cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical Trials of Carvedilol in Heart Failure

Carvedilol is a non-selective α1 and β-adrenergic antagonist with antioxidant properties. This novel, competitive antagonist has been studied in 8 placebo-controlled clinical trials involving over 1800 heart failure patients with systolic dysfunction in varying degrees of severity. Overall, carvedilol is well-tolerated in heart failure patients, with a predictable reduction in heart rate and favorable hemodynamic actions. The overall incidence of side effects including hypotension, dizziness, bradycardia and worsening heart failure are no worse than placebo, and can be minimized with careful titration. Improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction has been observed with carvedilol in all studies. A significant reduction in the risks of dying or being hospitalized has also been demonstrated. Some studies have demonstrated improvements in clinical parameters such as symptom status and exercise tolerance, but these benefits have been more difficult to demonstrate conclusively. These clinical trials have established an important role of carvedilol in the management of heart failure. The results from the recent survival trials of beta-adrenergic antagonists have confirmed the mortality benefit of this class of drug in the management of patients with heart failure.
Extent of Lymph Node Dissection for Melanoma of the Head and Neck

The management of cervical lymph nodes is one of the most challenging and controversial aspects of the treatment of head and neck melanoma. Although regional metastases occur in relatively few patients with head and neck lesions, they are associated with a poor prognosis. Cadaver studies, prior clinical reports, and lymphoscintigraphy all may be useful in defining the pattern of cutaneous lymphatic drainage in a particular patient. A selective approach to neck dissection probably is justified in those patients with stage I disease who are believed to be suitable candidates for elective lymphadenectomy. In patients with obvious regional metastases, a more comprehensive lymphadenectomy is indicated to minimize nodal recurrence.
Data Clustering Using Matrix Factorization Techniques for Wireless Propagation Map Reconstruction

This paper develops an efficient data clustering technique by transforming and compressing the measurement data to a low-dimensional feature matrix, based on which, matrix factorization techniques can be applied to extract the key parameters for data clustering. For the application of wireless propagation map reconstruction, a theoretical result is developed to justify that the feature matrix is a composite of several unimodal matrices, each containing key parameters for an individual propagation region. As a result, instead of iterating with $N$ data points at each step, the proposed scheme provides a low complexity online solution for data clustering based on the feature matrix with dimension much smaller than $N.$
A Regulatory Perspective

Quantitative analysts seek to construct useful models to assess the magnitude of credit risk in their portfolios and inform associated management decisions. Regulators, in a slightly alternative context, perform a similar task. They face, however, a rather different set of constraints and objectives. Regulators, in fact, use standardized models to promote fairness, a level playing field, monitor the solvency of individual entities, and enhance overall economic stability. Much can be learned from the regulatory perspective; indeed, actions and trends in the regulatory field are an important diagnostic for internal modellers. To underscore this point, this chapter focuses principally on the widely used internal-ratings-based (IRB) approach proposed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. Closer inspection reveals that this approach is founded on a portfolio-invariant version of the Gaussian threshold model. Portfolio invariance implies that the risk of the portfolio is independent of the overall portfolio structure and depends only on the characteristics of the individual exposures. Expedient rather than realistic, this choice reduces the computational and system burden on regulated organizations, but ignores concentration risk. After applying the IRB approach to our portfolio example, we then carefully explore Gordy (2003, Journal of Financial Intermediation, 12, 199–232)’s granularity adjustment, which was proposed to address this shortcoming.
Characterizations of a graphene-polyimide hybrid electro-optical liquid crystal device

A planar liquid crystal (LC) cell is designed by placing together a monolayer graphene coated glass slide and a planar-aligning polyimide layer on an indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass slide. It is shown that the monolayer graphene film on one side of the cell can serve as the planar-alignment agent. At the same time, the monolayer graphene film also functions as the transparent electrode. The successful optical and electro-optical operations of this hybrid LC cell with monolayer graphene on one side and with ITO and associated planar-aligning polyimide on the other side are demonstrated. The measured optical transmission of the graphene electrode is found to be much better than that of the combined ITO-PI layers. The electro-optical effect and the dynamic electro-optic response of the LC in this graphene-polyimide-based hybrid cell reveal the typical director reorientation of the LC on the application of an electric field.
Images of Empire: Depictions of America in Late Imperial Russian Editorial Cartoons

Although historians have paid much attention to American perceptions of Russia, few have looked at Russian views of the United States, particularly in the imperial period. This paper surveys editorial cartoons in Novoe Vremia , one of the few Russian newspapers to publish illustrations as commentary on international affairs. Novoe Vremia published cartoons depicting the United States in the years between 1898 and 1912 in the late imperial period, that is, beginning with the War of 1898 and ending with the abrogation of the U.S.-Russia commercial treaty. This paper finds evidence for the argument that Russian views of American empire and race relations persisted into the Soviet period. However, the Russian Revolution swept away the strong anti-Semitic overtones in many portrayals of the United States, at least in editorial cartoons.
Plant Proteins Move to Center-Plate at Colleges and Universities

