cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A symbolic approach using feature construction capable of acquiring information/knowledge for building expert systems

This paper illustrates a technique useful for developing a knowledge-base of information to use in an expert system. The proposed approach employs a popular machine-learning algorithm along with a method for forming a finite number of features or conjuncts of at most n primitive attributes. We illustrate our procedure by examining the qualitative information represented in a set of consumer survey responses typically used to create measures of consumer confidence. After proposing a premise related to certain assumptions implicit in current models used to develop a quantitative measure of consumer confidence, our results show the certain assumptions regarding the construction of a consumer confidence measure appear to be appropriate for the time period we examined. We also demonstrate how to use our approach to form certain demographic descriptions of consumers from the survey data. Researchers may use this procedure to develop a knowledge-base of information that is capable of being easily understood by humans.
Differential regulation of full-length genome and a single-stranded 7S DNA along the cell cycle in human mitochondria

Mammalian mitochondria contain full-length genome and a single-stranded 7S DNA. Although the copy number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) varies depending on the cell type and also in response to diverse environmental stresses, our understanding of how mtDNA and 7S DNA are maintained and regulated is limited, partly due to lack of reliable in vitro assay systems that reflect the in vivo functionality of mitochondria. Here we report an in vitro assay system to measure synthesis of both mtDNA and 7S DNA under a controllable in vitro condition. With this assay system, we demonstrate that the replication capacity of mitochondria correlates with endogenous copy numbers of mtDNA and 7S DNA. Our study also shows that higher nucleotide concentrations increasingly promote 7S DNA synthesis but not mtDNA synthesis. Consistently, the mitochondrial capacity to synthesize 7S DNA but not mtDNA noticeably varied along the cell cycle, reaching its highest level in S phase. These findings suggest that syntheses of mtDNA and 7S DNA proceed independently and that the mitochondrial capacity to synthesize 7S DNA dynamically changes not only with cell-cycle progression but also in response to varying nucleotide concentrations.
Hierarchical foraging models: Effects of stocking and landscape composition on simulated resource use by cattle

Abstract This study tested the sensitivity of a hierarchical foraging model to plant community composition, landscape composition and cattle stocking rate. Diet selection was represented as an overmatching process. Relative species preference (proportion in diet/proportion in herbage) was expressed as an exponential function of relative palatability. Habitat selection was described as a biased matching response in which relative community preference (proportional foraging time/proportional area) was a linear function of relative availability of food plants, weighted by palatability. Interaction of palatability and availability effects resulted in complex diet selection responses to community composition; response of landscape utilization to community availability was simpler and less volatile. Simulated experiments suggested that diet selection was more sensitive to stocking rate than was plant community use. Results have implications for the efficacy of grazing management as a tool for manipulating livestock foraging behavior. Intensive grazing systems may simulate the effects of high stocking rate on diet selection, thereby resulting in decreased expression of species preferences. Patterns of landscape use may be strongly influenced by landscape composition but only weakly influenced by grazing management.
Safety of concurrent nasal and oropharyngeal surgery for obstructive sleep apnea.

Objective This study evaluated for increased complications or risk associated with concurrent nasal and oropharyngeal surgeries to treat patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Study design Retrospective chart review. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review on consecutive patients between 2006 and 2011 who underwent either simultaneous nasal and pharyngeal surgery (group 1) or pharyngeal surgery alone (group 2) to treat OSA. We compared the length of hospitalization and the rate of complications in both groups. Results Group 1 consisted of 20 patients, all male, with ages ranging from 25 to 72 years (average, 35 years) and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from 2.6 to 119 (average, 52.2). Group 2 consisted of 20 patients, 1 female, with ages ranging from 23 to 71 years (average, 37 years) and AHI from 10 to 101 (average, 46.1). In group 1, 30% of patients were ambulatory compared to 25% of patients in group 2. In all cases, the nonambulatory patients were observed for only 1 night. The rate of complications in both groups was 10% (2 out of 20 in each group). Both complications in group 1 were post-tonsillectomy bleeds. In group 2, 1 patient had a post-tonsillectomy bleed and 1 patient was readmitted with dehydration due to poor pain control. There was no statistically significant difference in length of hospitalization or rate of complications in these 2 groups. Conclusion Performing concurrent nasal and oropharyngeal surgery for OSA was safe when compared to oropharyngeal surgery alone in our cohort and, with careful selection criteria, can even be done in the ambulatory setting. Large, multi-institutional investigations are indicated.
Computational methods for improving estimates of motor unit twitch contraction properties

