cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trails of involvement: Evidence for local games

Game theory seeks solutions that would eliminate the need to actually play games and hence cannot explain why some games are played out, often with skills that are widely admired and emulated. This paper makes the conditions required to play (rather than solve) a game its starting point and focuses on the local skills that underlie the ensuing involvement. Data from tournament chess reveals that highly-skilled players are the best at sustaining involvement, yet also the best at terminating the game when the outcome becomes apparent, suggesting that involvement should stand alongside rationality as divergent ideals in social action. This bifurcation in skill can produce cooperation in the midst of conflict, or vice versa, and hence send local actions in the opposite direction of stated global goals.
Neuroleptic-induced vacuous chewing movements in rodents: incidence and effects of long-term increases in haloperidol dose

Rats treated chronically with neuroleptics develop vacuous chewing movements (VCMs), similar in some respects to tardive dyskinesia (TD) in man. The VCM syndrome was used as a model of TD to examine the ability of increased neuroleptic doses to produce long-term suppression of dyskinetic movements. The incidence and persistence of the VCM syndrome in individual rats were also assessed to look for affected and unaffected subgroups. Rats were initially treated for 15 weeks with haloperidol decanoate. For the next 21 weeks, half the group received a 50–150% increase in dose while the other half continued to receive the same dose. Animals were also followed during a 28-week withdrawal period. Total VCM ratings showed a skewed distribution, with some rats exhibiting few movements while others developed marked and persistent movements. Increasing doses did not suppress VCMs, nor did they exacerbate movements during the withdrawal period. To the extent that the VCM syndrome models TD, the absence of long-term suppression of the VCM syndrome suggests that, at this dosage range, increasing depot neuroleptic doses may not be a useful long-term strategy for TD suppression.
Effects of continuous and interval training on the parameters of the power-endurance time relationship for high-intensity exercise

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 6 weeks of low-intensity continuous exercise training (CE; 40 min at 50% VO2peak, 3 days/week) and high-intensity interval exercise training (IE: 10 x 2 min at VO2peak, 3 days/week) on the parameters of the power-endurance time relationship for cycle ergometry. The hyperbolic relationship between power and endurance time was linearized by expressing the power against the inverse of time, as described by Whipp et al. (22). This model consists of two parameters: theta f, a fatigue threshold reflecting the capability for sustained aerobic power, and W', a constant postulated to reflect a finite energy store (i.e., those factors comprising the O2 deficit: Phosphagen stores, anaerobic glycogenolysis, myoglobin O2 stores). Prior to training, test-retest reliability coefficients (r2) for theta f and W' were 0.92 and 0.62, respectively (P less than 0.01). Training resulted in significant (P less than 0.01) increases in theta f for both CE [27 +/- 3 W (13.4%) increase] and IE [33 +/- 5 W (15.0%) increase], with no difference between groups. Increases in theta f were not dependent upon improvements in VO2peak. W' was not changed significantly in either group after training. However, a significant negative correlation between the training-induced changes in theta f and W' (R = 0.76; P less than 0.01) was obtained. The minimum intensity threshold for exercise training necessary to elicit increases in theta f has yet to be identified, but is at least as low as 50% of VO2peak.
Effect of water deprivation on antidiuresis in Dipodomys spectabilis and Rattus norvegicus.

Abstract o 1. Antidiuretic responses of Dipdomys spectabilis and Rattus norvegicus were compared before and after 4 days of water deprivation. 2. Nicotine caused a delay in the onset of diuresis and an increase in urine osmolality and chloride concentration in both species receiving water ad lib . 3. Nicotine induced antidiuresis in the water deprived D. spectabilis , but not in the water deprived R. norvegicus . 4. Azacyclonol produced antidiuresis with associated increases in urine osmolality and chloride concentration in both species before and after water deprivation.
Genotypic and environmental effects on guayule (Parthenium argentatum) latex and growth

Abstract Guayule ( Parthenium argentatum Gray) is the best potential source of hypoallergenic latex to replace latex products from the Hevea ( Hevea brasiliensis ) plant that cause Type I allergies. However, information is not available on environmental effects on latex content and growth of newly released germplasm lines. This knowledge is needed to enhance guayule breeding efforts. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the genotype, environment, and genotype × environment effects on latex content and plant growth of guayule. Four lines were planted in the field at Maricopa, Arizona, USA on 6 April 1995 and 6 March 1996 and at Marana, Arizona, USA on 11 April 1995 and 12 June 1996. Plant height and width measurements were made in the spring of 1997 and latex content and biomass determined in the spring of 1997 and 1998. The main factors that included location, line, and plant age were significant and the interactions not significant for all traits measured. Environment accounted for over 50% of the variability observed in all traits, followed by plant age (16%) and line (10%). These results point to the tremendous impact that environment has on guayule plant growth, biomass, and latex content. We could not determine from these tests whether temperature, soil type, moisture, fertility, or a combination of these or other environmental factors were responsible for this response. Some of the non-significant interactions may have been significant if a larger or wider germplasm base could have been evaluated. Additional studies are needed to determine the environmental factor(s) responsible for the large environmental response we observed.
Economy in Protein Design: Evolution of a Metal-Independent ββα Motif Based on the Zinc Finger Domains