Abstract This chapter examines why and how young adults are increasingly interested in consuming plant-based foods and how college and university foodservice providers and the food industry have responded. The chapter includes data and information shared by university dining service departments, including American University, Arizona State University, Canisius College, Compass Group North America, University of California Berkeley, and University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Framing the diagnosis and treatment of absolute uterine factor infertility: Insights from in-depth interviews with uterus transplant trial participants

Background: Despite procedural innovations and increasing numbers of uterus transplant attempts worldwide, the perspectives of uterus transplant (UTx) trial participants are lacking. Methods: We co...
FPIN's clinical inquiries. Pharmacologic therapy for eustachian tube dysfunction.

There are no medications that improve patient-oriented outcomes in children or adults with eustachian tube dysfunction. Oral corticosteroids, with or without antibiotics, improve pneumatic otoscopy and tympanometry findings in the short term, but these agents have no long-term benefit.
Total kinetic energy release in the fast neutron induced fission of 235 U

Abstract The total kinetic energy (TKE) release in the fast neutron induced fission of 235U was measured for neutron energies E n = 2 – 100 MeV . The TKE distributions are Gaussian in shape. The mean post neutron emission TKE release decreases non-linearly with increasing neutron energy and can be represented as TKE(MeV) = 170.92 − 3.73774 log 10 ⁡ E n − 0.65028 ( log 10 ⁡ E n ) 2 . Abrupt changes in the variances of the TKE distributions are observed at the onset of 2nd, 3rd, etc. chance fission. For E n = 20 – 100 MeV , the variances are approximately constant. These observations are compared to the predictions of the GEF model for neutron-induced fission. This model describes many of the features of the TKE release adequately.
The Moment Problem and the Bendat–Sherman Proof

The two proofs so far have involved approximation by rational functions, and that will also be true of the proofs in Chapters 31 and 32.
Newborn girl with coarctation of the aorta and anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery, with retrograde perfusion of left circumflex artery: a case report

Background Anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare coronary abnormality. Although it exists usually as an isolated abnormality, ALCAPA has been described with aortic pathologies like coarctation or aortopulmonary window. Case summary An 18-day-old female was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit because of a heart murmur and weak femoral pulses. A transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography was performed and confirmed suspected diagnosis of aortic coarctation. In addition, a total retrograde perfusion of the left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) was found, without visible flow through the ostium of the left coronary artery (LCA) into the aorta. A coronary angiography was performed, showing a single right coronary artery with a normal right posterior descending artery (RPD). Supplied by collaterals from the RPD, the LCX was perfused retrogradely, passing by the lateral wall of the ascending aorta without flowing into it, but into the right pulmonary artery. At 23 days of age, surgery was performed with resection of the aortic coarctation and reimplantation of the LCA into the posterior aortic wall. Discussion This case demonstrates that coronary artery anomalies like ALCAPA may occur together with other cardiac malformations. Despite concomitant cardiac lesions, careful assessment of the coronary arteries is mandatory, including cardiac catheterization in case of doubt.
The Jacki Jacket after mastectomy with reconstruction: a randomized pilot study

Breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy with reconstruction (TM + R) often experience post-operative discomfort from surgical drains. Despite a variety of garment options for use in the post-operative period, high-quality data assessing the impact of specific garments on post-operative pain are lacking. We report the results of a prospective randomized trial assessing the impact of the Jacki Jacket (JJ), a long-sleeve jacket with inner drain receptacle pockets, on post-discharge pain and quality of life (QOL) after TM + R. Breast cancer patients undergoing TM + R at a single institution were randomized post-operatively to receive a JJ or usual care (UC). Participant-reported demographics, pain intensity, and QOL were collected on post-operative day 1 (T1). Following discharge, participants completed a daily pain and medication dairy (T2); on day of drain(s) removal (T3), participants again completed pain and QOL questionnaires. Linear models were used to evaluate associations between JJ use, post-operative pain, and QOL. From 3/8/17 to 12/20/17, 139 women were randomized. All participants completed T1 measures, 102 returned the T2 diary, and 118 (84.9%) completed T3 questionnaires. There was no significant difference in pain scores between JJ and UC arms at any timepoint. Adjusting for surgery type, age, marital status, depression, and obesity, participants randomized to JJ reported significantly better body image scores (estimate = 12.94, p = 0.009). There were no adverse events. Although JJ garment use did not impact post-operative pain intensity scores, the significant impact of JJ use on body image supports consideration for inclusion of such garments in post-operative care for patients undergoing TM + R. Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT number NCT02976103, November 18, 2016.
Oncohistone Mutations in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma.

