cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intermedin/adrenomedullin-2 acts within central nervous system to elevate blood pressure and inhibit food and water intake

Intermedin (IMD)/adrenomedullin-2 (AM2) is a novel peptide that was independently discovered by two groups. The 47-amino acid peptide is homologous to adrenomedullin (AM) and can activate both the AM and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors. IMD should therefore have actions similar to those of AM and CGRP. Indeed, like AM and CGRP, intravenous administration of IMD decreased blood pressure in rats and mice. We demonstrate here that immunoreactive IMD is present in plasma as well as heart, lung, stomach, kidney, pituitary, and brain. Because IMD is present in brain and both AM and CGRP have potent central nervous system (CNS) effects, we examined the ability of IMD within brain to regulate blood pressure and ingestive behaviors. Administration of IMD into the lateral cerebroventricle of rats caused significant, long-lasting elevations in mean arterial pressure and heart rate. These elevations are similar to the effects of CGRP and significantly greater than the effects of AM. IMD-induced elevations in mean arterial pressure were inhibited by intravenous administration of phentolamine, indicating that IMD activates the sympathetic nervous system. Intracerebroventricular administration of IMD also inhibited food and water intake in sated and in food- and water-restricted animals. The effects on feeding are likely related to activation of the CGRP receptor and are independent of the effects on water intake, which are likely through the AM receptor. Our data indicate that IMD has potent actions within the CNS that may be a result of the combined activation of both AM and CGRP receptors.
Trans Fatty Acid Content of Selected Foods in an African-American Community

Trans fatty acid content was examined in several grocery foods and fast foods in an African-American community. Food samples were selected based on the frequency of use among this population group in the local community. Samples were collected 3 times with an interval of 1 wk. Total fat content was analyzed by Soxhlet method. Fatty acids profile, including trans fatty acids, was analyzed by GC–MS. In grocery foods, no trans fatty acids were detected in fish sticks, salad dressing, mayonnaise, muffin, and potato chips. Margarine contained the highest trans fatty acid at a level of 19.13%. The trans fatty acid level in crackers, cookies, butter, chicken patties, and biscuits mix ranged from 0.51% to 1.77%. In fast foods, no trans fat was detected in dressing. All the fried food and bakery food sampled in this study contain trans fat. The level varied from 2.07% to 10.30%. The principal trans fatty acid was trans 18:1. Other trans fatty acids found were trans 18:2, trans 19:1, and trans 16:1. In a total of 23 food samples, 16 of them were found to contain trans fatty acid. The results demonstrated that trans fat is commonly found in foods of the African-American community. The trans fatty acids content in tested samples varied from 0% to 19.13%.
Gratings with an aperiodic basis: single-mode emission in multi-wavelength lasers

We propose a new class of gratings having multiple spatial frequencies. Their design relies on the use of small aperiodic grating sequences as unit cells whose repetition forms a superlattice. The superlattice provides well- defined Fourier components, while the choice of the unit cell structure enables the selection, modulation or suppression of certain Fourier components. Using these gratings to provide distributed feedback in mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers, we demonstrate simultaneous lasing on multiple well-defined and isolated longitudinal modes, each one having a sidemode suppression ratio of about 20dB.
Sequence-specific binding of a c-myc nuclear-matrix-associated region shows increased nuclear matrix retention after leukemic cell (HL-60) differentiation.

HL-60 cells, a human promyelocytic leukemia cell line, contain amplified c-myc DNA sequences and mRNA transcripts. These cells can be induced to undergo macrophage differentiation by phorbol esters, which results in suppression of c-myc expression and cessation of cell proliferation. The nuclear matrix (NM), a nuclear skeleton resistant to DNase I digestion and high salt extraction, is proposed to be involved in DNA replication, gene regulation, and the correct distribution of DNA at mitosis. We have previously identified a nuclear-matrix-associated region (MAR) of the c-myc protooncogene to reside in a 1.4-kb region between Cla I and Eco RI restriction sites at the 3'-end of the gene. A 172-bp Dra I/Dra I subfragment of the 1.4-kb region was shown to be a major component of the MAR (myc-MAR), and this subfragment was demonstrated to be recognized by a nuclear protein (p25). In this report we demonstrate that phi X174 DNA, or the synthetic copolymers poly[d(G.C)] and poly[d(A.T)], are not effective suppressors of the binding of the myc-MAR to isolated NM, indicating that the binding sequence(s) are unique. We find that the addition of partially purified protein p25 increases the relative affinity of the myc-MAR for HL-60 NM in an in vitro assay system. NM isolated from HL-60 macrophages induced by phorbol esters retains significantly more myc-MAR DNA fragment in the presence of an excess amount of competitor DNA than does NM from untreated HL-60 cells. These data suggest that a change of the myc-MAR association with the NM occurs after monocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells.
TASTE PREFERENCES AND FOOD INTAKE

