cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anidulafungin: an evidence-based review of its use in invasive fungal infections

INTRODUCTION Anidulafungin is a new echinocandin antifungal agent with indications for use in esophageal candidiasis and candidemia. The mortality and morbidity associated with fungal infections in healthcare facilities necessitates the development of new treatment options for these diseases. AIMS This review assesses the pharmacology and evidence for the use of anidulafungin in the treatment of serious fungal infections. EVIDENCE REVIEW There is substantial evidence that anidulafungin is a potent antifungal agent with activity against a broad range of fungal species. Likewise, evidence supports that anidulafungin is a well-tolerated antifungal agent. Clinical studies provide sufficient evidence for regulatory approval for esophageal candidiasis and candidemia, and limited evidence suggests that anidulafungin may be superior to fluconazole for candidemia and invasive candidiasis. The introduction of anidulafungin into clinical practice adds a third option for therapy in the echinocandin class. Research into its efficacy in other fungal infections is ongoing, and further studies into the impact of anidulafungin on economic outcomes will be beneficial. PLACE IN THERAPY Current evidence supports the use of anidulafungin in the management of candidemia, esophageal candidiasis, and invasive candidiasis, as demonstrated by the successful results in large multicenter clinical trials.
A patient-derived somatic mutation in the epidermal growth factor receptor ligand-binding domain confers increased sensitivity to cetuximab in head and neck cancer

Abstract Background Cetuximab is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-blocking antibody that has been approved for the treatment of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and metastatic colorectal cancer, but no predictive biomarkers of activity have been yet identified. Establishment of such biomarkers will help identify a subset of patients that will benefit from cetuximab therapy. Methods In this paper, we report on a patient with HNSCC who had a complete tumour regression following treatment with cetuximab given as a single agent after initial surgery and radiation therapy. The EGFR protein expression level, the EGFR gene copy number and the EGFR gene sequence were assessed from both normal and tumour tissues. Results Besides protein overexpression and gene amplification in the tumour tissue, sequencing of the EGFR gene from the patient revealed the presence of two somatic mutations, one in the kinase domain (R705G) and the other in the ligand binding domain (P546S). Cells that stably express these EGFR mutants were treated with cetuximab and their sensitivity to the drug was compared to cells expressing the wildtype gene. While P546S mutation sensitised NIH-3T3 cells to cetuximab, R705G had a marginal effect. The double mutant (P546S/R705G) behaved like the P546S mutant, indicating that the mutation in the kinase domain does not contribute to the increased sensitivity to cetuximab. No mutations were found in K-RAS or B-RAF genes and no HPV protein or DNA was detected in the tumour. This is the first report of a somatic mutation in the EGFR ligand binding domain that may contribute to increased sensitivity to cetuximab. Conclusions Our results support a role for the P546S mutation in cetuximab sensitivity. Other factors including EGFR protein high copy number and protein overexpression may have also contributed to the observed response. The severity of a skin rash developed by this patient and its correlation with the antitumour activity does not exclude the involvement of the immune system (i.e. complement-mediated immune response) as well. The occurrence of the P546S mutation needs to be evaluated in HNSCC, as a well as a prospective evaluation of cetuximab anti-tumour activity in patients with tumours harbouring the mutation.
Capture Zone Comparison for Photovoltaic Microgrid-Powered Pump and Treat Remediation

AbstractPump and treat groundwater remediation systems typically rely on utility power to continuously pump contaminated groundwater to an above-ground treatment unit. The use of renewable energy for a pump and treat remediation system reduces the output of harmful greenhouse gases and the need for coal-based utility power. This paper describes a hypothetical renewable energy-powered pump and treat remediation system that uses an off-grid photovoltaic array to power a submersible solar water pump. The pump operates on an intermittent schedule predicted by available solar irradiance. The intermittently operated pump generates an effective capture zone defined by multiple transient capture zones. Effective capture zones are modeled using Visual MODFLOW and MODPATH and compared against a continuously pumped steady-state capture zone. The comparison showed that a renewable energy-powered intermittently pumped remediation system performs 90% as effectively as a utility-powered continuously pumped remediation s...
Elastic bending and water cooling strategies for producing high-quality synchrotron radiation mirrors in silicon

Single crystal silicon has become readily obtainable and relatively inexpensive as a result of the production facilities set up to serve the semiconductor industry. It also has desirable properties for x-ray mirrors; it can be polished to a high degree of smoothness, has good mechanical properties, and high thermal conductivity. Polycrystalline silicon, which has greater mechanical strength, is also available. For these reasons we have used silicon mirrors exclusively at two bending magnet beamlines and one undulator beamline at the Advanced Light Source. We describe here two implementations of silicon mirrors: (1) a fixed radius design for high heat loads, which is side cooled by contacting to a water cooled block with Ga-In eutectic, and (2) designs in which a variable radius and/or an elliptical mirror figure are achieved by elastically bending a flat strip of the appropriate cross-sectional profile. Computed and measured performance figures are presented for each case.
Adsorption Kinetics of Alcohols on Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes : An Ultrahigh Vacuum Surface Chemistry Study

Presented are thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) data of alcohol adsorption on single-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) supported on silica. The adsorption kinetics of methanol, ethanol, propanol, 2-...
Electronic effects in transition metal porphyrins. 10. Effect of ortho substituents on the temperature dependence of the NMR spectra of a series of spin-admixed perchloratoiron(III) tetrakis(2,6- or 2,4,6-phenyl substituted)porphyrinates.

