cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kaqchikel midwives, home births, and emergency obstetric referrals in Guatemala: contextualizing the choice to stay at home.

Maternal mortality is highest in those countries whose health budgets are restricted. Practical strategies employed in the International Safe Motherhood Initiative, therefore, must be both effective and economical. Investing in emergency obstetric care resources has been touted as one such strategy. This investment aims to insure significant improvements are made in regional health centers, and a chain of referral is put into place so that only problem cases are attended by the most skilled health workers. This article examines how this model of referral functions in Solola, Guatemala, where most Kaqchikel Mayan women give birth at home with a traditional midwife, and no skilled biomedical attendant is available at the birth to make a referral. Ethnographic data is used to explore reasons why women do not go to the hospital at the first sign of difficulty. I argue that the problem frequently is not that Mayan midwives, their clients and families fail to understand the biomedical information about dangers in birth, but rather that this information fails to fit into an already existing social system of understanding birth and birth-related knowledge.
MONOETHYLGLYCINEXYLIDIDE FORMATION: A NOVEL QUANTITATIVE LIVER FUNCTION TEST

Lidocaine is deethylated in the liver to form Monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX) which can be measured by Fluorescent Polarization Immunoassay. In order to determine if MEGX formation can be used as a quantitative liver function test, the MEGX concentration was measured in serum 15 min after lidocaine injection (1mg/kg IV) in 15 controls and in 40 patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Salivary MEGX concentration was measured (at 15 and 30 min) in 10 controls and in 8 pts with CLD. Serum MEGX concentration was decreased in CLD compared to controls (38 ± 5 vs 106 ± 9 μg/L, X±SE, res-pectively) in an inverse proportion to severity of CLD: low risk for death (J Ped 111 : 479) 48±6 (n=28); medium risk 27±1(n=2); high risk 13±4 (n=10). Salivary MEGX concentration was decreased in CLD compared to controls (77±19 at 15 min and 155±31 at 30 min vs 103± 7 and 346± 74, respectively, p<0.5). serum MEGX levels at 15 min correlated with salivary levels at 15 and 30 min (r=0.43 and 0.34 respectively, p<0.05). Conclusion: The serum concentration of MEGX is decreased in pts with CLD in an inverse proportion to disease severity. Salivary MEGX levels, which correlate with serum levels, are also decreased in pts with CLD. Assessment of MEGX after lidocaine injection may be a useful quantitative liver function test.
Home Town Story: General Motors, Marilyn Monroe, and the Production of Economic Citizenship

Abstract This article investigates Home Town Story, a unique example of a General Motors public relations film that masqueraded as a B-movie feature. Home Town Story attempted to convince audiences of the value of economic relationships defined by free enterprise ideology. Unlike Hollywood films, however, the success of Home Town Story was not gauged solely by box office returns: Home Town Story circulated as an economic education film suitable for school students, vetted by the Brookings Institution as part of the Institution's ongoing investigation in social science education and pedagogic best practices.
Spliced and Prematurely Polyadenylated Jaagsiekte Sheep Retrovirus-Specific RNAs from Infected or Transfected Cells

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is the etiologic agent of a contagious lung cancer of sheep, ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA). In this study, we characterized the virus-specific RNAs in 293T cells transiently transfected with a human cytomegalovirus promoter-driven JSRV expression plasmid, in productively infected OHH1.LU deer lung cells, and in OPA tumors from field isolates. Typical unspliced (presumably for gag, pro, and pol) and singly spliced env mRNAs were detected. In addition, six other virus-specific RNAs were detected that resulted from the use of alternate splice acceptor sites and two premature polyadenylation sites (located in gag and in env). The orf-x gene of the virus appears to be expressed from two singly spliced subgenomic mRNAs of 3.2 kb that would encode an independent orf-x protein of 179 amino acids. In addition, the results suggested that there may also be an internal promoter for orf-x.
Itraconazole therapy for blastomycosis and histoplasmosis

Abstract objective: To assess the efficacy and toxicity of orally administered itraconazole in the treatment of nonmeningeal, nonlife-threatening forms of blastomycosis and histoplasmosis. design: Prospective, nonrandomized, open trial. setting: Multicenter trial at 14 university referral centers. patients: Eighty-five patients with culture or histopathologic evidence of blastomycosis (48 patients) or histoplasmosis (37 patients). Patients receiving other systemic antifungal therapy were excluded. interventions: Itraconazole was administered orally at doses of 200 to 400 mg/d. Patients in whom treatment was considered a success were treated for a median duration of 6.2 months (blastomycosis) and 9.0 months (histoplasmosis). Disease activity was assessed at baseline; drug efficacy and toxicity were evaluated at monthly intervals during therapy, and efficacy was evaluated at regular follow-up visits after completion of therapy. The median duration of posttreatment evaluation for successfully treated patients was 11.9 months (blastomycosis) and 12.1 months (histoplasmosis). measurements and main results: Among the 48 patients with blastomycosis, success was documented in 43 (90%). The success rate for patients treated for more than 2 months was 95% (38 of 40). Among the 37 patients with histoplasmosis, success was documented in 30 (81%). The success rate for patients treated for more than 2 months was 86% (30 of 35). All patients with histoplasmosis in whom treatment failed had chronic cavitary pulmonary disease. Toxicity was minor, only 25 (29%) patients experienced any side effects, and itraconazole toxicity necessitated stopping therapy in only 1 patient. conclusions: Itraconazole is a highly effective therapy for nonmeningeal, nonlife-threatening blastomycosis and histoplasmosis. The drug is associated with minimal toxicity.
Abstinence symptoms following oral THC administration to humans.

