cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia potentiates the capacity of melanoma cells to evade cisplatin and doxorubicin cytotoxicity via glycolytic shift

The hypoxic environment within solid tumors impedes the efficacy of chemotherapeutic treatments. Here, we demonstrate that hypoxia augments the capacity of melanoma cells to withstand cisplatin and doxorubicin cytotoxicity. We show that B16F10 cells derived from spontaneously formed melanoma and YUMM1.7 cells, engineered to recapitulate human-relevant melanoma driver mutations, profoundly differ in their vulnerabilities to cisplatin and doxorubicin. The differences are manifested in magnitude of proliferative arrest and cell death rates, extent of mtDNA depletion, and impairment of mitochondrial respiration. In both models, cytotoxicity is mitigated by hypoxia, which augments glycolytic metabolism. Collectively, the findings implicate metabolic reprogramming in drug evasion and suggest that melanoma tumors with distinct genetic makeup may have differential drug vulnerabilities, highlighting the importance of precision anticancer treatments.
Photon Intermediate Direct Energy Conversion Using a 90Sr Beta Source

The use of a photon intermediate direct energy conversion (PIDEC) process to develop a proof of concept of a long-lived and efficient nuclear battery powered by a radioactive beta source is discuss...
Temporal Phenotyping using Deep Predicting Clustering of Disease Progression

Due to the wider availability of modern electronic health records, patient care data is often being stored in the form of time-series. Clustering such time-series data is crucial for patient phenotyping, anticipating patients' prognoses by identifying "similar" patients, and designing treatment guidelines that are tailored to homogeneous patient subgroups. In this paper, we develop a deep learning approach for clustering time-series data, where each cluster comprises patients who share similar future outcomes of interest (e.g., adverse events, the onset of comorbidities). To encourage each cluster to have homogeneous future outcomes, the clustering is carried out by learning discrete representations that best describe the future outcome distribution based on novel loss functions. Experiments on two real-world datasets show that our model achieves superior clustering performance over state-of-the-art benchmarks and identifies meaningful clusters that can be translated into actionable information for clinical decision-making.
Impact of Lifestyle Changes During Ramadan on Thyroid Function Tests in Hypothyroid Patients Taking Levothyroxine.

ABSTRACT Objective: The holy month of Ramadan poses a challenge for levothyroxine-treated patients due to altered eating habits and time restrictions. The aim of this study was to examine the impac...
Telehealth Benefits Offered by Medicare Advantage Plans in 2020.

Objective The objective of this study was to analyze new telehealth benefits offered by Medicare Advantage (MA) plans in 2020 and examine plan characteristics associated with the provision of the new telehealth benefits. Research design Using publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, we identified unique MA plans with at least 1 enrollee in January 2020. We examined whether plans offered any new telehealth benefits in 2020, the 20 most common types of telehealth services covered, and cost-sharing. Next, we used multivariable logistic regression to identify associations between offering any telehealth benefits and plan characteristics. We conducted a similar analysis for each of the 3 most commonly covered telehealth services. Results Of 2992 unique MA plans, 58.1% offered new telehealth benefits in 2020. The most frequently covered services were primary care, mental health, and urgent care. Coverage for other types of services was limited. Our multivariable logistic regression showed that offering any new telehealth benefits was not more common among plans in rural areas, but was more likely among national plans, those with a monthly premium, those with >3540 enrollees, and those with a star rating of 4.0-4.5. The new telehealth benefits were less likely to be provided by for-profit plans. Overall, findings remained similar when analyzed according to the type of services. Conclusions MA plans are embracing new telehealth benefits, but there is room for improvement. Policymakers should consider how to accelerate the adoption curve of telehealth in MA plans.
A Claims‐Based Frailty Risk Score Is Associated With Hospitalization for Acute‐on‐Chronic Liver Failure: But Is It Frailty?

Frailty is a multidimensional construct that broadly refers to a health-state of diminished physiologic reserve resulting in a reduced tolerance to health stressors.(1) Although the concept of frailty has its roots in geriatrics, it has flourished in hepatology. Indeed, many patients with cirrhosis are frail, which portends an increased risk of hospitalizations and mortality.(2,3) It is recommended that we evaluate all patients with decompensated cirrhosis or undergoing transplant evaluation for frailty with a toolbox that includes physical performance measures and validated disability scales.
The relationships between bonding social capital, personal belief in a just world and well-being: an analysis of a diverse student sample

