cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
α-Lipoic acid protects diabetic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice from nephropathy.

Abstract Aim Both hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia increase oxidative stress and contribute to the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). We investigated the effects of α-lipoic acid, a natural antioxidant and a cofactor in the multienzyme complexes, on the development of DN in diabetic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Methods Twelve-week-old male apoE−/− mice on C57BL/6J genetic background were made diabetic with injections of streptozotocin (STZ). STZ-treated diabetic apoE−/− mice and non-diabetic control were fed with a synthetic high-fat (HF) diet with or without lipoic acid (LA) supplementation. Multiple parameters including plasma glucose, cholesterol, oxidative stress markers, cytokines, and kidney cortex gene expression, and glomerular morphology were evaluated. Results LA supplementation markedly protected the β cells, reduced cholesterol levels, and attenuated albuminuria and glomerular mesangial expansion in the diabetic mice. Renoprotection by LA was equally effective regardless of whether the dietary supplementation was started 4 weeks before, simultaneously with, or 4 weeks after the induction of diabetes by STZ. LA supplementation significantly improved DN and oxidative stress in the diabetic mice. Severity of albuminuria was positively correlated with level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) in the kidney ( r 2 =0.62, P Rage , Sod2 , Tgfb1 and Ctgf , Pdp2 , nephrin , and Lias . LA supplementation corrected these changes except that it further suppressed the expression of the Lias gene coding for lipoic acid synthase. Conclusions Our data indicate that LA supplementation effectively attenuates the development and progression of DN through its antioxidant effect as well as enhances glucose oxidation.
Key Factors in the Use and Frequency of Use of Microcomputers by College Students

There has been a steady increase in the use of microcomputers on college campuses in recent years, and as a result, more interest in studying microcomputer use. The purpose of this research is to examine some of the factors that predict which undergraduates use microcomputers and how much they use them. To this end, the Student Affairs Research and Evaluation Office at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst conducted a telephone survey of a random sample of 308 undergraduates. The results show that three variables—computer access, expected future computer use, and prior computer use before entering college—explain almost one-half of the variance in identifying microcomputer users and nearly one-fifth of the variance in explaining frequency of use.
Laying the Power and Ground Wires on a VLSI Chip

This :paper presents the approach of MIT's Placement-Interconnect (PI) Project to routing noncrossing VDD and GND trees in single-layer metal. The input to the power-ground phase is a set of rectangular modules on a rectangular chip. There is one VDD pad, one GND pad, and each module has one VDD terminal, one GND terminal, and a current requirement. The power-ground phase calculates a cycle that passes through every module once, dividing the VDD terminals from the GND terminals. This splits the chip into a VDD region and a GND region. Signal-routing techniques find a short Steiner tree in the VDD region t h a t connects the VDD terminals to the VDD pad. This Steiner tree consists of minimum width metal wires. The same techniques route the GND tree. Using each module's current requirement, tree-traveral determines the current requirement and required width of each wire of the trees. Techniques used to widen overcrowded channels widen the wires, producing the final VDD and GND trees.
The JPL/KSC telerobotic inspection demonstration

An ASEA IRB90 robotic manipulator with attached inspection cameras was moved through a Space Shuttle Payload Assist Module (PAM) Cradle under computer control. The Operator and Operator Control Station, including graphics simulation, gross-motion spatial planning, and machine vision processing, were located at JPL. The Safety and Support personnel, PAM Cradle, IRB90, and image acquisition system, were stationed at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Images captured at KSC were used both for processing by a machine vision system at JPL, and for inspection by the JPL Operator. The system found collision-free paths through the PAM Cradle, demonstrated accurate knowledge of the location of both objects of interest and obstacles, and operated with a communication delay of two seconds. Safe operation of the IRB90 near Shuttle flight hardware was obtained both through the use of a gross-motion spatial planner developed at JPL using artificial intelligence techniques, and infrared beams and pressure sensitive strips mounted to the critical surfaces of the flight hardward at KSC. The Demonstration showed that telerobotics is effective for real tasks, safe for personnel and hardware, and highly productive and reliable for Shuttle payload operations and Space Station external operations.
Role of second-phase particles in the oxidation of Al-Li alloys

Oxidation behavior of Al-Li alloys, containing a high volume fraction of Ferich second-phase particles, was studied at 530°C and 200°C. Morphological studies showed enhanced growth of Li-rich oxides in the vicinity of the insoluble second-phase particles. Microanalytical depth profiling of the oxide layer with a high resolution scanning ion microprobe indicated rapid diffusion and subsequent oxidation of Li at the free surface. Examination of the alloy surface after removal of the oxide layer suggested that the initial oxide growth occurred in the lateral direction. Secondary ion image depth profiling of the alloy surface after oxide removal revealed Li segregation to the alloy/second-phase interface, supplying Li for accelerated oxidation. A microstructural model of the oxidation process in this case is presented.
A postmodern look at traditional communication postulates

(1991). A postmodern look at traditional communication postulates. Western Journal of Speech Communication: Vol. 55, No. 4, pp. 354-379.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE is emerging as the most common chronic liver condition in the Western world. It is associated with insulin resistance and frequently occurs with features of the metabolic syndrome. Disease presentation ranges from asymptomatic elevated liver enzyme levels to cirrhosis with complications of liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current treatment recommendations are limited to weight loss and exercise, although several promising medications are on the horizon. In this article we discuss the etiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as well as approaches to its management.
Effects of gossypol on the estrous cycle and ovarian weight in the rat.

