cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synergistic antiherpes virus activity of acyclovir and interferon in human corneal stromal cells.

Synergistic anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) activity between acyclovir (ACV) and recombinant human interferon alpha A2 (IFN) was detected in cell cultures derived from human corneas. This activity was demonstrated when cells were infected at high multipicities of infection (5 pfu/cell) in both cytopathic effect reduction and yield reduction assays as well as in plaque reduction assays at low multiplicities. The synergistic effects occurred over a 30-fold range of concentrations of IFN (6-200 IU/ml) and ACV (0.15-5 nM) at various ratios of the drugs. The augmentation of antiviral activity was greatest when cells were treated with IFN prior to infection and ACV following infection. The addition of IFN after infection, with simultaneous ACV treatment, also resulted in enhanced antiHSV-1 activity. The combination of IFN with ACV did not increase the cytotoxicity of ACV. The synergistic antiviral activity in corneal cells may account for the previously reported enhanced efficacy of combined treatment with IFNs and nucleoside analogs for therapy of herpetic keratitis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 30:365-370,1989 In clinical trials dendritic corneal ulcers due to herpes simplex virus infection responded favorably to treatment with nucleoside analogs such as trifluorthymidine or acyclovir in 90 to 96% of the cases studied. 1 " 2 Trials using human interferons (IFNs) to topically treat dendritic herpetic keratitis have shown that IFN alone is of limited value and must be given at high dosages to achieve a significant effect. 3 " 7 However, in several human trials topical application of nucleoside analogs in combination with IFN resulted in significantly decreased time to wound closure, decreased time to total healing, and a reduction in virus shedding when compared to nucleoside alone. 8 " 13 These reports suggest that there may be a synergistic antiviral effect of nucleoside analogs and interferon. Reports using several cell culture model systems indicate that this enhanced therapeutic effect may be a reflection of an enhanced antiviral activity demonstrable at the cellular level. 14
MODELING SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL SUCCESSION IN THE ATCHAFALAYA/TERREBONNE MARSH/ESTUARINE COMPLEX IN SOUTH LOUISIANA

Abstract A spatial simulation model was constructed to help understand the historical changes in the Atchafalaya/Terrebonne marsh/estuarine complex in south Louisiana and to project impacts of proposed human modifications. The model consists of almost 3,000 interconnected cells each representing 1 km 2. Each cell in the model contains a dynamic, nonlinear, simulation model. Variables include water volume and flow, sediment and salt concentrations, organic standing crop, and productivity. The balance between sediment deposition and erosion as influenced by these variables in this rapidly subsiding area is particularly critical to habitat succession and the productivity of the area. Primary input data for the model were detailed, digitized habitat maps prepared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for 1956 and 1978. In addition, long time series of field measurements are available for some variables. The data base assembled for the model includes annual changes in environmental forcing functions, such as river discharge, and human modifications, such as canals and levees. At present, we are in the preliminary stages of running and calibrating the model. Our current results mimic the spatial seasonal patterns of sediment, salinity and water flow reasonably well. Starting with the 1956 initial conditions the model correctly predicts the habitat type in 1978 of 68% of the almost 3000 cells. Changes in salinity zones were accurately predicted but the model predicts higher land loss rates in the fresh zone than those actually observed and does not do well at predicting the growth of the Atchafalaya delta. The former problem may have to do with the prevalence of floating marsh in the fresh zone, which the model does not adequately consider at present. This paper discusses: (1) the structure of the model; (2) the spatial data base necessary to run the model; (3) some preliminary results concerning the temporal and spatial distributions of some of the state variables; and (4) future directions for the model. In general, this approach seems to be applicable to modeling spatial ecosystem dynamics, but the size and computational complexity of the model makes calibration and verification difficult.
Coping responses and alcohol outcome expectancies in alcohol abusing and nonabusing social phobics

This study examined coping responses and alcohol outcome expectancies in alcohol abusing and nonabusing social phobics. The sample consisted of social phobics with current alcohol abuse or dependence (SPAs, n = 19), social phobics without lifetime alcohol use disorders (SPs, n = 19), and normal controls (NCs, n = 21). As predicted, SPs reported less problem-focused coping than did NCs in nonalcohol social situations and rated themselves as less skillful in interpersonal role-plays. However, observers did not rate SPs as less skillful than NCs in these role-plays. Consistent with the predicted situation-specific effects, SPAs reported less problem-focused coping than did SPs during alcohol-accessible social situations, but not during alcohol-inaccessible social situations. However, observer-rated and self-report results from role-plays of high-risk alcohol situations did not show the predicted lower drink refusal skills among SPAs compared to SPs. SPAs reported higher positive alcohol expectancies of tension reduction than did SPs but did not differ in negative alcohol expectancies of cognitive and behavioral impairment. These results are in several ways consistent with cognitive and social-learning theories of social phobia and alcohol abuse.
High blood pressure and end-organ damage.

