cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
I/O dependent idempotence bugs in intermittent systems

Intermittently-powered, energy-harvesting devices operate on energy collected from their environment and must operate intermittently as energy is available. Runtime systems for such devices often rely on checkpoints or redo-logs to save execution state between power cycles, causing arbitrary code regions to re-execute on reboot. Any non-idempotent program behavior—behavior that can change on each execution—can lead to incorrect results. This work investigates non-idempotent behavior caused by repeating I/O operations, not addressed by prior work. If such operations affect a control statement or address of a memory update, they can cause programs to take different paths or write to different memory locations on re-executions, resulting in inconsistent memory states. We provide the first characterization of input-dependent idempotence bugs and develop IBIS-S, a program analysis tool for detecting such bugs at compile time, and IBIS-D, a dynamic information flow tracker to detect bugs at runtime. These tools use taint propagation to determine the reach of input. IBIS-S searches for code patterns leading to inconsistent memory updates, while IBIS-D detects concrete memory inconsistencies. We evaluate IBIS on embedded system drivers and applications. IBIS can detect I/O-dependent idempotence bugs, giving few (IBIS-S) or no (IBIS-D) false positives and providing actionable bug reports. These bugs are common in sensor-driven applications and are not fixed by existing intermittent systems.
Toward Large-Scale Dynamically Reconfigurable Apertures Using Graphene

We present a novel fabrication technique for large-scale, on-wafer graphene devices. With the proposed technique, large-area graphene apertures can be fabricated, enabling the proliferation of graphene-based reconfigurable devices, including metasurfaces. Such topologies require large-area high yield fabrication processes. To avoid graphene delamination during the chemical processes of the fabrication, we use a titanium sacrificial layer to protect the graphene monolayer. To evaluate the fabrication method, we present broadband in-plane graphene measurements in the 220-330 GHz band for the first time and compare the measured resistance sheet with previous works.
El impacto a largo plazo de un viaje de estudios al extranjero en la adquisición del vocabulario regional de manera incidental

espanolEste estudio cuantitativo midio las ganancias en la adquisicion del vocabulario regional como resultado del aprendizaje incidental tras estudiar en el extranjero durante un semestre. Cinco estudiantes universitarios tomaron cursos en un instituto de idiomas en Madrid (Espana) viviendo con una familia anfitriona durante un semestre, mientras que un grupo de control de cinco participantes continuo sus estudios en Butler University, en los Estados Unidos. Realizaron una encuesta en linea que contenia cuarenta elementos de vocabulario exclusivos para Espana (majo, mola, guayy similares) tres veces: al principio y al final del programa y despues de tres anos. Los resultados mostraron que el grupo que viajo a Espana mejoro de un 21% a un 54.5% de precision en el vocabulario regional. Esta adquisicion se mantuvo bastante estable despues de varios anos, disminuyendo a un 45%, pero siempre manteniendo alrededor del doble de los resultados obtenidos en la prueba inicial. EnglishThis quantitative study measured the gains in the acquisition of regional vocabulary as a result of incidental learning after studying abroad for one semester. Five college students took courses at a language institute in Madrid (Spain) while living with a host family during a semester, while a control group with five participants continued their studies at Butler University, in the US. They took a survey online that contained forty vocabulary items exclusive to Spain(majo, mola, guayand similar) three times: at the beginning and at the end of the program and after three years. Results indicated that the group who traveled to Spain improved from a 21% to a 54.5% accuracy rate in the regional vocabulary items. This acquisition remainedquite stable after a few years, lowering to 45%, but always maintaining around twice the scores obtained in the initial test.
Affordances, remediation, and digital mourning: A comparative case study of two AIDS memorials:

The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt is a collaborative project that memorializes individuals who have died of AIDS-related causes. Since its inception, it has become the world’s largest public fo...
Early pregnancy ultrasound measurements and prediction of first trimester pregnancy loss: A logistic model.

Our objective was to prospectively validate the use of gestational sac (GS), yolk sac (YS) diameter, crown-rump length (CRL), and embryonal heart rate (HR) dimensions to identify early pregnancy loss. This was a prospective cohort study of first trimester pregnancies. GS and YS diameter, CRL, and HR measurements were serially obtained in singleton and twin pregnancies from 6 through 10 weeks’ gestation. Non-parametric tests and logistic regression models were used for comparisons of distributions and testing of associations. A total of 252 patients were included, of which 199 were singleton pregnancies, 51 were twins, and 2 were triplets (304 total fetuses). Fifty-two patients had 61 losses. We built nomograms with the changes of the parameters evaluated in ongoing, as well as in pregnancy loss. In the pregnancies which failed, all the parameters showed significant changes, with different temporal onsets: GS and YS were the first to become abnormal, deviating from normality as early as 6 weeks’ gestation (OR 0.01, 95% CI 0.0–0.09, and OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.53–7.34, respectively), followed by changes in HR, and CRL, which became evident at 7 and 8 weeks (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92–1.0, and OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.48–0.73, respectively). Our observations showed that, after 5 complete weeks’ gestation, a small GS and a large YS reliably predicted pregnancy loss. The YS reliably identified the occurrence of a miscarriage at least 7 days prior its occurrence. CRL and HR became abnormal at a later time in pregnancy and closer to the event. These findings have important implications for patient counseling and care planning, as well as a potential bearing on cost effectiveness within early pregnancy care.
GMO Food Labels Do Not Affect College Student Food Selection, Despite Negative Attitudes towards GMOs.