Abstract The effect of subcutaneously injected gossypol on the estrous cycle and ovarian weights in rats was examined. Daily injections of 5 or 10 mg gossypol/kg/day for 20 days significantly reduced the ovarian weights by 32% and 29%, respectively. Injections of 0.1 and 1.0 mg gossypol/kg/day had no significant effect on ovarian weight. Similarly, ovarian weights were significantly reduced by 37% when hemiovariectomized animals were injected with 10 mg gossypol/kg/day for 15 days whereas those of control animals increased in weight by 15%. Animals receiving 5 or 10 mg gossypol/kg/day essentially remained in diestrus by the 15th or the 10th day of injections, respectively. No significant change was found in the liver, adrenal gland or body weight of gossypol-treated rats.
4.1.4 Applications of Conditional Inferential Methods for Operational Cost Savings for US Coast Guard C130 Aircraft Maintenance

Maintenance costs play a significant role in the overall operational cost of the US Coast Guard (USCG) fleet of C130 aircraft. Selection of the preventative maintenance interval for the C130 1500 Series Flight Deck Cooling Turbine provides an opportunity for considerable maintenance cost savings. If this turbine fails in service, it may be damaged beyond repair and cost $30,000 to replace. If overhauled before failure, the cost is typically $500. The USCG currently allows this turbine to fail in service, and is considering a preventative maintenance schedule of periodic overhauls. Failure data for this turbine is relatively scarce however. This paucity of data magnifies the perceived impact of uncertainties in the data, which all but paralyzes USCG decision makers charged with selecting an overhaul interval. The authors process failure and replacement cost data for this turbine using conditional inferential methods. Statistical distributions of Expected Costs Savings per Flight Hour are parameterized as a function of overhaul interval. These distributions and related estimates allow USCG decision makers to confidently select an overhaul interval that minimizes maintenance costs and is commensurate with existing maintenance schedules.
Fibromatous skin lesions produced by repeated blood serum injections in the human

Abstract The basic work, which led to the author's concept of positive chemotropism, is reviewed. Tissue fluid extravasations seem to attract fibroblasts, which actively lay down connective tissue, when blood serum is injected into normal skin tissue. The author does not favor the concept of tissue rests which have been thought to form neoplasms. Rather, it is evident that blood serum has the property to attract fibroblasts which may form fibromas when blood serum invades the cell spaces of skin. The author has described two sets of experiments. The first employed serum taken from a “Wassermann-fast” case. Although this particular serum was three years old, it led to the formation of a small fibromatous lesion when this serum was injected intradermally repeatedly. The control site, which received similar amounts of saline, remained negative. Serum taken from the author and injected repeatedly intracutaneously, caused the formation of a larger fibromatous area than did the three-year old serum taken from the luetic case. The control site, which received similar saline injections, remained negative. Microscopic evidence has been obtained which shows that subepithelial changes similar to those seen in keloids can be produced experimentally by the injection of serum into the subepithelial tissues. The fact that the experimental sites, after six days, opened wide after the sutures were removed, points to a wide-spread injury of the adjacent tissue not involved by the tumors. This was not evident in the control areas. Further work is being done on this subject by Dr. Rosenthal, and at a later date, he may be able to present some pertinent information as to why these experimental areas were so delayed in healing and why they bled so profusely during extirpation of the tissues.
Inhomogeneity correction using an estimated linear field map

A fast and robust method for correcting magnetic resonance image distortion due to field inhomogeneity is proposed and applied to spiral k-space scanning. The method consists of acquiring a local field map, finding the best fit to a linear map, and using it to deblur the image distortions due to local frequency variations. The linear field map is determined using a maximum likelihood estimator with weights proportional to the pixel intensity. The method requires little additional computation and is robust in low signal regions and near abrupt field changes. Additionally, it can be used in combination with other deblurring methods. The application of this method is illustrated in conjunction with a multislice, T2-weighted, breath-held spiral scan of the liver.
The polysemy of measurement

