cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physiological abnormalities in hemifacial spasm studied during microvascular decompression operations.

Abstract The pathophysiology of hemifacial spasm was studied using electrophysiologic recordings made during neurosurgical operations to relieve it by microvascular decompression of the facial nerve near its entrance into the brain stem. Electrical stimulation of the temporal or the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve resulted in a response not only from the muscles that were innervated by the branch of the facial nerve that was stimulated, but also from other muscles, as evidenced by EMG recordings. This “lateral spread” of antidromic activity was facilitated by stimulation at a high rate (50 pps): the response increased five- to tenfold within a few seconds. When the repetition rate was reduced to the initial low stimulus rate (2 to 5 pps), facilitation continued for periods lasting from a few seconds to several minutes. The amplitude of the response of the supraorbital reflex (blink reflex), which can be elicited in patients with hemifacial spasm intraoperatively on the affected side despite the use of inhalation anesthesia, also increased after brief stimulation at a high rate (50 pps). After the facial nerve had been decompressed, both the lateral spread response and the blink reflex response were absent. These results support the hypothesis that hemifacial spasm is the result of hyperexcitability of the facial motor nucleus and facilitation of cross-transmissions between cells in the nucleus that innervate different parts of the face.
Failure of dipyridamole (Persantin) in reducing the infarct size following experimental coronary occlusion.

This study examined the systemic and coronary hemodynamic effects of dipyridamole on experimental myocardial infarcts. Electrograms were recorded from the left ventricular surface 15min. after ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Average ST segment elevation and number of sites with ST segment elevation greater than 2mV., indices of the magnitude and extent of acute myocardial ischemic injury, were increased in 9 dogs following intravenous infusion of dipyridamole (0.01-0.05mg./Kg./mm.) from 4.6±0.3 (Mean value±SEM) during control simple occlusion to 6.8±0.9mV. (p<0.025), and 6.2±0.6 to 8.1±1.2 (p<0.05), respectively. This was accompanied by significant decreases in mean blood pressure from 105±5 to 79±6mm.Hg (p<0.025) and in mean value of coronary perfusion pressure index (Mean blood pressure×Heart rate×Diastolic duration in aortic pressure) from 4, 100±180 to 3, 130±210mm.Hg sec./min. (p<0.01), respectively. Coronary blood flow measured by a flow probe applied around the root of the circumflex coronary artery was markedly increased from the mean value of 115±6 during control occlusion to 284±45 (arbitrary unit, p<0.01).Thus, we concluded that dipyridamole does have deleteriou effects on acute myocardial ischemic injury by reducing coronary perfusion pressure which importantly influence the blood supply to the ischemic zone of myocardium, in spite of augmented total coronary blood flow.
Stroke Secondary to Neurosyphilitic Vasculitis in an HIV/AIDS Patient (P01.251)

Objective: To describe a case of CNS Syphilis as a cause of large-vessel stroke in a newly-diagnosed HIV/AIDS patient. Background Occlusive vessel disease in young patients is usually secondary to hypercoagulability risk factors. However, CNS infections (including viral, bacterial, fungal, spirochete) can also present with similar findings. If not correctly identified and treated, such infections lead to significant morbidity and mortality. CNS syphilis has been associated with perivascular inflammation, cerebrovascular thrombosis, vessel occlusion, ischemia and infarction. Here we report the successful and timely treatment of a young patient who presented with a large vessel stroke, with eventual diagnosis of CNS syphilis. Design/Methods: Case Report. Results: A 33-year old man with recent diagnosis of HIV/AIDS presented to the emergency department with a 2-month history of personality change, depression, and new-onset syncope. Examination revealed fluctuating mental state, left-sided weakness, left hemi-neglect and right-gaze deviation. MRI brain revealed a right MCA distribution infarct. MRA revealed complete occlusion of the right MCA, and stenosis of the right proximal ICA. Laboratory examination revealed a low CD4 count of 42, HIV viral load of ∼1 million copies, positive serum RPR, elevated ESR (141 mm/hr) and CRP (3.4). CSF studies revealed 2 WBC, 10 RBC, normal glucose, and elevated protein. CSF VDRL and FTA tests were positive. A diagnosis of neurosyphilitic vasculitis was made. Upon treatment with Penicillin G for 14 days, the patient9s symptoms improved significantly. Conclusions: Here we present a case of a young man without any hypercoagulability risk factors, with HIV/AIDS, with occlusive large vessel infarcts secondary to syphilitic infection. Our case highlights the need for detailed evaluation of etiologies underlying large vessel strokes (including CSF), when such unusual stroke findings are present, so that appropriate and early treatment can be initiated. Disclosure: Dr. Rickard has nothing to disclose. Dr. Iyadurai has nothing to disclose.
Effects of shot‐peening intensity on fretting fatigue crack‐initiation behaviour of Ti–6Al–4V

