cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social status regulates growth rate: Consequences for life-history strategies

The life-history strategies of organisms are sculpted over evolutionary time by the relative prospects of present and future reproductive success. As a consequence, animals of many species show flexible behavioral responses to environmental and social change. Here we show that disruption of the habitat of a colony of African cichlid fish, Haplochromis burtoni (Gunther) caused males to switch social status more frequently than animals kept in a stable environment. H. burtoni males can be either reproductively active, guarding a territory, or reproductively inactive (nonterritorial). Although on average 25–50% of the males are territorial in both the stable and unstable environments, during the 20-week study, nearly two-thirds of the animals became territorial for at least 1 week. Moreover, many fish changed social status several times. Surprisingly, the induced changes in social status caused changes in somatic growth. Nonterritorial males and animals ascending in social rank showed an increased growth rate whereas territorial males and animals descending in social rank slowed their growth rate or even shrank. Similar behavioral and physiological changes are caused by social change in animals kept in stable environmental conditions, although at a lower rate. This suggests that differential growth, in interaction with environmental conditions, is a central mechanism underlying the changes in social status. Such reversible phenotypic plasticity in a crucial life-history trait may have evolved to enable animals to shift resources from reproduction to growth or vice versa, depending on present and future reproductive prospects.
Half-GCD and fast rational recovery

Over the past few decades several variations on a "half GCD" algorithm for obtaining the pair of terms in the middle of a Euclidean sequence have been proposed. In the integer case algorithm design and proof of correctness are complicated by the effect of carries. This paper will demonstrate a variant with a relatively simple proof of correctness. We then apply this to the task of rational recovery for a linear algebra solver.
P06.01. Survey of Business and Care Models of Integrative Medicine

Focus Areas: Sustainable Business Models In 2012, the business sub-committee of the clinical working group for the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine (CAHCIM) launched a pilot survey to collect information about the structure and business models of the member integrative centers. Although the survey provided useful insight into the business operations and financial resources needed to start up a center, the survey needed a better design and response rate. The 2013 survey will reflect the help of researchers in its design and will include more respondents so that its results will be more accurately reflective of the actual picture of the business of integrative medicine within academic health centers today.
Symmetry codes over GF(3)

Abstract A lower bound { 1 4 (4q + 5)} 1 2 + 3 2 is given for the minimum weight of the symmetry code C(q) over GF(3), which is introduced by Pless [3].
Attribution in Mathematics: A Review of Literature.

This review of literature covers attribution studies in mathematics from 1974 through 2008. Thus far, mathematics education research in this area has been rather limited over the past few years. Attribution is discussed as it is defined by researchers, as being internal or external and its relation to mathematics achievement. In order for teachers to understand why or what is causing a student to fall behind academically, it is important that they start with attribution and whether or not it is being related to an internal or external factor. Therefore, it is imperative that new studies examine in more detail attribution from a teacher perspective and how this may impact the teaching and learning within their own classroom. This direction of the research could prove to be even more useful for preservice teachers as they begin their journey of teaching and dealing with student success and failure.
Magnetic phases in transition metal chloride intercalation compounds of graphite

Abstract Magnetic susceptibility measurements on graphite-FeCl3 (stage 2), graphite-CoCl2 (stages 2 and 3), and graphite-NiCl2 (stages 3 and 5) intercalation compounds are reported, showing anomalies associated with magnetic transitions. The effect of magnetic fields on the transition suggests that the magnetic phases in all these systems are similar and independent of the separation of the planes of magnetic ions. The results for all samples for stage ≥ 2 imply two magnetic phase transitions closely separated in temperature.
Combined HSV-1 recombinant and amplicon piggyback vectors: replication-competent and defective forms, and therapeutic efficacy for experimental gliomas.

Background The versatility of HSV-1 vectors includes large transgene capacity, selective replication of mutants in dividing cells, and availability of recombinant virus (RV) and plasmid-derived (amplicon) vectors, which can be propagated in a co-dependent, ‘piggyback’, manner. Methods A replication-defective piggyback vector system was generated in which the amplicon carries either of two genes essential for virus replication, IE2 (ICP27) or IE3 (ICP4), as well as lacZ; the RV is deleted in both these genes, and vector stocks are propagated in cells transfected with one of the complementary genes. In the replication-competent system, the amplicon carries the IE2 and lacZ; the RV had a large deletion in the IE2; and stocks are propagated in untransfected cells. Titers over successive passages, recombination between amplicon and RV, and the structural integrity of vector genomes were evaluated. The replication-competent system was tested for therapeutic efficacy in subcutaneous 9L gliosarcoma tumors in nude mice with activation of ganciclovir via the viral HSV-thymidine kinase gene. Results Both systems generated high titer amplicon vectors (about 107 tu/ml) and amplicon:RV ratios (0.6–3.0). No replication-competent RV was generated in either system. The replication-defective system showed low toxicity and increased packaging efficiency of amplicon vectors, as compared to single mutant RV helper virus. The replication-competent system allowed co-propagation of amplicon and RV; injection into tumors followed by ganciclovir treatment inhibited tumor growth without systemic toxicity. Conclusion New replication-defective and replication-competent piggyback HSV, vector systems allow gene delivery via amplicon vectors with reduced toxicity and co-propagation of both RV and amplicon vectors in target cells, with effective tumor therapy via focal virus replication and pro-drug activation. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of exploratory questions on solution quality