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a lethal pediatric tumor with no currently available treatment options. More than 60–70% DIPG tumors harbor heterozygous mutations at genes encoding histone H3 proteins that replace lysine 27 with methionine (K27M). In this review, we discuss how K27M mutation reprograms the cancer epigenome to lead to tumorigenesis, and highlight potential drug targets and therapeutic agents for DIPG.
Introduction to Model-View-Controller

The Model–View–Controller (MVC) architectural pattern is introduced. Generic design models are used to explain the interactions between the three MVC components, including a 2-tier client–server model. Benefits of using MVC are discussed, along with key design characteristics.
An Embedding of Timed Transition Systems in HOL

The theory of Timed Transition Systems developed by Henzinger, Manna, and Pnueli provides a formal framework for specifying and reasoning about real-time systems. In this paper, we report on some preliminary investigations into the mechanization of this theory using the HOL theorem prover. We review the main ideas of the theory and describe how it has been formally embedded in HOL. A graphical notation of timed transition diagrams and a real-time temporal logic for requirements have also been embedded in HOL using the embedding of timed transition systems. The proof rules proposed by Henzinger et al have been verified formally and we illustrate their use, as well as some problems we have encountered, by reference to a small example. More work is required on interfaces and proof methods to have a generally usable system.
The Optimal Control of Grid-connected and Isolated Microgrid Using Genetic Operators Based Bat Algorithm

With the application of renewable energy in microgrid, its inherent uncertainty directly affects the operation of microgrid. Meanwhile, different operating states of microgrid which are grid-connected state and isolated state bring difficulties to the optimal control of microgrid. Aiming at these problems, this paper constructs optimization models for microgrid under different states, with the goal of maximizing the generation profit. The energy storage system and demand response program are utilized as dispatchable energy, and the uncertainty of renewable energy is processed by adopting robust uncertain set. Considering the nonlinear characteristics of the optimization models, a genetic operators based bat algorithm is proposed to obtain the optimal control strategy of microgrid. In the search process of proposed algorithm, crossover and mutation operators of genetic algorithm are introduced to ensure the diversity of offspring population, thus improving the ability of searching global optimal solution. Simulation results verify the validity of the optimization models and the superiority of proposed algorithm.
Separating Church and Market: The Duty to Secure Market Citizenship for All

This Article intervenes in the debate concerning the conflict between religious liberties and LGBTQ rights. Strictly focusing on the market, it makes three salient contributions. First, it reveals the appearance of a preemptive legal strategy that has started to generate unprecedented jurisprudence in lower courts. This latest shift is the peak of an ecopolitical practice called “market evangelism,” which the Article defines as the organized project that uses market activities, entities, and tools to evangelize society by excluding LGBTQ parties from the marketplace. Second, the Article adds to the current argument regarding the harm that market evangelism inflicts. It depicts the recent concerted efforts to conceal the damage and explains market evangelism as an intentional effort to humiliate LGBTQ people, causing intense and enduring harm that spreads from LGBTQ individuals to their entire community. Third, the Article proposes an original resolution particularly tailored to the market. It argues that business activity that relies on corporations and contracts must include an attached obligation to serve all; this is the price of what the Article conceptualizes as market citizenship. Significantly, the proposal goes beyond adding strong arguments for the necessary passing of the Equality Act. It further includes a novel call to utilize private law, namely corporate law and contract law, to bar market evangelism and secure a market open for all.
Training sensory-motor behavior in the connectome of an artificial C. elegans

The Caenorhabditis elegans nematode worm is a small well-known creature, intensely studied for decades. Its entire morphology has been mapped cell-by-cell, including its 302 neuron connectome. The connectome is a synaptic wiring diagram that also specifies neurotransmitters and junction types. It does not however specify the synaptic connection strengths. It is believed that measuring these must be done in live specimens, requiring emerging or yet to be developed techniques. Without the connection strengths, it is not known how the nematode's nervous system produces behaviors. Discovering these strengths as a set of weights is a challenging and important problem: an artificial worm embodying the connectome and trained to perform a set of behaviors taken from measurements of the actual C. elegans would behave realistically in its environment. This is a crucial step toward creating a functional artificial creature. Indeed, knowing the artificial weights might cast light on the actual ones. In this project a genetic algorithm was used to train the entire connectome, a large space of 3680 synapse weights, to learn behaviors defined as sensory-motor sequences. It was found that utilizing the topology of the connectome for local optimization and crossover significantly boosts the performance of the genetic algorithm. Using a network of artificial neurons, random sequences involving the entire connectome were successfully trained. Additionally, for locomotion training, sinusoidal body postures were observed when sensory touch neurons were stimulated. Locomotion training was done using a Fourier Transform fitness function. Finally, using the NEURON tool to simulate a biologically higher fidelity network, the pharyngeal assembly of neurons was successfully trained.
Recent Photometry of AR Lacertae