An iterative design process involving the synthesis and structural analyses of five polypeptides patterned after the zinc finger domains is described. This process has led to the development of a metal-independent folded ββα motif, BBA1. In contrast to the zinc fingers and other naturally occurring peptides of similar size, this small monomeric structure folds without the assistance of metal cation ligation or disulfide bridges. To probe the effect of metal binding on the secondary and tertiary structure of peptides throughout the design process, a non-standard amino acid 3-(1,10-phenanthrol-2-yl)-l-alanine (Fen) was incorporated and its unique chromophore utilized for circular dichroism (CD) analysis. Advanced designs were analyzed by both CD and 2D NMR. The solution structure of BBA1 was determined using NOE restrained simulated annealing. The average RMSD for the backbone atoms of residues 1−22 is 0.9 ± 0.3 A. Analysis of the resulting structure reveals that the α-helix and β-hairpin are associated via...
Spectroscopy and defect states in polyaniline

We report the far-infrared through visible photoinduced absorption (PA) spectra of polyaniline in the emeraldine-base and leucoemeraldine-base forms. The direct-absorption spectrum of emeraldine base (EB) has a broad absorption centered at 2 eV (the ``exciton'' band) and an absorption band at \ensuremath{\sim}3.6 eV (the \ensuremath{\pi}-${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{\mathrm{*}}$ band gap). The PA spectra of EB for pumping into the ``exciton'' band and across the band gap are nearly identical, indicating the same types of charged defect states are created upon photoexcitation. The direct absorption spectrum of leucoemeraldine base (LB) shows only the \ensuremath{\pi}-${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{\mathrm{*}}$ band-gap absorption at \ensuremath{\sim}3.6 eV. For pumping into this absorption band, the PA spectrum of LB is very similar to that of EB, although important differences result from the lack of quinoid structures in this material. Based on our results, we propose a model for the photocreation of defect states in leucoemeraldine base and emeraldine base. The central roles of phenyl-ring rotations and of massive polarons are discussed.
Aqueous RAFT Synthesis of pH-Responsive Triblock Copolymer mPEO−PAPMA−PDPAEMA and Formation of Shell Cross-Linked Micelles†

Herein we report the synthesis and characterization of polymeric cross-linking agents and novel shell cross-linked (SCL) micelles utilizing reversible addition−fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. A series of pH-responsive ABC triblock copolymers consisting of α-methoxypoly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly[N-(3-aminopropyl)methacrylamide]-b-poly[2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (mPEO−PAPMA−PDPAEMA) have been synthesized via RAFT polymerization in aqueous media at 70 °C employing a PEO-based macro-chain transfer agent (macro-CTA). These triblock copolymers molecularly dissolve in aqueous solution at low pH (<5.0) due to protonation of primary amine residues on the PAPMA block and tertiary amine residues on the PDPAEMA block. Above pH 6.0, the polymers self-assemble into micelles consisting of PDPAEMA cores, PAPMA shells, and mPEO coronas. Hydrodynamic dimensions of the triblock copolymer micelles depend on both triblock copolymer composition and solution pH. Narrowly dispersed poly(N-isopropyla...
Healing Failed Faith? Contemporary Siberian Shamanism

The agony of public and private changes in Russia (the Federation of Rossiia) has extended to indigenous peoples of Siberia. Focus on the Sakha Republic Yakutia) of the Far East enables analysis of diverse social, political, and spiritual transformations. Initial 1990s euphoria at the possibility of personal and community reform has yielded to confusion and soul searching. In such conditions, shamanic revitalization has become both popular and controversial in rural and urban contexts. Diverse shamanic activities and styles reveal a fragmentation of tradition. While disillusion with failed faith healers is rife, several nascent shamanic movements have attracted eclectic groups of followers. The two shamanic leaders featured here are attempting philosophical, social, and ecological reforms. Their movements and reputations transcend the personal healing of multicultural clients. This article, inspired by the writing and example of Edith Turner, draws attention to the interrelationship between individual and community healing. Data, based on frequent fieldwork in the Far East since 1986, help augment and critique literature on revitalization movements, shamanism, gender, and nationalism.
Dynamics of Flexible Beams and Plates in Large Overall Motions

The dynamic response of flexible beams, plates, and solids undergoing arbitrary spatial motions are systematically derived via a proposed approach. This formulation is capable of incorporating arbitrary representation of the kinematics of deformation, phenomenon of dynamic stiffening, and complete non linear interaction between elastic and rigid body dynamics encountered in constrained multibody systems.
Tests for the umbrella alternative under normality

