cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activation of antithrombin as a factor IXa and Xa inhibitor involves mitigation of repression rather than positive enhancement

Allosteric activation of antithrombin as a rapid inhibitor of factors IXa and Xa requires binding of a high-affinity heparin pentasaccharide. The currently-accepted mechanism involves removal of a constraint on the antithrombin reactive center loop (RCL) so that the proteinase can simultaneously engage both the P1 arginine and an exosite at Y253. Recent results suggest that this mechanism is incorrect in that activation can be achieved without loop expulsion, while the exosite can be engaged in both low and high activity states. We propose a quite different mechanism in which heparin activates antithrombin by mitigating an unfavorable surface interaction, by altering its nature, and by moving the attached proteinase away from the site of the unfavorable interaction through RCL expulsion.
Interannual fluctuations in primary production: Meteorological forcing at two subalpine lakes

Meteorological factors are associated with most of the interannual variability in primary production at both Castle Lake, California (4 l”N, 122%‘) and Lake Tahoe, California-Nevada (39”N, 12O”W). At Castle Lake, extreme values of annual primary production, either much higher or lower than the long-term average, are likely to occur during the phenomenon of El Nifio/Southern Oscillation. Two plausible pathways for the impacts of these large-scale climate events at Castle Lake were identified: winter snowfall, acting through its effect on the snow-ice pack and timing of the spring thaw; and total precipitation, acting through its effect on outwash rates. In contrast, no influence of large-scale climate events is apparent at Lake Tahoe, but a plausible pathway involving the impact of synoptic-scale phenomena on interannual variation was identified: local weather events occurring in the late winter-early spring period near the time of minima1 stratification, acting through their cl&t on the depth of spring mixing. The difference between the two lakes can be attributed to absence of an ice cover and long hydraulic retention time at Lake Tahoe. Timeseries models that incorporate meteorological information adequately forecast primary production at both lakes.
The generality of metal atom-free radical reactions and synthesis of new trifluoromethylalkyls of gold(III) and silver

Abstract The cocondensation reaction of trifluoromethyl radicals with gold and silver vapors is an effective and efficient synthesis for the new compounds, Au(CF 3 ) 3 and AgCF 3 . Addition of trimethylphosphine to these alkyls yielded the room temperature stable compounds, Au(CF 3 ) 3 PMe 3 and AgCF 3 (PMe 3 ).
Novel micro-heater structure for low-power and fast photonic reconfiguration

A novel microheater structure integrated over small microdisks in silicon-on-insulator is proposed with less than 100 nanosecond reconfiguration time using pulsed-excitation. Power consumption of the devices are shown to be 40% less than conventional microheaters.
Ultrasound imagery for dental implant diagnosis and treatment planning in a porcine model

Statement of problem Currently, there is no commercially available method to provide non-invasive, non-ionizing, real-time imaging of the gingival form and bony architecture of implant sites, before, during, and after implant placement. Purpose The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of 2-dimensional (2-D) ultrasound imaging of soft and hard tissues for implant diagnosis and treatment planning. Material and methods A sector scanning ultrasound system was applied. Five representative clinical features (implant in an edentulous ridge, single implant tooth replacement, implant dehiscence, tooth dehiscence, and mental foramina) were created or identified in each of the 5 porcine jaws, which were then covered with soft tissue and imaged in an acoustic water tank. Results All of the 5 model features, in all 5 jaws, were clearly visible with the ultrasound. Most objects were visible over a large range of positions and angles. Each of the features, as well as the soft tissue and bone surfaces, were recognized by specific acoustic signatures, with the same signature recurring for each object type among all 5 of the jaw specimens. All implants were highly reflective and clearly visualized. Conclusions A 2-D sector scanning ultrasound system was demonstrated to be capable of imaging representative features for implant treatment planning in a porcine model; these included implants placed in edentulous ridges; implants placed for single tooth replacement; implants with simulated dehiscences; teeth with simulated dehiscences; and mental foramina. Specific acoustic signatures for these features were defined. Qualitative differences between ultrasound and other dental imaging techniques were described.
Combined quantization-detection of uncertain signals (Corresp.)

Combined quantization-detection of uncertain signals is considered. The distribution of the uncertain signal is not completely known, although it is known to belong to a finite set of possibilities. A simultaneous quantization-detection system consisting of a detector and a bank of quantizers is suggested. An example is presented for illustration.
Effects of human activity on chimpanzee wounding

Reducing the frequency and/or severity of aggression and wounding is a major concern of people managing socially housed chimpanzees. One factor that has not been investigated intensively for its effect on captive chimpanzee agonism is the presence of humans. Therefore, we examined an archival database of wounding incidents among 88 adult and adolescent members of 8 social groups of chimpanzees (42 females, 46 males) to determine whether variable levels of human activity (higher weekday versus lower weekend-day activity levels) in the colony was associated with changes in chimpanzee wounding patterns. Wounding was tabulated for each group for periods of 38 - 118 months. A series of Chi-square tests indicated that there were a greater than expected number of wounding episodes on weekdays but that day of the week did not affect the age or sex distribution of wounding. Together, these results suggest that the presence of personnel completing routine activities is associated with chimpanzee agonism. Zoo Biol 16:327–333, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Equivalent T cell epitope promiscuity in ecologically diverse human pathogens.