AR Lac is an eclipsing binary of the RS CVn type. The intrinsic variability of one of the components was first announced by Wood (1946) and the presence of sharp H and K emission lines was noted by Wyse (1934). More recent work by Nha and Kang (1982) shows clearly that the light curve varies from year to year. The period is variable.
Explanation-Based Methods for Simplifying Intractable Theories

Existing machine learning programs possess only limited abilities to exploit previously acquired background knowledge. A technique called "explanationbased learning" (EBL) has recently been developed to address this problem. EBL is limited, however, by a requirement that the background knowledge meet restrictive conditions. EBL cannot operate without a complete, correct and tractable theory of the domain under study. In many cases no adequate domain theory can be found. The research proposed here will address this limitation. It will be primarily directed toward extending EBL methods to handle intractable theories. Techniques will be developed for using explanations of examples to make domain theories more tractable. The explanations will be used to find assumptions that can simplify intractable theories. A useful class of assumptions, called "optimistic assumptions·, will be defined informally. A program will be developed to learn assumptions drawn from this class. The program will be tested in the domain of "hearts· and possibly other domains as well. This research will be significant inasmuch as the "optimistic" assumptions appear to be applicable to a wide variety of domains. The research will also be relevant to the problems of incomplete and incorrect theories as well as the problem of intractability.
Health and Utilization Effects of Increased Access to Publicly Provided Health Care: Evidence from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

During the mid-1990s, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs overhauled its health care system in an attempt to increase quality and efficiency. The restructuring involved the adoption of a capitated payment system and treatment methods based on the managed care model. This reorganization was accompanied by a major expansion in the population eligible to receive VA care. Using the National Health Interview Survey and VA medical claims data, this study analyzes both the efficiency of providing public health care in a managed care setting and the effectiveness of expanding coverage to healthier and wealthier populations. I estimate that between 35 and 70 percent of new take-up of VA care was the result of individuals dropping private health insurance. While utilization of services increased, estimates of the impact on aggregate veteran health imply that the policy change did not result in net health improvements. Regions providing more care to healthier, newly-eligible veterans had bigger reductions in hospital care and larger increases in outpatient services for previously-eligible veterans. This shift away from specialty care may help to explain the aggregate health declines.
PHILOSOPHY INSIDE OUT

Philosophy is often conceived in the Anglophone world today as a subject that focuses on questions in particular ''core areas,'' pre-eminently epistemology and metaphysics. This article argues that the contemporary con- ception is a new version of the scholastic ''self-indulgence for the few'' of which Dewey complained nearly a century ago. Philosophical questions evolve, and a first task for philosophers is to address issues that arise for their own times. The article suggests that a renewal of philosophy today should turn the contemporary conception inside out, attending to and developing further the valuable work being done on the supposed ''periphery'' and attending to the ''core areas'' only insofar as is necessary to address genuinely significant questions.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by forest protection: The transaction costs of implementing REDD

Understanding and minimizing the transaction costs of policy implementation are critical for reducing tropical forest losses. As the international community launches REDD, a global initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from tropical deforestation, policymakers need to pay attention to the transactions costs associated with negotiating, monitoring and enforcing contracts between forest users, governments, and donors. The existing institutional design forREDDrelies heavily on central government interventions in program countries. Analysing new data on forest conservation outcomes, we identify several problems with this centralized approach to forest protection. We describe options for a more diversified policy approach that could reduce the full set of transaction costs and thereby improve the efficiency of the market-based approach to conservation.
A Flexible Parameterization for Baseline Mean Degree in Multiple-Network ERGMs

The conventional exponential family random graph model (ERGM) parameterization leads to a baseline density that is constant in graph order (i.e., number of nodes); this is potentially problematic when modeling multiple networks of varying order. Prior work has suggested a simple alternative that results in constant expected mean degree. Here, we extend this approach by suggesting another alternative parameterization that allows for flexible modeling of scenarios in which baseline expected degree scales as an arbitrary power of order. This parameterization is easily implemented by the inclusion of an edge count/log order statistic along with the traditional edge count statistic in the model specification.
Recent developments in additive pulse mode locking of solid state lasers

Additive pulse mode locking (APM) is a means of simulating the action of a fast saturable absorber for passive mode locking of solid state lasers with long gain relaxation times. One way of realizing an APM system is with coupled cavities, as in the original "soliton laser" of Mollenauer and Stolen. Another way is to produce pulse interference via a nonlinear Mach-Zehnder interferometer, or polarization rotation in an all-fiber laser. An analytic theory of APM was developed under the assumption that the change of the pulse within the auxiliary cavity is small. Best APM action is achieved for an interferometric detuning of the auxiliary cavity with respect to the main cavity, in which the auxiliary cavity is a fraction of a wavelength shorter than the main cavity (plus or minus integer multiples of wavelengths). >
Skeptical notes on a physics of passage.