This experiment investigates whether the introduction of exploratory questions into a group problem-solving discussion influences the nature of the solution. Groups of three, including a discussion leader-member, were asked to develop at least three solutions toward improving output of a circular five-man assembly line. Many solutions are possible. One solution, rotation, is clearly superior to all others, yet is rarely developed. Leaders were given one of two different statements of the problem, a statement of two ways to improve a boring job, and three exploratory questions to read aloud to their groups prior to a 20-minute discussion. The job improvement questions were based on principles drived in Karsten's (1928) investigations into psychological satiation. Results indicate that exploratory questions cause groups to develop the insightful solution significantly more often than do comparable groups without experimental introduction of such questions. More generally, the results indicate that efforts directed toward upgrading the manner in which a task is experienced can generate inventive improvements in the group product.
Induction of mucous cell metaplasia in the middle ear of rats using a three-step method: An improved model for otitis media with mucoid effusion

Otitis media with mucoid effusion, characterized by mucous cell metaplasia in the middle ear cleft and thick fluid accumulation in the middle ear cavity, is a common otological disease that frequently affects young children. Multiple factors are involved in the development of this disease, especially middle ear infection and Eustachian tube dysfunction. In this study, in order to induce otitis media with effusion in rats, we introduced a three-step method, namely inoculation of Streptococcus pneumoniae at 10 7 colony-forming units (CFU) ear or Haemophilus influenzae at 5 ½ 10 7 CFU ear into the middle ear cavity twice at 2-week intervals, followed by Eustachian tube obstruction (ETO) for 4 and 8 weeks. Animals inoculated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) twice in the same manner followed by ETO served as controls. Middle ear effusion and mucosa were harvested for evaluation of carbohydrate concentrations and mucous cell density, respectively. We found that rats inoculated with S. pneumoniae twice, foll...
Mechanical stabilization of a microrod-resonator optical frequency comb

We present line-spacing frequency control of a microresonator-based optical frequency comb by way of mechanical actuation. Using this novel technique, we have achieved a record level of residual stability in the line spacing of 5×10−15 for 1s averaging. This demonstrates the potential of microresonator combs to support clocks with stability derived from optical frequencies. This work has been performed with newly developed microrod optical resonators fabricated by use of CO 2 -laser machining.
Accelerated chromatographic method for determination of hydroxyproline.

Abstract An automated method is described for the determination of urinary hydroxyproline. The method utilizes accelerated column chromatography on spherical sulfonated polystyrene resin, PA-35, and a Beckman/Spinco model 116 amino acid analyzer equipped with sample injection and high sensitivity recording. The effluent is monitored by ninhydrin analysis. The method requires only 30 min per analysis, and allows better than 98% reproducibility and recovery. Moreover, compared to other methods, less handling is required for each sample, and less time is required of the analyst. Eight normal subjects, whose sole source of collagen was derived from a controlled diet containing 10 oz of meat per day, excreted 38.71 mg of hydroxyproline per 24 hr. After correcting for the urinary hydroxyproline excretion arising from dietary collagen, the same urinary excretion of hydroxyproline was obtained as that reported by others for subjects on collagen-free diets.
Structure of Green's Functions in Quantum Field Theory

The Green's functions are vacuum expectation values of time ordered products of field operators in the Heisenberg representation. They give us vital information about the nature of the interacting particles and quanta represented by these field operators. It is shown that the Fourier transforms of the Green's functions (for up to four operators) are expressible as parametric integrals involving invariant energy denominators and real, scalar weight functions which are termed the spectral functions. Relativity, causality, and some other fundamental assumptions of field theory are required to derive the result.The spectral functions have a simple physical interpretation, and completely specify the structure of the Green's functions. The equations of motion which hold between Green's functions of different order can be translated into the corresponding relations between the spectral functions. Renormalization can be carried out explicitly, bringing the equations for the spectral functions into a manifestly renormalized form. The causality condition also serves as a means of obtaining renormalized quantities without recourse to the usual subtraction procedure. The observed masses and coupling constants occur in the equations for the spectral functions as external parameters fixing the boundary condition. No unobservable bare masses and couplings, nor the (infinite) renormalization constants ever appear in the equations. These quantities, however, are shown to be expressible in terms of the spectral functions.The Green's functions involving more than four field operators are not considered in this paper.
Is educational attainment associated with shared determinants of health in the elderly? Findings from the MacArthur Studies of Successful Aging.