Background Findings from numerous epidemiologic and clinical studies worldwide attest to a strong, graded, consistent relationship between blood pressure level and cardiovascular-renal diseases, subclinical and clinical, nonfatal and fatal. Objective This review summarizes results from selected prospective observational studies, primarily from US populations, and from randomized clinical trials. Review Analyses from the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT) subjects (middle-aged men) and the Framingham Heart Study (middle-aged and elderly men and women) clearly establish that systolic blood pressure is a more powerful predictor of cardiovascular events than diastolic pressure. Wherever the full range of blood pressure has been examined, for example for systolic pressure in the MRFIT subjects and for diastolic pressure in pooled data from nine epidemiologic studies, the associations for coronary heart disease and stroke are seen to extend over the whole range, including 'normotensive' levels. In MRFIT, this continuous relationship has also recently been shown for end-stage renal disease and both systolic and diastolic pressure. Data from Framingham document further associations with peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, and both electrocardiographic and echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy. Several studies are row available demonstrating a relationship between hypertension and carotid wall intimal-medial thickness. Finally, the causal nature of the relationships with major cardiovascular events is supported by the results of 17 large-scale randomized trials of blood-pressure-lowering using primarily diuretic- and beta-blocker-based drug regimens. Conclusions These trials have demonstrated highly significant reductions in fatal and nonfatal stroke and major coronary heart disease. There are few trial data, however, on health benefits from further reducing blood pressure among normotensive persons.
Reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a comprehensive review

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) was first described in Japan in the 1980s. It is described as an acute but often reversible left ventricular (LV) dysfunction mainly triggered by emotional or physical stress. Multiple variants of TTC have been reported including reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (rTTC) which is a variant characterized by the basal akinesis/hypokinesis associated with apical hyperkinesis that resolves spontaneously. The hallmark of rTTC is a clinical presentation similar to an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), with no evident obstructive coronary artery disease. The incidence of TTC is estimated to be 2% of all troponin-positive patients presenting with suspected ACS. The proportion of patients presenting with the rTTC variant out of all TTC patients in published literature has been variable, ranging from 1–23%. Reverse Takotsubo has been associated with younger age, less decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and more neurological disease compared to the TTC. While the exact mechanism of rTTC is unknown, hypothesized mechanisms include catecholamine cardiotoxicity, coronary artery spasm, coronary microvasculature impairment, and estrogen deficiency. Patients with rTTC typically present with chest pain and/or dyspnea after an emotional or physically stressful event. rTTC can also be triggered by intracranial hemorrhage, general anesthesia, or neurological conditions. Diagnosis of rTTC requires the presence of LV basal hypokinesis/akinesis, new electrocardiogram (EKG) abnormalities or elevated cardiac troponin, and absence of obstructive coronary disease, pheochromocytoma, or myocarditis. Management of rTTC is similar to that of TTC, which is predominantly supportive with the treatment of complications. The recurrence rate of rTTC is around 10%. The most common complications of rTTC include myocarditis, pleural and pericardial effusions, and development of LV thrombi. The best predictors of mortality include decreased LVEF, development of atrial fibrillation, and neurologic disease.
Efficient Post-Processors for Improving Error-Correcting Performance of LDPC Codes

The error floor phenomenon, associated with iterative decoders, is one of the most significant limitations to the applications of low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. A variety of techniques from code design to decoder implementation have been proposed to address the error floor problem, among which post-processors have shown to be both effective and implementation-friendly. In this paper, we take the inspiration from simulated annealing to generalize the post-processor design using three methods: quenching, extended heating, and focused heating, each of which targets a different error structure. The resulting post-processor is demonstrated to lower the error floors by two orders of magnitude for two structured code examples, a (2209, 1978) array LDPC code and a (1944, 1620) LDPC code used by the IEEE 802.11n standard. The post-processor can be integrated with a belief-propagation decoder with minimal overhead. The post-processor design is equally applicable to other structured LDPC codes.
Attenuation Correction over Ocean for the HIWRAP Dual-Frequency Airborne Scatterometer

AbstractAn important objective in scatterometry is the estimation of near-surface wind speed and direction in the presence of rain. We investigate an attenuation correction method using data from t...
Prevalence and factors associated with underweight, overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age in India

Although the prevalence of underweight is declining among Indian women, the prevalence of overweight/obesity is increasing. This study examined the prevalence and factors associated with underweight and overweight/obesity among reproductive-aged (i.e., 15–49 years) women in India. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2015–16 National Family Health Survey. The Asian and World Health Organization (WHO) recommended cutoffs for body mass index (BMI) were used to categorize body weight. The Asian and WHO BMI cutoffs for combined overweight/obesity were ≥ 23 and ≥ 25 kg/m2, respectively. Both recommendations had the same cutoff for underweight, < 18.5 kg/m2. After prevalence estimation, logistic regression was applied to investigate associated factors. Among 647,168 women, the median age and BMI was 30 years and 21.0 kg/m2, respectively. Based on the Asian cutoffs, the overall prevalence of underweight was 22.9%, overweight was 22.6%, and obesity was 10.7%, compared to 15.5% overweight and 5.1% obesity as per WHO cutoffs. The prevalence and odds of underweight were higher among young, nulliparous, contraceptive non-user, never-married, Hindu, backward castes, less educated, less wealthy, and rural women. According to both cutoffs, women who were older, ever-pregnant, ever-married, Muslims, castes other than backwards, highly educated, wealthy, and living in urban regions had higher prevalence and odds of overweight/obesity. The prevalence of both non-normal weight categories (i.e., underweight and overweight/obesity) was high. A large proportion of women are possibly at higher risks of cardiovascular and reproductive adverse events due to these double nutrition burdens. Implementing large-scale interventions based on these results is essential to address these issues.
The New Tools of Monetary Policy