The effects of shot-peening intensity on fretting fatigue crack-initiation behaviour of titanium alloy, Ti-6Al-4V, were investigated. Three intensities, 4A, 7A and 10A with 100% surface coverage, were employed. The contact geometry involved a cylinder-on-flat configuration. Residual stress and improvement in fretting fatigue life were directly related to shot-peening intensity. The magnitude of compensatory tensile stress and its location away from the contact surface increased with increasing intensity. The relaxation of residual stress occurred during fretting fatigue which increased with increasing the number of cycles. An analysis using a critical plane-based fatigue crack-initiation model showed that stress relaxation during the fretting fatigue affects life and location of crack initiation. Greater relaxation of the residual stress caused greater reduction of fatigue life and shifted the location of crack initiation from inside towards the contact surface. Modified shear stress range (MSSR) parameter was able to predict fretting fatigue crack-initiation location, which agreed with the experimental counterparts. Also, the computed parameter showed an appropriate trend with the experimental observations of the measured fretting fatigue life based on the shot-peening intensity.
Is It Time for “Baby-Friendly” Pediatric Hospitals?:

Because pediatric hospitals provide care for infants and children, a baby-friendly environment must be in place to help support both the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding. Many opportunities exist for the pediatric practitioner and other staff members to assist mothers of pediatric patients to achieve and continue successful breastfeeding. Pediatric hospitals must ensure an environment that protects breastfeeding for established breastfeeding dyads, and also take steps to assist in the initiation of the breastfeeding relationship when the infant presents in the newborn period. Without support from the entire healthcare team that cares for women and children, the 2020 US goals for breastfeeding cannot be attained. Many have outlined ways in which this mission can be carried out in pediatric facilities, and these ideas are utilized in suggesting a plan for use in pediatric environments modeled after the “10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding,” as outlined in the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative b...
Error-bounded reduction of triangle meshes with multivariate data

Interactive visualization is complicated by the complexity of the objects being visualized. Sampled or computed scientific data is often dense, in order to capture high frequency components in measured data or to accurately model a physical process. Common visualization techniques such as isosurfacing on such large meshes generate more geometric primitives than can be rendered in an interactive environment. Geometric mesh reduction techniques have been developed in order to reduce the size of a mesh with little compromise in image quality. Similar techniques have been used for functional surfaces (terrain maps) which take advantage of the planar projection. We extend these methods to arbitrary surfaces in 3D and to any number of variables defined over the mesh by developing a algorithm for mapping from a surface mesh to a reduced representation and measuring the introduced error in both the geometry and the multivariate data. Furthermore, through error propagation, our algorithm ensures that the errors in both the geometric representation and multivariate data do not exceed a user-specified upper bound.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Inoculation and acquisition of maize bushy stunt mycoplasma by its leafhopper vector Dalbulus maidis

Summary Maize bushy stunt mycoplasma (MBSM), a mycoplasma-like organism, is transmitted in a persistent manner by the corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis, to maize (Zea mays). The influence of the duration of acquisition access and inoculation access periods on the transmission of MBSM by D. maidis was investigated. The proportion of plants infected by D. maidis increased significantly from 0 to 0.51 as the inoculation access time to a plant increased from 10 min to 72 h (X2= 101.5, P < 0.001). Likewise, the proportion of insects acquiring MBSM from infected plants increased from 0 to 0.19 as the acquisition access time to the source plant increased from 10 min to 72 h (X2= 53.2, P < 0.001). The data were fitted to a loglinear regression model. No significant association was found between the sex of the insects and vector ability.
Menkes Copper ATPase (Atp7a) Is a Novel Metal-responsive Gene in Rat Duodenum, and Immunoreactive Protein Is Present on Brush-border and Basolateral Membrane Domains

We previously noted strong induction of genes related to intestinal copper homeostasis (Menkes Copper ATPase (Atp7a) and metallothionein) in the duodenal epithelium of iron-deficient rats across several stages of postnatal development (Collins, J. F., Franck, C. A., Kowdley, K. V., and Ghishan, F. K. (2005) Am. J. Physiol., 288, G964-G971). We now report significant copper loading in the livers and intestines of iron-deficient rats. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that there is increased intestinal copper transport during iron deficiency. We additionally found that hepatic Atp7b gene expression does not change with iron deficiency, suggesting that liver copper excretion is not altered. We have developed polyclonal antibodies against rat ATP7A, and we demonstrate the specificity of the immunogenic reaction. We show that the ATP7A protein is present on apical domains of duodenal enterocytes in control rats and on brush-border and basolateral membrane domains in iron-deprived rats. This localization is surprising, as previous in vitro studies have suggested that ATP7A traffics between the trans-Golgi network and the basolateral membrane. We further demonstrate that ATP7A protein levels are dramatically increased in brush-border and basolateral membrane vesicles isolated from iron-deficient rats. Other experiments show that iron refeeding partially corrects the hematological abnormalities seen in iron-deficient rats but that it does not ameliorate ATP7A protein induction, suggesting that Atp7a does not respond to intracellular iron levels. We conclude that ATP7A is involved in copper loading observed during iron deficiency and that increased intestinal copper transport is of physiological relevance, as copper plays important roles in overall body iron homeostasis.
cMonkey2: Automated, systematic, integrated detection of co-regulated gene modules for any organism