Background The HLA (human leukocyte antigen) molecules that present pathogen-derived epitopes to T cells are highly diverse. Correspondingly, many pathogens such as HIV evolve epitope variants in order to evade immune recognition. In contrast, another persistent human pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, has highly conserved epitope sequences. This raises the question whether there is also a difference in the ability of these pathogens’ epitopes to bind diverse HLA alleles, referred to as an epitope’s binding promiscuity. To address this question, we compared the in silico HLA binding promiscuity of T cell epitopes from pathogens with distinct infection strategies and outcomes of human exposure.
Machine vision course for manufacturing engineering undergraduate students

Abstract A 10-week course was designed with funding from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and input from industry representatives, to offer upper division engineering students a course on advanced automation. The objective was to provide engineering students theoretical and hands-on practical experience with automation technologies that will be of prime importance over the next decade: data acquisition and instrumentation, machine vision and motion control. This paper describes the machine vision portion of that class. It describes important concepts, hands-on equipment, and labs developed for this course, as well as examples of student projects from Spring Quarter 2004. The course and laboratory materials were evaluated for learning effectiveness and technical content, which are included in this paper.
Changes in Heart Rate During Levarterenol Infusion

Studies in this laboratory have demonstrated varying responses in heart rate during levarterenol-induced hypertension. A decreased bradycrotic response did not seem to depend on the age of the patient, the control level of arterial pressure or the percentage increase in mean arterial pressure. The present study was designed to evaluate the factors which govern the changes in heart rate during levarterenol infusion.
PIR: A Domain Specific Language for Multimedia Information Retrieval

Multimedia Information Retrieval (MIR) is a problem domain that includes programming tasks such as salient feature extraction, machine learning, indexing, and retrieval. There are a variety of implementations and algorithms for these tasks in different languages and frameworks, which are difficult to compose and reuse due to the interface and language incompatibility. Due to this low reusability, researchers often have to implement their experiments from scratch and the resulting programs cannot be easily adapted to parallel and distributed executions, which is important for handling large data sets. In this paper, we present Pipeline Information Retrieval (PIR), a Domain Specific Language (DSL) for multi-modal feature manipulation. The goal of PIR is to unify the MIR programming tasks by hiding the programming details under a flexible layer of domain specific interface. PIR optimizes the MIR tasks by compiling the DSL programs into pipeline graphs, which can be executed using a variety of strategies (e.g. sequential, parallel, or distributed execution). The authors evaluated the performance of PIR applications on single machine with multiple cores, local cluster, and Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) platform. The result shows that the PIR programs can greatly help MIR researchers and developers perform fast prototyping on single machine environment and achieve nice scalability on distributed platforms.
Interaction of the bacteriophage P22 arc repressor with operator DNA

Are repressor binds to a single, partially symmetric, 21 base-pair operator site that is centered between the -10 and -35 regions of the Pant promoter. Protection and interference experiments show that Arc makes contacts with the operator on one side of the DNA helix. Although Arc is a small protein (53 residues/subunit), it makes contacts that are farther from the center of the operator than those made by many larger repressors. These extended contacts include the phosphate groups at the ends of the 21 base-pair site. Under standard conditions (pH 7.5, 100 mM-KCl, 3 mM-MgCl2, 22 degrees C) half-maximal operator binding is observed at an Arc concentration of 2.5 X 10(-9) M and the protein-DNA complex is very stable (t1/2 approximately equal to 80 min).
Optimizing the logistics of compressed natural gas transportation by marine vessels

Abstract Compressed natural gas (CNG) has been recently proposed as a potentially economical alternative to liquefied natural gas (LNG) for marine transportation of relatively modest amounts of natural gas over short distances. Because the main capital expenditure in a CNG project is on marine transport vessels, careful design of CNG transport fleets and compatible distribution plans is important. In this work, a structured optimization framework is developed to uncover trends and patterns for optimal selection of the number and capacities of CNG vessels along with corresponding schedules for CNG distribution. An important conclusion from this analysis is that medium-capacity vessels may result in lower capacity for an entire fleet, thus offering significant economical advantages. A case study of potential CNG distribution in the Caribbean illustrates the proposed approach.
Effect of methyldopa treatment on peripheral sympathetic nerve function in the dog.