Estimates of mechanical properties of human motor units have usually been made indirectly, using the technique of “spike-triggered averaging” (STA). In this method, a single motor unit action potential is used to synchronize the accumulation of an ensemble average of correlated force transients. However, under most realizable conditions, these transients are recorded during periods of sustained motor unit discharge, in which each motor unit is producing a partially fused tetanus. Therefore, the STA technique extracts the characteristics of the unfused force transient, instead of the desired single motor unit twitch. Although the STA method has been widely used, there is as yet no wellestablished relation between the force transient in the unfused tetanus, and the twitch contraction properties of the motor unit. To evaluate the accuracy of the STA as a measure of the motor unit mechanical properties, we applied two types of muscle models to the force transients recorded in an unfused tetanus, using data derived from experiments in which the response to a single twitch was also recorded. Our objective was to see whether accurate predictions of single motor unit mechanical characteristics are possible, working backward from the STA. The models chosen for this task were a linear second order model, and the distribution-moment (DM) model. These model predictions were then compared with the STA response, and with the twitch properties of the individual motor units. We also evaluated the utility of extrapolating the initial slope of the STA backward to improve the accuracy of the mechanical estimates. The results of our simulation suggest that there is no straightforward relation bwtween the characteristics of the unfused tetanus and the mechanical properties of the single twitch. Although our attempts to predict the properties of the single twitch from the STA were only partly successful, the results of the simulations were far more accurate than those derived from the STA alone. Because the errors in the use of the STA method were so substantial, we would urge that the STA technique be used with great caution as a measure of twitch contraction properties, unless accompanied by appropriate simulations of muscle mechanical behavior.© 1995 John Wiley &Sons, Inc.
Early voltage in heterojunction bipolar transistors: Quantum tunneling and base recombination effects

Abstract An extension of the thermionic emission expression for Early voltage V A for heterojunction bipolar transistors including quantum mechanical tunneling and base recombination effects is provided. The theoretical model is based on a single flux treatment of the carrier transport invoking the concise notation of scattering matrices. V A is numerically evaluated under the WKB quantum mechanical approximation for triangular and parabolic barriers. The temperature dependence of the Early voltage is simulated numerically and compared to earlier theoretical V A predictions and actual experimental results of V A in heterojunction bipolar transistors.
Laryngeal Mask Airway for Surfactant Administration in a Newborn Animal Model

Premature infants are subjected to adverse effects of intubation to benefit from surfactant. We hypothesized that administration of surfactant through a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is as effective as administration through an endotracheal tube (ETT) and that time and physiologic changes during instrumentation will be less in the LMA group. This study is a randomized, controlled trial using newborn pigs. Lung injury was induced via surfactant washout. Animals were randomized into groups: 1) LMA placed, no surfactant administered (control; n = 8); 2) surfactant via an LMA (LMA group; n = 8); and 3) surfactant via an ETT (ETT group; n = 8). We demonstrated that partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (Pao2) levels of the LMA and ETT groups were not statistically different. Time for successful placement of LMA was 19 ± 1 s versus ETT 123 ± 35 s (mean ± SEM); number of attempts for successful LMA placement was 1.1 (1–2) versus ETT 1.9 (1–7) [mean (range)]. Administration of surfactant via an LMA compared with an ETT resulted in similar improvements in oxygenation. Placement of the device required less time and fewer attempts. These data suggest that further study in human neonates is justified. If proven effective, some infants with respiratory distress may be able to receive surfactant while avoiding intubation.
Instrumental developments in micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography

Abstract Two instrumental developments in micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography are reported. A solvent delivery system capable of generating continuous linear-, concave-, and convex-shaped solvent gradients is shown to have a dramatic effect on the chromatographic profiles obtained in the separation of a mixture of fluorescently-labeled n -alkylamines. A versatille on-column flow cell that employs a unique laser-etched, on-column optical slit is described. This flow cell is adapted for photometric detection using a modified UV absorbance detector and spectrophotometric detection using a photodiode array detector.
Behavioral contrast in the pigeon depends upon the location of the stimulus

Three pigeons were exposed to a series of multiple schedules of reinforcement-both multiple variable interval extinction, and multiple variable interval variable interval. The stimuli which signaled the two components of the multiple schedule were sometimes located on the response key, and sometimes removed from the key. Positive behavioral contrast (increases in variable-interval responding which accompany decreases in extinction responding) was only observed when the signal stimuli were on the response key. These findings are consistent with the view that positive contrast results from the introduction of a differential stimulus-reinforcer dependency which directs behavior toward the stimulus, as in the phenomenon of autoshaping.
Guidelines and quality for community-acquired pneumonia: Measures from the Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Purpose. The rationales for and recent updates on quality measures for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) are reviewed. Summary. CAP continues to be among the most common causes of emergency department visits, hospitalization, and death in the United States. The Joint Commission of Accredited Health Care Organizations in conjunction with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America have published seven quality measures designed to improve the overall treatment of CAP. To encourage and enforce compliance with the measures, adherence is publicly reported, and several measures are used in the CMS pay-per-performance initiative. The quality measures are oxygen assessment, pneumococcal conjugate vaccination, blood cultures, adult smoking cessation advice/counseling, antimicrobial timing, initial antimicrobial selection in immunocompetent intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU patients, and influenza vaccination. Conclusion. The Joint Commission, CMS, and IDSA guidelines for the management of patients with CAP address basic aspects of preventive care and treatment for CAP. The guidelines emphasize the importance of vaccination as well as the need for appropriate and timely antimicrobial therapy. Adherence to guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, and compliance is being enforced by public reporting and pay-per-performance measures.
Non-HIV immunosuppressive factors in AIDS: a multifactorial, synergistic theory of AIDS aetiology.

