cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Timeless Splendour: Treasures from the National Museum of China (Hoe)

This small booklet, with 32 dazzling images of ancient Chinese treasures and interesting descriptions of each entry, conveys four thousand years of Chinese cultural history and artifacts to the modern audience. It acclaims Chinese people’s wisdom, technological achievement, and marvelous artistic creativity. It suggests that ingenious human creation has eternal and universal value, across time, space, and cultures.
Book Rvw: Optical Signal Processing: Fundamentals. By Pankaj K. Das

This PDF file contains the editorial “Book Rvw: Optical Signal Processing: Fundamentals," by Pankaj K. Das for OE Vol. 31 Issue 06
The Hydroxylation of Tryptophan by Pigeon Brain in vivo

Publisher Summary This chapter shows that the high 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels of the avian brain were suggestive of a fair hydroxylating ability of this organ and that this hydroxylation might be fairly rapid. To test this, one must ascertain that intracerebrally administered radioactive tryptophan, after its efflux and following its hydroxylation in the liver or in the intestine, is not returned to the brain as radioactive 5-HTP in sufficient amounts to account for the radioactive 5-HT recovered from that organ. It was established that intracerebrally injected radioactive tryptophan was hydroxylated to 5-hydroxytryptophan by the brain tissue. Evidence for this was obtained by isolating radioactive 5-hydroxytryptamine from the brain of animals sacrificed within 20 to 30 min after the intracerebral injection of radioactive tryptophan. Intraperitoneal injection of 20 times larger amounts of labeled tryptophan did not lead to the appearance of the label in the 5-hydroxytryptamine isolated from the brain. It is concluded that the brain tissue is capable of hydroxylation of tryptophan.
Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors: A novel approach to the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Purpose The purpose of this article is to educate nurse practitioners about the newest class of oral medications developed to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This article will review dapagliflozin and canagliflozin, the two Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and discuss their place in therapy. Data sources A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE with the key terms: dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, SGLT2 inhibitors, and SGLT2 inhibitors. Other resources included the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), clinical guidelines, FDA labeling, briefings, and press releases. Conclusions Dapagliflozin and canagliflozin appear to be safe and moderately effective. SGLT2 inhibitors provide an alternative for dual and triple therapy for T2DM or can be used as monotherapy in patients who cannot tolerate other first-line options. Implications for practice SGLT2 inhibitors have a unique, insulin-independent mechanism of action, targeting the kidneys. They have a low incidence of hypoglycemia and result in a moderate reduction in HbA1C. Improvements in weight, blood pressure, and lipid parameters have been demonstrated. Dosing considerations are required for the elderly, renally impaired, and patients at risk for hypotension.
Using co-occurrence network structure to extract synonymous gene and protein names from MEDLINE abstracts

Text-mining can assist biomedical researchers in reducing information overload by extracting useful knowledge from large collections of text. We developed a novel text-mining method based on analyzing the network structure created by symbol co-occurrences as a way to extend the capabilities of knowledge extraction. The method was applied to the task of automatic gene and protein name synonym extraction. Performance was measured on a test set consisting of about 50,000 abstracts from one year of MEDLINE. Synonyms retrieved from curated genomics databases were used as a gold standard. The system obtained a maximum F-score of 22.21% (23.18% precision and 21.36% recall), with high efficiency in the use of seed pairs. The method performs comparably with other studied methods, does not rely on sophisticated named-entity recognition, and requires little initial seed knowledge.
Placental dermatan sulfate: isolation, anticoagulant activity, and association with heparin cofactor II

Pregnancy is associated with hemostatic challenges that may lead to thrombosis. Heparin cofactor II (HCII) is a glycosaminoglycan-dependent thrombin inhibitor present in both maternal and fetal plasma. HCII activity increases during pregnancy, and HCII levels are significantly decreased in women with severe pre-eclampsia. Dermatan sulfate (DS) specifically activates HCII and is abundant in the placenta, but the locations of DS and HCII in the placenta have not been determined. We present evidence that DS is the major anticoagulant glycosaminoglycan in the human placenta at term. DS isolated from human placenta contains disaccharides implicated in activation of HCII and has anticoagulant activity similar to that of mucosal DS. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that DS is associated with fetal blood vessels and stromal regions of placental villi but is notably absent from the syncytiotrophoblast cells in contact with the maternal circulation. HCII colocalizes with DS in the walls of fetal blood vessels and is also present in syncytiotrophoblast cells. Our data suggest that DS is in a position to activate HCII in the fetal blood vessels or in the stroma of placental villi after injury to the syncytiotrophoblast layer and thereby inhibit fibrin generation in the placenta.
The Kappa-Opiate Receptor Impacts the Pathophysiology and Behavior of Substance Use

