also recorded. Ratios were calculated based on these values. An abdominal fluid creatinine concentration to peripheral blood creatinine concentration ratio of > 2:1 was predictive of uroabdomen in dogs (specificity 100%, sensitivity 86%). An abdominal fluid potassium concentration to peripheral blood potassium concentration of > 1.4:1 is also predictive of uroabdomen in dogs (specificity 100%, sensitivity 100%). All dogs with uroabdomen had an abdominal fluid creatinine concentration that was at least 4 times normal peripheral blood levels. Conclusion:Abdominal fluid to peripheral blood potassium and creatinine ratios provide a means to diagnose uroperitoneum in dogs without elevated peripheral blood creatinine.
Validity of lung correction algorithms

Our studies have compared the ‘‘effective tissue–air ratio (TAR) method’’ (ICRU Report No. 24), ‘‘equivalent TAR method,’’ and the ‘‘generalized Batho method’’ (currently used by the TP‐11 computertreatment planning system) with measured results for different energy photon beams using two lung inhomogeneities to simulate a lateral chest field. Significant differences on the order of 3%–15% were found when comparing these various methods with measured values.
Holonomic brain theory in imaging and object perception.

Abstract Image processing in the visual system is described utilizing some basic neurophysiological data. We propose that both sensory and cognitive operations address features already conjoined in critical receptive fields. As both sensory perception and further processing stages are critically dependent upon movement, the theory emphasizes sensory-motor reciprocity in imaging and in object perception.
Tahereh Saffarzadeh: from the wasteland to the Imam

The poems of The Passerby of Moonlight, composed during the period from 1956 to 1962, are mainly love lyrics in the chaharpareh quatrain form. Although there are a few socially conscious poems such as "Kudak-e Qarn" [The Century's Child] written in Nimaic metrical patterns, a deep influence of Nima's modernist style or his engag6 content is generally absent from these poems. During this period Saffarzadeh is mostly concerned with her private feelings and, not surprisingly, somewhat under the influence of Nader Naderpur. Even in "The Century's Child," her treatment of a social subject matter, i.e., the anguish of a child growing up in a broken
Quantum Chemistry on Graphical Processing Units. 3. Analytical Energy Gradients, Geometry Optimization, and First Principles Molecular Dynamics.

We demonstrate that a video gaming machine containing two consumer graphical cards can outpace a state-of-the-art quad-core processor workstation by a factor of more than 180× in Hartree−Fock energy + gradient calculations. Such performance makes it possible to run large scale Hartree−Fock and Density Functional Theory calculations, which typically require hundreds of traditional processor cores, on a single workstation. Benchmark Born−Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations are performed on two molecular systems using the 3-21G basis set - a hydronium ion solvated by 30 waters (94 atoms, 405 basis functions) and an aspartic acid molecule solvated by 147 waters (457 atoms, 2014 basis functions). Our GPU implementation can perform 27 ps/day and 0.7 ps/day of ab initio molecular dynamics simulation on a single desktop computer for these systems.
A DEVICE TO AID IN EXAMINING THE SMALL INTESTINE OF DEER FOR HELMINTH PARASITES

An implement is described which facilitates endoparasite studies involving white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). This device significantly reduces the time required for helminth parasite collections from the small intestines of these animals and appears to have similar potential for other species. It also increases the efficiency with which abdominal worms (Setaria yehi) and blood flukes (Heterobilharzia americana) can be found.
Transformation of skin and foliage colorimetric specifications between CIE sources A and C.

