cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Circuit Performance Classification With Active Learning Guided Sampling for Support Vector Machines

Leveraging machine learning has been proven as a promising avenue for addressing many practical circuit design and verification challenges. We demonstrate a novel active learning guided machine learning approach for characterizing circuit performance. When employed under the context of support vector machines (SVMs), the proposed probabilistically weighted active learning approach is able to dramatically reduce the size of the training data, leading to significant reduction of the overall training cost. The proposed active learning approach is extended to the training of asymmetric SVM classifiers, which is further sped up by a global acceleration scheme. We demonstrate the excellent performance of the proposed techniques using four case studies: 1) dc/dc converter ripple noise analysis; 2) phase-locked loop lock-time verification; 3) reliability analysis of a ring oscillator with respect to process variations and initial conditions; and 4) prediction of chip peak temperature using a limited number of on-chip temperature sensors.
Auctions and Bidding on the Internet: an Assessment

Electronic commerce (EC) activities are growing rapidly on the internet. One area that receives little publicity is that of auctions and bidding. However, these interrelated activities can become a major EC factor due to the creation of special online brokering services as well as electronic auctions and bids offered directly by private and public organizations. This paper provides a discussion of the benefits and a description of the goods and services traded.
Stem cell aging in the Drosophila ovary.

Accumulating evidence suggests that with time human stem cells may become defective or depleted, thereby contributing to aging and aging-related diseases. Drosophila provides a convenient model system in which to study stem cell aging. The adult Drosophila ovary contains two types of stem cells: the germ-line stem cells give rise to the oocyte and its supporting nurse cells, while the somatic stem cells give rise to the follicular epithelium—a highly differentiated tissue that surrounds each oocyte as it develops. Genetic and transgenic analyses have identified several conserved signaling pathways that function in the ovary to regulate stem cell maintenance, division and differentiation, including the wingless, hedgehog, JAK/STAT, insulin and TGF-β pathways. During Drosophila aging the division of the stem cells decreases dramatically, coincident with reduced egg production. It is unknown if this reproductive senescence is due to a defect in the stem cells themselves, or due to the lack of signals normally sent to the stem cells from elsewhere in the animal, such as from the central nervous system or the stem cell niche. Methods are being developed to genetically mark stem cells in adult Drosophila and measure their survival, division rate and function during aging.
Influence of buffer species on the thermodynamics of short DNA duplex melting: sodium phosphate versus sodium cacodylate.

Thermodynamic parameters of the melting transitions of 53 short duplex DNAs were experimentally evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry melting curve analysis. Solvents for the DNA solutions...
Phase Switching SPE for Faster 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D Analysis

Feature Article: Hollis BW. Assay of circulating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D involving a novel single-cartridge extraction and purification procedure. Clin Chem 1986;32:2060–63.1 This paper described a simplified method for extracting and purifying 1,25(OH)2D from serum or plasma before quantification by radioreceptor assay (RA). Following precipitation of plasma proteins with acetonitrile and centrifugation, the supernatant was removed, combined with pH 10.5 buffer, and applied to a C18 nonendcapped solid-phase extraction cartridge. The cartridge was washed with various solvent combinations, and the 1,25(OH)2D-containing fraction was selectively eluted. After evaporation the residue was dissolved in ethanol and analyzed by RA for 1,25(OH)2D content. In 1982 I was awarded an NIH RO1 grant to study the vitamin D requirement of newborn infants. One of the specific aims, measuring the circulating 1,25(OH)2D in our study …
Pyelonephritis mimicking colitis on CT: case report

We report a patient with acute pyelonephritis in whom the dominant computed tomographic findings were ascending colon and cecal wall thickening and pericolonic fat stranding, likely related to contiguous inflammation from the right kidney. To our knowledge, this is the first report of acute pyelonephritis affecting the right colon mimicking colitis on computed tomography.
Cephalometric evaluation and measurement of the upper airway

Abstract The growth and function of the nasal cavities, the nasopharynx, and the oropharynx are closely associated with the normal growth of the skull. In this respect, knowledge of normal cranial growth has often been gained by recognition and observation of abnormal development. Mouth breathing, which has been associated with specific facial growth patterns, may result from obstruction or restriction of any part of the upper airway. The use of lateral cephalometric radiographs to evaluate the upper airway is somewhat limited as they provide 2-dimensional images of the nasopharynx, which consists of complex 3-dimensional anatomical structures. Not withstanding this observation, some workers have found that a significant correlation exists between the results of posterior rhinoscopy and radiographic cephalometry in the assessment of adenoid size. This article reviews some of the most important cephalometric measurements that have been used to determine the patency of the upper airway. It is an important aim of this review to ensure that there is agreement between the cephalometric measurements used in studies of the upper airway and similar measurements used in physical anthropology and human craniometry. Additionally, one example is given of volumetric radiographic techniques that promise to further elucidate aspects of the normal, and the abnormal, functions of the upper airway.
Delay-Modulated RF Tag System Concept Using Ultrawideband Noise Radar Waveforms:

Radio frequency (RF) tags have been widely used in inventory tracking, environmental monitoring, battlefield situational awareness, and combat identification due to their low cost, small size, and wireless functionality. This paper explores the application of active RF tags in outdoor environments responding to random noise radar interrogations with predetermined messages. A conceptual system design for communication between radar and RF tags using ultrawideband (UWB) noise waveforms is proposed and analyzed theoretically and via simulations. The tag structure comprises a sensing receiver and active receiver/transmitter. The sensing receiver senses the radar header consisting of a prearranged secret realization of the noise waveform. The active receiver/transmitter modulates the RF tag's message onto the radar interrogation signal through weighted tapped delays and reradiates the tag message back to the radar. System performance is evaluated in terms of symbol error probability in an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. A technique to combat multipath interference is presented. It is shown that this system is capable of communicating a suite of messages from the tags to the radar.
An experimental and theoretical investigation of the compressive properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube/poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposite foams

Abstract Polymer nanocomposite foams are promising low density substitutes for nanocomposites. Carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposite foams possess high strength, low density, and can be made conductive. Good control of foam properties is of great importance in the application of such materials. In the current study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with controlled aspect ratio were used to alter the foam morphology in MWNT/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposite foams produced by a supercritical carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) foaming process. It was found that with the addition of one weight percent of MWNTs, the Young’s modulus of polymer foams increased by as much as 82%, and the collapse strength increased by as much as 104%. The influence of MWNT aspect ratio on the compressive properties of nanocomposite foams was investigated. The addition of MWNTs influenced the foam properties in two ways: improving the compressive properties of the solid matrix, and reducing the bubble size of the nanocomposite foams. A modified constitutive model for predicting the compressive properties of high density closed-cell polymer foams was developed. The influence of the bubble size on the mechanical properties of polymer foams was discussed based on the new model.
Control of p70 S6 kinase by kinase activity of FRAP in vivo

When complexed with the intracellular protein FKBP12, rapamycin is a potent immunosuppressant and an inhibitor of a mitogen-stimulated signalling pathway that leads to activation of p70 S6 kinase (p70S6k) and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). A recently cloned FKBP12-rapamycin-associated protein (FRAP/RAFT) is the likely mediator of these effects. Using FRAP variants that do not bind FKBP12-rapamycin, we demonstrate here that FRAP is a rapamycin-sensitive regulator of p70S6k in vivo and that the kinase activity of FRAP is required for this regulation. In addition, we show that FRAP autophosphorylates in vitro. Consistent with an essential role for FRAP kinase activity in vivo, autophosphorylation of FRAP is inhibited by FKBP12-rapamycin. Deletion studies indicate that the kinase activity of FRAP alone is not sufficient for control of p70S6k and that an amino-terminal domain in FRAP is also required.
Blood Pressure and the Progression of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Middle-Aged Men

Elevated blood pressure has consistently been associated with increased prevalence of preclinical atherosclerosis and with increased risk of clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is no prospective evidence of the association between blood pressure and the progression of preclinical atherosclerosis. We therefore investigated the relationships of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse pressure to the 4-year increase in the measures of early carotid atherosclerosis, the mean and maximal common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), assessed by B-mode ultrasonography, in 1026 men aged 42 to 60 years. Men with the SBP of 143 mm Hg (fifths) had an increase in the mean IMT of 0.074, 0.090, 0.110, 0.136, and 0.158 mm per 4 years (P<0.001 for difference between groups, P<0.001 for linear trend) and in the maximal IMT of 0.212, 0.221, 0.279, 0.286, and 0.315 mm per 4 years, (P<0.001, P<0.001), respectively, adjusting for other atherosclerotic risk factors, including DBP. Also, pulse pressure, when adjusted for other risk factors including mean arterial pressure, was directly associated with the IMT increase. DBP was not independently related to the IMT increase. This is the first documentation to show that mildly elevated SBP and pulse pressure accelerate the progression of preclinical atherosclerosis. This study provides further evidence for the finding that systolic hypertension is a more important risk factor for atherosclerosis and consequent CVD than diastolic hypertension. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the level of SBP in the evaluation of CVD risk and in the treatment of hypertension.
Lithic Procurement and Prehistoric Exchange on the Santa Barbara Coast: The Role of Franciscan Chert:

The development of inter-regional exchange systems is one of the outstanding achievements of the native Chumash of southern California, a coastal hunting and gathering society characterized by a relatively high level of cultural complexity. Understanding the evolution of inter-regional exchange is a major research domain, and one element is to characterize the nature and intensity of prehistoric exchange between three macrozones: the offshore islands, the coastal plain, and the interior. Unfortunately, biases in the archaeological record downplay the significance of trade from the interior to the coast and thus skew current views about the evolution of inter-regional exchange. Analysis of an important lithic material—Franciscan chert—documents the significant movement of this resource from the interior to the coast and outlines new research approaches.
Small round gastroenteritis viruses