Objective To investigate the association of educational attainment with an array of risk factors for poor health among high-functioning older men and women. Methods Cross-sectional analyses of psychosocial, behavioral, and biological factors and educational attainment were conducted using data from a population-based cohort study of older men and women. Participants consisted of 70- to 79-year-old residents of communities of East Boston, MA; New Haven, CT; and Durham County, NC (N = 1192) participating in the Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly programs, a three-site longitudinal study of community-dwelling men and women. Participants were selected on the basis of high physical and cognitive function, representing approximately the top third of their peers in terms of functional ability in 1988. In-home interviews were conducted. Associations among education and behavioral (e.g., cigarette smoking and physical activity), biological (e.g., pulmonary function, serum cholesterol), psychological (e.g., self-efficacy, anxiety), and social (e.g., networks and support) factors were examined. Results Low levels of education were associated with poorer psychological function (less mastery, efficacy, happiness), less optimal health behaviors (increased tobacco consumption and decreased levels of physical activity), poorer biological conditions (decreased pulmonary function, increased body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio), and larger social networks (increased number of contacts, decreased negative support). Several factors (alcohol consumption, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were nonlinearly related to educational attainment. Conclusions Educational attainment is associated with a broad array of psychosocial and biological conditions among the elderly. That an education gradient functions over an array of factors that structure daily life, even in later life in a healthy population, may suggest how socioeconomic status influences health.
Relationship between blood velocity and conduit artery diameter and the effects of smoking on vascular responsiveness

Transient changes in arterial diameter in response to transient ischemia-induced changes in arterial blood velocity have been used as an index of vascular health. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between blood velocity and diameter in the brachial artery by different methods of increasing blood velocity. Acute cigarette smoking was used with otherwise healthy young occasional smokers to determine the influence of endothelial-nitric oxide pathways on the arterial diameter-blood velocity relationship. Nine nonsmokers and 12 occasional smokers (<1 pack/wk) were tested. Blood flow to the forearm was manipulated to indirectly investigate the relationship between blood velocity and diameter in the brachial artery. Blood flow to forearm was manipulated through the use of 1) 5-min ischemia; 2) handgrip exercise; 3) indirect local heating; and 4) 5-min ischemia plus indirect local heating. A strong relationship was observed between blood velocity and diameter independent of the method used to increase blood velocity (R(2) = 0.89). The mean slope of the velocity-diameter relationship was not different between nonsmokers and occasional smokers who abstained from smoking at least 2 days. Acute smoking did not alter the slope of the velocity-diameter relationship although the mean intercept was decreased as a result of consistent vasoconstriction (7-10%). The mechanisms by which smoking impairs vascular health are largely unknown. These findings differ from previous smoking studies that used chronic and/or heavier smokers. The velocity-diameter relationship appears independent of the method for increasing velocity. Acute smoking in occasional smokers results in vasoconstriction without altering vascular responsiveness. The velocity-diameter relationship may be a useful measure of the progression of vascular disease.
Incision and drainage in the treatment of cellulitis arising from dental origin.

Abstract Two cases of massive cellulitis of the face arising from dental origin are reported, which were successfully treated by incision and drainage. It is theorized that factors of drug-fastness, antagonism, or nonspecificity of administered antibiotic may have contributed to the unfavorable response of the infection to the use of penicillin, terramycin, streptomycin, and sulfadiazine.
Lipoxidase, a Dehydrogenase.

SummaryLipoxidase appears to catalyze both the primary and secondary phases of fat autoxidation; in the primary phase carotene behaved as a pro-oxidant. Distinction must be made between inhibitors of enzyme action and the accepted inhibitors of the autoxidation of fats. A study of the effects of the former suggests that the enzyme is rather a dehydrogenase unless it is of multiple nature.
Synthetic Fab fragments that bind the HIV-1 gp41 heptad repeat regions

Abstract Recent work has demonstrated that antibody phage display libraries containing restricted diversity in the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) can be used to target a wide variety of antigens with high affinity and specificity. In the most extreme case, antibodies whose combining sites are comprised of only two residues – tyrosine and serine – have been identified against several protein antigens. [F.A. Fellouse, B. Li, D.M. Compaan, A.A. Peden, S.G. Hymowitz, S.S. Sidhu, J. Mol. Biol. 348 (2005) 1153–1162.] Here, we report the isolation and characterization of antigen-binding fragments (Fabs) from such “minimalist” diversity synthetic antibody libraries that bind the heptad repeat regions of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp41. We show that these Fabs are highly specific for the HIV-1 epitope and comparable in affinity to a single chain variable fragment (scFv) derived from a natural antibody repertoire that targets the same region. Since the heptad repeat regions of HIV-1 gp41 are required for viral entry, these Fabs have potential for use in therapeutic, research, or diagnostic applications.
Lp-norm spherical distribution

