cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A covariant kinetic equation for a self-gravitating system

Abstract Recently, Israel and Kandrup have developed a new, manifestly covariant approach to non-equilibrium statistical mechanics in classical general relativity. One by-product of that approach has been the formulation of an approximate kinetic equation for the evolution of a self-gravitating system, valid in an “impulse” or “weak coupling” approximation in the limit that radiative effects may be neglected. This paper exploits the theory of random functions to present a much simpler derivation of that approximate kinetic equation.
Correlations between unit firing and EEG in the rat olfactory system.

Abstract The olfactory EEG of awake animals displaus oscillatory bursts of activity in the γ-(30–100 Hz) range. The bursts are correlated with inflow of air over the receptor layer in the nose. None of the inputs to the cortices that display these oscillations carries periodic signals in the γ-range. Thus these bursts are generated locally, either by neuronal feedback interactions or by coupling of oscillatory neurons. In the first case if the oscillations are generated by negative feedback, then two classes of cells must exist: excitatory neurons and inhibitory neurons with the same frequency of oscillation but with a quarter cycle phase lag by the inhibitory cells from the excitatory cells. On the other hand, if the EEG's result from coupling of cells that are intrinsically oscillatory, there should be a broad but monomodal distribution of phase values. In order to determine the origin of these bursts, we performed simultaneous recordings of EEG and multi-unit spikes in the 4 parts of the olfactory system (olfactory bulb, anterior olfactory nucleus, prepyriform cortex and lateral entorhinal area) of awake and motivated rats. For each sample, the EEG and the multi-unit spikes were recorded from the same local neighborhood. The multi-unit electrode recorded pulses from the principal output neurons of the respective cortical areas. In all locations tested, the oscillations in pulse probabilities of firing were found to have the same frequency as the dominant EEG frequency. In all 4 structures two sets of cells were found. One set displayed pulses in phase with the EEG and the other set displayed pulses that led or lagged the EEG by approximately 1/4 cycle. These data confirm the negative feedback interaction model rather than the coupled oscillator model for the generation of the bursts in the olfactory system. The relevance of these findings to other cortical systems, in casu the visual cortex is discussed.
Sex-related hormonal influences on pain and analgesic responses

Considerable evidence indicates sex-related differences in pain responses and in the effectiveness of various analgesic agents. Specifically, females are at greater risk for experiencing many forms of clinical pain and are more sensitive to experimentally induced pain relative to males. Regarding analgesic responses, nonhuman animal studies indicate greater opioid analgesia for males, while a limited human literature suggests the opposite. Though the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear, the influence of gonadal hormones on nociceptive processing represents one plausible pathway whereby such sex differences could emerge. The present article reviews the complex literature concerning sex steroid effects on pain responses and analgesia. First, nonhuman animal research related to hormonal effects on nociceptive sensitivity and analgesic responses is presented. Next, human studies regarding gonadal hormonal influences on experimental pain responses are reviewed. Several potential mechanisms underlying hormonal effects on nociceptive processing are discussed, including hormonal effects to both peripheral and central nervous system pathways involved in pain transmission. Finally, based on these findings we draw several conclusions and make specific recommendations that will guide future research as it attempts to elucidate the magnitude and importance of sex-related hormonal effects on the experience of pain.
CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS: PRESERVATION DIALOGUES BETWEEN ARTISTS AND FINE ART PUBLISHERS

In recent decades a trend has emerged in the US whereby contemporary artists collaborate with fine art publishers to create multiple editions of works. While the conservation literature often discusses the individual act of making art and the ramifications of artistic intent, collaborative ventures have been largely overlooked. With a focus on the contemporary production of art on paper, numerous issues related to preservation and conservation in the context of creative collaboration and commercial enterprise emerge. Findings presented here derive from on-site interviews with master printers, papermakers, curators and publishers at seven US publishing houses: Universal Limited Art Editions, Tamarind Institute, Gemini GEL (Graphic Editions Limited), Landfall Press, Dieu Donne Papermill, Tandem Press and Two Palms Press.
The 13C NMR of olefins complexed with a binuclear Ag(I)–Yb(III) chelate

The effect of silver ion complexation on the 13C NMR of several rigid olefin structures has been determined. The silver ion induced chemical shifts (AgIS) are not amenable to easy interpretation. Addition of Yb(fod)3 forms binuclear Ag–Yb complexes with the olefin. Lanthanide induced shifts (LIS) fall off rationally with distance from the site of complexation and the averaged position of the lanthanide. The complexes may be used as probes of olefin stereochemistry.
Phase shift of daily profiles of N-acetyltransferase in the rat pineal gland.