Equations are provided for the transformation of skin tone and foliage colorimetric data from one CIE reference light source to another. The resultant data represent the colorimetric shift due to illuminant change only and do not incorporate any color-adaptation effects.
Representation of liquid-liquid equilibrium of mixed-solvent electrolyte systems using the extended electrolyte NRTL model

Abstract The three-contribution electrolyte NRTL model [1] with an additional term of Bronsted-Guggenheim type is applied to represent the liquid-liquid equilibrium (LLE) in mixed-solvent electrolyte systems. The Bronsted-Guggenheim term compensates for the inadequacies of the Debye-Huckel and Born equations when they are extended to mixed-solvent electrolyte systems. Attention is given to the definition of reference and standard states. The importance of the electrolyte solution chemistry is emphasized. The extended electrolyte NRTL model is compared with the Zerres-Prausnitz model [2] on correlation of LLE data for four ternary aqueous-organic solvent electrolyte systems.
Perceptual change in the national youth survey: lessons for deterrence theory and offender decision‐making

Most deterrence research has investigated how perceptions about sanction threats influence decisions to offend. Far less scholarship has investigated the processes in which sanction threat perceptions are formed and modified. In this study, we advance and test a theoretical framework in which perceptions of the certainty of punishment are a function of the offending experiences and consequences of both the actor and others. Some of the empirical implications of this framework are tested with data from the National Youth Survey. The findings include: (1) Arrests had little effect on perceptions of the certainty of punishment for stealing and attacking; (2) In contrast, offending corresponded with decreases in the perceived certainty of punishment for both offenses; (3) Peer offending produced decreases in the perceived certainty for stealing, but not for attacking; (4) Prior offending experience did not diminish the influence of more immediate offending experience on risk perceptions; and (5) Moral inhibit...
Competitive and Cooperative Interactions Affecting a Fermentative Spirochete in Anaerobic Chemostats

Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and fluorescent in situ hybridization revealed that spirochete-related populations dominated two glucose-fed methanogenic bioreactor communities at dilution rates of 0.06, 0.13, and 0.17 day−1. At dilution rates of 0.25 and 0.50 day−1, spirochete-related populations decreased while Clostridium-related populations increased. Isolates representing both dominant populations were obtained (Treponema R8 and Clostridium S9) and competed against each other in continuous culture. Treponema R8 outcompeted Clostridium S9 at all dilution rates applied (0.17 to 1.0 day−1) when sufficient pantothenate was supplied in the medium. Without sufficient pantothenate, the population size of Treponema R8 was limited to 40% of the total cells. Coculture of Treponema R8 with Methanobacterium bryantii increased the cell yield of Treponema R8 and relieved the pantothenate requirement. Triculture of Treponema R8, Clostridium S9, and M. bryantii in pantothenate-deficient medium allowed Treponema R8 to outcompete Clostridium S9 in continuous culture up to a dilution rate of 0.50 day−1. These experiments demonstrate that cofactor and vitamin requirements can affect the competitive success of a microbial species.
Postnatal development of μ-opioid receptors in the rat caudate-putamen nucleus parallels asymmetric synapse formation

Abstract The μ-opioid receptor (MOR) in the caudate-putamen nucleus (CPN) appears early during prenatal development, and shows a patch-like distribution throughout the postnatal period and adulthood. In the adult rat CPN, neurons in patch compartments receive glutamatergic excitatory input mainly from the cortex through synapses onto spines, many of which express MORs. Thus, MOR expression in spines may be related to corticostriatal synaptogenesis. We used electron microscopic immunocytochemistry to determine potential age-dependent changes in the distribution pattern of MOR during postnatal synaptogenesis in the rat CPN. Immunogold–silver labeling revealed that the dendritic plasmalemmal density of MOR at postnatal day (P) 0 was significantly lower than, but after P10 was similar to, that of adult. In contrast, such age-dependent changes were not observed in axon terminals. Stereological analysis of immunoperoxidase labeling for MOR showed a good correlation in the developmental numerical densities of synapses with MOR-labeled spines and those of total asymmetric axospinous synapses, linear correlation coefficient r =0.99. Synapses with MOR-labeled dendrites, however, had a low correlation with axodendritic synapses ( r =0.61), and synapses with MOR-labeled terminals showed no correlation with axospinous and axodendritic synapses ( r =0.19). These results provide ultrastructural evidence that the targeting of MOR on the plasma membrane of dendrites and spines parallels the peak period of synaptogenesis during the third postnatal week in the rat CPN. Thus, the postnatal spatiotemporal expression pattern of MOR appears to match the functional maturation of corticostriatal glutamate transmission.
Strong, lightweight, and recoverable three-dimensional ceramic nanolattices