Abstract In this paper, the spherical distribution is generalized to the Lp-norm spherical distribution, S(n, p), through the stochastic representation. Then the form of its p.d.f. characterizing the S(n, p) distribution is derived. Marginal, conditional distributions and the moments of S(n, p) distribution are obtained. The order statistics and the invariance property of S(n,p) distribution are also investigated.
Time-condensation in hydrograph-analysis

This paper describes a graphical technique for analysis of hydrographs and the determination of rates of runoff and infiltration associated with intermittent or fluctuating rainfall. This is done by adjusting the time-scale of mass-curves of observed rainfall and observed runoff so as to provide straight or slightly curved lines. Interpretation then leads to mass-curves of detention and retention.
Response rate viewed as engagement bouts: resistance to extinction.

Rats obtained food pellets by nose poking a lighted key, the illumination of which alternated every 50 s during a session between blinking and steady, signaling either a relatively rich (60 per hour) or relatively lean (15 per hour) rate of reinforcement. During one training condition, all the reinforcers in the presence of the rich-reinforcement signal were response dependent (i.e., a variable-interval schedule); during another condition only 25% were response dependent (i.e., a variable-time schedule operated concurrently with a variable-interval schedule). An extinction session followed each training block. For both kinds of training schedule, and consistent with prior results, response rate was more resistant to extinction in the presence of the rich-reinforcement signal than in the presence of the lean-reinforcement signal. Analysis of interresponse-time distributions from baseline showed that differential resistance to extinction was not related to baseline differences in the rate of initiating response bouts or in the length of bouts. Also, bout-initiation rate (like response rate) was most resistant to extinction in the presence of the rich-reinforcement signal. These results support the proposal of behavioral momentum theory (e.g., Nevin & Grace, 2000) that resistance to extinction in the presence of a discriminative stimulus is determined more by the stimulus-reinforcer (Pavlovian) than by the stimulus-response-reinforcer (operant) contingency.
Functions that are read-once on a subset of their inputs

Abstract A monotone boolean function ƒ: {0,1} v → {0,1} is read-once if ƒ can be expressed as a boolean formula over (AND, OR, NOT) in which every variable in V appears at most once. A necessary and sufficient condition for ƒ to be read-once was shown by V.A. Gurvich (and independently by others). In this paper we show necessary and sufficient conditions for ƒ to be read-once on a given subset of its inputs. For Z ⊆ V , we say that ƒ is read-once on Z if ƒ can be expressed as a formula in which every member of Z appears at most once.
Structure of Polymer-Stabilized Magnetic Fluids: Small-Angle Neutron Scattering and Mean-Field Lattice Modeling

Small-angle neutron scattering and mean-field lattice modeling were used to characterize a class of water-based magnetic fluids tailored specifically to extract soluble organic compounds from water. The fluids consist of a suspension of ∼7 nm magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles coated with a bifunctional polymer layer comprised of an outer hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) region for colloidal stability and an inner hydrophobic poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) region for solubilization of organic compounds. The inner region of the polymer shell is increasingly depleted of water as the fraction of PPO side chains increases. The incorporation of PPO side chains also leads to a small increase in interparticle attraction. The lattice model predicted a shell structure similar to that of a PEO−PPO−PEO triblock copolymer (Pluronic) micelle, with equivalent levels of hydration but with more PEO present in the PPO-rich regions, as the side chains grafted to the surface are less able to segregate than when in free mice...
Response of the rat fetus to acute umbilical cord occlusion: an ontogenetic adaptation?

Abstract Occlusion of the umbilical cord on days 19, 20 or 21 of gestation results in a stereotypic behavioral response by the rat fetus. The intensity of this response is diminished in older fetuses. Abrupt changes in fetal heart rate accompany the behavioral response to hypoxia. Changes in fetal activity and heart rate appear to be disassociated, however, because bradycardia immediately after umbilical cord occlusion is more pronounced in older fetuses. The possibility that these behavioral and cardiac responses to hypoxia are ontogenetic adaptations restricted to the prenatal period is discussed.
Co-optimizing process development, layout and circuit design for cost-effective 22nm technology platform

The economic and technological challenges of process development are threatening the timely availability of advanced nodes. Meanwhile design and product organizations are demanding the continued delivery of Moore's law density scaling to justify node migration. Balancing the requirements of design with the capabilities and physical limitations of advanced processes will require capitalizing on opportunities for co-optimization between process development, layout and circuit design. In this presentation, we will examine the challenges and highlight the opportunities for achieving an economically feasible path to 22nm.
Multiphase materials with lignin: 9. Effect of lignin content on interpenetrating polymer network properties