Recent evidence has begun to indicate that HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is neither a ~ufficient nor a necessary cause of acquired immunedeficiency syndrome (AJ.DS). Lemaitre, et al. (1990) reported that tetracycline obviates HIV pathogenicity, leading Montaigner to suggest that a cofactor such as a mycoplasmal infection may be necessary to trigger HIV cytocidal activity and replication. This observation may confirm earlier claims by Lo (Lo, 1986; Lo et al., 1989; Wright, 1990) that mycoplasmas may play an essential role in AIDS pathogenesis. Similar data has also been reported from Gallo's laboratory by Lusso et al., C'emonstrating that the rate of HIV replication and its cytocidal effects are determined by coinfection of cells with herpes viruses (Lusso et al., 1989) and other retroviruses (Lusso et al., 1990).
Thermal diffusion in the topside ionosphere.

Abstract It is shown that thermal diffusion profoundly affects ion density gradients in the topside of the ionosphere. For charged particle temperatures increasing with altitude the effect is to decrease the He+ and H+ density gradients at altitudes where O+ is the major ion and to increase (algebraically) the He+ and O+ density gradients at altitudes where H+ is the major ion. Rocket and satellite mass spectrometer data provide some evidence of these effects.
Bringing the patient back in: Guidelines, practice variations, and the social context of medical practice

We challenge assumptions that have guided much research and policy aimed at understanding and reducing medical practice variation. Paramount is the focus on doctors as the cause of variation to the neglect of other possible influences. Some research literature suggests that patients, families, and the community context of practice may also influence treatment decisions. Failure to question present assumptions, despite weak evidence in support of them, may account for inability to explain persistent practice variation, develop appropriate implementable guidelines, or anticipate the effect on treatment decisions of greater patient involvement. In this paper, we discuss the weak response to the NIH Consensus Conference on early stage breast cancer because it may have reflected these problems. We urge a more complex and more empirical approach in explaining treatment choice and guidelines sensitive to the potential for value differences.
Enhancement of the Rate of Pyrophosphate Hydrolysis by Nonenzymatic Catalysts and by Inorganic Pyrophosphatase

To estimate the proficiency of inorganic pyrophosphatase as a catalyst, 31P NMR was used to determine rate constants and thermodynamics of activation for the spontaneous hydrolysis of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) in the presence and absence of Mg2+ at elevated temperatures. These values were compared with rate constants and activation parameters determined for the reaction catalyzed by Escherichia coli inorganic pyrophosphatase using isothermal titration calorimetry. At 25 °C and pH 8.5, the hydrolysis of MgPPi2− proceeds with a rate constant of 2.8 × 10−10 s−1, whereas E. coli pyrophosphatase was found to have a turnover number of 570 s−1 under the same conditions. The resulting rate enhancement (2 × 1012-fold) is achieved entirely by reducing the enthalpy of activation (ΔΔH‡ = −16.6 kcal/mol). The presence of Mg2+ ions or the transfer of the substrate from bulk water to dimethyl sulfoxide was found to increase the rate of pyrophosphate hydrolysis by as much as ∼106-fold. Transfer to dimethyl sulfoxide accelerated PPi hydrolysis by reducing the enthalpy of activation. Mg2+ increased the rate of PPi hydrolysis by both increasing the entropy of activation and reducing the enthalpy of activation.
“THE CARETAKER”: TEXT AND SUBTEXT

(1975). “THE CARETAKER”: TEXT AND SUBTEXT. English Studies in Africa: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 23-30.
Direct calculation of the information matrix via the EM

A simple explicit formula is provided for the matrix of second derivatives of the observed data log-likelihood in terms of derivatives of the criterion function (conditional expectation of the complete data log-likelihood given the observed data) invoked by the EM algorithm.
Evaluation of bilirubin derivatives for mass spectral analysis.