This paper investigates the mathematical representation of time in physics. In existing theories time is represented by the real numbers, hence their formal proper- ties represent properties of time: these are surveyed. The central question of the paper is whether the existing representation of time is adequate, or whether it can or should be supplemented: especially, do we need a physics incorporating some kind of ‘dynamical passage’ of time? The paper argues that the existing mathematical framework is resistant to such changes, and might have to be rejected by anyone seeking a physics of passage. Then it rebuts two common arguments for incorporating passage into physics, especially the claim that it is an element of experience. Finally the paper investigates whether, as has been claimed, ‘causal set theory’ provides a physics of passage.
Misalignment insensitive WPT with conformal SCMR systems

In this paper, the efficiency of Conformal Strongly Coupled Magnetic Resonant (CSCMR) systems under various of misalignment conditions is reported. Compared to traditional SCMR systems, CSCMR systems exhibit higher efficiency and are less sensitive to the alignment between the transmitter (TX) and the receiver (RX). A novel misalignment insensitive CSCMR system with three identical orthogonal transmitters is presented here. This system can have wide applications in charging mobile and other communication devices.
The risks of scuba diving: a focus on Decompression Illness.

Decompression Illness includes both Decompression Sickness (DCS) and Pulmonary Overinflation Syndrome (POIS), subsets of diving-related injury related to scuba diving. DCS is a condition in which gas bubbles that form while diving do not have adequate time to be resorbed or “off-gassed,” resulting in entrapment in specific regions of the body. POIS is due to an overly rapid ascent to the surface resulting in the rupture of alveoli and subsequent extravasation of air bubbles into tissue planes or even the cerebral circulation. Divers must always be cognizant of dive time and depth, and be trained in the management of decompression. A slow and controlled ascent, plus proper control of buoyancy can reduce the dangerous consequences of pulmonary barotrauma. The incidence of adverse effects can be diminished with safe practices, allowing for the full enjoyment of this adventurous aquatic sport.
Tardigrades of the Canopy: Evidence of Stratification

Mosses and lichens growing on trees and rocks are a common habitat for limnoterrestrial tardigrades all over the world. However, worldwide tardigrade research has been conducted primarily with ground level samples. In order to determine the presence, absence, diversity, distribution and size of tardigrade populations in the canopy, researchers ascended 135 trees of 17 species at nine northeastern Kansas forest sites, and collected tardigrade habitat from varying heights. Analysis of 822 samples clearly evidenced the presence of tardigrade populations in the forest canopy, as well as documented stratification with a statistically significant increase in density of the tardigrades per sample from 6.4 to 11.9 with increased height. This third dimension discovery must now be factored into theories of tardigrade dispersal. Further investigations may hold new, arboreal species.
Effects of Nucleoside Analogs on Native and Site-Directed Mutants of HTLV Type 1 Reverse Transcriptase.

Abstract A bacterial assay was developed for testing HTLV-1 reverse transcriptase sensitivity to common nucleoside analog inhibitors in an Escherichia coli strain characterized by a temperature sensitive PolI/RecA deletion phenotype. This genetic complementation assay exploits the ability of HTLV-1 reverse transcriptase to functionally replace these missing activities at nonpermissive temperatures. The four inhibitors tested, dideoxyinosine, dideoxyadenosine, deoxythymidine, and didehydrodeoxythymidine are well-known inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase. All except dideoxyadenosine showed a strong activity against HTLV-1 reverse transcriptase with IC 50 ; in the nanomolar range. Sequence alignments were used to identify amino acid residues in HTLV-1 reverse transcriptase, which correspond to those identified as important for drug-resistance in HIV reverse transcriptase. Mutations of some of these HTLV-1 residues altered the IC 50 for the inhibitors as expected, which suggests that these amino acids have a function in HTLV-1 reverse transcriptase similar to that of their homologs in HIV reverse transcriptase.
Response of a deep scattering layer to the 1072 total solar eclipse

Abstract During the 1972 total solar eclipse, we monitored the activity of a deep scattering layer in the North Atlantic using an echo recorder. Our data, taken 3 1 2 hours before sunset, show increased activity during and after eclipse, but the vertical motions were not particularly correlated with the change in light intensity measured at the layer depth.
Changes in lactoferrin and other proteins in a case of chronic recurrent parotitis.

