cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selection and Characterization of HIV-1 with a Novel S68 Deletion in Reverse Transcriptase

Resistance to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) represents a significant problem in the design of novel therapeutics and the management of treatment regimens in infected persons. Resistance profiles can be elucidated by defining modifications to the viral genome conferred upon exposure to novel nucleoside reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors (NRTI). In vitro testing of HIV-1LAI-infected primary human lymphocytes treated with β-D-2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydro-5-fluorocytidine (DFC; Dexelvucitabine; Reverset) produced a novel deletion of AGT at codon 68 (S68Δ) alone and in combination with K65R that differentially affects drug response. Dual-approach clone techniques utilizing TOPO cloning and pyrosequencing confirmed the novel S68Δ in the HIV-1 genome. The S68Δ HIV-1 RT was phenotyped against various antiviral agents in a heteropolymeric DNA polymerase assay and in human lymphocytes. Drug susceptibility results indicate that the S68Δ displayed a 10- to 30-fold increase in resistance to DFC, lamivudine, emtricitabine, tenofovir, abacavir, and amdoxovir and modest resistance to stavudine, β-d-2',3'-oxa-5-fluorocytidine, or 9-(β-D-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)guanine and remained susceptible to 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine, 2',3'-dideoxyinosine (ddI), 1-(β-D-dioxolane)thymine (DOT) and lopinavir. Modeling revealed a central role for S68 in affecting conformation of the β3-β4 finger region and provides a rational for the selective resistance. These data indicate that the novel S68Δ is a previously unrecognized deletion that may represent an important factor in NRTI multidrug resistance treatment strategies.
Instant approximate 1-center on road networks via embeddings

We study the 1-center problem on road networks, an important problem in GIS. Using Euclidean embeddings, and reduction to fast nearest neighbor search, we devise an approximation algorithm for this problem. Our initial experiments on real world data sets indicate fast computation of constant factor approximate solutions for query sets much larger than previously computable using exact techniques.
The negativity effect and its implications for initial interaction

The negativity effect occurs in the formation of judgments when disproportionate weight is given to negative information in contrast to equidistantly valenced positive information. While multiple explanations for such an effect exist, the extremity hypothesis advanced by Fiske (1980) can be modified and expanded not only to provide a thorough understanding of the negativity effect, but to explain positivity effects (where disproportionate weight is given to positive information when forming a judgment) as well. These negativity and positivity effects, taken to be manifestations of informativeness effects, are examined in the areas of vocal productivity, disclosure, and initial interaction. Informativeness effects appear to be widespread phenomena affecting, guiding, and resulting from interpersonal interaction. Data reveal that both negativity and positivity effects are possible in social interaction due to skews in the underlying distributions of social actors’ expectations about themselves and others. R...
Correlations of the Number of Dewar Resonance Structures and Matching Polynomials for the Linear and Zigzag Polyacene Series

Linear and zigzag polyacene series have been the subject of numerous studies because of their contrasting electronic and stability characteristics. The correlation of the properties of these series is examined in regard to their number of Dewar resonance structures (DS). Since resonance-theoretic methods require algorithms for determining the number of Dewar resonance structures (DS), recursion equations for calculating DS for these series are presented for the first time. Excellent correlations between DS and the absorption p-band, ionization energies, Huckel HOMO, Aihara's reduced HOMO- LUMO gap, topological resonance energy (TRE), aromatic stabilization energy (ASE), and the Klein and Randic innate degree of freedom are presented and rationalized. (doi: 10.5562/cca2292)
Science as criticism: The burden of assumptions

This essay examines the articles by Goodall and Phillips (1981) and Phillips (1981) and contends that their genuine concerns about a social science of communication are misdirected. More specifically, this essay argues that science is part of a critical approach to knowledge and that attempts to divorce science from criticism mystify the reader by misidentifying the present issues facing our emerging discipline.
Overview of multiplexing techniques for interferometric fiber sensors

This paper will present an overview of multiplexing techniques for interferometric fiber-optic sensors, concentrating on the operational details of the various schemes proposed in recent years, and briefly comparing reported experimental performance data such as phase detection sensitivities and crosstalk levels . The limits to the number of sensors which can be multiplexed using a particular approach imposed by the power-budget, sampling and bandwidth considerations, and intrinsic crosstalk are also discussed.
Identification of a nuclear domain with deacetylase activity.