The first goal of this paper is to argue that a number of independently treated phenomena – the ‘measure’ interpretation of pseudopartitives (Landman, 2004), amount relatives (Heim, 1987; Grosu and Landman, 1998), the how many ambiguity – are different instantiations of the same phenomenon, the general ability for DPs to denote an individual or a degree corresponding to the measure of that individual. I refer to this as ‘individual/degree polysemy’. I show that a particular semantic restriction on the degree interpretations of DPs indicates that the degree interpretation is derived from the individual interpretation (not vice-versa). And I argue that this pervasive polysemy is a natural consequence of degree semantic theories that postulate a null measure operator to measure, when appropriate, individuals, events or degrees. The second goal of this paper is to tie the behavior of this null measurement operator to the similar behavior of quantity adjectives like many and much, giving further support to the claim that quantity adjectives measure sets of degrees (Rett, 2007, 2008).
From Informed Consent through Database Lock: An Interactive Clinical Trial Conducted Using the Internet*

This paper describes an interactive clinical trial that utilized the World Wide Web and Internet technologies throughout the conduct of the trial from informed consent through database lock and study closure. We believe this is the first development and administration of an interactive clinical trial that utilized the Internet for trial execution while complying with regulations for clinical trials conducted under an Investigational New Drug application. A United States study of tadalafil, a phosphodiesterases inhibitor used as an oral treatment of erectile dysfunction, was chosen to implement the interactive clinical trial. The trial consisted of 83 enrolled patients who were randomly assigned to either tadalafil 20 mg or placebo for four weeks of treatment. The trial leveraged the Internet for the informed consent process, randomization, drug dispensing and accountability, safety monitoring, in-home data collection of patient-based efficacy measures, and database lock. The efficacy data resembled traditional tadalafil clinical trial data; the adverse events incidence, however, was lower than anticipated. In a post-study survey, 77% of patients with traditional clinical trial experience indicated that the interactive clinical trial was better than a traditional trial. The success of this interactive clinical trial represents a new direction for regulatory-compliant clinical research powered by the Internet.
Coding schemes for confidential communications

In this paper, the hybrid automatic retransmission request (HARQ) coding scheme is revisited for a block-fading wire-tap channel, in which two legitimate users communicate over a block-fading channel in the presence of a passive eavesdropper who intercepts the transmissions through an independent block-fading channel. In this model, the transmitter obtains a 1-bit ACK/NACK feedback from the legitimate receiver via an error-free public channel. Both reliability and confidentiality of secure HARQ protocols are studied by the joint consideration of channel coding, secrecy coding, and retransmission protocols. In particular, the error and secrecy performance of repetition time diversity (RTD) and incremental redundancy (INR) schemes are investigated based on good Wyner code sequences, which ensure that the confidential message is decoded successfully by the legitimate receiver and is kept in total ignorance by the eavesdropper for a given set of channel realizations. This paper first illustrates that there exists a good rate-compatible Wyner code family which ensures a secure INR protocol. Next, two types of outage probabilities, connection outage and secrecy outage probabilities are defined in order to characterize the tradeoff between the reliability of the legitimate communication link and the confidentiality with respect to the eavesdropperpsilas link. For a given connection/secrecy outage probability pair, an achievable throughput of secure HARQ protocols is derived for block-fading channels. Finally, both asymptotic analysis and numerical computations demonstrate the benefits of HARQ protocols to throughput and secrecy.
Catalytic asymmetric benzylic C-H activation by means of carbenoid-induced C-H insertions.

Tetrakis[N-[4-dodecylphenyl)sulfonyl]-(S)-prolinate]dirhodium [Rh2(S-DOSP)4]-catalyzed decomposition of methyl aryldiazoacetates in the presence of substituted ethylbenzenes results in benzylic C−H activation by means of a rhodium−carbenoid-induced C−H insertion. A Hammet study showed that positive charge buildup occurred on the benzylic carbon in the transition state of the C−H activation step. C−H activation of toluene and isopropylbenzene is possible, but a competing double cyclopropanation occurs with these substrates. The C−H activation is highly regioselective and enantioselective, and in certain cases, moderate diastereoselectivity is also possible.
Hall Effect in Evaporated Films of Iron, Cobalt, Nickel, Palladium, and Platinum