Symptoms of dependence and withdrawal after the frequent administration of high doses (210 mg/day) of oral Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have been reported, yet little is known about dependence on lower oral THC doses, more relevant to levels attained by smoking marijuana. In a 20-day residential study, male (n = 6) and female (n = 6) marijuana smokers worked on five psychomotor tasks during the day (0915–1700 hours), and in the evening engaged in private or social recreational activities (1700–2330 hours); subjective-effects measures were completed 10 times/day, and a sleep questionnaire was completed each morning. Food and beverages were available ad libitum from 0830 to 2330 hours. Capsules were administered at 1000, 1400, 1800, and 2200 hours. Placebo THC was administered on days 1–3, 8–11, and 16–19. Active THC was administered on days 4–7 (20 mg qid) and on days 12–15 (30 mg qid). Both active doses of THC increased ratings of “High,”“Good Drug Effect,” and “Willingness to Take Dose Again” compared to baseline (days 1–3). THC also increased food intake by 35–45%, and decreased verbal interaction among participants compared to placebo baseline. Tolerance developed to the subjective effects of THC but not to its effects on food intake or social behavior. Abstinence from THC increased ratings of “Anxious,”“Depressed,” and “Irritable,” decreased the reported quantity and quality of sleep, and decreased food intake by 20–30% compared to baseline. These behavioral changes indicate that dependence develops following exposure to lower daily doses of THC than have been previously studied, suggesting that the alleviation of abstinence symptoms may contribute to the maintenance of daily marijuana use.
Quenching of electronically-excited UF6 by selected inorganics

Abstract Rate constants at 25°C have been evaluated for the quenching of electronically-excited UF 6 by selected inorganic molecules. Values for the rate constants at 25°C (units of 10 11 ρ/mole s) for O 2 , N 2 , and Ar are 1.0, 0.025, and 0.0097, respectively. N 2 and Ar quenching exhibit a saturation effect at high pressures and their rate constants were evaluated from low pressure data where the quenching follows a linear Stern-Volmer relationship.
ENERGY STRAGGLING OF HEAVY CHARGED PARTICLES IN THICK ABSORBERS.

The theory of energy straggling attempts to calculate $F(E, S)$, where $F(E, S)dE$ is the fraction of the heavy charged particles which have an energy between $E$ and $E+dE$ after a path length $S$ has been traversed in absorbing medium. This paper develops a method of calculating $F(E, S)$ for path lengths large enough so that $F(E, S)$ is almost Gaussian. The method remains valid until a large fraction of the particles run out of energy. The theory is applied to calculations of $F(E, S)$ for 50-MeV protons in Be and for 5.3-MeV $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles in air. The calculations for $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles in air are in good agreement with the experimental results of Rotondi and Gieger. The theory is also in agreement with numberical calculations by Tschal\"ar.
Agonistic behavior after stria terminalis lesions in the rat

Rats with anodal lesions centered in the bed nuclei of the stria terminalis were subjected to a pain-elicited fighting paradigm. A transient increase in agonistic behavior was observed in S pairs which were allowed a 6–7-day recovery period and in pairs which were run only 24 h postsurgery. The increase in reflexive fighting was accompanied by a heightened startle response, which was replaced by shock-elicited stereotyped gnawing behavior when the fighting responses decreased.
Laser-induced fluorescence of CO+ and the CO a3Πi, state produced by multiphoton absorption in a supersonic jet

Author Institution: Department of Physics, Louisiana State University; Department of Chemistry, Ohio State University
Evolution and Education: Lessons from Thomas Huxley

Thomas Huxley more than anyone else was responsible for disseminating Darwin’s theory in the western world and maintained that investigating the history of life should be regarded as a purely scientific question free of theological speculation. The content and rhetorical strategy of Huxley’s defense of evolution is analyzed. Huxley argued that the classification of humans should be determined independent of any theories of origination of species. Besides providing evidence that demonstrated the close relationship between apes and humans, he also argued that a pithecoid ancestry in no way degraded humankind. In his broader defense of evolution he drew on his agnosticism to define what science could and could not explain. Theology made empirical claims and needed to be subject to the same standards of evidence as scientific claims. He maintained that even most scientific objections to evolution were religiously based. The objections to the theory fundamentally remain the same as in the nineteenth century and much can be learned from Huxley to develop effective strategies for educating the public about evolution. Huxley’s own scientific articles as well as his popular writings provide numerous examples that could be harnessed not only for the teaching of evolution, but also for understanding science as a process.
Intrafamilial assaults, disturbed eating behaviors, and further victimization.

