cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid dopamine signaling in the nucleus accumbens during contingent and noncontingent cocaine administration.

Cocaine acts as a reinforcer through its pharmacological effects on brain monoaminergic systems, which, through repeated pairings with environmental stimuli, lead to the development of conditioned effects of the drug. Both the pharmacological and conditioned aspects of cocaine are implicated in several facets of acquisition and maintenance of addiction, including drug craving. Here, we compare the effects of contingent (response dependent) and noncontingent (response independent) cocaine on rapid dopaminergic signaling in the core of the nucleus accumbens. Dopamine was monitored using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry. Noncontingent cocaine administered to both naive and animals with a history of self-administration resulted in a profound increase in the frequency of transient dopamine release events that are not time-locked to any specific environmental stimuli. Pharmacological effects were detectable approximately 40 s after cocaine administration. In contrast, when animals where allowed to self-administer cocaine on an FR-1 schedule, dopamine transients (69712 nM) were consistently observed time-locked to each reinforced response (peaking approximately 1.5 s after response completion). Importantly, no pharmacological effect of cocaine was observed within the 10 s following noncontingent cocaine administration, indicating that dopamine signals time-locked to the reinforced response are a result of the pairing of the operant behavior, the drug-associated cues, and cocaine. These data demonstrate that this pharmacological action of cocaine occurs for an extended period following either contingent or noncontingent administration, but is distinct from those dopamine transients that are time-locked to each lever-press in self-administering animals. Neuropsychopharmacology (2005) 30, 853-863, advance online publication, 17 November 2004; doi:10.1038/sj.npp.1300619
Electrochemical detection techniques in micro- and nanofluidic devices

Electrochemical techniques are widely used in microfluidic and nanofluidic devices because they are suitable for miniaturization, have better sensitivity compared to optical detection techniques, and their components can be reliably microfabricated. In addition to the detection and quantification of analytes, electrochemical techniques can be used to monitor processes such as biological cell death and protein/DNA separations/purifications. Such techniques are combined with micro- and nanofluidic devices with point-of-care (POC) applications in mind, where cost, footprint, ease of use, and independence from peripheral equipment are critical for a viable design. A large variety of electrode materials and device configurations have been employed to meet these requirements. This review introduces the reader to the major electrochemical techniques, materials, and fabrication methods for working and reference electrodes, and to surface modifications of electrodes to facilitate electrochemical measurements, in the context of micro- and nanofluidic devices. The continuing development of these techniques holds promise for the next-generation lab-on-a-chip devices, which can realize the goals of this technology such as POC clinical analysis.
Preferred communication methods of abused women.

OBJECTIVE: To determine preferred communication methods of abused women. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: A naturalistic study utilizing principles of Community Based Participatory Research. A total of 300 first time users of criminal justice or safe shelter for abused women were interviewed in person. MEASURES: The Preferred Communication Questionnaire was used to determine preference. RESULTS: Given the choice of phone voice, face to face, phone text, e-mail, or Facebook, traditional methods of communication (face-to-face communication and phone voice) were the primary (80% combined) and secondary (58.6% combined) preferred sources among abused women. A total of 292 women (97.3%) gave at least two preferred methods of communication, 255 (85%) gave three preferred methods, 190 (63%) gave four, and 132 (44%) used all five methods. CONCLUSIONS: Public health nurses and other professionals who serve abused women should be aware of their preferred method of communication for contact. The women in the sample preferred face-to-face and phone-voice communication; however, many were open to newer forms of communication such as texting and Facebook. Caution should be used to protect the safety of abused women when using any kind of communication. Language: en
Flexural Strength, Fracture Toughness, and Hardness of Silicon Carbide and Boron Carbide Armor Ceramics

Armor-grade B4C and SiC specimens were analyzed for phase assemblage, microstructure, and mechanical properties. SiC–N showed the highest four-point fracture strength, and an ∼50% higher notched beam fracture toughness than solid-state sintered B4C and SiC. This was attributed to preferential crack propagation along a weaker amorphous aluminosilicate grain-boundary interphase, which also attenuated the effect of surface flaws on bending strength. Verco B4C showed the highest hardness. That material was phase pure, fully dense, and of finer grain size as compared with pressure-assisted densification (PAD)-B4C (hot pressed). Verco SiC showed a hardness equal to (Vickers) or higher than (Knoop) PAD-B4C, and a comparatively narrow distribution in measured hardnesses. This was attributed to a fine-grained, fully dense, solid-state sintered microstructure with a fine and well-distributed graphite second phase. Hardness of all specimens decreased with increasing applied load.
SPENDING A PENNY AT ROTHESAY; OR, HOW ONE LAVATORY BECAME A GENTLEMAN'S LOO