Abstract Administration of methyldopa (100 mg/kg, p.o. twice daily for 3 days) to mongrel dogs produced a significant decrease in the mean blood pressure (MBP) and heart rate (HR). Chronotropic responses to cardioaccelerator nerve stimulation and vasoconstrictor responses to lumbar sympathetic nerve stimulation were significantly attenuated in the treated dogs. Pressor and chronotropic responses to bilateral carotid occlusion (BCO) and tyramine were also markedly reduced following treatment with methyldopa, which is consistent with the clinical findings that chronic methyldopa treatment in hypertensive patients impairs cardiovascular reflexes. Methylnorepinephrine (MNE) was significantly less potent than norepinephrine (NE) in producing an increase in MBP or hindleg perfusion pressure, while the chronotropic and inotropic potency of MNE was about equal to NE. These results indicate that treatment with methyldopa in the dog does induce an impairment of peripheral sympathetic neuronal function to certain organs and this peripheral effect of the drug may be of importance in accounting for its antihypertensive action in the dog.
The TTK chitra heart valve—A single centre experience with midterm results

Background The Chitra TTK heart valve has been in use at G.K.N.M. Hospital, Coimbatore, as the valve of choice. Initially this valve was used as part of a multi-centric trial and later it was the valve of choice in our institution.
Sample processing alters glutathione and cysteine values in blood.

Abstract The accurate assessment of glutathione status of blood is essential for its use as an index of health and aging. A major variable in glutathione analysis is sample processing, and identification of optimal standard conditions is needed. Thus our objective was to evaluate several methods to determine which one yields maximal levels of free and bound glutathione and cyst(e)ine in blood. Reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), cysteine (Cys), and cystine were analyzed specifically by an HPLC-dual electrochemical method. The highest GSH levels were found in ultrafiltrates of hemolysates, which were 58% greater than those in acid extracts of whole blood, and accounted for 96% of the free and bound GSH in borohydride-reduced samples; GSSG was undetected. The next highest values were in acid extracts of hemolysates which were 13% greater than in extracts of whole blood; both extracts contained GSH and GSSG. Their GSSG contents expressed in GSH equivalents comprised 7–9% of GSH + GSSG. Cys levels were highest in ultrafiltrates which were 11-fold greater than in acid extracts of whole blood, accounting for 62% of the total cyst(e)ine pool. In summary, the results indicate that ultrafiltration of hemolysates is the blood processing method of choice to obtain maximal values of free and bound GSH and cyst(e)ine.
Facing Off: A Comparative Analysis of Obama and Romney Facebook Timeline Photographs

Social media sites have become the new battleground in U.S. presidential politics. In helping to create an identifiable image for candidates, photographs on Facebook have become a convenient outlet...
Effective nasal limited macular translocation.

Abstract PURPOSE: To describe a case of effective foveal displacement toward the optic disk (nasal limited macular translocation) in a patient with a large subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 77-year-old white man presented with decreased vision of 20/400 due to subfoveal predominantly occult CNV secondary to age-related macular degeneration in the left eye. The CNV, measuring 9 Macular Photocoagulation Study disk areas in size, was centered temporally relative to the fovea with a minimum desired translocation of 650 μm for nasal macular translocation. The patient underwent nasal LMT with punctate retinotomy and temporal chorioscleral infolding, followed by postoperative head-positioning on his right side. Effective LMT was achieved with a postoperative nasal foveal displacement of 1400 μm. The entire CNV was ablated with laser photocoagulation postoperatively. His vision improved to 20/40 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Nasal LMT is feasible and may be considered in patients with subfoveal CNV centered temporally relative to the fovea.
Mutant with heat-sensitive capacity for phagocytosis in tetrahymena: isolation and genetic characterization.

A mutant of Tetrahymena with heat-sensitive phagocytosis was obtained using a tantalum-particle enrichment procedure. The mutant phenotype is most likely determined by a somatic (macronuclear) mutation(s). The inability of the mutant to sustain cell division and to phagocytize at 37 °C are most likely determined by the same mutation. The phenotype of the mutant is stably inherited under vegetative propagation at 30 °C. At 37 °C, the mutation affects the development of the oral apparatus, the phagocytotic organelle. This mutant has proven useful for the study of cellular functions related to phagocytosis.
Flow of two‐phase carbon dioxide through orifices

Experimental flow rate data are presented for saturated liquid, saturated vapor, and two-phase liquid-vapor carbon dioxide through a convergent nozzle and a square-edged orifice. The data cover the range from the triple-point pressure to the critical pressure. Charts have been prepared for this complete range at critical flow. Results are also presented for subcritical flow. The tests at various back pressures indicate that the saturated liquid behaved as a cold liquid without evaporation ahead of the throat. Saturated vapor became supersaturated in the nozzle, and the vapor behaved as if no condensation occurred. Equations are presented for the flow rates of saturated vapor, and two-phase mixtures in the critical flow region. A Mollier (pressure-enthalpy) diagram is used to determine the flow rates of saturated vapor and two-phase mixtures where supersaturtation takes place. In these cases, the lines of constant specific volume or density are extrapolated from the superheated region into the normal two-phase region to obtain values corrected for supersaturation.
Identifying and Defining Values in Media Codes of Ethics