There is increasing evidence that the kappa-opiate receptor, in addition to the mu-opiate receptor, plays an important role in substance use pathophysiology and behavior. As dopamine activity is upregulated through chronic substance use, kappa receptor activity, mediated through the peptide dynorphin, is upregulated in parallel. Dynorphin causes dysphoria and decreased locomotion, and the upregulation of its activity on the kappa receptor likely dampens the excitation caused by increased dopaminergic activity. This feedback mechanism may have significant clinical implications for treating drug dependent patients in various stages of their pathology.
Rapid Characterization of Cross-links, Mono-adducts, and Non-covalent Binding of Psoralens to Deoxyoligonucleotides by LC-UV/ESI-MS and IRMPD Mass Spectrometry

Upon UV photoactivation, psoralen analogs form covalent mono-adducts and cross-links with DNA at thymine residues. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analysis allowed rapid and efficient determination of the reaction percentages of each psoralen analog with DNA duplexes containing different binding sites after exposure to UV irradiation. The distribution of cross-linked products and mono-adducts was monitored by both LC-UV and IRMPD-MS methods with the highest ratio of cross-linked products to mono-adducts obtained for 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), psoralen (P), and 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP). Reactions at 5'-TA sites were favored over 5'-AT sites, and duplexes containing two and three binding sites showed extensive binding by the psoralens. 4'-Aminomethyl-4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen (AMP) bound non-selectively via non-covalent interactions and was the only psoralen analog to show significant binding in the absence of UV irradiation. 8-MOP binding displayed the greatest sequence selectivity among the psoralen analogs. The sites of interstrand cross-linking were determined by fragmentation of the duplex/psoralen complexes by infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD), which produced cross-linked product ions containing an intact single strand, the psoralen analog, and either a w(n) or a(n)-B portion of the complementary strand. IRMPD of DNA/AMP complexes after UV irradiation also produced high abundances of the intact single strands with the AMP ligand attached, products indicative of a significant population of mono-adducts.
Identification of application areas for Augmented Reality in industrial construction based on technology suitability

Research studies in the application of Augmented Reality (AR) in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry have suggested its feasibility. However, realization of the use of AR in AEC requires not only demonstration of feasibility but also validation of its suitability. This paper comprehensively identifies AR application areas in industrial construction based on suitability of AR technologies. In order to successfully explore suitability of AR, this paper assesses work tasks from the viewpoint of human factors regarding visual information requirements to find rationale for the benefits of AR in work tasks. Based on the assessment of work tasks, this paper presents a comprehensive map that identifies AR application areas in industrial construction. The comprehensive map reveals that eight work tasks (layout, excavation, positioning, inspection, coordination, supervision, commenting, and strategizing) out of 17 classified work tasks may potentially benefit from AR support.
Verbal and nonverbal methods for expressing appreciation in friendships and romantic relationships: A cross-cultural comparison

Abstract This study is part of a larger project investigating the influence of appreciation expression on relationship quality in high-context, collectivistic cultures and low-context, individualistic cultures. The expression of appreciation is fundamentally important to the health and quality of a close relationship, but it likely takes quite different forms and plays different roles in relationships within cultures as different as the United States and China. We asked 200 participants from these two countries to list specific methods they used for expressing appreciation in either a close friendship or a romantic relationship. Results of inductive and statistical analyses showed that U.S. participants relied about evenly on verbal and nonverbal methods of expressing appreciation, while Chinese participants favored nonverbal methods significantly over verbal ones. Americans used significantly more expressions of appreciation overall than the Chinese, largely due to much more reliance by Americans on verbal methods. Chinese used more indirect methods than did Americans. Differences in expressing appreciation due to relationship type and gender were limited.
Effect of surrounding vasculature on intravoxel BOLD signal

Purpose: The nonlocal influence from distant magnetization will affect the magnetic field at a voxel in question. Existing reports on BOLD simulation only consider vasculature inside a single voxel, thus omitting the contribution from the surrounding regions. In this article, the authors study the effect of the surrounding vasculature on the magnetic field and the BOLD signal at a cortical voxel by numerical simulation. Methods: A cortical voxel is generated as a cubic bin filled with randomly networked capillary vessels. First, the authors generate a cortical voxel with a random vessel network and embed it in a greater voxel by filling its surrounding region with vasculatures by different strategies. Next, they calculate the blood-susceptibility-induced magnetic field (BOLD field) at the voxel of interest (VOI) by a Fourier transform technique for different surrounding scenarios and varying surrounding extent. The BOLD field inhomogeneity is described by a radial distribution with a collection of cubic shell masks. The surrounding extent is defined by a collection of concentric cubes, which encase the VOI. Given a BOLD field in the presence of surrounding vasculature, they calculate BOLD signals by intravoxel dephasing. Results: The influence from the surroundings on the BOLD field at a voxel in question mainly happens at the boundary. The most influence to the BOLD signal is from the inner surroundings. For a 160×160×160 μm3 voxel embedded in a 480×480×480 μm3 greater region, the surroundings could disturb the magnetic field by an amount in the range of [−0.002, 0.010] ppmT and could change the BOLD signal ratio in the range of [2.5%, 10%]. (These results were generated from the setting of ΔχbB0=3 ppmT, capillary={2.5,6,9} μm, and relaxation time=60 ms). Conclusions: The surrounding vasculature will impose a magnetic field disturbance at the voxel in question due to the nonlocal influence of magnetization. Simulation results show that the surrounding vasculature significantly alters the magnetic field (up to 0.01 ppmT) and BOLD signal (typically no more than 10%) at the central voxel and thus should be considered in accurate BOLD modeling.
Prolegomenon to a Theory of Religion