Pineal N-acetyltransferase activity (NAT) has a circadian rhythm with peak values in the dark time and low values in the light time. NAT time profiles were measured in rats exposed to LD 14:10, to constant dark, and to acute (less than 48 hr) lightdark treatments. In all experiments, imposition of light suppressed NAT. The phase of the dark time NAT cycle was altered 2 hr or less by the following treatments: 3 hr light in the early subjective night, 3 hr light in the late subjective night, 2 hr or 6 hr light in the early subjective day, 4 hr early lights-on, 1 day of constant dark, or 1 day of constant light. When light was extended 4 hr into the dark time, NAT rose at lights out but fell again as the time of “expected” dawn approached. In contrast, the phase of the NAT cycle was shifted 12 hr (180°) within 72 hr by reversing the phase of the light-dark cycle. NAT did not rise in the first dark period (coincident with the time of the subjective light time). The amplitude of the first shifted cycle was less than four control NAT profiles measured in rats kept in the original (unshifted) light dark cycle.
High pressure X-ray photochemical studies of carbon tetrachloride: Cl2 production and segregation

Abstract We report on two experiments on carbon tetrachloride. CCl 4 was pressurized to 4.9 GPa and irradiated with 20 keV hard X-rays for 4 h and 8 h respectively. We observed a greenish yellow material form in the irradiated regions. In the second experiment, the same irradiated sample was left pressurized for 4 weeks. The irradiated regions consolidated and Raman spectra of these spots displayed strong Cl 2 lines.
On IP* sets and central sets

IP* sets and central sets are subsets of ℕ which are known to have rich combinatorial structure. We establish here that structure is significantly richer that was previously known. We also establish that multiplicatively central sets have rich additive structure. The relationship among IP* sets, central sets, and corresponding dynamical notions are also investigated.
OC133: The impact of prenatal diagnosis on parental understanding of congenital heart disease

Results: At 2D gray-scale analysis 15 patients (83%) showed detectable tumor masses. The largest diameters of the tumor mass (maximum length, depth and width) measured at sonographic and pathomorphological examinations correlated well (R = 0.87, R = 0.89 and R = 0.76, respectively). The largest tumor area measured in both sagittal and axial planes also showed a strong correlation (R = 0.78 and R = 0.84, respectively). Poor correlation was seen in the deepest cervical stromal invasion (R = 0.14). A discrepancy of more than 10% of the tumor shape in the sagittal plane seen during sonography and pathomorphological examination occurred in seven cases (47%). Conclusions: Two-dimensional gray-scale sonography is accurate in the assessment of early-stage cervical cancer. This method should be considered in all patients with early-stage cervical cancer scheduled for radical treatment.
Reconsidering the Neuroevolutionary Framework of the SEEKING System: Emphasizing context Instead of Positivity

Wright & Panksepp make an important contribution by presenting their neuroevolutionary model of the SEEKING system. This system allows for the eager anticipation and discovery of various resources needed for survival, propagation, and personal growth (Panksepp, 2011; Panksepp & Moskal, 2008). In this article, attention is drawn to salient characteristics of the SEEKING system that have been left out of this theoretical account. Instead of focusing on the mental content inherent to the SEEKING system (emotions, sensations), I argue for the need to delineate contextual factors that influence the activation of this system. Furthermore, I comment on the problems of bypassing the uniqueness of human beings for a framework of SEEKING that is relevant for all mammalian species. Finally, I revisit the claim that the SEEKING system entails primal positive emotions by detailing the distress or pain that often occurs during meaning-making efforts. A functional contextual approach, which addresses when the SEEKING sy...
Prostate Specific Antigen Cleaves Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein in the PTH-like Domain: Inactivation of PTHrP-Stimulated cAMP Accumulation in Mouse Osteoblasts

AbstractPurpose: To determine whether parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is a substrate of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and how the biological activity of PTHrP may be altered by cleavage with PSA.Materials and Methods: Prostate-specific antigen cleavage of recombinant human PTHrP 1-141 was conducted in vitro at 37C and analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Five rounds of automated amino-terminal amino acid sequence analysis were performed on blotted PSA-cleaved PTHrP peptide fragments to determine the PSA cleavage sites. The mouse osteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1 was used to test whether PSA cleavage of PTHrP 1-141 altered its ability to stimulate cAMP production.Results: Prostate-specific antigen was found to specifically cleave PTHrP 1-141 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Cleavage of PTHrP 1-141 by PSA generated fragments on Coomassiestained acrylamide gels that migrated with mobilities that corresponded to 19.5, 17, 15 and less than 7 kd. The preferred PSA cleavage site of PTHrP 1-141 was determined to ...
A two-step model for lipoprotein(a) formation.