Consider a one-way layout of the analysis of variance assuming independence, normality, and homogeneity of variance. Test the null hypothesis Ho that the means, j., of each of Amp; columns, i = 1,…, k are equal versus the alternative that they follow an umbrella pattern. That is, the alternative is H1-H0 where H1: μ1> μ2>… > μk, and m is known. We derive a class of tests which are unbiased and lie in a nontrivial complete class. We recommend specific tests within the class. A simulation of the power functions of some tests is contrasted with the simulated power function of the likelihood ratio test.
Across-scale patterning of plant-soil-water interactions surrounding tree islands in Southern Everglades landscapes

The freshwater Everglades is a complex system containing thousands of tree islands embedded within a marsh-grassland matrix. The tree island-marsh mosaic is shaped and maintained by hydrologic, edaphic and biological mechanisms that interact across multiple scales. Preserving tree islands requires a more integrated understanding of how scale-dependent phenomena interact in the larger freshwater system. The hierarchical patch dynamics paradigm provides a conceptual framework for exploring multi-scale interactions within complex systems. We used a three-tiered approach to examine the spatial variability and patterning of nutrients in relation to site parameters within and between two hydrologically defined Everglades landscapes: the freshwater Marl Prairie and the Ridge and Slough. Results were scale-dependent and complexly interrelated. Total carbon and nitrogen patterning were correlated with organic matter accumulation, driven by hydrologic conditions at the system scale. Total and bioavailable phosphorus were most strongly related to woody plant patterning within landscapes, and were found to be 3 to 11 times more concentrated in tree island soils compared to surrounding marshes. Below canopy resource islands in the slough were elongated in a downstream direction, indicating soil resource directional drift. Combined multi-scale results suggest that hydrology plays a significant role in landscape patterning and also the development and maintenance of tree islands. Once developed, tree islands appear to exert influence over the spatial distribution of nutrients, which can reciprocally affect other ecological processes.
Precise implementation of cluster transfer matrix method in the single electron box

The partition function of the single electron box (SEB), a small metallic island connected by a tunnel junction to the source lead and by a gate capacitor to the gate, can be expressed in path-integral form, which contains the effective action of the collective variable, phase, after integrating out the background electron degrees of freedom. The cluster transfer matrix method (CTM) is applied to the SEB. By using an improved numerical algorithm and more intensive calculations with larger cluster size, we obtained a highly accurate result for the effective charging energy of SEB up to a large barrier conductance. With a clear converging tendency and the fact that we do not use any approximation in calculation of the partition function, our CTM calculation is systematic and exact. The result is in excellent agreement with the real time renormalization group method of Konig and Schoeller.
Solubility of Phenobarbital in Propylene Glycol-Alcohol-Water Systems *

The solubility of phenobarbital is reported in combinations of the solvents propylene glycol, water, and alcohol. The solubility reaches a maximum at a 50 per cent mixture of propylene glycol and alcohol (anhydrous). Propylene glycol, 100 per cent, dissolves more phenobarbital than 100 per cent alcohol. Upon addition of water to the solvents, the solubility falls off more quickly with propylene glycol than with alcohol. The results show that it is possible to prepare an elixir of the same concentration of phenobarbital as the official elixir without the use of alcohol or glycerin. Several elixirs were made and the principal difficulty noted was that the characteristically poor taste of phenobarbital was accentuated by the acrid taste of propylene glycol.
Expanding approaches for understanding impact: integrating technology, curriculum, and open educational resources in science education

This article reports results from a scale-up study of the impact of a software tool designed to support teachers in the digital learning era. This tool, the Curriculum Customization Service (CCS), enables teachers to access open educational resources from multiple providers, customize them for classroom instruction, and share them with other teachers. The study involved 73 Earth science teachers and their students in five U.S. school districts, and examined impacts of CCS deployment on teachers’ attitudes and practices—as well as their students’ learning gains—over the course of one school year. Results are reported in two parts: the impact study included all teachers, while the active user study examined the usage patterns of teachers who actively used the CCS following the use-diffusion framework. Results from the two studies revealed complementary results. Teachers in the impact study reported significant increases in their awareness of other Earth science teachers’ practices and in their frequency of using interactive resources in their instruction. Results also suggested that there were contextual differences between school districts that affected teachers’ use of the CCS. Results from the active user study showed much less of a connection between teachers’ CCS usage patterns and their reported attitudes and practices. However, the students of teachers who showed the most variety in their use of the CCS had significantly higher learning gains. In addition, these teachers’ use of the CCS tended to benefit student populations that had a larger portion of low socio-economic status students across all user typologies and other measured demographics.
Detection of targets in infrared clutter