The cMonkey integrated biclustering algorithm identifies conditionally co-regulated modules of genes (biclusters). cMonkey integrates various orthogonal pieces of information which support evidence of gene co-regulation, and optimizes biclusters to be supported simultaneously by one or more of these prior constraints. The algorithm served as the cornerstone for constructing the first global, predictive Environmental Gene Regulatory Influence Network (EGRIN) model for a free-living cell, and has now been applied to many more organisms. However, due to its computational inefficiencies, long run-time and complexity of various input data types, cMonkey was not readily usable by the wider community. To address these primary concerns, we have significantly updated the cMonkey algorithm and refactored its implementation, improving its usability and extendibility. These improvements provide a fully functioning and user-friendly platform for building co-regulated gene modules and the tools necessary for their exploration and interpretation. We show, via three separate analyses of data for E. coli, M. tuberculosis and H. sapiens, that the updated algorithm and inclusion of novel scoring functions for new data types (e.g. ChIP-seq and transcription factor over-expression [TFOE]) improve discovery of biologically informative co-regulated modules. The complete cMonkey2 software package, including source code, is available at https://github.com/baliga-lab/cmonkey2.
Structural Similarity Regularization of X-Ray Transport of Intensity Phase Retrieval

We demonstrate a method for compressive phase retrieval in a microfocus X-ray system. This is achieved through a regularized solver for the transport of intensity equation, maximizing structural similarity between the intensity and phase images.
Maternal responsiveness to infant affect: Stability and prediction

In two short-term longitudinal studies, infant expressivity and maternal responsiveness to infant expressivity were examined. In Study 1, thirty-eight dyads visited a laboratory at 11 and 12 months; in Study 2, seventy-seven dyads were visited in their homes at 9 and 13 months. Mother-infant interaction was coded from videotapes of free play in both studies. Infant expressivity and maternal responsiveness to infant expressivity were stable after the contributions of the other partner were considered. Infant expressivity at 13 months was influenced by 9-month and 13-month maternal responsiveness to infant expressivity. Predictive relations from 9 to 13 months, however, were attenuated when stability in maternal responsiveness was considered, indicating that consistency in maternal responsiveness over time influences later infant expressivity. Maternal responses that matched infant affect were more stable and more predictive of infant expressivity than nonmatching responses, suggesting that matching responses may play a distinctive role in the development of infant expressivity.
The Bezold-Jarisch reflex revisited: Clinical implications of inhibitory reflexes originating in the heart

The concept of depressor reflexes originating in the heart was introduced by von Bezold in 1867 and was later revived by Jarisch. The Bezold-Jarisch reflex originates in cardiac sensory receptors with nonmyelinated vagal afferent pathways. The left ventricle, particularly the inferoposterior wall, is a principal location for these sensory receptors. Stimulation of these inhibitory cardiac receptors by stretch, chemical substances or drugs increases parasympathetic activity and inhibits sympathetic activity. These effects promote reflex bradycardia, vasodilation and hypotension (Bezold-Jarisch reflex) and also modulate renin release and vasopressin secretion. Conversely, decreases in the activity of these inhibitory sensory receptors reflexly increase sympathetic activity, vascular resistance, plasma renin activity and vasopressin. Long regarded as pharmacologic curiosities, it is now clear that reflexes originating in these inhibitory cardiac sensory receptors are important to the pathophysiology of many cardiovascular disorders. This paper reviews the role of inhibitory cardiac sensory receptors in several clinical states including 1) bradycardia, hypotension and gastrointestinal disorders with inferoposterior myocardial ischemia and infarction, 2) bradycardia and hypotension during coronary arteriography, 3) exertional syncope in aortic stenosis, 4) vasovagal syncope, 5) neurohumoral excitation in chronic heart failure, and 6) the therapeutic effects of digitalis.
EFFECTS OF DIFFUSE BACKGROUND EMISSION AND SOURCE CROWDING ON PHOTOMETRIC COMPLETENESS IN SPITZER SPACE TELESCOPE IRAC SURVEYS: THE GLIMPSE CATALOGS AND ARCHIVES