Abstract Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), a risk factor for coronary artery disease, is a LDL-like particle with apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) covalently linked to apolipoprotein B (apoB), the main protein component of LDL. Apo(a) is highly homologous to plasminogen and its gene probably arose by duplication of the plasminogen gene. It has many repeats of kringle-4-like domain, classified as type 1 through type 10 (T1-T10). T9 is responsible for the covalent linkage between apo(a) and LDL. However, we found that T9 has no affinity for LDL. Therefore, an initial noncovalent interaction between apo(a) and LDL is necessary to bring T9 and LDL together. T6 and possibly T7 of apo(a) were identified as the kringles which mediate this initial interaction. With these findings, a two-step model for Lp(a) formation is proposed. This model should be useful in the design of Lp(a) formation inhibitors. These inhibitors are potential anti-hyperlipoprotein(a) drugs.
Extremum seeking control of a tunable thermoacoustic cooler

In this paper, the performance of a prototype standing wave thermoacoustic cooler is optimized using an extremum seeking control (ESC) algorithm. A tunable Helmholtz resonator was developed for a thermoacoustic cooler to change the boundary condition of the standing wave tube. The volume of the resonator is changed by changing the location of a piston on a ball-screw assembly driven by a dc motor. Multiparameter ESC was applied to optimize the cooling power via tuning both the boundary condition (piston location) and the driving frequency. Experiments were conducted for the online optimization under both fixed and varying operating conditions. The experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of using ESC for maintaining maximum achievable performance. The effect of changing parameters in the ESC algorithm on the transient behavior was also investigated.
Dynamic Data-Driven Fault Diagnosis of Wind Turbine Systems

In this multi-university collaborative research, we will develop a framework for the dynamic data-driven fault diagnosis of wind turbines which aims at making the wind energy a competitive alternative in the energy market. This new methodology is fundamentally different from the current practice whose performance is limited due to the non-dynamic and non-robust nature in the modeling approaches and in the data collection and processing strategies. The new methodology consists of robust data pre-processing modules, interrelated, multi-level models that describe different details of the system behaviors, and a dynamic strategy that allows for measurements to be adaptively taken according to specific physical conditions and the associated risk level. This paper summarizes the latest progresses in the research.
Defining the Value of Injection Current and Effective Electrical Contact Area for EGaIn-Based Molecular Tunneling Junctions

Analysis of rates of tunneling across self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of n-alkanethiolates SCn (with n = number of carbon atoms) incorporated in junctions having structure AgTS-SAM//Ga2O3/EGaIn leads to a value for the injection tunnel current density J0 (i.e., the current flowing through an ideal junction with n = 0) of 103.6±0.3 A·cm–2 (V = +0.5 V). This estimation of J0 does not involve an extrapolation in length, because it was possible to measure current densities across SAMs over the range of lengths n = 1–18. This value of J0 is estimated under the assumption that values of the geometrical contact area equal the values of the effective electrical contact area. Detailed experimental analysis, however, indicates that the roughness of the Ga2O3 layer, and that of the AgTS-SAM, determine values of the effective electrical contact area that are ∼10–4 the corresponding values of the geometrical contact area. Conversion of the values of geometrical contact area into the corresponding values of effective ...
Double Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation: Relevance of Persistent Mixed-Unit Chimerism

Abstract Double umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) was developed as a strategy to circumvent the cell dose limitation of single UCBT with a concomitant potential benefit of lowering the rate of leukemia relapse. Sustained hematopoiesis after double UCBT usually is derived from a single donor unit, as only a few patients have been reported to display stable mixed-unit chimerism for varying periods of time. Explanations for the 1 unit dominance, predictors for identifying unit superiority, and persistence of long-term mixed-unit chimerism remain elusive. Review of published literature revealed only 11 of 280 patients (4%) with mixed-unit chimerism for at least 1 year after transplantation, with 3 patients receiving reduced-intensity conditioning regimens. Mixed-unit chimerism was more likely if both units were closely HLA matched to each other. Outcome data for patients with stable mixed-unit chimerism, for the most part, were scarcely reported. Analysis of the small sample size revealed a potential advantage of stable mixed-unit chimerism on enhancing the graft-versus-leukemia effect; however, definitive conclusions cannot be made on the effect of mixed-unit chimerism on the rates of graft-versus-host disease. Therefore, gathering outcome data prospectively in larger clinical series will help answer the question of whether stable mixed-unit chimerism is either beneficial and, therefore, should be strived for, detrimental and, thus, needs to be eliminated, or if it is of no clinical consequence.
The Conflict Process: A Formal Model

This article proposes and tests a self-generative theory of conflict processes within nations. We dissect the "conflict breeds conflict" truism into three hypotheses: (1) the present extent of conf...
Metabolite biomarkers of prostate cancer