Ceramics have some of the highest strength- and stiffness-to-weight ratios of any material but are suboptimal for use as structural materials because of their brittleness and sensitivity to flaws. We demonstrate the creation of structural metamaterials composed of nanoscale ceramics that are simultaneously ultralight, strong, and energy-absorbing and can recover their original shape after compressions in excess of 50% strain. Hollow-tube alumina nanolattices were fabricated using two-photon lithography, atomic layer deposition, and oxygen plasma etching. Structures were made with wall thicknesses of 5 to 60 nanometers and densities of 6.3 to 258 kilograms per cubic meter. Compression experiments revealed that optimizing the wall thickness-to-radius ratio of the tubes can suppress brittle fracture in the constituent solid in favor of elastic shell buckling, resulting in ductile-like deformation and recoverability.
Increases in spontaneous activity in the dorsal cochlear nucleus of the rat following exposure to high-intensity sound

The effects of intense sound exposure on neural activity in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) were studied in the rat. Seventeen anesthetized adult rats were exposed to a 10-kHz tone at 125-130 dB SPL for 4 h. Fourteen unexposed rats served as controls. Spontaneous activity (SA) and neural thresholds at the characteristic frequency were measured in three rows of 8-12 sites along the mediolateral, tonotopic, axis of the DCN surface 27-61 days after exposure. The results showed that intense tone exposure induced chronic increases in SA. This hyperactivity was found to be distributed broadly across the DCN with an emphasis around the 10-kHz locus and was associated with shifted response thresholds. These findings demonstrate the usefulness of the rat for studies of physiological phenomena related to noise-induced tinnitus and hearing loss.
SU‐FF‐J‐02: A Comparison of Amplitude‐ and Phase‐Based 4D CT

Purpose: Four‐dimensional (4D) CT depends on accurate correlation between temporally acquired CT slices and the patient's respiratory cycle. One approach is to record the position of an external marker placed on the abdomen or chest during the scan, and retrospectively match the CT data with the phase of the marker motion. While very effective for regular breathing patterns, the phase‐based approach can lead to significant mismatch between adjacent image segments when the respiratory motion exhibits irregularities. We propose a method of extracting amplitude‐based 4D CT from cine‐acquired CTdata sets, and compare the amplitude‐based 4D CT with the phase‐based 4D CT for both phantom and patient data. Method and Materials:CTdata sets were acquired in cine mode on the GE Discovery ST, and motion of an infrared reflecting block was recorded using Varian's Real‐time Position Management (RPM) camera. Rather than use the phase‐based calculations of the RPM system, we replaced the phase field with pseudo‐amplitude values spanning the full respiratory cycle (i.e., differentiating inspiration from expiration). The modified respiratory trace file was then sent, along with the cine CT data, to the GE Advantage Workstation for processing. The method was applied to a thoracic phantom moving irregularly in the longitudinal direction, and to an abdominal 4D scan of a lungcancer patient. Results: For both phantom and patient data, the phase‐based 4D CTimages showed boundary mismatches of up to 1 cm between couch positions. The mismatch on the amplitude‐based sets, however, was less than 2 mm throughout the field of view. Conclusion: Phase‐based 4D CT can lead to mismatched slices when the respiratory cycle involves irregularities. In such situations, by replacing phase with a modified definition of amplitude that distinguishes inspiration from expiration, a substantially improved 4D CTimage can be generated.
4 Months of Rifampin Compared with 9 Months of Isoniazid for the Management of Latent Tuberculosis Infection: A Meta-analysis and Cost-Effectiveness Study That Focuses on Compliance and Liver Toxicity