For 390 university women, greater incidence of sexual assaults was correlated .23 with classification as showing more severely disturbed eating behaviors, and incidence of intrafamilial assaults was correlated .21 with greater frequencies of sexual assaults by both family and nonfamily members.
Key Deer Impacts on Hardwood Hammocks Near Urban Areas

Abstract On islands in the lower Florida Keys, endangered Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium) aggregate in urban areas where deer densities are high, potentially increasing browsing impacts in these areas. To quantify impacts, we compared plant densities and diversity in hardwood hammocks located adjacent to (urban) and distant from (exurban) developed areas on islands with high (>17 deer/km2) and low (<1 deer/km2) Key deer densities. Although we detected no differences in total plant densities or diversity on islands with high densities of deer, we observed lower mean (±SE) densities of deer-preferred plant species within reach of deer in hammock stands in urban areas (84.9 ± 35.9/ha) than exurban areas (694.5 ± 428.4/ha). No such patterns were evident on islands with low deer densities. We also experimentally tested deer browsing intensity on islands of high deer density using potted plants. We found that mean (±SE) browsing pressures (measured as proportion of leaves remaining on potted plants) w...
Rapid miniaturized chromatography system to assess radiochemical purity of F-18 FDG

2236 Objectives F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is a radiopharmaceutical used in positron emission tomography. Radiolytic decomposition of FDG has been documented in the literature. Current chromatographic evaluation of FDG utilizes thin layer chromatography which is time consuming. Our facility wanted to establish a fast and reliable chrom method to determine the radiochemical purity of FDG. Methods With the discontinuance of Pall ITLC-SG chromatography, other miniaturized chromatography systems were evaluated. The most promising system included Varian SA (silicic acid chrom paper) with acetone. Chromatography strip activity distribution for this system was obtained. Accuracy of the chrom system was tested by evaluating the radiochemical purity of multiple FDG preparations, ranging from 18% to 84%. For each FDG preparation, three replicate samples were spotted, developed in acetone, cut, counted and the data statistically summarized. Results Good separation between F-18 sodium fluoride (NaF) and FDG was achieved with the SA-acetone miniaturized chrom system with Rf values of 0.0 and 0.8 for NaF and FDG, respectively. Radiochemical purity results from the Varian SA-acetone system closely correlated to experimental FDG radiochemical purities. Chromatographic radiochemical purities of 18%, 46%, 73% and 83% were obtained and correlated to experimental radiochemical purities of 18%, 48%, 75% and 84%, respectively. Conclusions A new miniaturized chromatography system consisting of Varian SA-acetone was developed to assess radiochemical purity of FDG. This system showed complete separation of specific radiochemical species and was accurate in assessing radiochemical purity. The Varian SA-acetone system proved to be both rapid and reliable.
Conformation of bilirubin amides from circular dichroism spectroscopy

Abstract The first optically active amides of bilirubin-IXα with amino acids show bisignate circular dichroism Cotton effects (CEs) in the vicinity of the pigment's long wavelength UV-visible absorption, e.g., for the bis-amide with L-alanine methyl ester in acetonitrile Δϵmax405= -47, Δϵmax405=+68 and ϵmax435= 55,800. In marked contrast, the diester from S-(-)-lactic acid ethyl ester exhibits Δϵmax400=+1.0, Δϵmax450= -2.6 and ϵmax394= 52,800 in acetonitrile. The CEs of the mono-amides are generally smaller than those of the bis-anides; whereas, the CEs of mono-esters are generally larger than those of the diesters.
An extended equivalent source technique for calculating scattering and absorption by electrically long and composite dielectric objects

A novel method for improving the numerical stability of the iterative extended boundary condition method (IEBCM) and extending its application to highly elongated and composite dielectric objects is described. This procedure has three main features: it utilizes multiple spherical expansions to describe the fields both inside and outside the dielectric object; it uses a direct point-matching procedure to determine the unknown expansion coefficients; and point-matching is combined with least-square fitting to determine the unknown expansion of coefficients. Results illustrating the application of the developed procedure to electrically large dielectric objects at and beyond their resonant frequencies are presented. >
Mutational Analysis Reveals a Noncontractile but Interactive Role of Actin and Profilin in Viral RNA-Dependent RNA Synthesis