Here, we describe the identification and characterization of a nuclear body (matrix-associated deacetylase body) whose formation and integrity depend on deacetylase activity. Typically, there are 20–40 0.5-μM bodies per nucleus, although the size and number can vary substantially. The structure appears to contain both class I and the recently described class II histone deacetylases (HDAC)5 and 7 along with the nuclear receptor corepressors SMRT (silencing mediator for retinoid and thyroid receptor) and N-CoR (nuclear receptor corepressor). Addition of the deacetylase inhibitors trichostatin A and sodium butyrate completely disrupt these nuclear bodies, providing a demonstration that the integrity of a nuclear body is enzyme dependent. We demonstrate that HDAC5 and 7 can associate with at least 12 distinct proteins, including several members of the NuRD and Sin3A repression complexes, and appear to define a new but related complex.
β8 integrin and band 4.1B cooperatively regulate morphogenesis of the embryonic heart.

Morphogenesis of the heart is regulated by various cues, including growth factors and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. The mechanisms by which cardiac cells properly integrate these cues to regulate growth, differentiation, and migration remain poorly understood. Here we have used genetic strategies in mice to identify αvβ8 integrin and its cytoskeletal adaptor protein, Band 4.1B, as essential regulators of cardiac morphogenesis. We demonstrate that approximately 60% of mouse embryos genetically null for β8 integrin and Band 4.1B display cardiovascular phenotypes and die by E11.5. This premature death is due, in part, to defective development of the cardiac outflow tract (OFT), with reduced expression of smooth muscle α-actin (SMAα-actin) in OFT cells derived from the cardiac neural crest. These data are the first to identify cell adhesion and signaling pathways regulated by αvβ8 integrin and Band 4.1B as essential for normal formation and function of the heart during embryogenesis. Developmental Dynamics, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Crisis‐driven evolutionary learning: conceptual foundations and systemic modelling ‐ a summary abstract

Evaluates the hypothesis that the real‐world political system constitutes a complex adaptive learning system. Abstracts relevant parameters of this system to create a computer model, which is utilized to generate data for a singular predictive instance (SPI) of systemic learning: warfare frequencies. Compares these data with corresponding real‐world empirical data for this SPI. A finding that the two sets of data are closely correlated allows for extrapolation of model systemic findings to the real‐world system. Discovers that the data support the hypothesis that the real‐world system is, indeed, a complex adaptive learning system.
Effects of Ca2+-channel antagonists on nucleoside and nucleobase transport in human erythrocytes and cultured mammalian cells.

Abstract Lidoflazine strongly inhibited the equilibrium exchange of uridine in human erythrocytes (Ki ≈ 16 nM). Uridine zero-trans influx was similarly inhibited by lidoflazine in cultured HeLa cells (IC50 ≈ 80 nM), whereas P388 mouse leukemia and Novikoff rat hepatoma cells were three orders of magnitude more resistant (IC50 > 50 μM). Uridine transport was also inhibited by nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem, prenylamine and trifluoperazine, but only at similarly high concentrations in both human erythrocytes and the cell lines. IC50 values ranged from about 10 μM for nifedipine and about 20 μM for verapamil to more than 100 μM for diltiazem, prenylamine and trifluoperazine. The concentrations required for inhibition of nucleoside transport are several orders higher than those blocking Ca2+ channels. Lidoflazine competitively inhibited the binding of nitrobenzylthioinosine to high-affinity sites in human erythrocytes, but did not inhibit the dissociation of nitrobenzylthioninosine from these sites on the transporter as is observed with dipyridamole and dilazep.
Proteasomes Mediate Prolactin-induced Receptor Down-regulation and Fragment Generation in Breast Cancer Cells