Among their uses, mass media codes of ethics declare the values of groups of media practitioners. This paper uses Schwartz's social psychology typology to identify and compare 216 values stated or implied in 15 codes of ethics for associations of journalists, bloggers, advertising/marketing practitioners, and public relations practitioners. Despite differences in their communication goals, codes generally share many of the same general values types yet often use similar words to describe different values and loyalties.
Persistent scatterer selection using maximum likelihood estimation

[1] We present here a new InSAR persistent scatterer selection method using maximum likelihood estimation to identify persistent scattering pixels, which results in a denser network of reliable phase measurements than do existing methods. We analyze the phase of each pixel in a series of interferograms and estimate the relative strength of any slowly fluctuating component of the radar echo from a dominant scatterer to the background scattering within a pixel. We find a fairly dense network of scatterers with stable phase characteristics in areas where conventional InSAR fails due to decorrelation. We examined data over two vegetated regions in the San Francisco Bay Area. The average phases of these pixels clearly show the slip along the Hayward fault, and set upper bounds on any slip along the Bay Area segment of the San Andreas fault.
Six Rather Unusual Propositions about Terrorism

The costs of terrorism very often come mostly from the fear and consequent reaction (or overreaction) it characteristically inspires (qualities stoked by the terrorism industry), not from its direct effects which are usually comparatively limited. Therefore, policies designed to deal with terrorism should focus more on reducing fear and anxiety as inexpensively as possible than on objectively reducing the rather limited dangers terrorism is likely actually to pose. Doing nothing (or at least refraining from overreacting) after a terrorist attack is not necessarily unacceptable, and, despite U. S. overreaction, the campaign against terror is generally going rather well because, no matter how much they might disagree on other issues (most notably on war in Iraq), there is a compelling incentive for states to cooperate to deal with a common problem.
Infrared broadband quarter-wave and half-wave plates synthesized from anisotropic Bézier metasurfaces.

In this work a new technique for synthesizing metamaterials using Bezier surfaces is introduced. First, the computational efficiency for the optimization of a reconfigurable Bezier quarter-wave plate metasurface is compared to the popular technique of optimizing pixelized surfaces via a binary Genetic Algorithm (GA). For the presented design methodology, a real valued optimization technique is employed which is based on the Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolutionary Strategy (CMA-ES). When compared to the GA, the optimizations of Bezier surfaces using CMA-ES are shown to consistently arrive at better solutions with an order of magnitude reduction in the required number of function evaluations. Additionally, more examples of Bezier metasurfaces are presented in the form of broadband quarter-wave and half-wave plate designs operating at optical wavelengths, subsequently exhibiting bandwidths which outperform metasurface designs found in the current literature.
Multiple-pump fiber parametric devices

Two-pump parametric devices using highly nonlinear optical fiber are reviewed. Physics of multiple-pump interaction is outlined and performance implications are illustrated. Multiple-band operation of two-pump devices is used for packet- and bit-scale optical switching at 40Gb/s. Generic two- and three-pump architectures are described, with applications in spectral and polarization switching.
Why and how to learn why: Analysis-based generalization of procedures ☆

Max Wertheimer, in his classic Productive Thinking, linked understanding to transfer: Understanding is important because it provides the ability to generalize the solution of one problem to apply to another. Recent work in human and machine learning has led to the development of a new class of generalization mechanism, called here analysis-based generalization, which can be used to provide a concrete account of the linkage Wertheimer suggested: these mechanisms all, in different ways, use understanding of examples in the generalization process. In this paper I review this class of mechanism, and describe a method for causal attribution that can produce the analyses of examples that the generalization methods require, in the domain of simple procedures in human-computer interaction. This causal analysis method is linked with analysis-based generalization to form EXPL, an implemented model which is a concrete, though limited, instontiation of Wertheimer s scheme. EXPL constructs an understanding of an example procedure and generalizes it on the basis of that understanding. Results of an empirical study suggest that some of EXPL's attribution heuristics are used by people, and that while a subclass of analysis-based methods, called superstitious methods, seem to provide a more plausible account of people's generalization under the conditions of the study than a contrasting class of rationalistic methods, at least some participants appear to use methods from both classes. The results also show that explanation-based methods, which rely on comprehensive domain theories, must be used in conjunction with a means for extending the domain theory. If thus enhanced, explanation-based methods are able to mimic the effects of other analysis-based methods, and can provide a good account of the data, though combinations of other methods must also be considered. Finally, I return to Wertheimer s ideas to argue that none of the current analysis-based generalization methods fully captures Wertheimer s notion of understanding. Proper choice among different possible analyses of an example is crucial for Wertheimer, but I argue that this problem may be beyond the reach of learning systems.
A Comparison of the Frequency of Hepatitis-B Antigen and Antibody in Hospital and Nonhospital Personnel