The issues of definition and theory of Religion continue to be of fundamental importance to Religious Studies. The present essay argues that it is possible (a) to set forth a definition of the term Religion (b) whose analytic components can be construed as systemic "terms" (c) which can then be studied from the perspective of various relations so that all of the important issues in the field of Religious Studies can be exhibited in a systematic manner. Such a systematic clarification could prove useful in constructing a theory or theories of Religion, and it is in this sense that the analysis set forth in this presentation can be taken as "prolegomenon to a theory of Religion." The essay emphasizes the importance of synthetic, conceptual constructs in Religious Studies and attempts to clarify intensional and extensional levels of analysis in our field. Utilizing the theoretical work of L. Wittgenstein, J. L. Austin, and Umberto Eco's A Theory of Semiotics, the following definitions are proposed. Religion is a 'complete system of human communication' (or a 'form of life) showing in primarily 'commissive,' 'behabitive,' and 'exercitive' modes how a community comports itself when it encounters an 'untranscendable negation of. . . possibilities.' Religious Studies is a 'complete system of human communication' (or a 'form of life) showing in primarily 'verdictive' and 'expositive' modes how a community interprets the relations between and within the intension of Religion and its extension. Religions are the class of "entities" to which the term Religion may be applied. The essay suggests that the "referent" of the intensional definition of Religion is essentially negative and that the "referent" of Religious Studies is the "referent" of the "referent" of Religion. Gerald James Larson is Professor in the Department of Religious Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara. His writings include Classical Sidmkhya: An Interpretation of its History and Meaning (Delhi, 1969), soon to be issued in a second revised edition by the University of California Press; and (as editor and contributor) Myth in Indo-European Antiquity (UC Press, 1974). He is also currently editing the Aids to the Study of Religion series of the American Academy of Religion.
Capturing and Simulating Physically Accurate Illumination in Computer Graphics

We present techniques for capturing high dynamic range, omnidirectional images of real-world illumination, and we use such datasets to realistically illuminate computer-generated scenes and objects. Examples from short animations and feature films illustrate the techniques.
Cuticular morphogenesis during continuous growth of the final instar larva of a moth

Abstract The larvae of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, grow continuously. During the feeding period of the fifth larval instar their weight increases ten-fold (ca. 1·2–12 g) accompanied by a four-fold expansion of the surface area of the abdominal cuticle. We have found that this cuticle contains structures which facilitate its expansion. Folds in the epicuticle (papillae) flatten as the cuticle expands. The endocuticle, in contrast, does not unfold but rather is plastically deformed. This plastic deformation is assisted by vertical structures in the cuticle (cuticular columns) which are more easily deformed than the surrounding lamellate cuticle. The head capsule cuticle, which does not expand as the larva grows, lacks papillae and cuticular columns. Thus, these are specialized structures that are reserved for cuticle that must expand as the larva grows.
Coupling constants in kaon photoproduction

A fit to kaon photoproduction data has been made within the diagrammatic approach. We demonstrate the need to calculate error bounds on the coupling constants derived from least-squares analyses if these couplings are to be compared to those determined in analyses of ${K}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$N data.
Fluorination of “brick and mortar” soft-templated graphitic ordered mesoporous carbons for high power lithium-ion battery

Ordered mesoporous carbon–graphitic carbon composites prepared by the “brick and mortar” method were fluorinated using F2 and investigated as cathodes for primary lithium batteries. The resulting materials have a rich array of C–F species, as measured by XPS, which influence conduction and voltage profiles.
Surprises in polymerase III transcription.