Abstract A series of lignin-based polyurethane/poly(methyl methacrylate) (LPU/PMMA) interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) were prepared by solvent casting in film form. While the LPU/PMMA ratio remained constant (1:1), the properties of the LPU were controlled by varying the composition of the hydroxypropyl lignin polyol via chain extension with propylene oxide. An increase in the lignin content of the polyol resulted in a decrease in the molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc) and change in the morphology of the LPU/PMMA composite. This effect resulted in the transition from a two-phase material to a single-phase material when the (true) lignin content of the composite rose above 25 wt%. As the lignin content increased, the strength properties of the composites increased. The dynamic mechanical, thermal and ultimate mechanical properties of the entire series of IPNs could be explained by dual phase continuity.
Layout optimisation for yield enhancement in on-chip-VLSI/WSI parallel processing

The paper investigates the layout optimisation problem for processor-array networks. If an appropriate shape geometry is selected for the processors, a specific interconnection network can be area-efficiently mapped on a VLSI/WSI chip to maximise the chip yield, operational reliability and circuit performance. A formal technique of cellular layout by polyomino tiles is proposed, with application to mapping a variety of processor geometries onto specific array networks. The layout algorithms are expressed in a new notational language, which is amenable to cellular layout in contrast to classical procedural languages. The layout technique is illustrated with both well known parallel-processing array networks and a new fault-tolerant square mesh with reconfigurable processors and interconnect. The square mesh with redundant processors provides high yield and operational reliability.
Flow Structure and Turbulence in the Tip Region of a Turbomachine Rotor Blade

The flow structure and turbulence in the tip region of a rotor blade operating downstream of a row of Inlet Guide Vanes (IGVs) are investigated experimentally in a refractive index matched facility that provides unobstructed view of the entire flow field. Stereo-PIV measurements are performed in closely spaced radial planes near the blade tip in a region extending from (slightly upstream of) the blade trailing edge to about 40% of the chord downstream of it. The data enable calculations of all the components of the phase-averaged velocity and vorticity vectors, as well as the strain rate, Reynolds stress, and turbulent diffusion tensors. Each rotor blade is confined between two tip-leakage vortices, a right hand vortex (RHV), generated by the subject blade and propagating along its right hand side, and a left hand vortex (LHV), generated by the previous blade in the same row and propagating along the left hand side of the subject blade. In addition, a trailing edge vortex (TEV) lays underneath the LHV and is subject to intense shearing/deformation by the LHV. RHV-induced radial gradients of radial phase-averaged velocity cause negative turbulence production, P, along the RHV-axis, and formation of a region of low P in the gap between the RHV and the blade suction surface. Trends of turbulent kinetic energy k and P within the RHV do not agree due to the effects of advection by the phase-averaged flow. To the left of the blade, shearing of the TEV by the LHV enhances turbulence production in the region between the two vortices and the rotor wake. Trends of turbulent kinetic energy and its production rate are in good agreement and peaks of k and P occur at the same location. As the TEV migrates away from the LHV, shearing effects become weaker and the dominant contributors to production are terms containing vortex-induced radial gradients of axial and radial velocities. Turbulent diffusion is a minor contributor to the evolution of turbulent kinetic energy in the tip region. It is also shown that the tip-leakage flow/vortex deteriorates the rotor blade performance, causing a ∼66% increase in shaft power input (per unit mass flow-rate) in the tip region in comparison with midspan.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The Strain Behavior of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament During Squatting and Active Flexion-Extension A Comparison of an Open and a Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise

The effects of weightbearing (closed kinetic chain) and nonweightbearing (open kinetic chain) exercises on the biomechanical behavior of an injured anterior cruciate ligament or a healing anterior cruciate ligament graft are unknown. To understand the effects of these exercises on the healing graft, we measured the strain behavior of the normal anterior cruciate ligament in human subjects while they performed squatting, a closed kinetic chain exercise, and active flexion-extension of the leg, an open kinetic chain exercise. The maximum anterior cruciate ligament strain values obtained during squatting did not differ from those obtained during active flexion-extension. Also, anterior cruciate ligament strain values obtained during squatting were unaffected by the application of elastic resistance intended to increase muscle activity. These findings indicate that squatting, which produces a substantial compressive joint force, does not necessarily protect the anterior cruciate ligament more than active flexion-extension of the leg, which is characterized primarily by contraction of the dominant quadriceps muscle. These findings also demonstrate that increasing resistance during the squat exercise does not produce a significant increase in anterior cruciate ligament strain values, unlike increased resistance during active flexion-extension exercise.
A syllable-centric framework for the evolution of spoken language

The cyclic nature of speech production, as manifested in the syllabic organization of spoken language, is likely to reflect general properties of sensori-motor integration rather than merely a phylogenetic progression from mastication, teeth chattering and lipsmacks. The temporal properties of spontaneous speech reflect the entropy of its underlying constituents and are optimized for rapid transmission and decoding of linguistic information conveyed by a complex constellation of acoustic and visual cues, suggesting that the dawn of human language may have arisen when the articulatory cycle was efficiently yoked to the temporal dynamics of sensory coding and rapid retrieval from referential memory.
The plasma lipoproteins as risk factors: Comparison of electrophoretic and ultracentrifugation results☆