Prolactin regulates a variety of physiological processes, including mammary gland growth and differentiation, and recent findings support an important role in breast cancer development and progression. However, little is known about the trafficking of its receptor, a member of the cytokine receptor superfamily. In the present study, we examined the effect of ligand on the endogenous "long" isoform of the prolactin receptor in breast cancer cells. We found that prolactin caused rapid and prolonged down-regulation of this receptor. The prolactin-induced increase in degradation was blocked by inhibitors of both proteasomes and lysosomes. However, the ubiquitin-conjugating system was not required for internalization. Prolactin also resulted in the concomitant appearance of a cell-associated prolactin receptor fragment containing the extracellular domain. This latter process required proteasomal, but not metalloprotease, activity, distinguishing it from ectodomain "shedding" of other membrane receptors, which are secreted as binding proteins. The prolactin receptor fragment was labeled by surface biotinylation and independent of protein synthesis. Together, these data indicated that prolactin binding initiates limited proteasomal cleavage of its receptor, generating a cell-associated fragment containing the extracellular domain. Our findings described a new potential mediator of prolactin action and a novel mechanism whereby proteasomes modulate cellular processes.
A Ceiling Effect in Traditional Classroom Foreign Language Instruction: Data from Russian

This article compares previous language gain studies in foreign languages with new data on language gain in the instructed second language acquisition of Russian. The acquisition of listening, reading, speaking, and writing proficiency shows a significant correlation not only with hours of classroom instruction in immersion and nonimmersion settings, but also with grammatical competence. The data suggest that there is a ceiling effect in traditional classroom foreign language instruction.
Temperature measurements in a rapid compression machine using mid-infrared H2O absorption spectroscopy near 7.6 μm.

A method for measuring the temporal temperature and number density in a rapid compression machine (RCM) using quantum cascade laser absorption spectroscopy near 7.6 μm is developed and presented in this paper. The ratios of H2O absorption peaks at 1316.55 cm−1 and 1316.97 cm−1 are used for these measurements. In order to isolate the effects of chemical reactions, an inert mixture of argon with 2.87% water vapor is used for the present investigation. The end of compression pressures and temperatures in the RCM measurements are PC=10, 15, and 20 bar in the range of TC=1000 to 1200 K. The measured temperature history is compared with that calculated based on the adiabatic core assumption and is found to be within ±5 K. The measured temporal number density of H2O to an accuracy of 1%, using the absolute absorption of the two rovibrational lines, show that the mixture is highly uniform in temperature. A six-pass, 5.08 cm Herriott cell is used to calibrate the line strengths in air and broadening in an Ar bath gas.
Assessing the factors affecting SI engine cycle-to-cycle variations at idle

The extent of the cycle-to-cycle variations of charge composition and their contributions to the variations in Gross Indicated Mean Effective Pressure (GIMEP) in a spark ignition (SI) engine at idle are assessed. The methodology is to use a set of charge perturbation experiments to determine the sensitivity of the engine output parameters to the charge composition variations. Then through this sensitivity matrix, the observed engine output variations at idle are inverted to obtain the charge variations. At idle, the air, residual and fuel mass variations are 5.5, 4.4 and 0.64% respectively. The residual gas fluctuation contributes to ∼1/3 (in terms of the square of the coefficient of variations) of the GIMEP variations. The air and fuel fluctuations contribute much less: 7.5 and 4.6%, respectively. The remaining ∼54% is attributed to the variations in flowfield inhomogeneity.
Food colloid science and the art of computer simulation

Abstract This article contains an elementary review of modern computer simulation methods and an introduction to their applications to problems in the structure and dynamics of food colloids. The review includes sections on Monte Carlo methods, dynamic algorithms and packing simulations. In each case the object is to explain the basic principles of the method and its relation to the underlying physics, and to clarify the computational process without presenting any technical details of numerical methods or of particular implementations which can be found elsewhere. The computational schemes are illustrated by recent examples of their applications to systems which include models of emulsions, foams, aggregates and sediments. Within the area of colloid science computer simulations provide an invaluable complement to analytical theories and experiments. Possible advances and extensions of the computational approach are indicated in the discussion and the review is completed by a small glossary of computational terms which may prove useful to the non-specialist.
Threshold functions and bounded depth monotone circuits

