cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A time-varying subjective quality model for mobile streaming videos with stalling events

Over-the-top mobile video streaming is invariably influenced by volatile network conditions which cause playback interruptions (stalling events), thereby impairing users' quality of experience (QoE). Developing models that can accurately predict users' QoE could enable the more efficient design of quality-control protocols for video streaming networks that reduce network operational costs while still delivering high-quality video content to the customers. Existing objective models that predict QoE are based on global video features, such as the number of stall events and their lengths, and are trained and validated on a small pool of ad hoc video datasets, most of which are not publicly available. The model we propose in this work goes beyond previous models as it also accounts for the fundamental effect that a viewer's recent level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction has on their overall viewing experience. In other words, the proposed model accounts for and adapts to the recency, or hysteresis effect caused by a stall event in addition to accounting for the lengths, frequency of occurrence, and the positions of stall events - factors that interact in a complex way to affect a user's QoE. On the recently introduced LIVE-Avvasi Mobile Video Database, which consists of 180 distorted videos of varied content that are afflicted solely with over 25 unique realistic stalling events, we trained and validated our model to accurately predict the QoE, attaining standout QoE prediction performance.
Using conceptual roles of data for enhanced program comprehension

Without proper background, it is often very difficult for human beings to understand a legacy code. Domain knowledge is valuable to guide domain experts to efficiently comprehend and reengineer domain applications. In the comprehension process, what domain experts normally do is associate domain concepts in the human mind with their representations in the actual code. This paper is addressed as an effort to recover the representations of domain-specific concepts in an application and show the usefulness of such recovery in program comprehension. We describe two important aspects of this research: data-centered program analysis to recover the conceptual roles of data in a program; deriving a "program skeleton" aided by the conceptual roles to present an abstraction to capture the program behavior and the relationship between kernel variables in a program. We are developing a software engineering environment, named "SeeCORE", which incorporates these two approaches. SeeCORE can be customized for different domains by appropriately user-defined domain-specific rules. We have used a class of scientific applications as a domain to demonstrate our approach.
Sexuality in the 3D Internet and its relationship to real-life sexuality

The emerging 3D Internet provides a new medium for cyber-sexuality and a context for conducting empirical research on sexuality in digital environments. This study investigated sexual behaviour and attitudes within Second Life, the most prominent 3D virtual world, and explored the relationship between sexuality in Second Life and sexuality in real life. The results indicate a wide range of common and experimental sexual practices in Second Life, with sexual involvement occurring at faster pace and with a larger number of partners than in real life. In addition, these sexual practices occur in a range of relationship contexts, from brief casual encounters to long-term commitment and virtual marriage. Participants were evenly split on which realm was more sexually satisfying, with many participants indicating that sexuality in Second Life offers greater freedom and less inhibition than in real life. Participants also tended to view the two domains of sexual experience as largely independent, with sexuality ...
CYP2C9 allelic variants: ethnic distribution and functional significance

Cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2C9 CYP2C9 is a polymorphically expressed enzyme responsible for the metabolism of several clinically important drugs, some with a low therapeutic index. This review summarizes the structure-function relationship of the CYP2C9 promoter and coding regions, known polymorphisms, the functional significance of various CYP2C9 alleles in vitro and in vivo, and their population frequencies. In addition, possible molecular mechanisms underlying ethnic variability in the metabolism of CYP2C9 substrate drugs are discussed.
Delay of puberty onset in females due to suppression of growth hormone.

To determine whether suppression of GH and/or PRL in the presence of normal growth rates would affect the timing of puberty onset, weanling rats were infected with plerocercoid larvae of the tapeworm Spirometra mansonoides. Plerocercoid growth factor, which is released by S. mansonoides, stimulates growth while depressing endogenous GH. Vaginal opening and ovulation were significantly delayed in infected animals compared to those in untreated or vehicle-injected controls (P < 0.01). Although growth rates were comparable in all three groups, plerocercoid-treated (10 plerocercoids/rat) animals showed significantly depressed circulating PRL levels at 26 days of age but not at 32 days of age, and depressed GH levels at both ages. Vaginal opening and, to a lesser extent, ovulation could be normalized in the plerocercoid-treated animals by the administration of PRL or GH or 24–26 days of age. The effects of plerocercoids and hormonal replacement were not dependent upon the adrenals. Despite normal body weight g...
Scalable Sequential Equivalence Checking across Arbitrary Design Transformations

High-end hardware design flows mandate a variety of sequential transformations to address needs such as performance, power, post-silicon debug and test. Industrial demand for robust sequential equivalence checking (SEC) solutions is thus becoming increasingly prevalent. In this paper, we discuss the role of SEC within IBM. We motivate the need for a highly-automated scalable solution, which is robust against a variety of design transformations - including those that alter initialization sequences. This motivation has caused us to embrace the paradigm of SEC with respect to designated initial states. We furthermore describe the diverse set of algorithms comprised within our SEC framework, which we have found necessary for the automated solution of the most complex SEC problems. Finally, we provide several experiments illustrating the necessity of our diverse algorithm flow to efficiently solve difficult SEC problems involving a variety of design transformations.
Improving Nurses' Vasopressor Titration Skills and Self-Efficacy via Simulation-Based Learning