Sensory responses to the taste, smell, and texture of foods help determine food preferences and eating habits. However, sensory responses alone do not predict food consumption. The view that a "sweet tooth" leads to obesity through excess sugar consumption is overly narrow. In reality, there are multiple links between taste perceptions, taste preferences, food preferences, and food choices and the amount of food consumed. Taste responses are influenced by a range of genetic, physiological, and metabolic variables. The impact of taste factors on food intake further depends on sex and age and is modulated by obesity, eating disorders, and other pathologies of eating behavior. Food preferences and food choices of populations are further linked to attitudinal, social, and--probably most important--economic variables such as income. Nutrition education and intervention strategies aimed at improving population diets ought to consider sensory pleasure response to foods, in addition to a wide range of demographic and sociocultural variables.
Determination of Shelf Heat Transfer Coefficients Along the Shelf Flow Path of a Freeze Dryer Using the Shelf Fluid Temperature Perturbation Approach

The spatial distribution of local shelf heat transfer coefficients, Ks, was determined by mapping the transient temperature response of the shelf surface along the serpentine internal channels of the shelf while the temperature of the heat transfer fluid was ramped from −40° to 40°C. The solution of a first-order non-steady-state differential equation resulted in a predicted shelf surface temperature as a function of the shelf fluid temperature at any point along the flow path. During the study, the shelf surfaces were maintained under a thermally insulated condition so that the heat transfers by gas conduction and radiation were negligible. To minimize heat conduction by gas, the chamber was evacuated to a low pressure, such as 100 mTorr. To minimize heat transfers between shelves, shelves were moved close together, with a gap of approximately 3 mm between any two shelves, because the shelf surface temperatures at corresponding vertical locations of two shelves are virtually equal. In addition, this also...
Music Composition Theory and Web Purchases

Web site usability has been reported to have crucial effects on online purchases, but few theoretical models thoroughly examine its effects. In this article we adopt music composition theory to propose a theoretical model of Web site usability, assuming that composing good music is similar to designing a usable Web site. The relevance of nomological networks between three constructs of music (melody, harmony, and rhythm), seven usability constructs (consistency, content relevance, interactivity, learnability, navigability, readability, uniqueness), cognitive and affective appraisals, and online purchases are hypothesized. A field study was conducted to validate the psychometric properties of measurement items and the nomological networks for the proposed model. The study results demonstrate that the proposed model successfully explains a large variance of the effects of Web site usability on online purchases and can thus be considered as an alternative theoretical model of Web site usability
Is crime associated with over-the-counter pharmacy syringe sales? Findings from Los Angeles, California.

Abstract Background More than 50,000 new HIV infections occur annually in the United States. Injection drug users represent twelve percent of incident HIV infections each year. Pharmacy sales of over-the-counter (OTC) syringes have helped prevent HIV transmission among injection drug users in many states throughout the United States. However, concerns exist among some law enforcement officials, policymakers, pharmacists, and community members about potential links between OTC syringe sales and crime. Methods We used a geographic information system and novel spatial and longitudinal analyses to determine whether implementation of pharmacy-based OTC syringe sales were associated with reported crime between January 2006 and December 2008 in Los Angeles Police Department Reporting Districts. We assessed reported crime pre- and post-OTC syringe sales initiation as well as longitudinal associations between crime and OTC syringe-selling pharmacies. Results By December 2008, 9.3% (94/1010) of Los Angeles Police Department Reporting Districts had at least one OTC syringe-selling pharmacy. Overall reported crime counts and reported crime rates decreased between 2006 and 2008 in all 1010 Reporting Districts. Using generalized estimating equations and adjusting for potential confounders, reported crime rates were negatively associated with OTC syringe sales (adjusted rate ratio: 0.89; 95% confidence interval: 0.81, 0.99). Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that OTC pharmacy syringe sales were not associated with increases in reported crime in local communities in Los Angeles during 2006–2008.
Modulation of thermal stability can enhance the potency of siRNA

During RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) assembly the guide (or antisense) strand has to separate from its complementary passenger (or sense) strand to generate the active RISC complex. Although this process was found to be facilitated through sense strand cleavage, there is evidence for an alternate mechanism, in which the strands are dissociated without prior cleavage. Here we show that the potency of siRNA can be improved by modulating the internal thermodynamic stability profile with chemical modifications. Using a model siRNA targeting the firefly luciferase gene with subnanomolar IC50, we found that placement of thermally destabilizing modifications, such as noncanonical bases like 2,4-difluorotoluene or single base pair mismatches in the central region of the sense strand (9–12nt), significantly improve the potency. For this particular siRNA, the strongest correlation between the decrease in thermal stability and the increase in potency was found at position 10. Controls with stabilized sugar-phosphate backbone indicate that enzymatic cleavage of the sense strand prior to strand dissociation is not required for silencing activity. Similar potencyenhancing effects were observed as this approach was applied to other functional siRNAs targeting a different site on the firefly luciferase transcript or endogenously expressed PTEN.
The Hub and the Spokes Foundations, Intermediary Organizations, Incentivist Reforms, and the Politics of Research Evidence