As obligatory parasites, viruses co-opt a variety of cellular functions for robust replication. The expression of the nonsegmented negative-strand RNA genome of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a significant pediatric pathogen, absolutely requires actin and is stimulated by the actin-regulatory protein profilin. As actin is a major contractile protein, it was important to determine whether the known functional domains of actin and profilin were important for their ability to activate RSV transcription. Analyses of recombinant mutants in a reconstituted RSV transcription system suggested that the divalent-cation-binding domain of actin is critically needed for binding to the RSV genome template and for the activation of viral RNA synthesis. In contrast, the nucleotide-binding domain and the N-terminal acidic domain were needed neither for template binding nor for transcription. Specific surface residues of actin, required for actin-actin contact during filamentation, were also nonessential for viral transcription. Unlike actin, profilin did not directly bind to the viral template but was recruited by actin. Mutation of the interactive residues of actin or profilin, resulting in the loss of actin-profilin binding, also abolished profilin's ability to stimulate viral transcription. Together, these results suggest that actin acts as a classical transcription factor for the virus by divalent-cation-dependent binding to the viral template and that profilin acts as a transcriptional cofactor, in part by associating with actin. This essential viral role of actin is independent of its contractile cellular role.
A novel cell line from spontaneously immortalized murine microglia.

Background Purified microglia cultures are useful tools to study microglial behavior in vitro. Microglial cell lines serve as an attractive alternative to primary microglia culture, circumventing the costly and lengthy preparation of the latter. However, immortalization by genetic or pharmacologic manipulations may show altered physiology from primary microglia.
A survey of perioperative and postoperative anesthetic practices for cesarean delivery.

The aim of this survey was to review cesarean delivery anesthetic practices. An online survey was sent to members of the Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP). The mode of anesthesia, preferred neuraxial local anesthetic and opioid agents, postoperative analgesic regimens, and monitoring modalities were assessed. 384 responses from 1,081 online survey requests were received (response rate = 36%). Spinal anesthesia is most commonly used for elective cesarean delivery (85% respondents), with 90% of these respondents preferring hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.75%. 79% used intrathecal fentanyl and 77% used morphine (median [range] dose 200 mcg [50–400]). 91% use respiratory rate, 61% use sedation scores, and 30% use pulse oximetry to monitor for postoperative respiratory depression after administration of neuraxial opioids. Postoperative analgesic regimens include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, acetaminophen, oxycodone, and hydrocodone by 81%, 45%, 25%, and 27% respondents respectively. The majority of respondents use spinal anesthesia and neuraxial opioids for cesarean delivery anesthesia. There is marked variability in practices for monitoring respiratory depression postdelivery and for providing postoperative analgesia. These results may not be indicative of overall practice in the United States due to the select group of anesthesiologists surveyed and the low response rate.
An approximate diffraction coefficient for an impedance wedge at skew incidence

An approximate skew incidence diffraction coefficient is presented for an arbitrary impedance wedge configuration. The derivation of the diffraction coefficient is based on the available UTD (universal theory of diffraction) coefficients for an impedance half-plane. These are rearranged in a form allowing the identification and modification of terms as applied to the wedge. The new diffraction coefficient is then constructed, recovering the normal incidence impedance wedge solution. >
Age-related changes in secretion of luteinizing hormone and metabolism of hypothalamic amines in bull calves prior to puberty.

Effects of age and castration on secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and metabolism of hypothalamic monoamines were determined in Holstein bulls. Calves were assigned to be intact or castrated and killed at 8, 12, or 24 wk of age. Animals were castrated and bled every 10 mm for 6 h at 96 and 24 h prior to slaughter, respectively. The stalk median eminence (SME), medial basal (MBH), and anterior-preoptic (AHA-POA) hypothalamic regions were obtained at slaughter and assayed for norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), serotonin (5-HT), and 5-hydroxyindole-acetic acid (5-HIAA) using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC). Concentrations of LH and testosterone in plasma were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). In intact calves, LH pulse frequency (pulses/6 h) increased between 8 and 12 wk (1.4 vs. 3.4) and then declined (1.6 at 24 wk of age). Frequency of LH discharges did not change during the first 72 b post-castration in calves 8 (1.4 vs 1.0) and 12 (3.4 vs. 3.8) wk of age, but increased in 24-uk-old calves during this time (1.6 vs. 6.4). The amplitude of LH pulses increased with age (p< 0.05) and after castration (p< 0.05). There were marked regional differences in concentrations of monoamines. However, effects of age and castration on concentrations of monoamines were observed only within the SME where DA, DOPAC and NE increased significantly with age. Plasma concentrations of testosterone were correlated with concentrations of NE and DOPAC within the SME. Changes in 5-HT with age were biphasic; at each age, 5-HT increased after castration. From these data, it is concluded that 1) different mechanisms regulate LH pulse frequency and amplitude in calves as early as 8 wk of age, and 2) differences in hypothalamic metabolism of monoamines may be related to maturational changes in secretion of
Physiologic Response to Hemorrhagic Shock Depends on Rate and Means of Hemorrhage