US Public Law 114–216 dictates that food producers in the United States of America will be required to label foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) starting in 2022; however, there is little empirical evidence demonstrating how U.S. consumers would use food labels that indicate the presence or absence of GMOs. The aim of this two-phase study was to determine how attitudes towards GMOs relate to food choices and how labels indicating the presence or absence of GMOs differentially impact choices among college students—the age group which values transparent food labeling more than any other. Participants (n = 434) made yes/no choices for each of 64 foods. In both phases of the study, participants were randomly assigned to seeing GMO Free labels, contains GMOs labels, or no GMO labels. Across the two phases, 85% of participants reported believing that GMOs were at least somewhat dangerous to health (42% believed GMOs to be dangerous), yet in both studies, although eye-tracking data verified that participants attended to the GMO labels, these labels did not significantly affect food choices. Although college consumers may believe GMOs to be dangerous, their food choices do not reflect this belief.
Alcoholics Anonymous and Other 12-Step Facilitation Programs for Alcohol Use Disorder.

Manualized (standardized and replicable) Alcoholics Anonymous and similar 12-step facilitation programs produce higher rates of continuous abstinence than other established treatments.
Spin exchange in scattering with polarized orthopositronium beams

We study electron and positron exchange without a spin flip in a single collision between two polarized orthopositronium beams. We use angular-momentum coupling and density-matrix techniques to calculate the probabilities of obtaining only parapositronium, both para- and orthopositronium or only orthopositronium, after the collision. The probabilities are functions of the angle between the polarization vectors of the beams and scattering amplitudes labeled with total electron spin and total positron spin. The real parts of the scattering amplitudes and products of the polarization tensors for the beams are given in terms of the probabilities for certain angles and initial spin orientations. We show that quenching probabilities for different transitions and the spin-exchange quenching cross section depend on the angle, but the ratio of the total quenching probability to the total probability for positronium scattering does not.
A Midwife or an Abortionist

At a recent meeting of the Editors, the subject of rejection of manuscripts without external reviews was again discussed. Many of the same considerations regarding the role of the review process ap...
A cost-based systems analysis of long-pulsed versus steady-state tokamak reactors

A cost-based, comparative systems analysis of a steady-state (SS) versus hybrid-pulsed (HP) fusion tokamak power plant indicates that the latter is 10-20% more expensive on the basis of total cost of energy. Balancing this added cost are considerably reduced current-drive requirements and a somewhat alleviated divertor heat-flux problem. Contributions to this penalty are made on a nearly equal basis by the added FPC (fusion power core), TS (thermal storage), and ETS (energy transfer and storage) costs, with the former being a major contributor to the fusion-related energy-production costs for both SS and HP options. Even with the elimination of CD cost for the HP option, the added FPC, TS, and ETS costs would contribute a approximately 25% tariff to fusion-related costs for exploiting potential physics (eased current drive) and engineering (eased steady-state diverter and plant power handling) advantages. >
A practical SOC simulation verification solution: robust design and automatic modeling

The complexity of IC system designs and its stringent requirements from market is been making IC design simulation verification being a big challenge for SOC designers. To produce a high quality system in a short design cycle time, system simulation verification must be done in an affordable time. In this paper, the authors introduce a practical IC design simulation verification flow. In the flow, automatic modeling technique is used to create standardized sub-circuit behavioral models for system simulation verification. At the same time, circuit statistically robust design in the flow ensures that the auto-created models well describe the circuit performance and make the verification valid.
Highly sensitive and specific bioassay for measuring bioactive TGF-β

Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) regulates key biological processes during development and in adult tissues and has been implicated in many diseases. To study the biological functions of TGF-β, sensitive, specific, and convenient bioassays are necessary. Here we describe a new cell-based bioassay that fulfills these requirements. Embryonic fibroblasts from Tgfb1-/- mice were stably transfected with a reporter plasmid consisting of TGF-β responsive Smad-binding elements coupled to a secreted alkaline phosphatase reporter gene (SBE-SEAP). Clone MFB-F11 showed more than 1000-fold induction after stimulation with 1 ng/ml TGF-β1, and detected as little as 1 pg/ml TGF-β1. MFB-F11 cells were highly induced by TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3, but did not show induction with related family members activin, nodal, BMP-2 and BMP-6 or with trophic factors bFGF and BDNF. MFB-F11 cells can detect and quantify TGF-β in biological samples without prior enrichment of TGF-βs, and can detect biologically activated TGF-β in a cell co-culture system. MFB-F11 cells can be used to rapidly and specifically measure TGF-β with high sensitivity.
Personal assistance and personal support services for/by/with adults, youth and children with disabilities