Twelve derivatives of bilirubin were evaluated from the point of view of providing intense molecular ion peaks on electron impact and unambiguous molecular weights. The tetrakis-(trimethylsilyl) derivative of bilirubin was judged to be the most suitable because its molecular ion carries 22% of the total ion current and is the base peak in the spectrum. Molecular ions were found to carry 10% of the total ion current in the spectrum of the trimethylsilylated methyl ester of the phenylazo derivative of bilirubin. Fragmentation patterns of these two compounds were studied using deuterium labeling.
Robust stability of singularly perturbed systems with delays

We consider in this work stability of singularly perturbed systems with time delays. It is shown that if the boundary layer system is robustly globally asymptotically stable and if the reduced slow system admits a Lyapunov-Razumikhin function, then the singularly perturbed system has certain “practical and semi-global” asymptotic stability property as the parameter of singular perturbation reduces to zero.
Comment on Langley C. Keyes et al.’s “Networks and nonprofits: Opportunities and challenges in an era of federal devolution”

Abstract The Keyes et al. article is an important contribution to the discussion of the future role of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) in the delivery of low‐income housing. This article does a good job of examining networks and linking the NPO discussion to the concept of social capital. Also, the case studies provide informative empirical evidence. However, Keyes et al. has several weaknesses in the argument for NPOs. The lack of a careful explanation of the case for market failure is the primary weakness. The argument can also be strengthened by expounding on the problems of investing in low‐quality housing. Other potential weaknesses include the difficulty of identifying stakeholders and the likely leakage of subsidies to NPO employees. My comments echo the authors’ call for additional research about NPOs. More data and investigation are needed to determine the proper role of NPOs, whether they should serve a political purpose, how the services of NPO networks should be priced, and how efficient NPOs a...
Inpatient psychiatric consultation for newly-diagnosed patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures

Abstract Objective To evaluate the prevalence and utilization of inpatient psychiatric consultation (IPC) for patients newly-diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNESs). Methods One hundred seventy-three epilepsy centers certified by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers were surveyed with the question, “Does your epilepsy center routinely obtain an inpatient psychiatric consultation for PNES patients in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)?” Additional comments were optional. A separate, single-center evaluation of self-reported psychiatric comorbidities compared with IPC diagnoses in 26 consecutively hospitalized patients with vEEG-confirmed PNESs from a tertiary care center was retrospectively reviewed. Results Ninety-seven epilepsy centers responded to the survey. Forty-one of the 97 (42.3%) responded “yes”, confirming routine use of IPC at their center. Sixty-two of the 97 (63.9%) included elective comments, with the most common being the use of case-by-case assessment to determine the necessity of IPC (56.4%). At the single center where IPC was requested for 26 newly-diagnosed patients, 7/26 (26.9%) refused evaluation by a psychiatrist. There was not a significant difference between the mood or anxiety disorder diagnosed by IPC and those self-reported by the patients. Only one patient received a change in drug treatment from IPC. None of the patients were a suicide threat prior to discharge. Conclusions Almost half of the surveyed epilepsy centers utilized IPC routinely. However, based on our study results, we suggest that routine IPC is not necessary in patients newly-diagnosed with PNESs and that a case-by-case evaluation would ensure that the minority of patients with acute psychiatric risks receive timely diagnosis and treatment. The value of IPC should be further evaluated in a larger, multi-center study.
Magnetic fields and the technology challenges they pose to beam-based equipment: a semiconductor perspective

As semiconductor devices shrink in size to accommodate faster processing speeds, the need for higher resolution beam-based metrology equipment and beam-based writing equipment will increase. The electron and ion beams used within these types of equipment are sensitive to very small variations in magnetic force applied to the beam. This phenomenon results from changes in Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) magnetic flux density at the beam column which causes deflections of the beam that can impact equipment performance. Currently the most sensitive beam-based microscope manufacturers require an ambient magnetic field environment that does not have variations that exceed 0.2 milli-Gauss (mG). Studies have shown that such low levels of magnetic flux density can be extremely difficult to achieve. As examples, scissor lifts, vehicles, metal chairs, and doors moving in time and space under typical use conditions can create distortions in the Earth's magnetic field that can exceed 0.2 mG at the beam column. In addition it is known that changes in the Earth's magnetic field caused by solar flares, earthquakes, and variations in the Earth's core itself all cause changes in the magnetic field that can exceed 0.2 mG. This paper will provide the reader with the basic understanding of the emerging problem, will discuss the environmental and facility level challenges associated in meeting such stringent magnetic field environments, will discuss some of the mitigation techniques used to address the problem, and will close by discussing needs for further research in this area to assure semiconductor and nanotechnology industries are pre-positioned for even more stringent magnetic field environmental requirements.
Development and possible functions of teratocytes in the host-parasite association☆