Background. One-third of the world’s population is infected with tuberculosis, and 9 months of isoniazid monotherapy is the treatment of choice for latent tuberculosis infection. However, this approach has been associated with hepatotoxicity and poor compliance. A shorter (4-month) rifampin regimen has been evaluated in recent clinical trials. Methods. We performed a meta-analysis of the published studies to compare compliance, toxicity, and costeffectiveness between the 2 strategies. Pooled effects were calculated as risk ratios (RRs) by means of randomeffects and fixed-effects models. Results. Pooled data from 3586 patients suggested that 4-month rifampin therapy was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of noncompletion (RR for random-effects model, 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44–0.63). Noncompletion rates were lower among patients who received 4-month rifampin therapy (range, 8.6%–28.4%), compared with noncompletion rates among patients who received 9-month isoniazid therapy (range, 24.1%–47.4%). Also, rates of hepatotoxicity (defined as grade 3 or 4 liver failure leading to drug discontinuation) were lower for patients who received 4-month rifampin therapy (range, 0%–0.7%), compared with the corresponding rates for patients who received 9-month isoniazid therapy (range, 1.4%–5.2%), and rifampin was associated with significant reduction in the risk of hepatotoxicity (RR for fixed-effects model, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.05– 0.30). Notably, with the data from our meta-analysis, we calculated that the 4-month rifampin strategy is also cost-effective and results in $213 savings per patient treated ($90/patient when doctor fees are not included). Conclusions. The improved compliance, safety, and cost associated with the 4-month rifampin therapy suggest that the efficacy of this approach needs to be evaluated in detail. An extended posttreatment follow-up in future studies will clarify the unresolved issue of tuberculosis reactivation rates.
Beyond Cytotoxic Chemotherapy for the First-Line Treatment of HER2-Negative, Hormone-Insensitive Metastatic Breast Cancer: Current Status and Future Opportunities

As reflected in its varied clinical behavior, appearances under the light microscope, and differential patterns of gene expression, metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is a heterogeneous disease. Systemic treatment decisions are guided by specific tumor characteristics and individual patient factors. For patients with hormone receptor (HR)–negative MBC and for those whose HR–positive disease has become refractory to hormonal therapies, cytotoxic chemotherapy has been the mainstay of systemic treatment. For hormone-insensitive, HER2-positive MBCs, the addition of trastuzumab to chemotherapy has resulted in improved outcomes. Hormone-insensitive MBC lacking HER2 overexpression includes the subset of patients with estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor/HER2–negative (so-called triple-negative) disease, which represents a significant minority of all breast cancers. Therapeutic options for such patients are limited by the lack of specific targeted approaches, and this heterogeneous group will be considered collectively as well as separately in this overview of existing and emerging treatment strategies. Conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy, alone or in combination, has been the standard first-line treatment for patients with MBC not amenable to antiestrogen or trastuzumab therapy. The recent evaluation of new targeted therapies in combination with cytotoxic agents has created a new type of combination regimen. Agents targeting angiogenesis, the epidermal growth factor receptor, and various signal transduction pathways have been combined with chemotherapy and possess biologic activity in MBC. As these combinations are being investigated, parallel correlative studies aimed at enriching the population who will benefit most are under way.
Diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) in Childhood: A Review of the Literature

This article examines recent literature related to the diagnosis of Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) in childhood. First, the article discusses diagnostic criteria presented in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Next, it explores the diagnostic procedures for AD/HD recommended in current publications. Results of this comprehensive literature review indicate that rating scales, interviews, laboratory/psychological testing, and observations are the most frequently recommended AD/HD diagnostic techniques. The implications of these findings for school psychologists are discussed.
The Rise and Decline of Presidential Populism