The perchloratoiron(III) complexes of a series of 2,6-disubstituted tetraphenylporphyrin ligands, where the 2,6-phenyl substituents were −H, −F, −Cl, −Br, or −OMe, as well as two 2,4,6-phenyl-substituted complexes, where the substituents were −Me and −OMe, have been investigated as a function of temperature by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Curvature in the 1/T dependence was evident in most cases. Forced linear extrapolation of the temperature dependence observed over the range of the study yielded Curie plots that include negative slopes with very large positive 1/T intercepts (Cl ∼ Br > Me > H) to negative slope with near zero intercept (tri-OMe) to positive slope with very large negative intercept (F, di-OMe). The NMR results were combined with EPR spectroscopic data and curve-fitting procedures based on an expanded Curie law to arrive at a consistent overview of the variety of temperature-dependence behaviors observed. This overview relies upon the premise that, in addition to the ground state observed by EPR ...
The Chitlin' Circuit and the Road to Rock 'n' Roll

Preston Lauterbach, New York: W. W. Norton, 2011, ISBN-10: 0393076520, 338 pp, $26.95 (hardback) Racial segregation in twentieth-century America spawned ghetto housing conditions, inferior educatio...
Rapid recovery of nicotinic receptor-mediated sodium-22 influx following withdrawal from acute or chronic cholinergic stimulation.

1. Acetylcholine receptor-mediated uptake of22Na was studied in PC12 cells and 11-day chick muscle cells maintained in culture and exposed to carbamylcholine. 2. Carbamylcholine caused an initial 22-fold increase in the rate of22Na uptake but this fell to less than twice background after 4–10 min of continuous exposure. The decline reflects receptor desensitization. 3. The effects of acute (10-min) and chronic (10-day) exposure were compared in order to determine whether there was a down-regulation of acetylcholine receptors on chronic exposure to carbamylcholine. No down-regulation was observed on either PC12 or muscle cells. 4. The lack of down-regulation in these nicotinic systems contrasts with results on muscarinic systems and may reflect different roles for these receptor types.
A proposed physician-patient cycle model

Understanding the effect that physician stress and burnout have on patient outcomes is important to improving the quality of care. The physician–patient cycle model documents the virtuous or vicious cycles which can ensue when clinicians deal effectively or ineffectively with stress and burnout. The model starts with excessive stress beginning the physician burnout process. Ineffectual physician responses to burnout, including depersonalizing behaviors, negatively affect the quality of the medical encounter. Poor quality encounters engender low patient satisfaction, poor compliance with medical treatments, and more patient assertiveness. For physicians, these patient attitudes and behaviors may be perceived as patient demands and experienced as additional stressors, perpetuating a vicious cycle. The model contributes to the knowledge base on stress and health by synthesizing various studies that have examined physician stress and burnout as they impact patient outcomes. A major implication is that the well-being of physicians is a key ingredient to the provision of quality medical care. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two virtue ethics and the anthropology of morality

There has been a recent call for an anthropology of morality and a challenge to anthropologists that they have been insufficiently attentive to moral aspects of social life. The new anthropology of morality involves an attempt to modify the legacy associated with Durkheim and the idea of the moral as confined to unreflective norm following. Out of this has emerged a new interest in virtue ethics. In this paper, I examine points of convergence and crucial differences between a ‘first-person’ or ‘humanist’ virtue ethics and a postructural one inspired largely by Foucault. Despite their many convergences, poststructural and first-person versions of virtue ethics make not only distinct but in some cases irreconcilable claims. Instead of rushing to merge these positions, I would urge that we pause to look at how they differ and see why this debate might matter to our own ethnographic enterprises.
World Immune Regulation Meeting (WIRM)--III: special focus on regulatory and effector mechanisms

Immune regulation is one of the most important topics in basic and clinical research, and IL-17-producing T helper cells (Th17) cells and regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are at the forefront of immunological research. The annual World Immune Regulation Meeting gathers some of the best experts in this field, and this year's meeting included presentations on new regulators of Th17 differentiation, novel mechanisms of immunosuppression by Tregs, and innovative systems for the ex vivo generation of Tregs. Novel targets for allergic inflammation were also discussed.
The DFRC Method for Lignin Analysis. 6. A Simple Modification for Identifying Natural Acetates on Lignins

