cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular modeling of phytochrome

Molecular models of phytochrome were generated to gain insight into structure-function relationships of this important, tetrapyrrole-containing plant protein. Molecular dynamics simulation of a 51-amino acid segment surrounding the chromophore attachment site in oat phytochrome (Cys-321) generated a folded structure. Cys-321 was located within this structure in a β -turn at the entrance of a distinct pocket. When attached to this amino acid, a semicircular conformation of the P r chromophore easily fit within the pocket, with the sidechain carboxyl groups in association with Arg and Lys residues in the peptide backbone. Models of Z and E isomers at the C-4 or C-15 double bonds were generated to produce potential conformations of the P fr chromophore. Comparison of predicted reactivity of the tetrapyrrole, deduced from the models, with that described in the extensive literature on phytochrome clearly indicated that isomerization at C-4 is consistent with experimental data. Isomerization at C-4 caused the chromophore to move partially out of the pocket and brought the sidechain carboxyl groups and ring D to the surface of the polypeptide. This change in orientation is compatible with the observed interaction of P fr with metal ions, which possibly is a component in the physiological activity of this protein.
Human immunodeficiency virus, herpes virus infections, and pulmonary vascular disease

AbstractThe following state-of-the-art seminar was delivered as part of the Aspen Lung Conference on Pulmonary Hypertension and Vascular Diseases held in Aspen, Colorado in June 2012. This paper will summarize the lecture and present results from a nonhuman primate model of infection with Simian (Human) Immunodeficiency Virus - nef chimeric virions as well as the idea that polymorphisms in the HIV-1 nef gene may be driving the immune response that results in exuberant inflammation and aberrant endothelial cell (EC) function. We will present data gathered from primary HIV nef isolates where we tested the biological consequences of these polymorphisms and how their presence in human populations may predict patients at risk for developing this disease. In this article, we also discuss how a dysregulated immune system, in conjunction with a viral infection, could contribute to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Both autoimmune diseases and some viruses are associated with defects in the immune system, pri...
Undoing cocaine's consequences on behavior and brain

A large body of animal research within the field of drug abuse has established that environmental variables can significantly modulate a range of addiction-related behaviors. Stressful and aversive conditions can enhance sensitization to the locomotor stimulant effects of drugs as well as drug-seeking and drug intake (1, 2). Stress-reducing manipulations and nondrug rewards may have the opposite effect, in that they can reduce such behaviors (2, 3). Some of this latter work has shown that the acquisition of addiction-related behaviors such as sensitization and drug self-administration is attenuated in animals housed in “enriched” environments (containing novel toys, food, and conspecifics with which to interact) compared with those housed in standard laboratory conditions (4, 5), but such findings do not present a practical guide to treating drug-addicted humans, who present for treatment only after drug use is acquired. However, in this issue of PNAS, Solinas et al. (6) suggest that environmental enrichment can still exert its beneficial effects on addiction-related behaviors even after they are established.
On Conway's recursive sequence

Abstract The recurrence a ( n ) = a ( a ( n − 1)) + a ( n − a ( n − 1)), a (1) = a (2) = 1 defines an integer sequence, publicized by Conway and Mallows, with amazing combinatorial properties that cry out for explanation. We take a step towards unravelling this mystery by showing that a ( n ) can (and should) be viewed as a simple ‘compression’ operation on finite sets. This gives a combinatorial characterization of a ( n ) from which one can read off most of its properties. We prove a conjecture of Mallows on the asymptotic shape of a ( n ), and give an algorithm for solving Conway's challenge problem about the epsilontics of ( a ( n )/ n −1/2). Along the way we encounter some beautiful constructions involving trees, recursively expanding finite strings, and refinements of Pascal's triangle. Newman's generalizations of a ( n ) can be analyzed in the same way, and the results obtained point to possible relations with Conway's theory of games.
Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of the isoflavone biochanin A in rats

Biochanin A(BCA) is a dietary isoflavone present in legumes, most notably red clover, and in many herbal dietary supplements. BCA has been reported to have chemopreventive properties and is metabolized to the isoflavone genistein (GEN), BCA conjugates, and GEN conjugates. The metabolites may contribute to the chemopreventive effects of BCA. The absorption, metabolism, and disposition of BCA have not been determined in rats. Our objective was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of BCA in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered BCA by intravenous injection (1 and 5 mg/kg), by intraperitoneal injection (5 and 50 mg/kg), and orally (5 and 50 mg/kg). Plasma and bile samples were enzymatically hydrolyzed in vitro to determine conjugate concentrations for BCA and GEN. Equilibrium dialysis was used to determine protein binding. The BCA and GEN concentrations in plasma, urine, and bile were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The pharmacokinetic parameters of BCA were analyzed by noncompartmental analysis. Significant levels of BCA conjugates and GEN conjugates were detected in plasma and bile. Both BCA and GEN were found to have a high clearance and a large apparent volume of distribution; the bioavailability of both was poor (<4%). Reentry peaks were evident after oral administration of both BCA and GEN, suggesting enterohepatic cycling. The free fraction of BCA in rat plasma was 1.5%. A2-compartment model that included both linear and nonlinear clearance terms and enterohepatic recirculation best described the plasma data. This represents the first evaluation of the dose-dependent pharmacokinetics and metabolism of BCA in rats.
Systemic Hypertension and Its Management