A27 Background: There are 35 million men ages 50-74 in the United States. The American Cancer Society recommends that men ages 50 and over be screened for prostate cancer. Each year over 20 million Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) tests are performed, and over one million of these tests are returned positive indicating a risk of prostate cancer. Eight hundred thousand men who have a positive PSA screening test undergo a biopsy where multiple prostate tissue samples are taken and examined by a pathologist. Only 30% of biopsies are confirmed positive for prostate cancer, indicating that a majority represented unnecessary procedures and costs. Aim: Identify, using metabolomics, biomarkers to be used as a diagnostic for determining which men with elevated PSA levels have prostate cancer, and which do not. Methods: Metabolomics was performed on post-DRE (digital rectal exam), pre-biopsy urine specimens obtained from men at-risk for prostate cancer on the basis of a positive PSA test or DRE. All of the men subsequently underwent a prostate biopsy and the tissue was scored for presence [biopsy+] or absence [biopsy-] of prostate cancer. Metabolomics was performed on a mass spectrometry-based platform including LC-MS-MS and GC-MS instrumentation and automated peak resolution and compound identification software. Small molecular weight metabolites in the mass range of 80-1000 daltons were identified in a non-targeted fashion. Multiple statistical analyses were performed identifying biomarkers correlated with the clinical diagnoses. Results: The results showed that the levels of specific metabolites in the urine samples could be used to discriminate men that had prostate cancer from those that did not (determined by later needle biopsy). Seventy metabolites were identified as significantly changed (Wilcoxon rank sum test, p In vitro experiments confirmed the role for sarcosine in tumor progression. Addition of MG to benign prostate epithelial cells rendered them invasive as measured by Boyden chamber matrigel invasion assays. In addition, RNAi mediated knock-down of glycine-N-methyltransferase (an enzyme that catalyzes MG production) reduced both MG levels and cell invasive properties. Another metabolite biomarker of prostate cancer was N-acetylasparate (NAA). This biomarker correlates mechanistically with the known behavior of Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA). PSMA is a carboxypeptidase overexpressed in prostate cancer whose product is NAA. Conclusion: Metabolomics has been employed to identify new biomarkers for diagnosis of prostate cancer in a clinically challenging cohort comprised of high PSA individuals. These biomarkers are being employed to develop a panel of metabolites with diagnostic potential for this deadly disease. Supported in part by the Early Detection Research Network (UO1 CA111275-01 to AMC.), National Institutes of Health (RO1CA133458 to AS., TMR and AMC).
Relationship of dissociated vertical deviation and the timing of initial surgery for congenital esotropia

Abstract Purpose To clarify the incidence of dissociated vertical deviation (DVD) among patients with congenital esotropia and to identify any relationship between the time when patients undergo their initial strabismus surgery and the time when they may subsequently have DVD develop. Design Noncomparative case series. Participants One hundred five consecutive patients undergoing surgery for congenital esotropia over a 10-year period. Methods All patients underwent bimedial rectus recession before 24 months of age. Main outcome measures Patients were followed postoperatively to note the age at onset of clinically evident DVD. Results By 6 years of age, 92% of available patients had DVD. The mean age at onset was 2.81 ± 1.37 years. There was no significant difference between patients surgically aligned before 6 months of age compared with those aligned between 6 and 12 or 12 and 24 months of age. Conclusions DVD occurs in almost all patients with surgically treated congenital esotropia, and its development is unrelated to the timing of surgical intervention during the first 24 months of life.
An adaptive framework for 'single shot' motion planning

This paper proposes an adaptive framework for single shot motion planning, i.e., planning without preprocessing. This framework can be used in any situation, and in particular, is suitable for crowded environments in which the robot's free C-space has narrow corridors such as maintainability studies in complex 3D CAD models. Our iterative strategy adaptively selects a planner whose strengths match the current situation, and then, online, switches to a different planner when circumstances change. This requires techniques to evaluate the characteristics of the current query, and a set of planners which are characterized so that we can match the query with the best planner for it. Our experimental results in complex 3D CAD environments show that our strategy solves queries that none of the planners could solve on their own.
Planning with durative actions in stochastic domains

Probabilistic planning problems are typically modeled as a Markov Decision Process (MDP). MDPs, while an otherwise expressive model, allow only for sequential, non-durative actions. This poses severe restrictions in modeling and solving a real world planning problem. We extend the MDP model to incorporate-1) simultaneous action execution, 2) durative actions, and 3) stochastic durations. We develop several algorithms to combat the computational explosion introduced by these features. The key theoretical ideas used in building these algorithms are -- modeling a complex problem as an MDP in extended state/action space, pruning of irrelevant actions, sampling of relevant actions, using informed heuristics to guide the search, hybridizing different planners to achieve benefits of both, approximating the problem and replanning. Our empirical evaluation illuminates the different merits in using various algorithms, viz., optimality, empirical closeness to optimality, theoretical error bounds, and speed.
Pay now or pay later?: managing digital product supply chains

While manufacturer-retailer relationships for physical products have been studied to a great extent in the operations management literature, there is little research on digital product supply chains. The investigation of pricing strategies between an upstream manufacturer and downstream retailer has always been based on factors such inventory cost and return policies. Digital products such as music and software neither suffer from storage costs nor can they be returned for a salvage price. Further, even if consumer preferences for the products are known the demand can still be stochastic when consumers' piracy behavior is unknown. This research provides a first model of digital product manufacturer-retailer relationship and develops pricing strategies under two payment policies, first, when a manufacturer is prepaid for his intellectual property and second, when he is paid on a per-copy sold basis. The implication of these two policies on the quality and price of the digital product is discussed in the context of piracy.
Bearing Strength of Cold-Formed Steel Bolted Connections Using Oversized Holes without Washers