Background Traditional models of shock classify severity based on the volume of hemorrhage. Clinically, hemorrhage occurs at a variable rate, usually slowing as blood pressure drops; however most animal experimental models use a constant rate of hemorrhage. Our hypothesis was that rapid bleeding followed by slower bleeding using a fixed total volume would result in a greater physiologic insult. Materials and Methods Yorkshire pigs (S and S Farms, Ranchita, CA) underwent placement of jugular and femoral catheters after anesthesia. All animals were hemorrhaged a total of 30 mL/kg. The animals were divided into constant rate hemorrhage over 10 min (Constant-10) (3 mL/kg/min), constant rate hemorrhage over 20 min (Constant-20) (1.5 mL/kg/min), or a varying rate of hemorrhage of 2.15 mL/kg/min over 7 min, and then 1.15 mL/kg/min over the remaining 13 min (Physiologic-20). Shock, mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≤ 20mmHg, was maintained for 60 min. Resuscitation was performed with Ringer’s lactate (RL) and shed blood (2:1 ratio), until shed blood was exhausted and then only RL to maintain a MAP ≥60 mmHg for 3 h. Results Physiologic-20 shock resulted in significantly increased maximal heart rate, peak serum lactate, and volume of required RL resuscitation. Adequacy of resuscitation was ensured by MAP, urine output, and clearance of serum lactate. Conclusions A more physiologic method of fixed volume hemorrhagic shock results in a significantly increased physiologic response as demonstrated by increased volume of fluid resuscitation. This differential physiologic response may represent an improved hemorrhagic shock model, and could have implications for future hemorrhagic shock studies.
Quantum mechanical reactive scattering theory

In this article we briefly discuss a number of promising approaches to the formulation of a general, numerically exact, quantum mechanical theory of fully three-dimensional reactive atom-diatom collisions. It is noted that the ability to treat the three-dimensional H + H2 exchange reactions is pre-requisite to any demonstration of the success of a general quantum mechanical formalism for reactivescattering. However, it is also noted that the time has come for any such theory to further demonstrate the ability to go beyond this basic, elementary atom-diatom exchange reaction. It is speculated that there now exist a number of approaches which can potentially provide such a general framework for quantum reactive scattering theory. Finally, a new generalizationof the Faddeev formalism for such systems, which is capable of inclusion ofthree body forces with a completely general form for the potential surface, is presented.
Estimation of signal to noise ratio using mahalanobis distance

In this paper, we propose some alternative estimatiors to that given by C. G. Khatri and C. R. Rao (1985), for estimating Signal to Noise ratio. Using Pitman Nearness, Condition for prefering one estimator over the other is estabilished. It is shown numerically that estimators corresponding to Entropy loss function are better more oftern than those corresponding to Squared Error loss.
Functional characterization of the intermediate isoform of the human prolactin receptor.

Prolactin-dependent signaling occurs as the result of ligand-induced dimerization of the prolactin receptor (PRLr). While three PRLr isoforms have been characterized in the rat, studies have suggested the existence of several human isoforms in breast carcinoma species and normal tissues. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed on mRNA isolated from the breast carcinoma cell line T47D, revealing two predominant receptor isoforms: the previously described long PRLr and a novel human intermediate PRLr. The nucleotide sequence of the intermediate isoform was found to be identical to the long isoform except for a 573-base pair deletion occurring at a consensus splice site, resulting in a frameshift and truncated intracytoplasmic domain. Scatchard analysis of the intermediate PRLr revealed an affinity for PRL comparable with the long PRLr. While Ba/F3 transfectants expressing the long PRLr proliferated in response to PRL, intermediate PRLr transfectants exhibited modest incorporation of [3H]thymidine. Significantly, however, both the long and intermediate PRLr were equivalent in their inhibition of apoptosis of the Ba/F3 transfectants after PRL treatment. The activation of proximal signaling molecules also differed between isoforms. Upon ligand binding, Jak2 and Fyn were activated in CHO-K1 cells transiently transfected with the long PRLr. In contrast, the intermediate PRLr transfectants showed equivalent levels of Jak2 activation but only minimal activation of Fyn. Last, Northern analysis revealed variable tissue expression of intermediate PRLr transcript that differed from that of the long PRLr. Taken together, differences in signaling and tissue expression suggest that the human intermediate PRLr differs from the long PRLr in physiological function.
Specific and Nonspecific Effects of Naltrexone on Goal‐Directed and Habitual Models of Alcohol Seeking and Drinking

Introduction The opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone (NTX) reduces goal-directed alcohol drinking in rats presumably by blunting alcohol reward. However, different operant conditioning behavior can be produced by different reinforcement schedules, with goal-directed operant behavior being more sensitive to changes in reward value than less flexible, habit-associated models.
Genetically and epidemiologically related "non-syncytium-inducing" isolates of HIV-1 display heterogeneous growth patterns in macrophages.