Hall coefficients of evaporated films.---The Hall coefficients for films of Fe, Co, Ni, Pd, and Pt, 6 to 270\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\mu} thick, deposited on surfaces at a distance less than the mean free path from the evaporating filament, were measured. For films of the ferromagnetic metals, Fe, Co, Ni, the Hall coefficients were respectively 1.4, 4.9, and 7.8 times the values for the corresponding metals in bulk, these factors being in the order of the atomic numbers of the elements. For the paramagnetic, negative Hall effect metals, Pd and Pt, the Hall coefficients were 0.66 and 0.64 times the values for the metals in bulk. The increased Hall effect for the films of the ferromagnetic metals seems closely related to ferromagnetism, although Ni, the least ferromagnetic of the three, shows the greatest variation. Films of Ir and Rh, formed at a distance less than the mean free path from the evaporating filament, showed for Ir a positive Hall effect as in bulk, and for Rh no detectable effect.Specific resistance of evaporated films.---The ratios of the specific resistances of the evaporated films to the specific resistances of the corresponding metals in bulk were found to be 3.1 (Fe), 23.0 (Co), 25.0 (Ni), 4.4 (Pd), 14.0 (Pt), 10.8 (Ir), 12.0 (Rh).Saturation of the Hall e.m.f.---Curves show that the saturation of the Hall e.m.f. occurs for evaporated Fe at a slightly lower magnetic induction than for Fe in bulk; for Co, at about 12,500 gauss as compared with 13,500 for bulk; and for Ni, at about 2500-3000 as compared with 6000 for bulk. It is significant that the magnitudes of these variations from bulk values, like the corresponding variations in the Hall coefficient, occur in the order of these elements in the periodic table.Effects of Heating.---Heating films of the ferromagnetic metals during or after deposition decreased the Hall coefficients and specific resistances to approximately the values for the metals in bulk. It also caused a shift in the value of the magnetic induction necessary to produce saturation of the Hall e.m.f. toward that for the metals in bulk. No effect of heating was observed in the paramagnetic metals.Interpretation.---Evaporated films may differ from bulk metal in the size of the crystalline grains, in the nature of the material between them or in an asymmetry of the crystalline grains which may be an important factor in the causes of the Hall effect.
Base cation fertilization and liming effects on nutrition and growth of Vermont sugar maple stands

Soil and foliar nutrition, crown condition, and wood growth were measured in three mature sugar maple stands in northern Vermont before and after fertilization with base cations (107 kg ha−1 K, 53 kg ha−1 Ca and 11 kg ha−1 Mg) with or without 3000 kg ha−1 supplemental lime in order to test the effectiveness of such treatments in ameliorating base cation deficiencies in sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.). Pre-fertilization analyses indicated multiple cation deficiencies in these stands, since foliar K, Ca and Mg were all near or below sufficiency standards suggested for sugar maple. Fertilization with cations in addition to liming elevated soil pH from 3.6 to 4.5 in the first year after treatment, and elevated soil pH was maintained over two additional growing seasons along with significantly improved soil Ca and decreased soil Al. Foliar K, Ca and P concentrations were all significantly improved (P < 0.05) compared with controls for the three growing seasons following the first treatment, while only foliar K concentration showed significant improvement in plots treated with the base cation fertilizer without lime. By the third growing season following treatment, trees in limed plots had significantly less crown dieback than controls or trees in plots treated with the base cation fertilizer alone. Diameter growth showed marginal improvement in the plots treated with cations, annual diameter growth increased 200% compared with controls in the limed plots. Despite these positive results, the long term contribution of increased soil pH and soil calcium to soil nutrient pools and root distribution remains to be determined, as does the sustainability of growth increases. We conclude that in northern Vermont sugar maple stands on relatively infertile podzols with low pH, base cation limitations may be especially important in controlling sugar maple tree health or growth, while fertilization to ameliorate base cation deficiencies may be effective only at relatively high base cation addition rates.
HYDROTHERMAL STABILITY STUDIES OF THE ZIRCON-THORITE GROUP

Abstract The stability relations among minerals of the zircon-thorite group and the effect of related oxides on them have been studied under both “ry” and hydrothermal conditions. The problem of “hydrous” zircons and its relation to the metamict state has been investigated both experimentally and theoretically. From the data it appears that hydrous zircons and thorites do not involve OH− substitution for O2− with omission of Si4+, but rather are formed by strong water adsorption in metamictized zircon and thorite. The phase equilibrium involved in the thorite-huttonite polymorphism has been studied and it is concluded that huttonite is the only stable polymorph of ThSiO4. Zircon dissociates at 1550±50°C to ZrO2+SiO2. The Alkemade triangles in the ternary systems ZrO2−ThO2−SiO2 and ZrO2−UO2−SiO2 have been determined and a not-impossible diagram is presented for the system ThO2−UO2−SiO2. The extent of solid solution between ZrSiO4−ThSiO4, ZrSiO4−“USiO4” and ThSiO4−“USiO4” is discussed in connexion with the composition of natural zircon and thorite. The application of the experimental data to natural mineral assemblages is discussed.
The diameter and thermal inertia of 433 Eros

Radiometry of Eros at 10 and 20 micrometers demonstrates that the thermal conductivity of the upper centimeter of the surface is approximately as low as that of the moon, suggesting that the asteroid has a regolith of highly porous rocky material. When combined with photoelectric photometry, these infrared measurements yield an effective diameter of Eros at maximum light of 22 plus or minus 2 km and a geometric albedo of 0.18 plus or minus 0.03.
Urinary nucleosides in leukemia: laboratory and clinical applications.