This note presents an experimental study of the bearing strength of cold-formed steel (CFS) bolted connections using oversized holes without washers. The test parameters include the sheet thickness, the connection type, the number of bolts, and the bolt diameter. The test results indicate that the use of oversized holes without washers will cause excessive connection deformation and reduce the connection strength. Based on the test data, a new design method is developed to accurately determine the bearing strength of CFS bolted connections when oversized hole is used without washers.
Potential applications of porous silicon in photovoltaics

Porous Si formed on crystalline Si wafers using electrochemical etching exhibits photoluminescent and electroluminescent properties. The authors report on the results of their investigation of using porous Si as surface texturing to enhance the performance of crystalline silicon photovoltaic solar cells. Unlike conventional KOH-based texture etching, which can only be used on [100]-oriented single-crystalline Si substrates, porous Si can be etched onto Si surfaces of any crystallographic orientation and onto polycrystalline or microcrystalline Si surfaces. A porous-Si-covered single-crystal Si wafer showed an integrated reflectance of only 1.4% at a wavelength of 500 nm. The reflectance of a porous-Si-covered polycrystalline Si was found to be comparable to other much more complicated texturing methods. >
Body weight gain in rats consuming sweetened liquids. Effects of caffeine and diet composition

Previous studies show that high-intensity sweeteners can stimulate weight gain in rats. The present studies examined whether caffeine, a stimulant commonly added to beverages consumed by humans, influences intake of saccharin- or glucose-sweetened solutions or body weight gain in rats and whether the nature of the maintenance diet influences the effects of caffeine. In two experiments, rats received glucose or saccharin solution mixed with 0.125 mg/g caffeine or no caffeine. Rats consumed significantly more caffeinated than noncaffeinated solutions when they were maintained on a low-fat chow diet (Experiment 1) and when maintained on a sweet, high-fat, high calorie chow diet (Experiment 2). Consumption of saccharin resulted in higher body weight gain in both experiments. Caffeine reversed this effect in Experiment 1 (low-fat diet) but not Experiment 2 (sweet, high-fat diet). The findings extend what is known about the conditions under which consumption of high intensity sweeteners promote energy dysregulation.
Bile acids activate EGF receptor via a TGF-α-dependent mechanism in human cholangiocyte cell lines

Bile acids transactivate the EGF receptor (EGFR) in cholangiocytes. However, the mechanisms by which bile acids transactivate the EGFR remain unknown. Our aims were to examine the effects of bile acids on EGFR activation in human cholangiocyte cell lines KMBC and H-69. Bile acids stimulated cell growth and induced EGFR phosphorylation in a ligand-dependent manner. Although cells constitutively expressed several EGFR ligands, only transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) antisera effectively blocked bile acid-induced EGFR phosphorylation. Consistent with the concept that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity is requisite for TGF-α membrane release and ligand function, bile acid transactivation of EGFR and cell growth was blocked by an MMP inhibitor. In conclusion, bile acids activate EGFR via a TGF-α-dependent mechanism, and this EGFR activation promotes cellular growth.
MHD problems in free liquid surfaces as plasma-facing materials in magnetically confined reactors☆

The development of solid plasma-facing components (PFCs) that can withstand high heat and particle fluxes during normal and abnormal events has proven to be a difficult task for future power-producing magnetically confined reactors. Solid PFC cannot be reliably used because of the large erosion losses during normal and off-normal events such as disruptions and their consequences. The use of liquid metal surfaces for protection of PFCs seems attractive but is not easily implemented. The ability to use liquids as PFC surfaces depends on their overall integrated interaction with the plasma as well as with the strong magnetic field in the reactor. The temperature of a flowing liquid surface governed by surface velocity should be low enough to avoid core plasma contamination by the metal vapor. A high liquid flow velocity, V, may also be necessary to overcome the force F = [J x B], where J is current and B is magnetic field. In this study, MHD flow patterns of the liquid metal across the magnetic field (B = 5 T) are investigated. The retarding force F= [J x B] results in a rather high pressure drop required to move the liquid metal across the magnetic field. New two-dimensional calculations of MHD effects and resulting pressure drop have been completed with the upgraded HEIGHTS software package.
Calibration of ion-selective electrodes for use in biological fluids.

We measured electromotive force at 37 °C with pH, sodium glass, valinomycin, and the Simon calcium electrodes in synthetic electrolyte mixtures simulating serum, in cells both with and without liquid junction. Evidently these electrodes respond in a near-Nernstian manner to changes in concentration of the ion sensed. We suggest that such mixtures may serve as calibrating standards for ion-selective electrodes in clinical analysis. The effect of ionic strength on electrode response can be accounted for almost wholly by alterations in the activity coefficients. The lanthanum fluoride electrode shows promise as a reliable reference in cells without liquid junction.
Hezbollah and the Axis of Refusal: Hamas, Iran and Syria