The current study investigated the relationships between bonding social capital, perceptions of justice, and well-being (i.e. the level of depressive symptoms endorsed) in middle and high school students. Previous research has found personal belief in a just world (BJW) and bonding social capital to be associated with positive student well-being outcomes; however, prior research has not yet examined the relationships between these three variables simultaneously. Students from four schools (N = 602) completed questionnaires to better understand the relationships between bonding social capital, personal BJW, and well-being, and how these variables differ based on racial and socioeconomic background. Of note, the questionnaire included one narrative response question to better understand the sources that influence perceptions of justice. There were racial and/or socioeconomic differences in all three variables. Students from racially and/or socioeconomically privileged backgrounds reported significantly higher bonding social capital, higher personal BJW, and/or more positive well-being outcomes. Students’ families and their own lived experiences (i.e. past negative experiences) were cited most frequently as impacting perceptions of justice on the narrative response question. Finally, personal BJW partially mediated the relationship between bonding social capital and well-being. Data from the narrative responses and the mediating effect of personal BJW highlight the importance of students’ interactions with their immediate environments in shaping perceptions of justice and well-being.
Psychosocial mediators of physical activity change in a web-based intervention for Latinas.

Objective: To determine whether psychosocial constructs targeted in an online physical activity intervention for Latinas mediated changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Method: Data were taken from a randomized trial of a web-based MVPA intervention for Latina women age 18-65 (N = 205) based on social cognitive theory and the transtheoretical model. Baseline and 6-month measures included minutes/week of MVPA (ActiGraph GT3X + accelerometers and 7-Day Physical Activity Recall Interview) and theorized mediators (self-efficacy, behavioral processes, cognitive processes, social support, enjoyment). A multiple mediation model adjusting for baseline MVPA was fit using a products of coefficients method, simultaneously testing all hypothesized mediators. Results: MVPA increased more in the intervention group than controls by 50 min/week (self-report) and 31 min/week (accelerometers). For the self-reported MVPA model, there was an intervention effect (a-path coefficient) on self-efficacy (b = 0.43, p < .01), cognitive processes (b = 0.64, p < .01), behavioral processes (b = 0.54, p < .01), and enjoyment (b = 9.91, p = .01). Changes in self-efficacy (b = 24.54, p = .03), social support from friends (b = 2.36, p = .04), and enjoyment (a = 0.74, p = .08) were associated with changes in MVPA (b-path coefficient). However, only changes in self-efficacy (b = 10.49, 95% CI [2.46, 24.54]) and enjoyment (b = 7.30, 95% CI [0.92, 21.78]) mediated the intervention effect on MVPA (ab-path coefficient). For the accelerometer-measured MVPA model, intervention effects were significant for self-efficacy (b = 0.48, p < .01), cognitive processes (b = 0.62, p < .01), and behavioral processes (b = 0.61, p < .01), yet only self-efficacy was associated with changes in MVPA (b = 4.43, p = .03), and mediated intervention effects on MVPA (b = 12.15, 95% CI [11.25, 16.34]). Conclusions: Future MVPA interventions with Latinas should target self-efficacy and enjoyment to maximize efficacy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
A Graphical Interpretation of Circumgalactic Precipitation

Both observations and recent numerical simulations of the circumgalactic medium (CGM) support the hypothesis that a self-regulating feedback loop suspends the gas density of the ambient CGM close to the galaxy in a state with a ratio of cooling time to freefall time >10. This limiting ratio is thought to arise because circumgalactic gas becomes increasingly susceptible to multiphase condensation as the ratio declines. If the timescale ratio gets too small, then cold clouds precipitate out of the CGM, rain into the galaxy, and fuel energetic feedback that raises the ambient cooling time. The astrophysical origin of this so-called precipitation limit is not simple but is critical to understanding the CGM and its role in galaxy evolution. This paper therefore attempts to interpret its origin as simply as possible, relying mainly on conceptual reasoning and schematic diagrams. It illustrates how the precipitation limit can depend on both the global configuration of a galactic atmosphere and the degree to which dynamical disturbances drive CGM perturbations. It also frames some tests of the precipitation hypothesis that can be applied to both CGM observations and numerical simulations of galaxy evolution.
Title: Hypermethylation of miRNA Genes During Nodule Development

DNA methylation has recently emerged as a powerful regulatory mechanism controlling the expression of key regulators of various developmental processes, including nodulation. However, the functional role of DNA methylation in regulating the expression of microRNA (miRNA) genes during the formation and development of nitrogen-fixing nodules remains largely unknown. In this study, we profiled DNA methylation patterns of miRNA genes during nodule formation, development, and early senescence stages in soybean (Glycine max) through the analysis of methylC-seq data. Absolute DNA methylation levels in the CG, CHH, and CHH sequence contexts over the promoter and primary transcript regions of miRNA genes were significantly higher in the nodules compared with the corresponding root tissues at these three distinct nodule developmental stages. We identified a total of 82 differentially methylated miRNAs in the nodules compared with roots. Differential DNA methylation of these 82 miRNAs was detected only in the promoter (69), primary transcript region (3), and both in the promoter and primary transcript regions (10). The large majority of these differentially methylated miRNAs were hypermethylated in nodules compared with the corresponding root tissues and were found mainly in the CHH context and showed stage-specific methylation patterns. Differentially methylated regions in the promoters of 25 miRNAs overlapped with transposable elements, a finding that may explain the vulnerability of miRNAs to DNA methylation changes during nodule development. Gene expression analysis of a set of promoter-differentially methylated miRNAs pointed to a negative association between DNA methylation and miRNA expression. Gene Ontology and pathways analyses indicate that changes in DNA methylation of miRNA genes are reprogrammed and contribute to nodule development through indirect regulation of genes involved in cellular processes and pathways with well-established roles in nodulation.
Frequency of minimal residual disease as measured by ctDNA in mismatch repair deficient tumors following curative resection.