One of the basic truths to have emerged from the short history of eukaryotic molecular biology-and probably the main reason that the field is so excitingis that things frequently turn out very differently than anticipated. There are any number of examples of this, including genomic DNA rearrangements, 5’ capping, splicing and transsplicing, and non-template-encoded nucleotide incorporation. But almost nowhere has the truth,of “expect the unexpected” been more evident than with transcription by RNA polymerase III (pol Ill). Promoters for transcription by pol Ill were the first eukaryotic control regions to be carefully mapped, and based on prior results with prokaryotic RNA polymerases many investigators believed that they would also reside upstream of the initiation site. The first major surprise came when the control region of the Xenopus 5s gene was found to be within the coding region (Sakonju et al., Cell 79, 13-25, 1980); in this classic example, the sequences essential for transcription are actually closer to the 3’ than the 5’ end of the gene. Sequence elements necessary and sufficient for transcription of the adenovirus-encoded VAI gene and several tRNA genes were also shown to reside within the gene body (reviewed in Ciliberto et al., Curr. Topics Dev. Biol. 78, 59-88, 1983). Only after the “fact” of gene-internal pol Ill promoters was well established in textbooks did it become generally recognized that crucial elements of pol III promoters can also reside external to the coding region. First considered almost an oddity of the Bombyx system, the requirement for upstream sequences (in conjunction with geneinternal promoter domains) has now been documented in a variety of organisms and for numerous pol Ill-transcribed genes, yncluding those for several tRNAs, 5s RNA, and 7SL RNA (e.g., Larson et al., PNAS, 80, 3416-3420, 1983; Johnson and Raymond, JBC 259, 5990-5994, 1984; Morton and Sprague, PNAS 87, 5519-5922, 1984; Ullu and Weiner, Nature 378, 371-374, 1985). In at least some instances, the need for these external promoter domains (located within ~25 bp upstream of the initiation site) only becomes apparent under stringent reaction conditions. And now we have come full circle, with the again unexpected revelation that promoter domains essential for pol Ill transcription can also reside entirely upstream of the gene body. Deletion derivatives that lack the entire region downstream of the initiation site of the 7SK gene and the U6 gene can still be actively transcribed (Murphy et al., Cell 57,81-87, 1987; Das et al., EMBO J. 7, 1988, in press). These genes do contain a box A sequence-a geneinternal element that, in conjunction with box B (tRNA) or box C (5s) has been present in all pol Ill promoters (see Minireview
Construction of a cosmid library of DNA replicated early in the S phase of normal human fibroblasts.

We constructed a subgenomic cosmid library of DNA replicated early in the S phase of normal human diploid fibroblasts. Cells were synchronized by release from confluence arrest and incubation in the presence of aphidicolin. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) was added to aphidicolin-containing medium to label DNA replicated as cells entered S phase. Nuclear DNA was partially digested with Sau 3AI, and hybrid density DNA was separated in CsCl gradients. The purified early-replicating DNA was cloned into sCos1 cosmid vector. Clones were transferred individually into the wells of 96 microtiter plates (9,216 potential clones). Vigorous bacterial growth was detected in 8,742 of those wells. High-density colony hybridization filters (1, 536 clones/filter) were prepared from a set of replicas of the original plates. Bacteria remaining in the wells of replica plates were combined, mixed with freezing medium, and stored at -80 degrees C. These pooled stocks were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction to determine the presence of specific sequences in the library. Hybridization of high-density filters was used to identify the clones of interest, which were retrieved from the frozen cultures in the 96-well plates. In testing the library for the presence of 14 known early-replicating genes, we found sequences at or near 5 of them: APRT, beta-actin, beta-tubulin, c-myc, and HPRT. This library is a valuable resource for the isolation and analysis of certain DNA sequences replicated at the beginning of S phase, including potential origins of bidirectional replication.
Time Dynamics of User Behavior in a Series of Overlapping Electronic Mechanisms

This paper investigates the time dynamics of online user behavior in a series of overlapping electronic auction mechanisms. An auction is a dynamic game where the valuation and strategic space of bidders determine the final outcomes. When those mechanisms exist concurrently or in a series, multiple sources are visible and accessible, and there is likely to be a form of interdependency. While heterogeneous bidder behavior has been studied in some literature, the focus is mainly on individual auction level and the underlying dynamics regarding the interdependency among the auctions in the market has not been explained. We use two-phased approach. First, we classify user strategy using k-means clustering. Then we characterize the transition pattern of heterogeneous clusters using dynamic systems framework. Long-term behavior of the system is effectively and efficiently predicted using system parameters. Our model can serve as a decision support framework for optimal market design.
Cueing signals in auditory detection and frequency discrimination experiments

The effects of presenting a cueing signal during the warning interval initiating a trial were investigated in two-interval forced-choice detection and frequency-discrimination experiments. It was expected that the cueing signal would reduce the uncertainty of Ss about the stimuli being presented in these experiments. In general, it was found that performance tended to improve as the experiments progressed, both in conditions in which cues were presented and in control conditions in which no cues were presented. The improvement observed in control conditions is not usually found in similar experiments in which cues are not employed. Though performance generally improved, it was found that for some stimulus conditions the cues tended to depress average performance below the level attained without such cues.
Perception of overweight and self-esteem during adolescence†