Abstract We prove an exponential lower bound for the majority function on constant depth monotone circuits, solving an open problem posed by Yao ( in “Proceedings of 24th IEEE Sympos. Found. of Comput. Sci.,” Tucson, 1983, pp. 420–428). In particular, we prove that computing majority on depth d monotone circuits requires exp Ω(n 1 (d−1 ) ) size. This result implies exponential lower bounds for other functions, such as testing connectivity and detecting cliques in graphs.
Thyroid hormone differentially modulates Warburg phenotype in breast cancer cells

Sustenance of cancer cells in vivo critically depends on a variety of genetic and metabolic adaptations. Aerobic glycolysis or Warburg effect has been a defining biochemical hallmark of transformed cells for more than five decades although a clear molecular basis of this observation is emerging only in recent years. In this study, we present our findings that thyroid hormone exerts its non-genomic and genomic actions in two model human breast cancer cell lines differentially. By laying a clear foundation for experimentally monitoring the Warburg phenotype in living cancer cells, we demonstrate that thyroid hormone-induced modulation of bioenergetic profiles in these two model cell lines depends on the degree of Warburg phenotype that they display. Further we also show that thyroid hormone can sensitize mitochondria in aggressive, triple-negative breast cancer cells favorably to increase the chemotherapeutic efficacy in these cells. Even though the role of thyroid hormone in modulating mitochondrial metabolism has been known, the current study accentuates the critical role it plays in modulating Warburg phenotype in breast cancer cells. The clinical significance of this finding is the possibility to devise strategies for metabolically modulating aggressive triple-negative tumors so as to enhance their chemosensitivity in vivo.
L-DOPA is an endogenous ligand for OA1.

Albinism is a genetic defect characterized by a loss of pigmentation. The neurosensory retina, which is not pigmented, exhibits pathologic changes secondary to the loss of pigmentation in the retina pigment epithelium (RPE). How the loss of pigmentation in the RPE causes developmental defects in the adjacent neurosensory retina has not been determined, but offers a unique opportunity to investigate the interactions between these two important tissues. One of the genes that causes albinism encodes for an orphan GPCR (OA1) expressed only in pigmented cells, including the RPE. We investigated the function and signaling of OA1 in RPE and transfected cell lines. Our results indicate that OA1 is a selective L-DOPA receptor, with no measurable second messenger activity from two closely related compounds, tyrosine and dopamine. Radiolabeled ligand binding confirmed that OA1 exhibited a single, saturable binding site for L-DOPA. Dopamine competed with L-DOPA for the single OA1 binding site, suggesting it could function as an OA1 antagonist. OA1 response to L-DOPA was defined by several common measures of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) activation, including influx of intracellular calcium and recruitment of β-arrestin. Further, inhibition of tyrosinase, the enzyme that makes L-DOPA, resulted in decreased PEDF secretion by RPE. Further, stimulation of OA1 in RPE with L-DOPA resulted in increased PEDF secretion. Taken together, our results illustrate an autocrine loop between OA1 and tyrosinase linked through L-DOPA, and this loop includes the secretion of at least one very potent retinal neurotrophic factor. OA1 is a selective L-DOPA receptor whose downstream effects govern spatial patterning of the developing retina. Our results suggest that the retinal consequences of albinism caused by changes in melanin synthetic machinery may be treated by L-DOPA supplementation.
The Successful Future of the Librarian: Bookman or Knowledge Worker?

ABSTRACTPeter Drucker's description of a new profession of ‘knowledge workers’ and Andrew Osborn's call for ‘bookmen’ offer very different career directions for professional librarians. Knowledge workers are individuals who take the responsibility not only for informing end users about what they ought to see, but even more importantly what they need not bother to look at. This field, involving not only evaluation of information but filtering is now gaining its predicted strength, but there is no indication that librarians desire to compete for any part of it. Osborn's bookmen, by contrast, concentrate on the acquisition and bibliographic analysis of important materials, and it must be assumed that the term ‘book’ must now be broadened to include all types of information formats, both printed and electronic. However, librarians are now doing much less bibliographic analysis, transferring this work to the eventual end user. If librarians are then left only with acquisition, however defined, it is essential ...
Explorations on the multidimensional potential energy surface of a chiral stationary phase