Abstract Background Administration of vasopressors in patients with septic shock can be a difficult skill for nurses to learn. Simulation-based learning (SBL) may be a useful tool for improving nurses' self-efficacy and skill performance in this context. Methods The purpose was to determine if an SBL experience increases nurses' self-efficacy and performance across three time points, using a quasi-experimental pre–post test design. Results We identified statistical trends in 16 RNs for improvement in self-efficacy (general and situational) and performance over time. Conclusions SBL training demonstrated an effect on self-efficacy and performance. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings.
Patient geometry-driven information retrieval for IMRT treatment plan quality control

Purpose: Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment plan quality depends on the planner's level of experience and the amount of time the planner invests in developing the plan. Planners often unwittingly accept plans when further sparing of the organs at risk (OARs) is possible. The authors propose a method of IMRT treatment plan quality control that helps planners to evaluate the doses of the OARs upon completion of a new plan. Methods: It is achieved by comparing the geometric configurations of the OARs and targets of a new patient with those of prior patients, whose plans are maintained in a database. They introduce the concept of a shape relationship descriptor and, specifically, the overlap volume histogram (OVH) to describe the spatial configuration of an OAR with respect to a target. The OVH provides a way to infer the likely DVHs of the OARs by comparing the relative spatial configurations between patients. A database of prior patients is built to serve as an external reference. At the conclusion of a new plan, planners search through the database and identify related patients by comparing the OAR-target geometric relationships of the new patient with those of prior patients. The treatment plans of thesemore » related patients are retrieved from the database and guide planners in determining whether lower doses delivered to the OARs in the new plan are feasible. Results: Preliminary evaluation is promising. In this evaluation, they applied the analysis to the parotid DVHs of 32 prior head-and-neck patients, whose plans are maintained in a database. Each parotid was queried against the other 63 parotids to determine whether a lower dose was possible. The 17 parotids that promised the greatest reduction in D{sub 50} (DVH dose at 50% volume) were flagged. These 17 parotids came from 13 patients. The method also indicated that the doses of the other nine parotids of the 13 patients could not be reduced, so they were included in the replanning process as controls. Replanning with an effort to reduce D{sub 50} was conducted on these 26 parotids. After replanning, the average reductions for D{sub 50} of the 17 flagged parotids and nine unflagged parotids were 6.6 and 1.9 Gy, respectively. These results demonstrate that the quality control method has accurately identified not only the parotids that require dose reductions but also those for which dose reductions are marginal. Originally, 11 of out the 17 flagged parotids did not meet the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group sparing goal of V(30 Gy)<50%. Replanning reduced them to three. Additionally, PTV coverage and OAR sparing of the original plans were compared to those of the replans by using pairwise Wilcoxon p test. The statistical comparisons show that replanning compromised neither PTV coverage nor OAR sparing. Conclusions: This method provides an effective quality control mechanism for evaluating the DVHs of the OARs. Adoption of such a method will advance the quality of current IMRT planning, providing better treatment plan consistency.« less
SCHREBER'S SOUL-VOLUPTUOUSNESS: MYSTICISM, MADNESS AND THE FEMININE IN SCHREBER'S MEMOIRS

Freud's 1911 case study based on Schreber's (1903) Memoirs of My Nervous Illness provides the investigator with the opportunity to reexamine Freud's interpretation through a return to the original data Freud used. This study reveals both the insights and limitations of Freud's theory of paranoia. An alternative interpretation of the case is overed from an existential-phenomenological perspective which aims both to expand upon and transform Freud's study without negating its value. Freud draws on the mythologies of the sun to argue for his hypothesis that the "father-complex" lies behind Schreber's God. By following some of the many other mythological themes in Schreber's memoirs, Freud's interpretation is opened to a larger, socially and historically situated context. An examination of cross-cultural and historical studies of mystical experience shows how Schreber's psychosis is simultaneously a form of madness and spiritual breakthrough. Schreber's is viewed as a narcissistic experience of the infant-child in which the imaginal has been exiled from rational, modern adulthood and is inaccessible to Cartesian language. Instead of recognizing the soul-full world of "miracles," Schreber envisions the absorption of the entire world into himself and he thus becomes an inflated caricature of the "heroic ego" at its extreme .
Anisotropic non-Kolmogorov turbulence phase screens with variable orientation

We describe a modification to fast Fourier transform (FFT)-based, subharmonic, phase screen generation techniques that accounts for non-Kolmogorov and anisotropic turbulence. Our model also allows for the angle of anisotropy to vary in the plane orthogonal to the direction of propagation. In addition, turbulence strength in our model is specified via a characteristic length equivalent to the Fried parameter in isotropic, Kolmogorov turbulence. Incorporating this feature enables comparison between propagating scenarios with differing anisotropies and power-law exponents to the standard Kolmogorov, isotropic model. We show that the accuracy of this technique is comparable to other FFT-based subharmonic methods up to three-dimensional spectral power-law exponents around 3.9.
A rapid colorimetric assay for the estimation of microgram quantities of DNA.