On 19 June 1900, during the heyday of the British seaside resort, a new gentleman's lavatory opened on one of the Firth of Clyde's most famous piers. The Isle of Bute was a popular destination for Scottish Victorians, who would make the short journey from Glasgow by paddle steamer for a day of shopping or a weekend holiday. Despite its small size and close proximity to major cities, Rothesay, the island's only town, supported a large number of shops year round and hosted regular fairs during the summer. Travelers were also lured to the island by its diverse topography and by Rothesay Castle, which dates from 1230 and eventually devolved to the Stuarts. The island's moderate west-coast climate attracted a considerable number of visitors throughout the year (Figure 1).
PROTHROMBIN DEFICIENCY THE CAUSE OF BLEEDING IN BILE FISTULA DOGS

The bleeding tendency that develops in bile fistula dogs, completely or partially deprived of bile, is due to a prothrombin deficiency of the blood plasma. However, a relatively low prothrombin level may exist in these animals without the occurrence of spontaneous hemorrhage. The prothrombin level may remain within the limits of normal if sufficient bile has been fed. In these cases no disturbance in blood clotting occurs.
Localization of a cis-acting element responsible for the developmentally regulated amplification of drosophila chorion genes

Late in oogenesis two clusters of Drosophila chorion genes and flanking DNA sequences undergo specific amplification in ovarian follicle cells. Lines were constructed using P-element-mediated transformation in which DNA segments derived from the chorion gene cluster at 66D on chromosome III had been inserted at new chromosomal locations. Only transposons that contained a specific 3.8 kb genomic segment derived from the cluster underwent amplification during oogenesis, which occurred with apparently normal tissue and temporal specificity. Adjacent nonchorion sequences also underwent amplification. However, the ability of a transposon to replicate differentially was subject to position effect. These studies provide evidence for the existence of a specific, cis-acting element controlling chorion gene amplification, which includes an origin for disproportionate DNA replication. Attempts to induce amplification with subfragments of the 3.8 kb segment were unsuccessful, suggesting that much of this fragment may be required for amplification.
Knowledge Management in Decision Making: Instance-Based Cognitive Mapping

Knowledge management deals with explicit knowledge and tacit (or implicit) knowledge. One form of tacit knowledge is an individual's mental model - a hypothetical knowledge structure that integrates the ideas, assumptions, relationships, insights, facts, and misconceptions that together shape the way an individual views and interacts with reality. The purpose of this paper is to explore these mental models, why they need to be made explicit, and how such externalization can be accomplished. Specifically, after a review of the mental model theory, we propose a new technique for determining an individual's mental model based on his/her decisions in several selected situations within a specific decision domain
Four Years of Epiphyte Colonization in Douglas-fir Forest Canopies

Abstract In 1995, we installed surface-sterilized, rough-barked and smooth-barked tree branches in clearcuts, young forests, and old growth. Half of the experimental branches were inoculated with propagules of the epiphytic cyanolichen, Lobaria oregana. In 1997, we concluded that L. oregana was associated with old-growth Douglas-fir forests because of dispersal limitation; addition of L. oregana propagules resulted in a marked increase in establishment rates. In 1999, we revisited the experiment to determine whether other epiphytes had colonized the tree branches. We also checked to see if the 1997 results of the experiment persisted. A total of 26 epiphyte genera (nine bryophytes and 17 lichens) had colonized the branches. Lichen colonization was generally fastest in clearcuts. Colonization by alectorioid lichens was rapid in both clearcuts and old growth but slow in young forests. In contrast, bryophyte colonization was relatively rapid in all age classes. Epiphyte colonization was generally more rapid ...
Resistance of Tripsacorn-introgressed maize lines to Sitophilus zeamais

Abstract The maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is one of the major pests of maize worldwide. We tested one Tripsacorn-introgressed inbred maize line and 42 hybrid combinations between eleven public inbred lines and 16 different Tripsacorn-introgressed inbreds for resistance to the maize weevil to investigate if there is a genetic basis for resistance to the maize weevil that can be conferred to maize. No progeny were produced in 21 of the entries, and only eight entries had progeny production significantly greater than zero. All the lines that exhibited complete resistance (no progeny produced) are F 1 hybrids between 10 different Tripsacorn-introgressed inbred lines combined with 8 different public maize inbreds. Results indicate that all 16 Tripsacorn-introgressed inbred lines confer resistance in F 1 hybrids. In some of the Tripsacorn-introgressed lines, the degree of resistance expressed varied according to combining ability and heterotic group background. Based on the results, we hypothesize a dominant gene for weevil resistance is inherited from Tripsacorn. The data indicate that Tripsacorn provides a valuable tool for conferring native weevil resistance to maize.
Racial Discrimination and the Exercise of Peremptory Challenges

This study examines whether the prosecution is racially biased in exercising peremptory strikes in 14 murder cases in Baltimore County, Maryland and a related case in Worcester County. We were able to establish the race of 499 of 545 jurors and found that the prosecution was about twice as likely to strike African-Americans compared to whites.
Docking and Scoring with Target-Specific Pose Classifier Succeeds in Native-Like Pose Identification But Not Binding Affinity Prediction in the CSAR 2014 Benchmark Exercise