At a Democratic Leadership Council meeting in the summer of 2002, centrist leaders of the Democratic Party took Al Gore to task for his use of populist rhetoric during the 2000 presidential campaign. Ed Rendell, the current governor of Pennsylvania and the former Democratic National Committee Chairman, bemoaned: “We wish Al had refined the message and not used the ‘poor people versus the rich’.” Striking a similar note, Joseph Lieberman charged that Gore's populist language made it difficult for the Democratic ticket to gain the support of middle-class, independent voters who did not see America as “us versus them,” and that these verbal attacks were to blame for Gore's failure to win the popular vote by a more convincing margin. The apparent backlash against Gore's use of populism is the latest manifestation of a transformation that has characterized presidential rhetoric over the past several decades. Put simply, the language of populism, which in the nineteenth century constituted one of the most formidable rhetorical weapons in the arsenal of Democratic presidents, has faded and been displaced by a more consensual language. This trend contrasts with the striking, though limited, embrace of populism by such Republicans as Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan.
Control of leader-follower formations of terrestrial UAVs

In this paper, we present a method for designing a decentralized control architecture, distributed among autonomous agents, to achieve a leader/follower formation of terrestrial UAVs. Each control unit employs only local sensor information to acquire data on the relative position and velocity so as to reduce sensitivity with respect to the information flow among agents. Each controller is designed on the basis of a dynamic model of the relative motion between followers and a designated leader. The use of the internal model paradigm as a design philosophy allows to handle uncertainties on the leader reference trajectory and parameter uncertainties on the plant model in a similar fashion. The controller provides convergence of the formation to a desired configuration, while avoiding collisions between neighboring vehicles by confining them into specified "sectors" during transients.
The Role and Limitations of Modeling and Simulation in Systems Design

To design today’s complex, multi-disciplinary systems, designers need a design method that allows them to systematically decompose a complex design problem into simpler sub-problems. Systems engineering provides such a framework. In an iterative, hierarchical fashion systems are decomposed into subsystems and requirements are allocated to these subsystems based on estimates of their attributes. In this paper, we investigate the role and limitations of modeling and simulation in this process of system decomposition and requirements flowdown. We first identify different levels of complexity in the estimation of system attributes, ranging from simple aggregation to complex emergent behavior. We also identify the main obstacles to the systems engineering decomposition approach: identifying coupling at the appropriate level of abstraction and characterizing and processing uncertainty. The main contributions of this paper are to identify these short-comings, present the role of modeling and simulation in overcoming these shortcomings, and discuss research directions for addressing these issues and expanding the role of modeling and simulation in the future.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Multivariate Signature using Algebraic Techniques

We propose an algebraic framework for designing trap-door one-way functions with applications in multivariate signature schemes. Multivariate schemes are attractive because of their effciciency. The proposed framework involves paraunitary matrices, a special subset of invertible polynomial-matrices. Using the algebraic framework, we propose the general template of paraunitary digitalsignature scheme (PDSS). The general framework paves the way for a computational-security analysis of the PDSS. We also propose a practical instance of the PDSS that operates on the field GF (28). The message block and the secret key both consist of 16 symbols from GF (28). The signature is a block of length 26 symbols from GF (28). The complexity analysis of this instance reveals that it is, at least, as efficient as the hidden-field equations (HFE) scheme. In addition, our cryptanalysis shows that the proposed instance is secure.
Mutations in retrotransposon AtCOPIA4 compromises resistance to Hyaloperonospora parasitica in Arabidopsis thaliana

Retrotransposons (RTEs) are a principal component of most eukaryotic genomes, representing 50%-80% of some grass genomes. RTE sequences have been shown to be preferentially present in disease resistance gene clusters in plants. Arabidopsis thaliana has over 1,600 annotated RTE sequences and 56 of these appear to be expressed because of the exact expressed sequence tag (EST) matches and the presence of intact open reading frames. Of the 22 represented in the Affymetrix ATH1 array, AtCOPIA4 was found to be expressed at a higher level than all other RTEs across different developmental stages. Since AtCOPIA4 is located in the RPP5 gene cluster and is adjacent to RPP4 which confers resistance to the downy mildew oomycete Hyaloperonospora parasitica isolate EMWA1, we evaluated AtCOPIA4 mutants for resistance to this pathogen. T-DNA insertional and antisense knockout of AtCOPIA4 was found to reduce the resistance of wild type plants by 2-4 folds. Our results suggest that retrotransposon can be exapted to participate in plant defense response.
Topological and Dynamical Properties of Protein Interaction Networks