Abstract All of the SRGVs are recognized by electron microscopic examination of the feces. However, this is not a sensitive test for the etiology of gastroenteritis. The Norwalk virus, Snow Mountain agent, caliciviruses, and astroviruses are detectable by assays employing their immunoelectronmicroscopy, RIA, or avidin-biotin techniques. These essays are available as research tools in only a handful of centers around the world. Rapid diagnostic tests and methods for culture are needed, particularly for classification of these ubiquitous agents and development of measures preventive of disease.
Recent results of Gamma-ray imaging observations of the Galactic center and Crab/A0535+26 regions

Imaging observations at hard X-ray and γ-ray energies of the Galactic center and Crab/A0535+26 regions are presented. The measurements were made in a series of high altitude balloon flights of a coded aperture γ-ray telescope developed by Caltech. The first coded aperture images of the Galactic center region above 35 keV reveal a strong γ-ray source located 0.7 ± 0.1° away from the Galactic nucleus, consistent with the known X-ray source 1E1740.7-2942. In addition a second source consistent in position with GX354+0 has been observed. Flux estimates and upper limits from two other known sources are also discussed. Coded aperture observations of the Crab and A0535+26 are presented, demonstrating the ability of coded aperture instruments to observe multiple time variable sources simultaneously.
Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Tumors: Guidelines for Management and Update

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) are a diverse group of rare neoplasms. Commonly referred to as islet cell tumors, PanNETs are classified as functional or nonfunctional depending on their production of specific pancreatic endocrine hormones (e.g. insulin, gastrin, glucagon, and others) and association with the resultant clinical syndromes. While most PanNETs are sporadic, syndromic patients, in particular those with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) and von Hippel Lindau (VHL), are at increased risk of developing these tumors. Recent investigations of patients with sporadic and syndromic PanNETs have elucidated critical pathways in tumor development, such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and its downstream growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Prognosis ranges from favorable for localized, low-grade neoplasms to poor for advanced, high-grade tumors. Regardless of the stage at presentation, surgery is the first-line therapy for patients with disease amenable to surgical resection. We favor formal pancreatectomy with conventional lymph node sampling for the vast majority of patients, either through open or laparoscopic techniques. Those with insulinomas, however, may be candidates for enucleation. Cytoreductive surgery is also recommended for patients with locoregional recurrences or hepatic metastases. Regional adjuvants such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and others are often employed in an attempt to palliate symptoms and prolong survival. Unfortunately, cytotoxic chemotherapy has been largely ineffective in treating patients with PanNETs. The somatostatin analogue octreotide, however, has been effective in palliating symptoms and slowing the progression of disease. Other promising systemic agents, including sunitinib and everolimus, have targeted critical PanNET signaling pathways. In summary, surgery remains the principal therapeutic strategy for patients with PanNETs, but continued research may identify more robust systemic therapies for those with advanced disease.
Multiple Organ System Extracorporeal Support in Critically Ill Children

Multiple organ system extracorporeal support effectively supports brain, heart, lung, liver, kidney, coagulation, red blood cell, and immune cell function in the sickest infants and children who have multiple organ system failure. These therapies have optimum benefit if: (1) the underlying disease is reversible; (2) the therapies are performed expertly and are monitored to prevent and minimize systemic hemolysis; and (3) the therapies are provided in a goal-directed manner. These therapies represent a significant advance in pediatric critical care medicine. This article provides a framework for this multidisciplinary team approach for implementing these therapies.
Asymptotic analysis of a fourth-order turning-point problem in hydrodynamic stability

An asymptotic analysis is made of the so-called Pekeris modes of the Orr-Sommerfeld problem for plane Poiseuille flow. These are damped modes of the 'centre' or 'fast' type for which c r ↑ 1 and c i ↑ 0 as α R → ∞. The numerical results obtained by Orszag (J. Fluid Mech. 50 (1971) 689) for a = 1 and R = 10 000 showed that the eigenvalues for the even and odd modes of this type are very nearly equal, and one of the goals of this paper is to provide an analytical explanation for this rather striking result. Under certain simplifying assumptions we are led to a fourth-order equation which can be viewed as a generalization of Weber's equation for the parabolic cylinder functions. The eigenvalue problem is then posed on an infinite interval and we find that the eigenvalue relations for the even and odd modes are indeed the same even though the underlying analysis is significantly different in the two cases. Explicit results are also given for both the even and odd eigenfunctions. The even eigenfunctions are similar to the Whittaker functions D n (x) but the odd eigenfunctions involve Dawson's integral and certain polynomials.
Industrial structure, competitiveness, and trade