The rise in the influence of and spending by educational philanthropists and foundations over the past two decades, especially in the area of market-based reforms, such as charter schools, vouchers...
Impact of Shortwave Radiative Effects of Dust Aerosols on the Summer Season Heat Low over Saudi Arabia

Abstract A two-stream scattering scheme based on the delta-Eddington approximation is incorporated into the Florida State University Limited Area Model for computing the shortwave radiative fluxes due to dust aerosols over the Saudi Arabian region and to study their impact on synoptic-scale systems and the diurnal cycle over the region. The radiative properties of dust corresponding to different categories of dustiness are determined from the results of field experiments. Satellite imagery and visibility are used to determine the intensity and extent of the dust layer. Two parallel simulations, one including the radiative effects of dust aerosols and the other without them, were made over a 6-day period starting with 1200 UTC 25 June 1979 using First GARP (Global Atmospheric Research Program) Global Experiment IIIb data analyses from ECMWF. A comparison of the two experiments shows that the dust aerosol radiative heating strengthens the heat low over Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the radiative heating of the...
Working with Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexuals: Addressing Heterosexism in Supervision

Heterosexism is a form of multicultural bias that has the potential to harm both clients and supervisees. Supervisors are encouraged to examine their own heterosexist lens as a first step in providing a safe environment in which supervisees can challenge their own heterosexism. The issue of heterosexism is first discussed from an ethical vantage point. The second section of the article examines four facets of heterosexism (discrimination, lack of knowledge, stereotyping, and insensitivity) and how they might be exhibited by the supervisor in the supervision arena. Special topics discussed in this section include: the possible consequences of “coming out” in the supervisory context; the presence of heterosexism in the foundational family systems theory; the need for recognition of the special family characteristics of lesbians, gays, and bisexuals; the value of personal and professional relationships with persons who are gay, lesbian, and bisexual; common heterosexist stereotypes and research that refutes them; and the use of language. The final section of the article offers suggestions for working with supervisees around these issues.
Factors associated with decision to pursue mastectomy and breast reconstruction for treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast.

Abstract Background Factors influencing the treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ with mastectomy and reconstruction are poorly understood. Methods A retrospective cohort study of 196 patients presenting to one institution was performed. Results Forty-seven patients (24.0%) were treated with mastectomy, while 149 (76.0%) underwent breast-conserving surgery. Of the mastectomy patients, 28 (59.6%) elected for reconstruction. On bivariate analysis, patients who opted for mastectomy were younger than those treated with breast-conserving surgery (median age, 51.8 vs 56.5 years; P = .017) and had higher grade tumors (50.0% vs 34.6% grade 3, P = .009). Among patients treated with mastectomy, those who opted for reconstruction were younger than those forgoing reconstruction (49.4 vs 56.9 years, P = .024). Race, ductal carcinoma in situ tumor size, and histologic subtype were not associated with the decision to pursue mastectomy or reconstruction ( P > .05 for all). Conclusions In patients with ductal carcinoma in situ, the decision to pursue mastectomy and reconstruction appears to be driven by younger patient age and higher tumor grade.
The role of Notch and Rho GTPase signaling in the control of dendritic development

Dendritic patterning exerts a profound influence on neuronal connectivity. Recent studies indicate that mammalian Notch receptors are expressed by postmitotic neurons and that Notch signaling has a considerable influence on dendritic growth and branching. Investigations into the intracellular effectors of dendritic development have revealed that dendritic growth and branching are differentially affected by activation of the Rho-family GTPases, RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42. These observations suggest that the differential activation of Notch receptors and Rho-family GTPases by extracellular signals may be important in the generation of morphological diversity in the developing nervous system.
The BOLD Hemodynamic Response in Healthy Aging

Several previous studies have compared the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) hemodynamic response (HDR) in healthy elderly subjects to the HDR in young subjects. Some studies have found a relative decreased amplitude in the elderly in the visual cortex, whereas other studies have found the elderly HDR amplitude in the visual cortex to be nearly identical to that in young subjects. A possible explanation for the different findings is that the peak voxel HDR is similar between the groups, but that the HDR in the group-averaged region-of-interest (ROI) is ''washed out'' by the inclusion of less significant voxels (due to a smaller extent of activation in the elderly) or by the inclusion of negative-peaking voxels. We tested this hypothesis using event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI ). While undergoing fMRI, subjects performed a simple visual and motor task, pressing with their index fingers in response to visual presentation of the word tap. Data from 18 subjects, 8 young and 10 elderly, were analyzed. For each subject, a visual and a motor ROI was selected by choosing the most significant positive voxels within the anatomically defined ROI. This individual subject approach excluded both low-significance and negative-peaking voxels. Similar peaks were found for the elderly and the young subjects in both motor and visual regions and a more sustained BOLD response was found for the elderly in both regions. Additionally, as predicted, a greater percentage of voxels with a negative HDR was found for the elderly in the visual region; this finding was also replicated in our reanalysis of an independent fMRI and aging study from the fMRI Data Center. Functional neuroimaging observations of negative HDRs in visual areas have been interpreted as the effect of unconstrained processing during rest. Our results suggest that the elderly may have more unconstrained visual processing during the rest condition in the scanner. The observation that the group differences in the BOLD response are sensitive to voxel selection (e.g., inclusion of low-significance and/or negative voxels) underscores the importance of ROI selection criteria in the interpretation of fMRI studies using elderly populations.
An ESRP‐regulated splicing programme is abrogated during the epithelial–mesenchymal transition