Abstract The frequency of hepatitis B antigen and antibody among health-care personnel was compared with that among matched controls with no exposure to patients or blood products. The frequency of the antigen in personnel and controls did not differ significantly. However, the causes may have been different, the antigen correlating with past transfusion in the controls but not in personnel. A history of past hepatitis did not correlate with antigenemia in either population, impugning the validity of hepatitis history as a cause for donor exclusion. Antibody was twice as frequent in health personnel, indicating increased exposure to the antigen; antibody correlated with past hepatitis in personnel, but not in controls, suggesting that overt hepatitis B infection is more common among health personnel. The frequency of hepatitis B antigen among health workers is not currently alarming, but the risk that each antigen-positive health worker represents to his patients remains unknown. (N Engl J Med 289:647–651...
Writing Her Way through the Legend of Yue Fei: Zhou Yingfang and Jing zhong zhuan

General Yue Fei has long been considered a symbol of loyalty and resistance in Chinese history. His legend has been circulating in various forms since the twelfth century. In the context of the emerging women-authored tanci narratives and the political disorder of late 19th century China, this article examines how the gentry woman author Zhou Yingfang 周颖芳 (1829–95) enriches the narratives of Yue Fei by inserting a number of domestic themes into her tanci adaptation. She redefines the virtues of both genders and expects transformed family dynamics. In considering scholarly interpretations of the tanci in the modern period, this article also argues that the May Fourth scholars tended to neglect and/or suppress Zhou Yingfang’s gendered consciousness in her alternative imagination of history.
Fundamental Tax Reform and Residential Housing

Abstract The impact of consumption-based, fundamental Federal tax reform on the housing market has been a controversial and difficult topic. We employ a dynamic, numerical simulation model of the aggregate housing market to augment our understanding of the key forces at work in the short-run and over longer periods. This approach suggests that integrating the short-run and long-term impacts of tax reform leads to the possibility that there will be relatively modest impacts on the nominal values of existing housing. The results indicate that an important topic for future research is the elasticity of housing supply in the short run and long run.
A Longitudinal Study of Engineering Student Performance and Retention: I. Success and Failure in the Introductory Course

A profile of 123 students enrolled in an introductory chemical engineering course has been assembled. The information collected includes data on family and educational backgrounds, profiles on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory, and responses to a questionnaire regarding attitudes and expectations. Student performance in the introductory course was correlated with the assessment data. The results suggest several significant predictors of success or failure in the introductory course, and by extension, in the chemical engineering curriculum.
Two Patients With a GRIN2A Mutation and Childhood-onset Epilepsy

Abstract Background N-methyl-d-aspartate is a key neurotransmitter within the central nervous system and its dysfunction can play an important role in epilepsy. Mutations of genes involving the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor have been implicated in a wide variety of neuropsychiatric disorders including epilepsy, specifically, within the glutamate receptor ionotropic N-methyl-d-aspartate 2A (GRIN2A). Patients We report two patients with a glutamate receptor ionotropic N-methyl-d-aspartate 2A mutation who presented with epilepsy. Conclusions Individuals with a glutamate receptor ionotropic N-methyl-d-aspartate 2A mutation exhibit a broad clinical spectrum.
Leafhopper response to genetically diverse maize stands

At a site in Nicaragua with high population densities of the leafhopper Dalbulus maidis Delong & Wolcott, leafhopper densities were significantly lower in mixed stands of maize (Zea mays mays L.) varieties than would be expected by averaging the densities found in the pure stands of the component varieties. This response to genetic diversity appears to be due to a behavioral response during the period of colonization or establishment. The reduction in leafhopper abundance was not clearly reflected in a reduction in the incidence of the corn stunt pathogen transmitted by the leafhopper, probably because of increased leafhopper movement in mixed stands. Resume Reactions des cicadelles a des parcelles de mais genetiquement differentes Deux champs du Nicaragua, tres differents quant aux densites moyennes de la cicadelle, Dalbulus maidis, et a la frequence du nanisme par spiroplasme du mais, — dont la cicadelle est le vecteur —, ont servi a l'etude de l'influence de l'heterogeneite genetique sur l'abondance de Dalbulus maidis Delong & Wolcott. La mais a ete seme en parcelles pures d'une seule variete ou en parcelles genetiquement heterogenes avec melange de 5 varietes. Dans la zone ou D. maidis est tres abondant, la densite de la cicadelle etait significativement plus faible dans les parcelles heterogenes que ne le laissaient prevoir les densites moyennes observees dans les parcelles des varietes pures intervenant dans le melange. Cette reponse a l'heterogeneite genetique semble due aux reactions comportementales pendant la periode de colonisation ou d'installation. La diminution de l'abondance de D. maidis ne se traduit pas nettement par une reduction de la frequence du nanisme du mais, peutetre par suite d'un accroissement des mouvements de cicadelles dans les parcelles heterogenes.
Destitution through “Development”: A Case Study of the Laka Laka Project in Cochabamba, Bolivia