Abstract Parasitism of Heliothis virescens by the parasitoid Cardiochiles nigriceps results in the production of about 200 teratocytes when the parasitoid's egg hatches. The teratocytes arise from one of the embryonic membranes of the developing egg and remain attached to the embryo for several hours after hatching. The teratocytes, following their liberation into the hemocoel, increase in diameter from 14 μ to about 350 μ in 10 days. The developing teratocyte appears to have two stages in its development. The young secretory phase is characterized by a Tyndall blue color and may function to delay and disrupt host pupation. The older or trophic phase in teratocyte development is characterized by a white opaque appearance. The presence of large reserves of protein, lipid, and some glycogen is indicated in the older teratocyte by histochemical methods suggesting a nutritive role. Teratocytes grow even when injected into hosts in the absence of the larval parasitoid; however, when injected into H. zea , a foreign host, teratocytes were encapsulated.
The distribution of zinc between solid InSb and In-Sb melts

Abstract The distribution coefficient for zinc between InSb and In-Sb melts has been found to be nearly independent of the antimony content of the melt in the range of 25 to 60 atom. per cent antimony. A sharp dependence on the zinc content of the system has been observed, the distribution coefficient varying from 3 to 0·2 as the zinc concentration in the solid changes from ∾ 1 × 10 19 to ∾ 3 × 10 20 atoms cm −3 . Consideration has been given to the possible importance of surface states in determining the observed distribution coefficient.
Chromosomes and causation of human cancer and leukemia. LI. A hairy cell leukemia case with 14q+ and ring chromosomes: Significance of ring chromosomes in blood disorders

Abstract What appears to be the first hairy cell leukemia case with a 14q+ anomaly is described. In addition to the 14q+ anomaly, a 6q− and a ring chromosome were seen in a blood sample stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, a B-cell mitogen. The clinical course of the present case was short, stormy, and had a poor response to therapy. The correlation between the clinical course and the presence of a ring chromosome in myelo- and lymphoproliferative blood disorders is discussed in relation to the various blood disorders with this karyotype anomaly described in the literature.
Developing multi-method, iterative, and user-centered evaluation strategies for digital libraries: Functionality, usability, and accessibility

Usability, functionality, and accessibility testing of digital library information services and products are essential for providing high quality services to users. This paper details a long-term, evolving effort to develop meaningful evaluations for assessing digital libraries. The authors of this paper have been engaged in a multi-year study to determine appropriate evaluation techniques, tools, and methodologies for the Florida Electronic Library (FEL) and other digital libraries. The evaluation protocols and approaches have been designed over time and iteratively through assessment efforts of the research team of other digital library initiatives and with multiple versions of the FEL. As such, this paper examines the process of developing, applying, and refining appropriate evaluation methodologies for the networked environment of libraries, as well as the implications of these methodologies. The approach taken in the research described herein relies on a combination of evaluation strategies applied iteratively to assess libraries from the perspective of patron needs. A number of specific methods, as shown in this paper, can be readily developed to provide such evaluations. The following goals guide the presentation in this paper of the development through time of the methods and instruments created, tested, refined, and operationalized in functionality, usability, and accessibility testing by the researchers. The goals of this paper are to: 1) demonstrate the potential roles of multiple, iterative evaluation strategies in the development and refinement of digital libraries; 2) detail the methodologies that focus on how the services meet the needs of users; and 3) encourage further discussion of the uses of these multiple evaluation approaches in assessing these libraries.
A fast open source code for determining the intensity and angular distribution of radiation transmitted through homogenous cloud cover

Abstract Predicting the transmission of solar radiation through clouds is critical to forecasting the performance of solar power systems. The interaction of solar radiation with cloud particles is described by Mie scattering and the subsequent radiation transport equations must be solved numerically. A standard implementation is typically done using a discrete ordinates or Monte Carlo approach, both of which can be computationally expensive. An alternate approach, called the doubling-method, approximates a cloud as being comprised of optically thin layers for which transmission and reflection functions can be formulated. A thick cloud is then modeled by stacking the layers in such a way that the reflection and transmission from one layer act as inputs to the layers above and below it. The approach allows for rapid computation of the direct and diffuse components of surface solar radiation as a function of solar zenith angle, wavelength, and cloud optical thickness. Here we present a simple, platform independent, fully benchmarked, algorithm for implementing the doubling-method. The code runs orders of magnitude faster than does DISORT for an equivalent angular resolution and is shown to produce equivalent results.
Efficient design sensitivity derivatives for multi-load case structures as an integrated part of finite element analysis

Abstract In most structural optimization problems the accurate calculation of design sensitivity derivatives is required many times during the optimization process. For large structures with multi-load cases the computational costs are sometimes prohibitive. In this paper an approach for incorporating design sensitivity calculations into the finite element analysis of multi-load case structures is presented. A formulation designed to minimize the computational time for the assembled stiffness matrix derivatives is discussed for different element types. The formulation depends on the implicit differentiation method and requires few additional calculations to obtain the design sensitivity derivatives. The approach is developed and implemented to calculate the design sensitivities for continuum and structural isoparametric elements. To demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the developed approach some test cases using different structural and continuum element types are presented.
Nanopatterning effects on astrocyte reactivity.