Abstract Hezbollah has acquired a dual and contradictory reputation: as a legitimate political actor in Lebanon and as a terrorist organisation in the USA and Israel. This duality can be explained if we understand that Hezbollah is a nationalist entity that defines itself primarily within the Lebanese polity, as well as an anti-imperialist party intent on countering the regional hegemony of Israel and the USA. Forming alliances with Hamas, Iran and Syria, Hezbollah has become part of a ‘rejectionist’ axis that seeks to oppose perceived imperialism in the Middle East; this stance has become increasingly entrenched in the wake of the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. Characterisations that focus on Hezbollah as a military opponent confirm the organisation's perceived need for a rejectionist stance. International acceptance of Hezbollah as a legitimate political actor within the Lebanese polity, on the other hand, would help to bring the basis of the rejectionist axis into question.
Effects of High Pressure on the Viability, Morphology, Lysis, and Cell Wall Hydrolase Activity of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris

Viability, morphology, lysis, and cell wall hydrolase activity of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris MG1363 and SK11 were determined after exposure to pressure. Both strains were completely inactivated at pressures of 400 to 800 MPa but unaffected at 100 and 200 MPa. At 300 MPa, the MG1363 and SK11 populations decreased by 7.3 and 2.5 log cycles, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that pressure caused intracellular and cell envelope damage. Pressure-treated MG1363 cell suspensions lysed more rapidly over time than did non-pressure-treated controls. Twenty-four hours after pressure treatment, the percent lysis ranged from 13.0 (0.1 MPa) to 43.3 (300 MPa). Analysis of the MG1363 supernatants by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) confirmed pressure-induced lysis. Pressure did not induce lysis or membrane permeability of SK11. Renaturing SDS-PAGE (zymogram analysis) revealed two hydrolytic bands from MG1363 cell extracts treated at all pressures (0.1 to 800 MPa). Measuring the reducing sugars released during enzymatic cell wall breakdown provided a quantitative, nondenaturing assay of cell wall hydrolase activity. Cells treated at 100 MPa released significantly more reducing sugar than other samples, including the non-pressure-treated control, indicating that pressure can activate cell wall hydrolase activity or increase cell wall accessibility to the enzyme. The cell suspensions treated at 200 and 300 MPa did not differ significantly from the control, whereas cells treated at pressures greater than 400 MPa displayed reduced cell wall hydrolase activity. These data suggest that high pressure can cause inactivation, physical damage, and lysis in L. lactis. Pressure-induced lysis is strain dependent and not solely dependent upon cell wall hydrolase activity.
Teratogenic compounds of Veratrum californicum (Durand). X. Cyclopia in rabbits produced by cyclopamine

Cyclopamine, the compound responsible for cyclopia in sheep upon maternal ingestion of Veratrum californicum, produced cyclopia and related cephalic malformations in rabbits when orally administered with CaCO3 as a stomach-acid buffer to prevent acid-induced conversion to veratramine, a compound devoid of similar teratogenic activity. The insult period was between days 6 and 9 of gestation. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments suggested the conversion of nonbuffered cyclopamine to veratramine under stomach-acid conditions.
Performance of MPI broadcast algorithms

As cluster computing has gotten cheaper and more powerful, ever larger clusters are being built and ever larger problems are being tackled. Many, if not most, of these problems require the broadcast of data not only at the beginning of the computation but also as it progresses. Given the comparative slowness of communication as opposed to computation, any improvement in communication time can have a significant impact on the time required to complete a computation. This paper looks at the broadcast function of MPI and explores some alternative implementations for the common cluster architecture in which some number of computing nodes are connected via an Ethernet switch. It then compares these implementations to the built-in implementation of broadcast in MPICH2 and suggests a new implementation.
Drug Dissolution Testing: Today and Tomorrow

AbstractThis article discusses the present role of dissolution tests both in terms of current compendial requirements and the use of such tests by the pharmaceutical industry.Insofar as future use is concerned, the suggestion is made that the compendia clearly distinguish between those monographs where dissolution tests have been shown to be of biological significance (i.e., Digoxin Tablets) and those which are simply acting as physical quality control procedures. Logically, a dissolution test should be applied to all solid dosage forms, although from a logistical point of view it might be appropriate to confine this requirement, at least initially, to those drugs having an aqueous solubility of 0.5 per cent or less.In the future, the pharmaceutical industry should expand its use of dissolution testing both in formulation development and production control, with a view to establishing, in as many instances as possible, dissolution tests having biological significance, i.e., where reliable in vitro - in vi...
Bonded Relationships: Supporting Pre-Service Teachers to Develop Confidence and Competency as Elementary Literacy Educators.