We characterize the completeness of point source lists from Spitzer Space Telescope surveys in the four Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) bandpasses, emphasizing the Galactic Legacy Infrared Mid-Plane Survey Extraordinaire (GLIMPSE) programs (GLIMPSE I, II, 3D, 360; Deep GLIMPSE) and their resulting point source Catalogs and Archives. The analysis separately addresses effects of incompleteness resulting from high diffuse background emission and incompleteness resulting from point source confusion (i.e., crowding). An artificial star addition and extraction analysis demonstrates that completeness is strongly dependent on local background brightness and structure, with high-surface-brightness regions suffering up to five magnitudes of reduced sensitivity to point sources. This effect is most pronounced at the IRAC 5.8 and 8.0 μm bands where UV-excited polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emission produces bright, complex structures (photodissociation regions). With regard to diffuse background effects, we provide the completeness as a function of stellar magnitude and diffuse background level in graphical and tabular formats. These data are suitable for estimating completeness in the low-source-density limit in any of the four IRAC bands in GLIMPSE Catalogs and Archives and some other Spitzer IRAC programs that employ similar observational strategies and are processed by the GLIMPSE pipeline. By performing the same analysis on smoothed images we show that the point source incompleteness is primarily a consequence of structure in the diffuse background emission rather than photon noise. With regard to source confusion in the high-source-density regions of the Galactic Plane, we provide figures illustrating the 90% completeness levels as a function of point source density at each band. We caution that completeness of the GLIMPSE 360/Deep GLIMPSE Catalogs is suppressed relative to the corresponding Archives as a consequence of rejecting stars that lie in the point-spread function wings of saturated sources. This effect is minor in regions of low saturated star density, such as toward the Outer Galaxy; this effect is significant along sightlines having a high density of saturated sources, especially for Deep GLIMPSE and other programs observing closer to the Galactic center using 12 s or longer exposure times.
A yield improvement methodology based on logic redundant repair with a repairable scan flip-flop designed by push rule

We propose a yield improvement methodology which repairs a faulty chip due to the logic defect by using a repairable scan flip-flop (R-SFF). Our methodology greatly improves an area penalty, which is a large issue for the logic repair technology in the actual products, by using a repair grouping and a redundant cell insertion algorithm, and by pushing the design rule for the repairable area of R-SFF. Besides, we reduce the number of wire connections around redundant cells compared with the conventional method, by improving the replacement method of the faulty cell by the redundant cell. The proposed methodology reduces total area penalty caused by the logic redundant repair to 3.6%, and improves the yield, that is the number of good chips on a wafer, by 4.7% when the defect density is 1.0[cm-2].
Transmission resonances and zeros in quantum waveguide systems with attached resonators

Transmission phenomena in quantum waveguide structures are studied by examining the transmission amplitude in the complex-energy plane. We find that, similar to double-barrier resonant tunneling, there are transmission poles in the complex-energy plane for quantum waveguide structures which contain quasibound states in attached t-stub resonators. In contrast to double-barrier resonant tunneling, however, we find that the quantum-wire networks also possess transmission zeros (antiresonances), which always occur on the real-energy axis. The existence of transmission zeros is a characteristic feature of a quantum waveguide system with attached resonators, but is absent for double-barrier resonant tunneling, which contains the resonant cavity as part of the transmission channel. We demonstrate that each quasibound state of the resonantly coupled quantum waveguide system leads to a zero-pole pair of the transmission amplitude in the complex-energy plane. The previously noted resonance-antiresonance behavior of the transmission probability, which leads to its sharp variation as a function of energy, can be understood in terms of these zero-pole pairs.
Prevalence and Natural History of Alcoholic Liver Disease

Abstract Alcoholic liver disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among people who drink excessive amounts of alcohol. There is a spectrum of liver injury that ranges from steatosis to varying stages of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis, with subsequent risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. Steatohepatitis can occur at any stage of disease.
Synchronizing Small Data in a big world

Distributed databases have received a tremendous amount of attention in recent years due to the explosive growth in data facilitated by the Internet. This trend has further accelerated with the emergence of easy to use “Big Data” processing techniques such as Map/Reduce in combination with infrastructure and platform as a service offerings such as AmazonWeb Services. Distributed databases have tended to focus on partitioning and replicating data across a cluster, since that is the most common inhibitor to scalability. However, there are cases where the data is relatively bounded and has higher availability requirements such as very low latency, which has not been so thoroughly studied. In this paper we investigate the scalability properties of “Small Data”, in which a large set of small values needs to be globally replicated with latency dominating consistency requirements.
Dishevelled3 is a novel arginine methyl transferase substrate

Dishevelled, a phosphoprotein scaffold, is a central component in all the Wnt-sensitive signaling pathways. In the present study, we report that Dishevelled is post-translationally modified, both in vitro and in vivo, via arginine methylation. We also show protein arginine methyl transferases 1 and 7 as the key enzymes catalyzing Dishevelled methylation. Interestingly, Wnt3a stimulation of F9 teratocarcinoma cells results in reduced Dishevelled methylation. Similarly, the methylation-deficient mutant of Dishevelled, R271K, displayed spontaneous membrane localization and robust activation of Wnt signaling; suggesting that differential methylation of Dishevelled plays an important role in Wnt signaling. Thus arginine methylation is shown to be an important switch in regulation of Dishevelled function and Wnt signaling.
Model for the Precambrian evolution of the Avalon terrane in southern New Brunswick, Canada