This article draws upon information from several different sources, including case studies of organizations supporting people with disabilities, literature reviews on personal assistance, personal and community support services, interviews related to personal assistance services, and program evaluation research on the interaction between 'innovative agencies' and service users. The work on which this article is based was funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Services through a subcontract with the World Institute on Disability and with the Center on Human Policy, Syracuse University. The opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author, and no endorsement of these parties should be inferred.
A computational approach to fisher information geometry with applications to image analysis

We develop a computational approach to non-parametric Fisher information geometry and algorithms to calculate geodesic paths in this geometry. Geodesics are used to quantify divergence of probability density functions and to develop tools of data analysis in information manifolds. The methodology developed is applied to several image analysis problems using a representation of textures based on the statistics of multiple spectral components. Histograms of filter responses are viewed as elements of a non-parametric statistical manifold, and local texture patterns are compared using information geometry. Appearance-based object recognition experiments, as well as region-based image segmentation experiments are carried out to test both the representation and metric. The proposed representation of textures is also applied to the development of a spectral cartoon model of images.
MEASURING PUPIL PROGRESS TOWARD THE LEAST RESTRICTIVE ALTERNATIVE

Urgent discussions of how to measure student progress toward special education program goals have begun to appear with greater frequency. The factors that seem to be most influential concerning pupil progress measure- ment are those associated with PL 94-142. Now, IEP's must be written that include specific objectives and time lines for monitoring program success. In addition, the "least restrictive environment" requirement implies that objectives be written, and progress be monitored relative to the skills required for placement and maintenance in the regular classroom. The present paper outlines the uses of pupil progress measurement, the desirable characteristics of progress measure- ment systems, and includes an evaluation of the adequacy of currently available data systems. Finally, two relatively recent alternatives to pupil progress measure- ment are recommended.
Laser-fluorescence diagnostics for condensation in laser-ablated copper plasmas

We are investigating the thermodynamic conditions under which condensation occurs in laser ablated copper plasma plumes. The plasma is created by XeCl excimer laser ablation (308 nm, 300 mJ/pulse) at power densities from 500–1000 MW/cm2 into backing pressures of helium in the range 0–50 torr. We use laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) to probe velocity and relative density of both atomic copper and the copper dimer molecule, Cu2, which is formed during condensation onset. At low pressure (10 mtorr), the atomic Cu velocity peaks at approximately 2×106 cm/s. Copper dimer time-of-flight data suggest that condensation onset occurs after the Cu atoms have slowed very significantly. Excitation scans of the Cu2A-X (0,0) and (1,1) bands yield a rotational and vibrational temperature in the neighborhood of 300 K for all conditions studied. Such low temperatures support the theory that Cu2 is formed under thermally and translationally cold conditions. Direct laser beam absorption is used to determine the number density of atomic copper. Typical densities attained with 5 torr of helium backing gas are 6–8×1013 cm−3. Rayleigh scattering from particulate is easily observable under conditions favorable to particulate production.
Fast communication: Basis selection for wavelet processing of sparse signals

The sparsity of a signal in a wavelet domain depends on both the wavelet basis and the exact form of the signal. We consider the selection of a wavelet basis that can efficiently represent a piecewise polynomial signal that is itself sparse in the signal domain. Accounting for the inherent sparsity of the signal allows for the maximum wavelet filter length and number of decomposition levels to be computed so as to guarantee that the resulting wavelet-domain representation is at least as sparse as the original signal, a desirable property for most wavelet processing techniques.
SPECIFIC INCORPORATION OF PRECURSORS INTO DNA BY FEEDING LABELED BACTERIA TO PARAMECIUM AURELIA.

SYNOPSIS. Studies were carried out on the introduction of labeled precursors into the DNA of Paramecium aurelia (syngen 4, stock 51) by way of the bacteria that are used for food. A thymine-requiring strain of Escherichia coli (15 T−) was labeled by growth in either H3-methyl thymidine or 2-C14 bromouracil, washed free of the exogenous label, and fed to the paramecia. The tritium label from the bacteria was incorporated almost exclusively into the DNA of the paramecia, whereas it was much less specifically incorporated when introduced directly from the medium. The Cu label from bromouracil was also incorporated mainly into the DNA of the paramecia although a small amount appeared in RNA. The formation of labeled food vacuoles was followed. Food vacuoles were formed at a nearly constant rate, with the total number of vacuoles increasing throughout the cycle. The lifetime of the vacuoles was about 2.5 hours. Incorporation of the label into the DXA of the paramecia begins within a few minutes of the formation of the first labeled vacuole. DNA synthesis begins about 1.5 hr after the previous fission (total cell cycle about 5.8 hr) and progresses at a nearly constant rate throughout the remainder of the cycle.
Power spectral density analysis of the standing sway of males