e14520Background: Mismatch repair deficient (MMRd) tumors are highly sensitive to checkpoint blockade (CPB) in patients with metastatic disease regardless of tumor type. However, the efficacy of CP...
A 40-nm, 64-Kb, 56.67 TOPS/W Voltage-Sensing Computing-In-Memory/Digital RRAM Macro Supporting Iterative Write With Verification and Online Read-Disturb Detection

Computing-in-memory (CIM) architectures have gained importance in achieving high-throughput energy-efficient artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Resistive RAM (RRAM) is a promising candidate for CIM architectures due to a multiply-and-accumulate (MAC)-friendly structure, high bit density, compatibility with a CMOS process, and nonvolatility. Notwithstanding the advancement of RRAM technology, the reliability of an RRAM array hinders the spread of RRAM applications such that a circuit-technology joint approach is necessary to attain reliable RRAM-based CIM architectures. This article presents a 64-kb hybrid CIM/digital RRAM macro supporting: 1) active-feedback-based voltage-sensing read (RD) to enable 1-8-b programmable vector-matrix multiplication under a low-resistance ratio of the high-resistance state to the low-resistance state in an RRAM array; 2) iterative write with verification to secure a tight resistance distribution; and 3) online RD-disturb detection in the background during CIM. The test chip fabricated in a 40-nm CMOS and RRAM process achieves a peak energy efficiency of 56.67 TOPS/W while demonstrating the eight-bitline hybrid CIM/digital MAC operation with 1-8-b inputs and weights and 20-b outputs without quantization.
Prevalence of high-grade dysplasia in cytology-negative, HPV-positive cervical cancer screening.

This study has two aims: determine the prevalence of CIN3 + in patients with discordant cotesting, defined as negative cytology and positive human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, and identify factors (including HPV strain) associated with CIN3 + , defined as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3 or cancer within this population. We conducted a retrospective chart review of women age 30–65 with intact cervices who had discordant cotesting results between January 1, 2013 and September 1, 2018, at an academic medical center. We used the t test for continuous variables and the Chi-square test for categorical variables to compare women with and without CIN3 + . To identify factors associated with CIN3 + , we performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The primary outcome was the prevalence of CIN3 + based on pathologic diagnosis following biopsy or excisional procedure. Among 375 patients with discordant co-testing, the mean age was 43.8 years, 58.4% were parous, and 84.8% were white. Overall, 43/375 (12.0%) had CIN3 + and 7/375 (1.9%) had AIS. On logistic regression, only parity ≥ 1 (p = 0.04, adjusted OR = 2.23, CI = 1.06–4.68) was significantly associated with CIN3 + . HPV-18 was less likely to be associated with CIN3 + (p = 0.02, adjusted OR 0.08, CI 0.01–0.65) but was present in 43% of AIS cases. HPV16 and other HR-HPV strains were highly associated with CIN3 + . Women with discordant cotesting are at significant risk for CIN3 + . We recommend that biopsy be performed at the time of indicated colposcopy for all patients with discordant cotesting to assess for high-grade dysplasia.
Memory-enhancing effect of posttraining epinephrine is not blocked by dexamethasone

There is extensive evidence that stress-related honnones administered shortly before or after training on a variety oftasks can influence retention (de Wied, 1984; McGaugh, 1983). Such evidence suggests that hormones released by learning experiences may serve as endogenous modulators of memory storage (Gold & McGaugh, 1984). Recently, Tilders, Berkenbosch, Vermes, Linton, & Smelik (1985) reported that a number of honnones, in addition to corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) , induce the release of adrenocorticotropic honnone (ACTH) from the pituitary cortex in vitro. The hormones found to release ACTH include epinephrine, norepinephrine, arginine vasopressin, oxytocin, angiotensin 11, vasoactive intestine polypeptide (VIP), and histidine isoleucinamide. Since several of these honnones have been found to influence memory, these findings suggest that a common action by which the honnones affect memory storage might involve the release of ACTH from the anterior pituitary. Many studies have shown that posttraining administration of epinephrine alters retention: Low doses generally enhance retention, whereas high doses impair retention (McGaugh, 1983; McGaugh & Gold, in press). Epinephrine is known to stimulate the release of ACTH in vivo (Berkenbosch, Vennes, Binnekade, & Tilders, 1981; Reisine, Heisler, Hook, & Axelrod, 1983; Tilders, Berkenbosch, & Smelik, 1982) as weH as in vitro. Epinephrine is released from the adrenal medulla and is a ligand for both Q(and s-receptors in the periphery. Available evidence indicates that epinephrine crosses the blood-brain baITier poorly, if at a1l (Weil-Malharbe, Axelrod, & Tomchick, 1959). The effects of epinephrine on retention are blocked by a variety of Q(and s-adrenoreceptor antagonists (Sternberg, Korol, Novack, & McGaugh, 1986). Considered together, such findings suggest that epinephrine may influence memory storage through effects initiated at peripheral receptors. In the present study we sought to determine whether the effect of epinephrine on memory storage is mediated
Immunodepression in BALB/c Mice Infected with Leishmania Tropica