The objective of this study was to identify phenotypic parameters that could distinguish among seemingly homogeneous non-syncytium-inducing (NSI) viruses and that might provide a surrogate marker for clinical progression in pediatric human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. We undertook a pilot analysis of 15 independent HIV-1 isolates collected prospectively from two mothers and their four children who displayed a spectrum of disease stages ranging from CDC categories A1 to C3. Viruses were evaluated for their ability to replicate in primary cells (including monocyte-derived macrophages [MDM]) and cell lines, for their co-receptor preference and for genetic features of the V3 hypervariable domain of env. Virtually all isolates displayed NSI phenotypes that were restricted in their capacity to replicate in cell lines and displayed V3 loops with uniformly low net positive charges. NSI viruses from two symptomatic children and one mother were macrophage-tropic, whereas NSI isolates from two asymptomatic children were unable to replicate in MDM and were designated primary lymphotropic viruses. Only one isolate was syncytium-inducing (SI), replicated in a variety of cell lines and in MDM, used multiple co-receptors, and was dual tropic, rather than a mixture of T-cell tropic and M-tropic viruses, as assessed by genetic analysis. Phenotypic heterogeneity among NSI viruses is revealed in the ability of isolates to replicate in MDM. This characteristic is related to disease stage and provides a potentially new in vitro criterion to distinguish among NSI isolates that is unlinked to other surrogate markers.
The Conditional Nature of Presidential Responsiveness to Public Opinion

How does public opinion affect presidential policymaking? We address this issue by testing a diverse set of hypotheses with data concerning a set of individual policies across time. In particular, the data revolve around presidential budgetary proposals on a set of major policy issues for which there are recurring surveys on citizens' preferences over spending. The analysis suggests that presidents are more responsive to mass opinion on issues that are familiar to citizens in their everyday lives. Also, for reelection-seeking presidents, responsiveness is shown to depend upon two key political factors. First, presidents are more responsive to public opinion when the next election is imminent. Second, the effect of presidential popularity is nonmonotonic; presidents with average approval ratings are most likely to adopt policy positions congruent with public opinion, whereas presidents with approval ratings that are significantly above or below average have the greatest propensity to take unpopular positions.
Treatment Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Celecoxib, Leflunomide, Etanercept, and Infliximab

OBJECTIVE:To review new pharmacologic agents approved for use in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).DATA SOURCES:A MEDLINE search (1966–January 2000) was conducted to identify English-language literature available on the pharmacotherapy of RA, focusing on celecoxib, leflunomide, etanercept, and infliximab. These articles, relevant abstracts, and data provided by the manufacturers were used to collect pertinent data.STUDY SELECTION:All controlled and uncontrolled trials were reviewed.DATA EXTRACTION:Agents were reviewed with regard to mechanism of action, efficacy, drug interactions, pharmacokinetics, dosing, precautions/contraindications, adverse effects, and cost.DATA SYNTHESIS:Traditional pharmacologic treatments for RA have been limited by toxicity, loss of efficacy, or both. Increasing discoveries into the mechanisms of inflammation in RA have led to the development of new agents in hopes of addressing these limitations. With the development of celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibito...
Assessment of Predictive Habitat Models for Bighorn Sheep in California's Peninsular Ranges

We developed predictive habitat models for a bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) population in the Peninsular Ranges of southern California, USA, using 2 Geographic Information System modeling techniques, Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA) and Genetic Algorithm for Rule-set Production (GARP). We used >16,000 Global Positioning System locations from 34 animals in 5 subpopulations to develop and test ENFA and GARP models, and we then compared these models to each other and to the expert-based model presented in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service's Recovery Plan for this population. Based on a suite of evaluation methods, we found both ENFA and GARP to provide useful predictions of habitat; however, models developed with GARP appeared to have higher predictive power. Habitat delineations resulting from GARP models were similar to the expert-based model, affirming that the expert-based model provided a useful delineation of bighorn sheep habitat in the Peninsular Ranges. In addition, all 3 models identified continuous bighorn sheep habitat from the northern to southern extent of our study area, indicating that the Recovery Plan's recommendation of maintaining habitat connectivity throughout the range is an appropriate goal.
Premotor synaptic plasticity limited to the critical period for song learning

Synaptic plasticity has been hypothesized to underlie learning and memory. Understanding of how such plasticity might produce motor learning is limited, in part because of the paucity of model systems with a tractable learned behavior under control of a discrete neural circuit. Songbirds possess both of these traits, thereby providing an excellent model for studying vertebrate motor learning. We report unique evidence of long-term depression (LTD) in the juvenile songbird premotor robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA). LTD induction at RA recurrent collateral synapses requires NMDA receptors, postsynaptic depolarization, and postsynaptic calcium, and can be reversed by high-frequency stimulation. In adult birds, which have exited the critical period for sensorimotor learning and cannot modify their song, we were no longer able to induce LTD at RA collateral synapses. Furthermore, testosterone-induced premature maturation of song in juveniles abolishes LTD. LTD in nucleus RA therefore makes an excellent candidate mechanism to mediate song learning during development and is well-suited to provide insight into other forms of vertebrate motor learning.
Private Peer-to-Peer Overlay for Real-Time Monitoring of a Deployed Internet-Scale Peer-to-Peer Overlay