Abstract The thiobarbituric acid assay, routinely employed for the quantification of sialic acids, has been modified for the estimation of DNA in the range 0.5–500 μg. Neither RNA nor protein interfere in this procedure. The assay, as described, is more sensitive and less time consuming than the diphenylamine reaction.
Poverty, Wealth, and Access to Pandemic Influenza Vaccines

The prospects for developing an effective vaccine to prevent infection with the current H1N1 virus are excellent. Dr. Tadataka Yamada proposes a set of principles to guide global allocation of a pandemic vaccine.
Self-reported comfort treating severe mental illnesses among pre-doctoral graduate students in clinical psychology.

AbstractBackground: One possible explanation for the dearth of psychologists working in severe mental illness (SMI) areas is a lack of training opportunities. Recent studies have shown that while training opportunities have increased, there remain fewer resources available for SMI training compared to other disorders.Aim: Examines whether students express discomfort working with this population and whether they are satisfied with their level of training in SMI.Methods: One-hundred sixty-nine students currently enrolled in doctoral programs in clinical psychology in the United States and Canada were surveyed for their comfort treating and satisfaction with training related to a number of disorders.Results: Results indicate that students are significantly less comfortable treating and finding a referral for a patient with schizophrenia as well as dissatisfied with their current training in SMI and desirous of more training. Regression analyses showed that dissatisfaction with training predicted a desire for...
Simulation of peptide processing, compartmentation and release in neurosecretory cells

Abstract A theoretical framework is presented which mathematically describes the transport of secretory granules in neurons and the enzymatic processing of a prohormone and subsequent intermediates within such granules. The transport system represents the synthesis of individual granules, the migration of the granules among various “diffusionally”-connected compartments, and the release of granules from designated compartmental release sites. The processing of prohormone is represented by a multiple-site cleavage reaction with separate rate constants for each cleavage site on each peptide fragment. The effects of neuron growth, processing enzyme activity decay, and changes in release probability with granule age are taken into account. Computer models were constructed based on these underlying assumptions. Simulations are used to illustrate how the distribution of peptide fragments contained in a neuron will depend on interactions of peptide processing kinetics and cellular transport and storage processes. The models provide a tool for testing how multiple cell-biological variables will interact to control the chemical mixture secreted from a peptidergic neuron.
Calcineurin Regulates M Channel Modal Gating in Sympathetic Neurons

The M current regulates neuronal excitability, with its amplitude resulting from high open probability modal M channel behavior. The M current is affected by changing intracellular calcium levels. It is proposed that internal calcium acts by regulating M channel modal gating. Intracellular application of a preactivated form of the calcium-dependent phosphatase calcineurin (CaN420) inhibited the macroscopic M current, while its application to excised inside-out patches reduced high open probability M channel activity. Addition of ATP reversed the action of CaN420 on excised patches. The change in M channel gating induced by CaN420 was different from the effect of muscarine. A kinetic model supports the proposition that shifts in channel gating induced by calcium-dependent phosphorylation and dephosphorylation control M current amplitude.
Silviculture, Fire and Ecosystem Management

Fire and timber harvesting are two major factors affecting the development of forests in the Inland West. Prior to 1900, wildfires burned at various intervals and intensities, regenerating and tending forests creating a mosaic of conditions. After 1900, fire exclusion and timber harvesting created forests that are overstocked with trees and prone to epidemics of insects and diseases and forest replacing fires. The tools and methods developed by silviculturists for producing high value timber products can be used to manage forests for sustainability. If forests of the Inland West are going to be sustained, some type of active management other than fire exclusion is going to be needed. These management activities can best be determined by analyzing large tracts of forests in both temporal and spatial scales. These ecosystem analyses can guide the development of silvicultural systems for the long-term maintenance of ecosystems.
A packed cell volume (“cytocrit”) method for measuring swelling of rat brain cells exposed to sera of rabbits with allergic encephalomyelitis

Abstract A cytocrit method for determining the swelling effect of cytotoxic antibodies was adapted for use with fresh rat brain cells in saline acted upon by sera of rabbits showing paralysis of AE. Detailed descriptions of the procedure, and advantages and disadvantages of the method are presented. Brain cells in balanced saline show swelling; this swelling is reduced by about 76% by adding 0.1 ml of normal serum to each ml of cell suspension. The difference between swelling with normal serum and with AE serum is believed to represent the swelling effect of cytotoxic antibodies in AE serum. Swelling of rat brain cells with AE sera is temperature-dependent. The curve of swelling at 37°C is logarithmic through 210 minutes of incubation. Control swelling is of slightly less magnitude if control sera are used within 10 days of drawing than if used 15–41 days after drawing. Using the same experimental and control sera at 37°C in 3 independent runs under the same conditions, results with control serum agreed within 0.12%; with experimental serum, within 23.8%.
Multiple genetic aberrations including evidence of chromosome 11q13 rearrangement detected in pituitary adenomas by comparative genomic hybridization.