This study examined environmental and socioeconomic outcomes of a water project in rural Bolivia, and sought insights on how and why its planning was so flawed. The project destroyed an ancient, sustainable irrigation system, and replaced it with one that provides insufficient and diminishing quantities of water to many fewer people, appears to be causing land degradation and groundwater depletion, and has fueled conflicts. The study shows that even relatively small, NGO-led projects can generate significant negative impacts, and raises questions about the pressures on development agencies to charge ahead with projects, despite obvious potential for such impacts.
Comparison of the boys and Pipek-Mezey localizations in the local correlation approach and automatic virtual basis selection

Our implementation of Pipek-Mezey population localization is described. It is compared with other localization schemes and its use in the framework of the local correlation method is discussed. For such use, this localization is shown to be clearly superior to Boys in the case of physically well-localized systems. Our current algorithm for selection of local virtual spaces is also described
THE EFFECT OF MALNUTRITION ON THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE HOST TO VIRAL INFECTION

The effect of progressive long term dietary protein depletion on viral susceptibility was investigated in 2 host-virus systems: (1) swine influenza in the male CF(1) mouse, and (2) Rous sarcoma virus in the New Hampshire red chicken. Data are presented demonstrating a relationship between host protein nutrition and susceptibility to virus infection. This relationship is shown to be cyclic in character, involving phases of increased and decreased viral susceptibility. The relative resistance of the host on low protein intake is a function of the duration on incomplete diet administration before virus inoculation, and consequently a function of the host's state of depletion. As illustrated in Fig. 6, the cyclic susceptibility change demonstrated by these animals on low protein diet was characterized by an initial phase of increased susceptibility, a secondary phase of increased resistance, and a final phase of increased susceptibility. It is proposed that these alterations in relative viral susceptibility result from metabolic changes occurring within the host during the process of dietary protein depletion. The resistance changes are roughly correlated to periods of depot fat utilization (increased susceptibility), reserve protein utilization (decreased susceptibility), and tissue breakdown subsequent to protein starvation (increased susceptibility). Many previously published concepts of the interplay of viral susceptibility and host nutrition maintained that host malnourishment led to increased host resistance. The cyclic change in resistance, reported herein, is given as evidence that the effect of host deficiency cannot be explained simply on the basis of an inhibition of virus growth due to retarded cellular metabolism in the host. Protein deficiency is shown not to produce an "all-or-none" effect, but a series of reproducible phases of increased and decreased resistance. From the aforementioned results it is proposed that the phases of viral susceptibility seen in the protein-deficient host are demonstrative of the dynamic interrelationship between the physiologic state and the resistance of the host. Dietary influences in the normal host, by producing similar metabolic changes, could have analogous implications on innate resistance. It is believed that the foregoing leads to a more clear and dynamic concept of viral resistance in the normal individual.
Potential Fluconazole-Induced Carbamazepine Toxicity:

OBJECTIVE:To report a case of carbamazepine toxicity resulting from a drug interaction with fluconazole, and to review the possible mechanisms of this interaction.DATA SOURCES:Medical record review.DATA SYNTHESIS:A 33-year-old white man with a history of mental retardation and seizures experienced stupor due to carbamazepine toxicity after fluconazole was initiated. The patient had been taking carbamazepine for several years and maintained stable therapeutic concentrations. He started fluconazole therapy after developing a rash presumably due to candidiasis. After admission to the hospital for carbamazepine toxicity, both fluconazole and carbamazepine were withheld and the patient returned to his normal baseline mental status once the carbamazepine concentration declined to a therapeutic range. Carbamazepine was restarted and the patient experienced no further adverse events. Carbamazepine is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme. Fluconazole is renally excreted but has been noted to inhibit CY...
The Neural Connections of the Amygdaloid Complex in Mammals

There is an extensive literature regarding the neural connections of the amygdaloid complex. Reviews of the older literature, based mainly on descriptions from normal material or from experimental Marchi material, have been published previously (Pribram and Kruger, 1954; Thomalske, Klingler and Worringer, 1957; Gastaut and Lammers, 1961). In the present survey, I intend to concentrate on the work done since then which, owing to improved histological and experimental techniques, has provided us with more reliable and more detailed information.
Optimum Positions for the Nodes in Discontinuous Boundary Elements