Relationships matter in learning and in particular they matter for pre-service teachers engaged in learning how to teach in Midwest University, USA. This article reports findings from an 18-month long study that investigated how relationships supported and constrained four elementary pre-service literacy teachers’ professional identities as competent and confident novice teachers. Through discourse analysis, findings indicate an establishment of a bonded relationship between participants and with mentors. Language reveals the bonded relationships offer critical support for pre-service teachers in construction of their professional identities as knowledgeable and confident teachers. Implications for teacher educators to create spaces conducive to bonded relationships are included.
Buggery's travels: Royal Navy sodomy on ship and shore in the long eighteenth century

Historians have long seen the navy as isolated from major developments in the history of homosexuality during the long eighteenth century. Indeed, some have argued that there was little discussion of the topic in naval circles altogether. This article shows that there was in fact deep engagement with, and a great deal of naval discourse about, contemporary thought regarding homoerotic practices and the men who engaged in them. It focuses on three sites in order to explore the dynamics of the circulation of sexual knowledge between naval and non-naval spaces. The naval courtroom reveals that men were conversant with stereotypes about sodomites and ideas that men could have homoerotic ‘inclinations’ or ‘propensities’. The navy's ongoing commitment to prosecuting men for such sexual contact, meanwhile, required its legal actors to develop a robust body of knowledge and discourse about this topic, and connected them to the broader world of legal thought and practice regarding sodomy. Finally, the periodical p...
Physical activity and FTO genotype by physical activity interactive influences on obesity

Although the effect of the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene on adiposity is well established, there is a lack of evidence whether physical activity (PA) modifies the effect of FTO variants on obesity in Latino populations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine PA influences and interactive effects between FTO variants and PA on measures of adiposity in Latinos. After controlling for age and sex, participants who did not engage in regular PA exhibited higher BMI, fat mass, HC, and WC with statistical significance (P < 0.001). Although significant associations between the three FTO genotypes and adiposity measures were found, none of the FTO genotype by PA interaction assessments revealed nominally significant associations. However, several of such interactive influences exhibited considerable trend towards association. These data suggest that adiposity measures are associated with PA and FTO variants in Latinos, but the impact of their interactive influences on these obesity measures appear to be minimal. Future studies with large sample sizes may help to determine whether individuals with specific FTO variants exhibit differential responses to PA interventions.
A Quantitative Study of Copper in Insects.

Although considerable data have been accumulated regarding the quantity of copper in marine organisms (9), mammalian blood (3), (5), milk (4), (10), and plant and animal foods, (2), (6), little is known regarding the quantity of copper in insects.
The Transformative Effects of International Education at an HIV/AIDS Clinic in South Africa:

In recent years, more psychology programs are offering study abroad courses. These courses have the additional benefit of increasing student cultural competence. The goal of this study was to examine the impact of international education on a group of graduate students in psychology who participated in a 5-week travel abroad program to South Africa. Using a small convenience sample, a qualitative research design was used to explore student perceptions of engaging in clinical work in a cross-cultural setting. The study is framed within multicultural education and transformative learning theory, both of which inform the findings. Several themes that were categorized as personal, professional, community, social/cultural, and political emerged from in-depth individual interviews with participants. They reported a deeper cultural understanding of self and others with a stronger appreciation and respect of the uniqueness of individuals and their worldviews and the importance of validating these cultural differe...
Physostigmine: Effects on retention at different times after brief training

Mice were given physostigmine 30 min, 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, or 14 days after brief training in a position habit, which normal animals forget within 14 days. The curve generated by the retention scores at these times was a miniaturization of the curve generated by previous studies using anticholinesterases and prolonged training in a visual task.
Analysis of Jobs for Control of Cumulative Trauma Disorders

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD) such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis, and strains are a common health problem among people who perform repetitive work with their hands. Repeated exertions and movements with certain hand postures, stresses on the surface of the hand and arm, vibrations, low temperatures, and use of gloves all have been identified as factors of CTD. To facilitate identification of these factors, a job analysis procedure based on traditional work measurement techniques was developed. Jobs are first divided into sequences of acts or elements; postures, forces, and other physical factors associated with each element then are determined. This process is facilitated by a video tape system that is used to film the job and can be played back in slow motion. A microcomputer is used to facilitate recording and storage of element sequences. Surface electromyograms of the medial forearm are calibrated and recorded on videotape for estimation of forces exerted with the hand. Finally, recomme...
Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Consumption and Utilization of Northern Red Oak and White Oak Foliage Exposed to Simulated Acid Rain and Ozone

Two-year-old seedlings of white oak, Quercus alba L., and red oak, Q. rubra L., were exposed to ozone (O[sub 3]) fumigations in four continuously stirred tank reactor chambers in the greenhouse for 8 h/d, 3 d/wk for 6 wk. Fumigation treatments were charcoal-filtered air (CFA) and CFA + 0.15 ppm O[sub 3]. Two simulated rain treatments, pH 4.2 and pH 3.0, of-1.25 cm were applied once each week in rain-simulation chambers. Gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), third instars were allowed to feed on leaf disks from treated seedlings for 24 h. Leaf area consumed, food assimilated, weight gain, and relative growth rate (RGR) were examined. Overall, larvae fed white oak foliage consumed more foliage and gained more weight than those fed red oak foliage. Response to the fumigation and rain treatments was different for each oak species. On white oak foliage, larvae consumed significantly less foliage treated with CFA + pH 3.0 rain, but the lowest RGR occurred with the 0.15 ppm O[sub 3] + pH 4.2 rain treatment. The most food assimilated, greatest weight gain, and highest RGR occurred with the CFA + pH 4.2 rain control. Red oak foliage consumed was equivalent for all treatments, but foliage exposedmore » to CFA + pH 3.0 rain resulted in more food assimilated, greater weight gain, and higher RGR for that species.« less
Molecular characteristics and antibiotic resistance of Vibrio cholerae O139 in Shanghai,2005- 2014