Object. This study was conducted to determine whether comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) is a more sensitive method for detecting genetic aberrations than other tests currently in use. Methods. The authors used CGH to examine 40 primary and 13 recurrent adenomas obtained from 52 patients for loss and gain of genetic material. Copy number aberrations (CNAs) were detected in 25 (48%) of the 52 patients studied. The chromosomes affected were, in order of decreasing frequency, 11, 7, X, 1, 8, 13, 5, 14, 2, 6, 9, 10, 12, 3, 18, 21, 4, 16, 15, 19, 22, and Y. Endocrinologically active adenomas were more likely to contain (p = 0.009) and had a greater number (p = 0.003) of CNAs. Of 26 adenomas with CNAs, 18 showed multiple aberrations involving entire chromosomes or chromosome arms. The most frequent CNA involving a chromosome subregion, which was present in four (8%) of 53 adenomas, was the loss of all chromosome 11 material except for a preserved common segment containing 11q13. Immunoperoxidase staining d...
Hydraulic redistribution in a stand of Artemisia tridentata: Evaluation of benefits to transpiration assessed with a simulation model

The significance of soil water redistribution facilitated by roots (an extension of "hydraulic lift", here termed hydraulic redistribution) was assessed for a stand of Artemisia tridentata using measurements and a simulation model. The model incorporated water movement within the soil via unsaturated flow and hydraulic redistribution and soil water loss from transpiration. The model used Buckingham-Darcy's law for unsaturated flow while hydraulic redistribution was developed as a function of the distribution of active roots, root conductance for water, and relative soil–root (rhizosphere) conductance for water. Simulations were conducted to compare model predictions with time courses of soil water potential at several depths, and to evaluate the importance of root distribution, soil hydraulic conductance and root xylem conductance on transpiration rates and the dynamics of soil water. The model was able to effectively predict soil water potential during a summer drying cycle, and the rapid redistribution of water down to 1.5 m into the soil column after rainfall events. Results of simulations indicated that hydraulic redistribution could increase whole canopy transpiration over a 100-day drying cycle. While the increase was only 3.5% over the entire 100-day period, hydraulic redistribution increased transpiration up to 20.5% for some days. The presence of high soil water content within the lower rooting zone appears to be necessary for sizeable increases in transpiration due to hydraulic redistribution. Simulation results also indicated that root distributions with roots concentrated in shallow soil layers experienced the greatest increase in transpiration due to hydraulic redistribution. This redistribution had much less effect on transpiration with more uniform root distributions, higher soil hydraulic conductivity and lower root conductivity. Simulation results indicated that redistribution of water by roots can be an important component in soil water dynamics, and the model presented here provides a useful approach to incorporating hydraulic redistribution into larger models of soil processes.
Multipole moments of a rounded charge-distribution

Abstract The multipole moments of a diffuse-edge charge distribution have been calculated and compared to those obtained for a uniform, or “square”, distribution. It is shown that serious errors may arise if a single “equivalent uniform” radius is used to compute these quanttiites.
C2 symmetric amines. I. The asymmetric Ullmann synthesis of a new C2-symmetric binaphthyl

Abstract 8-Bromo-1-oxazolinylnaphthalene (S)-3 subjected to Ullmann biaryl conditions has resulted in formation of a new 8,8′-substituted binaphthyl in high diastereomeric excess.
Development and Field Testing of Platoon Identification and Accommodation System

This paper describes the development and initial field testing of an intelligent traffic control system for identifying and progressing platoons at isolated traffic signals on signalized arterials. This system uses advance detection to obtain real-time information about the presence and speeds of individual vehicles. Its algorithm identifies whether a platoon—of a userspecified minimum size and density—is approaching the signal and estimates platoon arrival time at the stop bar. When warranted, the system issues a low-priority preemption signal to progress the detected platoon. Duration of the initial preemption signal is based on estimated arrival and departure times for the smallest acceptable platoon and the estimated time needed to clear any queues present at the signal. Then, the system switches to an extension mode and provides progression to any additional vehicles determined to be in the platoon. It accomplishes that by increasing preemption time until no more vehicles are determined to be in the ...
Electroencephalogram, bilateral ear temperature, and affect changes induced by lateral visual field stimulation

Abstract Fifteen subjects evaluated while wearing, in random order, four pairs of glasses, two limiting vision to either the left or right lateral visual field (LVF) and two monocular glasses (MGs) limiting vision to either eye, manifested significant differences in laterality indices in the predicted direction for the theta electroencephalogram (EEG) ( P P r 2 = .47 F(1,10) = 8.72, P P
Construction of simple approximants for the structure factor and magnetization for the simple cubic Ising model