The tectonostratigraphic record of the Avalon terrane in southern New Brunswick is interpreted as that of a Wilson cycle that followed the Grenvillian and preceded the opening of lapetus. Development of a late Precambrian continental shelf is attributed to the ?Cadomian ocean whose initial subduction at ∼800 Ma led to platform collapse, regional metamorphism, and minor mafic to ultramafic plutonism, in response to back-arc extension and crustal separation. Oblique subduction of the resulting back-arc basin at ∼600–630 Ma produced calcalkaline plutonism and cogenetic volcanism that ended in dextral transtension and the emplacement of a bimodal dike complex. Initial rifting of lapetus, which isolated this record from cratonic North America, is recorded in Eocambrian redbeds and bimodal volcanics and produced a Cambro-Ordovician overlap sequence bearing Acado-Baltic fauna.
The relation between human fetal mouth opening reflexes and closure of the palate

The status of the palatal shelves of shelves of human fetuses (before, during and after palatal shelf elevation) was correlated with mouth opening reflexes recorded cinematographically by Doctor Davenport Hooker for many of the same fetuses. Some deductions and conclusions follow. Mouth opening reflexes begin before palatal shelf elevation and are a significant factor in tongue withdrawal from between the vertical shelves through traction resulting from mandibular depression. (2) The upward pull on the palatal shelves created by differences in pressure between the closed nasal area and the oral region when the tongue is withdrawn (epithelial plugs fill external nares completely) is an active force for palatal shelf elevation. (3) Palatal shelf movements are variable in character and closure sometimes results in the shelf borders enfolding each other. (4) On mouth closure, pressure on the shelves by the tongue and the amniotic fluid entering the mouth helps maintain shelf position before fusion. (5) Human palatal shelf elevation without shelf contact in the midline is not necessarily part of normal closure, but, especially if the shelves are far apart, a stage in cleft palate formation. (6) Increased mandibular growth follows rather than precedes tongue withdrawal. Other factors influencing closure are discussed.
A theoretical approach for predicting AC-induced corrosion

Abstract A model that considers both anodic dissolution and cathodic reduction for corrosion of materials under superimposed sinusoidal voltages has been proposed and developed. A closed form solution permits the estimation of the corrosion current and corrosion potential. The corrosion current is found to increase with the peak voltage of the applied signal. For a constant value of the anodic Tafel slope, a decrease in the cathodic Tafel slope results in higher corrosion current. The corrosion potential is found to be a function of the absolute ratio of the anodic Tafel slope to the cathodic Tafel slope ( r ). For r less than and greater than unity, an increase in the peak voltage results in more active and more noble corrosion potential, respectively, than its DC corrosion potential. Assumptions inherent and the limitations of the model are also discussed in the paper.
Dendritic vulnerability in neurodegenerative disease: insights from analyses of cortical pyramidal neurons in transgenic mouse models.

In neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, neuronal dendrites and dendritic spines undergo significant pathological changes. Because of the determinant role of these highly dynamic structures in signaling by individual neurons and ultimately in the functionality of neuronal networks that mediate cognitive functions, a detailed understanding of these changes is of paramount importance. Mutant murine models, such as the Tg2576 APP mutant mouse and the rTg4510 tau mutant mouse have been developed to provide insight into pathogenesis involving the abnormal production and aggregation of amyloid and tau proteins, because of the key role that these proteins play in neurodegenerative disease. This review showcases the multidimensional approach taken by our collaborative group to increase understanding of pathological mechanisms in neurodegenerative disease using these mouse models. This approach includes analyses of empirical 3D morphological and electrophysiological data acquired from frontal cortical pyramidal neurons using confocal laser scanning microscopy and whole-cell patch-clamp recording techniques, combined with computational modeling methodologies. These collaborative studies are designed to shed insight on the repercussions of dystrophic changes in neocortical neurons, define the cellular phenotype of differential neuronal vulnerability in relevant models of neurodegenerative disease, and provide a basis upon which to develop meaningful therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing, reversing, or compensating for neurodegenerative changes in dementia.
The chemical bases of the various AIDS epidemics: recreational drugs, anti-viral chemotherapy and malnutrition

In 1981 a new epidemic of about two-dozen heterogeneous diseases began to strike non-randomly growing numbers of male homosexuals and mostly male intravenous drug users in the US and Europe. Assuming immunodeficiency as the common denominator the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) termed the epidemic, AIDS, for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. From 1981-1984 leading researchers including those from the CDC proposed that recreational drug use was the cause of AIDS, because of exact correlations and of drug-specific diseases. However, in 1984 US government researchers proposed that a virus, now termed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is the cause of the non-random epidemics of the US and Europe but also of a new, sexually random epidemic in Africa. The virus-AIDS hypothesis was instantly accepted, but it is burdened with numerous paradoxes, none of which could be resolved by 2003: Why is there no HIV in most AIDS patients, only antibodies against it? Why would HIV take 10 years from infection to AIDS? Why is AIDS not self-limiting via antiviral immunity? Why is there no vaccine against AIDS? Why is AIDS in the US and Europe not random like other viral epidemics? Why did AIDS not rise and then decline exponentially owing to antiviral immunity like all other viral epidemics? Why is AIDS not contagious? Why would only HIV carriers get AIDS who use either recreational or anti-HIV drugs or are subject to malnutrition? Why is the mortality of HIV-antibody-positives treated with anti-HIV drugs 7–9%, but that of all (mostly untreated) HIV-positives globally is only 1–4%? Here we propose that AIDS is a collection of chemical epidemics, caused by recreational drugs, anti-HIV drugs, and malnutrition. According to this hypothesis AIDS is not contagious, not immunogenic, not treatable by vaccines or antiviral drugs, and HIV is just a passenger virus. The hypothesis explains why AIDS epidemics strike non-randomly if caused by drugs and randomly if caused by malnutrition, why they manifest in drug- and malnutrition-specific diseases, and why they are not self-limiting via anti-viral immunity. The hypothesis predicts AIDS prevention by adequate nutrition and abstaining from drugs, and even cures by treating AIDS diseases with proven medications.
Crystal Methamphetamine, Its Analogues, and HIV Infection: Medical and Psychiatric Aspects of a New Epidemic