Leishmania tropica is an obligate intracellular parasite of macrophages which causes cutaneous leishmaniasis in man. Infections in BALB/c mice with this parasite are characterized by the development of large primary ulcers and multiple non-healing metastatic cutaneous lesions (1,2,3). To date, the immunological mechanisms responsible for the inability of BALB/c mice to resolve leishmanial infections are unknown; however, specific suppressor T cells responsible for regulating skin test responses to leishmanial antigens have been reported (3,4). In addition, BALB/c mice infected with L. tropica develop a non-specific immunodepression, as described in this report. This immunodepression is mediated by an adherent suppressor cell which suppresses mitogen and leishmanial antigen responses in a lymphocyte transformation assay.
Ras target proteins in eukaryotic cells

The 21 kDa Ras proteins are well known for their regulatory role in oncogenic, mitogenic, and developmental signaling pathways. Less well understood are the downstream signal transduction cascades initiated by Ras in response to external stimuli. Only recently have many diverse studies in lower eukaryotes and vertebrates converged to demonstrate that Ras directly regulates multiple signaling pathways. In most eukaryotes, Ras functions as a positive regulator of an ERK/MAPK signal transduction cascade through the activation of a MEKK. In mammalian cells the primary Ras-responsive MEKK is the protein kinase Raf. Although Raf remains the most significant mediator of Ras signaling in most model systems, it does not explain all the biochemical responses observed in cells with activated Ras proteins. Yeast two hybrid and GST-fusion protein binding studies have identified new proteins distinct from Raf that could interact with Ras in other signaling pathways. In addition to Raf, other potential Ras target proteins include MEKK1, PI(3)K, p120GAP, ralGDS, and PKC zeta. This review will attempt to summarize the current literature of accepted and potential Ras-dependent signaling proteins in both lower eukaryotes and vertebrates.
Determining surface orientation from fixated eye position and angular visual extent

While many computer vision algorithms can be used to determine surface orientation information, most require extensive processing (e.g. texture based method). We demonstrate that under fixation, the ratio of angular disparity measures and knowledge of eye position can be used to obtain an estimate of surface orientation. A sensitivity analysis based on accuracy of eye position control parameters is presented. We show that accurate slant can be obtained from a binocular vision system on a mobile robot.
Association of University Technology Managers Salary Survey: Data Overview

To reduce the inefficiencies of individual salary polls, and to provide better baseline data for all Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) members, AUTM constructed a comprehensive survey. The second year of the AUTM salary survey, 2006, is the most comprehensive survey to collect and include information about U.S., Canadian and other nations' office reporting structures, research budgets and salary information. Download the slides at: http://papers.ssrn.com/paper=1028781 Download the audio file at: http://papers.ssrn.com/paper=1030004
Mammalian Sperm DNA Susceptibility to In Situ Denaturation Associated with the Presence of DNA Strand Breaks as Measured by the Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase Assay

Sperm from four mammalian species were analyzed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase assay (TdTA) using flow cytometry. The SCSA quantitates the susceptibility of sperm nuclear DNA to in situ acid denaturation, while the TdTA quantitates the presence of endogenous DNA strand breaks in sperm nuclear chromatin. Correlations were seen between the percentage of sperm cells showing susceptibility to in situ acid denaturation and the percentage of cells showing the presence of DNA strand breaks for humans (r = 0.56, P = 0.004), rams (r = 0.84, P < 0.001), bulls (r = 0.78, P < 0.001), and stallions (r = 0.65, P < 0.001). No significant differences were seen when using fresh or frozen samples for either assay. These results suggest that sperm cells that are more susceptible to in situ DNA denaturation may have a greater number of accessible endogenous DNA strand breaks. We hypothesize that the DNA strand breaks produced in the normal transition from a somatic cell histone complex to a protamine complex are not ligated properly, resulting in residual DNA strand breaks and altered chromatin structure. Alternatively, altered chromatin structure could lead to the accessibility of the endogenous DNA strand breaks.
GAS-COOLED REACTOR TECHNOLOGY.