The CSAR 2014 exercise provided an important benchmark for testing current approaches for pose identification and ligand ranking using three X-ray characterized proteins: Factor Xa (FXa), Spleen Tyrosine Kinase (SYK), and tRNA Methyltransferase (TRMD). In Phase 1 of the exercise, we employed Glide and MedusaDock docking software, both individually and in combination, with the special target-specific pose classifier trained to discriminate native-like from decoy poses. All approaches succeeded in the accurate detection of native and native-like poses. We then used Glide SP and MedusaScore scoring functions individually and in combination with the pose-scoring approach to predict relative binding affinities of the congeneric series of ligands in Phase 2 of the exercise. Similar to other participants in the CSAR 2014 exercise, we found that our models showed modest prediction accuracy. Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models developed for the FXa ligands using available bioactivity data fr...
Vibrations in a spatial K-shaped metallic frame: an exact analytical study with experimental validation

In a spatial K-shaped metallic frame, there exist in- and out-of-plane bending, axial, and torsional vibrations. A wave-based vibration analysis approach is applied to obtain free and forced vibration responses in a space frame. In order to validate the analytical approach, a steel K-shaped space frame was built by welding four beam elements of rectangular and square cross-section together. Bending vibrations are modeled using both the classical Euler–Bernoulli theory and the advanced Timoshenko theory. This allows the effects of rotary inertia and shear distortion, which were neglected in the classical Euler–Bernoulli theory, to be studied. In addition, the effect of torsional rigidity adjustment for structures of rotationally non-symmetric cross-section is also examined.
Tribal Sovereignty in the 21st Century: Governing Economic Activities in Indian Country

A recent study by the University of Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis credits the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and Foxwoods with creating 41,000 jobs and adding $1.2 billion to Connecticut's economy.This enormous operation is managed by an exceptionally experienced team of casino executives, most of whom have come to Mashantucket from Las Vegas and Atlantic City. The paramount authority over the gaming enterprise is the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council, the seven-member governing body of the tribe, whose ultimate responsibility is for the health and well being of its membership, employees, and patrons.A sound economy is a fundamental building block for any society. Tribes that are progressing forward economically and socially are assertively exercising their sovereign rights of self-governance. Indeed, one of the most important and visible expressions of tribal sovereignty is the rule of law established by tribal constitutions, tribal law and order codes, and tribal court decisions. This in and of itself engenders issues of ambiguous jurisdiction and often hostile opposition to the exercise of tribal sovereignty.Based on my work throughout Indian country and for the past several years with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, I see four primary areas where the exercise of tribal sovereignty and self-rule results in litigation: the exercise of tribal sovereignty and jurisdictional issues, contracts, employment practices, and tort actions arising on the reservations. I will briefly outline the issues involved in these areas.
Radial movement of lysosomes along microtubules in permeabilized macrophages

In murine bone marrow-derived macrophages, lysosomes often form tubulovesicular compartments, whose extended distribution in the cytoplasm depends on the integrity of cytoplasmic microtubules. When macrophages with fluorescently labeled lysosomes were plated onto coverslips opsonized with IgG, they engaged that surface in a phagocytic response (frustrated phagocytosis). The tubular lysosomal compartment of these cells collected in a central, perinuclear region, despite the continued presence of a radiating array of cytoplasmic microtubules. Using methods developed in the study of melanophores, we permeabilized macrophages engaged in frustrated phagocytosis, then re-activated lysosome extension along microtubules. Permeabilization was selective for plasma membranes, in that high molecular weight probes such as trypan blue or IgG could enter cells, while fluorescent probes previously loaded into lysosomes via endocytosis remained contained therein. Addition of 2 mM ATP, GTP or UTP to these permeabilized cell models produced centrifugal extension of tubular lysosomes. Selective depletion of ATP, using Escherichia coli glycerol kinase, inhibited ATP-dependent extension but not that which occurred with GTP or UTP, indicating that the mechanism of radial movement can use any of these three nucleotide triphosphates. Extension was independent of pH between 6.8 and 7.4, and was inhibited by AMP-PNP and by GMP-PNP. Depolymerization of cytoplasmic microtubules with nocodazole prevented subsequent ATP-inducible lysosome extension, whereas preincubation of cells with cytochalasin D did not inhibit the response. These results are consistent with the in vitro mechanochemical properties of kinesin (Cohn et al., 1989), and support earlier evidence, obtained in living cells, that kinesin is the mechanochemical motor of lysosome extension along microtubules in macrophages.
Timely Closure of the Prospore Membrane Requires SPS1 and SPO77 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

During sporulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a double lipid bilayer called the prospore membrane is formed de novo, growing around each meiotic nucleus and ultimately closing to create four new cells within the mother cell. Here we show that SPS1, which encodes a kinase belonging to the germinal center kinase III family, is involved in prospore membrane development and is required for prospore membrane closure. We find that SPS1 genetically interacts with SPO77 and see that loss of either gene disrupts prospore membrane closure in a similar fashion. Specifically, cells lacking SPS1 and SPO77 produce hyperelongated prospore membranes from which the leading edge protein complex is not removed from the prospore membrane in a timely fashion. The SPS1/SPO77 pathway is required for the proper phosphorylation and stability of Ssp1, a member of the leading edge protein complex that is removed and degraded when the prospore membrane closes. Genetic dissection of prospore membrane closure finds SPS1 and SPO77 act in parallel to a previously described pathway of prospore membrane closure that involves AMA1, an activator of the meiotic anaphase promoting complex.
Generating Time-Coherent Animations from Video Data

In this paper, a series of techniques for the creation of time coherent animations from a video input is presented. The animations are generated using an analysis-synthesis approach. Information of the scene is extracted using only a 2D RGB image. No markers or depth images are needed. After the analysis, the image is drawn again using the extracted information. To guarantee temporal coherence when redrawing the image, different alternatives have been explored: Interpolation on the parameters’ domain and gradient descent parameter update. The different methods are described and illustrated with images.
Does Step 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Exam Measure Clinical Competence? A Predictive Validity Study

The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the predictive validity of medical school admissions data, preclinical and clinical achievement data, postgraduate evaluations, and the United States Medical Licensing Exam Step 1 and 2 data for performance on Step 3. A total of 321 physicians (178 men, 55.4 %; 143 women, 44.6 %) participated. Admissions data, medical school preclinical achievement data, medical school clerkship clinical performance data, postgraduate clinical performance data, and USMLE Step 1 and 2 data were independent variables. Step 3 was the dependent variable in a backwards multiple regression. An analysis of covariance with Step 3 scores as the dependent variable, Step 2 scores as the covariate, and residency program (narrowly focused vs. broadly focused two levels) as the independent variable was conducted. The regression analyses resulted in an optimal model fit with the most parsimonious combination of independent variables (multiple R = 0.686, R 2 = 0.470, p < 0.001): Step 2 (β = 0.606) + verbal reasoning (β = 0.125) + PGY1 (β = 0.161) + Year 3 (β = 0.157). Candidates in broadly focused residencies scored higher on Step 3 compared to those in narrowly focused residencies (F = 5.17, p < 0.05). The predictive validity of Step 2, verbal reasoning, PGY1 assessment, Year 3 average for Step 3 performance is supported by the optimal regression model. Candidates in broadly focused residencies scored higher on Step 3 compared to those in narrowly focused residencies. The results are evidence for the validity of Step 3 as a measure of clinical competence.
Infected Endometriotic Cysts: Clinical Characterization and Pathogenesis

Although endometriotic cysts are common, the occurrence of infection in these lesions has not been reported. Of 510 consecutive endometriotic cysts diagnosed at New York University Medical Center between 1965 and 1979, eleven had pathologically confirmed evidence of infection. These patients were nulliparous and had a mean age of 34.7 years at time of diagnosis and without long histories of endometriosis or pelvic infection. All were anemic. Six patients underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and five patients were treated with conservative surgery. The morbidity of both groups was similar. The latter had a poor prognosis for fertility. Infected endometriotic cysts demonstrate a strong association with concomitant tubal infection and a weaker association with antecedent hysterosalpingography.
Kepentingan Kaedah Penyelidikan Moden Dalam Fatwa Semasa

Fatwa bukan sahaja bersifat jawapan kepada persoalan yang diajukan tetapi juga penyelesaian terhadap kemusykilan yang berlaku dalam masyararat Islam. Oleh itu, jawapan yang diberikan seharusnya berlandaskan kepada penyelidikan hukum yang kukuh dengan mengambil kira bentuk kajian semasa. Artikel ini bertujuan menjelaskan kaedah yang perlu dipraktikkan oleh seseorang mufti dalam melakukan penyelidikan fatwa bagi menangani isu-isu semasa yang timbul. Artikel ini disediakan berasaskan kajian kepustakaan yang dilakukan dengan menganalisis pandangan para ulama tradisi dan semasa sewaktu mereka membincangkan langkah-langkah yang perlu dilalui sebelum fatwa diputuskan. Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa para ulama telah membincangkan langkah-langkah penting dalam menyelesaikan sesuatu persoalan berdasarkan realiti yang berlaku namun ianya perlu ditranformasikan dengan mengambil kira kaedah penyelidikan semasa. Kata kunci: Penyelidikan, fatwa, realiti semasa, mufti
Dose Schedule and Enhanced Conversational Recast Treatment for Children With Specific Language Impairment.