Objective: To examine sex- and race/ethnicity-specific relationships between adolescents' self-esteem and weight perception. Method: Descriptive analysis and logistic regression of Wave II of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 6,427 males, 6,574 females; ages 11–21) examined associations between low self-esteem and perceived overweight within body mass index (BMI) percentile categories, controlling for sociodemographics and stratified by sex and race/ethnicity. Results: 25.1% and 8% of normal weight females and males, respectively, perceived themselves as overweight, with variation by race/ethnicity. Low self-esteem was most strongly associated with misperceived overweight in moderate BMI percentile categories (males: OR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.60–3.41; females: OR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.82, 3.16). Odds of correctly perceived overweight were higher for low (versus high) self-esteem in white and black females but not males of any race/ethnicity. Discussion: Understanding subgroup differences by race/ethnicity in perceived overweight-self-esteem relationships may inform eating disorders' prevention strategies. © 2009 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2010
Decreased transcription of the human FCGR2B gene mediated by the -343 G/C promoter polymorphism and association with systemic lupus erythematosus

The role for inhibitory Fc gamma receptors class IIb (FcγRIIb) in the onset, progression and severity of several animal models of autoimmune diseases is well established. By contrast, the pathogenic potential of FcγRIIb in human autoimmune diseases remains largely unknown. Here we report the identification of a polymorphism in the human FCGR2B promoter (dbSNP no. rs3219018) that is associated in homozygosity with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) phenotype in European-Americans (OR=11.1, P=0.003). Experimental evidence correlates the polymorphism (a G–C substitution at position –343 relative to the start of transcription) with altered FcγRIIb expression and function. The G–C substitution correlated with decreased transcription of the FCGR2B promoter, and resulted in decreased binding of the AP1 transcription complex to the mutant promoter sequence. The surface expression of FcγRIIb receptors was significantly reduced in activated B cells from (–343 C/C) SLE patients. These findings suggest that genetic defects may lead to deregulated expression of the FCGR2B gene in –343 C/C homozygous subjects, and may play a role in the pathogenesis of human SLE.
The Population Approach to Pharmacokinetic Data Analysis: Rationale and Standard Data Analysis Methods

Population pharmacokinetics describe the typical relationships between physiology (both normal and disease altered) and pharmacokinetics, the interindividual variability in these relationships, and their residual intraindividual variability. Knowledge of population kinetics can help one to choose initial drug dosage, to modify dosage appropriately in response to observed drug levels, to make rational decisions regarding certain aspects of drug regulation, and to investigate and elucidate certain research questions in pharmacokinetics. Experimental data from which population kinetics might be estimated often come from only those few individuals both willing and available to be studied. Clinical data from patients undergoing care might be more representative. These data, however, are marked by varying quality, accuracy, and precision, as well as there being few data per patient. Population pharmacokinetic parameters have traditionally been estimated either by fitting all individuals' data together as though there were no individual kinetic differences [the naive pooled data (NPD) approach], or by fitting each individual's data separately and then combining the individual parameter estimates [the two-stage (TS) approach]. These methods have certain theoretical problems which can only be aggravated when the deficiencies of data typical of clinical data are present. In this paper, the standard approaches are discussed and illustrated (using nondeficient data) in order to introduce subsequent papers in which alternative data analysis methods for population parameter estimation are defined, discussed, and compared.
Exact results in linear thermomechanics of fluid‐saturated porous media

Exact results are derived relating the various bulk moduli (frame, unjacketed, and pore) and heat capacity of inhomogeneous fluid‐saturated porous media to the pertinent thermal expansion coefficients and component moduli when only two porous solid constituents are present. The porous solids need not be space filling or in perfect welded contact, so these results apply to materials containing some voids or cracks interspersed between the two constituents in addition to the interior voids associated with their pores. The key ratio of fluid pressure to temperature change producing uniform expansion or contraction is shown to be independent of porosity.
A new chain complex for the homology of the Steenrod algebra

Let A be the Steenrod algebra over the field F2. For any graded A-module M we construct here a small chain complex of A-modules EM. This complex computes the homology of the Steenrod algebra with coefficients in M, in the sense that:The complexes F2 ⊗AEM are comparable in size but slightly larger than those that arise from the Λ-algebra(4). We are motivated to introduce them because they can be used to prove an embedding theorem for the homology of the Steenrod algebra. In fact, we construct a functor K on the category of graded. A-modules, and using the complexes EM, prove that there is a natural, one-one map:
Polynomial metamodelling and Taguchi designs in simulation with application to the maintenance float system