The use of the recreational drug crystal methamphetamine among younger homosexual men is expanding, and with it, unsafe sex behaviors that increase the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This article reviews available literature on the medical and psychiatric morbidities associated with methamphetamine abuse in HIV-infected patients. Medical complications include hypertension, hyperthermia, rhabdoymyolysis, and stroke. One fatal case of ingestion of methamphetamine with HIV medication has been documented. Two fatal cases of ingestion of HIV medication with the amphetamine analogue n-methyl-3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or "ecstasy") have also been reported. Some molecular researchers suggest that dopaminergic systems are vulnerable to the combined neurotoxicity of HIV infection and methamphetamine. Population surveys indicate high rates of HIV infection among methamphetamine abusers and high rates of unprotected anal intercourse during drug intoxication. Intoxication can sometimes produce paranoia, auditory hallucinations, and, occasionally, violent behavior. Amphetamine withdrawal commonly results in symptoms of depression. Methamphetamine is a new challenge related to treatment and prevention of HIV infection.
Expertise and processing distorted structure in chess.

A classic finding in research on human expertise and knowledge is that of enhanced memory for stimuli in a domain of expertise as compared to either stimuli outside that domain, or within-domain stimuli that have been or degraded or distorted in some way. However, we do not understand how the expert brain processes within-domain stimuli that have been distorted enough to be perceived as impossible or wrong, and yet still are perceived as within the domain (e.g., a face with the eyes, nose and mouth in the wrong positions, or a chessboard with pieces placed randomly on the board). Focusing on the domain of chess, we present new fMRI evidence that when experts view such distorted/within-domain stimuli, they engage an active search for structure – a kind of exploratory chunking – that involves a component of a prefrontal-parietal network linked to consciousness, attention and working memory.
Evidence for a magmatic origin for Carlin-type gold deposits: isotopic composition of sulfur in the Betze-Post-Screamer Deposit, Nevada, USA

We report here new sulfur isotope analyses from the Betze-Post-Screamer deposit, the largest Carlin-type gold deposit in the world. Carlin-type deposits contain high concentrations of arsenic, antimony, mercury, tellurium and other elements of environmental interest, and are surrounded by large volumes of crust in which these elements are also enriched. Uncertainty about the source of sulfur and metals in and around Carlin-type deposits has hampered formulation of models for their origin, which are needed for improved mineral exploration and environmental assessment. Previous studies have concluded that most Carlin-type deposits formed from sulfide sulfur that is largely of sedimentary origin. Most of these studies are based on analyses of mineral separates consisting of pre-ore diagenetic pyrite with thin overgrowths of ore-related arsenian pyrite rather than pure, ore-related pyrite. Our SIMS spot analyses of ore-related pyrite overgrowths in the Screamer zone of the Betze-Post-Screamer deposit yield δ34S values of about −1 to 4‰ with one value of about 7‰. Conventional analyses of realgar and orpiment separates from throughout the deposit yield δ34S values of about 5–7‰ with one value of 10‰ in the Screamer zone. These results, along with results from an earlier SIMS study in the Post zone of the deposit and phase equilibrium constraints, indicate that early arsenian pyrite were formed from fluids of magmatic origin with variable contamination from sulfur in Paleozoic sedimentary rocks. Later arsenic sulfides were formed from solutions to which sulfur of sedimentary origin had been added. The presence of Paleozoic sedimentary sulfur in Carlin-type deposits does not require direct involvement of hydrothermal solutions of sedimentary origin. Instead, it could have been added by magmatic assimilation of Paleozoic sedimentary rocks or by hydrothermal leaching of sulfur from wall rocks to the deposit. Thus, the dominant process delivering sulfur, arsenic, gold and mineralizing fluids to Carlin-type systems and their surrounding country rocks was probably separation of fluids from a magmatic source.
Circles, Squares, and Choice: The Effect of Shape Arrays on Uniqueness and Variety Seeking