Purpose Dosage has been identified as an important element of treatment that may affect treatment efficacy. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of dose schedule for treatment of gramm...
Low electronic noise digital ASIC array system and its non-linearity

Due to the large number of pixels on pixelated CdZnTe detectors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) have been adopted for effective readout. An energy resolution of 0.48% FWHM at 662 keV has been achieved on a large volume (20×20×15mm3) CdZnTe detector with an analog ASIC designed by Brookhaven National Lab(BNL). Gamma Medica-Ideas (GM-I) has developed a digital ASIC which can provide digitized pre-amplifier waveforms for every pixel. The current digital ASIC system consists of a 2 by 2 array of ASIC modules with each module having an equivalent electronic noise of 2 keV. Thanks to the low electronic noise, the spectroscopic performance is similar to what has been achieved by the BNL ASIC. The non-linearity of this digital array system has been studied using various radiation sources with different energies. Since there are four ASICs in this array system, gamma-ray interactions may occur in more than one detector, which are called inter-module events in this study. The energy resolution of these events is worse than expected when compared to an analog array system. This paper investigates the origin of the energy resolution discrepancy observed in inter-module events. This work will also help find energy resolution degradation factors for single detector, multiple pixel events.
Reducing Lead Exposure Risk to Vulnerable Populations: A Proactive Geographic Solution

Recent headlines highlight disparities in childhood lead poisoning in urban areas yet discourse does not address the lack of primary prevention options. Previous geographic information systems (GIS...
Long-Term Outcomes of Children With Trisomy 13 and 18 After Congenital Heart Disease Interventions.

Background The purpose of this study is to report short- and long-term outcomes after congenital heart defect (CHD) interventions in patients with trisomy 13 or 18. Methods A retrospective review of the Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium (PCCC) identified children with trisomy 13 or 18 with interventions for CHD between 1982 and 2008. Long-term survival and cause of death were obtained through linkage with the National Death Index. Results A total of 50 patients with trisomy 13 and 121 patients with trisomy 18 were enrolled in PCCC between 1982 and 2008; among them 29 patients with trisomy 13 and 69 patients with trisomy 18 underwent intervention for CHD. In-hospital mortality rates for patients with trisomy 13 or trisomy 18 were 27.6% and 13%, respectively. Causes of in-hospital death were primarily cardiac (64.7%) or multiple organ system failure (17.6%). National Death Index linkage confirmed 23 deaths after discharge. Median survival (conditioned to hospital discharge) was 14.8 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.3 to 25.6 years) for patients with trisomy 13 and 16.2 years (95% CI: 12 to 20.4 years) for patients with trisomy 18. Causes of late death included cardiac (43.5%), respiratory (26.1%), and pulmonary hypertension (13%). Conclusions In-hospital mortality rate for all surgical risk categories was higher in patients with trisomy 13 or 18 than that reported for the general population. However, patients with trisomy 13 or 18, who were selected as acceptable candidates for cardiac intervention and who survived CHD intervention, demonstrated longer survival than previously reported. These findings can be used to counsel families and make program-level decisions on offering intervention to carefully selected patients.
Size Effects on Acid Bisulfite Pretreatment Efficiency: Multiple Product Yields in Spent Liquor and Enzymatic Digestibility of Pretreated Solids

Currently, feedstock size effects on chemical pretreatment performance were not clear due to the complexity of the pretreatment process and multiple evaluation standards such as the sugar recovery in spent liquor or enzymatic digestibility. In this study, we evaluated the size effects by various ways: the sugar recovery and coproduct yields in spent liquor, the chemical and thermal properties, and enzymatic digestibility of the pretreated solids. Four initial particle sizes were employed and characterized with the geometric mean diameters, which were 10.40, 2.25, 1.49, and 0.84 mm. The results showed that a decrease in the particle size improved the hydrolysis of hemicellulose and cellulose in acid bisulfite pretreatment. Higher concentrations of hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural were produced in the pretreatment of the 0.84 and 10.40 mm particles. The maximum total sugar yield of 72% was achieved with a 2.25 mm particle size at 145 °C.
Abstract P156: IRE1α Activity Is Abbreviated in Myocytes

BACKGROUND: A unifying feature of Ischemia/reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction and heart failure is disruption of endo(sarco)plasmic reticulum homeostasis and activation of the intracellular signaling pathway known as “ER Stress” or “Unfolded Protein Response” (UPR). UPR signaling is activated through three ER Stress sensor proteins, including IRE1α. IRE1α can, through direct interaction, induce adaptive or apoptotic signaling programs. Although ER stress signaling is known to be active following various cardiac injuries, it is unknown whether IRE1α contributes to an adaptive or apoptotic program. We sought to characterize the functional impact of IRE1-mediated UPR signaling in cardiomyocytes. HYPOTHESIS: IRE1α-mediated UPR signaling contributes to cardiac hypertrophy or cell death in response to pathological stresses. METHOD: NRVM were treated with adenovirus-mediated IRE1α-myc overexpression. Protein and RNA were harvested two and five days following treatment and IRE1α activation, activity and downstream signaling was monitored by PCR, qPCR, and immunoblot. RESULTS: Ectopic expression led to robust phosphor-IRE1α Ser724 and IRE1α RNase activity toward Xbp-1. BiP and EDEM expression was induced, indicative of adaptive UPR signaling. Apoptotic UPR signaling was not induced (CHOP expression). Surprisingly, IRE1α activity and downstream signaling was transient. After five days, both IRE1α RNase activity and downstream signaling were extinguished, despite continued robust IRE1α protein expression and activation (phospho-Ser724). CONCLUSION: NRVM possess uncharacterized intrinsic mechanisms to protect against unwarranted IRE1α signaling.
Repair-Resistant DNA Lesions