A renormalization group method is used to construct approximants for the magnetization,m, and the static structure factor,\(\tilde C\)(q), for the simple cubic Ising model. Using the “best” values for the thermal critical index, the transition temperature, and the nearest-neighbor correlation function as input, we obtain recursion relations form and\(\tilde C\)(q) which lead to reasonable results over a wide range of temperatures and wave numbers.
Do the contents of visual working memory automatically influence attentional selection during visual search

In many theories of cognition, researchers propose that working memory and perception operate interactively. For example, in previous studies researchers have suggested that sensory inputs matching the contents of working memory will have an automatic advantage in the competition for processing resources. The authors tested this hypothesis by requiring observers to perform a visual search task while concurrently maintaining object representations in visual working memory. The hypothesis that working memory activation produces a simple but uncontrollable bias signal leads to the prediction that items matching the contents of working memory will automatically capture attention. However, no evidence for automatic attentional capture was obtained; instead, the participants avoided attending to these items. Thus, the contents of working memory can be used in a flexible manner for facilitation or inhibition of processing.
Bench-top evaluation of air flow through a valved peelable introducer sheath.

PURPOSE Air embolism is a rare but potentially fatal complication that may occur during the insertion of a central venous catheter. A valved peelable introducer sheath was developed to reduce the likelihood of an air embolus. This study was performed to determine the rate of air flow through this valved introducer sheath under different conditions that may be encountered in a clinical setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 16-F-diameter valved peelable introducer sheath was used for all experiments. A bench-top testing system was constructed that consisted of a vacuum source, a mass flow meter, and a digital vacuum gauge. A coupling device with a pneumatic O-ring was used to seal and connect the distal end of the introducer sheath to the testing system. A vacuum of −5 mm Hg was applied to the sealed distal end of the sheath to simulate physiologic conditions. The rate of air flow through the valved sheath was measured under three different conditions; (i) valve open, (ii) valve closed, and (iii) valve open but with the sheath manually pinched. Thirty air flow measurements were performed for each of the three test conditions. RESULTS When the valve was in the open position, the mean rate of air flow through the introducer sheath was 417.2 mL/sec (range, 415.5–419.7 mL/sec). When the valve was in the closed position, the mean rate of air flow was 0.004 mL/sec (range, 0.000–0.067 mL/sec). When the valve was open but the sheath was manually pinched, the mean rate of air flow through the sheath was 31.7 mL/sec (range, 23.0–38.8 mL/sec). During the 90 testing procedures, the mean vacuum was −5.10 mm Hg (range, −5.00 to −5.45 mm Hg). CONCLUSIONS This bench-top study revealed that a massive amount of air flowed through the open 16-F introducer sheath when it was subjected to a vacuum of −5 mm Hg, a situation that may occur under normal physiologic conditions. The rate of air flow could be decreased by aggressively pinching the sheath but the rate of air flow was still substantial. This study demonstrated that the addition of a sophisticated valve mechanism can essentially eliminate air flow through a peelable introducer sheath.
Resealing of transected myelinated mammalian axons in vivo: evidence for involvement of calpain.

The mechanisms underlying resealing of transected myelinated rat dorsal root axons were investigated in vivo using an assay based on exclusion of a hydrophilic dye (Lucifer Yellow–biocytin conjugate). Smaller caliber axons (<5 μm outer diameter) resealed faster than larger axons. Resealing was Ca2+ dependent, requiring micromolar levels of extracellular [Ca2+] to proceed, and further accelerated in 1 mM Ca2+. Two hours after transection, 84% of axons had resealed in saline containing 2 mM Ca2+, 28% had resealed in saline containing no added Ca2+ and only 3% had resealed in the Ca2+ buffer BAPTA (3 mM). The enhancing effect of Ca2+ could be overcome by both non-specific cysteine protease inhibitors (e.g., leupeptin) and inhibitors specific for the calpain family of Ca2+-activated proteases. Resealing in 2 mM Ca2+ was not inhibited by an inhibitor of phospholipase A2. Resealing in low [Ca2+] was not enhanced by agents which disrupt microtubules, but was enhanced by dimethylsulfoxide (0.5–5%). These results suggest that activation of endogenous calpain-like proteases by elevated intra-axonal [Ca2+] contributes importantly to membrane resealing in transected myelinated mammalian axons in vivo.
Lunar crater Copernicus: search for debris of impacting body at Apollo 12 site

In an attempt to characterize meteoritic material at the Apollo 12 site, 4 KREEP concentrates from soil 12033 have been analyzed by neutron activation analysis. These contain a meteoritic component in which siderophile Ir, Re, and Sb are depleted by about a factor of 2, while volatile Se, Zn, Ag, and Bi are depleted by a factor of more than 5 relative to Au. This pattern does not closely resemble any major chondrite or iron meteorite group, but is very similar to that observed in high-alkali samples from Apollo 14. The meteoritic component in KREEP at both sites is therefore predominantly derived from Imbrian ejecta. However, a second, small component of primitive composition seems to be present in Apollo 12 KREEP, judging from the slight, uniform enrichments in Ir, Re, Sb, and Zn relative to Au. This component does not seem to be due to micrometeorites. If it is attributed to the Copernican projectile, the crater Copernicus may have been formed by a cometary nucleus, 4 km in diameter, with an impact velocity of 30 to 40 km/sec. These conclusions depend critically on the assumption that the meteoritic component in Apollo 12 KREEP is representative of the entire impact.
An analysis of FDA-approved drugs for infectious disease: HIV/AIDS drugs.