By modifying the derivatization followed by reductive cleavage (DFRC) procedure to be completely acetate-free, the presence and regiochemistry of natural acetates on lignins can be determined. Derivatization is conducted with propionyl bromide in propionic acid instead of acetyl bromide in acetic acid; reductive cleavage uses zinc in propionic acid instead of in acetic acid, and the final derivatization step uses propionic anhydride instead of acetic anhydride. Applying the modified procedure to lignins or cell walls from kenaf bast fibers proved that their lignins are highly γ-acetylated, mainly on syringyl units, supporting results of previous NMR work. Application to isolated hardwood lignins or cell walls confirmed reported low-level acetylation and elucidated its γ-regiochemistry. The DFRC method therefore provides a convenient screen for many types of lignin acylation. Keywords: Lignin; acylation; acetylation; DFRC; lignin acetates; lignin esters; kenaf; Tainung kenaf; aspen
RAPID MANUFACTURING IN THE 21ST CENTURY

ABSTRACT This paper explores ways in which rapid prototyping technologies are evolving into rapid manufacturing technologies. These technologies will bring about an age of fixture-less manufacturing, mass customization, and increasingly distributed manufacturing in the coming years. The layer-based fabrication techniques are fundamentally different from conventional fabrication techniques, and they will significantly affect all phases of product development from initial design through final disposal. The paper describes ways in which rapid manufacturing will affect industrial and manufacturing engineers, and it provides example applications of mass customization.
Ionic plasma oscillations in superionic conductors

Abstract Some superionic conductors behave as if their charge was carried by nearly free charged particles. If this is the case, these free particles should undergo plasma oscillations. The plasma oscillations may already have been observed in superionic AgI and CuI. Similar oscillations might also be observable in ionic liquids such as melted AgI.
The existence of inner invariant means on L∞(G)

The purpose of this paper is to generalize the concepts of amenability for locally compact groups and inner amenability for discrete groups by considering the existence of inner invariant means. Based on this generalization, locally compact groups can be classified as so called [IA] groups or non-[IA] groups. A number of equivalent conditions characterizing [IA] groups are given. Also the possibility of inner invariant extension of the Dirac measure δe is discussed.
Vacuum symmetry and the pseudo-Goldstone phenomenon

In the context of gauge theories with spontaneous symmetry breakdown induced by the Higgs phenomenon, a simple theorem is stated which gives conditions under which pseudo-Goldstone particles may occur. These conditions are broader than the occurrence of accidental symmetry and contain the latter case as a special instance. We analyze an example in which the gross features of the vector- and the scalar-meson mass spectra are determined by quantum effects.
Double-Crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) on the Move in the Beaver Archipelago, Northern Lake Michigan

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) foraging locations in northern Lake Michigan were recorded in 2003 and 2010. In the interim, the invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) appeared in 2006, and control of Double-crested Cormorants was initiated in 2007. Spatial data from 2003 and 2010 were analyzed to determine whether foraging distributions differed between sample periods. A multi-response permutation procedure found that a significant shift in foraging locations occurred between sample periods. Groups of Double-crested Cormorants foraged in the same key locations in both years, but foraging range expanded overall in 2010. Range expansion could be a response to the presence of the round goby, which is an abundant food source throughout Lake Michigan. The 2010 foraging location data corresponded with the early departure of Double-crested Cormorants from the Beaver Archipelago. The combined effects of control and the appearance of round goby in diets resulted in changes in numbers and distributions of foraging Double-crested Cormorants.
The D2 autoreceptor agonists SND 919 and PD 128483 decrease stereotypy in developing rats

Although stereotyped behavior in adult rats is partly regulated by dopamine (DA) D2 autoreceptors, previous attempts to demonstrate D2 autoreceptor regulation of stereotypy in developing rats have been unsuccessful. In the present study, two highly selective D2 autoreceptor agonists were used to demonstrate D2 autoreceptor regulation of spontaneous stereotyped behavior in developing rats. Both SND 919 and PD 128483 produced significant dose-dependent decreases in the stereotypy counts of 21-day-old, 35-day-old, and adult rats. There was a 51% decrease in the stereotypy counts of 21-day-old rats injected with SND 919, 0.05 mg/kg, compared to a 36% decrease in the counts of rats pretreated with haloperidol. Similarly, PD 128483 significantly decreased the stereotypy counts of 21-, 35-day-old, and adult rats in a dose-dependent fashion. There was a 58% decrease in the stereotypy counts of 21-day-old rats injected with PD 128483, 0.1 mg/kg, compared to a 17% decrease in counts when the rats were first treated with haloperidol. The effect of haloperidol plus PD 128483 was significantly different from the effect of PD 128483 alone. Injection of SND 919 or PD 128483 had no significant effects on the stereotypy counts of 10-day-old rats. The results suggest that DA D2 autoreceptor-mediated regulation of spontaneous stereotyped behavior is functional at 21, but not 10, days of age.
A coordinated order-up-to inventory control policy for a single supplier and multiple buyers using electronic data interchange