The eukaryotic global genomic nucleotide excision repair (GG-NER) pathway is the major mechanism that removes most bulky and some nonbulky lesions from cellular DNA. There is growing evidence that certain DNA lesions are repaired slowly or are entirely resistant to repair in cells, tissues, and in cell extract model assay systems. It is well established that the eukaryotic DNA lesion-sensing proteins do not detect the damaged nucleotide, but recognize the distortions/destabilizations in the native DNA structure caused by the damaged nucleotides. In this article, the nature of the structural features of certain bulky DNA lesions that render them resistant to NER, or cause them to be repaired slowly, is compared to that of those that are good-to-excellent NER substrates. Understanding the structural features that distinguish NER-resistant DNA lesions from good NER substrates may be useful for interpreting the biological significance of biomarkers of exposure of human populations to genotoxic environmental c...
Is Neuroscience Compatible with a Belief in God? A Perspective from the Thalamus

: Microarchitecture of thalamic inputs suggests that the main information that reaches the cortex trans-thalamically contains copies of motor instructions issued to lower motor centers in the central nervous system. This includes all sensory inputs that reach the cortex with the sole exception of olfaction. Moreover, all cortical areas, regardless of their classification as sensory, motor or associational, contain layer VB neurons that have branching axons that innervate both lower motor centers in the CNS and thalamic relays. These findings together challenge the sensory versus motor dichotomy within the thalamus and the cortex and suggest that all thalamocortical interactions are to some extent both, sensory and motor. This means that agency and perception are inseparable. All experience is, therefore, necessarily a model for an agent. An important feature of all models is that they have outside requirements to function as such. They are not ends in themselves. The necessary background for a model can be provided by other more basic models, which is something that contemporary science has done very successfully. However, science, which is itself a model, ultimately requires the existence of something that is unmodelable. Therefore, being a scientist and believing in God is not contradictory.
The floating-point environment

Prior to the 1999 ISO C Standard, no standard programming language offered a uniform way to access features of the floating-point environment. Until the advent of IEEE 754 floating-point arithmetic, no such access was even possible, because almost none of the older floating-point systems have programmable rounding directions or precision control, and floating-point exceptions are not dealt with by setting programmer-accessible flags, but instead are trapped by software interrupt handlers that set underflows to zero, and usually terminate the job on overflow or division by zero.
Water Adsorption and Insertion in MOF-5

The high surface areas and tunable properties of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) make them attractive materials for applications in catalysis and the capture, storage, and separation of gases. Nevertheless, the limited stability of some MOFs under humid conditions remains a point of concern. Understanding the atomic-scale mechanisms associated with MOF hydrolysis will aid in the design of new compounds that are stable against water and other reactive species. Toward revealing these mechanisms, the present study employs van der Waals-augmented density functional theory, transition-state finding techniques, and thermodynamic integration to predict the thermodynamics and kinetics of water adsorption/insertion into the prototype compound, MOF-5. Adsorption and insertion energetics were evaluated as a function of water coverage, while accounting for the full periodicity of the MOF-5 crystal structure, that is, without resorting to cluster approximations or structural simplifications. The calculations suggest t...
MDMA (ecstasy/molly) use among African Americans: The perceived influence of hip-hop/rap music.

ABSTRACTOver the past two decades, the demographic profile of MDMA (ecstasy/molly) users has changed. In particular, African American MDMA use has risen in some cities. One explanation of this new trend is the drug’s recent popularity (as molly) in hip-hop/rap (HHR) music. Several top rappers endorse the drug as a way to have fun or get women “loose.” There are currently no studies, however, that investigate the extent to which African American MDMA users listen to HHR music or the influence that these pro-MDMA messages have on their use of the drug. To address this gap, the current study used survey data to (a) identify the extent to which HHR music is listened to by African American MDMA users and (b) assess the perceived influence of HHR music on their decision to begin using. Qualitative interview data are also presented to contextualize the influence of these messages on their use of MDMA. The findings of this study suggest that African American MDMA users are high consumers of HHR music and that pro...
Proceedings of the 2005 ACM symposium on Software visualization