HIV/AIDS is one of the worst pandemics in history. According to the World Health Organization, 26 million people have died since 1981 – 1.6 million in 2012 alone. The dramatic rise in HIV/AIDS mobilized a swift and impressive coordination among governmental, academic and private sector organizations to identify the virus and develop new treatments. Herein, we assess the arsenal of 28 new molecular entities (NMEs) targeting HIV/AIDS. These data demonstrate that the first approval of zidovudine presaged an expansion of the antiviral repertoire over the following years. Whereas the rate of HIV/AIDS NMEs is rapidly declining, so is the number of organizations developing NMEs. We speculate that decisions to abandon further research reflect, in part, growing costs and time required for development.
Review Essay: The Russian View(s) of the Prague Spring

This essay discusses five recently published volumes dealing with the Prague Spring of 1968 and the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia. These volumes mark the first extensive involvement by Russian scholars and archivists in historical assessments of the Soviet-Czechoslovak crisis. Reams of declassified documents and analytical essays in four of the volumes illuminate the events of 1968 and add details and nuances, but they do not alter the basic interpretations developed by Western scholars in earlier decades. The fifth volume, put out by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD), says more about the mentality of the Putin-era MVD than about the events of 1968.
Generalized preparation method and characterization of aluminum isopropoxide, aluminum phenoxide, and aluminum n-hexyloxide

Abstract We report an optimized synthesis of aluminum n -hexyloxide (AH), aluminum phenoxide (APh) and aluminum isopropoxide (AIP) with high yields. Aluminum alkoxides, among other applications, are important starting materials to produce high surface area alumina catalyst supports for catalytic applications, such as hydrocracking and supported Fischer–Tropsch catalysts (FT). One mole of aluminum was reacted with excess alcohol in the presence of 0.001 mole mercuric chloride catalyst. All solid alkoxides were obtained in high yields (90–95%) and analyzed by 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR and 27 Al NMR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), ICP-MS and elemental analysis. Aluminum n -hexyloxide was synthesized and characterized for the first time. Results indicate that fresh AH, APh, and AIP have the same coordination number of aluminum, but AIP changes as it ages.
Atmospheric pressure ionization in a miniature mass spectrometer.

A miniature cylindrical ion trap mass spectrometer featuring an atmospheric pressure interface allowing atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and electrospray ionization is described together with its analytical performance characteristics. The vacuum system, ion optics, mass analyzer, control electronics system, and detection system have all been designed and built in-house. The design is based upon a three-stage, differentially pumped vacuum system with the instrument capable of being interfaced to many types of atmospheric pressure ionization sources. Ions are transferred through home-built ion optics, and instrument control is achieved through custom-designed electronics and LabView control software. Corona discharge ionization and electrospray ionization sources are implemented and used to allow the analysis of both gaseous- and solution-phase samples during the characterization of the instrument. An upper mass/charge limit of ∼450 Th with unit resolution was achieved using a 2.5-mm-internal radiu...
1,25(OH)2D3 increases calcium and phosphatidylinositol metabolism in differentiating cultured human keratinocytes.

Abstract The effect of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 on the intracellular calcium, (Ca +2 )i, in both cultured human keratinocytes and in cultured human dermal fibroblasts was investigated. When the intracellular calcium (Ca +2 )i in cultured human keratinocytes, grown in a serum-free medium containing 1.8 m M calcium, was measured by the fluorescent calcium-indicator, Furu-2, the (Ca +2 i increased 154%, 202%, and 409% over the control value after incubation with 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 at 10 −10 m , 10 −8 m , and 10 −6 m , respectively. This response was immediate (15 seconds), specific (no effect with either 25(OH)D 3 at 10 −8 m or vitamin D 3 at 10 −8 m ), and occurred with or without EGTA in the medium. In contrast, 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 did not increase the (Ca 2+ )i in either cultured human keratinocytes that were grown in low calcium (0.05 m m ), serum-free medium or in cultured human dermal fibroblasts that were grown in medium containing 0.05 m m calcium and 1% serum. The effect of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 on the the turnover of phosphatidylinositol was investigated as a possible cause for the observed increase in (Ca +2 i. Cultured human keratinocytes that were incubated with 3 H-inositol demonstrated a 50% ± 10% increase in the triphosphated, plasma membrane-bound metabolite of phosphatidylinositol, PIP 2 , by 15 seconds, followed by a rapid decrease at 30 seconds, then a return toward basal levels by 1 minute. Lysophosphatidylinositol, which results from the sn-2 deacylation of phosphatidylinositol by phospholipase A 2 , decreased 20% ± 8% within 30 seconds, then increased to 200% ± 10% of the control value by 5 minutes. The accumulation of IP 3 was increased 50% to 100% above the control value within 30 seconds and this increase was substained during the 5-minute incubation period. Stimulation of phosphatidylinositol turnover by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 was not detected in either cultured human keratinocytes that were grown in serum-free, low calcium medium or in cultured human dermal fibroblasts that were grown in 1% serum.
Biotic and abiotic degradation of CL-20 and RDX in soils.