The pathophysiology of hypertension in dogs and cats, the methods available to monitor blood pressure, and the signs and treatment of hypertension are reviewed. Clinical signs of hypertension are usually referable to target organ damage, most notably in ophthalmic, renal, and cardiovascular tissues, which have a rich arteriolar supply. Blood pressure should be measured in any animal with renal disease, hyperthyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, retinal detachment or hemorrhage, hyphema, or echocardiographically determined cardiac hypertrophy. All cats with acquired cardiac murmur should also be evaluated for hypertension. Antihypertensive medication should be administered if the indirect blood pressure in cats is consistently over 170/100 mmHg, or if the indirect blood pressure in dogs is greater than 180/100 mmHg.
Boron nitride as a substrate for H2 monolayer studies

We report measurements of the adsorption isotherms of helium and methane on boron nitride. The suitability of using BN as a substrate for studying the two-dimensional, orientational ordering of quantum quadrupoles on a triangular lattice is also discussed.
Of Mice and Men: Protective and Pathogenic Immune Responses to West Nile Virus Infection

West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne flavivirus, first emerged in the Western Hemisphere in 1999. Although the majority of infections are asymptomatic, West Nile virus (WNV) causes significant morbidity and mortality in a minority of individuals who develop neuroinvasive disease, in particular the elderly and immunocompromised. Research in animal models has demonstrated interactions between WNV and the innate and adaptive immune system, some of which protect the host and others which are deleterious. Studies of disease pathogenesis in humans are less numerous, largely due to the complexities of WNV epidemiology. Human studies that have been done support the notion that innate and adaptive immune responses are delicately balanced and may help or harm the host. Further human investigations are needed to characterize beneficial responses to WNV with the goal of such research leading to therapeutics and effective vaccines in order to control this emerging viral disease.
Comments on Piezoelectric Effect in Liquid Crystals

Abstract A study on Meyer's hypothesis for piezoelectric effect in liquid crystals is made. We find that according to his model the existence of a domain structure in nematic liquid crystals when placed in a constant electric field depends critically upon the magnitude of dielectric anisotropy. Both positive and negative dielectric anisotropy have inhibitory effect on the appearance of a periodic pattern. There is a critical value in the magnitude of dielectric anisotropy above which no periodicity can occur. Thermal fluctuations from equilibrium orientation pattern are studied by means of linearized dynamical equations. We find that with the piezoelectric coupling there will appear optical modes which are damped oscillations induced by the electromagnetic field besides the ordinary slow mode of relaxation. Under the simplifying assumption that the sum of two piezoelectric coefficients is zero, the change to the spectrum for the slow mode due to the proposed piezoelectric effect is vanishingly small.
X-ray spectrometry and personal computers

Deux programmes de correction de l'effet d'augmentation d'absorption du a d'autres elements que ceux a analyser
Determination of lockbox collection points via simulated annealing

This research presents a heuristic to solve the lockbox location problem via a search-based technique known as simulated annealing. In the past, more traditional mathematical programming techniques have been used to address this problem, but with limited success due to its combinatorial nature. Because simulated annealing is a search-based technique, an optimal solution is not guaranteed, but past research has demonstrated that search-based heuristics can provide reasonable solutions without the difficulties associated with the more traditional formulations. In this paper, the simulated annealing methodology is used to solve a large lockbox location problem at several differing levels of cost. The results compare favourably to solutions obtained from a K-means clustering heuristic.
Parts and boundaries.

Abstract Within the framework of Conceptual Semantics, a family of conceptual features and functions is developed that accounts for phenomena in the semantics of noun phrases such as the mass-count distinction, plurality, the partitive construction (a leg of the table) , the constitutive construction (a house of wood) , the “Universal Packager” (three coffees) , and boundary words such as end, edge , and crust . Using the strong formal parallelism between noun phrase semantics and event structure that is a hallmark of the Conceptual Semantics approach, the features and functions of the NP system are applied to a wide range of problems in event structure, for example the analysis of the Vendler classes, the meaning of the progressive, the “imperfective paradox”, and “aktionsarten” such as the syntactically unexpressed sense of repetition in The light flashed until dawn . Crucial to the analysis is that these features and functions can be expressed in syntactic structure either by being part of lexical conceptual structure, or by use of a morphological affix, or by being associated with the meaning of a construction such as N of NP or nominal compounding. Alternatively, they may remain unexpressed altogether, being introduced into the conceptual structure of a phrase by “rules of construal”. This shows that lexical semantics and phrasal semantics interpenetrate deeply, and that there is no strict one-to-one correspondence between syntactic and semantic structures. In addition, the analysis provides further evidence that natural language semantics must be based on a psychological view of meaning — it must be concerned with how language users are constructed to understand and schematize the world.
DEVOLUTION and RECENTRALIZATION OF WELFARE ADMINISTRATION: Implications for “New Federalism”