Measurements of IR background variation or clutter are important for determining target detectability. Image sequences of widely varied ground-clutter types were recorded with the Airborne Infrared Imager (AIRI), housed in a wing pod of the Airborne Seeker Test Bed (ASTB) aircraft. Target detection statistics were derived for various backgrounds (ocean, ocean glints, desert, forest, shoreline, and urban). MWIR and LWIR images were processed to determine the minimum point-target contrast temperature detectable in various clutter types. This clutter metric was found to be relatively insensitive to changes in wave- length, season, or spatial scale, but to vary strongly with clutter type. These statistics are used to predict clutter- limited detection ranges for generalized targets in appropriate scenarios. Reduction in detection range from most benign clutter (ocean) to most severe clutter (urban) was found to be 7-9 dB, depending on waveband.
γ′ Phase Stability and Phase Equilibrium in Ternary Co-Al-W at 900 °C

Phase equilibria at 900 °C in the Co-rich Co-Al-W ternary system are investigated through isothermal annealing of six alloy compositions for times up to 8000 h. The volume fraction of the L12-γ′ phase co-existing with disordered FCC-γ, B2 and D019 phases is found to steadily decrease with increasing annealing time indicating that it is unstable at 900 °C. Additional heat treatments at 850 and 1000 °C further suggest it is a nonequilibrium phase at all temperatures in the ternary system. The L12-γ′ phase dissolves slowly with significant amounts remaining in some alloys after 8000 h at 900 °C. However, the present work clearly indicates the microstructure is moving toward a three-phase equilibrium between γ, D019, and B2. The collected compositional and phase equilibria information provide much needed data for improving the available thermodynamic assessments of the ternary Co-Al-W alloy system.
Nicotinic ACh receptors in the hippocampus: role in excitability and plasticity.

Introduction The nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) are in the cys-loop family of ligand-gated ion channels. They are widely expressed throughout the brain, including in the hippocampus where they are thought to be involved in regulating excitability, plasticity, and cognitive function. In addition, dysfunction in hippocampal nAChRs has been linked to a variety of neurological disorders and diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. In order to understand how to treat nAChR-related disorders and diseases, it is critical to understand how these receptors participate in normal brain function; this entails not only understanding the biophysical properties of ion channel function and their pattern of expression but also how these receptors are regulating excitability and circuit behavior. Discussion The primary cholinergic input to the hippocampus comes from the medial septum and diagonal band of Broca; however, the mechanistic details are unknown of how activation of cholinergic receptors, either through exogenous nAChR ligands or the activation of endogenous acetylcholine release, regulates hippocampal network activity. This entails direct study of the excitatory and inhibitory neuronal networks, as well as the role of nonneuronal cells, in regulating hippocampal function. Conclusions Here, I will review the latest work from my laboratory in which we have attempted to do just that, with the overall goal of learning more about the role of the hippocampal nAChR in synaptic plasticity.
The isolation and identification of a naphthoquinone from electron-transport particles of Mycobacterium phlei.

1. 1. A naphthoquinone was isolated from electron-transport particles of Mycobacterium phlei. 2. 2. The naphthoquinone was identified by chromatography as a vitamin K(45) and by infrared spectroscopy as a vitamin K2(45). 3. 3. This compound was active in restoring DPNH oxidase activity to particles which had been extracted with isooctane. It also reactivated the DPNH oxidase in a crude extract which had been exposed to light at a wavelength of 360 mμ. 4. 4. The inability to restore DPNH oxidase activity in light-exposed particles, with the isolated compound, has been explained by postulating a second light-sensitive component in the electron-transport pathway.
Origins and molecular biology of testicular germ cell tumors

Testicular germ cell tumors can be divided into three groups (infantile/prepubertal, adolescent/young adult and spermatocytic seminoma), each with its own constellation of clinical histology, molecular and clinical features. They originate from germ cells at different stages of development. The most common testicular cancers arise in postpubertal men and are characterized genetically by having one or more copies of an isochromosome of the short arm of chromosome 12 [i(12p)] or other forms of 12p amplification and by aneuploidy. The consistent gain of genetic material from chromosome 12 seen in these tumors suggests that it has a crucial role in their development. Intratubular germ cell neoplasia, unclassified type (IGCNU) is the precursor to these invasive tumors. Several factors have been associated with their pathogenesis, including cryptorchidism, elevated estrogens in utero and gonadal dysgenesis. Tumors arising in prepubertal gonads are either teratomas or yolk sac tumors, tend to be diploid and are not associated with i(12p) or with IGCNU. Spermatocytic seminoma (SS) arises in older patients. These benign tumors may be either diploid or aneuploid and have losses of chromosome 9 rather than i(12p). Intratubular SS is commonly encountered but IGCNU is not. The pathogenesis of prepubertal GCT and SS is poorly understood.
Influence of 4-cyano-4'-biphenylcarboxylic acid on the orientational ordering of cyanobiphenyl liquid crystals at chemically functionalized surfaces.