(1986). Urinary Nucleosides in Leukemia: Laboratory and Clinical Applications. CRC Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 71-93.
Oxidative phosphorylation by chondrocyte mitochondria

A mitochondrial fraction was isolated from chick epiphyseal cartilage using a Polytron. The oxidative phosphorylating properties and principle dehydrogenase activities of these mitochondria were studied. The highest rate of oxidation was noted when succinate was used as a substrate. Lesser levels of respiration were recorded with isocitrate in the presence of NADP. Succinate, isocitrate, oxoglutarate, malate and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenases were found in chondrocyte mitochondria. Of these, succinate and NADP-linked isocitrate dehydrogenases were the most active. The results indicate that chondrocyte mitochondria have the enzymic capability to perform oxidative phosphorylation. The presence of NADP-linked isocitric dehydrogenase supports the view that this enzyme may play a key role in citrate formation.
Directional transport equations for plasmas

The equations governing the directional transport of plasmas are derived from the Boltzmann's equation by averaging over a given subset of the velocity space. Their application to plasma confinement by means of external time-dependent electromagnetic fields is discussed.
Aqueous ring-opening metathesis polymerization of exo-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboximide

The aqueous ring-opening metathesis polymerization of the exo-Diels-Alder adduct of furan and maleimide was accomplished using an “activated Ruthenium” catalyst present in the supernatant of a RuCl3-catalyzed aqueous polymerization of furan-dimethylacetylene dicarboxylate adduct. The polymer was characterized by solution 1H− and 13C-NMR, IR, DSC, and viscometry. Characterization revealed an intact imide group and the possibility of high-temperature applications. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dual engines moving on antiparallel tracks.

Two recent papers provide evidence that the Escherichia coli RecBCD complex, which unwinds double-stranded DNA to supply a substrate for recombination, has two helicase subunits that bind opposite DNA strands and move with opposite unwinding 'polarities'.
Building learning communities by enhancing social presence: implementing blended instructional delivery methods

Lewis, Snow, Farris, et al. stated in the National Center for Education Statistics that "distance education appears to have become a common feature of many postsecondary education institutions and...it will become only more common in the future" [3]. In the wave of migration to new instructional delivery modes, it is necessary for us to critically examine some issues that have arisen, in order to reach an optimal solution for both the students and the instructors. One of the inevitable tradeoffs in an online learning environment is a decrease in the quality of social interaction. Social interaction is innate in traditional face-to-face classrooms. It is not only a critical element in helping the learners to develop a sense of belongingness within a learning community, but also determines the dynamics of the learning community, which greatly influence the students' learning outcomes. Among the essential components of a community, interaction between the members is deemed to be the one crucial factor that makes a community alive. Researchers agree that helping students develop a sense of community is an important aspect in promoting positive learning experiences and better learning outcomes in distance learning environments [7].
Group IVA phospholipase A2 optimizes ovulation and fertilization in rodents through induction of and metabolic coupling with prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2

Female mice lacking group IVA phospholipase A2 (Pla2g4a−/−) have a smaller litter size, which is due, in part, to defective implantation. We examined PLA2G4A dependence of the processes of ovulation and fertilization. Following induction of ovulation by equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG)/human CG (hCG) treatment and mating, ovulation and fertilization rates were reduced significantly in Pla2g4a−/− mice as compared to wild-type littermates. Human CG triggered robust ovarian prostaglandin (PG) E2 production in the preovulatory period that was significantly attenuated in Pla2g4a−/− mice. Human CG transiently enhanced ovarian expression of PLA2G4A and prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) in wild-type mice. This PTGS2 induction was decreased in Pla2g4a−/− mice and also in immature rats treated with the PLA2G4A inhibitor, archidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone. A close spatiotemporal association of PLA2G4A with PTGS2 was found in mouse and rat preovulatory follicles examined by immunohistochemistry. Less association was observed with 4 other forms of PLA2. Our data strongly suggest that PLA2G4A amplifies hCG induction of PTGS2 and colocalizes with the induced PTGS2, thus contributing to robust PG production required for optimal ovulation and fertilization in rodents.—Kurusu, S., Sapirstein, A., Bonventre, J. V. Group IVA phospholipase A2 optimizes ovulation and fertilization in rodents through induction of and metabolic coupling with prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2.
Stability and Morphology Comparisons of Self-Assembled Virus-Like Particles from Wild-Type and Mutant Human Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Proteins