Application of power spectral density analysis to normal human standing sway showed that the power in sway was unevenly distributed among various frequencies below 1.0 Hz. Ss were divided, with regard to antero-posterior sway, into two types on the basis of the frequencies at which peaks of power occurred. The same Ss were divided into four types, with regard to lateral sway, using similar criteria. The different types appear to represent normal variations in the basic mechanism for standing upright.
Connexin 43 connexon to gap junction transition is regulated by zonula occludens-1

Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a gap junction (GJ) protein widely expressed in mammalian tissues that mediates cell-to-cell coupling. Intercellular channels comprising GJ aggregates form from docking of paired connexons, with one each contributed by apposing cells. Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) binds the carboxy terminus of Cx43, and we have previously shown that inhibition of the Cx43/ZO-1 interaction increases GJ size by 48 h. Here we demonstrated that increases in GJ aggregation occur within 2 h (∼Cx43 half-life) following disruption of Cx43/ZO-1. Immunoprecipitation and Duolink protein-protein interaction assays indicated that inhibition targets ZO-1 binding with Cx43 in GJs as well as connexons in an adjacent domain that we term the "perinexus." Consistent with GJ size increases being matched by decreases in connexons, inhibition of Cx43/ZO-1 reduced the extent of perinexal interaction, increased the proportion of connexons docked in GJs relative to undocked connexons in the plasma membrane, and increased GJ intercellular communication while concomitantly decreasing hemichannel-mediated membrane permeance in contacting, but not noncontacting, cells. ZO-1 small interfering RNA and overexpression experiments verified that loss and gain of ZO-1 function govern the transition of connexons into GJs. It is concluded that ZO-1 regulates the rate of undocked connexon aggregation into GJs, enabling dynamic partitioning of Cx43 channel function between junctional and proximal nonjunctional domains of plasma membrane.
MAAMD: a workflow to standardize meta-analyses and comparison of affymetrix microarray data

Mandatory deposit of raw microarray data files for public access, prior to study publication, provides significant opportunities to conduct new bioinformatics analyses within and across multiple datasets. Analysis of raw microarray data files (e.g. Affymetrix CEL files) can be time consuming, complex, and requires fundamental computational and bioinformatics skills. The development of analytical workflows to automate these tasks simplifies the processing of, improves the efficiency of, and serves to standardize multiple and sequential analyses. Once installed, workflows facilitate the tedious steps required to run rapid intra- and inter-dataset comparisons. We developed a workflow to facilitate and standardize Meta-Analysis of Affymetrix Microarray Data analysis (MAAMD) in Kepler. Two freely available stand-alone software tools, R and AltAnalyze were embedded in MAAMD. The inputs of MAAMD are user-editable csv files, which contain sample information and parameters describing the locations of input files and required tools. MAAMD was tested by analyzing 4 different GEO datasets from mice and drosophila. MAAMD automates data downloading, data organization, data quality control assesment, differential gene expression analysis, clustering analysis, pathway visualization, gene-set enrichment analysis, and cross-species orthologous-gene comparisons. MAAMD was utilized to identify gene orthologues responding to hypoxia or hyperoxia in both mice and drosophila. The entire set of analyses for 4 datasets (34 total microarrays) finished in ~ one hour. MAAMD saves time, minimizes the required computer skills, and offers a standardized procedure for users to analyze microarray datasets and make new intra- and inter-dataset comparisons.
Tris-ruthenium(II)/copper(II) multimetallic porphyrin: Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding and supercoiled DNA photocleavage studies

Abstract The porphyrin, meso -5-(pentafluorophenyl)-10, 15, 20-tris(4-pyridyl)porphyrin has been used to synthesize two new metalloporphyrin complexes. Insertion of copper(II) into the porphyrin center gives the copper(II) porphyrin. Coordination of three [Ru(bipy) 2 Cl] + moieties (where bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) to the pyridyl nitrogens of the copper(II) porphyrin gives the target complex. Electronic transitions associated with the copper(II) porphyrin and the triruthenium copper(II) porphyrin include an intense Soret band and a less intense Q-band in the visible region of the spectrum. An intense π–π∗ transition in the UV region associated with the bipyridyl groups and a metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT) band appearing as a shoulder to the Soret band are observed for the ruthenated copper(II) porphyrin. Electrochemical properties associated with the multimetallic complex include a redox couple in the cathodic region with E 1/2 = −0.86 V versus Ag/AgCl attributed to the porphyrin and a redox couple in the anodic region E 1/2 = 0.88 V versus Ag/AgCl due to the Ru III/II couple. DNA titrations indicate the triruthenium copper(II) porphyrin interacts with DNA potentially through a groove binding mechanism. Irradiation of aqueous solutions of the target complex and supercoiled DNA at a 10:1 base pair to complex ratio with visible light above 400 nm indicates that the complex causes nicking of the DNA helix.
The distribution of olfactory input in the opossum mediodorsal nucleus.