Abstract We report two methods that involve tailoring of the chemical composition of the nematic liquid crystal 4-cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl to achieve control over the orientational ordering of the liquid crystal on chemically functionalized surfaces. The first method involves the direct addition of 4-cyano-4′-biphenylcarboxylic acid to 4-cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl. The second method involves exposure of 4-cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl to ultraviolet light and photochemical generation of a range of products, including 4-cyano-4′-biphenylcarboxylic acid. The addition of the acid or exposure to ultraviolet light accelerated the rate at which the liquid crystal exhibited an orientational transition from planar to perpendicular (homeotropic) alignment on surfaces presenting ammonium groups. The appearance of the homeotropic orientation of the UV-treated 4-cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl on ammonium-terminated surfaces was dependent on the thickness of the film of liquid crystal (13–50 μm), consistent with a dipolar coupling between the liquid crystal and the electric field associated with an electrical double layer generated at the ammonium surface. Although the addition of 4-cyano-4′-biphenylcarboxylic acid or UV treatment of the liquid crystal also promoted homeotropic orientations on surfaces presenting hydroxyl groups, the orientations of the UV-treated liquid crystal on the hydroxyl-terminated surface did not change with thickness of the film of liquid crystal in the manner observed on the ammonium-terminated surfaces. The latter result indicates that the mechanism leading to homeotropic anchoring on hydroxyl-terminated surfaces is distinct from that on ammonium-terminated surfaces. Measurements performed using polarization modulation infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy suggest that hydrogen bonding between the 4-cyano-4′-biphenylcarboxylic acid and the hydroxyl-terminated surface is responsible for the homeotropic anchoring on the surface. Finally, the orientation of the liquid crystal on methyl-terminated surfaces was not influenced by the addition of 4-cyano-4′-biphenylcarboxylic acid nor UV treatment. These results illustrate how the chemical composition of liquid crystals can be manipulated to achieve control over their ordering on surfaces that possess chemical functionality relevant to the development of liquid crystal-based sensors and diagnostic tools. We illustrate the utility of this approach by using the tailored liquid crystal to amplify and optically transduce the presence of proteins arrayed on ammonium-terminated surfaces.
Moduli dependence of string loop corrections to gauge coupling constants

We consider one-loop corrections 4Δa to inverse gauge couplings ga−2 in supersymmetric vacua of the heterotic string. The form of these corrections plays an important role in scenarios for dynamical supersymmetry breaking in string theory. Specifically, we calculate the exact functional dependence of Δa(U) on any untwisted modulus field U of an orbifold vacuum; it has the universal form Δa(U, U)=Aa·log(|η(U)|4·lm U)+const., where Aa are easily computable rational constants. The dependence is nontrivial (Aa≠0) only if some sectors of the orbifold Hilbert space have precisely N=2 space-time supersymmetry. The expression for Δa has an expected invariance under modular transformations of U, since these are symmetries of the orbifold vacuum state. However, Δa is not the real part of a holomorphic function, in seeming contradiction with the existence of a supersymmetric effective lagrangian. The apparent paradox is an infrared problem, and can occur not just in string theory but in renormalizable supersymmetric field theories as well. We show how the paradox is resolved in the field theory case and argue that the same resolution applies also to the string theory case.
Meta-algorithmic systems for document classification

To address cost and regulatory concerns, many businesses are converting paper-based elements of their workflows into fully electronic flows that use the content of the documents. Scanning the document contents into workflows, however, is a manual, error-prone, and costly process especially when the data extraction process requires high accuracy. These manual costs are a primary barrier to widespread adoption of distributed capture solutions for business critical workflows such as insurance claims, medical records, or loan applications. Software solutions using artificial intelligence and natural language processing techniques are emerging to address these needs, but each have their individual strengths and weaknesses, and none have demonstrated a high level of accuracy across the many unstructured document types included in these business critical workflows. This paper describes how to overcome many of these limitations by intelligently combining multiple approaches for document classification using meta-algorithmic design patterns. These patterns explore the error space in multiple engines, and provide improved and "emergent" results in comparison to voting schemes and to the output of any of the individual engines. This paper considers the results of the individual engines along with traditional combinatorial techniques such as voting, before describing prototype results for a variety of novel metaalgorithmic patterns that reduce individual document error rates by up to 13% and reduce system error rates by up to 38%.
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus ORF18 and ORF30 Are Essential for Late Gene Expression during Lytic Replication

ABSTRACT Kaposi9s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is associated with several human malignances. As saliva is likely the major vehicle for KSHV transmission, we studied in vitro KSHV infection of oral epithelial cells. Through infection of two types of oral epithelial cells, normal human oral keratinocytes (NHOKs) and papilloma-immortalized human oral keratinocyte (HOK16B) cells, we found that KSHV can undergo robust lytic replication in oral epithelial cells. By employing de novo lytic infection of HOK16B cells, we studied the functions of two previously uncharacterized genes, ORF18 and ORF30, during the KSHV lytic cycle. For this purpose, an ORF18-deficient virus and an ORF30-deficient virus were generated using a mutagenesis strategy based on bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) technology. We found that neither ORF18 nor ORF30 is required for immediately early or early gene expression or viral DNA replication, but each is essential for late gene expression during both de novo lytic replication and reactivation. This critical role of ORF18 and ORF30 in late gene expression was also observed during KSHV reactivation. In addition, global analysis of viral transcripts by RNA sequencing indicated that ORF18 and ORF30 control the same set of viral genes. Therefore, we suggest that these two viral ORFs are involved in the same mechanism or pathway that coregulates the viral late genes as a group. IMPORTANCE While KSHV can infect multiple cell types in vitro , only a few can support a full lytic replication cycle with progeny virions produced. Consequently, KSHV lytic replication is mostly studied through reactivation, which requires chemicals to induce the lytic cycle or overexpression of the viral transcriptional activator, RTA. In this study, we present a robust de novo lytic infection system based on oral epithelial cells. Using this system, we demonstrate the role of two viral ORFs, ORF18 and ORF30, in regulating viral gene expression during KSHV lytic replication. As the major route of KSHV transmission is thought to be via saliva, this new KSHV lytic replication system will have important utility in the field.
On a Recurrence Equation Arising in the Analysis of Conflict Resolution Algorithms