Abstract One way to reduce inventory related costs is to shorten the time lag in communication and shipment. Electronic data interchange (EDI) is a potential tool that can help achieve this. We develop an analytical model based on a common cycle time approach, for inventory control under stochastic conditions for a vendor and multiple buyers dealing with a single product. The coordination implied by such an approach is facilitated by EDI. We present an iterative algorithm for calculating the operating parameters. We show that implementation of this model can be economically desirable to all parties involved.
Are Interracial Marriages Really Less Stable

There is an insufficiency of demographic knowledge about interracial marriage in the continental United States, and also a contradiction of facts and viewpoints. Without much statistical confirmation it has been argued that mixed-race marriages are and are not increasing, and that Negro-White marriages, in particular, are and are not more stable than homogamous ones. An analysis of a set of data on the State of Iowa covering almost 30 years, although of small size, discloses that mixed Negro marriages have increased in the last decade. The divorce rate for Negro-Negro couples is about twice as high as that for whites. But the divorce ratios of other minority couples, and their mixed marriages with whites, are higher or lower than the average, depending upon the particular minority involved. Most remarkably, the information for Iowa indicates that as regards divorce Negro-white marriages are more stable than Negro-Negro marriages, and Negro husbands with white wives have a lower divorce outcome than do white couples. This content downloaded from 207.46.13.191 on Mon, 01 Aug 2016 05:20:53 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
DEVELOPMENT OF A TROPICAL FISH ASSAY FOR SAXITOXIN

The tropical fish Notropis atherimoldes (0.2–0.4 g) was found to be highly sensitive to saxitoxin (STX) and well-suited for use in the biological estimation of saxitoxin. STX in distilled water at a concentration of 3.3 ng/mL resulted in a paralytic end-point being reached in 17.5 min. The assay is ideally suited for initially detecting the presence of paralytic shellfish toxins in bacterial culture supernates.
Descriptive findings from analysis of a large database of cattle worm egg count and larval culture results collected across Australia between 2002 and 2012.

Abstract Results from worm egg counts (WECs) of cattle from across Australia over an 11 year period have been analysed to provide contemporary data on WEC and worm genus distribution in Australian cattle. A sampling kit consisted of ten sample containers. Faecal samples were collected into each sampling kit from groups of cattle and WEC and larval cultures were conducted using standard procedures. A submission form was completed for each kit with data requested including date of sampling, property address, age, average estimated weight and production type of cattle, last drench used and date of drenching. Regional analysis was done by postcode region and postcode regions were grouped into bioclimatic regions. A total of 5069 submissions were received from 2002 to the end of 2012 representing over 50,000 individual faecal samples. Seventy-seven percent of cattle sampled were no more than 2 years of age with the remainder representing a range of age groups. Samples were collected from all of the significant cattle producing regions of Australia. There was a tendency for higher geometric mean WEC in cattle in northern Australia and in high rainfall areas along the east coast of Australia. Geometric mean WEC for bioclimatic regions varied seasonally with a peak in autumn in regions with summer dominant rainfall, but little seasonal variation in regions with winter dominant rainfall patterns. Worm genera cultured varied throughout Australia with Cooperia spp. being most prevalent across the country, followed by Haemonchus spp. and Oesophagostomum spp. in summer rainfall dominant regions and Ostertagia spp. and Trichostrongylus spp. in winter rainfall regions. In the coastal, tablelands, and temperate rangelands regions of NSW, Haemonchus spp. were as prevalent as Cooperia spp. during autumn months and levels of Haemonchus spp. found in south-western Western Australia were higher than previously documented. These data provide an up-to-date summary of internal parasites in Australian cattle. Regional differences in WEC between northern and southern Australia are evident and should be further explored. These data suggest that there has been a move to Cooperia spp. being the predominant worm genus in Australian cattle, with increasing levels of Haemonchus spp. being evident in southern temperate regions of Australia.
Position indicating split toroid for the RACE experiment

Aspects of the recent reactor accelerator coupled experiments (RACE) carried out at the University of Texas Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory will be discussed. In particular, a compact instrument that allowed a continuous non-invasive means of determining the relative electron beam position was developed. The operation of the instrument is similar to an inductive current pick up toroid except that the core is sectioned radially, which allows spatial information to be derived from the induced voltages. Results of initial tests, both in beam and with a pulser, will be presented along with plans to optimize future designs.
Being, Doing, and Becoming: Textual Interpretations of Social Identity and a Case Study

The study of social identity can unlock many features of local culture. This article presents a theoretical model of social identity as a pragmatic text iterated within routine social interaction. ...
Effects of oral glutamine supplementation on exercise-induced gastrointestinal permeability and tight junction protein expression.