An array of design strategies have been targeted toward minimizing failure of implanted microelectrodes by minimizing the chronic glial scar around the microelectrode under chronic conditions. Current approaches toward inhibiting the initiation of glial scarring range from altering the geometry, roughness, size, shape, and materials of the device. Studies have shown materials which mimic the nanotopography of the natural environment in vivo will consequently result in an improved biocompatible response. Nanofabrication of electrode arrays is being pursued in the field of neuronal electrophysiology to increase sampling capabilities. Literature shows a gap in research of nanotopography influence in the reduction of astrogliosis. The aim of this study was to determine optimal feature sizes for neural electrode fabrication, which was defined as eliciting a nonreactive astrocytic response. Nanopatterned surfaces were fabricated with nanoimprint lithography on poly(methyl methacrylate) surfaces. The rate of protein adsorption, quantity of protein adsorption, cell alignment, morphology, adhesion, proliferation, viability, and gene expression was compared between nanopatterned surfaces of different dimensions and non-nanopatterned control surfaces. Results of this study revealed that 3600 nanopatterned surfaces elicited less of a response when compared with the other patterned and non-nanopatterned surfaces. The surface instigated cell alignment along the nanopattern, less protein adsorption, less cell adhesion, proliferation and viability, inhibition of glial fibrillary acidic protein, and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 compared with all other substrates tested. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Unequal crossing over and the genetical organization of the white locus ofDrosophila melanogaster

Unequal crossing over occurs in females heterozygousw a /w a4 such that a deficiency and duplication can be recovered regularly. A triplication was also found following crossing over in the homozygous duplication. Genetic analysis of the duplication showed that of the several knownw loci only thew e andsp-w loci are duplicated. By means of crossing overw e andsp-w were introduced separately into the left half of the duplication andw e into the right half. The phenotypic consequences of such substitutions are interpreted in terms of the loci which are included in specific functional units or genes. They suggest thatw e andsp-w are in distinctive functional units. The fact that these duplications and deficiencies are without obvious affect on salivary gland band morphology suggests that the gene loci constitute only a small portion of the band structure.
A review of methods to induce alcohol addiction in animals.

Abstract Since alcoholism has been shown to be a form of addiction, there has been increasing attention to the development of an animal model of alcoholism. Within the past five years, several techniques have been developed to produce physical dependence upon alcohol in a number of species. This review presents a summary and evaluation of the various approaches used and a discussion of the relative merits of the behavioral (self-administration) and pharmacological (forced administration) models. Several questions are raised concerning the relationship between physical dependence and subsequent self-administration of alcohol. It is concluded that although it has been possible to produce physical dependence upon alcohol in animals, the critical determinants of the addictive process are still unknown.
Landauer counting argument, quantum distribution-function transport equations, and nonequilibrium quantum statistical physics

Abstract Issues of nonequilibrium quantum statistical physics from the point of view of carrying out numerical computation of ultrafast dynamics, and consequences of the Liouville–von Neumann–Lindblad equation to incorporate dissipative and nonextensive phenomena are discussed.
Effect of cimetidine on human leukocyte function

In vitro studies of the effects of cimetidine on neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis revealed no differences between the treated cells and control cells. In vitro studies were performed on neutrophils and monocytes from 20 patients who were treated with oral cimetidine for duodenal ulcer disease. Neutrophil studies from these patients revealed no effect by cimetidine. A significant augmentation of chemotaxis was found in monocytes from patients receiving the drug. Studies of neutrophil phagocytosis from cimetidine-treated patients were exactly identified to control values. These studies indicate cimetidine to have a stimulatory effect on monocyte chemotaxis and no effect on neutrophil function.
Growth hormone activity in man with components of tryptic digests of bovine growth hormone

Abstract Fractions of tryptic digests of bovine growth hormone previously demonstrated to have human growth hormone-like activity in hypopituitary humans were administered to hypopituitary human subjects, and effects on nitrogen metabolism similar to those of human growth hormone were demonstrated with five of the preparations. The nitrogen retaining property of the tryptic digests of bovine growth hormone fractions seems best correlated with components of intermediate mobility, as characterized by starch gel electrophoresis at pH 9.5. Four of the five preparations produced clinical side effects associated with human growth hormone administration.
ALOX5AP Variants are Associated with In-Stent Restenosis After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background Use of drug-eluting stents (DES) has reduced in-stent restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); however, DES are associated with late stent thrombosis. There is no accurate way to predict in-stent restenosis, although risk factors for atherosclerosis overlap those for in-stent restenosis. Therefore, we evaluated atherosclerosis candidate genes for association with in-stent restenosis.
Rheological phase diagrams for nonhomogeneous flows of rodlike liquid crystalline polymers