Summary Discharges of single cells in the thalamic mediodorsal nucleus (MD) of the opossum were recorded during electrical stimulation of the lateral olfactory tract. Responsive sites were histologically localized throughout the entire mediolateral extent of MD. In both rabbit and squirrel monkey responses are confined to the medial half of MD. Thus the lateral non-olfactory nuclear subdivision, common to both rabbit and squirrel monkey, was not found in the opossum. Firing patterns of cells were similar to those observed in rabbit and squirrel monkey. They commonly consisted of an early spike or burst of spikes, followed by a period of inactivity and then, in many cells, by a later period of response or of resumed spontaneous activity. The results indicate that olfactory input is characteristic of MD in a diverse sample of mammals but that topographic organization of the input is distinctly different in the opossum.
Partial 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency presenting as new-onset gynecomastia in a eugonadal adult male

The postpubertal clinical presentation of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency (3B-HSD deficiency) is less well-defined for adult males than for adult females, who often present with hirsutism. We describe a male with normal puberty who presented with new-onset gynecomastia at age 24. Common causes of gynecomastia were excluded. Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), estradiol, estrone, and 24-hour urinary 17-ketosteroid levels were elevated. A feminizing tumor was considered; biochemical tumor markers, chest x-ray, ultrasound of testes, and abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan were negative. Dexamethasone-suppression testing showed normal suppression of 24-hour urinary adrenal steroids. Cosyntropin-stimulation testing showed normal cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, 17-OH progesterone (17-OHP), and aldosterone levels, but significant elevations of pregnenolone (preg), 17-OH preg, progesterone, DHEA, and androstenedione (A) levels. The sperm count was high and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-stimulation testing showed a normal increase in testosterone (T) level, suggesting that the defect did not involve the testes. It is concluded that this patient's gynecomastia is due to 3B-HSD deficiency with an associated alteration in sex hormone ratios. To our knowledge, this is the first well-described adult male with normal gonadal function presenting with postpubertal gynecomastia due to 3B-HSD deficiency. This defect may be a frequently unrecognized cause of gynecomastia.
Relationships of Louisiana Colonial Land Claims with Potential Natural Vegetation and Historic Standing Structures: A GIS Approach*

Louisiana's French, Spanish, and British colonial administrations left a vivid imprint on the landscape in the form of unique cadastral survey systems. The collective distribution of these colonial land claims presents a picture of the colonial occupation of the state. Settlement shows up clearly along the waterways of the bayou state. Equally significant are the areas devoid of land claims. This paper discusses the compilation of the colonial Louisiana land claims map and demonstrates its utility to GIS-based historical geography and historic preservation. By merging this map with other digitized datasets such as potential natural vegetation and historic structures, the seemingly chaotic 18th century occupance of an extremely heterogeneous physical environment becomes patterned, and prior assumptions about the colonial settlement process may be tested with greater precision.
Targeting factor Xa and thrombin: impact on coagulation and beyond

Great advances have been made in recent years in understanding the haemostatic system and the molecular and cellular basis of thrombus formation. Although directly targeting factor Xa or thrombin (factor IIa) for effective anticoagulation is now well established, evidence has emerged suggesting that factor Xa and thrombin are involved in other physiological and pathophysiological cellular processes, including inflammation. These non-haemostatic activities of factor Xa and thrombin are predominantly mediated via the activation of proteinase-activated receptors. Studies have indicated a potential role of coagulation proteins (including factor Xa and thrombin) in the progression of disease conditions such as atherothrombosis. Preclinical studies have provided evidence for the effects of direct factor Xa or direct thrombin inhibition beyond anticoagulation, including anti-inflammatory activities and atherosclerotic plaque stabilisation. In this article, the non-haemostatic activities of factor Xa and thrombin and the effects of direct inhibition of these coagulation factors on these activities are summarised. In addition, the potential roles of factor Xa and thrombin in atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis are explored and the cardiovascular profiles of rivaroxaban, apixaban and dabigatran etexilate observed in phase III clinical studies are discussed.
Reactivation of UV and γ-inactivated herpes virus in BHK cells

Abstract The DNA-repair capabilities of baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells were investigated by comparing the reactivation of irradiated herpes simplex virus type I (HSV1) in BHK cells with its reactivation in mouse fibroblasts and in normal and repairdeficient human diploid fibroblasts. BHK cells were found to have an intermediate ability to reactive UV-irradiated HSV1 (the viral D o was 14 J/m 2 ) relative to normal human fibroblasts (viral D o = 19 J/m 2 ) and xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) group A cells (viral D o = 4.5 J/m 2 ). With mouse L929 cells as the host, the response of the UV-irradiated virus was biphasic with D o s of 4.6 and 30 J/m 2 for the low- and high-dose components respectively. In contrast to the response following UV radiation, γ-irradiated HSV1 was similarly reactivated by BHK and normal human cells (the D o s for the irradiated virus in BHK and CRl 1106 were 55 and 51 krad, respectively, whereas xeroderma pigmentosum cells were slightly less efficient in the repair of γ-irradiated virus (D o = 45 krad). UV irradiation of BHK host cells 0–48 h prior to infection enhanced the reactivation of UV-irradiated HSV.
A unified framework for image performance enhancement of extended range laser seabed survey sensors