To overcome the limits on traditional monetary policy imposed by the effective lower bound on short-term interest rates, in recent years the Federal Reserve and other advanced-economy central banks have deployed new policy tools. This lecture reviews what we know about the new monetary tools, focusing on quantitative easing (QE) and forward guidance, the principal new tools used by the Fed. I argue that the new tools have proven effective at easing financial conditions when policy rates are constrained by the lower bound, even when financial markets are functioning normally, and that they can be made even more effective in the future. Accordingly, the new tools should become part of the standard central bank toolkit. Simulations of the Fed's FRB/US model suggest that, if the nominal neutral interest rate is in the range of 2–3 percent, consistent with most estimates for the United States, then a combination of QE and forward guidance can provide the equivalent of roughly 3 percentage points of policy space, largely offsetting the effects of the lower bound. If the neutral rate is much lower, however, then overcoming the effects of the lower bound may require additional measures, such as a moderate increase in the inflation target or greater reliance on fiscal policy for economic stabilization.
THE ASSOCIATION OF SFAS 166/167 AND COST OF EQUITY CAPITAL: EVIDENCE FROM BANKS

We examine whether SFAS 166/167, which ended exclusion of qualifying special purpose entities (QSPEs) from consolidation, impacted the cost of equity capital for a sample of banks. This exclusion p...
Characterization of the Plasmodium and Haemoproteus parasite community in temperate-tropical birds during spring migration.

Abstract Animal movements, especially avian migration, can be a mechanism for the large-scale dispersal and geographic range expansion of parasites. The host-parasite relationships among birds during migration have yet to be fully explored. We characterized the haemosporidian parasite lineages in passerines during spring migration on the Texas coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and identified associations among wintering origin (US, Central America, South America) and foraging height (canopy, understory, ground) and infection status. We examined 743 samples representing 52 species of 10 families over six years, 2014–2019. We used PCR and DNA sequencing of the haemosporidian cytB gene from avian blood samples to determine infection status with the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus and characterize the lineages of blood parasites. We found an overall haemosporidian infection prevalence of 48.4% among neotropical migrant and Texas wintering birds. Among families, Icterids had the highest prevalence (75%, 24 individuals, 4 species sampled) whereas Parulids had the lowest prevalence (38.4%, 177 individuals, 18 species sampled). Among infected birds, Plasmodium spp. infections were more common than Haemoproteus spp. infections in species that winter in Central America compared to those that winter in the US or South America. Similarly, among infected birds, Plasmodium spp. infections were more common than Haemoproteus spp. infections in species that forage on the ground or in the understory compared to those that forage in the canopy. Infected birds harbored 65 different haemosporidian lineages (71% Plasmodium; 29% Haemoproteus) of which 17 lineages have never previously been reported and six lineages were documented for the first time in North America, having been previously detected only in Central or South America. These data are consistent with the premise that intercontinental parasite dispersal may be facilitated by passerine birds. Future studies focused on surveillance, the probability of establishment of parasite lineages, and the use of individual bird tracking methods to understand infection dispersion over time will allow a more comprehensive understanding of changing avian host-haemosporidian relationships.
A visual representation of microbiological culture data improves comprehension: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE While the judicious use of antibiotics takes past microbiological culture results into consideration, this data's typical format in the electronic health record (EHR) may be unwieldy when incorporated into clinical decision-making. We hypothesize that a visual representation of sensitivities may aid in their comprehension. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective parallel unblinded randomized controlled trial was undertaken at an academic urban tertiary care center. Providers managing emergency department (ED) patients receiving antibiotics and having previous culture sensitivity testing were included. Providers were randomly selected to use standard EHR functionality or a visual representation of patients' past culture data as they answered questions about previous sensitivities. Concordance between provider responses and past cultures was assessed using the kappa statistic. Providers were surveyed about their decision-making and the usability of the tool using Likert scales. RESULTS 518 ED encounters were screened from 3/5/2018 to 9/30/18, with providers from 144 visits enrolled and analyzed in the intervention arm and 129 in the control arm. Providers using the visualization tool had a kappa of 0.69 (95% CI: 0.65-0.73) when asked about past culture results while the control group had a kappa of 0.16 (95% CI: 0.12-0.20). Providers using the tool expressed improved understanding of previous cultures and found the tool easy to use (P < .001). Secondary outcomes showed no differences in prescribing practices. CONCLUSION A visual representation of culture sensitivities improves comprehension when compared to standard text-based representations.
Taxonomic Comparison of the Amino Termini of Microbial Cell Proteins