Instead of displaying the wild-type selective export of virions containing mature genomes, human hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutant I97L, changing from an isoleucine to a leucine at amino acid 97 of HBV core antigen (HBcAg), lost the high stringency of selectivity in genome maturity during virion export. To understand the structural basis of this so-called “immature secretion” phenomenon, we compared the stability and morphology of self-assembled capsid particles from the wild-type and mutant I97L HBV, in either full-length (HBcAg1-183) or truncated core protein contexts (HBcAg1-149 and HBcAg1-140). Using negative staining and electron microscopy, full-length particles appear as “thick-walled” spherical particles with little interior space, whereas truncated particles appear as “thin-walled” spherical particles with a much larger inner space. We found no significant differences in capsid stability between wild-type and mutant I97L particles under denaturing pH and temperature in either full-length or truncated core protein contexts. In general, HBV capsid particles (HBcAg1-183, HBcAg1-149, and HBcAg1-140) are very robust but will dissociate at pH 2 or 14, at temperatures higher than 75°C, or in 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). An unexpected upshift banding pattern of the SDS-treated full-length particles during agarose gel electrophoresis is most likely caused by disulfide bonding of the last cysteine of HBcAg. HBV capsids are known to exist in natural infection as dimorphic T=3 or T=4 icosahedral particles. No difference in the ratio between T=3 (78%) and T=4 particles (20.3%) are found between wild-type HBV and mutant I97L in the context of HBcAg1-140. In addition, we found no difference in capsid stability between T=3 and T=4 particles successfully separated by using a novel agarose gel electrophoresis procedure.
Compartmental rule-based modeling of biochemical systems

Rule-based modeling is an approach to modeling biochemical kinetics in which proteins and other biological components are modeled as structured objects and their interactions are governed by rules that specify the conditions under which reactions occur. BioNetGen is an open-source platform that provides a simple yet expressive language for rule-based modeling (BNGL). In this paper we describe compartmental BNGL (cBNGL), which extends BNGL to enable explicit modeling of the compartmental organization of the cell and its effects on system dynamics. We show that by making localization a queryable attribute of both molecules and species and introducing appropriate volumetric scaling of reaction rates, the effects of compartmentalization can be naturally modeled using rules. These properties enable the construction of new rule semantics that include both universal rules, those defining interactions that can take place in any compartment in the system, and transport rules, which enable movement of molecular complexes between compartments.
Fluids, anomalies, and the chiral magnetic effect: A group-theoretic formulation

It is possible to formulate fluid dynamics in terms of group-valued variables. This is particularly suited to the cases where the fluid has non-Abelian charges and is coupled to non-Abelian gauge fields. We explore this formulation further in this paper. An action for a fluid of relativistic particles (with and without spin) is given in terms of the Lorentz and Poincar\'e (or de Sitter) groups. Considering the case of particles with flavor symmetries, a general fluid action which also incorporates all flavor anomalies is given. The chiral magnetic and chiral vorticity effects as well as the consequences of the mixed gauge-gravity anomaly are discussed.
As‐needed intravenous antihypertensive therapy and blood pressure control

BACKGROUND Hospitalized patients with elevated blood pressure (BP) in most cases should be treated with intensification of oral regimens, but are often given intravenous (IV) antihypertensives. OBJECTIVE To determine frequency of prescribing and administering episodic IV antihypertensives and outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective review. SETTING Urban academic hospital. PATIENTS Non–critically ill, hospitalized patients with an IV antihypertensive order for enalaprilat, labetalol, hydralazine, or metoprolol. MEASUREMENTS We analyzed BP thresholds for ordering and administering IV antihypertensives, the types and frequencies of IV antihypertensives administered, and the effect of IV antihypertensive use on short-term BP and adverse outcomes. The BP change during hospitalization was contrasted in those receiving IV antihypertensives between those who did and did not receive subsequent intensification of chronic oral antihypertensive regimens. RESULTS Two hundred forty-six patients had an episodic IV antihypertensive order. One hundred seventy-two patients received 458 doses, with 48% receiving a single dose. Over 98% of episodic IV antihypertensive doses were administered for systolic blood pressure (SBP) <200 mm Hg and 84.5% for SBP <180 mm Hg. Within 6 hours of administration, there was a statistically significant decline in average SBP and diastolic BP in patients receiving IV hydralazine and labetolol. After administration of IV antihypertensives, the oral inpatient medication regimen was adjusted in 52% of patients; these patients had a greater reduction in SBP from admission to discharge than patients with no change to their oral regimens. A total of 32.6% of patients receiving treatment experienced a BP reduction of more than 25% within 6 hours. CONCLUSIONS IV antihypertensive drugs are ordered and administered in patients with asymptomatic, uncontrolled BP for levels unassociated with substantive immediate cardiovascular risk, which may cause adverse effects. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:193–198. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Diagnosis and Outcome of Early Pleural Space Infection Following Lung Transplantation