Abstract This paper presents a new approach to modeling maintenance float systems via simulation. A regression metamodel is developed and applied in a decision framework. In order to derive the metamodel, Taguchi's design technique is used to identify the appropriate design for the controllable factors. Each factor is studied at three levels in order to consider both its linear and quadratic effects on the dependent variable, the average equipment utilization (EU). A polynomial regression method is used to determine the significant factors. The procedure offers an expedient method for solving complex production problems.
Critical analysis of analogous mechanical models used to describe hydraulic engine mounts

Passive hydraulic engine mounts differ from mechanical isolators in several ways. Complex poles and zeros suggest that the hydraulic mount has at least one mass (inertia) element even at low frequencies. This would suggest thus that the constraint forces at its input and output ends are not identical; but they are indeed, like any conventional spring. Accordingly, analogous mechanical models of hydraulic mounts, consisting of spring, dashpot and mass elements, could lead to incorrect results in the context of system analysis. Examples clarify the competing model paradigms and their interpretation.
Hitting HIV where it hurts: an alternative approach to HIV vaccine design

The ability of HIV-1 to mutate represents a major challenge to current vaccine approaches. However, some individuals achieving control of HIV during natural infection seem unique in their dominant targeting by cellular immune responses of conserved regions of HIV that, if mutated, exact a substantial impact on viral replicative capacity, or fitness. Notably, the partial suppression of HIV in treated individuals harboring viruses with drug-resistant mutations has also been linked to impaired viral fitness. The convergence of these observations suggests that vaccines designed to focus immune responses narrowly against regions of HIV susceptible to highly deleterious mutations might prove effective in controlling viral replication to levels that slow disease progression and reduce transmission. Therefore, it will be crucial to identify these ‘Achilles heels' of HIV that might represent uniquely susceptible targets, and test whether vaccine constructs enabling specific targeting of CD8 + T-cell responses against such regions would enable the control of HIV and SIV.
Ion trajectory simulation of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry based on plasma-interface behavior

Abstract An ion trajectory simulation study of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was conducted based on a newly proposed plasma interface model. The model is based on the formation of a plasma boundary by interaction between plasma behind the skimmer cone and the electric field of the extraction lens system. An estimated plasma boundary position, or charge separation position is used to determine the initial conditions of the simulation study. Two regions of conditions, in terms of radio frequency (RF) power for the ICP and first extraction lens voltage showing characteristic sensitivity, were reasonably explained by this simulation. This paper suggests that the location and shape of the plasma boundary are key factors that affect the focusing properties and transmission of the ion lens.
Incidence of sexually transmitted infections among hazardously drinking women after incarceration.

Abstract Introduction and Background At the time of incarceration, women have a high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI). In the months after community release, women remain at high risk for new infections. This study assessed the rates and predictors of incident chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis in a sample of hazardously drinking women after incarceration. Methods Self-reported behavioral data were collected from 245 incarcerated women. Vaginal swabs were collected at baseline, and 3- and 6-month time points and tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Treatment was provided for all positive tests. Results Participants’ mean age was 34.1 years of age; 175 (71.4%) were Caucasian, 47 (19.2%) were African American, 17 (6.9%) were Hispanic, and 6 (2.4%) were of other ethnic origins. The STI incidence rate was estimated to be 30.5 (95% confidence interval, 21.3–43.5) new infections per 100 person-years. Number of male sex partners reported during follow-up was a significant (z = 2.16; p = .03) predictor of STI; each additional male sex partner increased the estimated hazard of STI by 1.26. Conclusion Incarcerated women who are hazardous drinkers are at high risk for STI in the months after their return to the community. In addition to testing and treatment during incarceration, post-release rescreening, education, partner treatment, and follow-up are recommended.
Mechanisms of hydroxyl radical-induced contraction of rat aorta.

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of hydroxyl radicals (*OH), generated via the Fe2+-mediated Fenton reaction, on isolated rat aortic rings with and without endothelium. In the absence of any vasoactive agent, generation of *OH alone elicited an endothelium-independent contraction in rat aortic rings in a concentration-dependent manner. Hydroxyl radical-induced contractions of denuded rat aortic rings appeared, however, to be slightly stronger than those on intact rat aortic rings. The contractile responses to *OH were neither reversible nor reproducible in the same ring; even small concentrations of *OH radicals resulted in tachyphylaxis. Removal of extracellular calcium ions (Ca2+) or buffering intracellular Ca2+ with 10 microM acetyl methyl ester of bis(o-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N',N',-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA-AM) significantly attenuated the contractile actions of *OH radicals. The presence of 1 microM staurosporine, 1 microM bisindolylmaleimide I, 1 microM Go6976 [inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC)], 2 microM PD-980592 (inhibitor of ERK), 10 microM genistein, and 1 microM wortmannin significantly inhibited the contractions induced by *OH. Proadifen (10 microM), on the other hand, significantly potentiated the hydroxyl radical-induced contractions. Exposure of primary cultured aortic smooth muscle cells to *OH produced significant, rapid rises of intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). Several, specific antagonists of possible endogenously formed vasoconstrictors did not inhibit or attenuate either hydroxyl radical-induced contractions or the elevation of [Ca2+]i. Our new results suggest that hydroxyl radical-triggered contractions on rat aortic rings are Ca2+-dependent. Several intracellular signal transduction systems seem to play some role in hydroxyl radical-induced vasoconstriction of rat aortic rings.
Sub-band adaptive filter structure without signal path delay for active control