Publisher Summary The gas-cooled reactor has become a source of electrical energy as a result of its development, its total installed electrical capacity relative to other types of nuclear power-plants, and the potential for development. Progress in the gas-cooled reactor plants has resulted from improvements in reactor design and plant equipment. The steam generators for the magnox reactors are large. Improvements in steam generator designs have resulted from the development of efficient cooling fins for the heat exchanger tubes and the use of compact tube arrangements. The development of the pre-stressed concrete pressure vessel has made it possible to eliminate separate boiler shells, external main gas ducting, and some of the valves, allowing cost improvements. Progress in the basic reactor design has resulted from improvements in the fuel element design. The use of a gas coolant in a fast-spectrum reactor makes it possible to eliminate the reactivity feedback effects that arise from density changes or changes of state in the coolant. This chapter discusses the considerations affecting the choice of the coolant, moderator, and fuel element design for gas-cooled reactors. It describes developments in plant equipment. The chapter highlights choice of the fuel cycle and its effect on economics and the utilization of nuclear resources. It presents an overview of the future trends in gas-cooled reactor designs.
Alternative solution to optimum gliding velocity in a steady head wind or tail wind

Figures 3-5 demonstrate that the experimentally observed," effects of wing thickness and leading-edge roundness on delta wing aerodynamics are well predicted. Inclusion of the effect of the cross-sectional geometry in the rapid prediction method developed earlier significantly improves the agreement with experiment. The high-alpha steady and unsteady aerodynamics of slender delta wing and wing-body configurations are predicted with sufficient accuracy for preliminary design, as long as vortex breakdown does not occur.
Fat and Oil Products

Fat is a principal component of the diet. It is enjoyed in the diet due to such characteristics as its flavor/mouthfeel, palatability, texture, and aroma. Fats also carry the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Sources of fats and oils may be animal, vegetable, or marine that may be manufactured in some combination in industrial processing. Fats appear solid at room temperature, whereas oils are liquid at room temperature.
Columbia Venture Partners - MedTech Inc.

This case study is a teaching exercise that was first used in the "Deals Workshop" seminar at Columbia Law School in April 2003. The case involves a potential investment by Columbia Venture Partners, a venture capital fund, in MedTech Inc., an emerging developer of medical devices for the cardiovascular market. The case offers an opportunity to examine the relative importance of various terms in typical venture capital contracts, such as valuation, liquidation preference, conversion rights, board representation, tag-along and drag-along rights, and vesting. The case also illustrates the use of negotiation tactics, including the use of "market" or industry standards, efficient risk allocation, and how to bring other objective criteria into the discussion. The case includes a teacher's manual followed by a background memo and term sheet intended for distribution to the students.
On maximal independent sets of vertices in claw-free graphs

Abstract A graph is claw-free if: whenever three (distinct) vertices are joined to a single vertex, those three vertices are a nonindependent (nonstable) set. Given a finite claw-free graph with real numbers (weights) assigned to the vertices, we exhibit an algorithm for producing an independent set of vertices of maximum total weight. This algorithm is “efficient” in the sense of J. Edmonds, that is to say, the number of computational steps required is of polynomial (not exponential or factorial) order in n , the number of vertices of the graph. This problem was solved earlier by Edmonds for the special case of “edge-graphs”; our solution is by reducing the more general problem to the earlier-solved special case. Separate attention is given to the case in which all weights are (+1) and thus an independent set is sought which is maximal in the sense of its cardinality.
Differential scanning calorimetric study of 5-enolpyruvoyl shikimate-3-phosphate synthase and its complexes with shikimate-3-phosphate and glyphosate: Irreversible thermal transitions

Abstract The thermal denaturation of native Escherichia coli 5-enolpyruvoyl shikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase, its binary complex with shikimate-3-phosphate (S3P) and its ternary complex with S3P and glyphosate have been studied using highly-sensitive differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). All observed transitions are strongly scanning-rate-dependent and irreversible. Consistent with these observations, the data were better fit by a simple irreversible model than by the controversial reversible model more commonly employed. The results obtained provide additional support for the application of irreversible models to the thermal denaturation of proteins. The calculated parameters, activation energy ( E a ), enthalpy of denaturation ( ΔH ) and transition temperature ( T m ), obtained from fitting to an irreversible model agree well with values obtained from approximation techniques. Further, the results show that the formation of the ternary complex greatly enhances the thermal stability of the enzyme ( ΔT m = 10.6δ C ), while the binding of S3P alone increases the transition temperature only slightly ( ΔT m = 3° C ). The heat of binding calculated at the transition temperature also demonstrates the greater stability of the ternary complex ( Δ H = −70 kcal/mol ) versus the binary complex ( ΔH = −10 kcal/mol ).
Enhanced security of random seed DSSS algorithms against seed jamming attacks