Abstract Parotid fluid samples from an individual with chronic recurring parotitis were collected during acute exacerbation and then at various stages of recovery. The samples were serially examined for: (a) lactoferrin (Lf) and lysozyme concentration, (b) concentration of IgA, IgG, IgM, albumin and transferrin, (c) amylase activity and protein pattern on acrylamide disc gel electrophoresis, (d) myeloperoxidase (MPO). The most dramatic protein changes occurred during the initial exacerbation with a more than 20-fold increase in total protein, because of an influx of serum proteins, Lf, lysozyme and MPO. By 5 days following the exacerbation the protein concentration was only two times normal; serum proteins were still evident but intrinsic salivary proteins were the major components; Lf, and to a lesser extent lysozyme, were still elevated; MPO was no longer detected. By day 11, total protein concentration was nearly normal; only albumin and Lf were modestly elevated. The elevation in Lf concentration during this period was accompanied by a shift in its apparent molecular weight. A polymeric form of Lf, observed during the acute stage, changed to what appeared to be a dimeric and then a monomeric form as the inflammatory process subsided. At day 79, parotid fluid chemistry was normal in almost all respects; only a slight elevation in albumin suggested any residual pathology.
Nerve growth factor delivery by gene transfer induces differential outgrowth of sensory, motor, and noradrenergic neurites after adult spinal cord injury

Several neurotrophic factors have been identified that influence neuronal populations during central nervous system development, maturation, and senescence. To examine the responsiveness of the intact and the lesioned adult mammalian spinal cord to neurotrophic factors, primary rat fibroblasts were genetically modified to produce and secrete human nerve growth factor (NGF). These NGF-producing cells were then grafted to nonlesioned or lesioned adult rat spinal cords for periods of up to 1 year in vivo. Robust outgrowth of sensory and noradrenergic neurites was elicited by grafts in the previously nonlesioned spinal cord. Equally robust growth of sensory and noradrenergic neurites was observed in the lesioned spinal cord; in addition, partial sprouting of local motor neurites was elicited in the lesioned spinal cord. Thus, multiple neuritic populations of the adult spinal cord respond to neurotrophic factors by extending neurites, and this responsiveness is maintained and extended after major injury. Nerve growth factor delivered by somatic gene transfer may be a useful means of promoting axon regrowth in the injured spinal cord.
Changes in the Secondary and Tertiary Structures of Secreted Phospholipase A2 upon Activation

Activation of human pancreatic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in the presence of DPPC/DPPG (7:3) vesicles was induced by a temperature shift from 4 to 38 oC. PLA2 activity was monitored by changes in fluorescence of bis-Pyrene-PC (2.5 mol % in the membranes), while simultaneous far- and near-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectra identified changes in the secondary and tertiary structures of the protein in real time. The 4-to-38 oC temperature shift caused dramatic changes in both bis-Pyrene-PC fluorescence and the protein CD spectra. The monomer fluorescence signal of bis-Pyrene-PC rapidly increased and the excimer signal decreased, demonstrating PLA2 activation. Drastic weakening in the α-helical CD signal of the protein, i.e., a 20% decrease in the n-π* transition intensity at 222 nm, was detected upon enzyme activation. The α-helical signal exhibited a significantly smaller change upon a similar temperature shift under non-catalytic conditions (1 mM EGTA), while little changes were detected in the absence of lipid. Strong changes in the tertiary structure during PLA2 activation were also identified. Initially, at 4 oC, the near-UV CD spectra showed a weak negative band around 280 nm. Upon a shift to 38 oC, strong positive CD bands rapidly developed around 250 and 280 nm, implying significant changes in the conformation and/or the microenvironment of Tyr and Trp side chains of PLA2, possibly accompanied with a global tertiary structure perturbation associated with deformation of the abundant disulfide bonds in the protein. These experiments provide new information on the structure-function relationship of PLA2 by near-simultaneous measurements of PLA2 activity and its secondary and tertiary structures.
Building a Representative Corpus of Classical Music

This paper presents an object lesson in the challenges and considerations involved in assembling a musical corpus for empirical research. It develops a model for the construction of a representative corpus of classical music of the “common practice period” (1700-1900), using both specific composers as well as broader historical styles and musical genres (e.g., symphony, chamber music, songs, operas) as its sampling parameters. Five sources were used in the construction of the model: (a) The Oxford History of Western Music by Richard Taruskin (2005), (b) amalgamated Orchestral Repertoire Reports for the years 2000-2007, from the League of American Orchestras, (c) a list of titles from the Naxos.com “Music in the Movies” web-based library, (d) Barlow and Morgenstern’s Dictionary of Musical Themes (1948), and (e) for the composers listed in sources (a)-(d), counts of the number of recordings each has available from Amazon.com. General considerations for these sources are discussed, and specific aspects of each source are then detailed. Intersource agreement is assessed, showing strong consensus among all sources, save for the Taruskin History. Using the Amazon.com data to determine weighting factors for each parameter, a preliminary sampling model is proposed. Including adequate genre representation leads to a corpus of ≈300 pieces, suggestive of the minimum size for an adequately representative corpus of classical music. The approaches detailed here may be applied to more specialized contexts, such as the music of a particular geographic region, historical era, or genre.
The reinfestation of forest rats ( Maxomys musschenbroekii ) by epifaunistic arthropods in Sulawesi, Indonesia