Recent advancements in system hardware components, such as more powerful, lower noise high repetition rate blue-green pulsed lasers, high quantum efficiency photon detectors capable of nanosecond low noise gating as well as new generation of low noise high precision electronic devices such as analog digital converter (ADC) have resulted in alternate imager designs being proposed that have the potential to significantly improve the performance of current state-of-the-art undersea laser serial imaging sensors. However, during basic operation, system issues such as laser instability, electronic noise, and severe environmental conditions can impose major constraints on the performance of imager. In this work, post-processing techniques that utilize both multichannel serial imager designs and the application of accurate time-resolved radiative transfer codes are shown to be critical aspects in fully taking advantage of these new hardware architectures. The benefits to image performance are studied in post-processing using datasets acquired in both the coastal ocean off south Florida and also in the large electro-optics test tank facility at Harbor Branch.
Association between Hepatitis B Virus Core Promoter Rearrangements and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the major etiological agent of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Whether any particular viral variants are associated with HCC is unknown. We studied 53 Gambian patients with HCC and 33 HBsAg positive controls. A functional part of HBV core promoter and whole precore region were sequenced directly and/or after cloning. HBV DNA was amplified from sera from 27 HCC patients and in all controls. Fourteen (52%) patients and 12 (36%) controls (NS) were found to harbor an HBV strain with G to A transition mutation at position 1896 leading to HBeAg negative phenotype. Nine (33%) HCC patients and 2 (6%) controls (p < 0.01) harbored a mixture of wild type and HBV strains with deletions/insertions; strong consensus sequences for topoisomerase I breakage were located in the vicinity of these changes. In Africa, HCC is associated with HBV strains that have deletions/insertions in the HBV core promoter region.
Mathematics education research, its nature, and its purpose: A discussion of Lester's paper

This commentary discusses the framework for mathematics education researchers outlined in Lester's (2005) paper. The author reacts to (a) Lester's concern about the current political forces in the U.S. to define scientific research in education rigidly, and offers a possible reason—apart from political ideology—for the emergence of hese forces; (b) recapitulates lester's outline and model for theory-based research in mathematics education, and intereprets Lester's paper as a call to the MER community to respond to the current political forces that (inappropriately) shape our field and (c) addresses the role of mathematical context in MER, a topic absent from the paper's narrative.
Increasing the solubility of strong reducing agents containing Mo(2)(4+) units and alkyl-substituted guanidinate ligands.

Six very soluble paddlewheel compounds containing Mo2n+ units, n = 4, 5, 6, and two alkyl-substituted bicyclic guanidinate ligands have been synthesized. The quadruply bonded complexes with n = 4, Mo2(TMhpp)4 and Mo2(TEhpp)4, (TMhpp = the anion of 3,3,9,9-tetramethyl-1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-4-ene and TEhpp = the anion of 3,3,9,9-tetraethyl-1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-4-ene) are easily oxidized. The electrode potentials in THF are −1.08 and −1.17 V vs. Ag/AgCl, respectively, for the Mo25+/4+ couple. These potentials are in accord with the low ionization potentials for the quadruply bonded compounds. Because of the high solubility of the Mo24+ compounds in most common organic solvents they are attractive candidates for use as strong reducing agents in homogeneous systems.
Impact of QRS duration of frequent premature ventricular complexes on the development of cardiomyopathy

Background Patients with frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are at risk of developing reversible PVC-induced cardiomyopathy (rPVC-CMP). Not all determinants of rPVC-CMP are known. Objective To assess the impact of the QRS duration of PVCs on the development of rPVC-CMP. Methods In a consecutive series of 294 patients with frequent idiopathic PVCs referred for PVC ablation, the width of the PVC-QRS complex was assessed. The QRS width was correlated with the presence of rPVC-CMP. Results The PVC-QRS width was significantly greater in patients with rPVC-CMP than in patients without rPVC-CMP (164 ± 20 ms vs 149 ± 17 ms; P 150 ms best differentiated patients with and without rPVC-CMP (area under the curve 0.66; sensitivity 80%; specificity 52%). The PVC burden for developing rPVC-CMP is significantly lower in patients with a PVC-QRS width of ≥150 ms than in patients with a narrower PVC-QRS complex (22% ± 13% vs 28% ± 12%; P Conclusion Broader PVCs and an epicardial PVC origin are associated with the development of rPVC-CMP independent of the PVC burden.
Osteoporosis and inflammation.