Background Despite the frequent occurrence of pleural effusions in lung transplant recipients, little is known about early posttransplant pleural space infections. We sought to determine the predictors and clinical significance of pleural infection in this population. Methods We analyzed 455 consecutive lung transplant recipients and identified patients who had undergone sampling of pleural fluid within 90 days posttransplant. A case-control analysis was performed to determine the characteristics that predict infection and the impact of infection on posttransplant survival. Results Pleural effusions undergoing drainage occurred in 27% of recipients (124 of 455 recipients). Ninety-six percent of effusions were exudative. Pleural space infection occurred in 27% of patients (34 of 124 patients) with effusions. The incidence of infection did not differ significantly by native lung disease or type of transplant operation. Fungal pathogens accounted for > 60% of the infections; Candida albicans was the predominant organism found. Bacterial etiologies were present in 25% of cases. Infected pleural effusions had elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels (p = 0.036) and markedly increased neutrophil levels in the pleural space (p 21% provides a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 79% for correctly identifying an infection. Patients with pleural space infection had a diminished 1-year survival rate compared to those without infection (67% vs 87%, respectively; p=0.002). Conclusion Pleural infection with fungal or bacterial pathogens commonly complicates lung transplantation, and an elevated neutrophil level in the pleural fluid is the most sensitive and specific indicator of infection.
Infant Predictors of the Longitudinal Course of Schizophrenic Development

This study was begun in 1952 to test the hypothesis that specific neurointegrative disorders in infancy predict vulnerability to later schizophrenia and schizotypal disorder. Twelve offspring of chronic schizophrenic mothers and 12 controls from similar low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds have been studied since their births in 1952-53 and 1959-60. The infants were ranked according to the severity of their neurointegrative disorder, or "pandysmaturation" (PDM), based on analysis of Gesell tests and physical growth measures repeated 10 times between birth and 2 years. Twenty-three subjects (96 percent) completed all 10-, 15- and 20/22-year followup examinations. PDM was significantly related to maternal schizophrenia but not to obstetrical complications, SES, sex, or ethnic background. The severity of PDM was significantly related to the blind evaluations of the severity of psychopathology at 10 years. One 26-year risk subject has been chronically schizophrenic since age 17. The author, nonblind, provisionally diagnosed six other risk subjects as schizotypal or paranoid personality. All seven had PDM; six required 6 to 18+ years of treatment; four with "negative" symptoms remain severely impaired. All six sick subjects had severe social-affective symptoms by 3-6 years of age; four had perceptual deficits by 2 years. Some social-affective, cognitive, academic, and vocational impairments included in the "negative" symptoms and "process" traits of schizophrenia had antecedents before 2 years of age. Primary prevention requires research into the mechanisms underlying these dysfunctions in infancy.
Synchronous collaborative systems for distributed virtual environments in Java

This paper presents a 3D-distributed virtual environment, which allows for the creation of applications to enable multiple users to collaboratively interact in, and communicate about, a virtual world. This virtual environment is used to primarily support a flight simulator application by providing communications routines and networking synchronisation between the client and the server. Four server client synchronisation methods were developed and compared. The method of transparent synchronisation with non-blocking I/O has been found to be the best method for maintaining synchronisation among distributed virtual environments using Java. The successful creation of the distributed virtual environment and the positive results collected in the supporting experimental data, leads to the conclusion that Java, with the addition of the non-blocking I/O Java.NIO.channels API and the Java 3D API, can be successfully used to create high-performance distributed 3D-virtual environments.
De novo identification of repeat families in large genomes

Every time we compare two species that are closer to each other than either is to humans, we get nearly killed by unmasked repeats. Webb Miller (Personal communication) Motivation:De novo repeat family identification is a challenging algorithmic problem of great practical importance. As the number of genome sequencing projects increases, there is a pressing need to identify the repeat families present in large, newly sequenced genomes. We develop a new method for de novo identification of repeat families via extension of consensus seeds; our method enables a rigorous definition of repeat boundaries, a key issue in repeat analysis. Results: Our RepeatScout algorithm is more sensitive and is orders of magnitude faster than RECON, the dominant tool for de novo repeat family identification in newly sequenced genomes. Using RepeatScout, we estimate that ∼2% of the human genome and 4% of mouse and rat genomes consist of previously unannotated repetitive sequence. Availability: Source code is available for download at http://www-cse.ucsd.edu/groups/bioinformatics/software.html Contact: ppevzner@cs.ucsd.edu
Computer-generator color animations of acoustic transduction in the auditory periphery

A series of computer-generated two-dimensional color animations depicting basic concepts of acoustic transduction in the middle and inner ears for a medical school course on hearing mechanisms are presented. Topics and concepts covered in the animations include motion of the tympanic membrane and ossicular chain, the traveling-wave pattern of basilar membrane motion, cochlear micromechanics, inner hair cell depolarization, tonotopic organization and the place principle of frequency coding and temporal coding of frequency. A SuperCard application controls the animations and provides access to additional material pertaining to the auditory periphery, such as illustrations, photographs, text and interactive quizzes. These materials are packaged in two versions, one for classroom presentation, the other for use as a study aid. >
A simulation study of convergence speed for distributed codeword adaptation algorithms in CDMA wireless systems

In this paper we present a side-by-side comparison of interference avoidance (IA) algorithms for distributed codeword adaptation in CDMA systems. We consider the eigen-algorithm, the minimum mean square error (MMSE) algorithm, and the adaptive IA algorithm and investigate their convergence speed using extensive simulations of various uplink CDMA system scenarios.
Factors that impact implementing an agile software development methodology