Researchers have recently studied random spread spectrum techniques to protect the wireless broadcast communications from reactive jamming attacks in traditional Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) networks. They proposed mechanisms to eliminate the pre-shared key vulnerability by generating different code sequences for each message using random seeds and disclosing the seeds at the end of the message. In this paper, we present a new type of jamming attack called a seed jamming attack for the fixed message size and these seed disclosure schemes are vulnerable to it. The seed jamming attack focuses on jamming any part of the random seeds of the messages. Their sizes are relatively small and their position in messages is known to the public a priori. Thus, the receivers cannot despread any part of the messages due to the failure of regenerating proper code sequences with the corrupted seed. Jamming the seed precludes the use of any possible FEC since the receiver cannot decode any bits in the message. To overcome the seed attack, we propose an advanced random seed DSSS (ARS-DSSS) scheme which strengthens the previous algorithm called DSD-DSSS [4] by using an additional location seed. The new seed avoids the seed jamming attack by using variable message sizes instead of using known fixed message sizes while incurring almost no additional performance overhead. Our security analysis and implementation results demonstrate how to defeat the seed jamming attacks and how to reduce the computation overhead of DSD-DSSS from the cardinality of seed code set C e to 1.
Comparison of Susceptibilities of Anaerobic Bacteria Determined by Agar Dilution and by a Microbroth Method

The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 110 anaerobic bacteria (84% fresh clinical isolates) to nine antimicrobial agents were determined simultaneously by the tentative reference agar-dilution method of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards and a prototype commercial microbroth panel (Microscan). MICs (determined visually for either system) differed by greater than 1 log2 dilution in 17% of all tests. With the exceptions of the MICs of tetracycline and moxalactam, however, all compared antimicrobial MICs were within 1 log2 dilution for at least 82% of all tests. Twenty-three anaerobic bacterial strains (21%) failed to grow in the microdilution panel (Wilkins-Chalgren broth), and seven strains (6%) failed to grow on the reference Wilkins-Chalgren agar. However, for those bacterial strains that could be tested, the microbroth panel appeared to be less cumbersome than the agar-dilution procedure for susceptibility testing of anaerobic microorganisms.
Dissociative photoionization dynamics of SF6 by ion imaging with synchrotron undulator radiation

Abstract The technique of photofragment imaging, widely used in the study of neutral photochemistry, has been adapted to use on a vacuum ultraviolet undulator beamline at the advanced light source, affording a new approach to the study of dissociative ionization processes. The technique allows direct inversion of the raw data to yield angular and translational energy distributions for the product ions. The method is applied here to study the dissociative ionization of SF6 at photon energies from 15 to 28 eV. The experiment allows for detailed characterization of the angular and translational energy distributions of the fragments, providing insight into the decay mechanisms of these excited ionic states.
Observations of extreme ultraviolet emissions from the Saturnian plasmasphere

Emission signals from the Saturnian plasmasphere at wavelengths shortward of 800 A have been detected by the Pioneer ultraviolet photometer. The surface brightness of the emissions is about 0.3 + or - 0.2 R. These short-wavelength emissions are interpreted as arising primarily from the radiative decay of electron-excited atomic oxygen ions (O(2+)), in the region between 5 and 7 Saturn radii from Saturn. The total power radiated by the Saturnian plasma inferred from these ultraviolet measurements is about 2 x 10 to the 16th erg/sec, consistent with in situ plasma measurements. From the observed energy loss rate it is estimated that the ions are introduced into the plasma torus at a rate of 8 x 10 to the 25th ions/sec, possibly through the sputtering of water ice on the surface of Tethys and Dione by particle impact.
Joint Fourier transform correlation with phase thresholding in the Fourier domain

Wright State UniversityComputer Science and EngineeringDepartmentDayton, Ohio 45435E-mail: aawwal@cs.wright.eduAbstract. A new implementation of the joint Fourier transform correla-tion (JFTC) utilizing the phase information in the Fourier plane is pro-posed. When a phase-based thresholding scheme is used on the jointFourier spectrum, the computation is signiﬁcantly accelerated. We obtainalmost double normalized correlation peaks with comparable discrimina-tion peak ratio as that of binarized JFTC.
TWO-COMPONENT FERMION THEORY

The relativistic generalization of Pauli's equstion for the electron has recently motivated Feyaman and GellMann to propose a specific form of universal Fermis interaction. Panticles satisfying this equation are studied from the viewpoint of their electromagnetic interaction. It is found that an anomalous magnetic moment similar to the Pauli moment violates the Hermiticity of the theory, and that only vector and axial vector interactions lead to simple two- component equations, even with parity conservation. Rules for calculation in quantum electrodynamics are developed which have definite advantages over the usual Dirac formulation. (auth)
Intersection theory of projective linear spaces