Osteoporosis represents a major healthcare burden, affecting approximately 10 million people aged over 50 years in the United States and with another 30 million or more at risk. One of the major contributing factors to osteoporosis is withdrawal of estrogen during menopause in women. Human and animal experiments have implicated pro-inflammatory cy-tokines as primary mediators of the accelerated bone loss at menopause including interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6. Increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines is associated with osteoclastic bone resorption in a number of disease states including rheumatoid arthritis, periodontitis, and multiple myeloma; estrogen withdrawal is associated with increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and exposure of bone cultures to supernatants from activated leukocytes is associated with increased bone resorption. A major advance has been the discovery ofRANKL, its receptor RANK, and the endogenous inhibitor osteoprotegerin. The binding of RANKL to RANK is essential for the differentiation and activation of osteoclasts and mediates the actions of essentially all known stimulators of osteoclastic bone resorption. RANKL expression is heightened in post- compared with pre-menopausal women, and this effect is attenuated by estrogen replacement therapy. RANKL is also a therapeutic target; a human antibody with high specificity and affinity to RANKL is currently under clinical evaluation for the treatment of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women and of metastatic bone disease in cancer patients with bone metastasis. Early data are promising.
Incorporation of [3H]uridine and [Me-14C]methionine into chinese-hamster cell ribonucleic acid

Abstract Mammalian cells form ribosomal RNA via 35-S and 50-S precursors. Incorporation of label from [3H]uridine and [Me-14C]methionine into precursors and ribosomal RNA of Chinese-hamster ovary cells growing in suspension culture was followed in order to determine the stage in rRNA formation at which methylation occurs. Of the high-polymeric RNAs, 50-S precursor was found to incorporate [3H]uridine most rapidly but incorporated no detectable label from [Me-14C]methionine under conditions which allowed substantial methylation of 35-S precursor and ribosomal species. This observation suggests that methylation occurs after the first ribosomal precursor (50 S) has formed and has been converted to the next pre-ribosomal species. Consistent with the absence of methylation of the 50-S rRNA precursor, we have observed a lag in the incorporation of [3H]uridine relative to 14C (from [Me-14C]methionine) into rRNA.
Critical Variables in the Decision-Making Process for AMHS Technology Selection in Semiconductor Wafer Size Transitions: Exploratory Study

This paper presents a decision-making model describing the automated material handling system (AMHS) variables that should be incorporated in the strategic planning process associated with the upcoming wafer size transitions. A literature review on AMHS technology facilitated the selection of critical variables, such as cycle time improvement, wafer transition costs, paying the bill, return on investment, productivity, equipment, and material. Several hypotheses were postulated and analyzed based on data gathered from an industry survey. Some of the findings include: companies involved in the transition of next wafer size should share the cost of development and implementation, and the next-generation AMHS technology will satisfy performance requirements of 450 mm fabs. This paper provides conclusions and recommendations that might assist managers in the strategic planning process.
Galectin-1 inhibits the viability, proliferation, and Th1 cytokine production of nonmalignant T cells in patients with leukemic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Tumor-derived galectin-1 (Gal-1), a β-galactoside–binding S-type lectin, has been shown to encourage T-cell death and promote T cell–mediated tumor immune escape. In this report, we show that patients with leukemic cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, known to have limited complexity of their T-cell repertoires, have a predominant T helper type-2 (Th2) cytokine profile and significantly elevated plasma levels of Gal-1 compared with healthy controls. Circulating clonal malignant T cells were a major source of Gal-1. The conditioned supernatant of cultured malignant T cells induced a β-galactoside–dependent inhibition of normal T-cell proliferation and a Th2 skewing of cytokine production. These data implicate Gal-1 in development of the Th2 phenotype in patients with advanced-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and highlight the Gal-1–Gal-1 ligand axis as a potential therapeutic target for enhancing antitumor immune responses.
An extensible architecture for collaborative networked unmanned air vehicles operations

UAVs are a key element of the U. S. Army's vision for Force Transformation, and are expected to be employed in large numbers per FCS Unit of Action (UoA). This necessitates a multi-UAV level of autonomous collaboration behavior capability that meets RSTA and other mission needs of FCS UoAs. Autonomous Collaborative Mission Systems (ACMS) is an extensible architecture and behavior planning / collaborative approach to achieve this level of capability. The architecture is modular and the modules may be run in different locations/platforms to accommodate the constraints of available hardware, processing resources and mission needs. The modules and uniform interfaces provide a consistent and platform-independent baseline mission collaboration mechanism and signaling protocol across different platforms. Further, the modular design allows flexible and convenient extension to new autonomous collaborative behaviors to the ACMS through: adding new behavioral templates in the Mission Planner component; adding new components in appropriate ACMS modules to provide new mission specific functionality; adding or modifying constraints or parameters to the existing components, or any combination of these. We describe the ACMS architecture, its main features on extensibility, and updates on current spiral development status and future plans for simulations in this report.
Reduction and Emergence in Chemistry—Two Recent Approaches

Two articles on the reduction of chemistry are examined. The first, by McLaughlin (1992), claims that chemistry is reduced to physics and that there is no evidence for emergence or for downward causation between the chemical and the physical level. In a more recent article, Le Poidevin (2005) maintains that his combinatorial approach provides grounding for the ontological reduction of chemistry, which also circumvents some limitations in the physicalist program.
Energy expenditure of interruptions to sedentary behavior