Abstract The rheological phase diagrams for solutions of rigid rod molecules are computed for planar Couette and Poiseuille flow as a function of Deborah number, initial orientation, and wall separation; this analysis extends the seminal work of Larson and Ottinger [R.G. Larson, H.C. Ottinger, Effect of molecular elasticity on out-of-plane orientations in shearing flows of liquid-crystalline polymers, Macromolecules 24 (1991) 6270–6282] to nonhomogeneous flows. The Doi diffusion equation is solved by using a finite-element discretization of the rod distribution function and Onsager interaction potential. Simulations of planar Couette flow show the familiar logrolling–tumbling–wagging–flow-aligning cascade as Deborah number increases, and the critical Deborah numbers associated with transitions between states vary with wall separation. Defects are caused solely by wall interactions rather than artificial anchoring conditions. Simulations of planar Poiseuille flow show that the system tends toward either logrolling states or composite flow-aligning/logrolling attractors depending on the Deborah number, wall separation, and initial orientation.
Mentoring for Inclusion: A Model Class for Special and General Educators.

The following paper presents content and outcomes of a model class for instructing general and special educators in best practices of inclusive education. Key components of the class were (a) an em...
Convergence of synchronous and asynchronous greedy algorithms in a multiclass telecommunications environment

The Nash equilibrium point for optimum flow control in a noncooperative multiclass environment is studied. Convergence properties of synchronous and asynchronous greedy algorithms are investigated in the case where several users compete for the resources of a single queue using power as their performance criterion. A proof of the convergence of a synchronous greedy algorithm for the n users case is given, and the necessary and sufficient conditions for the convergence of asynchronous greedy algorithms are obtained. Another important contribution is the introduction to the literature and the extension of a not very widely known theorem for the convergence of Gauss-Seidel algorithms in the linear systems theory. >
Site‐directed mutations altering methyl‐accepting residues of a sensory transducer protein

The Trg protein is one of a family of transducer proteins that mediate chemotactic response in Escherichia coli. Transducers are methylaccepting proteins that gain or lose methyl esters on specific glutamyl residues during sensory adaptation. In this study, the significance of multiple sites of methylation on transducer proteins was addressed by using oligonucleotide-directed, site-specific mutagenesis to substitute an alanyl residue at each of the five methyl-accepting sites in Trg. The resulting collection of five mutations, each inactivating a single site, was analyzed for effects on covalent modification at the remaining sites on Trg and for the ability of the altered proteins to mediate sensory adaptation. Most of the alanyl substitutions had substantial biochemical effects, enhancing or reducing methyl-accepting activity of other sites, including one case of activation of a site not methylated in wild-type protein. Analysis of the altered proteins provided explanations for many features of the complex pattern of electrophoretic forms exhibited by Trg. The mutant proteins were less efficient than normal Trg in mediating adaptation. Correlation of biochemical and behavioral data indicated that reduction in the number of methyl-accepting sites on the transducer lengthened the time required to reach an adapted state.
Elimination of Dextran Interference in Serum Protein Determinations

Ethylene glycol, 120 ml per liter of biuret reagent, eliminates the falsely high values for serum proteins caused by as much as 2 g of either "Dextran 40" or "Dextran 75" per deciliter of serum.
The Old and New of Acute Laryngotracheal Infections

Laryngotracheal infections in childhood frequently result in airway obstruction, the major symptom of which is stridor. The primary aims of management are to establish a diagnosis rapidly and to maintain or secure the child's airway. Medical treatment and airway stabilization measures vary for the three most prevalent laryngotracheal infections — supraglottitis, laryngotracheitis, and bacterial tracheitis — as well as for older and newer infectious airway entities.
Transplant coronary artery disease: a novel model independent of cellular alloimmune response.