Alternative splicing achieves coordinated changes in post-transcriptional gene expression programmes through the activities of diverse RNA-binding proteins. Epithelial splicing regulatory proteins 1 and 2 (ESRP1 and ESRP2) are cell-type-specific regulators of transcripts that switch splicing during the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). To define a comprehensive programme of alternative splicing that is regulated during the EMT, we identified an extensive ESRP-regulated splicing network of hundreds of alternative splicing events within numerous genes with functions in cell–cell adhesion, polarity, and migration. Loss of this global ESRP-regulated epithelial splicing programme induces the phenotypic changes in cell morphology that are observed during the EMT. Components of this splicing signature provide novel molecular markers that can be used to characterize the EMT. Bioinformatics and experimental approaches revealed a high-affinity ESRP-binding motif and a predictive RNA map that governs their activity. This work establishes the ESRPs as coordinators of a complex alternative splicing network that adds an important post-transcriptional layer to the changes in gene expression that underlie epithelial–mesenchymal transitions during development and disease.
A gas chromatographic air analyzer fabricated on a silicon wafer

A miniature gas analysis system has been built based on the principles of gas chromatography (GC). The major components are fabricated in silicon using photolithography and chemical etching techniques, which allows size reductions of nearly three orders of magnitude compared to conventional laboratory instruments. The chromatography system consists of a sample injection valve and a 1.5-m-long separating capillary column, which are fabricated on a substrate silicon wafer. The output thermal conductivity detector is separately batch fabricated and integrably mounted on the substrate wafer. The theory of gas chromatography has been used to optimize the performance of the sensor so that separations of gaseous hydrocarbon mixtures are performed in less than 10 s. The system is expected to find application in the areas of portable ambient air quality monitors, implanted biological experiments, and planetary probes.
Devaluation, Foreign Trade Controls, and Domestic Wheat Prices

The 1970s have seen sharp fluctuations in grain prices. Several plausible explanations for the unusual severity of these ups and downs have been advanced, including devaluation of the dollar for the upswing in 1972–74. U.S. wheat prices for the year of highest prices, 1973–74,are examined. A trade model that distinguishes wheat by country of origin is used to analyze various events in that year. It is concluded that insulating trade policies by wheat exporters and importers had the largest impact on U.S. wheat prices.
MOLECULAR CLONING AND TRANSCRIPTIONAL ANALYSIS OF A GUANOSINE KINASE GENE OF BREVIBACTERIUM ACETYLICUM ATCC 953

The Brevibacterium acetylicum gsk gene, which encodes guanosine kinase (ATP:guanosine 5'-phosphotransferase), a kinase that is involved in guanosine salvage pathways, has been cloned by using the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified protein. The cloned chromosomal fragment containing the gsk gene was sequenced and shown to encode a polypeptide of 303 amino acids with a molecular mass of 32,536 Da, which is in good agreement with the measured molecular weight of the purified enzyme. Recombinant Escherichia coli strains harboring plasmids carrying the B. acetylicum gsk gene overexpressed both guanosine and inosine kinase activities. The primary structure of the gsk gene shows similarity to amino acid sequences of sugar kinases classified in the ribokinase family stronger than to those of the E. coli gsk gene encoding guanosine kinase and other nucleoside kinases. Northern blot analysis and primer extension analysis revealed a 1.4-kb transcript and promoter sequences, like the E. coli sigma70 and B. subtilis sigmaA consensus sequences, respectively. These results, together with the nucleotide sequence of the downstream region of gsk, suggested that the organization of B. acetylicum gsk is bicistronic. The second gene, orf2, shows significant similarity to the mutT mutator genes of several organisms, although its function has not yet been identified. The gsk gene was specifically transcribed in the early exponential growth phase, which seems to correspond to the specific guanosine kinase activity profile and suggests a role in controlling the nucleoside monophosphate level by efficiently recycling guanosine when cells are in the early exponential phase.
The Role of Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis and Management of Lung Cancer: An Overview