A comparison was made of the distribution of amino terminal end groups in the cellular proteins of a number of microbes. Among the procaryotes, methionine is a highly variable but virtually ubiquitous major protein end group. This is consistent with its possible role as a general amino acid initiator of protein biosynthesis in the procaryotes. Generally, however, alanine is the most abundant of the major end groups, followed in decreasing order by serine, threonine, the acidic amino acids, and occasionally lysine. No other new major end-groups were found. Among 15 representatives of the Enterobacteriaceae, retention of the initiating methionine terminus of the cellular protein varies considerably at a tribal level and is randomized at a familial level. The profiles of the five remaining end groups, however, are strikingly uniform, and are, for example, close to but significantly different from those of the Erwineae. Among the taxonomically more heterogeneous Bacillaceae, end-group profiles vary more and are sometimes unrelated. End-group analysis is thus particularly useful as a molecular criterion of taxonomy in assessing familial homogeneity. Free NH2 termini in eucaryote cell proteins are fewer, and they have increased acidic amino acid components and no methionine; they are otherwise similar to those of the procaryotes.
Neutronics calculations for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Tokamak Reactor Studies

Neutronics calculations have been carried out to analyze the nuclear performance of conceptual blanket and shield designs for the Tokamak Experimental Power Reactor (EPR) and the Tokamak Demonstration Reactor Plant (DRP) being considered at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. These reactor designs represent a sequence in the commercialization of fusion-generated electrical power. All of the calculations were carried out using the one-dimensional discrete ordinates code ANISN and the latest available ENDF/B-IV coupled neutron-gamma-ray transport cross-section data, fluence-to-kerma conversion factors, and radiation damage cross-section data. The calculations include spatial and integral heating-rate estimates in the reactor with emphasis on the recovery of fusion neutron energy in the blanket and limiting the heat-deposition rate in the superconducting toroidal field coils. Radiation damage due to atomic displacements and gas production produced in the reactor structural material and in the toroidal field coil windings were also estimated. The tritium-breeding ratio when natural lithium is used as the fertile material in the DRP blanket and in the experimental breeding modules in the EPR is also given.
Cellular immunity in the mouse: I. In vitro lymphocyte reactivity☆

Abstract The mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) and antigen-mediated proliferative response represent important correlates to the in vivo phenomena of allograft rejection and delayed hypersensitivity. This study defines an in vitro model to measure mouse lymphocyte responsiveness to allogeneic cells, antigen (tuberculoprotein), and nonspecific mitogens. Results describe optimal cells concentration, time and conditions of culture. Optimal conditions include the use of high cell concentration, flat-bottomed vials, RPMI-1640 medium, and fresh human serum. Peripheral blood lymphocytes demonstrated greater proliferation than lymph node lymphocytes, which in turn demonstrated greater activity than splenic lymphocytes. Significant proliferation occurred in serum-free media, dialyzed against fresh serum and supplemented with hydrocortisone and carrier protein. The MLC response in the mouse appears dependent on multiple subpopulations of cells and on soluble substances produced by them.
Prosthetic management of hemicorporectomy patients: New approaches

Functional outcome with hemicorporectomy prosthetic management has improved little in the last 20 years. Patient expectations for independence, comfort, and cosmesis have been disappointed with traditional bucket designs. This report describes the prosthetic management of a paraplegic patient who underwent hemicorporectomy at T12 secondary to complications from a lumbar ependymoma. Four successive prostheses were developed using foam and resin combinations, computer-assisted pressure monitoring, and interdisciplinary team feedback regarding design and fabrication. A total-contact bucket with removable liner was created, allowing management of the ileal diversion and colostomy. Prosthetic legs were attached to improve wheelchair balance and cosmesis. In his final prosthesis, the patient's function and appearance was equivalent to a well-rehabilitated midthoracic spinal cord trauma patient. Sitting tolerance exceeded 12 hours a day. Each prototype is discussed, including design, materials, fabrication process, patient acceptance and functional independence, and complications.
Constraint limited generalization: acquiring procedures from examples

Generalization is an essential part of any system that can acquire knowledge from examples. I argue that generalization must be limited by a variety of constraints in order to be useful. This paper gives three principles on how generalization processes should be constrained. It also describes a system for acquiring procedures from examples which is based on these principles and is used to illustrate them.
Making Sense of Brain Waves: The Most Baffling Frontier in Neuroscience