Objective To describe the molecular characteristics and antibiotic resistance of Vibrio cholerae O139 in Shanghai from 2005 to 2014. Methods PCR was conducted to detect six virulence-related genes of 86 strains of V. cholerae O139,including cholera toxin gene( ctx A),hemolysin gene( hly A) 、toxin-coregulated pilus gene( tcp A),the regulatory protein genes( toxR) and the genes of phage CTXφ encoding cholera toxin( zot,ace). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis( PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing( M LST) were carried out for the molecular subtyping of the strains,and the strains' antibiotic resistance was detected with K-B test. Results Up to 93. 2% of V. cholerae O139 strains isolated from patients and 58. 3% isolated from aquatic products were toxigenic,while all the V. cholerae O139 strains isolated from environment were non-toxigenic. According to the PFGE pattern,86 V. cholerae O139 strains belonged to 35 molecular types. According to M LST result,86 V. cholerae O139 strains belonged to 9 ST types. ST 69 and ST 162 were predominant in Shanghai. The toxigenic V. cholerae O139 strains isolated showed higher resistance to antibiotics compared with the non-toxigenic strains. Conclusion M ost V. cholerae O139 strains isolated from patients and aquatic products in Shanghai were toxigenic,PFGE suggested that aquatic products were the main infectious sources of cholera. The toxigenic isolates had similar molecular characteristics and the predominant type was ST 69. The antibiotic resistance of the toxigenic V. cholerae O139 strains was serious.
Treatment of acute leukemia.

A current view of the treatment and prognosis of acute leukemia in children is offered. Emphasis is on acute lymphocytic leukemia which accounts for 78 per cent of childhood leukemia. Approximately one half of children with acute lymphocytic leukemia are experiencing long-term, leukemia-free survival and possible cure with use of the best present methods of treatment in skilled hands.
On the existence of real spectra in $\mathcal {PT}$-symmetric honeycomb optical lattices

This paper investigates the addition of complex potentials to Schr?dinger equations with honeycomb lattice potentials. While self-adjointness is lost, symmetry with respect to the combined action of parity and time-reversal is maintained. Necessary and sufficient conditions are found which establish whether the spectra of the perturbed Schr?dinger equation remains real or enters the complex plane after small perturbations. Numerical simulations show the impact of larger perturbations. In particular, nonlocal near degeneracies between dispersion bands are discussed.
Rare case of monozygotic twins diagnosed with klinefelter syndrome during evaluation for infertility.

Although neither Klinefelter syndrome nor monozygotic twins are particularly rare (1/667 male births and 3–4/1000 live births, respectively), the occurrence of both in the same pregnancy (ie, identical twins with Klinefelter syndrome) is exceedingly rare and has only been reported three times previously in the literature. This report describes the fourth ever reported case of monozygotic twins with Klinefelter syndrome (who presented to our male fertility clinic with failure to conceive) and sheds interesting light on the reproductive concordance observed with this rare clinical entity. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of monozygotic twins with Klinefelter syndrome that describes the infertility workup and outcomes of microsurgical testicular sperm extraction.
Current treatments of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a genetic disorder that affects both children and adults. Genetic studies have shown the heritability of ADHD to be higher than other psychiatric disorders. In addition, imaging studies have revealed various structural anomalies in the brain.Often ADHD persists into adulthood. The presentation of ADHD into adulthood most often results from childhood onset of ADHD. Symptoms of inattention and functional behavior tend to persist. These symptoms may often be less obvious, with less overt hyperactivity and impulsiveness.Stimulant medications remain the predominant choice for the treatment of ADHD. They are safe and offer good response. Common adverse reactions can usually be removed by changing the dose and the timing of medication administration. Of the second-line agents for treating ADHD, the tricyclic antidepressants have generated the most studies and have proved fairly efficacious.
Problems in the radiographic interpretation of intervertebral disc disease in the dog.

There are several problems associated with the radiographic diagnosis and assessment of intervertebral disc disease in the dog, including both technical matters and image interpretation. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss some of the problems and offer possible solutions. These will become dated in the future as newer methods of imagery (e.g., magnetic resonance imagery and computed tomography) and newer contrast agents become more available in veterinary medicine.
Cutaneous lesions of HIV-Positive patients

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with several cutaneous conditions, including molluscum contagiosum, condyloma acuminata and, Kaposi sarcoma. Many treatment modalities, including physical ablation, chemical topical agents, immunomodulators, and antiviral treatments, have been employed to treat these. One treatment that has shown success is cryosurgery. Since recurrence and more aggressive disease is associated with HIV infection, close monitoring and repetition of treatments are often necessary.