Abstract This paper examines the effect of sector-specific growth on real exchange rates, competitiveness, and the trade balance. Growth and accumulation in export- and import-competing industries exert their primary effect on the trade balance, while the direct effect of accumulation in non-tradables is on the real exchange rate. Thus, exchange-rate policies that are incompatible with non-tradables equilibrium are bound to fail. Furthermore, growth policies with strong biases toward tradables are often inferior to more balanced strategies, due to their adverse implications for real-exchange- rate movements and the trade balance.
Polyhedral sampling for multiattribute preference elicitation

A basic requirement for running multiattribute auctions is knowledge of the utility function of the buyer that trades off nonprice attributes against price. We present and study an approach that elicits this preference structure based on a markovian polyhedral sampling scheme called the "Hit-and-Run" algorithm. An advantage of this technique is its relative simplicity - it relies only on matrix algebra as opposed to the use of nonlinear optimization techniques by other methods in the literature. Computational results suggest that this method is fast and accurate.
Energy harvesting from humidity changes with a flexible coaxial electrode solid-state cell

The response to humidity changes from the open-circuit potential (OCP) of a coaxial electrode polymer electrolyte cell was characterized. The OCP response showed a dependency on both the rate of change of the humidity and on the rate of water diffusion within the electrolyte, suggesting the Gibbs free energy due to ionic concentration gradients as the source of the OCP response. This is supported through the estimation of the membrane potential using the Nernst equation and the good agreement between the experimental and theoretical results. The method exploits the hygroscopic properties of the polymer electrolyte and utilizes changes in the relative humidity (RH) of the surrounding environment to induce a concentration gradient between the electrodes. The establishment of the concentration gradient is achieved through the use of a solid-state electrochemical cell with a coaxial electrode structure, enabling the exposure of only one of the electrodes to the environment. These results have implications for applications such as energy harvesting and self-powered sensors and additionally may provide a novel approach to studying the thermodynamic properties of polymer electrolytes.
A Child With Sickle Cell Disease and Anomalous Right Coronary Artery

Sickle cell disease in children requiring open heart surgical repair is uncommon and requires specific perioperative interventions to avoid complications from intravascular red cell sickling. We present a rare case of a 14-year-old girl with sickle cell disease and an anomalous right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery.
Wall Thickness and Diastolic Properties of the Left Ventricle

Diastolic properties of the left ventricle (LV) are probably influenced by several factors, including completeness of ventricular relaxation, composition of the ventricular wall, and wall thickness. This study has utilized a combined ultrasonic and hemodynamic technique to examine the influence of LV posterior wall thickness at end diastole (hp) on LV diastolic characteristics in 24 patients with various forms of heart disease. The slope of late diastolic LV pressure-diameter relations (ΔP/ΔD) was calculated and used as a measure of effective diastolic stiffness (S) late in diastole. S was normalized for average LV pressure during the interval of measurement (P) as S/P, called SN. LV end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), volume index (LVEDVI), and mass index (LVMI) were measured in each patient during the same study at which hp, S and SN were determined. The range of hp was 5.6 to 18.6 mm; it was highest in a patient with aortic stenosis, and lowest in those with mitral stenosis. Linear regression of hp against...
Electrically driven thermal light emission from individual single-walled carbon nanotubes

Light emission from nanostructures exhibits rich quantum effects and has broad applications. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are one-dimensional metals or semiconductors in which large numbers of electronic states in narrow energy ranges, known as van Hove singularities, can lead to strong spectral transitions1,2. Photoluminescence and electroluminescence involving interband transitions and excitons have been observed in semiconducting SWNTs3,4,5,6,7,8,9, but are not expected in metallic tubes owing to non-radiative relaxations. Here, we show that, under low bias voltages, a suspended quasi-metallic SWNT (QM-SWNT) emits light owing to Joule heating, displaying strong peaks in the visible and infrared, corresponding to interband transitions. This is a result of thermal light emission in a one-dimensional system, in stark contrast with featureless blackbody-like emission observed in large bundles of SWNTs or multiwalled nanotubes10,11,12. This allows for probing of the electronic temperature and non-equilibrium hot optical phonons in Joule-heated QM-SWNTs.
Data distribution strategies for high-resolution displays

Abstract Large-scale and high-resolution displays are increasingly being used for next-generation interactive 3D graphics applications, including large-scale data visualization, immersive virtual environments, and collaborative design. These systems must include a very high-performance and scalable 3D rendering subsystem in order to generate high-resolution images at real-time frame rates. We are investigating how to build such a system using only inexpensive commodity components in a PC cluster. The main challenge is to develop scalable algorithms to partition and distribute rendering tasks effectively under the bandwidth, processing, and storage constraints of a distributed system. In this paper, we compare three different approaches that differ in the type of data transmitted from client to display servers: control, primitives, or pixels. For each approach, we describe our initial experiments with a working prototype system driving a multi-projector display wall with a PC cluster. We find that different approaches are suitable for different system architectures, with the best choice depending on the communication bandwidth, storage capacity, and processing power of the clients and display servers.
Prediction of the thermal conductivity of gases at high pressures