Computed tomography (CT) is now established as the principal radiographic adjunct to plain film examination in the diagnosis and management of lung cancer. It should be used in the evaluation of every pulmonary nodule to determine whether the nodule is solitary and whether mediastinal metastases are present and to evaluate the mass by assessing its density. In general, nodules with Hounsfield numbers greater than +175 can be presumed to be calcified and, hence, benign. CT is of great value in determining the extent of lung cancer and at present the best imaging modality for evaluating mediastinal lymph nodes. Spread of tumor to mediastinal nodes is evaluated on the basis of node size. Nodes less than 1.0 cm in diameter are considered normal, 1.0–1.5 cm suspicious for tumor, and greater than 1.5 cm have a high probability of being malignant. Node size, however, is dependent on location in the mediastinum and whether infection is present in the lung. Size criteria alone should not be used to deny surgery.
A General Reciprocity Theorem

A general reciprocity theorem based on the Onsager relations is developed which applies to all casual and linear media, including those whose ac susceptibilities depend on an applied dc magnetic field and on the dc drift velocity of charge carriers. Applications are made to the scattering matrix for microwave junctions and to the mode orthogonality relations for uniform and periodic waveguides.
Modeling and simulation of VDL Mode 3 subnetwork in the en route and terminal domains

Presents the recent modeling and simulation of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) very high frequency (VHF) digital link (VDL) Mode 3 subnetwork in an Aeronautical Telecommunication Network (ATN) environment for the en route and terminal domains. This was conducted to study the performance of this subnetwork under various aircraft and application traffic loading conditions. Important questions to be answered include the connection and data transfer delays.
Optical coherence tomography: technology and applications for neuroimaging.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging imaging technology with applications in biology, medicine, and materials investigations. Attractive features include high cellular-level resolution, real-time acquisition rates, and spectroscopic feature extraction in a compact noninvasive instrument. OCT can perform ‘‘optical biopsies’’ of tissue, producing images approaching the resolution of histology without having to resect and histologically process tissue specimens for characterization and diagnosis. This article will review several of the current technological developments in OCT. To illustrate the potential of this technology for neuroimaging, applications for imaging neural development, the neural retina, tumors of the central nervous system, and the microsurgical repair of peripheral nerves will be presented. This technology offers a potential investigative tool for addressing many of the present challenges in neuroimaging. Descriptors: Imaging, Optics, Spectroscopy, Optical coherence tomography
Drug treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients for whom metformin is contraindicated

Metformin is considered an initial drug of choice for type 2 diabetes mellitus by leading recommendations. When contraindications to its use exist or patients cannot tolerate it due to adverse effects, clinicians have a variety of other classes of agents to treat hyperglycemia associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Each class of agent has its own benefit and safety profile. There are numerous factors to consider when selecting another agent in lieu of metformin including, but not limited to, overall efficacy in A1c reduction, adverse effect profile, cost, and patient preference. The number of factors influencing the decision process presents challenges and often no one specific agent is ideal. Each pharmacotherapeutic class of agents alternative to metformin for the treatment of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus as initial monotherapy is reviewed.
“Policy Feedbacks” and Political Change: Contrasting Reagan and Thatcher's Pension-Reform Initiatives

For those interested in understanding the role of government in modern life, important public policies have long been objects of close scrutiny. Traditionally, however, policies were treated only as outcomes that needed to be explained. More recently, there has been growing interest in the political consequences of policy development. Policies are no longer seen simply as effects, with attention focused on why these policies emerged. Policies have important repercussions as well: once adopted, they restructure the political and social environment that produced them.
Cellular immunity profile in children with congenital heart disease and bronchopneumonia: evaluation of lymphocyte subsets and regulatory T cells.

Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) have a predisposition to suffer from respiratory tract infections, such as bronchopneumonia (BP). In this study we investigated the characterization of lymphocyte subsets and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in these children. The frequencies of lymphocyte subsets and regulatory T cells were detected in peripheral blood of 400 children patients [100 with BP only, 100 with BP and CHD (BPCHD), 100 with BP and heart failure (BPHF), 100 healthy volunteers] by using three-color flow cytometry. In BPHF and BPCHD groups, lymphocyte subsets characterization of patients was analogous, with lower levels of CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio but higher levels of CD19+ and CD3–CD16+CD56+ in comparison to BP patients. The differences of the frequencies of CD4+CD25+CD127– T-cells in the four groups were not statistically significant. It was concluded that the cellular immunity function of children with CHD was vulnerable to being damaged after having suffered from BP when compared with the children without CHD, which might be associated with blood circulation difficulties in the majority of children with CHD.
Nutritional Problems Following Gastric and Small-Bowel Surgery

Weight gain is often difficult following gastric surgery. Many patients never regain their preoperative weight, and others have significant weight loss. Still others develop selected deficiencies that may result in anemia or osteoporosis. Many types of gastric surgery have been employed for peptic ulcer, neoplastic, and traumatic disorders.
Enabling PGAS Productivity with Hardware Support for Shared Address Mapping: A UPC Case Study