When the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program was created, participating states were made responsible for the administration of the program. States could choose between administering the program themselves or allowing local administration under state supervision. Initially, 32 of the 50 states (64%) opted for the state-supervised, locally-administered structure. By 1990, only 15 states (30%) were operating under state-supervised systems. Amid decades of talk about federal-to-state decentralization, seventeen states have chosen to centralize their welfare administration systems. This choice is an important one as there is substantial evidence indicating that administrative structure is an important determinant of program delivery costs and equity. This article uses a logit model to identify the characteristics that have influenced state choice of administrative model. The results suggest that decisions to centralize welfare administration have been systematic choices, driven by geographic, demographic, economic, and political considerations unique to each state.
Pott's paresis presentation in the emergency department.

A 41-year-old man presented with lower extremity weakness and numbness that began 48 h prior to presentation. He noted progressive difficulty in ambulation, numbness and tingling from the lower abdomen to the toes, and difficulty initiating urination. He had been diagnosed with pulmonary and spinal tuberculosis 8 weeks previously after presenting with upper back pain after a mechanical fall and was undergoing anti-tuberculosis medical therapy. At the time of initial diagnosis he had pulmonary and T6-T7 bone involvement, but no epidural involvement. He was compliant with drug therapy and had documented negative sputum tests after 2 weeks of treatment. Vitals signs upon presentation were: pulse 110 beats/min, respiratory rate 18 breaths/min, blood pressure 112/78 mmHg, and temperature 36.4°C. Physical exam demonstrated tenderness in the T5-T7 area. On neurological exam, sensation was intact to light touch above approximately the T5 sensory level, and numbness was present below the T5 sensory level bilaterally. Strength was 5/5 in the upper extremities and 4/5 in the lower extremities. DTRs in the lower extremities were 1 + bilaterally. The toes were down going bilaterally, and toe proprioception was intact bilaterally. Heel-to-shin test was unable to be completed by the patient. The patient could only ambulate with assistance due to lack of coordination. A rectal exam performed noted normal rectal tone. MRI was obtained and demonstrated gross abnormalities of T5-T6 and multiple epidural abscesses in the T5-T6 region, causing displacement of the spinal cord posteriorly (Fig. 1). Fig. 1 Magnetic resonance imaging at presentation demonstrated multiple epidural abscesses in the T5-T6 region with enhancing paravertebral masses bilaterally and an enhancing epidural mass. The epidural mass caused displacement of the spinal cord posteriorly. ... The most common cause of delay in the diagnosis of bony tuberculosis is failure to consider the diagnosis, especially in patients who have normal chest radiographs. More than 50% of such patients do not have evidence of active chest disease [1]. Among patients that manifest bony tuberculosis, the spine is involved in 50% of patients. Of those involving the spine, the thoracic spine is the site of infection in 50%, the cervical spine in 25%, and the lumbar spine in 25% [2, 3]. Like tubercular infection of the spine, epidural abscess is commonly misdiagnosed as a benign cause of back pain. Most epidural abscesses are not diagnosed until the patient has neurologic deficits or a fever [4]. In any mass effect on the spine, neurosurgical consultation should be obtained, emergently. Empiric therapy for active TB infections is multi-drug therapy. Treatment is continued for at least 6 months.
Assaying structural changes after nerve damage, an essay on quantitative morphology

Abstract Morphologic changes, such as cell loss or sprouting after nerve lesions, presumably have an important bearing on chronic pain states. Accordingly, unbiased estimates of such things as cell or synapse numbers are necessary to evaluate these difficulties. Basic principles for obtaining such estimates are in dispute, however, so the present paper is an essay on these techniques with the aim of making it easier for non-devotees of these methods to make accurate assessments when such data are reported. The basic points are that, with the exception of serial reconstructions, which are very inefficient, older techniques to determine cell and synapse numbers from histological sections make geometric assumptions that are almost never verified or quantified. Accordingly, the geometrical biases that arise from these assumptions are not assessed. Fortunately, recent stereological techniques do not depend on these assumptions and so are free from the above biases. As such, these represent a technological advance. It must be remembered, however, that all methods are subject to potential observational, methodological and sampling biases.
CRT colorimetry. part I: Theory and practice