The multidimensional potential energy surface for a soluble analog of a chiral phase is computed with MM2 and MNDO. Minimum energy conformations are located. The minimum energy reaction pathway between these forms is located, and the templating ability of these phases is described.
Erratum to “Spectroscopic ellipsometry and reflectometry from gratings (Scatterometry) for critical dimension measurement and in situ, real-time process monitoring” [Thin Solid Films 455–456 (2004) 828–836]

Abstract Spectroscopic, specular reflected light measurements (both ellipsometry-SE, and reflectometry-SR) of grating structures have relatively recently been shown to yield very accurate information on the critical dimensions, wall-angles and detailed wall shape of deep submicron features. The technique is often called ‘scatterometry’ or optical critical dimension (OCD) measurement. This technique has been moved rapidly from initial demonstrations to significant industrial application. In this paper, we will review the development of this technique for in situ and ex situ applications. When applied in situ, this technique opens up exciting new opportunities for studying the evolution of topography in semiconductor fabrication processes and for applying real-time control methods for nanometer level feature size accuracy. We will briefly comment on limitations and challenges for this measurement technique.
A Two-Speed Salient-Pole Synchronous Motor

The design features and performance characteristics of salient-pole synchronous motors are well known and have been thoroughly covered in the technical press. The synchronous motor has been handicapped in the past because it is inherently a singlespeed machine, and a change in speed could be obtained only by a change in the frequency of the power supply. Changing the frequency, however, is not practical in most applications. The special pole described in this paper which allows two-speed operation of a synchronous motor to be obtained at high efficiency is a new feature2. The same principle applied to a generator enables two frequencies to be obtained at the sgame speed or the same frequency at two different speeds. All that is necessary to change the speed (or frequency) is a pole-changing switch for the stator winding and a reversing switch for the rotor winding. A 5000/2500-h. p., 600/300-rev. per min., two-speed synchronous motor was built without having first constructed a model of any kind. This motor proved to be entirely satisfactory and its characteristics obtained by test aggreed very closely with the calculated characteristics. At either speed the two-speed synchronous motor functions exactly as the ordinary synchronous motor. There is nothing special or complicated about its construction, it does not require any more attention than the ordinary synchronous motor, and its expense of maintenance is just the same.
Impact of gonadotropin administration on folliculogenesis in prepubertal ob/ob mice

Female leptin deficient (ob/ob) mice exhibit abnormal ovarian folliculogenesis resulting in an impaired ability to reproduce. This effect may be related to the hypogonadotropic state of these animals, or leptin may directly modulate ovarian follicle development. In the present study we assessed whether exogenous gonadotropin administration would normalize folliculogenesis and induce ovulation in immature ob/ob animals. Eight 26-day-old ob/ob and eight control mice were injected sc with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin followed 48 h later with a sc injection of human chorionic gonadotropin. Animals were killed 24 h later. Gonadotropin (GTH) administration increased both ovarian and uterine weights in control mice, but this effect was attenuated in leptin deficient animals. The number of preantral follicles was greater in ob/ob mice than controls, but in GTH-treated animals the number of antral follicles was subnormal in the ovaries of leptin deficient animals. Ob/ob animals also failed to ovulate in response to GTH, and the protective actions of GTH against granulosa cell apoptosis and follicular atresia were attenuated in these animals. Interestingly, however, serum levels of estradiol and progesterone were higher in ob/ob mice than controls, regardless of whether or not the animals received GTH treatment. We conclude that the ovarian responsiveness to GTH is subnormal in leptin deficient animals suggesting that leptin may modulate the process of folliculogenesis by directly altering the sensitivity of the ovary to GTH.
Ephrin-A1 Regulates Cell Remodeling and Migration

The Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases and their cognate ligands, the Ephrins, form a coordinated program of cell contact-mediated migration control, polarity establishment, and tissue architecture development. Specifically, the ligand Ephrin-A1 has been shown to regulate cell morphology and motility through the activation of EphA receptors, which signal to the PI3K pathway to induce cell retraction. MEFs with PI3K subunit p85β knockout (p85β−/−) exhibited markedly reduced cell retraction following Ephrin-A1 stimulation. Ephrin-A1 also serves as an inhibitory substrate for cell spreading and migration. Moreover, Ephrin-A1 treatment results in the dephosphorylation of paxillin and induces the reorganization of phospho-paxillin-containing focal adhesions. The Ephrin-A1 regulated paxillin dephosphorylation is phosphatase dependent, but p85β independent. The present study serves to demonstrate a novel molecular signaling pathways that regulate Ephrin-A1-regulated cell retraction and interaction to the substrate.
Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization of rangelands affects yield, forage quality and the botanical composition

Abstract Nitrogen fertilization of rangelands in order to increase dry matter yield results in a decrease in legume ratios in botanical composition, which reduces forage quality. The objectives of the present study therefore were to investigate whether this negative effect of N fertilization on forage quality can be compensated by additional P application and also to determine the optimum fertilizer doses in rangelands to obtain economical benefits. Therefore, 0, 60, 120, 180 kg N ha−1 and 0, 26, 52 kg P ha−1 fertilizer rates were applied each year over a period of 3 years to 12 plots within each of 4 blocks. Botanical composition of the plots was determined and classified as grass, legumes and others for each treatment group based on dry weights. Dry matter yield, crude protein concentration and crude protein yield in treatment groups for each year were determined. Consequently, averaged over the 3 years of experimental period, nitrogen fertilizer increased the dry matter yield. The dry matter yield was 1467 kg ha−1 in control plot, while it increased up to 3293 kg ha−1 in plot applied with 180 kg N ha−1 without P. Nitrogen fertilization slightly decreased the crude protein concentration in the forage dry matter from 120 g kg−1 in the non-fertilized control to 103–116 g kg−1 in the plots fertilized only with nitrogen. This effect can be explained by the observation that the nitrogen fertilization resulted in a decline of the legume proportion from 47% in the non-fertilized control to 5% with the highest N rate. The protein concentration in legume plants was always considerably higher than that in the grass and other species. Applying additional phosphorus compensated this negative effect of the nitrogen fertilization on the forage quality in terms of protein concentration. The economic optimum was found with the highest fertilizer doses providing 52 kg P ha−1 + 180 kg N ha−1 producing 4810 kg ha−1 forage dry matter with a crude protein concentration of 124 g kg−1 and legume proportion of 12%.
Reentry Vehicle Radar Altimeter Antenna Patterns

An analytical technique is proposed for investigating the effect of antenna pattern shape on reentry vehicle radar altimeter performance. Initially, a method is presented that computes the average performance under all roll positions. This method is then extended to allow performance to be determined at each roll position. Some numerical results are included that show roll effects for a typical antenna pattern.
Sorption and Abiotic Redox Transformation of Nitrobenzene at the Smectite-Water Interface.

Abstract The effect of the redox state of structural Fe on the surface reactivity of iron-bearing phyllosilicates in aqueous suspension was investigated using a molecular probe. For this purpose the structural Fe in montmorillonite and ferruginous smectite was chemically reduced by sodium dithionite in citrate–bicarbonate (CB) buffer solution under N2 at 70°C, with the excess reactants removed by washing and centrifugation. Nitrobenzene was chosen as an electron acceptor probe to react with unaltered and chemically reduced smectites. Nitrobenzene was transformed into aniline only in the presence of the reduced smectites. This abiotic reductive transformation depended on the concentration of the electron acceptor in solution and the total accessible structural FeII in smectites. As much as 40% of the crystal layer structural FeII of the reduced smectites was oxidized to FeIII; these electrons migrated to the surfaces/edges and then were transported into the adjacent aqueous layer. No significant effect of the oxidation state of structural Fe on the sorption of nitrobenzene on smectites was observed, but the reduced smectites sorbed less aniline than the unaltered smectites. The electronic structure and molecular geometry of the probe were modified within the smectite–water interface. Reducing structural Fe in smectites perturbed the surface reactivity.
Hardware Trojan Detection through Golden Chip-Free Statistical Side-Channel Fingerprinting