Background Allograft coronary atherosclerosis (TxCAD) is the leading cause of death after the first year after transplantation. TxCAD is believed to be a form of chronic rejection of the cardiac allografts. This study was undertaken to determine whether TxCAD could develop in the absence of a cellular alloimmune response. Methods and Results Inbred lean Zucker rats (>26 generations) served as donors and recipients of the cardiac grafts. Donor hearts were explanted at 60 or 90 days. Explanted hearts were processed for coronary artery histological analysis. Cytokine expression was determined by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, and the presence of T cells within the explanted hearts was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Forty-six transplantations were made, and TxCAD developed in all but one of the transplanted hearts. Overall, one third of the vessels examined were affected by TxCAD, and in roughly half of these vessels, the disease was severe. Native hearts were free of atherosclerosis. In...
Barnabas in Acts: a Study of His Role in the Text of Codex Bezae

This article seeks to establish Barnabas's function in the early church by comparing the readings of Codex Bezae with the more familiar Alexandrian text. Codex Bezae pays more attention to Barnabas's Hellenistic Jewish background and to his role as a model of goodness and encouragement. The significance of this emphasis derives from an additional Bezan mention of Barnabas at Acts 1.23 as one of the candidates to replace Judas. Applying traditional Jewish techniques of exegesis, Codex Bezae identifies Barnabas with the biblical figure of Joseph. The implications are that Barnabas ought to have been selected, the error arising from the apostles' lack of understanding. It is concluded that the Bezan readings represent the original text which was modified in order to attenuate the Jewish perspective and to remove the embarrassment of apostolic fallibility.
Finite state markov-chain approximations to univariate and vector autoregressions

The paper develops a procedure for finding a discrete-valued Markov chain whose sample paths approximate well those of a vector autoregression. The procedure has applications in those areas of economics, finance, and econometrics where approximate solutions to integral equations are required.
Manufacturing Investment and Allocation in Product Line Design Decision-Making

An important aspect of product development is design for manufacturability (DFM) analysis that aims to incorporate manufacturing requirements into early product decisionmaking. Existing methods in DFM seldom quantify explicitly the tradeoffs between revenues and costs generated by making design choices that may be desirable in the market but costly to manufacture. This paper builds upon previous work coordinating models for engineering design and marketing product line decision-making by incorporating quantitative models of manufacturing investment and production allocation. The result is a methodology that considers engineering design decisions quantitatively in the context of manufacturing and market consequences in order to resolve tradeoffs, not only among performance objectives, but also between market preferences and manufacturing cost.
Illumination with a Dim Bulb? What do social scientists learn by employing qualitative data analysis software (QDAS) in the service of multi-method designs?

Although there has been much optimistic discussion of integrating quantitative and qualitative findings into sociological analysis, there remains a gap regarding the application of mixed approaches...
Beam-based Feedback Simulations for the NLC Linac

Extensive beam-based feedback systems are planned as an integral part of the Next Linear Collider (NLC) control system. Wakefield effects are a significant influence on the feedback design, imposing both architectural and algorithmic constraints. Studies are in progress to assure the optimal selection of devices and to refine and confirm the algorithms for the system design. The authors show the results of initial simulations, along with evaluations of system response for various conditions of ground motion and other operational disturbances.
An Overview of Pharmacologic Management of Chronic Pain

Patients with chronic pain can be challenging to manage and historically providers have relied on opiates to treat pain. Recent studies have brought into question the safety and efficacy of chronic opiate therapy in the noncancer population. There is a vast amount of literature to support the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, topical agents, cannabinoids, and botulinum toxin either in conjunction with or in lieu of opioids. Intrathecal drug delivery systems can deliver some of these medications directly to their primary site of action while minimizing the side effects seen with systemic administration.
Volatile substances from larval habitats mediate species-specific oviposition in Anopheles mosquitoes

Oviposition site selection has been recognized as critical both for the survival and population dynamics of mosquitoes. Volatile substances released from larval habitats have been implicated as potential olfactory cues mediating oviposition. In our continuing studies of cues involved in oviposition site selection, we collected material from the larval habitats of Anopheles albimanus Wiedemann and Anopheles vestitipennis Dyar & Knab, i.e., cyanobacterial mats and Typha domingensis Pers. litter, respectively. The volatile compounds were extracted by freeze-drying the material and trapping the volatilized material on a -55 degrees C titanium condenser. For oviposition trials conducted with wild-caught females, the tested volatile materials were pipetted onto filters floating on the surface of distilled water in Teflon beakers that were placed within oviposition cages. For both species, volatile materials in low concentrations increased oviposition, assessed as egg density, whereas there was a shift to reduced oviposition at higher concentrations. Volatile effect was strongly habitat/species-specific as shown by reciprocal treatment tests.
Do Changes in Wealth Inequality Help Explain CEO Compensation Inequality? A Study Using the Pareto Distribution

Over the past twenty years there has been a dramatic increase in both CEO pay and the wealth of the richest Americans. We hypothesize that the increase in CEO pay is due to the same economy-wide factors that have increased the asset value of the wealthiest Americans. We test this hypothesis by estimating Pareto distributions for both CEO compensation and the Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest Americans and then comparing the behavior of these distributions over time. We find that the Forbes 400 distribution changes little over time, while CEO compensation changes significantly. We find no evidence for the hypothesis that these two distributions move together.