We study the intersection theory of a class of projective linear spaces (generalizations of projective space bundles in which the fibres are linear but of varying dimensions). In particular we give exact sequences for the Chow and Chow cohomology groups reminiscent of those for regular blowups.
An explicit solution to an optimal stopping problem with regime switching

We investigate an optimal stopping time problem which arises from pricing Russian options (i.e. perpetual look-back options) on a stock whose price fluctuations are modelled by adjoining a hidden Markov process to the classical Black-Scholes geometric Brownian motion model. By extending the technique of smooth fit to allow jump discontinuities, we obtain an explicit closed-form solution. It gives a non-standard application of the well-known smooth fit principle where the optimal strategy involves jumping over the optimal boundary and by an arbitrary overshoot. Based on the optimal stopping analysis, an arbitrage-free price for Russian options under the hidden Markov model is derived.
How geometric details can affect the strength of adhesive lap joints

The durability of adhesively bonded joints--when utilized as blade attachments--has a significant impact on the performance of wind turbines. Accordingly, there is interest in determining how geometric details affect the strength of these joints. Finite element analyses were performed to aid in the selection of three composite-to-metal joint geometries for compressive axial testing. Both monotonic and low-cycle fatigue tests were conducted. Analysis and testing of these joints provide insight into the effects of adding extra adhesive to the end of the bond or tapering the metal adherend. The issue of whether the relative performance of different joints in monotonic tests can be used to predict the relative fatigue strength of these joints is also addressed.
Initial-boundary value problems for linear hyperbolic partial differential equations of the second order

C o n t e n t s Page w t. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361 w Preliminary Theorems on Function Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366 w The Static Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371 w A Formulation of the Init ial-Boundary Value Problem . . . . . . . . . 377 w The Fundamental Theorems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38O w The Domain of Dependence Inequality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382 w 7. The Uniqueness Theorem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388 w The Energy Inequali ty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39O w 9. The Existence of Solutions with Finite Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391 w The Existence of Solutions with Locally Finite Energy . . . . . . . . . 396 w t t. The Existence of Strict Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397 w A Discussion of Rela tedLi tera ture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398 References . . . . . . . . . . . . '. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
Assessment and Treatment of Hip Pain in the Adolescent Athlete

Hip pain in the adolescent athlete is a common source of functional impairment and can limit athletic performance. In the past, many intra- and extra-articular hip abnormalities went unrecognized and were left untreated because of insufficient diagnostic imaging and limited surgical options. However, over the past 20 years, there has been a tremendous expansion research, and the understanding of the etiology of hip pain among such athletes has grown. Improvements in imaging modalities and technical innovations have led to greater diagnostic insights and creative new treatment strategies. This article explores the etiology and treatment of hip pain in the adolescent athlete.
Analytical solution for capacitive RF sheath

A self-consistent solution for the dynamics of a high voltage, capacitive radio frequency (RF) sheath driven by a sinusoidal current source is obtained under the assumptions of time-independent, collisionless ion motion and inertialess electrons. Expressions are obtained for the time-average ion and electron densities, electric field and potential within the sheath. The nonlinear oscillation motion of the electron sheath boundary and the nonlinear oscillating sheath voltage are also obtained. The effective sheath capacitance and conductance are also determined. It was found that: (1) the ion-sheath thickness S/sub m/ is square root 50/27 larger than a Child's law sheath for the DC voltage and ion current density; (2) the sheath capacitance per unit area for the fundamental voltage harmonic is 2.452 epsilon /sub 0//S/sub m/, where epsilon /sub 0/ is the free space permittivity; (3) the ratio of the DC to peak value of the oscillating voltage is 54/125; (4) the second and third voltage harmonics are, respectively, 12.3 and 4.2% of the fundamental; and (5) the conductance per unit area for stochastic heating by the oscillating sheath is 2.98 ( lambda /sub D//S/sub m/)/sup 2/3/ (e/sup 2/n/sub 0//mu/sub e/), where n/sub 0/ is the ion density, lambda /sub D/ is the Debye length at the plasma-sheath edge, and u/sub e/ is the mean electron speed. >
Identifying pharmacodynamic protein markers of centrally active drugs in humans: a pilot study in a novel clinical model.