The objectives of this study are threefold: 1) to assess whether 7 days of oral glutamine (GLN) supplementation reduces exercise-induced intestinal permeability; 2) whether supplementation prevents...
Direct observation of toughening mechanisms in carbon nanotube ceramic matrix composites

The excellent mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTS) are driving research into the creation of new strong, tough nanocomposite systems. Here, the first evidence of toughening mechanisms operating in carbon-nanotube-reinforced ceramic composites is presented. A highly ordered array of parallel multiwall CNTs in an alumina matrix was fabricated. Nanoindentation introduced controlled cracks and the damage was examined by scanning electron microscopy. These nanocomposites exhibit the three hallmarks of toughening found in micron-scale fiber composites: crack deflection at the CNT/matrix interface; crack bridging by CNTs; and CNT pullout on the fracture surfaces. Interface debonding and sliding can thus occur in materials with microstructures approaching the atomic scale. Furthermore, for certain geometries a new mechanism of nanotube collapse in "shear bands" occurs, rather than crack formation, suggesting that these materials can have multiaxial damage tolerance. The quantitative indentation data and computational models are used to determine the multiwall CNT axial Young's modulus as 200-570 GPa, depending on the nanotube geometry and quality. Three-dimensional FEM analysis indicates that matrix residual stresses on the order of 300 MPa are sustained in these materials without spontaneous cracking, suggesting that residual stress can be used to engineer enhanced performance. These nanoscale ceramic composites thus have potential for toughening and damage tolerance at submicron scales, and so are excellent candidates for wear-resistant coatings. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc.
Behavior: Routines and Bounded Rationality

In An Evolutionary Theory of Economic Change, Nelson and Winter (1982, chap. 1) draw a distinction between behavior responses that are routine, in that they are carried out automatically as a unit without any detailed thought being given to the separate steps involved, and those responses that require periods of deliberation either before they are initiated or during their execution. This dichotomy in behavior, they argue, is a consequence of bounded rationality. Bounded rationality, in their view, does not just give rise to a somewhat flawed version of the behavior one expects from unbounded rationality, but rather it generates a distinctive form of behavior with an inner logic of its own. The theoretical issues raised by Nelson and Winter run deep. At issue is the degree to which a particular response requires only the evaluation of given and known alternatives, in which case “deciding” is a matter of consulting the extant choice set (orthodox theory), or whether the alternatives are not entirely specified, since they may not yet exist or may be insufficiently precise, but will emerge or become clear during the process of “deciding” (evolutionary theory). Orthodox theory, with its emphasis on short-run, static analysis, treats only maximizing choice over an unchanging choice set. Nelson and Winter’s critique of orthodox theory is based on the fact that in the long-run a firm does not face a sharply defined choice set. Without a sharply defined choice set, the conventional maximization hypothesis loses its explanatory force. Nelson and Winter argue that in order to study firms that are undergoing dynamic, evolutionary, and technological changes of the sort described by Schumpeter, new theoretical ground must be broken.
Phytoremediation of Mixed Contaminated Soils: Enhancement with Biochar and Compost Amendments

Pot experiments were conducted to study the effects of biochar and compost amendment on phytoremediation of mixed contaminated soil using sunflower plant, oat plant and rye grass. Mixed contaminated soil was prepared by mixing the soil with 50 mg/kg naphthalene, 100 mg/kg phenanthrene, 500 mg/kg Pb, 50 mg/kg Cd, and 200 mg/kg Cr. One set of experiments with the soil amended with 50 g/kg biochar and another set of experiments with soil amended with 200 g/kg compost were conducted. The amended soils were filled in pots and plants were grown in them for 61 days. Plants grown in uncontaminated-unamended soil and contaminated-unamended soil were taken as controls. The change in growth characteristics of oat plant and rye grass by amendments was not significant. Sunflower had better germination and growth characteristics in amended soil compared to unamended soil. The germination and growth characteristic and biomass of the plants were better in compost-amended soil compared to biochar-amended soils in sunflower plants. Cd and Pb removal from the soil was better for all the plants in the presence of amendments, but Cr removal was unaffected by addition of amendments. In planted soils, PAH concentrations were reduced by the presence of amendments. The results suggest that biochar and compost amendments can improve the plant growth characteristics and enhance phytoremediation of mixed contaminated soils.
Numerical bifurcation analysis of conformal formulations of the Einstein constraints