Brains are characterized by every property that engineers and computer scientists detest and avoid. They are chaotic, unstable, nonlinear, nonstationary, non-Gaussian, asynchronous, noisy, and unpredictable in fine grain, yet undeniably they are among the most successful devices that a billion years of evolution has produced. No one can justifiably claim that he or she has modeled brains, but they are a flowing spring of new concepts, and they provide a gold standard of what we can aspire to accomplish in developing more intelligent machines. The most fertile source of ideas with which to challenge and break the restrictions that characterize modern engineering practice is the electroencephalogram (EEG). It was the action potential of single neurons that provided the foundation of neurobiology for the 20th century, and in its time it supported the development of digital computers, neural networks, and computational neuroscience. Now in the 21st century, the EEG will lead us in a remarkably different direction of growth for the computing industry, which will be dominated by highly parallel, hierarchically organized, distributed analog machines. These devices now exist in prototype form. They feed on noise in support of chaotic attractor landscapes, which are shaped by reinforcement learning through self-governed experience, not training by ‘teachers’, and they may solve many of the problems of interfacing between finite state automata and the infinite complexity of the real world.
Complications of cardiovascular radiology. A review of 1,204 cases.

Summary A total of 2.987 cardiovascular radiographic procedures have been performed at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston between May 1965 and May 1969. The over-all rate of serious complications was 0.33 per cent. The 1,204 procedures (380 translumbar aortograms and 824 retrograde femoral catheter studies) are analyzed with respect to ten major complications and their surgical management.
When Curiosity Breeds Intimacy: Taking Advantage of Intimacy Opportunities and Transforming Boring Conversations

Curious people seek knowledge and new experiences. In 3 studies, we examined whether, when, and how curiosity contributes to positive social outcomes between unacquainted strangers. Study 1 (98 college students) showed that curious people expect to generate closeness during intimate conversations but not during small talk; less curious people anticipated poor outcomes in both situations. We hypothesized that curious people underestimate their ability to bond with unacquainted strangers during mundane conversations. Studies 2 (90 college students) and 3 (106 college students) showed that curious people felt close to partners during intimate and small-talk conversations; less curious people only felt close when the situation offered relationship-building exercises. Surprise at the pleasure felt during this novel, uncertain situation partially mediated the benefits linked to curiosity. We found evidence of slight asymmetry between self and partner reactions. Results could not be attributed to physical attraction or positive affect. Collectively, results suggest that positive social interactions benefit from an open and curious mind-set.
RE‐VISIONING LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES

This article explains why—contrary to predications of influential scholars and foundation representatives in the 1990s—Latin American studies (LAS) entered the new century vibrant and growing rapidly. We posit five realms of critique and innovation from within which, in interaction with traditional strengths of area studies, account for this vibrancy. Because these critiques challenge many inherited premises of LAS, they have faced considerable resistance; the resulting dialogue has made our field more inclusive and stronger. Anthropologists contributed amply to this transformation, which has a parallel within the discipline itself.
Diagnosis of Terra-Cotta Glaze Spalling

One of the most common types of deterioration observed in terra-cotta buildings is glaze spalling. This separation of the hard, fairly impermeable glaze from the underlying clay bisque exposes the clay to water infiltration and accelerated deterioration. The mechanisms responsible for glaze spalling are fabrication defects, incorrect installation, environmental exposure, and improper maintenance. The investigation of glaze spalling consists of a field survey, field tests, and laboratory analysis. Once a diagnosis of the causes is made, appropriate preventive measures can be implemented.
Fluorinated hydrocarbons as MRI contrast agents

MRI contrast agents have been widely used to enhance tumor detection and improve tumor image quality. Particulate MRI contrast agents using conventional proton magnetic resonance imaging have met with limited success. Herein, we report a process to microencapsulate fluorinated hydrocarbons in a biocompatible protein shell and their efficacy as contrast agents for fluorine magnetic resonance imaging (^(19)F MRI).
Studies on DNA Topoisomerase activity during in vitro chromatin assembly

The in vitro assembly of chromatin, promoted by the Xenopus cell-free extract (S-150), can be inhibited by oxolinic acid and to a lesser extent by nalidixic acid. Both of these antibiotics have been shown to block the activity of the specialized type 11 Topoisomerase, bacterial DNA Gyrase. Oxolinic acid induces a DNA cleavage by Micrococcal Nuclease at specific sequences in the multiple cloning vector pGEM-4. Nalidixic acid does not inhibit DNA supercoiling, but does diminish the extent of chromatin formation achieved by the S-150 on circular DNA templates. The Topoisomerase I inhibitor, berenil, does not inhibit extensive chromatin assembly, although it aloes diminish the level of supercoiling. Taken together, these results suggest that both topoisomerases play a role in the assembly process. Topoisomerase I may catalyze both the introduction of unconstrained supercoils into relaxed DNA and the formation of monosomes, while Topoisomerase 11 may promote extended chromatin assembly.
Review: Positive D-dimer results predict recurrence after first unprovoked VTE regardless of test timing or cutpoint, or patient age

Source Citation Douketis J, Tosetto A, Marcucci M, et al. Patient-level meta-analysis: effect of measurement timing, threshold, and patient age on ability of D-dimer testing to assess recurrence ri...
Evaluating the use of neural networks and genetic algorithms for prediction of subgrade resilient modulus