Statistical side channel fingerprinting is a popular hardware Trojan detection method, wherein a parametric signature of a chip is collected and compared to a trusted region in a multi-dimensional space. This trusted region is statistically established so that, despite the uncertainty incurred by process variations, the fingerprint of Trojan-free chips is expected to fall within this region while the fingerprint of Trojan-infested chips is expected to fall outside. Learning this trusted region, however, assumes availability of a small set of trusted (i.e. "golden") chips. Herein, we rescind this assumption and we demonstrate that an almost equally effective trusted region can be learned through a combination of a trusted simulation model, measurements from process control monitors (PCMs) which are typically present either on die or on wafer kerf, and advanced statistical tail modeling techniques. Effectiveness of this method is evaluated using silicon measurements from two hardware Trojan-infested versions of a wireless cryptographic integrated circuit.
Gay-Straight Alliances: Understanding Their Impact on the Academic and Social Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning High School Students.

Few studies have examined the effectiveness of gay–straight alliances (GSAs) on the social and academic experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youths. The limited research on GSAs suggests that they are associated with positive youth development and increased safety; however, little qualitative information exists on the issues of why GSA groups are effective. The current study examined the specific role that GSA groups play in the lives of LGBTQ high school students. Findings suggest that the normalizing process experienced in GSA groups has a profound positive effect on the social, academic, and familial experiences of LGBTQ youths.
Physiological Regulation of Prostaglandins in the Kidney

Cyclooxygenase-derived prostanoids exert complex and diverse functions within the kidney. The biological effect of each prostanoid is controlled at multiple levels, including (a) enzymatic reactions catalyzed sequentially by cyclooxygenase and prostanoid synthase for the synthesis of bioactive prostanoid and (b) the interaction with its receptors that mediate its functions. Cyclooxygenase-derived prostanoids act in an autocrine or a paracrine fashion and can serve as physiological buffers, protecting the kidney from excessive functional changes during physiological stress. Through these actions, prostanoids play important roles in maintaining renal function, body fluid homeostasis, and blood pressure. Renal cortical COX2-derived prostanoids, particularly PGI2 and PGE2, play critical roles in maintaining blood pressure and renal function in volume-contracted states. Renal medullary COX2-derived prostanoids appear to have an antihypertensive effect in individuals challenged with a high-salt diet. Loss of EP2 or IP receptor is associated with salt-sensitive hypertension. COX2 also plays a role in maintaining renal medullary interstitial cell viability in the hypertonic environment of the medulla. Cyclooxygenase-derived prostanoids also are involved in certain pathological processes. The cortical COX2-derived PGI2 participates in the pathogenesis of renal vascular hypertension through stimulating renal renin synthesis and release. COX-derived prostanoids also appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. COXs, prostanoid synthases, and prostanoid receptors should provide fruitful targets for intervention in the pharmacological treatment of renal disease.
Copy emulation in checksummed, multiple-packet communication

Data copying can be a bottleneck in end-to-end communication over high-speed networks. Emulated copy is an alternative I/O data passing scheme that preserves the API and integrity guarantees of copying but avoids the latter using virtual memory manipulations - transient output copy-on-write (TCOW), input alignment, and page swapping. We characterize and evaluate the support necessary in network adapters for emulated copy in checksummed, multiple-packet communication. Our experiments on an ATM network show that: (1) emulated copy gives performance better than that of copying even without hardware checksumming support; (2) TCOW improves multiple-packet output performance without any hardware support or changes in applications; (3) page swapping provides additional similar improvements on multiple-packet input if there is input alignment, which requires either hardware support (early-demultiplexed/system-aligned buffering) or changes in applications (pooled/application-aligned buffering); and (4) The performance of application-aligned buffering is largely unaffected by header/data splitting, a common optimization. We propose a new optimization, buffer snap-off, that extends system-aligned buffering to the general case of arbitrary, unmatched data transfer and application input buffer lengths.
Stressful psychosocial work environment increases risk for back pain among retail material handlers