The Partitioned Global Address Space (PGAS) programming model strikes a balance between the locality-aware, but explicit, message-passing model (e.g. MPI) and the easy-to-use, but locality-agnostic, shared memory model (e.g. OpenMP). However, the PGAS rich memory model comes at a performance cost which can hinder its potential for scalability and performance. To contain this overhead and achieve full performance, compiler optimizations may not be sufficient and manual optimizations are typically added. This, however, can severely limit the productivity advantage. Such optimizations are usually targeted at reducing address translation overheads for shared data structures. This paper proposes a hardware architectural support for PGAS, which allows the processor to efficiently handle shared addresses. This eliminates the need for such hand-tuning, while maintaining the performance and productivity of PGAS languages. We propose to avail this hardware support to compilers by introducing new instructions to efficiently access and traverse the PGAS memory space. A prototype compiler is realized by extending the Berkeley Unified Parallel C (UPC) compiler. It allows unmodified code to use the new instructions without the user intervention, thereby creating a real productive programming environment. Two different implementations of the system are realized: the first is implemented using the full system simulator Gem5, which allows the evaluation of the performance gain. The second is implemented using a soft core processor Leon3 on an FPGA to verify the implement ability and to parameterize the cost of the new hardware and its instructions. The new instructions show promising results for the NAS Parallel Benchmarks implemented in UPC. A speedup of up to 5.5x is demonstrated for unmodified codes. Unmodified code performance using this hardware was shown to also surpass the performance of manually optimized code by up to 10%.
Conjunctive combined causal rules mining

Causal discovery is a well-studied problem due to an urgent need for systems that predict, explain, and make proper and necessary decisions in many domains including epidemiology, biology, medicine, economics, physics, and social sciences. Existing techniques such as learning Bayesian networks (BNs) and Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are expensive and time consuming. In addition, they only find single cause rules from certain data. There are numerous important applications wherein we have to generate disjunctive causal rules from uncertain data. In this paper we propose an algorithm called DCCRUD that employs frequent itemsets mining algorithms to discover disjunctive combined causal rules from uncertain data. To the best of our knowledge ours is the first paper to address this important problem. Discovering causal rules where targets are disjunctions of variables might be equally important. DCCRUD applies to uncertain databases. We evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms on real datasets.
Group Effectiveness Benefits from Subordinate-Supervisor Fit on Warmth and Assertiveness

This study explored how subordinate-supervisor fit on warmth and assertiveness affects subordinatesy positive socioemotional behavior, and how positive socioemotional behavior relates to objectivel...
The systematic position of the Australian Dotterel, Peltohyas australis.

The external morphology and the skull of the Australian Dotterel Peltohyus australis, was compared with the Charadriinae and the Glareolidae. The external morphology did not provide any conclusive taxonomic evidence, but the skull morphology of Peltohyus agreed very closely with that of the plovers. It is recommended that Peltohyus be placed in the Charadriinae close to Charadrius and Eudromias.
Baculovirus vectors repress phenobarbital-mediated gene induction and stimulate cytokine expression in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes

Baculovirus transfection strategies have proven successful at transferring foreign DNA into hepatoma cells and primary hepatocytes. When testing the utility of these methodologies in cultured hepatocytes, we discovered that the presence of baculovirus disrupts the phenobarbital (PB) gene induction process, a potent transcriptional activation event characteristic of highly differentiated hepatocytes, and repressed expression of the albumin gene. In concert with previous reports from our laboratory demonstrating that increased cAMP levels can completely repress the induction of specific cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes, cAMP concentrations and PKA activities were measured in the primary hepatocytes subsequent to baculovirus exposure. However, neither parameter was affected by the presence of the virus. To evaluate whether immune response modulation was triggered by baculovirus exposure, RNase protection assays were performed and demonstrated that baculovirus infection activates TNF-alpha, IL-1alpha and IL-1beta expression in the primary hepatocyte cultures. Immunocytochemical experiments indicated that the production of cytokines was likely due to the presence of small numbers of Kupffer cells present in the culture populations. Exogenously added TNF-alpha was also effective in repressing PB induction, consistent with other reports indicating that inflammatory cytokines are capable of suppressing expression of biotransformation enzyme systems. Comparative studies demonstrated the specificity of these effects since exposures of hepatocytes to adenoviral vectors did not result in down-regulation of hepatic gene responsiveness. These results indicate that baculovirus vectors enhance the expression of inflammatory cytokines in primary hepatocyte cultures, raising concerns as to whether these properties will compromise the use of baculovirus vectors for study of cytochrome P450 gene regulation, as well as for liver-directed gene therapy in humans.
Applications of Maxi Rig Horizontal Directional Drilling for Municipal Sewer/Water Markets