This chapter reviews some of the recent research on topological and dynamical properties of Protein-protein Interaction (PPI) networks. In its first part we describe the set of numerical algorithms aimed at: 1) constructing a null-model random network with a desired set of low-level topological properties; 2) detection of over- or under-represented topological patterns such as degree-degree correlations between interacting nodes. In the second part of the chapter we describe a recently developed set of computational tools and analytical methods which allow one to go beyond purely topological studies of PPI networks and efficiently calculate the mass-action equilibrium of protein concentrations and its response to systematic perturbations. In particular, we explore how large (several-fold) changes in total abundance of a small number of proteins shift the equilibrium between free and bound concentrations of proteins throughout the PPI network. Our primary conclusion is that, on average, the effects of such perturbations exponentially decay with the network distance away from the perturbed node. This explains why, despite globally connected topology, individual functional modules in such networks are able to operate fairly independently. Under specific favorable conditions, realized in a significant number of paths in the yeast PPI network, concentration perturbations can selectively propagate over considerable network distances (up to four steps). Such “action-at-a-distance” requires high concentrations of heterodimers along the path as well as low free (unbound) concentration of intermediate proteins.
Imaging Tobacco Smoking with PET and SPECT

Receptor imaging, including positron emission computed tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), provides a way to measure chemicals of interest, such as receptors, and neurotransmitter fluctuations, in the living human brain. Imaging the neurochemical mechanisms involved in the maintenance and recovery from tobacco smoking has provided insights into critical smoking related brain adaptations. Nicotine, the primary addictive chemical in tobacco smoke, enters the brain, activates beta2-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (β2*-nAChRs) and, like most drugs of abuse, elicits dopamine (DA) release in the ventral striatum. Both β2*-nAChRs and DA signaling are critical neurosubstrates underlying tobacco smoking behaviors and dependence and have been studied extensively with PET and SPECT brain imaging. We review the imaging literature on these topics and describe how brain imaging has helped inform the treatment of tobacco smoking.
The Boston keratoprosthesis provides a wide depth of focus

Purpose: To measure the through-focus curve for eyes implanted with a type 1 Boston keratoprosthesis (KPro) and compare it to that of pseudophakic controls with fixed pupil sizes. The results should assist in evaluating postoperative visual quality after surgery. They should also help to determine the necessary KPro inventories in terms of refractive power steps. Methods: Autorefraction and manifest refraction were performed on all eyes. The monocular through-focus acuity curve was plotted in reference to the bestcorrected visual acuity by spectacle plane defocus ranging from +5.00 to 5.00 dioptres in 0.50 dioptre increments. These measurements were obtained on KPro-implanted eyes, pseudophakic eyes as controls, and on the same control eyes after fixing the pupil diameter to 3 and 2 mm using black painted iris contact lenses. Results: Ten KPro eyes and five control eyes were included. Good agreement was noted between the subjective refractions and autorefraction in KPro eyes. The average through-focus curve for the control eyes was significantly steeper than that of the KPro curve, but became comparable after fixing the control pupil to 2 and 3 mm. Conclusion: The KPro’s wide depth-of-focus makes the visual acuity less dependent on an exact refractive correction at distance and explains the ‘pseudoaccomodation’ experienced by these patients. This is primarily due to the small pupil diameter of the KPro. The current manufacturing steps in 0.50 dioptre increments appears to be sufficient.
An Imprecise Real-Time Video Transmission Algorithm