This paper investigates the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) and genetic algorithms to improve the accuracy of the prediction of subgrade resilient modulus (M r) based on soil index properties. Furthermore, it also examines the effect of the accuracy of the M r estimation on the mechanistic empirical pavement design guide (MEPDG) performance prediction. The results of this paper showed that the ANN models had much better prediction of the M r coefficients of subgrade soils than that of the regression models. In addition, the use of the genetic algorithms in the selection of the input variables of the ANN models enhanced the accuracy of the prediction of those models. The results of the MEPDG analyses indicated that the prediction model used to estimate the subgrade M r input value can have a significant effect on the predicted performance of pavements. Furthermore, those results showed that the use of ANN models yielded much more accurate pavement performance prediction than using regression model...
Chimeric Substitutions of the Actin-binding Loop Activate Dephosphorylated but Not Phosphorylated Smooth Muscle Heavy Meromyosin

Abstract Regulatory light chain (RLC) phosphorylation is necessary to activate smooth muscle myosin, unlike constitutively active striated muscle myosins. Here we show that an actin-binding surface loop located at the 50/20-kDa junction contributes to this fundamental difference between myosins. Substitution of the native actin-binding loop of smooth muscle heavy meromyosin (HMM) with that from either skeletal or β-cardiac myosin caused the chimeric HMMs to become unregulated like the myosin from which the loop was derived. Dephosphorylated chimeric HMMs gained the ability to move actin in a motility assay and had 50-70% of the actin-activated ATPase activity of phosphorylated wild-type HMM. Direct binding measurements showed that the affinity of HMM for actin in the presence of MgATP was unaffected by loop substitution; thus the rate of a step other than binding is increased. Phosphorylation of the chimeras did not lead to a higher Vmax than obtained for wild-type HMM. In the absence of actin, a foreign loop did not affect nucleotide trapping. Native regulated molecules have thus evolved a loop sequence which prevents rapid product release by actin when the RLC is dephosphorylated, thereby allowing activity to be controlled by RLC phosphorylation.
Volar tenosynovitis of wrist in rheumatoid arthritis.

The diagnosis of volar synovitis of the wrist in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is described. The patient may present with one or all of the following symptoms: (1) carpal tunnel syndrome, (2) pain and swelling over the volar aspect of the wrist and (3) progressive loss of active flexion of the fingers. Swelling is due to proliferative synovitis. It changes the normal contour of the wrist by accentuating the palmar slope and obliterating the forearm slope. Results of 60 volar tenosynovectomies performed on 52 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were observed for an average follow-up period of 3 1/2 years are described. Good and satisfactory results were obtained in 83% of the patients. The causes of failure are discussed. Early volar tenosynovectomy is indicated for patients who have progressive loss of active finger flexion due to volar tenosynovitis of the wrist.
Systemic lupus erythematosus in two adults with human immunodeficiency virus infection

T WO PATIENTS with strong clinical and serological evidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and renal disease are presented to illustrate the difficulties of correctly diagnosing the underlying nephropathy in the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Although the first patient demonstrated typical changes consistent with SLE nephritis, the renal pathological condition in the second patient was that of collapsing glomerulosclerosis.
Oxide Films Formed on Alloy 600 in Lithiated Water at 25 to 350°C

Abstract Variations in the open-circuit potential, AC impedance, type of semiconductivity, thickness, and chemical composition of oxide films formed on alloy 600 in lithiated water containing dissolved hydrogen were recorded over the 25 to 350°C temperature range. Between 150 and 250°C, each measured property of the oxide film was found to change drastically. Up to about 200°C, alloy 600 exhibited a mixed electrode potential, but behaved as a hydrogen electrode at 250 and 350°C. At 200°C and above, the inner layer of the oxide film was composed of MeO, while the outer layer contained mostly MeOOH or Me(OH)2. AC impedance underwent significant changes above 150°C. Film thickness increased moderately between 25 and 200°C, but more significantly at higher temperatures. At about 250°C, semiconductivity changed from p-type to n-type.
The motion of a single bubble or spike in Rayleigh-Taylor unstable interfaces

Abstract The Rayleigh-Taylor instability in single-bubble systems has been studied by applying the front tracking method to the full two-dimensional Euler equations. The development of the instability is characterized by the penetration of the light (heavy) fluid into the heavy (light) fluid. A dynamic equation is proposed to model such penetrations. Extensive numerical simulations show good aggeement between the analytic results of the dynamical model and the numerical solutions of the full Euler equations. The dependence of the characteristic physical parameters at each development stage of the instability on the density and compressibility of fluids are established for the parameter range studied. The distribution of fluid density has a significant influence on the dynamic behavior of the systems. An exponentially stratified density distribution produces a dramatic effect on the penetration of light fluid into heavy fluid at late times. The proposed dynamic model plays an important rule in the study of chaotic flow in multibubble systems.
On the asymptotic bias and mean squared error of an improved estimator for coefficients in linear regression