Abstract Five experiments demonstrate that exposure to novel visual stimulus arrays of geometric shapes affects consumers' real choices among products. The authors first demonstrate that exposure to variety arrays (arrays of differing shapes) increases variety seeking (Study 1). They then show that exposure to uniqueness arrays (e.g., one circle among six squares) increases choice of unique over common objects (Studies 2 and 3) and interacts with chronic need for uniqueness (Study 3). In the final two studies, the authors show that variety and uniqueness arrays activate distinct constructs; specifically, they find no effect of exposure to uniqueness arrays on variety seeking (Study 4a) and no effect of exposure to variety arrays on uniqueness seeking (Study 4b). Taken together, these studies build on the existing literature about nonconscious effects on consumer behavior and choice behavior in particular by showing that consumers' real choices are affected by subtle exposure to novel stimuli that do not h...
Truncated Fast Fourier Transform algorithms

It is well known that the convolution of two signals is equivalent to the multiplication of two polynomials. Fast polynomial multiplication can be implemented by evaluating the two input polynomials at a collection of points, multiplying the polynomial evaluations, and then interpolating the results into the product polynomial. In 2004 and 2005, van der Hoeven introduced algorithms which efficiently evaluate and interpolate a polynomial at certain collections of n &#60; N points which are roots of xN − 1 where N is a power of two. A finite field of characteristic two does not have the necessary properties to use this algorithm. In this paper, we present a generalization of the van der Hoeven algorithms which can also be applied to the finite field case. The generalized algorithms also improve van der Hoeven's presentation to take advantage of a slightly more efficient factorization due to Crandall and Fagin. The evaluation and interpolation problems will be viewed in terms of polynomial rings, building upon previous work by Fiduccia, Martens, and Bernstein.
Performance comparison of geocast routing protocols for a MANET

This work classifies the current geocast routing protocols of a mobile ad hoc network (MANET) into three categories. We then simulate a typical geocast routing protocol in each category. We performed four studies designed to highlight the various strengths and weaknesses of the protocols: node density, traffic/congestion, mobility, and a combination study examining all three parameters together.
A MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY OF THE BLACKBIRDS (ICTERIDAE): FIVE LINEAGES REVEALED BY CYTOCHROME-B SEQUENCE DATA

New World blackbirds (Icteridae) have long served as model systems for stud- ies of avian ecology, evolution, and behavior. However, this work has been conducted in the absence of a strong phylogenetic hypothesis for the group. We sequenced 890 base pairs (bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene for 28 of the 29 icterid genera and subgenera rec- ognized by Blake (1968). We found strong evidence of five lineages of blackbirds: grackles and allies; caciques and oropendolas; orioles; meadowlarks and allies; and a monotypic cup- nesting cacique lineage. However, we found little support for any further structure among these five lineages and no strong evidence supporting icterid monophyly. Our results set the stage for forthcoming work on relationships within lineages and for higher-level studies that address blackbird monophyly and relationships among lineages. Received 9 February 1998,
A nonlinear observer for semidetectable chemical reactions with application to kinetic-rate-constant estimation

In this paper we develop a nonlinear observer to estimate the concentration of reactants in a kinetic network when kinetic rate constants are unknown. When kinetic rate constants are unknown a steady-state error is present in the observer states. We thus develop an augmented observer that accounts for this steady-state error. We demonstrate this technique on numerical examples of increasing complexity, starting with a nominal case and then off-nominal cases, where input and output noise corrupt the available measurements, and finally when a kinetic rate constant evolves periodically over time with unknown dynamics.
Geometry-driven visualization of microscopic structures in biology

There are natural geometric patterns in biology. Tissue layers, for example, differ mainly in the spatial distributions, size and packing of microstructure components such as the red blood cells, nuclei and cytoplasm etc. Expressive visualization by using the N-point correlation functions, involves the discovery of feature spaces that estimate and spatially delineate component distributions unique to a salient tissue. These functions provide feature spaces that are used to set useful transfer functions. We obtain insightful 3D visualizations of the epithelial cell lining in mouse mammary ducts and evolving structures in a zebrafish embryo. These are large datasets acquired from light and confocal microscopy scanners respectively.
Recommendation Systems

A recommendation system tracks past actions of a group of users to make recommendations to individual members of the group. The growth of computer-mediated marketing and commerce has led to increased interest in such systems. We introduce a simple analytical framework for recommendation systems, including a basis for defining the utility of such a system. We perform probabilistic analyses of algorithms within this framework. These analyses yield insights into how much utility can be derived from knowledge of past user actions.
Modeling Images of Natural 3D Surfaces: Overview and Potential Applications

Generative models of natural images have long been used in computer vision. However, since they only describe the statistics of 2D scenes, they fail to capture all the properties of the underlying 3D world. Even though such models are sufficient for many vision tasks, a 3D scene model is needed when it comes to inferring a 3D object or its characteristics. In this paper, we present such a generative model, incorporating both a multiscale surface prior model for surface geometry and reflectance, and an image formation process model based on realistic rendering, that accounts for the physics of image generation. We focus on the computation of the posterior model parameter densities, and on the critical aspects of the rendering. We also discuss how to efficiently invert the model within a Bayesian framework. We present a few potential applications, such as asteroid modeling and planetary topography recovery, illustrated by promising results on real images.
The Basel Process, Financial Stability, and the Age of Turbulence ?