Peer-to-peer system decentralization complicates performance monitoring-and real-time monitoring is particularly challenging. We discuss our experience with monitoring the Peer Name Resolution Protocol (PNRP), a peer-to-peer name resolution/routing protocol and overlay deployed over the Internet. We must collect accurate performance data without adding traffic overhead. Unfortunately, no central node has sufficient monitoring information, and scalability and privacy concerns make it impractical to collect reliable real-time data from active client nodes. Our method obtains information from lightweight nodes (Weather Stations) actively deployed on the P2P network and themselves forming a private P2P overlay. We monitor the overall performance of the PNRP protocol on the Internet and produce timely reports supporting network management, security alerting, and system maintenance.
Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia: argument against an autosomal recessive form clinically indistinguishable from X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (Christ-Siemens-Touraine syndrome)

: Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a welldescribed, X-linked recessive disorder characterized by hypohidrosis, hypodontia, and hypotrichosis in males. Reports of similarly affected females have suggested autosomal recessive inheritance in some families. The evidence for two clinically identical but genetically distinct disorders is not convincing, however. In two families with X-linked recessive inheritance of HED, the condition was severe in females. A critical review of previously reported cases of presumed autosomal recessive HED suggests that an autosomal recessive form of the condition identical to the X-linked HED may not exist. All sporadic instances of females with classic HED should be considered to be X-linked recessive, and counseling for X-linked recessive inheritance as well as autosomal recessive inheritance should be given.
Scientific collaboratories in higher education: exploring learning style preferences and perceptions of technology

Scientific collaboratories hold the promise of providing students access to specialized scientific instruments, data and experts, enabling learning opportunities perhaps otherwise not available. However, evaluation of scientific collaboratories in higher education has lagged behind their development. We conducted a repeated-measures study that provided data regarding social interaction learning styles and perceptions of a scientific collaboratory system from 40 university science students working face-to-face and remotely. Students with a strong competitive learning style preference or who worked with a student with a strong competitive learning style reported a slightly more positive perception of the relative advantage, compatibility and complexity of the collaboratory system. Students with a strong individualistic learning style preference or who worked with a student with a strong individualistic learning style reported a more negative perception of the observability of the system. No relationships were found between students’ cooperative learning style preference and their perceptions of the system after using it face-to-face or remotely.
Moving least squares regression for high dimensional simulation metamodeling

Interpolation and smoothing methods form the basis of simulation metamodeling. In high dimensional metamodeling problems, larger numbers of design points are needed to build an accurate metamodel. This paper introduces a procedure to implement a smoothing method called Moving Least Squares regression in high dimensional metamodeling problems with a large number of design points. We test the procedure with two queueing examples: a multi-product M/G/1 queue and a multi-product Jackson network.
Latchcam: A Camshaft Integrated 2-Mode Variable Valve Actuation System

This paper describes the concept, analysis and preliminary rig proving of a 2-mode mechanical variable-valve-actuation system, "Latchcam", designed initially for prototype bucket-tappet overhead-cam applications. The rig-test data allows the prototype Latchcam performance to be compared to a state-of-art 2-mode system in a current cylinder-head application. Some general design implications and issues are reviewed.
Genetic Analysis and Regulation of Bacteriochlorophyll Biosynthesis

This chapter focuses on recent advances in the genetic analysis of the common tetrapyrrole pathway and on the factors that regulate BChl biosynthesis. The genes for several steps in tetrapyrrole biosynthesis have been cloned, and the rest of the genes should be cloned in the near future.
Profiles of Child-Welfare-Involved Caregivers Identified by Caseworkers as Having a Domestic Violence Problem Then and Now

Over the past 10 years, there has been a significant decline in the rate of domestic violence (DV) experienced among caregivers involved with the child protective services (CPS) system. It is unclear whether this shift is related to changes in caregiver characteristics. Furthermore, despite evidence that suggests CPS caseworkers poorly identify DV and fail to link families to DV services, limited research exists on whether the current CPS interventions that are known to improve caseworkers' DV identification will also improve chances for DV service receipt. The present study uses data from the first and second cohorts of the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW) to compare differences in demographic characteristics and DV experiences between caregivers in NSCAW I (1999-2000; n = 2,758) and NSCAW II (2008-2009; n = 2,207). We also examine the effects of CPS interventions on NSCAW II caregivers' receipt of DV services external to the CPS agency (i.e., external DV services). Caregivers with caseworker reports of active DV in NSCAW I and II were similar in their demographic characteristics and external DV service experiences. However, caregivers in NSCAW II generally reported lower rates of victimization for specific types of violence than NSCAW I caregivers. Finally, caregivers with active DV involved with an agency that used DV assessment tools were 7.03 times more likely to receive external DV services than those in agencies without DV tools (95% confidence interval [CI] = [2.33, 21.22]). Whereas caregivers in agencies that sometimes (odds ratio [OR] = 0.16, 95% CI = [0.03, 0.99]) or always (OR = 0.15, 95% CI = [0.02, 0.98]) had a DV specialist available were less likely to receive external DV services than those in an agency that never/rarely had a DV specialist available. We recommend CPS agencies use specialized assessment tools to identify DV-affected families and link them to services. Additional research is needed to understand what types of services DV specialists offer within CPS agencies and whether these services meet caregivers' needs.
Recruiting for caregiver education research: perspectives of caregivers of people with multiple sclerosis