Abstract Epidemiologic data from 1,859 men aged 45–65 were examined to explore which approach to analyzing plasma lipids and lipoproteins would be most useful for clinical medicine. In addition to analyzing fasting plasma lipids (cholesterol and triglyceride), we used two chemical techniques to measure the three major classes of lipoproteins: ultracentrifugation with heparin/manganese precipitation which yielded values for HDL-, LDL- and VLDL-cholesterol, and quantitative electrophoresis which yielded values for α-, β- and pre-β-lipoprotein. Both measures of the cholesterol-rich lipoprotein class (LDL-cholesterol and β-lipoprotein) were related to CHD prevalence, but neither appeared to be superior to total serum cholesterol in the strength—approximately twofold—of the association. Both measures of the protein-rich lipoprotein class (HDL-cholesterol and α-lipoprotein) showed a two-fold inverse association with CHD, although the latter did not attain statistical significance. No member of the triglyceride-rich class (pre-β-lipoprotein, VLDL-cholesterol, or serum triglyceride itself) was independently associated with CHD. We conclude that plasma total cholesterol remains a good single test for most clinical situations because of the prognostic information it contains, its widespread availability and its role in treatment decisions; also that either the plasma α-lipoprotein or HDL-cholesterol level can provide additional information on the likelihood of disease.
The isomerization of HOOBr to HOBrO

Abstract A second transition state for the process of isomerization of HOOBr→HOBrO has been located theoretically, using ab initio molecular orbital methods. The energy barrier for this isomerization pathway is found to be 39.4 kcal mol−1. This result suggests that the barrier is sufficiently high so as not to facilitate the isomerization of HOOBr to HOBrO.
Vanadium Affects Macrophage Interferon-γ-Binding and -Inducible Responses

Mouse WEHI-3 cells were exposed overnight to vanadium [V; ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3) or vanadium pentoxide (V2O5)] to determine whether documented V-induced immunomodulation might arise from altered macrophage (M phi) interactions with interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) or altered IFN gamma-inducible responses. Binding studies performed at 22 degrees C indicated that although NH4VO3-pretreated cells had approximately 48% fewer actively-binding Class I IFN gamma receptors, binding affinities were 1.5-fold greater than that of control cell receptors; Class II expression was unaffected but affinities were reduced 2-fold. Postbinding IFN gamma-receptor complex internalization was unaffected by V pretreatment. Spontaneous production of both hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion was significantly increased by treatment with both V compounds. Total hydrogen peroxide and superoxide production was increased by stimulation of IFN gamma-primed cells with zymosan, but relative increases in primed V-treated cells were lower than that in controls. Vanadium-treated cells also displayed decreased rates of IFN gamma-induced changes in [Ca2+]i levels secondary to increased resting [Ca2+]i levels. Although V-treated cells did not display significant increases in I-A expression after IFN gamma treatment, increased numbers of I-A+ cells (irrespective of priming) and lower maximal antigen densities than observed on I-A+ control cells were evident. Results from this study show that V exposure may produce alterations in M phi-mediated functions, in part, by modifying cell interactions with IFN gamma and subsequent IFN gamma-dependent functional parameters.
A History of Lubbock

Book discusses the history of Lubbock, Texas including the physical geography of the area and the history of the people living there focusing on economics, government, education, agriculture, and other aspects of daily life. Index starts on page 642.
Feature selection, statistical modeling and its applications to universal JPEG steganalyzer

Steganalysis deals with identifying the instances of medium(s) which carry a message for communication by concealing their exisitence. This research focuses on steganalysis of JPEG images, because of its ubiquitous nature and low bandwidth requirement for storage and transmission. JPEG image steganalysis is generally addressed by representing an image with lower-dimensional features such as statistical properties, and then training a classifier on the feature set to differentiate between an innocent and stego image. Our approach is two fold: first, we propose a new feature reduction technique by applying Mahalanobis distance to rank the features for steganalysis. Many successful steganalysis algorithms use a large number of features relative to the size of the training set and suffer from a ”curse of dimensionality”: large number of feature values relative to training data size. We apply this technique to state-of-the-art steganalyzer proposed by Tomas Pevný (54) to understand the feature space complexity and effectiveness of features for steganalysis. We show that using our approach, reduced-feature steganalyzers can be obtained that perform as well as the original steganalyzer. Based on our experimental observation, we then propose a new modeling technique for steganalysis by developing a Partially Ordered Markov Model (POMM) (23) to JPEG images and use its properties to train a Support Vector Machine. POMM generalizes the concept of local neighborhood directionality by using a partial order underlying the pixel locations. We show that the proposed steganalyzer outperforms a state-of-the-art steganalyzer by testing our approach with many different image databases, having a total of 20000 images. Finally, we provide a software package with a Graphical User Interface that has been developed to make this research accessible to local state forensic departments.
PHOTODYNAMIC LIPID PEROXIDATION IN BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