Welcome to SoftVis 05.Welcome to St. Louis for the second bi-annual ACM Symposium on Software Visualization. Software visualization encompasses the development and evaluation of methods for graphically representing different aspects of software, including its structure, its abstract and concrete execution, and its evolution. The goal of this symposium is to provide a forum for researchers from different backgrounds (HCI, software engineering, programming languages, visualization, computer science education) to discuss and present original research on software visualization.This year we experienced a 17% increase in submitted papers from the fi rst iteration of the symposium. Seventy-six qualified papers were submitted, and each received at least three reviews from our panel of twenty-three international experts. Twenty papers were selected for presentation at this meeting. The proceedings showcase these exceptional papers.The conference event itself also includes a special demonstration/poster session and a number of informal breaks, allowing attendees to enjoy a reunion with old friends, fi nd an experienced colleague and discuss topics of common interest, make plans for collaboration, or meet new friends in the inviting environment of the conference setting. We also hope that you fi nd the time to relax and stroll along the Mississippi River to visit the famous "Gateway to the West" arch.
Control of arteriovenous anastomoses in rabbit ear model of digital perfusion

The arteriovenous anastomoses (AVA) of the cutaneous microcirculation of the hands and feet are fundamental determinants of thermoregulatory blood flow and may be involved in cold intolerance. These direct microvascular studies are an initial characterization of adrenergic receptor subtypes participating in control of AVA in the ears of anesthetized male New Zealand White rabbits. Adrenergic alpha 1-stimulation with phenylephrine produced AVA constriction, whereas terazosin (an alpha 1-antagonist) produced dilation and attenuated the responses to phenylephrine. Adrenergic alpha 2-stimulation with UK-14304 produced constriction of the AVA, whereas atipamezole (an alpha 2-antagonist) produced dilation and attenuated the responses to UK-14304. When equimolar concentrations of antagonists were studied, the AVA dilation produced by alpha 2-blockade was greater than that produced by alpha 1-blockade. Norepinephrine (a mixed alpha 1- and alpha 2-agonist) also produced vasoconstriction, which was attenuated by both prazosin (an alpha 1-antagonist) and atipamezole. In summary, 1) AVA contain a heterogeneous mixture of both alpha 1- and alpha 2-receptors, and 2) alpha 2-receptors may have a greater influence than alpha 1-receptors on overall tone in AVA.
Resilient Fishing Families and Communities: Adapting to Change

This chapter synthesizes more than two decades of interdisciplinary scholarship by the coauthors related to fishing families and coastal communities. Amid the contemporary narrative of increasing coastal storms, erosion, and other physical hazards associated with climate and related coastal hazards facing coastal communities, we find myriad ways that Oregon fishing families and communities adapt to changes and continually demonstrate cultural and community resilience. Fishing families have exhibited their resilience through transformations in family roles, changes in the makeup of the fleet (graying), and never-ending management and resource shifts. This process of adapting to change has been a thread in our research, from one of our first collaborative projects, Adapting to Change: Fishing Businesses, Families, Communities, and Regions (1995) to our current project, The Old(er) Men of the Sea: Graying of the Fishing Industry and Its Impact on Local Community Resiliency. Our work illustrates an ever-present culture of adaptation that serves as the anchor of resilience in coastal Oregon.
Exploring Factors That Facilitate Acculturation Strategies and Academic Success of West African Immigrant Youth in Urban Schools

Immigrant students in U.S. educational system experience challenges learning to adapt and integrate into new educational environments. Little is known, however, about factors that facilitate accult...
Deliberative Drifting: A Rhetorical Field Method for Audience Studies on Social Media

Abstract Recent studies of online audiences point to a continuing need to develop methods for studying emergent media and its actual audience engagement. This article proposes that studies of online audiences can strengthen their approaches by employing elements of rhetorical fieldwork. Advocating for the digital field’s place amongst rhetorical fieldwork, this article introduces a method called deliberative drifting designed for researching the digital fields of live-streaming videos and their online audience engagement. Through a case study of three moments of democratic deliberation live-streamed on social media, this article shows how rhetorical field methods designed for digital fields can produce findings—especially for rhetorical audience studies—as robust as those found in traditional fields.
A high performance UV–visible dual-band photodetector based on an inorganic Cs2SnI6 perovskite/ZnO heterojunction structure

Inorganic metal halide (IMH) perovskites have recently emerged as highly promising optoelectronic materials due to their excellent material properties, including tunable direct bandgap, long carrier diffusion length, high carrier mobility and outstanding environmental stabilities. However, the performance of photodetectors fabricated from IMH perovskites so far is limited as compared to their counterparts based on organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites. In this work, we demonstrate a high performance ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) dual-band photodetector based on a Cs2SnI6/ZnO heterojunction structure. By adjusting the polarity of the applied bias voltage, the photodetector can switch between two operation modes: (1) UV–Vis dual-band detection mode and (2) visible-blind UV detection mode. High detectivity in both the UV (1.39 × 1012 Jones) and visible (5.88 × 1011 Jones) regions is achieved. In addition, this photodetector demonstrated a fast response speed with a rise and fall time on the order of milliseconds and a large linear dynamic range of 119 dB. The excellent performance of this photodetector originates from efficient charge separation at the heterojunction interfaces, which will be discussed in detail in terms of the energy band diagrams and carrier dynamics of the device. Our study demonstrates the great application potential of inorganic vacancy-ordered perovskites in high-performance heterojunction photodetectors.
MRI Vessel Wall Enhancement and Other Imaging Biomarkers in Pediatric Focal Cerebral Arteriopathy-Inflammatory Subtype.