The Einstein constraint equations have been the subject of study for more than 50 years. The introduction of the conformal method in the 1970s as a parametrization of initial data for the Einstein equations led to increased interest in the development of a complete solution theory for the constraints, with the theory for constant mean curvature (CMC) spatial slices and closed manifolds completely developed by 1995. The first general non-CMC existence result was establish by Holst et al. in 2008, with extensions to rough data by Holst et al. in 2009, and to vacuum spacetimes by Maxwell in 2009. The non-CMC theory remains mostly open; moreover, recent work of Maxwell on specific symmetry models sheds light on fundamental nonuniqueness problems with the conformal method as a parametrization in non-CMC settings. In parallel with these mathematical developments, computational physicists have uncovered surprising behavior in numerical solutions to the extended conformal thin sandwich formulation of the Einstein constraints. In particular, numerical evidence suggests the existence of multiple solutions with a quadratic fold, and a recent analysis of a simplified model supports this conclusion. In this article, we examine this apparent bifurcation phenomena in a methodical way, using modern techniques in bifurcation theory and in numerical homotopy methods. We first review the evidence for the presence of bifurcation in the Hamiltonian constraint in the time-symmetric case. We give a brief introduction to the mathematical framework for analyzing bifurcation phenomena, and then develop the main ideas behind the construction of numerical homotopy, or path-following, methods in the analysis of bifurcation phenomena. We then apply the continuation software package AUTO to this problem, and verify the presence of the fold with homotopy-based numerical methods. We discuss these results and their physical significance, which lead to some interesting remaining questions to investigate further.
An organizational learning approach to domain analysis

As the application of computer technology continues to proliferate and diversify, the identification and understanding of application domains is becoming increasingly important to software development methodologies. Domain analysis techniques have been developed to accumulate and formalize the knowledge necessary for successful software reuse. These techniques have been shown to be useful, but suffer from defining the domain too restrictively, burying important relationships deep in domain taxonomies, and prohibiting flexible identification of domains with common issues. Techniques are needed that dynamically detect recurring patterns of activities in development projects, This paper presents a method for developing and refining the knowledge and experience accumulated by a development organization so it can learn from previous efforts. A case-based repository of project experiences supports the re-use and refinement of domain knowledge to reduce duplicate effort, build on successful efforts, and avoid repeating mistakes in the process of building quality software systems.
Double-window Hodges-Lehman (D) filter and hybrid D-median filter for robust image smoothing

The double window Hodges-Lehman filter (DWD-filter) and a hybrid D-median filter (HDM-filter) for robust image smoothing are proposed. An adaptive mixture of the median and the D-filter, the HDM filter first makes decisions about the presence of edges on the basis of a two-way classification of pixels near and around the pixel to be filtered. Subsequently, straightforward D-filtering is used in the absence of edges, and median filtering is used in the presence of edges. The DWD filter uses two windows and D-filtering. The smaller window is used to preserve the details, then the larger window to provide for sufficient smoothing. Detailed simulation results show that the HDM-filter, while retaining all the good properties of the DWD filter, consistently performs better, in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, than the DWD filter and a number of other filters, including the median filter. The DWD filter is shown to have simpler structure, although not necessarily lesser computational complexity. >
Tuning the electrical conductivity and self-assembly of regioregular polythiophene by block copolymerization: nanowire morphologies in new di- and triblock copolymers.

could self-as-sembleintoanumberofnanoscalemorphologies, such as lamellar, spherical, cylindrical, andvesicularstructures,whichwouldleadtothepossibilitythatnew electronic/structural copolymers could be designed,synthesized, and assembled as components in new nano-devices. Here we present a veryeasysynthetic method toproducealargenumberofwell-definedblockcopolymersandpolyurethane elastomers containing regioregular polythio-phenes. Despite having low percentages of regioregularpolythiophenes, these new copolymers have very high con-ductivities(oftheorderofafewScm
Faculty beliefs about the purposes for teaching undergraduate physical chemistry courses

We report the results of a phenomenographic analysis of faculty beliefs about the purposes for teaching upper-division physical chemistry courses in the undergraduate curriculum. A purposeful sampling strategy was used to recruit a diverse group of faculty for interviews. Collectively, the participating faculty regularly teach or have taught physical chemistry courses in 16 different chemistry departments in the United States. While faculty agreed that the goal of teaching physical chemistry was to help students develop robust conceptual knowledge of the subject matter within thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, chemical kinetics, and other major topics, some articulated strong beliefs about epistemic and social learning goals. An understanding of the relations between different ways of thinking about teaching upper-division physical chemistry courses offers practitioners with alternative perspectives that may help them expand their awareness of the purposes for teaching physical chemistry in the undergraduate curriculum. Furthermore, knowledge of faculty beliefs about their teaching provides educational researchers and curriculum developers with an understanding about the potential opportunities or barriers for helping faculty align their beliefs and goals for teaching with research-based instructional strategies. We discuss our findings with the intention to expand faculty awareness of the discourse on physical chemistry education to include various perspectives of the purpose for teaching upper-division physical chemistry courses.
Family medicine patients who use retail clinics have lower continuity of care.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare continuity of care for family medicine patients using retail medicine clinics to continuity for patients not using retail clinics. Retail medicine ...
Solvent-detergent–treated fresh frozen plasma: A superior alternative to standard fresh frozen plasma?☆