Etablissement d'une correlation generalisee de type Pitzer pour le calcul de la conductivite thermique de gaz a haute pression avec un nombre plus reduit de parametres d'entree que les methodes courantes de calcul
Expression and Function of Adhesion Receptors in Acute Myelogenous Leukemia: Parallels with Normal Erythroid and Myeloid Progenitors

A variety of adhesion receptors are expressed on the blast cells in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia. The panel of receptors expressed demonstrates heterogeneity just as there is morphologic, histochemical, cytogenetic, and molecular genetic variation between various cases of acute myelogenous leukemia. The adhesion receptors expressed contain representatives of all the main classes of adhesion receptors, but often there is no correlation of the adhesion receptor phenotype with the morphologic or clinical features of acute myelogenous leukemia. These receptors function in interactions of myelogenous leukemia blasts with the cellular and matrix components of the marrow microenvironment, and there is evidence that they are involved in blast release from marrow and in homing of blasts to extramedullary sites. Evidence is starting to accumulate suggesting that adhesive interactions may influence the proliferation and survival of leukemic cells, but the precise role that these molecules play in the generation and sustenance of the leukemic state remains undetermined.
Common Currencies vs. Monetary Independence

We study the optimal monetary policy in a two-country open-economy model under two monetary arrangements: (a) multiple currencies controlled by independent policy makers; (b) common currencies with a centralized policy maker. Our findings suggest that: (i) monetary policy competition leads to higher long-term inflation and interest rates with large welfare losses; (ii) the inflation bias and the consequent losses are larger when countries are unable to commit to future policies; (iii) the welfare losses from higher long-term inflation dominates the welfare costs of losing the ability to react optimally to shocks.
Terrain database interoperability issues in training with distributed interactive simulation

In Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS), each participating node is responsible for maintaining its own model of the synthetic environment. Problems may arise if significant inconsistencies are allowed to exist between these separate world views, resulting in unrealistic simulation results or negative training, and a corresponding degradation of interoperability in a DIS simulation exercise. In the DIS community, this is known as the simulator terrain database (TDB) correlation problem. This is part of the larger synthetic environment correlation problem in DIS, which includes atmosphere, ocean, space, and a wide variety of dynamic effects, behaviors and models. In this article, we investigate the terrain database correlation problem and the resultant effects on interoperability in DIS systems. The fundamental elements of terrain databases designed for real-time distributed simulation are introduced. A generic data pipeline for terrain database generation systems is developed for the purpose of illustrating causes of the correlation problem and issues of terrain database fidelity. Implications of the problem are discussed, and testing methodologies are recommended for its mitigation. Several statistical methods have been developed to analyze consistency between various elements of the synthetic environment across DIS platforms. Correlation metrics have been formulated for terrain elevations and features. Comparisons and consistency of final rendered images have been addressed. Finally, a suite of software tools that has been developed for interoperability investigations and visual comparison of terrain databases is presented.
Effect of fatty acids on fetal rat bone in culture

Nachweis, dass Fettsauren (Palmitin-, Stearin- und Olsauren) in sehr niedrigen Konzentrationen die Kalziumabgabe und die Knochenresorption in fotalen Ratten in vitro fordern.
Qualitative assessment of IC50 values of inhibitors of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor using a single chromatographic experiment and multivariate cluster analysis

It has been widely demonstrated that affinity chromatography can be used to derive binding affinities, and that these affinities can be correlated to data obtained using standard techniques such as membrane binding, ultrafiltration and equilibrium dialysis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of immobilized nicotinic acetylcholine receptor stationary phase in chromatographic experiments to assess the functional activity of series of noncompetitive inhibitors (NCIs) as reflected in their IC50 values. Chromatographically determined retention values and computer generated molecular descriptors were obtained for 29 compounds and the data were analyzed by cluster analysis. The approach qualitatively ranked the test compounds as efficient NCIs (low IC50 values) or poor NCIs (high IC50 values). The data obtained with the 29 compounds used in this study demonstrate that the experimental approach had been able to place 25 of these compounds in the correct IC(50) clusters. To our knowledge, this is the first relationship established between chromatographic retention and IC50 for membrane-bound receptors. These results suggest that the chromatographic approach may be useful in development of lead drug candidates including the determination of off-target binding.
Trust and the Collection, Selection, Analysis and Interpretation of Data: A Scientist's View