Recognizing specific protein changes in response to drug administration in humans has the potential for significant utility in clinical research. In spite of this, many methodological and practical...
Lipid composition ofbacillus megaterium spores and spore membranes

Bacillus megaterium QM B1551 spore lipids were extracted by an improved technique, and the phospholipid and fatty acid compositions were determined. Phospholipids accounted for 65% of the total fatty acids; the neutral lipid fraction contained 15% and the remaining fatty acids were in the interphase, aqueous phase and pellet from the lipid extraction. Each phospholipid had similar fatty acid compositions as did the delipidated pellet. However, the aqueous phase and, to some extent, the interphase had unique fatty acid compositions. Also, fatty acids were found acylated to proteins, which was observed by electrophoresis of delipidated proteins from spores grown in [1-14C]palmitate. Therefore, spores contain unique non-phosphatide fatty acid components that can now be analyzed.
Testing various types of cooperation rewards in social dilemmas

Research on the rewarding of cooperative behavior in social dilemmas has shown that very different types of reward strategies each seem to be effective at inducing high rates of cooperation in group members. This makes it difficult to determine how a cooperation reward motivates cooperation. This study systematically examined various components of cooperation reward schemes so as to help identify the general properties of an effective cooperation reward. Specifically, three features of a cooperation reward were manipulated: the number of group members who can receive the reward; when the reward is given; and whether reward reception is contingent upon performance. Four major effects emerged. First, performance-contingent, per-trial rewards produced high rates of cooperation. Second, competitive, performance-based rewards effectively maintained cooperation across trials. Next, a competitive, performancebased, per-trial reward scheme outperformed any other reward scheme in terms of rate of cooperation induced. Finally, rewards that were provided for simply participating in the group had an inhibitory effect on cooperation, producing a lesser rate of cooperation than baseline.
Generalization to unfamiliar talkers in artificial language learning

While there is evidence that talker-specific details are encoded in the phonetics of the lexicon (Kraljic, Samuel, & Brennan, Psychological Science 19(4):332–228, 2008; Logan, Lively, & Pisoni, Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 89(2):874-886, 1991) and in sentence processing (Nygaard & Pisoni, Perception & Psychophysics, 60(3):355–376, 1998), it is unclear whether categorical linguistic patterns are also represented in terms of talker-specific details. The present study provides evidence that adult learners form talker-independent representations for productive linguistic patterns. Participants were able to generalize a novel linguistic pattern to unfamiliar talkers. Learners were exposed to spoken words that conformed to a pattern in which vowels of a word agreed in place of articulation, referred to as vowel harmony. All items were presented in the voice of one single talker. Participants were tested on items that included both the familiar talker and an unfamiliar talker. Participants generalized the pattern to novel talkers when the talkers spoke with a familiar accent (Experiment 1), as well as with an unfamiliar accent (Experiment 2). Learners showed a small advantage for talker familiarity when the words were familiar, but not when the words were novel. These results are consistent with a theory of language processing in which the lexicon stores fine-grained, talker-specific phonetic details, but productive linguistic processes are subject to abstract, talker-independent representations.
Preparation and evaluation of a nonproprietary bilayer skin substitute

Cross-linked, allogeneic, telopeptide-depleted dermal grafts were lyophilized and laminated with silicone rubber elastomer. Resultant bilayers were studied for incorporation into the wound site and capacity to inhibit cutaneous wound contraction in experimental animals. Bilateral full-thickness skin wounds were made in 20 male New Zealand white rabbits. One side was grafted with the processed graft, while the contralateral side remained ungrafted as a control wound. Over 63 days, wound sites were analyzed at intervals on the basis of the extent and rate of wound contraction and by histologic examination. Cutaneous wounds successfully incorporated graft matrix and were significantly inhibited in their rate and extent of wound contraction. Notably, by day 63, grafted wounds retained 71 percent of their original area, whereas ungrafted control wounds retained only 16 percent of their original area. There were no graft rejections, and the bilayer graft's dermal analogue appeared to function as a biodegradable template that physically conformed neodermis to a preestablished pattern while counteracting contractile forces. This investigation suggests that, in experimental animals, the success of bilayer dermal grafts is less dependent on highly specialized and complex preparative techniques than typically has been presumed and that relatively simple, previously published, nonproprietary techniques, when adapted to a bilayer format, yield acceptable results as defined in terms of biocompatibility, capacity for graft incorporation, and inhibition of wound contraction.
Neonatal Enterocolitis Associated with Coronavirus Infection in a Foal: A Case Report:

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Accommodating uncertainty in a tree set for function estimation

Multiple branching trees have been used to model the acquisition of HIV drug resistance mutations, and several different algorithms have been developed to construct the tree set that best describes the data. These algorithms have mainly focused on the structure of the tree set. The focal point of this paper is estimation of functions of the tree set parameters that incorporate uncertainty in the tree set. The functions of interest are the state probabilities, the co-occurrence of mutations and the order of acquisition. Such functions are of interest because they help characterize the genetic pathways that lead to multi-drug resistance. We propose a bootstrap technique to account for the additional variability in estimates due to uncertainty in the tree set. The methods are applied to genetic sequences of patients from a database compiled by the Forum for Collaborative HIV Research in an effort to characterize genetic pathways to resistance to drugs from the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) class. The main results were that patients with a 211K mutation in the RT region of the viral genome were more likely to have a 215Y mutation and less likely to have a 70R mutation compared to patients without a 211K mutation.