This paper studies the optimum position of the nodes in discontinuous linear boundary elements, to obtain the most accurate results. Previous work on discontinuous elements has demonstrated their advantages in representing edges and corners and modelling discontinuous loads. Past researchers however did not investigate the best position for the nodes but simply put them in such a manner that for elements of equal size the nodes were equidistant of each other.
Effect of Stagger Angle on the Generation of Entropy in a Low Reynolds Number Compressor Cascade

The entropy generated in a compressor cascade at low Reynolds number was determined from the blade surface boundary layer measurements. Accurately predicting the turbomachinery stage efficiency is one of the more challenging p roblems in prop ulsion d ue t o the complexity of the f low field. R ather than conduct turbomachinery tests under full scale high temperature rotating flow conditions, a better understanding of some of the root causes of loss, in the form of entropy generated, might be obtained through two-dimensional cascade measurements. An experimental and computational study was conducted to determine the entropy generation rate based on boundary layer profiles for a NACA 65-series compressor cascade model at a chord Reynolds number of 8,500. For moderate solidity of 1.5 and fixed inflow angle of 40°, results show that the amount of entropy generated increases with increasing stagger angle. Nomenclature c = chord length (m) p c = specific heat at constant pressure (J/kg/K) p h = enthalpy, c T (J/kg) P = pressure (N/m ) 2 R = gas constant (J/K/kg) C Re = Reynolds number based on chord length, Uc/ν where U is the freestream velocity s = entropy per unit mass [lower case s] (J/K/kg) = entropy [upper case S] generation rate [dot] (W/K) = entropy [upper case S] generation rate [dot] per unit span [prime] (W/K/m) = entropy [upper case S] generation rate [dot] per unit area [double-prime] (W/K/m ) 2
Cytopathology-histopathology of the mediastinum: epithelial, lymphoproliferative, and germ cell neoplasms.

Abstract The last several years have witnessed an increase in reports regarding the pathology and classification of mediastinal neoplasms that heretofore have received relatively scant attention in comparison to tumors from other anatomic locations. Some of these, such as thymoma, remain controversial and contentious subjects. The sampling and diagnosis of mediastinal tumors using the technique of fine-needle aspiration biopsy has not gained acceptance among radiologists, surgeons, and pathologists to the degree it has for tumors of the thyroid or breast. Thus, the literature regarding aspiration cytopathology of mediastinal neoplasms is extremely limited. This report focuses on the salient cytopathologic features of epithelial, lymphoid, and germ cell tumors of the mediastinum and correlates the cytomorphology with their histologic equivalent. Ann Diagn Pathol 6: 30-43, 2002.
Labial unmarkedness in Sri Lankan Portuguese Creole

In this squib we introduce new language data into the debate concerning the markedness of place of articulation. The data illustrate a process of assimilation in Sri Lankan Portuguese Creole where coronal patterns as more marked than both labial and dorsal. Labial unmarkedness is further supported by the feature's asymmetrical patterning in consonant deletion as well as its distribution and frequency. The patterns are of particular significance since they provide a clear example of a language in which labial patterns as unmarked, thus leading us to the conclusion that there is no single, universal unmarked place of articulation. Implications of the Sri Lankan Portuguese Creole pattern for structure- and constraint-based accounts of markedness are discussed.
Test-particle simulations of Fermi acceleration of electrons at quasiperpendicular shocks

Summary form only. A type of first-order Fermi electron acceleration associated with quasi-perpendicular shocks has been studied. Ion-scale transverse waves in the magnetic field upstream of the shock do not scatter electrons. However, when these waves are advanced into the shock, the leading edges are compressed first, producing mirror points for a large fraction of the electrons. Thus a population of electrons is trapped in a flux tube between two such mirror points that converge as the field continues to advect into the shock. A similar trap is formed when straight field lines are advected into a concave region of a corrugated shock. In either case, the population is longitudinally accelerated by compression between converging mirrors. A few electrons, having special initial conditions, can be accelerated by this means to energies thousands of times greater than their injection energies. Starting from a Maxwellian distribution of initial energies, the resulting particle energy spectrum is a mildly heated (factors of two to five) Maxwellian plus a power law to very high energies with an index -2.6. >
Hypoactivity of the Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Adrenocortical Axis during Recovery from Chronic Variable Stress