The relationship was derived for computer-controlled color CRT displays between spectral radiant exitance emitted and digital counts. The derivation was historical and could be traced to pioneering work in photographic sensitometry, vacuum tube physics, and broadcast television. By performing radiometric measurements relative to a display's maximum exitance, the model simplified to a two-stage model. The first stage was a nonlinear transformation relating normalized digital-to-analog converter values to device-dependent monitor tristimulus values using model parameters of gain, offset, and γ. The second stage was a linear transformation where the device-dependent monitor tristimulus values were transformed to device-independent CIE tristimulus values. By using the model, colorimetric characterization accuracy of better than 0.5 CIELAB color-difference units for 125 colors sampling the display color gamut was achieved by measuring the CIE tristimulus values of only eight colors. The model had equivalent performance to methods using extensive measurements and table lookup. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth behaviour of an Al2O3-SiC composite

The fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth characteristics of an Al2O3-SiC whisker composite were investigated. Quasi static fracture experiments were conducted on double edge-notched tension specimens and on four-point bend specimens containing a through-thickness Mode I crack which was introduced under uniaxial cyclic compression. The toughness results obtained using this procedure are more reproducible than those derived from the indentation technique and the notched bend bar method. The fracture toughness of the composite is about 60% higher than that of the unreinforced matrix material. Crack growth characteristics at room temperature were also investigated in notched plates of Al2O3-SiC subjected to fully compressive far-field cyclic loads. In the presence of a stress concentrator, this composite is found to be highly susceptible to fatigue crack growth under cyclic compressive loads.
“You Should Know Her But You Don't”: A Single Woman Brings Jeannette Rankin to the Stage

Nevada Shakespeare Company in a new theatre production, A SingleWoman, has brought to life Jeannette Rankin and her struggle for peace and for workers, women, and children. Drawing on excerpts from the script and interviews with Jeanmarie Simpson and Cameron Crain, the play's author and director, respectively, this article seeks to bring into sharper focus the uncompromising struggle for peace and against militarism that engaged many of socialwork's early leaders.
MECHANISTIC CONSIDERATIONS IN CANCER RISK ASSESSMENT

(1999). MECHANISTIC CONSIDERATIONS IN CANCER RISK ASSESSMENT. Inhalation Toxicology: Vol. 11, No. 6-7, pp. 549-554.
Controls on capital inflows and the transmission of external shocks

In this paper we attempt to analyse whether price-based controls on capital inflows are successful in insulating economies against external shocks. We present results from vector autoregressive (VAR) models, which indicate that Chile and Colombia, countries that adopted controls on capital inflows, seem to have been relatively well insulated against certain types of external disturbances. Subsequently, we use the autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) approach to co-integration in order to isolate the effects of the capital controls on the pass-through of external disturbances to domestic interest rates in those economies. We conclude that there is evidence that the capital controls have allowed for greater policy autonomy.
Growth, trade, and international transfers

Abstract This paper analyzes the simplest neoclassical economy in which agents have finite lives and there is sustained per capita growth. The growth rate of the world economy depends upon countries' savings propensities and common technology. Trade can reverse an economy's autarkic growth trajectory, and a country with a high savings rate runs a current account surplus. If a surplus country expands aggregate demand while a deficit country contracts analogously, world growth increases. An appropriate international policy can change the path of the world economy from stagnation to growth.
Word recognition materials for native speakers of Taiwan Mandarin.

Purpose To select, digitally record, evaluate, and psychometrically equate word recognition materials that can be used to measure the speech perception abilities of native speakers of Taiwan Mandar...
Atrazine sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymer-modified gold electrode.

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) have been elucidated to work as artificial receptors. In our present study, a MIP was applied as a molecular recognition element to a chemical sensor. We have constructed an atrazine sensor based on a MIP layer selective for atrazine and its electrochemical reduction on gold electrode. The atrazine sensor was fabricated by directly polymerizing the atrazine-imprinted polymer composed from methacrylic acid and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate onto the surface of a gold electrode. By introducing LiCl into the MIP, atrazine was reduced below −800 mV vs Ag/AgCl reference electrode, at pH 3. The cathodic current of atrazine depended on the concentration of atrazine at the range of 1−10 μM. The sensor exhibited a selective response to atrazine. A nonimprinted polymer-modified electrode did not show selective response to atrazine, thus implying that the imprinted polymer acts as recognition element of atrazine sensor.
Synthesis of substituted dihydroisocarbostyrils from 5-hydroxyamides obtained from dilithio-N-substituted o-toluamides