Trust is a critical component of research: trust in the work of co-workers and colleagues within the scientific community; trust in the work of research scientists by the non-research community. A wide range of factors, including internally and externally generated pressures and practical and personal limitations, affect the research process. The extent to which these factors are understood and appreciated influence the development of trust in scientific research findings.
The Choreography of Gender

The popularity of ballroom dance has ebbed and flowed over the years. In this article we argue that the attitude Americans have toward ballroom dance reflects society’s acceptance and rejection of different expressions of femininity and masculinity. Although ballroom dance is predicated on rigid gender roles, its popularity has increased in the United States over the past few years. We use in-depth interviews and participant observation to explore how modern ballroom dancers express their masculinity and femininity on and off the dance floor. We find that men and women construct complex gender identities that are both traditional and progressive. Some are creating gender identities incorporating traditional and nontraditional traits. Our interviewees reinforced this gender complexity and showed that no one is bound to one standard of masculinity or femininity. Rather, each person is free to choreograph his or her own gender identity.
User aware video streaming

We describe the design of a video streaming system using adaptation to viewing conditions to reduce the bitrate needed for delivery of video content. A visual model is used to determine sufficient resolution needed under various viewing conditions. Sensors on a mobile device estimate properties of the viewing conditions, particularly the distance to the viewer. We leverage the framework of existing adaptive bitrate streaming systems such as HLS, Smooth Streaming or MPEG-DASH. The client rate selection logic is modified to include a sufficient resolution computed using the visual model and the estimated viewing conditions. Our experiments demonstrate significant bitrate savings compare to conventional streaming methods which do not exploit viewing conditions.
Lack of Guanylate Cyclase C results in increased mortality in mice following liver injury

Guanylate Cyclase C (GC-C) expression in the intestine plays a role in the regulation of fluid and ion transport, as well as epithelial cell apoptosis and proliferation. In the adult rat liver, GC-C expression is increased in response to injury. We hypothesized that GC-C is required for repair/recovery from liver injury. We subjected wild type (WT) and GC-C deficient mice to acute liver injury with a single injection of the hepatotoxin carbon tetrachloride. Changes in the level of expression of GC-C and its ligands uroguanylin and guanylin were quantified by real-time PCR. Liver morphology, and hepatocyte necrosis, apoptosis and proliferation, were examined at 1-3 days post-injury in mice on a mixed genetic background. Survival was followed for 14 days after carbon tetrachloride injection in wild type and GC-C deficient mice on both a mixed genetic background and on an inbred C57BL6/J background. GC-C deficient mice on the mixed genetic background nearly all died (median survival of 5 days) following carbon tetrachloride injection while WT littermates experienced only 35% mortality. Elevated levels of TUNEL-positive hepatocyte death on post-injury day 1, increased apoptosis on day 2, and increased areas of centrilobular necrosis on days 2 and 3, were evident in livers from GC-C null mice compared to WT. Collectively these data suggest increased hepatocyte death in the GC-C null mice in the early time period after injury. This corresponds temporally with increased expression of GC-C and its ligands guanylin and uroguanylin in post-injury WT mouse liver. The hepatocyte proliferative response to injury was the same in both genotypes. In contrast, there was no difference in survival between GC-C null and WT mice on the inbred C57BL/6 J background in response to acute liver injury. Signalling via GC-C promotes hepatocyte survival in vivo and is required for effective recovery from acute toxic injury to the liver in a strain-specific manner.
Comparison of a PreQ1 Riboswitch Aptamer in Metabolite-bound and Free States with Implications for Gene Regulation

Riboswitches are RNA regulatory elements that govern gene expression by recognition of small molecule ligands via a high affinity aptamer domain. Molecular recognition can lead to active or attenuated gene expression states by controlling accessibility to mRNA signals necessary for transcription or translation. Key areas of inquiry focus on how an aptamer attains specificity for its effector, the extent to which the aptamer folds prior to encountering its ligand, and how ligand binding alters expression signal accessibility. Here we present crystal structures of the preQ1 riboswitch from Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis in the preQ1-bound and free states. Although the mode of preQ1 recognition is similar to that observed for preQ0, surface plasmon resonance revealed an apparent KD of 2.1 ± 0.3 nm for preQ1 but a value of 35.1 ± 6.1 nm for preQ0. This difference can be accounted for by interactions between the preQ1 methylamine and base G5 of the aptamer. To explore conformational states in the absence of metabolite, the free-state aptamer structure was determined. A14 from the ceiling of the ligand pocket shifts into the preQ1-binding site, resulting in “closed” access to the metabolite while simultaneously increasing exposure of the ribosome-binding site. Solution scattering data suggest that the free-state aptamer is compact, but the “closed” free-state crystal structure is inadequate to describe the solution scattering data. These observations are distinct from transcriptional preQ1 riboswitches of the same class that exhibit strictly ligand-dependent folding. Implications for gene regulation are discussed.
Effect of the stress level achieved during symptom-limited exercise technetium-99m sestamibi myocardial tomography on the detection of coronary artery disease