Abstract An estimator for regression coefficients of Kadiyala (1984) is considered. It is proved that the estimator is asymptotically unbiased. The asymptotic weak mean squared error of the estimator is also derived and it is proved that, under certain conditions, the estimator dominates a general class of estimators given by Vinod and Ullah (1981).
Determining the solution conformational entropy of oligosaccharides by SEC with on-line viscometry detection.

a b s t r a c t Introduced here is a method for determining the solution conformational entropy of oligosaccharides (−� S) that relies on the on-line coupling of size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), an entropically- controlled separation technique, and differential viscometry (VISC). Results from this SEC/VISC method were compared, for the same injections of the same sample dissolutions and under identical sol- vent/temperature conditions, to results from a benchmark SEC/differential refractometry (SEC/DRI) method which has been applied successfully over the last decade to determining −� S of a variety of mono-, di-, and oligosaccharides. The accuracy (as compared to SEC/DRI) and precision of SEC/VISC were found to be excellent, as was the sensitivity of the viscometer in the oligomeric region. The experi- ments presented here contrast three sets of (1 → 4)-ˇ-d-oligosaccharides, namely manno-, cello-, and N-acetylchitooligosaccharides of degree of polymerization (DP) 2 through 6. For each series, the depen- dence of −� S on DP was found to be monotonic while, between series, differences at each DP could be ascribed to either the additional degrees of freedom imparted by large, multi-atomic substituent groups, or to the presence or absence of additional intramolecular hydrogen bonds, depending on the axial versus equatorial arrangement of particular hydroxyl groups. An hypothesis is advanced to explain the unex- pectedly high sensitivity of viscometric detection for low-molar-mass analytes. The method presented can be extended to the analysis of oligosaccharides other than those studied here. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Effect of extended exposure to grapefruit juice on cytochrome P450 3A activity in humans: comparison with ritonavir.

Background and Objectives Acute ingestion of usual quantities of grapefruit juice produces inhibition of enteric cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A enzymes, causing pharmacokinetic interactions with a number of drugs. However, the effect of extended exposure to grapefruit juice on CYP3A activity is not established. Methods Triazolam, a CYP3A index compound, was administered to 3 cohorts of volunteers (n = 6-7 per group) on 4 occasions (trials 1–4), as follows: 1 day prior to cotreatment initiation, at the beginning and end of cotreatment, and 3 days after cotreatment discontinuation. The 3 cotreatments (daily administration for 10 consecutive days) were: 300 mL grapefruit juice, 400 mg ritonavir, or 300 mL water. Results Grapefruit juice cotreatment (trial 2) increased the triazolam area under the plasma concentration curve by 50% compared to the trial 1 control (15.1 ± 7.6 ng/mL·h versus 10.0 ± 3.5 ng/mL·h, P < .05), but the half-life was not changed. Effects of acute and extended exposure to grapefruit juice (trials 2 and 3) were similar, and produced augmentation in benzodiazepine agonist effects measured by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test and electroencephalographic β amplitude. Kinetic and dynamic effects reverted to baseline (trial 1) values at 3 days after grapefruit juice discontinuation (trial 4). Ritonavir caused a more than 20-fold increase in the triazolam area under the plasma concentration curve during trial 2 (553 ± 422 ng/mL·h) and trial 3 (287 ± 299 ng/mL·h) compared to the trial 1 control (13.3 ± 16.3 ng/mL·h) (P < .05 for both comparisons); Digit Symbol Substitution Test and electroencephalographic pharmacodynamics increased in parallel. During trial 4, triazolam kinetics reverted close to trial 1 values, with no evidence of induction. Triazolam kinetics were not altered by water cotreatment. Conclusion Acute and extended exposure to grapefruit juice produces quantitatively similar inhibition of enteric, but not hepatic, CYP3A. Recovery is complete within 3 days after grapefruit juice discontinuation. Ritonavir greatly inhibits both enteric and hepatic CYP3A. With extended exposure to ritonavir, inhibition is the predominant effect, and recovery to baseline is nearly complete 3 days after ritonavir discontinuation. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2006) 79, 243–254; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2005.11.009
TONGUE MORPHOLOGY AND AFFINITIES OF THE HAWAIIAN HONEYCREEPER MELAMPROSOPS PHAEOSOMA

SUMMARY Melamprosops phaeosoma has a thick straight tongue with an anterior spoon-like trough, but without any indication of a tube. Its hyoid skeleton has an elongated, flattened basihyale, stout parallel paraglossalia and a concavity along the dorsal surface of the ceratobranchiale. All the tongue muscles could be dissected but the superficial M. mylohyoideus and M. serpihyoideus were too damaged to figure and describe. The M. ceratoglossus and the M. hypoglossus obliquus are large; the latter muscle inserts mainly on the basihyale and ceratobranchiale, but a small number of fibres pass beneath the basihylale. The M. hypoglossus anterior is absent. The morphology of the tongue apparatus of Melamprosops is very similar to that of Ciridops and of Loxops and supports placement of Melamprosops in the Drepanididae. Further it suggests that Melamprosops evolved from an ancestor with a tubular tongue, supporting the suggestion that it evolved from Loxops.
Baring and Bearing Life Behind Bars: Pat Graney's “Keeping the Faith” Prison Project