δ-Hydroxyamides, prepared by condensation of ketones or aldehydes at the 2-methyl group of Nsubstituted o-toluamides by means of n-butyllithium, were cyclodehydrated with sulfuric acid to form 2,3-disubstituted and 2,3,3-trisubstituted 3,4-dihydroisocarbostyriIs. Also, δ-hydroxyamides obtained from condensation of ketones at the 2-benzyl group of N-methyl-o-benzylbenzamide, were cyclodehydrated to give 2,3,3,4-tetrasubstituted 3,4-dihydroisocarbo-styrils. All of the products appeared to be new. This new method, which involves an unusual acid catalyzed cyclodehydration, is convenient and apparently quite general.
Prison behavior and the victim-offender relationship among violent offenders

This research explores the role of the victim-offender relationship of prison inmates' commitment crimes in predicting violent offenders' behavior problems. The importance of the victim-offender relationship is supported by anecdotal accounts and theoretical reasoning which suggest that nonstranger offenders have fewer disciplinary problems in prison than stranger offenders. Inmate interviews and official data were collected from 273 violent offenders. Results suggest that inmates with more extensive rule-breaking behaviors are likely to be younger, less intelligent individuals who victimize strangers, have had more numerous juvenile convictions, and have served at least one prior prison term. Conclusions and implications for public policy are discussed.
The acute phase response in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, from S. typhimurium) or muramyl dipeptide (MDP, N-acetylmuramyl-L-ala-isoglutamine) in Japanese quail. Doses of MDP between 0.3 and 10 mg/kg body wt. had no effect on body temperature. In contrast, doses of 1.0-22.5 mg LPS/kg body wt. caused significant increases in body temperature. None of the doses of LPS or MDP resulted in mortality. The febrile response to LPS was diminished following a second injection 48 h after the first, and was absent following a third injection. Plasma zinc, an indicator of the acute phase response, was significantly reduced by either LPS or MDP after the first injection (P<0.001), but not after the second or third injection. Splenic interleukin 1-beta (IL-1beta) mRNA expression was increased after the first and last injection of LPS (P<0.001), but only after the first injection of MDP (P<0.005). Hepatic IL-1beta mRNA expression was increased after the first, but not the third injection of LPS (P<0.001), while MDP had no effect. These data indicate that Japanese quail are less sensitive to MDP than LPS, and that quail demonstrate tolerance to LPS following repeated injections.
Acute stress impairs (or induces) synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) but does not affect paired-pulse facilitation in the stratum radiatum of rat hippocampus.

Rats were exposed to restraint coupled with 60, 1-sec, 1-mA, 60-Hz tail shocks. One hippocampus was immediately dissected for in vitro measurement of pairedpulse facilitation and LTP of the excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) recording from the stratum radiatum of field CA1. There was no change in paired-pulse facilitation, suggesting that acute exposure to the stressor does not result in a decrease in presynaptic neurotransmitter release. There was, however, a significant decrease in the percent LTP produced by theta burst stimulation relative to naive controls. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the stress-induced impairment of LTP is a result of changes in the postsynaptic glutamate receptors, specifically the AMPA type. © Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Characterizing continuous powder mixing using residence time distribution

Continuous powder mixing is an efficient alternative in high volume manufacturing of powder-based products. A new method is communicated in this paper to determine the effects of different operating conditions and mixer configurations on mixing performance. The main idea of the proposed methodology is the utilization of experimental residence time distribution (RTD) measurements to (a) determine the contributions of feeding variability, powder segregation and RTD variability on output composition variance and (b) develop a predictive model of the output variance of a continuous mixer. The method is illustrated using experimental data for mixing acetaminophen and lactose in convective continuous mixer.
High frequency scattering by a double impedance wedge

High-frequency diffraction coefficients are presented for up to and including the third-order interaction mechanisms associated with impedance double-wedge structures. The employed formulation is based on the extended spectral ray method (ESRM) accounting for all surface-wave contributions in a rigorous manner. Key identities are provided to enable an efficient asymptotic evaluation of the resulting integrals via a modified Paul-Clemmow steepest-descent method. The double-wedge structures considered are composed of a common face and outer faces which do not intersect. Examples of the structures studied are the thick impedance half-plane and the impedance insert in a full plane. Computations of the diffracted fields are also presented and found to be in good agreement with corresponding data generated with alternate methods. Some backscatter and bistatic patterns are presented for the purpose of examining the variation of the scattered fields as a function of the wedge angle and impedance. >
Long-Term Follow-Up of Fibromyalgia Patients Who Completed a Structured Treatment Program versus Patients in Routine Treatment

Objective: To determine whether patients with fibromyalgia [FMS], treated in a tertiary care setting, got worse over time, remained the same, or got better.Methods: Validated self-report questionnaires and checklists were sent at two-year intervals to patients who were screened for entry into a six-month FMS treatment program. Patients were divided into subgroups based on whether they finished the program or did not enter or finish. They were followed for up to nine years.Results: The subgroup that finished the six-month program had lower Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory and higher Quality of Life Scale scores over time than the subgroup that did not enter the program or finish. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire scores of program finishers were significantly lower at three to four years [P =. 031] and seven to nine years [P =. 001]. Beck Depression Inventory scores were significantly lower at three to four years [P =. 047]. The Quality of Life Scale scores were not signi...
Comments on Specific Language Impairment as a Clinical Category