Background: The stress level achieved during exercise thallium-201 myocardial imaging may influence its sensitivity for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD). The effect of exercise adequacy on the accuracy of technetium-99m sestamibi (MIBI) imaging has not been studied. Hypothesis: The study was undertaken to assess the effect of exercise level achieved on sensitivity for detecting CAD. Methods: A consecutive series of 250 patients (mean age 60 ± 10 years) with CAD by angiography underwent symptom-limited exercise MIBI single-photon emission computed tomography. Single-vessel CAD was found in 66 patients, double-vessel CAD in 84, triple-vessel CAD in 80, and left main disease in 20. Results: No significant differences were found in sensitivities of an abnormal MIBI scan or a reversible defect among 102 patients reaching 85% of age-predicted heart rate and 148 who did not (82 vs. 89% and 66 vs. 70%, respectively, p = NS). Patients (n = 128) able to exercise ≤6 min had a higher incidence of abnormal scans and reversible defects than 122 patients with a greater exercise duration (91 vs. 82% and 75 vs. 61 %, respectively, both p 6 min (89 vs. 66%, p<0.01). No significant differences in the sensitivities of an abnormal MIBI study for multivessel versus single-vessel CAD were seen in patients achieving lower peak levels of exercise. Sensitivity of ischemic ST depression was lower than that of MIBI tomography at all levels of exercise. Conclusions: The sensitivity of exercise MIBI tomography for angiographic CAD is relatively independent of the peak heart rate achieved. Exercise duration of >6 min is associated with a significantly higher MIBI abnormality rate than a duration of >6 min, possibly reflecting the effect of myocardial ischemic burden on exercise ventricular function. Regardless of level of stress or its duration, exercise MIBI tomography improves the sensitivity for CAD detection compared with stress-induced ischemic ST depression.
The genome-wide transcriptional response to neonatal hyperoxia identifies Ahr as a key regulator.

Premature infants requiring supplemental oxygen are at increased risk for developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Rodent models involving neonatal exposure to excessive oxygen concentrations (hyperoxia) have helped to identify mechanisms of BPD-associated pathology. Genome-wide assessments of the effects of hyperoxia in neonatal mouse lungs could identify novel BPD-related genes and pathways. Newborn C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 100% oxygen for 10 days, and whole lung tissue RNA was used for high-throughput, sequencing-based transcriptomic analysis (RNA-Seq). Significance Analysis of Microarrays and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis were used to identify genes and pathways affected. Expression patterns for selected genes were validated by qPCR. Mechanistic relationships between genes were further tested in cultured mouse lung epithelial cells. We identified 300 genes significantly and substantially affected following acute neonatal hyperoxia. Canonical pathways dysregulated in hyperoxia lungs included nucle...
BARORECEPTOR INFLUENCES ON PLASMA ATRIAL NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE (ANP): SINOAORTIC DENERVATION REDUCES BASAL LEVELS AND THE RESPONSE TO AN OSMOTIC CHALLENGE

The objective of these studies was to investigate baroreceptor/osmotic interactions by determining the effect of sinoaortic denervation (SAD) on the ANP response to a hypertonic saline challenge in conscious rats. A time course study showed that there was a rapid increase in plasma ANP in response to iv hypertonic saline. The peak effect was at 5 min, a 3-fold increase (P less than .01). Baroreceptor denervation produced significant decreases in basal ANP levels and osmotic induced release (P less than 0.01). Plasma ANP increased from 25 +/- 3.2 to 136.8 +/- 28 in the sham-operated rats and from 11.8 +/- 2.6 to 30.8 +/- 4.6 in the SAD. Plasma sodium was the same in the 2 groups, and there was no change in atrial ANP content. Blood pressure was elevated in the denervated animals; however, the pressor response to the hypertonic challenge was not different from the controls. These results suggest that the baroreceptor system may have important influences on cardiovascular/hormonal regulation.
Displacement fields for mixed mode elastic-plastic cracks

Abstract : The displacement fields for deformation theory, power law plasticity are found from the Shih strain fields for the mixed mode case. These are needed to extend the McClintock and Slocum model to the more realistic case where the shear band is of finite width and the crack progresses to the tensile side of the shear band. The displacement fields should be useful in many other applications as well.
The late Pleistocene desiccation of Lake Victoria and the origin of its endemic biota