Conflict resolution algorithms (CRA) for broadcast communications have become increasingly popular since the work of Capetanakis as well as Tsybakov and Mikhailov (CTM-algorithm). In this paper we consider a class of CTM algorithms for which a common recurrence equation for the expected length of the conflict resolution interval holds. An analysis of that equation is the primary goal of this paper. A closed form expression for the solution of the recurrence is given. We also present an asymptotic approximation for it. In addition, we solve a functional equation associated with the recurrence and study a small value as well as an asymptotic approximations of the solution. Finally, we apply these approximations to compute the maximum throughput of some CRA. Our results are not restricted to the analysis of CRA , and a wide class of algorithms might be investigated by the proposed recurrence equation.
A comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of leading oxime therapies in guinea pigs exposed to organophosphorus chemical warfare agents or pesticides.

The currently fielded pre-hospital therapeutic regimen for the treatment of organophosphorus (OP) poisoning in the United States (U.S.) is the administration of atropine in combination with an oxime antidote (2-PAM Cl) to reactivate inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Depending on clinical symptoms, an anticonvulsant, e.g., diazepam, may also be administered. Unfortunately, 2-PAM Cl does not offer sufficient protection across the range of OP threat agents, and there is some question as to whether it is the most effective oxime compound available. The objective of the present study is to identify an oxime antidote, under standardized and comparable conditions, that offers protection at the FDA approved human equivalent dose (HED) of 2-PAM Cl against tabun (GA), sarin (GB), soman (GD), cyclosarin (GF), and VX, and the pesticides paraoxon, chlorpyrifos oxon, and phorate oxon. Male Hartley guinea pigs were subcutaneously challenged with a lethal level of OP and treated at approximately 1 min post challenge with atropine followed by equimolar oxime therapy (2-PAM Cl, HI-6 DMS, obidoxime Cl₂, TMB-4, MMB4-DMS, HLo-7 DMS, MINA, and RS194B) or therapeutic-index (TI) level therapy (HI-6 DMS, MMB4-DMS, MINA, and RS194B). Clinical signs of toxicity were observed for 24 h post challenge and blood cholinesterase [AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)] activity was analyzed utilizing a modified Ellman's method. When the oxime is standardized against the HED of 2-PAM Cl for guinea pigs, the evidence from clinical observations, lethality, quality of life (QOL) scores, and cholinesterase reactivation rates across all OPs indicated that MMB4 DMS and HLo-7 DMS were the two most consistently efficacious oximes.
Daptomycin Compared to Vancomycin for the Treatment of Osteomyelitis: A Single-Center, Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract Background Osteomyelitis (OM) is a serious infection with high rates of recurrence. Vancomycin has been used for decades in the treatment of OM, but, despite adequate dosing, 30% to 50% of patients experience infection recurrence within 12 months. Daptomycin, a novel lipopetide antibiotic, is also active against resistant gram-positive organisms, but there is little published about its efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of OM. Objective Our aim was to compare the recurrence rates of OM in patients treated with daptomycin or vancomycin. Methods A retrospective cohort study of all patients at a VA Medical Center between January 1, 2003, and July 31, 2009, who received daptomycin for the treatment of OM was undertaken. Patients with a diagnosis of OM who received at least 2 weeks of daptomycin and had at least 1 follow-up visit within 6 months after completion of therapy were included. Each patient was matched with 2 controls treated with at least 2 weeks of vancomycin for OM. Matching criteria included previous OM, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, hardware involvement, and surgical therapy. Patients were excluded from the evaluation if they received 3 , or were receiving vancomycin and daptomycin concurrently. The primary outcome was recurrence of infection within 6 months after the discontinuation of therapy. Secondary outcomes included mean change in creatine phosphokinase (CPK), incident thrombocytopenia, and mean doses of antibiotics. The χ 2 test was used to compare rates of recurrence between groups. Results Seventeen patients received at least 2 weeks of daptomycin for the treatment of OM and were matched to 34 vancomycin controls. Twenty-nine percent of patients receiving daptomycin had a recurrence of infection compared with 61.7% in the vancomycin group ( P = 0.029). The mean change in CPK for the daptomycin group was +28.8 U/L. No thrombocytopenia developed in any patients receiving daptomycin compared with 2 (5.9%) patients in the vancomycin group. Conclusions In a limited number of cases, significantly fewer patients treated with daptomycin for OM had a recurrence of their infection. Daptomycin may be a tolerable and effective alternative to vancomycin for the treatment of OM.
Ontogeny of Human Olfactory Function