This paper views specific language disorders as a heterogeneous group of language-impaired children consisting of distinct subtypes, each potentially accounted for by differing causal factors. Iden...
"Not Like a Regular Science Class": Informal Science Education for Students with Disabilities

For many reasons, students with disabilities are not as thoroughly represented in science careers as are their nondisabled peers. In this case study, the authors explore the effects an informal education program focused on environmental science and delivered to college-bound students with disabilities had on comfort level with science and interest in science careers. Results indicate that the informal nature of the program was well-received and increased individuals' confidence in their science ability. The authors present suggestions for translating this experience into a traditional classroom setting.
Which handheld should I buy

The PDA or handheld computer, is not just a toy of the Cusper generation or for your pre-teens to use for games. It is a serious tool that has found a niche in medicine. Everyone of our residents carries a PDA and uses it several times a day. Web-based programs such as ePocrates provide them with instantaneous information on correct drug dosage and interactions. The literature already contains reports of the ability of this type of PDA-based software to reduce prescription errors. Our residents also use shareware versions of patient management software to keep track of patients on service and of individual surgeon's preferences. If your residents use ResSOLution to enter surgery case data, they will find that the new, PDA-based version shown at the recent Surgical Education Week will make data entry and transmission to the program director's files a piece of cake. The software has a long-awaited, full alpha-search capability for current CPT codes. I download my calendar and telephone files to my PDA every day so that I have everything on my office computer in the "palm" of my hand where and when I need it. Try remembering the office number of a referring physician in the middle of the night or suffering through the Muzak-ridden delays of waiting for a hospital operator to give you a specific extension and you will carry your PDA too!
Why does the best-looking person in the room always seem to be surrounded by admirers ?

When asked to rank attributes of interpersonal attraction, people typically place physical attractiveness below many other qualities. Yet when the opportunity arises, they choose to interact with physically attractive others. Social exchange theory suggests that this behavior is quite reasonable since the assessment cost of physical attractiveness is minimal.
Auditing and Accounting for the Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

In 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. (SFAS) 167 (ASC 810), which broadens the number of entities that will consolidate formerly unconsolidated offbalance sheet assets and liabilities, and otherwise greatly changes the framework for consolidated financial statements. While the literature provides some examples of accounting for Variable Interest Entities (VIEs), little discussion examines how to audit such VIEs, which is important in light of some related audit failures. In this article, the authors summarize the provisions of SFAS 167 and discuss the auditing implications. They also discuss how recent International Financial Reporting Standards affect how entities should account for and audit VIEs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A sketch-based interface for classifying and visualizing vector fields

In flow visualization, field lines are often used to convey both global and local structure and movement of the flow. One challenge is to find and classify the representative field lines. Most existing solutions follow an automatic approach that generates field lines characterizing the flow and arranges these lines into a single picture. In our work, we advocate a user-centric approach to exploring 3D vector fields. Our method allows the user to sketch 2D curves for pattern matching in 2D and field lines clustering in 3D. Specifically, a 3D field line whose view-dependent 2D projection is most similar to the user drawing will be identified and utilized to extract all similar 3D field lines. Furthermore, we employ an automatic clustering method to generate field-line templates for the user to locate subfields of interest. This semi-automatic process leverages the user's knowledge about the flow field through intuitive user interaction, resulting in a promising alternative to existing flow visualization solutions. With our sketch-based interface, the user can effectively dissect the flow field and make more structured visualization for analysis or presentation.
Yra1 is required for S phase entry and affects Dia2 binding to replication origins.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae F-box protein Dia2 is important for DNA replication and genomic stability. Using an affinity approach, we identified Yra1, a transcription-coupled mRNA export protein, as a Dia2 interaction partner. We find that yra1 mutants are sensitive to DIA2 expression levels. Like Dia2, Yra1 associates with chromatin and binds replication origins, suggesting that they may function together in DNA replication. Consistent with this idea, Yra1 and Dia2 coimmunoprecipitate with Hys2, a subunit of DNA polymerase δ. The C terminus of Yra1 is required to interact with Dia2. A yra1 mutant that lacks this domain is temperature sensitive yet has no apparent defect in RNA export. Remarkably, this mutant also fails to enter S phase at the nonpermissive temperature. Significantly, other mutants in transcription-coupled export do not exhibit S phase entry defects or sensitivity to DIA2 expression levels. Together, these results indicate that Yra1 has a role in DNA replication distinct from its role in mRNA export. Furthermore, Dia2 binding to replication origins is significantly reduced when association with Yra1 is compromised, suggesting that one aspect of the role of Yra1 in DNA replication may involve recruiting Dia2 to chromatin.
Improved approximations for the minimum-cut ratio and the flux