Lingering debate among evolutionary biologists over whether or not Lake Victoria dried out during the late Pleistocene focuses on perceived conflicts between biological and geological evidence for the age of its endemic species. This article reviews and updates the geophysical and paleoecological evidence for lake-wide desiccation and describes the environmental conditions that aquatic species likely experienced during the low stand. Lake Victoria was at its lowest between 18,000 and 14,000 calendar years ago, and it dried out at least once during that time. There is no evidence of remnant ponds or marshes persisting within the desiccated basin. If such features existed, then they would have been small, shallow, turbid, and/or saline, and therefore markedly different from the lake to which today’s species are adapted. The existence of Lake Victoria’s diverse endemic biota must be reconciled with the incontrovertible geophysical and paleoecological evidence of a ca. 15,000 year age for the lake, and not vice versa.
Numerical Prediction of Flow and Heat Transfer in a Parallel Plate Channel With Staggered Fins

Fluid flow and heat transfer in two-dimensional finned passages were analyzed for constant property laminar flow. The passage is formed by two parallel plates to which fins are attached in a staggered fashion. Both the plates are maintained at a constant temperature. Streamwise periodic variation of the cross-sectional area causes the flow and temperature fields to repeat periodically after a certain developing length. Computations were performed for different values of the Reynolds number, the Prandtl number, geometric parameters, and the fin-conductance parameter. The fins were found to cause the flow to deflect significantly and impinge upon the opposite wall so as to increase the heat transfer significantly. However, the associated increase in pressure drop was an order of magnitude higher than the increase in heat transfer. Streamline patterns and local heat transfer results are presented in addition to the overall results.
Disrupted sleep in breast and prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy: the role of coping processes

Background: Sleep problems are a common complaint in cancer patients that have been understudied. Methods: This study examined changes in sleep in 33 breast cancer (BC) patients and 23 prostate cancer (PC) patients during radiation therapy and over a 6-month followup. Coping processes were examined as predictors of sleep. Self-reported sleep was assessed at eight time-points before, during, and after treatment using the Medical Outcomes Study—Sleep Scale. The COPE Scale was used to assess coping processes before treatment onset. Results: Mixed effects linear modeling analyses revealed that both BC and PC patients reported the most sleep problems prior to and during the early weeks of treatment. Coping strategies predicted sleep trajectories in both groups. In particular, approach coping predicted better sleep in PC patients, whereas avoidance coping predicted worst sleep in both PC and BC patients (p's<0.05). Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of evaluating sleep in patients as they undergo treatment for cancer. Additionally, they suggest that interventions aimed at increasing the use of approach-oriented coping strategies may improve sleep and quality of life in these patients. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Testing Communication Skills on the CPA Exam

Abstract What may be surprising to many in the accounting profession is the revelation that writing and organizational skills have never before been assessed during the CPA exam's grading process. This article discusses the history and background of the approved changes in the way the CPA exam is administered and graded and focuses on the issues of testing writing and communication skills on the exam. Although the AICPA Board of Examiners has “opened the door” to the testing of writing skills on future exams, one cannot help but wonder whether the board made this decision only after professional concern was voiced regarding the revelation that the exam has never been graded for writing and communication skills. Ideally, the board's decision to begin grading for writing skills should be viewed as an admission by the board that writing and communication skills are indeed important to the practice of public accounting. These issues are discussed in the article.
Linearization of the electrostatic charging and charge decay curves of powders

Abstract Published electrostatic charging and charge decay curves of powders were fitted by the linear relationship t/y(t) = k1 + k2, where y(t) is the accumulated charge during charging or the fraction of undissipated charge in charge decay and k1 and k2 constants. The constants of the two-parameter relationship represent the initial charging or decay rate (1/k1) and the saturation charge or residual charge fraction (1/k2). This model, whose applicability to any given system can be tested by linear regression, can simplify the analysis and interpretation of experimental electrostatic data of powders, obtained under different test conditions such as relative humidity and flow rate.
Scanning for multiple targets.

S scanned a list of random letters looking for 1 to 5 target letters, which were read to him just before the list was presented. His scanning rate was estimated from a graph of the time required to find a target at different positions in the list. The more targets S was seeking, the more slowly he scanned. The time spent processing each non-target letter in the list increased in direct proportion to the number of targets for which S was searching.
Event-related potential studies of attention

Over the past 30 years, recordings of event-related potentials (ERPs) from normal individuals have played an increasingly important role in our understanding of the mechanisms of attention. This article reviews some of the recent ERP studies of attention, focusing on studies that isolate the operation of attention in specific cognitive subsystems such as perception, working memory, and response selection. Several conclusions are drawn. First, under some conditions attention modulates the initial feedforward volley of neural activity in intermediate visual processing areas. Second, these early effects can be observed for both the voluntary allocation of attention and for the automatic capture of attention following a peripheral visual transient. Third, these effects are present not only when attention is directed to a location in 2-dimensional space, but also when attention is directed to one of two spatially overlapping surfaces. Fourth, attention does not modulate sensory activity unless sensory systems are overloaded; when sensory systems are not taxed, attention may instead operate to influence memory or response processes. That is, attention operates to mitigate information overload in whichever cognitive subsystems are overloaded by a particular combination of stimuli and task.