THE USE OF SOLVENT-DETERGENT (SD) technology is not new to transfusion medicine. In the early 1980s, the transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) frequently occurred in hemophiliacs receiving untreated factor VIII concentrates.1,2 In 1985, SDtreated antihemophilic factor was introduced to reduce viral transmission.3-7 Currently, two thirds of antihemophilic factor in the United States is produced using SD technology.8 Since 1985, nearly 6 million units of SD-treated antihemophilic factor have been used in hemophiliacs without transmission of HIV, HBV, or hepatitis C virus (HCV).9-11 In an attempt to reduce viral transmission, the same SD technology has been applied to the manufacture of fresh frozen plasma (FFP). As SD-FFP becomes available through blood banks everywhere, the goal of this article is to explain to anesthesiologists what SD-FFP is and how it differs from standard FFP. This review describes SD technology, including the benefits, safety, risks, indications, limitations, and cost-effectiveness of this newly available blood product.
Carbon monoxide intoxication : An updated review

Carbon monoxide (CO), a highly toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, is a relatively common cause of human injury. Human toxicity is often overlooked because CO is tasteless and odorless and its clinical symptoms and signs are non specific. The brain and the heart may be severely affected after CO exposure with carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels exceeding 20%. Damage occurs because the affinity of hemoglobin for CO is 210 times higher than for O2. Hypoxic brain damage predominates in the cerebral cortex, cerebral white matter and basal ganglia, especially in the globus pallidus. Diagnosis requires clinical acumen and a high index of suspicion, combined with epidemiological data, clinical examination, analysis of ambient air CO and patient COHb levels; also required are cardiology evaluation including ECG as well as neurological evaluation including brain imaging (CT and/or MRI, MR spectroscopy), and neuropsychological testing. Although immediate O2 breathing is sometimes an adequate treatment, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) is favored. Subsequently, only symptomatic therapy is available for the long-term sequelae of CO poisoning. © 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Neurotoxic Effects of Alcohol in Adolescence

This review examines neuroimaging and neurocognitive findings on alcohol-related toxicity in adolescents. Teens who meet criteria for alcohol use disorders, as well as those who engage in subdiagnostic binge drinking behaviors, often show poorer neurocognitive performance, alterations in gray and white matter brain structure, and discrepant functional brain activation patterns when compared to nonusing and demographically matched controls. Abnormalities are also observed in teens with a family history of alcoholism, and such differences in neuromaturation may leave youths at increased risk for the development of an alcohol use disorder or increased substance use severity. More prospective investigations are needed, and future work should focus on disentangling preexisting differences from dose-dependent effects of alcohol on neurodevelopment. Intervention strategies that utilize neuroimaging findings (e.g., identified weaknesses in particular neural substrates and behavioral correlates) may be helpful in both prevention and intervention campaigns for teens both pre- and postinitiation of alcohol use.
The effects of resource availability on alternative mating tactics in guppies ( Poecilia reticulata )

Food availability can influence the optimal allocation of time and energy among alternative behaviors such as foraging, courting, and competing for mates. If populations differ consistently in food availability, selection may cause geographic divergence in allocation strategies. At the opposite extreme, a norm of reaction may evolve such that food intake influences the allocation strategy of individuals in the same way in all populations. Between these two extremes, food intake reaction norms may diverge genetically among populations. For example, at sites where food is scarce, selection may strengthen the effect of food intake on behavior, whereas at sites with abundant food, selection may be weak or even oppose plasticity. We tested these ideas by raising male guppies from streams differing in food availability in a common laboratory environment on either low or high food levels, and then observing them in the presence of male competitors (from the same population and diet group) and receptive females. Males from low-food-availability streams spent more time foraging than males from high-food-availability streams, independent of food intake. Compared with males raised on the high food level, males raised on the low food level spent more time foraging and were less aggressive towards other males. Courtship display rate increased with food intake but only in males from low-food streams. In contrast, males from high-food streams showed greater plasticity with respect to male-male aggression. These results generally support the resource availability/behavioral tradeoff hypothesis while also revealing a surprising degree of ontogenetic complexity in a relatively simple system.
On the Safety and Security of Path Splicing: A Case Study for Path Splicing on the GEANT Network

Path splicing is a proposed routing architecture for the Internet in which end-hosts could change the path their traffic uses by changing a number of bits in the packet header. Path splicing improves the reliability of the network against link failures since it ensures that physically connected links can be discovered and used. To that end, this paper studies the performance of path splicing in non-adversarial and adversarial environments. In a non-adversarial setting, we investigate the implications behind giving the end-hosts the power to select routes in the absence/presence of errors in the probing mechanisms they are employing to infer the state of the network. In an adversarial setting, we examine the extent to which attackers can exploit path splicing to mount attacks that cause a series of route changes by end-hosts in searching for better paths. Our results are derived from real traffic matrices obtained from the GEANT network.
Chandra Observations of the Galactic Center: High Energy Processes at Arcsecond Resolution