Complete removal of arthropods epifaunistic on individual mammals with subsequent monitoring of host recolonization by arthropods has not previously been documented for rodents in primary tropical rain forest. As part of a survey of the ectoparasites and other arthropod associates of small mammals in the primary lowland tropical rain forests of Dumoga-Bone National Park, Sulawesi Utara, Indonesia in February/March 1985, some data were accumulated on arthropod reinfestations on cleaned, marked, recaptured Maxomys musschenbroekii (Jentink) forest rats. Maxomys musschenbroekii is a fairly common murid rodent endemic to Sulawesi and occurring naturally from lowlands to mountain peaks (Musser 1981, Musser et al. 1979). This species was the most frequently trapped mammal in the present study and was recorded at all elevations surveyed (c. 220 m to c. 1300 m), although present data are from lowland forests between c. 220 m and c. 260 m. Rats were live-trapped using coconut and some forest fruits/nuts as bait; traps were set continuously but all M. musschenbroekii were taken when traps were checked in the early morning showing that this species is primarily nocturnal. Trapped individuals were processed immediately (in the forest) for epifauna removal, initially by ether anaesthesia (in a polythene bag) and subsequently by prolonged systematic ketamine hydrochloride anaesthesia. Arthropods (and their eggs, if present) from bags and examination trays were combined with those from meticulous pelage searches for each capture and stored in 70% ethanol prior to microscopical examination for group designation. All M. musschenbroekii individuals were ear and/or toe clipped for future identification and released at their capture site following full recovery from
Anharmonic approximation and bandlimited signals

The problem of approximating a given function (in the mean) on a finite interval by a finite sum of nonharmonic oscillations is solved by Hilbert space methods for the case in which the oscillation frequencies are prespecified. Such a problem arises in the mean square approximation of bandlimited signals, in determining the element amplitudes necessary to approximate a given radiation pattern for a linear antenna array with nonuniform element spacings, and in estimating the contribution of a particular reflector when a band-limited waveform is reflected from a set of fixed reflectors in space. It is shown that the general approximation problem can be reduced to that of solving the problem for a complex exponential function containing an arbitrary frequency parameter. An intimate connection is also exhibited between the mean square approximation of a bandlimited signal and the problem of interpolating a given set of data points by a bandlimited function of given bandwidth and minimum energy.
Analysis of quantum ballistic electron transport in ultrasmall silicon devices including space-charge and geometric effects

A two-dimensional device simulation program which self consistently solves the Schrodinger and Poisson equations with current flow is described in detail. Significant approximations adopted in this work are the absence of scattering and a simple six-valley, parabolic band structure for silicon. A modified version of the quantum transmitting boundary method is used to describe open boundary conditions permitting current flow in device solutions far from equilibrium. The continuous energy spectrum of the system is discretized by temporarily imposing two different forms of closed boundary conditions, resulting in energies which sample the density-of-states and establish the wave function normalization conditions. These standing wave solutions (“normal modes”) are decomposed into their traveling wave constituents, each of which represents injection from only one of the open boundary contacts (“traveling eigencomponents”). These current-carrying states are occupied by a drifted Fermi distribution associated wi...
A molecular dynamics study comparing a wild‐type with a multiple drug resistant HIV protease: Differences in flap and aspartate 25 cavity dimensions

HIV proteases can develop resistance to therapeutic drugs by mutating specific residues, but still maintain activity with their natural substrates. To gain insight into why mutations confer such resistance, long ( approximately 70 ns) Molecular Dynamics simulations in explicit solvent were performed on a multiple drug resistant (MDR) mutant (with Asn25 in the crystal structure mutated in silico back to the catalytically active Asp25) and a wild type (WT) protease. HIV proteases are homodimers, with characteristic flap tips whose conformations and dynamics are known to be important influences of ligand binding to the aspartates that form the catalytic center. The WT protease undergoes a transition between 25 and 35 ns that is absent in the MDR protease. The origin of this distinction is investigated using principal component analysis, and is related to differences in motion mainly in the flap region of each monomer. Trajectory analysis suggests that the WT transition arises from a concerted motion of the flap tip distances to their catalytic aspartate residues, and the distance between the two flap tips. These distances form a triangle that in the WT expands the active site from an initial (semi-open) form to an open form, in a correlated manner. In contrast, the MDR protease remains in a more closed configuration, with uncorrelated fluctuations in the distances defining the triangle. This contrasting behavior suggests that the MDR mutant achieves its resistance to drugs by making its active site less accessible to inhibitors. The migration of water to the active site aspartates is monitored. Water molecules move in and out of the active site and individual waters hydrogen bond to both aspartate carboxylate oxygens, with residence times in the ns time regime.
Thiazolidinediones and fluid retention