Multimedia systems are becoming increasingly popular. One major requirement in these systems is the efficient transmission of multimedia information over a communication or computer network. Current image and video transmission techniques work well if sufficient processing power, network bandwidth, and transmission time are available, but do not adapt properly to a reduction in one or more of these resources. This paper proposes an imprecise image/video transmission algorithm which yields a balanced tradeoff between the quality of the image/video transmitted and the available time for transmission. Our experimental results show that the proposed approach has better performance than conventional precise algorithms and some progressive transmission algorithms. It also compares favorably with commercially available systems such as InPerson made by Silicon Graphics Inc.
Shock-Induced Figure⇓-of-Eight Reentry in the Isolated Rabbit Heart

Abstract —The patterns of transmembrane potential on the whole heart during and immediately after fibrillation-inducing shocks are unknown. To study arrhythmia induction, we recorded transmembrane activity from the anterior and posterior epicardial surface of the isolated rabbit heart simultaneously using 2 charge-coupled device cameras (32,512 pixels, 480 frames/second). Isolated hearts were paced from the apex at a cycle length of 250 ms. Two shock coils positioned inside the right ventricle (−) and atop the left atrium (+) delivered shocks at 3 strengths (0.75, 1.5, and 2.25 A) and 6 coupling intervals (130 to 230 ms). The patterns of depolarization and repolarization were similar, as is evident in the uniformity of action potential duration at 75% repolarization (131.4±8.3 ms). At short coupling intervals ( 180 ms), increasingly stronger shocks depolarized an increasingly larger portion of the heart. The first beat after the shock was reentrant in 18% of long coupling interval episodes. Arrhythmias were most often induced at short coupling intervals (98%) than at long coupling intervals (35%). The effect and outcome of the shock were related to the refractory state of the heart at the time of the shock. Hyperpolarization occurred at short coupling intervals, whereas depolarization occurred at long coupling intervals. Consistent with the “critical point” hypothesis, increasing shock strength and coupling interval moved the location where reentry formed (away from the shock electrode and pacing electrode, respectively).
Myosin light chain phosphatase: a Cinderella of cellular signaling.

Although several myofilament proteins are modified by protein phosphorylation, the 18-kDa myosin light chain 2 (MLC2) has special significance. In striated muscle, after some experimental struggles, MLC2 phosphorylation was shown to modulate myofilament activation by Ca2+.1 However, in the case of smooth muscle, phosphorylation of the MLC2 by a Ca2+ calmodulin–dependent kinase triggers contraction.2 The state of MLC2 phosphorylation in smooth muscle determines whether crossbridges are turned off, cycling, or in a latch or catch-like state. Understandably, the initial focus of experiments was on Ca2+ and the regulation of MLC2 kinase (MLCK) activity. It was always understood that control of the level of MLC phosphorylation requires some balance of activities and separation of powers between an MLCK and MLC2 phosphatase (MLCP),3 yet little attention was given to the possibility that the activity of MLCP could be modulated. Now MLCP seems to be the Cinderella of phosphoryl group transfer enzymes. This mindset concerning regulation of MLC2 phosphorylation changed dramatically with two observations. One was evidence that addition of GTP-γ-S to permeable preparations of smooth muscle was able to sensitize the myofilaments to Ca2+ and slow down relaxation, alterations suggesting modulation of MLCP.4 A second was the elucidation of the functional domains of MLCP,5 which consist of a 37-kDa catalytic subunit, a 20-kDa subunit of unknown function, and a 110- to 130-kDa subunit that targets MLCP to myosin. This targeting domain of MLCP, which is termed myosin binding site (MBS) or myosin phosphatase targeting peptide, binds to myosin or MLC2 and promotes catalytic activity of the 37-kDa domain. MBS was also shown to contain Ser and Thr residues, which, when phosphorylated, inhibit the ability of MBS to activate the catalytic domain, thereby reducing activity of the MLCP holoenzyme.5 A significant pathway …