Oxidative degradation of cell membrane lipids in the presence of molecular oxygen, a sensitizing agent and exciting light is termed photodynamic lipid peroxidation (photoperoxidation). Like other types of lipid peroxidation, photoperoxidation is detrimental to membrane structure and function, and could play a role in many of the toxic as well as therapeutic effects of photodynamic action. Recent advances in our understanding of photoperoxidation and its biomedical implications are reviewed in this article. Specific areas of interest include (a) reaction mechanisms; (b) methods of detection and quantitation; and (c) cellular defenses (enzymatic and non-enzymatic).
AKAP-Lbc Nucleates a Protein Kinase D Activation Scaffold

The transmission of cellular signals often proceeds through multiprotein complexes where enzymes are positioned in proximity to their upstream activators and downstream substrates. In this report we demonstrate that the A-kinase anchoring protein AKAP-Lbc assembles an activation complex for the lipid-dependent enzyme protein kinase D (PKD). Using a combination of biochemical, enzymatic, and immunofluorescence techniques, we show that the anchoring protein contributes to PKD activation in two ways: it recruits an upstream kinase PKCη and coordinates PKA phosphorylation events that release activated protein kinase D. Thus, AKAP-Lbc synchronizes PKA and PKC activities in a manner that leads to the activation of a third kinase. This configuration illustrates the utility of kinase anchoring as a mechanism to constrain the action of broad-spectrum enzymes.
Effects of Enterococcus faecalis fsr genes on production of gelatinase and a serine protease and virulence

Three agr-like genes (fsrA, fsrB, and fsrC, for Enterococcus faecalis regulator) were found upstream of the previously reported gelatinase gene (gelE) and a downstream putative serine protease gene (sprE; accession number Z12296) of Enterococcus faecalis OG1RF. The deduced amino acid sequence of fsrA shows 26% identity and 38% similarity to Staphylococcus aureus AgrA (the response regulator of the accessory gene regulator system in the agr locus), FsrB shows 23% identity and 41% similarity to S. aureus AgrB, and FsrC shows 23% identity and 36% similarity to S. aureus AgrC (the sensor transducer of Agr system). Northern blot analysis suggested that gelE and sprE are cotranscribed and that fsrB and fsrC are also cotranscribed in OG1RF. Northern blot analysis of fsrA, fsrB, fsrC, gelE, and sprE insertion mutants showed that fsrB, fsrC, gelE, and sprE are not expressed in fsrA, fsrB, and fsrC mutants, while insertion in an open reading frame further upstream of fsrA did not effect the expression of these genes, suggesting that agr-like genes may be autoregulated and that they regulate gelE and sprE expression, as further confirmed by complementation of fsr gene mutations with a 6-kb fragment which contains all three fsr genes in the shuttle vector, pAT18. Testing of 95 other isolates of E. faecalis showed that 62% produced gelatinase (Gel(+)), while 91% (including all Gel(+) strains) hybridized to a gelE probe; 71% (including all Gel(+) strains) hybridized to an fsr probe, corroborating the conclusion that both gelE and fsr are necessary for gelatinase production. Testing of fsrA, fsrB, and sprE mutants in a mouse peritonitis model showed that sprE and agr-like gene mutants resulted in highly significantly prolonged survival compared to the parent strain OG1RF, a finding similar to what we had previously shown for a gelE mutant. These results suggest that sprE and agr-like genes contribute to the virulence of E. faecalis OG1RF in this model.
Configurational stability of chiral lithiated cyclopropylnitriles: A density functional study

Chiral, configurationally stable lithiated nitriles would be valuable intermediates for asymmetric carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions. To gain insight into the design of such species, Walborsky's attempted enantioselective deprotonation/trapping reactions of a chiral cyclopropylnitrile were studied computationally up to the MP2(fc)/6-31+G* and B3LYP/6-31+G* levels. Investigation of cyclopropylnitrile/LiNH(2) deprotonation transition structures demonstrated a significant (20-23 kcal/mol) kinetic preference for N-lithiation, and a facile (4-6 kcal/mol barrier) "conducted tour" racemization pathway for the N-lithiated nitrile product. Addition of a model directing group (formyl) to the beta-carbon of the cyclopropyl ring is predicted to significantly favor C-lithiation over N-lithiation, both kinetically and thermodynamically. Thus, chiral beta-Lewis base substituted cyclopropylnitriles may serve as precursors to chiral, configurationally stable organolithium reagents.
On the Market: Strategies for the Successful Job Candidate