This paper introduces a sub-band adaptive algorithm that avoids the signal path delay, and so can be used in an adaptive active control (feedback) system. A side effect of this algorithm is that it still causes extra delay in the error path due to the analysis filter bank. Even though the delay along the error path has only a slight influence on the steady-state behavior, it does decrease the system bounds of stability. We propose an error path delay compensation method that alleviates this problem. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the efficiency of the new adaptive algorithm.
Why do fluorines rotate “outside” in conrotatory cyclobutene ring opening?

Abstract trans -3,4-DiZ-cyclobutene can undergo two different modes of thermal conrotation. In one, the Z groups move “inside” and, in the other, “outside” with respect to the breaking σ bond. When Z is a π donor which is more electronegative than hydrogen, MOVB theory predicts that sigma bonding as dictated by symmetry creates a preference for “outside” Z rotation. In contrast, stereoselection (beyond that which is caused by conventional “steric effects”) is predicted to vanish in the case of disrotatory ring opening of cis -5,6-diZ-1,3-cyclohexadiene. This rule is obtained by assuming that the terminal carbons move in opposite directions on the way to the transition state. A different rule is obtained when a coplanar transition state geometry is assumed. Conrotation in 4 N -electron systems is predicted to have Z rotating inside, while disrotation in 4 N + 2 systems will have Z rotate outside. Such a situation is enforced in cyclopropyl anion and cation, respectively. As in the case of “negative hyperconjugation”, we conclude that the Z lone pairs play no vital role, in contrast to popular opinion. The explanation of “outside” rotation in the cyclobutene and the emerging general predictions are at odds with interpretations and implicit predictions based on “aromaticity” considerations.
Approximate noninteracting kinetic energy functionals from a nonuniform scaling requirement

We have recently proven an inequality for the exact noninteracting kinetic energy density functional . It is known that the gradient expansion through fourth order, T[n], violates this inequality. Toward improving TsGE[n], we have constructed two new functionals, Ts1[n] and Ts2[n], by keeping the zeroth and second orders in TsGE[n] and replacing the fourth order with two simple terms, respectively, so that these new functionals satisfy the inequality. Numerical tests are presented for Ts1[n], Ts2[n], and TsGE[n] and for the gradient expansion through second order. Hartree–Fock and hydrogenic atomic densities are employed.
Direct effect of neuroleptics on glutamate release.

Abstract In studies designed to assess the pre-synaptic effects of neuroleptics in vitro , synaptosomes were prepared from several regions of rat brain. These preparations were incubated in the presence of a representative of each of the major classes of neuroleptic—chlorpromazine, haloperidol, or clozapine, or with (+) or (−)butaclamol. The calcium-specific release of endogenous glutamic acid was reduced only in synaptosomes derived from the amygdala. In this area, each of these agents [except (−)butaclamol] reduced the release of glutamic acid to a maximum of 40% in a concentration-dependent manner. When [ 3 H]glutamine was included in the incubation media, a reduction in the released [ 3 H]glutamate was present with 10 −8 M haloperidol, and 5 × 10 −8 M (+) butaclamol, clozapine, or chlorpromazine. (−)Butaclamol was inactive at 10 −5 M, a concentration producing complete blockade of the release of [ 3 H]glutamatic acid when active agents were included. Again, the effects were observed only in the amygdala. All agents, including (−)butaclamol blocked the uptake of [ 3 H]glutamine into depolarized synaptosomes.
Systematic errors of a projection-moire contouring system

Projection moire techniques are useful tools for the determination of surface contour features. They can provide interferometric type fringe patterns showing regions of equal height on the surface. The difference between moire and interferometry appears in the spacing of the equal height contours lines. In an interferometric fringe pattern, the height difference between consecutive fringes is equal to the wavelength of the illumination source and is a constant over the entire pattern. For a projection moire contour pattern the height difference between consecutive fringes is determined by illumination geometry parameters and is not constant; it changes as a function of the object's out of plane height. This variation in fringe spacing causes a misrepresentation of the surface's shape if the pattern is analyzed as a traditional interferogram. This paper discusses the types of aberrations generated by this process and the dependence of aberrations on the geometry of the object.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Physical Therapy for Central Vestibular Dysfunction