For the past 10 years Seattle-based choreographer Pat Graney has directed “Keeping the Faith” at the Washington State Women’s Correctional Facility. The project provides participants with rare opportunities for self-expression and group cooperation, apparently serving the prison’s stated goal of rehabilitation; but it also offers possibilities for transgression as it extends freedom of movement to highly regulated bodies.
Intrarenal Distribution of Nutrient Blood Flow Determined with Krypton85 in the Unanesthetized Dog

A method has been described for the measurement, by means of Kr85, of intrarenal nutrient blood flow distribution in the unanesthetized dog. Injection of the isotope into the renal artery is followed by a multi-exponential disappearance curve which can be obtained by external monitoring with a scintillation detector. In acute experiments autoradiographs have demonstrated that the first exponential component represents cortical blood flow; the second, outer medullary blood flow : the third, inner medullary blood flow; and the fourth, hilar and perirenal fat blood flow. The average cortical blood flow in 65 experiments in five kidneys of four nnanesthetized dogs was 472 ml/100 g/min, the outer medullary 132 ml/100 g/min, and the inner medullary 17 ml/100 g/min. Eighty per cent of the radioactivity was distributed initially to the cortex, 16% to the outer medulla, and 2% to the inner medulla. The hilar and perirenal fat, which receives approximately 2% of the initial radioactivity, was estimated to have a fl...
A Method of Obtaining the Advantages of I and Q Detection with Direct or Color Difference Type Demodulators

A system for transforming the NTSC color signal into a double sideband subcarrier signal is described in this paper. The system operates to restore the lost upper sidebands of the "I" signal by modulating a double frequency color carrier with the I information. The system has the advantage of being applicable to direct color decoders.
Locke, Shaftesbury, and Hutcheson: Contesting Diversity in the Enlightenment and Beyond

Locke, Shaftesbury, and Hutcheson: Contesting Diversity in the Enlightenment and Beyond. By Daniel Carey. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2006. 276p. $85.00. Daniel Carey rehabilitates a dispute among John Locke, the third Earl of Shaftesbury, and Francis Hutcheson “focused on the problem of diversity and the question of whether any moral consistency could be located in mankind” (p. 1). Shaftesbury and Hutcheson in distinct ways respond to Locke's attack on innateness, the idea that “God had implanted ideas or predispositions in the soul which guided the moral actions and beliefs of mankind” (p. 51). Shaftesbury and Hutcheson do so by evoking a “Stoic conception which saw nature as a fund of normative ideas, predispositions, or prolepses that embraced benevolence, sociability, disinterested affection, and the divine, explaining our attachments to friend, family, and nation” (p. 200).
Stimulus variability and processing dependencies in speech perception.

Processing dependencies in speech perception between voice and phoneme were investigated using the Garner (1974) speeded classification procedure. Variability in the voice of the talker and in the cues to word-initial consonants were manipulated. The results showed that the processing of a talker’s voice and the perception of voicing are asymmetrically dependent. In addition, when stimulus variability was increased in each dimension, the amount of orthogonal interference obtained for each dimension became significantly larger. The processing asymmetry between voice and phoneme was interpreted in terms of a parallel-contingent relationship of talker normalization processes to auditory-to-phonetic coding processes. The processing of voice information appears to be qualitatively different from the encoding of segmental phonetic information, although they are not independent. Implications of these results for current theories of speech perception are discussed.
Solving linear equations using residue arithmetic — Algorithm II

In a previous paper, which appeared in two parts, Algorithm I was described. (See [1] and [2] for details). Algorithm II differs from Algorithm I in that the Chinese Remainder Theorem is not used whenever it is necessary to reconstruct a unique integer from its residue representation. Instead, the residue representation is converted to asymmetric residue representation and then the symmetric residue representation is converted to its associatedsymmetric mixed-radix representation, from which the unique integer can be reconstructed in an easy manner. This procedure has advantages over the procedure using the Chinese Remainder Theorem.
In my car the brake is on the right: pedal errors among older drivers.

PURPOSE: To assess to what extent specific cognitive functions contribute to pedal errors among older drivers. METHODS: 180 subjects aged 65 and older completed a 30min driving evaluation on a simulator as well as three cognitive tests, the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), the Clock Drawing Test, and Trailmaking Part A and B. Analyses based on logistic regressions were performed using age, gender, MMSE, Trailmaking Part A and B, and Clock Drawing Test as independent variables. RESULTS: Results indicate that Clock Drawing is the best predictor of pedal errors (odds ratio=10.04, p /=84 (odds ratio 6.10, p<.05, 95% CI: 1.77, 21.03). In contrast, Trailmaking Part A and B, gender, and the MMSE were not significantly related to pedal errors. CONCLUSION: Executive dysfunction may be an important contributor to pedal errors and thus unsafe driving. Practitioners may wish to consider measures of executive function when evaluating patients for driving safety. Language: en