The Internet economy has altered the rules of software engineering. Traditional development methodologies are too cumbersome to meet the rapidly changing requirements and short product cycles demanded by business. To meet these changing requirements, software developers have developed agile software development methodologies (SDMs) utilizing iterative development, prototyping, and templates. This research project investigated agile SDM implementation using an online survey sent to practitioners worldwide. This survey data were used to identify factors related to agile SDM implementation. Factors that included training, management involvement, access to external resources, and corporate size were found to impact implementation of an agile software development methodology. Factors such as using models, having an implementation plan, collocating the development team, and developing software for Internet or intranet use did not impact the implementation of an agile software development methodology. Several of the factors that impact the implementation of an agile development methodology are under the control of management. Organizations considering the implementation of an agile methodology may wish to manipulate some of these factors to increase the opportunities for success of their methodology.
Electronic states of WH

Abstract Spectroscopic constants and potential energy curves of 15 electronic states of WH are obtained using the complete-active-space multi-configuration self-consistent field (CAS MCSCF) followed by full second-order configuration-interaction (SOCI) calculations. The spin-orbit effects are introduced using the relativistic-configuration-interaction (RCI) method. Our computations confirm the assignment of the observed emission spectrum at 6800 A but yield different vibrational frequencies for the two observed states.
“We Rule the Base Because We’re Few”: “Lone Girls” in Israel’s Military

Informed by gendered organizational theory, I discuss “lone girls” in Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF), that is, women serving in bases where the majority of soldiers are men. I argue that the IDF’s m...
Generational differences in workplace behavior

Popular stereotypes suggest that generational differences among workers present challenges for workplace managers. However, existing empirical research provides mixed evidence for generational differences in important values and attitudes. The current study extends generational effects research by examining differences in actual workplace behaviors. Drawing from commonly held generational stereotypes, the authors hypothesized that Baby Boomers would exhibit (Hypothesis 1) fewer job mobility behaviors and (Hypothesis 2) more instances of compliance-related behaviors in comparison with both GenXers and Millennials, while (Hypothesis 3) GenXers would be less likely to work overtime in comparison with Baby Boomers and Millennials. A sample of 8,040 applicants at two organizations was used to test these predictions. Results provided support for Hypothesis 1 and Hypothesis 3 and partial support for Hypothesis 2, but the effect sizes for these relationships were small. It appears the effects of generational membership on workplace behavior are not as strong as suggested by commonly held stereotypes. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Estimating cycle time and return rate distributions for returnable transport items

A return rate distribution for returnable transport items (RTI) is estimated from radio frequency identification (RFID) data. The technique is dependent on estimating a probability density function for backward fill-to-fill cycle times for the returnable containers. The cycle time distribution yields an estimate of a time period where most containers will return to the manufacturer. To obtain return rate observations, the number of returns in a production lot is observed by tracking the fill and return of uniquely tagged containers over this time period, adjusting for containers with long cycle times. The process also gives an estimate of the percentage of RTI tagged in the population or fleet of containers. The effects of estimation errors due to a partial RFID-tagging of the fleet are examined, and satisfactory results can be obtained when not all containers are tagged. The use of the cycle time and return rate distributions for creating a forecast of container returns is illustrated, and implementation...
Reconsidering Power and Legitimacy in Technical Communication: A Case for Enlarging the Definition of Technical Communicator

This article considers how issues of power and legitimacy in technical communication are connected to clearly defining what a technical communicator does. An articulation of what technical communic...
9-n as Nostalgia: Implications for Public administration theory and practice

(2002). 9-11 As Nostalgia: Implications for Public Administration Theory and Practice. Administrative Theory & Praxis: Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 572-606.
"I need to hear from women who have 'been there'": Developing a woman-focused intervention for drug use and partner violence in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: Addressing violence and linking women to community services in parallel with drug change goals is critical for women with coexisting intimate partner violence (IPV) and substance use disorders (SUD). Our objective was to develop a Web-based intervention to address violence and drug use among women patients in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: The intervention was developed in a 5-step process: (1) Initial intervention development based on selected theoretical frameworks; (2) In-depth interviews with the target population; (3) Intervention adaptation, with iterative feedback from further interviews; (4) Beta testing and review by an advisory committee of domestic violence advocates; (5) Acceptability and feasibility testing in a small open trial. RESULTS: Themes supported the selection of motivational interviewing (MI) and empowerment models but also guided major adaptations to the intervention, including the introduction of videos and a more robust booster phone call. Participants in the open trial reported high scores for satisfaction, usability, and consistency with essential elements of MI. CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative work with our target population of women in the ED with SUD experiencing IPV underscored the importance of connection to peers and empathetic human contact. We developed an acceptable and feasible intervention distinct from prior ED-based brief interventions for substance-using populations. Language: en