CASE PRESENTATION A 67-year-old Caucasian woman was admitted to our hospital with progressive shortness of breath and swelling of all four extremities. Her past medical history included type 2 diabetes and hypertension of approximately 20 and 10 years of duration, respectively, hypothyroidism, morbid obesity, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and sciatica. She denied a history of diabetic nephropathy or retinopathy. On questioning, she noted that over the previous 4 months she had developed new onset of lower extremity edema, increasing abdominal girth, and approximately 60 lb weight gain. More recently over the 3 weeks before admission, she had developed new onset of orthopnea and dyspnea with minimal exertion. She denied any recent history of chest pain, fever, foamy urine, or leg pain. Medications at the time of admission included lopressor 50 mg daily, lisinopril 10 mg daily, hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg daily, furosemide 40 mg daily, repaglinide 2 mg daily, rosiglitazone 8 mg daily, gabapentin 200 mg twice daily, and levothyroxine 200mg daily. Except for the gabapentin, which had been added 3 weeks before admission for her sciatica, she had been on stable dosing of her other medications for the previous several months. Rosiglitazone had been added approximately 36 months before the current presentation. The prescribing physician had not recorded a baseline weight at that time. She had not been treated with insulin for her diabetes, and she had not taken any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents in the previous few months. Pulse oximetry revealed an oxygen saturation of 90% while breathing room air, which increased to 100% while breathing supplemental oxygen at a rate of 2 l/min. She was afebrile, and her blood pressure was 120/70 mm Hg. On examination, she was anxious, visibly short of breath, and unable to complete full sentences. She was markedly obese. She had crackles in both lung fields up to the apices. She had deep pitting edema of the arms, legs, anterior abdominal wall, and pre-sacral areas. Heart sounds were distant. Examination of the head and neck, skin, and joints and lymph nodes was unremarkable. Electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia at a rate of 100 bpm. Portable chest X-ray (CXR) showed cardiomegaly and perihilar edema consistent with congestive heart failure (Figure 1). Ultrasound of the lower extremities showed no evidence of deep venous thrombosis and a ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan showed no evidence of pulmonary embolism. Patient laboratory data are indicated in Table 1.
Luna 16: An opaque mineral study and a systematic examination of compositional variations of spinels from Mare Fecunditatis

The opaque mineralogy of the Luna 16 soil sample is studied, with an emphasis on a detailed survey of the compositional variations of the Fe-Ti-Cr-Al-Mg spinels. Analytical data are also presented for ilmenite. Textural characteristics and shock-metamorphic effects on the opaque minerals are briefly described and comparisons are made throughout between the Luna 16 samples and published and unpublished data on the Apollo samples.
Heat-Shock Protein 27 Induction and Redistribution During Re-Organization of the Actin Cytoskeleton After Renal Ischemia. • 1636

Increasing evidence supports a regulatory role for HSP-27 in actin dynamics. Since cytoskeletal disruption is integral to ischemic renal injury, we evaluated expression and intracellular distribution of HSP-27 in rat renal cortex after 45 min of renal ischemia. HSP-27 was constitutively expressed, increased at 15 min reflow and peaked by 6 h reflow (3.6 fold baseline, p<0.05). Under control conditions, 80% of HSP-27 was distributed to the detergent soluble extracts; ischemia caused a shift of HSP-27 into the insoluble cytoskeletal fraction (to 50% of total, p<0.05). At 2 and 6 h reflow, HSP-27 redistributed into the soluble fraction. In control, HSP-27 was predominantly localized in a subapical distribution, a pattern intermediate between that of DNase reactive and microfilamentous actin. After ischemia, HSP-27 was localized throughout the cytoplasm in a pattern with small punctate accumulations similar to DNase reactive actin. During later reflow, HSP-27, DNase reactive and microfilamentous actin were all found in coarse intracytoplasmatic accumulations, and HSP-27 and microfilamentous actin re-accumulated in the subapical domain. Thus the temporal and spatial patterns of HSP-27 induction, distribution and intracellular localization strongly suggests specific interactions between HSP-27 and actin during the postischemic re-organization of the cytoskeleton.
Constructions of Risk and Harm in Online Discussions of Ketamine Use

This article qualitatively examines the content of online forum discussions of ketamine use in light of theories of Beck's risk society. Based on 59 discussions from a reputable harm reduction website, the study finds that online ketamine users are very knowledgeable about the harmful effects of the drug. They view risk and harm as stemming from: (1) the direct physical effects of ketamine; (2) the environment of use; and (3) the economic, social and legal consequence resulting from use. Moreover, they believe that the harmful consequences of use can be mitigated through controlled and safe use practices. These methods of mitigation include practices that ensure the purity of the drug, use in controlled environments with trusted individuals, and limiting the amount and frequency of use. Ultimately, the study finds that online discussions provide a rich exemplar of Beck's theory of contested definitions of risk and harm.