LetC be any concurrent flow problem with integer demands and capacities on an undirected graphG. Kleinet al. [5] recently showed that the maximum throughputz * is Ω (S/(logC logD)), whereS is the minimum cut ratio,C is the sum of the capacities on the edges, andD is the sum of the demands of the commodities. They also presented a polynomial time algorithm which finds a cut whose ratio isS · O(logC logD). Leighton and Rao [8] have shown that for the concurrent flow problem with a unit demand between every pair of nodes,z * is Ω (S/logn), wheren is the number of nodes ofG. This leads to anO(logn) approximation of the flux of a graphG with uniform weights on the nodes. We show that for the problem in [5] the maximum throughputz * is Ω(S/(logn logD)), and we find a cut whose ratio isS · O (logn logD). For the special case in which the demands have the form $$demand between u and v = l(u) \cdot \frac{{l(v)}}{2},$$ wherel(u) is an assignment of a positive integer weight to nodeu, we show that the lower bound onz* can be improved to be Ω(S/logn). This generalizes the result of Leighton and Rao.
Abstract C15: Combined blockade of AKT kinase with gemcitabine overcomes FKBP5-mediated resistance of inhibition of pancreatic tumor growth.

We have recently showed that the immunophilin FKBP5 (also known as FKBP5) as a scaffolding protein that can enhance PHLPP-AKT interaction and facilitate PHLPP-mediated dephosphorylation of AKT-Ser473, negatively regulating AKT activation in vitro. Therefore, FKBP5 might function as a tumor suppressor and levels of FKBP5 would affect cell response to chemotherapy. In the current study, we took a step forward by using pancreatic caner xenograft mice model to show that FKBP5−/− promotes tumor growth and renders resistance to gemcitabine and addition of AKT inhibitors have more significant sensitization effect on FKBP5−/− mice to gemcitabine treatment. The combination of triciribine and gemcitabine resulted in cooperative inhibition of pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and the growth of xenografts in vivo without increasing toxicity, as well as cooperative inhibition of AKT signaling pathways at concentrations that were ineffective as individual agents. These results provide evidence for future clinical studies designed to tailor the therapy based on the biomarker. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C15.
On the Properties of Irredundant Logic Networks

The constraints imposed by various types of irredundancy on the structure of combinational logic networks are investigated. It is shown that the usual notion of irredundancy, here called a-irredundancy, places bounds on the maximum number of inputs to certain types of network structures. A network is called b-redundant if it contains a cascade of single-input gates that can be reduced to either an inverter or a single line. Let Nab(Z) denote all realizations of Z that are both a- and b-irredundant. If N ∈ N ab (Z), then the number of gates in any fan-out-free subnetwork of N is bounded. It is shown that a solution to some important design optimization problems can be found in N ab (Z). It is conjectured that N āb (Z) is finite and some results supporting this conjecture are presented. For example, it is impossible to construct an arbitrarily long cascade of networks that perform the identity transformation without introducing a- or b-redundancy. A more general type of redundancy, c-redundancy, is defined which includes both a- and b-redundancy as special cases. The class of c-irredundant realizations of Z is finite.
Relationship between average and real memory behavior

The CRAY Y-MP has a nonintrusive hardware performance monitor that accurately accumulates certain data about program performance. This paper examines the relationship between the averages obtained from the hardware performance monitor and actual memory behavior of the Perfect Club Benchmarks run on a single processor of an eight-processor CRAY Y-MP. I/O and instruction buffer fetches are not considered. The vectorized programs show regular behavior characterized by dominant vector lengths and interburst times. The distribution of vector lengths is not well-predicted by hardware performance monitor averages. Scalar programs also exhibit some clumping of memory references but have less temporal regularity than the vectorized programs. While overall port utilization is surprisingly low, there is considerable cyclic variation, and all of the ports tend to experience their maximal loading at the same time. A simple probabilistic model is developed to allow estimation of port utilitzation from hardware performance monitor data. The results can be used as a guide for generating more realistic synthetic memory workloads and port utilization estimates for shared-memory machines.
A fully polynomial epsilon approximation cutting plane algorithm for solving combinatorial linear programs containing a sufficiently large ball

A cutting plane algorithm is presented for finding @e-approximate solutions to integer programs contained in the unit hypercube and represented by a separation oracle. Under the assumption that a polynomially bounded ball is contained in the feasible region of the problem, it is demonstrated that the algorithm is an oracle fully polynomial @e approximation scheme. Implications of the result for 0/1 integer programming are discussed.
Assessing visual gray-scale sensitivity on a CRT