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) has long been used for water/sewer line installations on projects where crossing of a river or highway was required and there existed few alternative options for construction of these lines. These installations are typically performed by specialized HDD subcontractors utilizing maxi HDD rigs. In recent years, there has been a growing popularity with the use of HDD in municipal sewer/water installations for distribution lines. These installations are often accomplished with smaller mini- and midi-sized HDD rigs and have traditionally been performed by both HDD subcontractors, as well as traditional open cut contractors who expand their capabilities by investing in their own HDD equipment. Sewer/water lines are typically sized in the range of 8 to 12 diameter (or larger), and many of these size installations fall into the realm of midi-sized HDD rigs on the small size lines (typically 8-10) and smaller maxi-sized HDD rigs for some of the mid-sized to larger installations (typically 12 and larger). As the demand for HDD within the sewer/water market sector continues to grow, there will be an increase in the need to utilize maxi-sized HDD rigs to perform this work. As many HDD contractors already understand, there is a large operational difference between midi-sized and maxi-sized drill rigs. Add to this that more traditional open-cut contractors are investing in their own HDD equipment, and also considering the differences in procurement methods on municipal projects, it is clear that contractors and engineers will face unique challenges in successfully utilizing maxi HDD rigs on sewer/water projects. This paper will look at the trends in the industry with regard to the growing utilization of maxi HDD rigs for sewer/water projects and attempt to identify the variables that drive or preclude the use of these maxi-sized rigs for this particular market sector.
Study on Metal Diaphragm of Pulse Separation Device in Dual-Pulse Solid Rocket Motor

Circular plates with large deflection and fracture mechanics theory were employed to investigate calculating formula of stress intensity factor of prefab gap at the condition of inner pressure,and the relationship between the opening pressure and physical dimension of hard pulse separation device(PSD) in order to achieve the feasible configuration of metal diaphragm,which plays the important role in dual-pulse solid rocket motor.Moreover,six monomial tests of metal diaphragm were conducted to validate the computing precision of designing formula.In addition,three kinds of scale experiments,namely,the compressive,opening and associated test,were performed to explore working characters of pulse separation device.The results indicate that the error between the experimental conclusions and designing results is 4.394% and the method can be applied to confirm the physical dimension of metal diaphragm.The performances of bearing capacity,seal,working characters and ablation are demonstrated and the PSD agrees well with the requirements.
Cross-group investigations youth gangs in Medellin, Colombia

The present study evaluates adolescent gang involvement using cross-sectional survey data from 1,475 adolescents living in a disadvantaged Comuna in Medellin, Colombia. Specifically, we examine the...
Erratum to: “Theory of extreme correlations using canonical Fermions and path integrals” [Ann. Phys. 343 (2014) 164–199]

Abstract Erratum for paper “Theory of extreme correlations using canonical Fermions and path integrals”, B.S. Shastry, Ann. Phys. 343, 164–199 (2014) http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aop.2014.02.005 AOP69618.
Clinical Relevance of Recipient Leukocyte Infusion (RLI) Therapy.

Abstract BACKGROUND Surprisingly, anti-tumor responses can occur in patients who reject donor grafts following nonmyeloablative hematopoietic cell transplantation (Dey et al., Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 7:604). In murine mixed chimeras prepared with nonmyeloablative conditioning, we previously showed that recipient leukocyte infusions (RLI) induced anti-tumor responses against host-type tumors (Rubio et al. Blood 102:2300). To further investigate the clinical relevance of this RLI model, we: 1. Evaluated the effect of RLI from tumor-bearing mice 2. Compared RLI with allogeneic lymphocyte infusion in untreated mice METHODS Mixed chimerism was achieved in BALB/c (H-2d) mice conditioned with depleting anti-CD4 and CD8 mAbs on Day-5, cyclophosphamide 200 mg/kg on Day -1 and 7 Gy thymic irradiation on Day 0 prior to transplantation of 25x106 B10.BR (H-2k) bone marrow cells. Some groups received RLI (3x107 BALB/c spleen cells) seven weeks post-BMT. Some RLI donor mice received BALB/c A20 B cell lymphoma cells (1x105) two weeks before RLI. Some groups received RLI depleted of B cells using B220 negative selection by MACS column. A20 cells (5x105) were given i.v. one week after RLI in chimeras or after allogeneic lymphocyte infusion (3x107 B10.BR spleen cells) to untreated BALB/c mice. RESULTS In the clinical setting, RLI would be obtained from tumor-bearing hosts. We therefore examined whether RLI is still effective when the lymphocytes are obtained from the tumor-bearing mice. Contamination of B220+ cells in the RLI was less than 0.03%. RLI recipients from the tumor-bearing mice (n=10) showed similar tumor survival compared to recipients of RLI from naive donors (n=10) (median survival time [MST] 53 versus 50 days respectively, p=0.48) (Figure 1 ). Thus, with a purging procedure, the same anti-tumor effect was achieved with RLI from tumor-bearing hosts as from non-tumor-bearing hosts. Allogeneic lymphocyte injection is a potentially feasible anti-tumor therapy. We therefore compared anti-tumor effects of allogeneic lymphocyte infusion into naive mice with that of RLI given to mixed chimeras. Chimeric RLI recipients mice (n=13) had longer survival (MST 61 days) than naive mice receiving allogeneic lymphocytes (n=10) (MST 39.5 days, P 2 ). This result suggests not only that the anti-tumor effect of RLI therapy is stronger than allogeneic lymphocyte infusion therapy but also suggests that rejection of allogeneic cells is insufficient and mixed chimerism is required prior to the induced rejection to achieve maximum anti-tumor effects. CONCLUSION Together, these data reinforce the potential of RLI therapy to be a new HSCT strategy which does not have the risk of graft-versus-host disease. Download : Download high-res image (144KB) Download : Download full-size image Download : Download high-res image (187KB) Download : Download full-size image
The impact of a professional development model on middle school science teachers' efficacy and implementation of inquiry