Background Advances in technology, social influences and environmental attributes have resulted in substan-tial portions of the day spent in sedentary pursuits. Sedentary behavior may be a cause of many chronic diseases including obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. Research demonstrated that breaking up sedentary time was beneficially associated with markers of body composition, cardiovascular health and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify the total energy expenditure of three different durations of physical activity within a 30-minute sedentary period and to examine the potential benefits of interrupting sedentary behavior with physical activity for weight control.
The international environment and the U.S. intelligence community

(1993). The international environment and the U.S. intelligence community. International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence: Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 21-41.
Fiber Matrix Descriptors from Permeability Data Without Requiring Membrane Thickness: Theory, Results, and Optimization

Objective: Permeability of basement membrane and all other barriers contains a term for membrane thickness (Δx). This naturally leads to development of methods for measuring Δx that are imprecise, inaccurate, expensive, subject to preparation artifact, and inattentive to variability. Although height and shape of permeability (P) vs. probe radius (α) curves are sensitive to Δx, ln(P) or ln(P/free diffusivity or Do) curves have shapes independent of Δx. It should, thus, be possible using such characteristics to determine fiber radius (rf) and void volume ratio (ϵ) without Δx. We developed such a method to derive membrane structure by the standard model of Ogston and present its experimental evaluation.Methods: Basement membranes were self-assembled using 1: 1 Matrigel: 0.01 M Tris/150 mM NaCl/1.0 mM CaCl2 buffer on 0.4-μ polycarbonate supports with transport measured in diffusion chambers using FITC-labeled hydroxyethyl starch probes from 25 to 102 A in radius. Sampling was at 0.5 hr and then for each hour ...
Indomethacin Use for the Management of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterms: A Web-Based Survey of Practice Attitudes Among Neonatal Fellowship Program Directors in the United States

The objective of this study was to determine whether neonatal-perinatal fellowship programs (NFTPs) in the United States vary in indomethacin use for the management of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in ≤28 week gestational age infants at birth. A 53-item web-based survey was sent to 84 NFTP directors who received prenotification, followed 2 weeks later by a reminder letter. A total of 56 NFTP directors responded (67% maximum response rate). Wide variation exists in the maximum number of indomethacin courses used to close ductus, use of indomethacin for reopened PDA beyond 14 days, ductal closure definition, contraindications before consideration of indomethacin, interventions for contraindications, and reported ductal closer rate after each indomethacin course. Indomethacin therapy for symptomatic PDA and short course of indomethacin are common practices. Indomethacin use for the management of PDA in premature infants varies among NFTP directors. Practice attitudes may explain variations in ductal closure and ligation rates. Because practice variations may have implications for long-term outcome of vulnerable premature infants, studies relevant to the management of PDA in premature infants are needed.
The role of perisynaptic Schwann cells in development of neuromuscular junctions in the frog (Xenopus laevis)

Fluorescence microscopy was used to study the behavior of perisynaptic Schwann cells (PSCs) in relation to motor nerve terminals and postsynaptic clusters of acetylcholine receptors, during the development of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in the frog Xenopus laevis. Pectoral (supracoracoideus) muscles were labeled with monoclonal antibody 2A12 for Schwann cells, the dye FM4-64 for nerve terminals (NTs), alpha-bungarotoxin for acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), and Hoechst 33258 for cellular nuclei, in animals from tadpole stage 57 to fully grown adults. When muscle fibers first appeared in stage 57, NMJs consisted of tightly apposed NTs and AChRs and were only partially covered with PSCs or their processes. Within a few stages, PSCs fully occupied and overgrew the NMJs, extending fine sprouts between a few micrometers and hundreds of micrometers beyond the borders of the junction. Sprouts of PSCs were most abundant during the time when secondary myogenesis, synaptogenesis, and synaptic growth occurred at their highest rates. PSCs were recruited to NMJs during synaptic growth, at rates between 1.3 PSCs/100 microm junctional length early on and 0.4 PSCs/100 microm later. Shortly after metamorphosis, PSC sprouts disappeared and NMJs acquired the adult appearance, in which PSCs, NTs, and AChRs were mostly congruent. The results suggest that, although PSCs may not be required for initial nerve-muscle contacts, PSCs sprouts lead synaptic growth and play a role in the extension and maturation of developing NMJs.
Peripheries and Centers: Research Universities in Developing Countries

The research university is a central institution of the twenty-first century—providing access to global science, producing basic and applied research, and educating leaders of the academe and society. Worldwide, there are very few research universities—they are expensive to develop and support, and the pressures of massification have placed priorities elsewhere. For developing countries, research universities are especially rare, and yet they are especially important as key ingredients for economic and social progress. This article argues for the importance of research universities in developing and middle-income countries and points out some of the challenges that such institutions face.