Caregiver education programs can support participants in a role that is often challenging. Research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these programs; however, recruitment for such studies can be difficult. The objectives of this study were to explore 1) how multiple sclerosis (MS) caregivers respond to recruitment materials for a research study evaluating a caregiver education program, including aspects of the materials that encourage or discourage their interest in participation; and 2) what recommendations MS caregivers have for improving study recruitment advertising. Qualitative interviews were conducted with seven MS caregivers. Participants were asked about their reactions to advertisements for a pilot study intended to evaluate an MS caregiver education program. Participants were also asked to reflect on factors that would influence their decision to participate in the program and to provide suggestions to improve recruitment materials. Data were analyzed using a constant-comparative approach. Study findings indicated that the language and visual design of the advertisements influenced the participants' initial responses. Some caregivers first responded to the fact that the program was part of a research study, and these caregivers had overall negative responses to the advertising, such as concern that the program was being "tested." Other caregivers first considered the personal relevance of the program. These caregivers had neutral-to-positive responses to the flyers and weighed the relevance of the program against the research and logistical aspects. Participants provided recommendations to improve the recruitment materials. While recruiting for caregiver education research can be challenging, piloting recruitment materials and using a variety of advertising options may improve response.
Solving the Spectrum Crisis: Intelligent, Reconfigurable Microwave Transmitter Amplifiers for Cognitive Radar

In 2009, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair, Julius Genachowski, warned of a looming spectrum crisis [1]. Issues such as a 2010 saga involving satellite communications interfering with the global positioning system (GPS)have reminded us that spectrum is becoming an ever-precious commodity. With wireless broadband technologies evolving at a rate that will outgrow the available spectrum, the U.S. government has acted to try to "stop the bleeding." President Barack Obama's National Broadband Plan of 2010 [2] mandates that 500-MHz of spectrum be reallocated for wireless broadband applications. However, the continued surge in wireless spectrum users shows that even this spectrum will be used quickly and that a new paradigm is needed. Many have suggested that dynamic spectrum access (DSA), where spectrum is assigned in real time, will be the sharing protocol of the future, and that future spectrum users will be required to be frequency-flexible and cognitive. Radar systems are spectrum users that, in their present form, will have difficulty operating in this future environment because of their fixed operating frequencies, high power, and tendency to leak power into neighboring bands and interfere with other users. In 2011, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Chief of Staff Thomas Power stated, "The community and policy makers must begin to understand the challenges and constraints that currently exist for radar" [3]. The last three years have witnessed an upshot of radar spectrum conferences and meetings, many organized by the NTIA and the Department of Defense's (DoD's) Joint Spectrum Center. Our interest has been stimulated through encountering this issue in military radars, and in participating as speakers and panelist in many of these meetings, including a 2011 NTIA meeting for radar and communications experts to converse about coexistence challenges. However, the DoD, the FCC, and the NTIA still have not developed any technically sound solutions to achieve spectrum sharing between radar and communications. Wireless broadband expansion is not going away. The cry to radar operators is clear: radar systems must change how they operate.
Mathematical Education in Germany Before 1933

(1938). Mathematical Education in Germany Before 1933. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 45, No. 9, pp. 601-607.
Cost-effectiveness Analysis on Drug Combination of 2 Kinds of Antibiotics in the Treatment of Children's Pneumonia

OBJECTIVE:To compare the pharmacoeconomics outcome between2schemes(drug combinations of antibiotics)in treating children's pneumonia.METHODS:The cost-effectiveness analysis on the following2schemes in treating chi ldren's pneumonia was performed by retrospective review:amoxicillin plus potassium clavulanate(5∶1)and piperacillin sod ium plus sulbactam sodium(2∶1).RESULTS:The total effective rates of the2schemes were94%and96%,respectively(P0.05);The costs of the two were926.40yuan and1370.30yuan respectively(P0.05);And the cost-effectiveness ratios were9.85yuan and14.27yuan,respectively.CONCLUSION:Economically,amoxicillin concomitant with clavulanate potassium is superior to piperacillin sodium concomitant with sulbactam sodium in treating children's pneumonia.