Chronic stress induces both functional and structural adaptations within the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, suggestive of long-term alterations in neuroendocrine reactivity to subsequent stressors. We hypothesized that prior chronic stress would produce persistent enhancement of HPA axis reactivity to novel stressors. Adult male rats were exposed to chronic variable stress (CVS) for 1 wk and allowed to recover. Plasma ACTH and corticosterone levels were measured in control or CVS rats exposed to novel psychogenic (novel environment or restraint) or systemic (hypoxia) stressors at 16 h, 4 d, 7 d, or 30 d after CVS cessation. Plasma ACTH and corticosterone responses to psychogenic stressors were attenuated at 4 d (novel environment and restraint) and 7 d (novel environment only) recovery from CVS, whereas hormonal responses to the systemic stressor were largely unaffected by CVS. CRH mRNA expression was up-regulated in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) at 16 h after cessation of CVS, but no other alterations in PVN CRH or arginine vasopressin mRNA expression were observed. Thus, in contrast to our hypothesis, reductions of HPA axis sensitivity to psychogenic stressors manifested at delayed recovery time points after CVS. The capacity of the HPA axis to respond to a systemic stressor appeared largely intact during recovery from CVS. These data suggest that chronic stress selectively targets brain circuits responsible for integration of psychogenic stimuli, resulting in decreased HPA axis responsiveness, possibly mediated in part by transitory alterations in PVN CRH expression.
Ionic liquids are not always green: hydrolysis of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate

1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium fluoride hydrate has been identified crystallographically as a decomposition product created during purification of the hydrophobic ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate. This highlights the need to treat ionic liquids much as one would any other research chemical with potentially hazardous properties, unknown toxicity and/or stability, particularly when searching for ‘green solvents’.
A model to simulate special concentrically braced frames beyond brace fracture

Special concentrically braced frames (SCBFs) are commonly used as the lateral-load resisting system in buildings. SCBFs primarily sustain large deformation demands through inelastic action in the brace, including compression buckling and tension yielding; secondary yielding may occur in the gusset plate and framing elements. The preferred failure mode is brace fracture. Yielding, buckling, and fracture behavior results in highly nonlinear behavior and accurate analytical modeling of these frames is required. Prior research has shown that continuum models are capable of this level of simulation. However, those models are not suitable for structural engineering practice. To enable the use of accurate yet practical nonlinear models, a research study was undertaken to investigate modeling parameters for line-element models, which is a more practical modeling approach. This portion of the study focused on methods to predict brace fracture. A fracture modeling approach simulated the nonlinear, cyclic response of SCBFs by correlating onset of fracture to the maximum strain range in the brace. The model accounts for important brace design parameters including slenderness, compactness, and yield strength. Fracture data from over 40 tests was used to calibrate the model and included single-brace component, single story frame, and full-scale multistory frame specimens. The proposed fracture model is more accurate and simpler than other, previously proposed models. As a result, the proposed model is an ideal candidate for practical performance simulation of SCBFs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive scores in carriers of Huntington's disease gene compared to noncarriers

Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder recently shown to be due to an excess number of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the 5' translated region of chromosome 4. One of the cardinal features of HD is cognitive decline. While mental deterioration is obvious later in the disease course, the time of its onset is difficult to determine precisely. A sample of at-risk individuals without signs or symptoms of HD by self-report was studied. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Test--Revised and a neurological rating scale were administered. The genotypes of 394 individuals were then determined by polymerase chain reaction testing. On all portions of the WAIS-R test, the mean score of the HD gene carriers was lower than that of the noncarriers. Scores on two of the performance subtests, the digit symbol and the picture arrangement, were significantly different in the two groups, even after the scores from all gene carriers who were diagnosed as affected based on their neurological motor examination were removed. The scores for the gene carriers on the various subtests were negatively correlated with the number of CAG repeats in the expanded HD allele. Such a relationship was not seen with the normal alleles of the noncarriers. Taken together, our results suggest that a deficit in cognitive function is an early finding of HD and that in this patient population, the degree of cognitive deficit is proportional to the number of CAG repeats in the HD allele.
2 – Noise in Analog and Digital Systems

This chapter discusses noise in analog and digital systems. Noise from all analog perspective is a random time-varying signal that is generated in all passive and active electronic devices. It is represented as either a current or a voltage. Over a fixed time period, t, the average value of noise is zero. Analog noise, therefore, is commonly presented in terms of its mean-square value. It is sometimes also described by its root-mean-square value. Noise in digital (or large-signal) circuits is the perturbation of one nonlinear signal, the noise victim, by a second non-linear signal, the noise aggressor. The perturbation is introduced by a parasitic coupling path that is resistive, capacitive, or inductive in nature. Since digital systems are typically characterized by voltage levels, digital noise is presented in terms of voltage and voltage transients. The impact of noise differs for analog and digital systems and leads to unique equivalent circuit models and analytical techniques. Analog noise is treated by linearized expressions that correspond to small-signal equivalent circuit parameters. Digital noise is analyzed by large-signal expressions that define logic transitions. This chapter presents the characteristics of noise for both systems. Several examples are included for each type of system.