Until recently, little was known about the onset of olfactory function in humans or about the nature of alterations in smell function across the lifespan. Unequivocal answers to such basic questions as to whether neonates can detect odorants (independent of trigeminal stimulation) or to what degree smell ability declines in old age were not available. During the last decade a number of behavioral studies have provided definitive answers to such questions, ushering in a new era of human behavioral research. This research, complemented by anatomical studies, indicates that the human olfactory system is operative at birth and that massive loss of smell function occurs in many older individuals. However, as will be addressed in this chapter, numerous other questions concerning the nature of age-related changes in human olfactory function remains unanswered.
Adjoint LMS: an efficient alternative to the filtered-x LMS and multiple error LMS algorithms

The Filtered-x LMS algorithm is currently the most popular method for adapting a filter when there exists a transfer function in the error path. Such instances arise, for example, in active control of sound and vibration. For multiple-input-multiple-output systems the Multiple Error LMS Algorithm is a generalization of Filtered-x LMS. The derivation of both algorithms rely on several assumptions, including linearity of the adaptive filter and error channel. Furthermore, in the Multiple Error LMS Algorithm the desirable order N computational complexity of LMS is lost, resulting in a prohibitive cost in certain DSP implementations. In this paper, we describe a new algorithm termed adjoint LMS which provides a simple alternative to the previously mentioned algorithms. In adjoint LMS, the error (rather than the input) is filtered through an adjoint filter of the error channel. Performance regarding convergence and misadjustment are equivalent. However, linearity is not assumed in the derivation of the algorithm. Furthermore, equations for single-input-single-output (SISO) and multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) are identical and both remain order N.
Impact of ageing on the response and repertoire of influenza virus-specific CD4 T cells

Background Ageing has been shown to reduce CD8 T cell repertoire diversity and immune responses against influenza virus infection in mice. In contrast, less is known about the impact of ageing on CD4 T cell repertoire diversity and immune response to influenza virus infection.
A Person-Centered Care Intervention for Geriatric Certified Nursing Assistants

Purpose: To pilot test a multicomponent intervention to increase certified nursing assistants’ (CNAs) awareness of person-centered care. To establish the feasibility of implementing an intervention involving videotaped biographies of residents and videotapes of resident/CNA caregiving interactions. Design and Methods: A training program was provided at two nursing homes (NHs) using a wait-list control design. Levels of dyadic relationship closeness and satisfaction were compared prepost. Video recordings of CNA/resident interactions were coded for person-centered care using two observational instruments. Results: Based on data from 19 resident/ aide dyads, the findings were that resident’s percep tions of relationship closeness increased significantly posttraining at both NHs, NH1, z = −1.89, p < .05, and the NH2, z = −1.95, p < .05. Effects were also seen with the CNA’s perceptions of satisfaction and closeness, and resident satisfaction. Implications: The findings suggest that this type of intervention is feasi ble and warrants further research.
The empty rhetoric of the smart city: from digital inclusion to economic promotion in Philadelphia

Smart city initiatives have been adopted by cities worldwide, proposing forward-looking, technological solutions to urban problems big and small. These policies are indicative of a digitized urban condition, where social and economic exchange rely on globalized telecommunications networks, and governance strategies follow suit. Propelled through events such as IBM’s Smarter Cities Challenge, the smart city acts as a data-driven logic urban change where widespread benefit to a city and its residents is proposed, masking the utility of these policies to further entrepreneurial economic development strategies. In this article, I present a case study of the Digital On-Ramps initiative that emerged from IBM’s policy-consultation in Philadelphia. The initiative proposed a social media-style workforce education application (app) to train up to 500,000 low-literacy residents for jobs in the information and knowledge economy, but even as the city’s mayor declared the project a success, it did not meet expectations...
Reconstructing Stimulus-Driven Neural Networks from Spike Times

We present a method to distinguish direct connections between two neurons from common input originating from other, unmeasured neurons. The distinction is computed from the spike times of the two neurons in response to a white noise stimulus. Although the method is based on a highly idealized linear-nonlinear approximation of neural response, we demonstrate via simulation that the approach can work with a more realistic, integrate-and-fire neuron model. We propose that the approach exemplified by this analysis may yield viable tools for reconstructing stimulus-driven neural networks from data gathered in neurophysiology experiments.
An efficient, microprocessor-based FFT implementation for FDM demultiplexing