Objective To determine if vestibular physical therapy (PT) leads to improved functional outcomes in people with central vestibular dysfunction. Design Retrospective case series. Setting Outpatient PT clinic. Participants Forty-eight patients with central vestibular dysfunction met the criteria for inclusion in this retrospective chart review. The 48 patients were divided into various subgroups including central vestibulopathy, cerebellar dysfunction, stroke, mixed central and peripheral vestibulopathy, and posttraumatic central disorders. Intervention Patients were treated with a custom-designed PT program for a mean of 5 visits over an average of 5 months. Main outcome measures Patients completed the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), the Dynamic Gait Index, the Timed Up & Go test, and the Five Times Sit-to-Stand (FTSTS) Test. Results Significant differences were demonstrated between initial evaluation and discharge in each of the assessment measures for the entire group. Post hoc tests were performed to determine if there was a significant difference in any of the assessment measures by diagnosis. Central vestibular diagnostic subgroup was shown to affect pre- to postintervention differences in the functional and disability measures (P Conclusions Patients with central vestibular dysfunctions improved in both subjective and objective measures of balance after PT intervention. Persons with cerebellar dysfunction improved the least.
Financing care for children with cancer

Although childhood cancers are rare, cancer is the second leading cause of death among children. Over the course of the last 2 decades, improved therapies have dramatically reduced the number of children who die of cancer. However, the incidence of cancer among children has not fallen. Consequently, the number of children who survive cancer has increased rapidly. As a result, greater attention needs to be paid to the resources available to meet the long-term medical, rehabilitative, psychologic, and social needs of children with cancer
Determining suitable internal standards for mRNA quantification of increasing cancer progression in human breast cells by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction is recognized as a highly sensitive and specific method for quantification of mRNA expression. SYBR green I dye simplifies the experimental design but introduces the need for specific controls to maintain high specificity. Due to this increased sensitivity, standards that may have been acceptable for normalization of less sensitive methods have been shown to vary considerably among cell lines, tissues, proliferative states, treatments, and developmental conditions and by degree of cancer progression. It has become evident that determination of suitable normalization standards is a requirement for the use of this method as it is applied toward any new experimental model. We have assessed the suitability of a number of commonly used standards for the normalization of mRNAs among a set of human breast cancer cell lines of increasing metastatic potential and have determined that 18S rRNA and β-actin (ACTB) mRNA are both suitable for this purpose, with each having some limitations. 18S rRNA varies less among the cell lines but has a higher degree of random variability, while ACTB mRNA varies more among cell lines but has a lower degree of random variation.
Characterization of Hybrids from Induced Natural Tetraploids of Russian Wildrye

Because of restrictions imposed by hybridization barriers, Russian wildrye [Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski] breeders have usually limited themselves to selection and hybridization within ploidy levels. Plants of diploid (2n = 2x = 14) Russian wildrye tend to be shorter, finer stemmed, leafier, and generally higher in forage production than tetraploids (2n = 4r = 28), which have larger seeds and superior seedling vigor. The principle objectives of the present study were to combine the genes from diploid and tetraploid Russian wildrye into a stable population, and evaluate variability in chromosome behavior, molecular genetic diversity, forage production, seed characteristics, and seedling vigor of the hybrids. Cytologically, the hybrid population behaved as an autotetraploid averaging 0.50 univalents + 9.37 bivalents + 0.24 trivalents + 1.98 quadrivalents per cell. Narrow-sense heritabilities were 31, 63, 17, and 23% for dry matter yield (DMY), total seed yield, 100-seed weight, and rate of seedling emergence, respectively. Coefficients of determination (r 2 ) among parent and half-sib family means were 0.12, 0.29, 0.09, and 0.72 for the above traits, respectively. Essentially all variation among half-sib families for rate of seedling emergence was associated with environmental effects. Positive responses to selection pressure for improved seed yield, rate of seedling emergence, and dry matter production were achieved and additional gains are expected. Any major improvement in seed mass would be limited without broadening the genetic base of the hybrid.
Two Modified Versions of Bott's Positive-Definite Numerical Advection Scheme

Abstract Two modified versions of Bott's forward-in-time, positive-definite numerical advection scheme are described. One version is a conservative flux form; the other is a nonconservative advective form. Both versions demonstrate improved stability in tests involving a strongly deformational flow field. The modified versions are identical to Bott's original scheme for cases of uniform fluid density and purely rotational flow. Additional forms of the odd-order versions of the scheme are presented that exhibit lower phase-speed errors than the original odd-order versions.