Current imaging display systems are capable of digitizing an image to eight bits of gray scale (256 levels). For demanding imaging applications such as X-ray images or satellite images more levels of gray scale may be required to extract fine details in the complex images. Obviously the digitization process should not result in the loss of critical information. Conversely the extension of gray scale capability beyond eight bits is associated with a marked increase in system expense and development resources. The desire, then, is to provide all the visual information that the human observer is capable of detecting without over-designing the system beyond the capacity of human vision.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Coded‐aperture x‐ or γ‐ray telescope with least‐squares image reconstruction. II. Computer simulation

A novel design of coded‐aperture x‐ or γ‐ray telescope is described in a companion article [Kohman, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 60, 3396 (1989)] A fortran computer program xgrtel developed for simulation of its operation is described briefly and illustrated with a representative simulation of the imaging of a synthetic object field with a small system; details are presented in supporting material. The simulation is displayed graphically, and significant results from numerous other simulations are presented. These explore the effects of various instrument parameters, object characteristics, etc., and indicate the overall imaging performance. Under appropriate circumstances excellent imaging, limited only by pixel‐size resolution and statistics of counting, is achieved. The point‐spread function contains no side‐lobes, ghost images, or excess noise when the least‐squares reconstruction method is used with random‐coded apertures, which yield just as good results as uniformly redundant‐array apertures. Disadvantages o...
Low temperature properties of the cubic K5R[Ni(NO2)6]2 compounds

Abstract The K5 R[ Ni( NO2)6]2 compounds are composed of interpenetrating bcc rare earth R3+ and fcc Ni2+ lattice, with overall Pn3 symmetry. The Ni-Ni interactions are antiferromagnetic but frustrated, as evidenced by the depressed ordering temperature of K5 Y[ Ni( NO2)6]2. The frustration appears to be reduced when certain of the rare earths are substituted for Y. Ferromagnetic order is observed for R = Gd at Tc∼1.5 K. Susceptibility data for other R may be consistent with a spin glass ground state.
Validating the voodoo doll task as a proxy for aggressive parenting behavior

OBJECTIVE: Six studies (N = 1,081 general population parents) assessed the validity of the voodoo doll task (VDT) as a proxy for aggressive parenting behaviors. METHOD: Participants were given an opportunity to symbolically inflict harm by choosing to stick "pins" into a doll representing their child. RESULTS: Individual differences in parents' trait aggression (Studies 1, 2, and 6), state hostility (Study 3), attitudes toward the corporal punishment of children (Study 4), self-control (Study 6), depression (Study 6), and child physical abuse risk (Study 6) were associated with increased pin usage. Further, parents used more pins after imagining their child performing negative behaviors compared to after imagining their child perform positive behaviors (Study 5). A number of demographic variables also were associated with pin usage: Fathers used pins more than mothers and parents' education level was inversely related to pin usage. Finally, on average, parents viewed the VDT as slightly uncomfortable, but not objectionable, to complete (Study 6). CONCLUSIONS: Our evidence suggests that the VDT may serve as a useful proxy for parent-to-child aggression. Language: en
Racial Minority Status and Distress Among Children and Adolescents

ABSTRACT This study examines the relationship between racial background and two measures of distress among 10 to 17 year-old youth. The authors test whether minority racial status has an independent effect when socioeconomic status, social support patterns, gender and age are controlled. The data for the study are drawn from the National Commission on Children: 1990 Survey of Parents and Children which provides a nationally representative sample of 918 black, Hispanic and non-Hispanic white youth and their parents. The constructions of mood and worry scales yield measures of self-reported distress. Racial heritage was not significantly associated with “mood.” Hispanic heritage was significantly related to “worry.” Although African American children did report more worry than white children, the relationship did not reach statistical significance. The implications of these findings for program development, and the delivery of services are discussed.
Erythropoietin Promotes MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Migration by an ERK/Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase-dependent Pathway and Is Primarily Responsible for the Increase in Migration Observed in Hypoxia

Recent studies indicate that cancer cells express erythropoietin receptor (EpoR). In this study, we have shown that erythropoietin (Epo) activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and promotes migration in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Epo-stimulated MCF-7 cell migration was blocked by the MEK inhibitor PD098059 and by dominant negative MEK-1, indicating an essential role for ERK. When MCF-7 cells were exposed to hypoxia (1.0% O2) for 3 h, the Epo mRNA level increased 2.4 ± 0.5-fold, the basal level of ERK activation increased, and cell migration increased 2.0 ± 0.1-fold. Soluble EpoR and Epo-neutralizing antibody significantly inhibited hypoxia-induced MCF-7 cell migration, suggesting a major role for autocrine EpoR cell signaling. MCF-7 cell migration under hypoxic conditions was also inhibited by PD098059. These experiments identify a novel pathway by which exogenously administered Epo, and Epo that is produced locally by cancer cells under hypoxic conditions, may stimulate cancer cell migration.