The caged cyclic nitramine 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) is a new explosive that has the potential to replace existing military explosives, but little is known about its environmental toxicity, transport, and fate. We quantified and compared the aerobic environmental fate of CL-20 to the widely used cyclic nitramine explosive hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in surface and subsurface soil microcosms. Soil-free controls and biologically mediated processes. Both abiotic and biological processes significantly degraded CL-20 in all soils examined. Apparent abiotic, first-order degradation rates (k) for CL-20 were not significantly different between soil-free controls (0.018 < k < 0.030 d-1) and biologically attenuated soil controls (0.003
Emergent models of supple dynamics in life and mind.

Abstract The dynamical patterns in mental phenomena have a characteristic suppleness—a looseness or softness that persistently resists precise formulation—which apparently underlies the frame problem of artificial intelligence. This suppleness also undermines contemporary philosophical functionalist attempts to define mental capacities. Living systems display an analogous form of supple dynamics. However, the supple dynamics of living systems have been captured in recent artificial life models, due to the emergent architecture of those models. This suggests that analogous emergent models might be able to explain supple dynamics of mental phenomena. These emergent models of the supple mind, if successful, would refashion the nature of contemporary functionalism in the philosophy of mind.
Extending arousal theory and reflecting on biosocial approaches to social science

This commentary extends arousal theory to suggest an explanation for the well-established inverse correlation between church attendance and involvement in crime. In addition, the results of two surveys of social scientists are reviewed to reveal just how little impact the biosocial/sociobiological perspective has had thus far on “mainstream” social science.
Epoxidized perfluoropolyethers: A route to hydrophobic, negative-tone photoresists

The synthesis, formulation, and wafer level processing conditions of a heavily fluorinated hydrophobic photoresist was demonstrated. The synthesis is based on terminal epoxy modification of commercially available perfluoropolyethers. Structural characterization shows that terminal epoxide can open during the synthetic process, but in a simple formulation has a negligible effect on photoresolution of the photoresist. Formulation into a traditional photoresist requires careful selection of appropriate cosolvents to ensure solubility of the hydrophobic epoxy and hydrophilic photoacid generator while attaining adequate coating quality. Formulation processing conditions are presented and the chemical resistance of the resist through aggressive processing steps is demonstrated. Wafer level patterning using traditional photolithographic tools illustrates the applicability of the formulation and process conditions for traditional resist or microfluidic applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Research towards a systematic signature discovery process

In its most general form, a signature is a unique or distinguishing measurement, pattern, or collection of data that identifies a phenomenon (object, action, or behavior) of interest. The discovery of signatures is an important aspect of a wide range of disciplines from basic science to national security for the rapid and efficient detection and/or prediction of phenomena. Current practice in signature discovery is typically accomplished by asking domain experts to characterize and/or model individual phenomena to identify what might compose a useful signature. What is lacking is an approach that can be applied across a broad spectrum of domains and information sources to efficiently and robustly construct candidate signatures, validate their reliability, measure their quality, and overcome the challenge of detection - all in the face of dynamic conditions, measurement obfuscation, and noisy data environments. Our research has focused on the identification of common elements of signature discovery across application domains and the synthesis of those elements into a systematic process for more robust and efficient signature development. In this way, a systematic signature discovery process lays the groundwork for leveraging knowledge obtained from signatures to a particular domain or problem area, and, more generally, to problems outside that domain. This paper presents the initial results of this research by discussing a mathematical framework for representing signatures and placing that framework in the context of a systematic signature discovery process. Additionally, the basic steps of this process are described with details about the methods available to support the different stages of signature discovery, development, and deployment.
Racial differences in high school dropout rates: An analysis of U.S. Metropolitan areas

Abstract I n this paper, we explore the differences in high school dropout rates among white, black and Hispanic students in 275 U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in 2000. Our analysis focuses on the impact of community and labor market conditions, in hopes of providing insight into the relationship between place and educational outcomes. The explanatory power of our regression models is mixed across racial groups, performing best for whites and Hispanics. Our results also indicate that community factors – most importantly, same-race adult educational attainment in the community, teenage birth rates and residential stability – have a greater impact on dropout rates than labor market factors. Our results suggest that as education reform moves toward broad-based solutions to improve student outcomes including dropout rates, it will be increasingly important to address the structural origins of inequality outside of schools.
Involvement of cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase activator in an hereditary retinal degeneration.

CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDES mediate many aspects of normal cellular metabolism1; thus, degradation as well as synthesis of these intracellular mediators must be strictly regulated. Phosphodiesterase (PDE), the enzyme of cyclic nucleotide catabolism, is present in mammalian tissues in multiple forms, which differ in substrate specificity, kinetic characteristics and sub-cellular localisation2. Moreover, a calcium-dependent protein activator (now called calmodulin) has been characterised that specifically activates at least one of the PDE types3,4 although other types of PDE are known to be activator independent5,6. Thus, several mechanisms are present in vivo which allow strict control of PDE. A unique cyclic GMP-PDE is compartmentalised in the outer segments of retinal photoreceptor cells7–10; its activity is low in the dark-adapted state but increases dramatically on light adaptation10–12. The resulting drop in cyclic GMP content could serve as a chemical ‘signal’ in the normal visual process13,14. However, despite much investigation of various cyclic nucleotide systems, no definitive information has been obtained which clearly links a disorder of cyclic nucleotide metabolism with a disease process elsewhere than in retina15,16. We have recently presented preliminary evidence that an abnormality in cyclic GMP metabolism could be present in the retinas of Irish setter dogs with inherited rod–cone dysplasia15 that could lead to greatly increased cyclic GMP content, as had been reported in mice with inherited retinal degeneration16. We now report that the basic defect in the disease seems to be a failure to switch PDE type and a concomitant decrease in protein activator concentration early in postnatal development, at the time of photoreceptor differentiation.
Access Denied: Snf1 Activation Loop Phosphorylation Is Controlled by Availability of the Phosphorylated Threonine 210 to the PP1 Phosphatase

Phosphorylation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Snf1 kinase activation loop is determined by the integration of two reaction rates: the rate of phosphorylation by upstream kinases and the rate of dephosphorylation by Glc7. The activities of the Snf1-activating kinases do not appear to be glucose-regulated, since immune complex kinase assays with each of the three Snf1-activating kinases show similar levels of activity when prepared from cells grown in either high or low glucose. In contrast, the dephosphorylation of the Snf1 activation loop was strongly regulated by glucose. When de novo phosphorylation of Snf1 was inhibited, phosphorylation of the Snf1 activation loop was found to be stable in low glucose but rapidly lost upon the addition of glucose. A greater than 10-fold difference in the rates of Snf1 activation loop dephosphorylation was detected. However, the activity of the Glc7-Reg1 phosphatase may not itself be directly regulated by glucose, since the Glc7-Reg1 enzyme was active in low glucose toward another substrate, the transcription factor Mig1. Glucose-mediated regulation of Snf1 activation loop dephosphorylation is controlled by changes in the ability of the Snf1 activation loop to act as a substrate for Glc7.
A Synthetic Pore‐Mediated Transmembrane Transport of Glutamic Acid

Transported to the other side: Cyclic D,L-α-peptides self-assemble in lipid bilayers into transmembrane ion channels that may allow efficient transport of glutamic acid. The molecular transport is size/shape selective, as evidenced by the high transport rates observed with cyclodecapeptide-based transmembrane pores but not with the smaller cyclooctapeptide analogue.
The SPS affair: a complex tale of illicit proliferation.

In this issue of Cancer Cell , Xiao et al. report that PLC-β3 mutant mice develop myeloprolfierative neoplasms and show that tumor suppressor activity does not require PLC-β3 catalytic activity. Instead, PLC-β3 forms a complex with SHP-1 and Stat5 that facilitates Stat5 dephosphorylation. A similar mechanism may be operative in some human leukemias.
Effects of pancreastatin and chromogranin A on insulin release stimulated by various insulinotropic agents

The effects of porcine pancreastatin on insulin release stimulated by insulinotropic agents, glucagon, cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-8), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and L-arginine, were compared to those of bovine chromogranin A (CGA) using the isolated perfused rat pancreas. Pancreastatin significantly potentiated glucagon-stimulated insulin release (first phase: 12.5 +/- 0.9 ng/8 min; second phase: 34.5 +/- 1.6 ng/25 min in controls; 16.5 +/- 1.1 ng/8 min and 44.0 +/- 2.2 ng/25 min in pancreastatin group), whereas CGA was ineffective. The first phase of L-arginine-stimulated insulin release was also potentiated by pancreastatin (6.9 +/- 0.5 ng/5 min in controls, 8.4 +/- 0.6 ng/5 min in pancreastatin group), but not by CGA. Pancreastatin did not affect CCK-8 or GIP-stimulated insulin release. Similarly, CGA did not affect insulin release stimulated by CCK-8 or GIP. These findings suggest that pancreastatin stimulates insulin release in the presence of glucagon. Because pancreastatin can have multiple effects on insulin release, which are dependent upon the local concentration of insulin effectors, pancreastatin may participate in the fine tuning of insulin release from B cells.
Toward a Theory of Conversion and Commitment to the Occult

A part of the "occult establishment" is described in this paper, along with the presentation of model whereby "normal people" get involved in an occult group. A discussion of the importance of group ritual in such a process is included.