The Basel Process is a key element of the global financial system and a critical force that has been shaping the international financial architecture over the last 80 years. As such it plays an important role in co-ordinating the multilateral eorts of central banks, regulators, supervisors and market participants alike and is thus uniquely geared towards fostering and maintaining financial stability. Giving rise to current global financial turbulence, the recent subprime crisis has subjected the Basel Process to intense internal and external scrutiny. This episode of financial instability might yet prove be one of the most challenging tests for the Basel Process as authorities strive to improve their regulatory frameworks in search of incentives for prudent behaviour.
Differential Production of IL-23 and IL-12 by Myeloid-Derived Dendritic Cells in Response to TLR Agonists

The recently delineated role for IL-23 in enhancing Th-17 activity suggests that regulation of its expression is distinct from that of IL-12. We hypothesized that independent TLR-mediated pathways are involved in the regulation of IL-12 and IL-23 production by myeloid-derived dendritic cells (DCs). The TLR 2 ligand, lipoteichoic acid (LTA), the TLR 4 ligand, LPS, and the TLR 7/8 ligand, resimiquod (R848), induced production of IL-23 by DCs. None of these TLR ligands alone induced significant IL-12 production, except when combined with IFN-gamma or other TLR ligands. Notably, IL-23 production in response to single TLR ligands was inhibited by IL-4. DCs treated with single TLR agonists induced IL-17A production by allogeneic and Ag-specific memory CD4(+) T cells, an effect that was abrogated by IL-23 neutralization. Moreover, these DCs stimulated IL-17A production by tumor peptide-specific CD8(+) T cells. In contrast, DCs treated with dual signals induced naive and memory Th1 responses and enhanced the functional avidity of tumor-specific CD8(+) T cells. These results indicate that distinct microbial-derived stimuli are required to drive myeloid DC commitment to IL-12 or IL-23 production, thereby differentially polarizing T cell responses.
Increased risk of heat waves in Florida: Characterizing changes in bivariate heat wave risk using extreme value analysis

Maximum and minimum daily temperatures from the second half of the 20th century are examined using a high resolution dataset of 833 grid cells across the state of Florida. A bivariate Extreme Value Analysis Point Process approach is used to model characteristics including the frequency, magnitude, duration, and timing of periods or heat waves during which both daily maximum and minimum temperatures exceed their respective 90th percentile thresholds. Variability in heat wave characteristics is examined across the state to give an indication of those areas where heat waves with certain characteristics may be more likely to occur. Changes in heat wave characteristics through time are examined by halving the temperature record and determining changes to heat wave characteristics between the two periods. This exploration of changes in heat wave risk through time gives a possible suggestion of trends in future heat wave risk. Findings indicate that there is considerable spatial variability in heat wave characteristics although heat waves have become increasingly frequent and intense throughout much of the state.
An MLL-SEPT9 fusion and t(11;17)(q23;q25) associated with de novo myelodysplastic syndrome

Rearrangements of the MLL gene at chromosome 11q23 are uncommon in de novo myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Here, we describe molecular findings in a patient with multilineage dysplasia and t(11;17)(q23;q25) who responded to decitabine therapy. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) demonstrated rearrangement of MLL, while RT-PCR analysis and sequencing identified the transcript fusion partner as SEPT9, a member of the septin family of GTPases. MLL-SEPT9 fusion appears to be rare, having been described to date in only seven cases of AML and not, to our knowledge, in MDS. Analysis of MLL-septin family member fusion products such as the one seen here may provide further insights into the etiology of myeloid neoplasia, and MLL-SEPT9 fusion may be worth seeking in other cases of MLL rearrangements with a translocation partner on chromosome 17q.
An Emulsion Polymerization Process for Soluble and Electrically Conductive Polyaniline

A new emulsion process has been developed for the direct synthesis of the emeraldine salt of polyaniline (PANI) that is soluble in organic solvents. The process entails forming an emulsion composed of water, a water soluble organic solvent (e.g., 2-butoxyethanol), a water insoluble organic acid (e.g., dinonylnaphthalene sulfonic acid) and aniline. Aniline is protonated by the organic acid to form a salt which partitions into the organic phase. As oxidant (ammonium peroxydisulfate) is added, PANI salt forms in the organic phase and remains soluble. As the reaction proceeds, the reaction mixture changes from an emulsion to a two phase system, the soluble PANI remaining in the organic phase. With dinonylnaphthalene sulfonic acid (DNNSA) as the organic acid, the resulting product is truly soluble in organic solvents such as xylene and toluene (not a dispersion), of high molecular weight (M{sub w} > 22,000), film forming and miscible with many polymers such as polyurethanes, epoxies and phenoxy resins. As cast, the polyaniline film is only moderately conductive, (10{sup {minus}5} S/cm), however treatment of the film with surfactants such as benzyltriethylammonium chloride (BTEAC) or low molecular weight alcohols and ketones such as methanol and acetone increases the conductivity 2--3 orders of magnitude.