About 2 million seconds of Chandra observing time have been devoted to the Galactic Center (GC), including large-scale surveys and deep pointings. These observations have led to the detection of about 4000 discrete X-ray sources and the mapping of diffuse X-ray emission in various energy bands. In this review, I frst summarize general results from recent studies and then present close-up views of the three massive star clusters (Arches, Quintuplet, and GC) and their interplay with the Galactic nuclear environment.
BIOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF PREPARATIONS OF PR8 INFLUENZA VIRUS

The biophysical properties of several preparations of PR8 influenza virus have been studied. Electron micrographs showed slightly irregular, circular particles with an average diameter of 115 mmicro and a standard deviation of the distribution of diameters of 15 per cent. The specific volume was determined with a pycnometer to be 0.79. The sedimentation rate was found to vary inversely with the concentration of virus. The extrapolated value for one preparation was 722 Svedberg units and the value for another preparation was 658 units. Sedimentation studies in sucrose solutions of varying densities showed a non-linear dependence of sedimentation rate upon solvent density, indicating that the density in solution increases with increasing sugar concentration. The virus particles floated in a sugar solution with a density of 1.18. The density in the absence of sucrose was estimated to be about 1.1. The virus was shown not to lose infectivity very rapidly in sucrose solutions. The spreading of the boundary during sedimentation was shown to be represented by a standard deviation of the sedimentation rate equal to 8 per cent of the mean. This corresponds to a distribution of diameters with a standard deviation of 4 per cent of the mean. A more slowly sedimenting component was observed with the ultracentrifuge in the highest concentrations of several of the preparations. The intrinsic viscosities, calculated on the basis of concentrations expressed as grams per cubic centimeter, of several highly purified preparations were determined to be between 11.3 and 16.5. The variation of sedimentation rate with concentration was shown to be due entirely to the variation of solution viscosity with concentration. The viscosity of the virus preparations can be explained as being due in great part to the presence of the slower sedimenting contaminating components which possess a very high intrinsic viscosity. The average particle diameter of the anhydrous PR8 virus particle was calculated from sedimentation and specific volume data to be about 80 mmicro. The discrepancy between this value and that obtained from the electron micrographs, the greater size distribution from the electron micrographs, the slight irregularities in some of the particles as observed in the electron micrographs, the behavior of the sedimentation process in sucrose solutions of different densities, and the inactivation of the virus by withdrawal of electrolytes can all be explained in a straightforward manner if it is assumed that the virus particles in solution contain, in addition to the constituents shown by chemical analysis, about 60 per cent by weight of water. It is estimated that such hydrated virus particles are about 100 mmicro in diameter.
Why the Move to Free Trade? Democracy and Trade Policy in the Developing Countries

Rising international trade flows are a primary component of globalization. The liberalization of trade policy in many developing countries has helped foster the growth of these flows. Preceding and concurrent with this move to free trade, there has been a global movement toward democracy. We argue that these two trends are related: democratization of the political system reduces the ability of governments to use trade barriers as a strategy for building political support. Political leaders in labor rich countries may prefer lower trade barriers as democracy increases. Empirical evidence supports our claim about the developing countries from 1970-1999. Regime change toward democracy is associated with trade liberalization, controlling for many factors. Conventional explanations of economic reform, such as economic crises and external pressures, seem less salient. Democratization may have fostered globalization in this period.
Identifying Coevolving Partners from Paralogous Gene Families

Many methods have been developed to detect coevolution from aligned sequences. However, all the existing methods require a one-to-one mapping of candidate coevolving partners (nucleotides, amino acids) a priori. When two families of sequences have distinct duplication and loss histories, finding the one-to-one mapping of coevolving partners can be computationally involved. We propose an algorithm to identify the coevolving partners from two families of sequences with distinct phylogenetic trees. The algorithm maps each gene tree to a reference species tree, and builds a joint state of sequence composition and assignments of coevolving partners for each species tree node. By applying dynamic programming on the joint states, the optimal assignments can be identified. Time complexity is quadratic to the size of the species tree, and space complexity is exponential to the maximum number of gene tree nodes mapped to the same species tree node. Analysis on both simulated data and Pfam protein domain sequences demonstrates that the paralog coevolution algorithm picks up the coevolving partners with 60% 88% accuracy. This algorithm extends phylogeny-based coevolutionary models and make them applicable to a wide range of problems such as predicting protein-protein, protein-DNA and DNA-RNA interactions of two distinct families of sequences.