ABSTRACTThis study investigated a professional development model designed to improve teachers' inquiry teaching efficacy as well as the quality of their inquiry instruction through engaging teachers in practice-teaching and reflection sessions. The programme began with a two-week summer Institute focused on both inquiry pedagogy and science content and continued with academic year support for participants' inquiry implementation. An inquiry teaching efficacy instrument was administered 3 times to 25 teacher participants to gauge changes in their personal self-efficacy and outcome expectancy across 5 essential features of classroom inquiry. To examine actual practices, pre/post classroom observations of the teachers' inquiry enactments were evaluated using a quality of inquiry observation protocol. Following the summer Institute, teachers had statistically significant increases in their self-efficacy for teaching inquiry in four of the five essential features and increases in one of the five essential feat...
Assessing the likelihood of cyber network infiltration using rare-event simulation

Network infiltration is one of many types of cyber-based attacks that may be of interest to a cyber security analyst. Sufficient observation of particular events that may be uncommon during network infiltration requires special simulation techniques. This paper presents an application of the importance sampling method to estimate the likelihood of a successful network infiltration, given that sufficiently many network alerts have not been generated to achieve said success. The benefits of utilizing importance sampling within this context are assessed against the use of standard simulation.
Scleral Buckling for Primary Retinal Detachment 2

Scleral buckling surgery has been successfully used to repair rhegmatogenous retinal detachments for more than 60 years. Although procedures such as vitrectomy and pneumatic retinopexy have been added to the ophthalmologist’s armamentarium for retinal detachment repair, scleral buckling remains a valuable procedure, whether used alone or in combination with other procedures. Scleral buckling is performed to produce functional closure of retinal breaks responsible for retinal detachment and to reduce changes of recurrent detachment. Various options as far as segmental elements, encircling elements, and buckles made of different materials are available. Essential to all successful retinal detachment repair surgeries, all retinal breaks must be identified, and their extent delineated.
Metrics for timely assessment of novice programmers

We describe a study of programming behaviors of three sections of an introductory computer programming course with the goal of finding metrics for determining, early in a course, which students may be at risk. Programming activity logs generated by an instructional programming environment were used to generate a dataset of variables such as session time, number of errors, number of file edits, and other basic data. Results from correlations and linear regressions identify two simple metrics that may identify at-risk students. We also present findings that provide a basis for these models, namely, the large number of edit/compile/interpret-errors cycles that are required for beginning programmers to gain competency.
Using Visual Routines to Drive in a Virtual Environment

Abstract This paper describes the use of visual routines for autonomous driving. The routines are developed on a platform that uses a pipeline video processor to analyze the images representing the view from a car driving in a virtual environment. The simulator can also be used for human subjects, whose eye movements can be tracked within a freely moving virtual reality helmet.
Inside a Uniform Imaginary: Gender, Politics, and Aesthetics in Peruvian Technical Education

Resumen Este articulo explora el surgimiento de los Institutos Superiores Tecnologicos (ISTs) en la ciudad amazonica de Tarapoto, Peru, centrandose en su atractivo para mujeres jovenes. En Peru, el surgimiento de la escuela tecnologica privada llega en una coyuntura historica con la disminucion de un violento conflicto social, seguido por las reformas neoliberales que han reducido drasticamente la financiacion de las universidades publicas -y especialmente sus programas en las humanidades y las ciencias sociales. Sin embargo, la dramatica representacion de las mujeres jovenes matriculados en los ISTs de Tarapoto—de las cuales son las primeras en sus familias en asistir postsecundaria, o incluso secundario– plantea importantes cuestiones sobre el tipo de esperanzas, posibilidades y experiencias que complementan el plan de estudios tecnicos en las aulas de los ISTs.
Miscellaneous Properties of PSWFs

Prolate spheroidal wave functions possess a rich set of properties. In this chapter, we list some of those properties. Some of the identities below can be found in [13, 33, 64]; others are easily derivable from the former (see also [73]).