The author presents an application of the FFT (fast Fourier transform) to the communications signal processing operations involved in demultiplexing a frequency-division multiplexed (FDM) signal. The inherent parallelism of the FFT algorithm is exploited to provide simultaneous down-conversion, filtering, and baseband time-domain outputs for each channel of a FDM structure. High radix and Winograd Fourier transforms are utilized to provide an efficient FFT implementation and an optimum mapping of the algorithm onto the architecture of the TMS320 series of DSP (digital signal processing) microprocessors. The completed design represents a single chip implementation that is applicable to real-time demultiplexing of small-capacity (12/24 channels) FDM structures. It is also shown that this algorithm can be easily extended to a multiprocessor configuration which can handle the increased computational requirements of demultiplexing larger-capacity FDM structures (60/120). >
A Behavior-Analytic View of Sexuality, Transsexuality, Homosexuality, and Heterosexuality

This article presents a behavior-analytic view suggesting that biological factors, whether genetic or otherwise, have little to do with our preference for same-gender or opposite-gender sexual stimulation. This view stresses the importance of behavioral history and current behavioral contingencies in understanding the causes of an individual’ s behavior and values. This view states that genetic and other biological factors are crucial in determining the behavioral processes that interact with our behavioral history and current behavioral contingencies; however biological factors have little direct effect on differences among human beings in their behavior and values. In addition, this behavior-analytic view suggests that the particular forms of behavior are arbitrary; whatever the human behavior with which we are concerned, the contingencies of reinforcement and punishment determine its particular forms.
Canopy arthropod responses to experimental canopy opening and debris deposition in a tropical rainforest subject to hurricanes

Abstract We analyzed responses of canopy arthropods on seven representative early and late successional overstory and understory tree species to a canopy trimming experiment designed to separate effects of canopy opening and debris pulse (resulting from hurricane disturbance) in a tropical rainforest ecosystem at the Luquillo Experimental Forest Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site in Puerto Rico. We expected that either canopy opening or added debris would result in increased abundances of certain scale insects and other hemipterans, and thereby affect arthropod diversity. Six of thirteen arthropod taxa tested showed significant responses to treatments as main effects or interactions. No taxon responded significantly to trim treatment alone. The red wax scale, Ceroplastes rubens (on Manilkara bidentata ), was significantly less abundant in treatments with added debris than in treatments without added debris, and salticid spiders (on Sloanea berteroana ) were significantly more abundant in treatments with added debris than in other treatments. Canopy trimming generally did not have a significant effect on assemblage diversity, whereas debris deposition significantly increased diversity on three late successional tree species. A number of significant treatment interactions were observed. Overall, the debris pulse had a greater effect on canopy arthropods than did canopy opening, suggesting that changes in plant condition resulting from nutrient availability associated with debris deposition have a greater effect on canopy arthropods than do the more direct and immediate changes in abiotic conditions resulting from canopy opening.
Selection of a Dominant Negative Retinoblastoma Protein (RB) Inhibiting Satellite Myoblast Differentiation Implies an Indirect Interaction between MyoD and RB

Satellite myoblasts serve as stem cells in postnatal skeletal muscle, but the genes responsible for choosing between growth versus differentiation are largely undefined. We have used a novel genetic approach to identify genes encoding proteins whose dominant negative inhibition is capable of interrupting the in vitro differentiation of C2C12 murine satellite myoblasts. The screen is based on fusion of a library of cDNA fragments with the lysosomal protease cathepsin B (CB), such that the fusion protein intracellularly diverts interacting factors to the lysosome. Among other gene fragments selected in this screen, including those of known and novel sequence, is the retinoblastoma protein (RB) pocket domain. This unique dominant negative form of RB allows us to genetically determine if MyoD and RB associate in vivo. The dominant negative CB-RB fusion produces a cellular phenotype indistinguishable from recessive loss of function RB mutations. The fact that the dominant negative RB inhibits myogenic differentiation in the presence of nonlimiting concentrations of either RB or MyoD suggests that these two proteins do not directly interact. We further show that the dominant negative RB inhibits E2F1 but cannot inhibit a forced E2F1-RB dimer. Therefore, E2F1 is a potential mediator of the dominant negative inhibition of MyoD by CB-RB during satellite cell differentiation. We propose this approach to be generally suited to the investigation of gene function, even when little is known about the pathway being studied.
Engineering microbial cell factories for biosynthesis of isoprenoid molecules: beyond lycopene

The isoprenoid superfamily of compounds holds great potential for delivering commercial therapeutics, neutraceuticals and fine chemicals. As such, it has attracted widespread attention and prompted research aimed at metabolic engineering of the pathway for isoprenoid overproduction. The carotenoids in particular, because of their convenient colorimetric screening properties, have facilitated the investigation of new tools for pathway optimization. Because all isoprenoids share common metabolic precursors, genetic platforms resulting from work with carotenoids can be applied to the biosynthesis of other valuable products. In this review we summarize the many tools and methods that have been developed for isoprenoid pathway engineering, and the potential of these technologies for producing other molecules of this family, especially terpenoids.