Background and Purpose— Focal cerebral arteriopathy-inflammatory type (FCA-i) is a common cause of pediatric arterial ischemic stroke characterized angiographically by unifocal and unilateral steno...
Incorporation of Information-Seeking Behavior Into Food Insecurity Research.

Introduction Limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods affects the health of individuals. Because of its association with chronic health conditions, addressing food insecurity may improve health outcomes and decrease health-related costs. This study explores whether and how information seeking as captured by calls made to United Way 2-1-1 can be used to identify food-insecure areas and information deserts—communities with low proportions of residents accessing government food resources but with high rates of 2-1-1 calls for emergency food resources. Methods Details regarding calls made to United Way of Salt Lake 2-1-1 for emergency food resources between 2014 and 2018 (n=63,221) were analyzed in 2019. Using GIS methods, areas with the highest number of calls for emergency food resources (hot spots) were identified; multinomial logistic regression was used to identify community-level sociodemographic predictors of food insecurity. Results Areas with a smaller proportion of the population aged Conclusions Patterns of information seeking about emergency food resources suggest that, despite statewide access to federal means-tested food programs, significant food needs remain. This novel approach in food insecurity research can help public health officials and health systems address an important social determinant of health by identifying areas vulnerable to food insecurity. In addition, this work may be useful in benchmarking food needs, information seeking, and replicating analyses where similar data are available.
Analysis of laminated composite plates with fluid–structure interaction using multiscale modeling technique

A series of numerical modeling and simulations were conducted to understand the dynamic response and failure of a laminated composite plate which was supported by water and subjected to dynamic loading. The structure was modelled using the plate/shell finite elements with displacements degrees of freedom only. The water medium was stationary and modelled as an acoustic domain using the cellular automata technique. The two analysis techniques were coupled for fluid–structure interaction (FSI). Composite materials were modelled using the multiscale approach. The constituent material-based failure criteria (i.e. in terms of fiber, matrix, and fiber/matrix interface failures) were used to predict failure of the fibrous composite. Failure of the same composite plate was investigated and compared when the plate was supported by water or not to understand the effect of the FSI between the composite plates and water on the dynamic response and failure. The numerical study showed that the dynamic response and failure of the composite plate were very dependent on FSI, and the numerical study qualitatively confirmed previous experimental studies.
“It was only me against the world.” Female African American Adolescents’ Perspectives on Their Sexual and Reproductive Health Learning and Experiences While in Foster Care: Implications for Positive Youth Development

Abstract Female African American adolescents experience high rates of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. However, little is known about the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of youth in foster care. This study explored the experiences of female African American/Black youth in foster care related to their SRH disparities and needs. The purposive sample was 16 female adolescents, ages 18–20 years old, with a history of foster care placement. Participants were recruited from a metropolitan area in Virginia. This study used a qualitative descriptive design with semi-structured in-depth interviews lasting an average of 1 h. The transcribed interviews underwent inductive thematic analysis, and four prominent themes emerged: caregiver barriers, facilitators, sources of information, and recommendations for caregivers. Results indicated that youth felt unsupported, relied on their strengths to seek information related to SRH, and provided their advice on communication about SRH with youth. The findings from this study will provide direction on how caregivers, health-care workers, social services staff, and community members can better support the SRH needs of young women in foster care.
Effect of Novel Dietary Supplement on Metabolism in vitro and in vivo

Obesity is an increasingly prevalent and preventable morbidity with multiple behavioral, surgical and pharmacological interventions currently available. Commercial dietary supplements are often advertised to stimulate metabolism and cause rapid weight and/or fat loss, although few well-controlled studies have demonstrated such effects. We describe a commercially available dietary supplement (purportedly containing caffeine, catechins, and other metabolic stimulators) on resting metabolic rate in humans, and on metabolism, mitochondrial content, and related gene expression in vitro. Human males ingested either a placebo or commercially available supplement (RF) in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over fashion. Metabolic rate, respiratory exchange ratio, and blood pressure were measured hourly for 3 h post-ingestion. To investigate molecular effects, human rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RD) and mouse myocytes (C2C12) were treated with various doses of RF for various durations. RF enhanced energy expenditure and systolic blood pressure in human males without altering substrate utilization. In myocytes, RF enhanced metabolism, metabolic gene expression, and mitochondrial content suggesting RF may target common energetic pathways which control mitochondrial biogenesis. RF appears to increase metabolism immediately following ingestion, although it is unclear if RF provides benefits beyond those provided by caffeine alone. Additional research is needed to examine safety and efficacy for human weight loss.