After debating whether to go on the job market, I finally decided to make that move. After only four years of graduate school, I knew that I was hitting the market early. Still, members of my committee were confident that I would obtain my doctorate in time to assume an academic position the following year. After all, I had taken my preliminary exams, written and defended my prospectus, as well as completed the last of my coursework in one single semester. Did I really need the time off? My committee had faith in me. Why shouldn't I? Hence, I began by gathering my teaching evaluations, drafting my job letter, updating my curriculum vita, and searching for job announcements in hopes of securing an academic position before the end of my fifth year. In this article I describe that process. I offer practical and sound advice about developing a dossier that will get job candidates noticed, including suggestions for both the telephone and campus interviews.
De Novo Infection with Rhesus Monkey Rhadinovirus Leads to the Accumulation of Multiple Intranuclear Capsid Species during Lytic Replication but Favors the Release of Genome-Containing Virions

Rhesus monkey rhadinovirus (RRV) is one of the closest phylogenetic relatives to the human pathogen Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), yet it has the distinct experimental advantage of entering efficiently into lytic replication and growing to high titers in culture. RRV therefore holds promise as a potentially attractive model with which to study gammaherpesvirus structure and assembly. We have isolated RRV capsids, determined their molecular composition, and identified the genes encoding five of the main capsid structural proteins. Our data indicate that, as with other herpesviruses, lytic infection with RRV leads to the synthesis of three distinct intranuclear capsid species. However, in contrast to the inefficiency of KSHV maturation following reactivation from latently infected B-cell lines (K. Nealon, W. W. Newcomb, T. R. Pray, C. S. Craik, J. C. Brown, and D. H. Kedes, J. Virol. 75:2866-2878, 2001), de novo infection of immortalized rhesus fibroblasts with RRV results in the release of high levels of infectious virions with genome-containing C capsids at their center. Together, our findings argue for the use of RRV as a powerful model with which to study the structure and assembly of gammaherpesviruses and, specifically, the human rhadinovirus,KSHV.
Interference resilient PDES on multi-core systems: towards proportional slowdown

Parallel Discrete Event Simulation (PDES) harnesses the power of parallel processing to improve the performance and capacity of simulation, supporting bigger models, in more details and for more scenarios. PDES engines are typically designed and evaluated assuming a homogeneous parallel computing system that is dedicated to the simulation application. In this paper, we first show that the presence of interference from other users, even a single process in an arbitrarily large parallel environment, can lead to dramatic slowdown in the performance of the simulation. We define a new metric, which we call proportional slowdown, that represents the idealized target for graceful slowdown in the presence of interference. We identify some of the reasons why simulators fall far short of proportional slowdown. Based on these observations, we design alternative simulation scheduling and mapping algorithms that are better able to tolerate interference. More precisely, the most resilient simulators will allow dynamic mapping of simulation event execution to processing resources (a work pool model). However, this model has significant overhead and can substantially impact locality. Thus, we propose a locality-aware adaptive dynamic-mapping (LADM) algorithm for PDES on multi-core systems. LADM reduces the number of active threads in the presence of interference, avoiding having threads disabled due to context switching. We show that LADM can substantially reduce the impact of interference while maintaining memory locality reducing the gap with proportional slowdown. LADM and similar techniques can also help in situations where there is load imbalance or processor heterogeneity.
New insights into carbon dioxide interactions with benzimidazole-linked polymers

A synergistic experimental and theoretical study (DFT) highlights the impact of material design at the molecular and electronic levels on the binding affinity and interaction sites of CO2 with benzimidazole-linked polymers (BILPs); CO2 is stabilized by benzimidazole units through Lewis acid–base (N⋯CO2) and aryl C–H⋯OCO interactions.
Substances Adsorbed on the Fat Globules in Cream and their Relation to Churning. I. the Churnability of Artificial Emulsions Prepared with the Known Emulsifying Agents of Cream

Summary Fresh buttermilk contains a substance or substances having the ability to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. It is probable that a portion of this material comes from the surface of the fat globules in cream during the churning process. The butterfat-in-buttermilk dispersion resembles whole milk in every respect, in general appearance, microscopic structure, cream separation and churnability of the cream. Stable emulsions of butterfat can be prepared in dispersions of calcium casemate, lactalbumin, globulin and phospholipide. These resemble whole cow's milk in general appearance, formation of a cream layer and microscopic structure. Each shows an abnormal behavior either on separation of the cream or in the churability of the cream. The best separation is obtained with a phospholipide stabilized emulsion and the best churning with a lactalbumin stabilized emulsion. Since cream freed from milk plasma churns normally, it seems justifiable to draw conclusions from the emulsions which likewise lacked most of the constituents of normal milk plasma. It is apparent from the preceding churning experiments that no one of the milk constituents used produces emulsions which behave entirely like normal cow's milk. It, therefore, does not appear probable that any one of the substances tested constitutes the sole material adsorbed on the surface of the fat globules in normal cow's milk.