Background Back pain is a major source of lost work time. Occupational physical activity only accounts for a fraction of low back pain; therefore, there is growing interest in investigating other possible causes of back pain including the psychosocial work environment. Methods Material handlers (N = 6,311) in 160 newly opened stores were interviewed at study entry and approximately 6 months later. Factor analysis was used to reduce the 37 psychosocial questionnaire items to seven distinct factors. Results After adjusting for history of back problems and work-related lifting, risk of back pain was moderately increased among employees who reported high job intensity demands (odds ratio (OR) = 1.8), job dissatisfaction (OR = 1.7), and high job scheduling demands (OR = 1.6). Conclusions Modification of the psychosocial work environment for material handlers in large retail stores may help reduce back pain among employees. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43: 179–187, 2003. Published 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Magnetic circular dichroism of resolved vibronic lines in Cs2ZrCl6:U4+

Magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) measurements at liquid helium temperature are reported for several resolved f–f vibronic lines of U4+ centres in Cs2ZrCl6. Though these lines are too broad for Zeeman measurements, both the signs and magnitudes of the g-values are determined from the MCD data using first-order theory. Some assignments are also suggested on the basis of these data. Les mesures de dichroisme circulaire magnetique (DCM) a la temperature de l'helium liquide sont rapportees pour quelques lignes vibroniques resolues de l'ion U4+ dans Cs2ZrCl6. Bien que ces lignes soient trop larges pour les mesures Zeeman, les signes et magnitudes des valeurs g sont determines tous les deux des donnees DCM employant la theorie de premier ordre. Quelques attributions sont aussi proposees sur la base de ces resultats experimentaux.
Targeting long non-coding RNA to therapeutically upregulate gene expression

The majority of currently available drugs and tool compounds exhibit an inhibitory mechanism of action and there is a relative lack of pharmaceutical agents that are capable of increasing the activity of effectors or pathways for therapeutic benefit. Indeed, the upregulation of many genes, including tumour suppressors, growth factors, transcription factors and genes that are deficient in various genetic diseases, would be desired in specific situations. Recently, key roles for regulatory long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the regulation of gene expression have begun to emerge. lncRNAs can positively or negatively regulate gene expression and chromatin architecture. Here, we review the current understanding of the mechanisms of action of lncRNAs and their roles in disease, focusing on recent work in the design of inhibitors of the natural antisense transcript (NAT) class of lncRNAs, known as antagoNAT oligonucleotides, and the issues associated with their potential therapeutic application.
Compositions and sorptive properties of crop residue-derived chars.

Chars originating from the burning or pyrolysis of vegetation may significantly sorb neutral organic contaminants (NOCs). To evaluate the relationship between the char composition and NOC sorption,...
Effects of sound intensity on temporal properties of inhibition in the pallid bat auditory cortex

Auditory neurons in bats that use frequency modulated (FM) sweeps for echolocation are selective for the behaviorally-relevant rates and direction of frequency change. Such selectivity arises through spectrotemporal interactions between excitatory and inhibitory components of the receptive field. In the pallid bat auditory system, the relationship between FM sweep direction/rate selectivity and spectral and temporal properties of sideband inhibition have been characterized. Of note is the temporal asymmetry in sideband inhibition, with low-frequency inhibition (LFI) exhibiting faster arrival times compared to high-frequency inhibition (HFI). Using the two-tone inhibition over time stimulus paradigm, this study investigated the interactions between two sound parameters in shaping sideband inhibition: intensity and time. Specifically, the impact of changing relative intensities of the excitatory and inhibitory tones on arrival time of inhibition was studied. Using this stimulation paradigm, single unit data from the auditory cortex of pentobarbital-anesthetized cortex show that the threshold for LFI is on average ~8 dB lower than HFI. For equal intensity tones near threshold, LFI is stronger than HFI. When the inhibitory tone intensity is increased further from threshold, the strength asymmetry decreased. The temporal asymmetry in LFI versus HFI arrival time is strongest when the excitatory and inhibitory tones are of equal intensities or if excitatory tone is louder. As inhibitory tone intensity is increased, temporal asymmetry decreased suggesting that the relative magnitude of excitatory and inhibitory inputs shape arrival time of inhibition and FM sweep rate and direction selectivity. Given that most FM bats use downward sweeps as echolocation calls, a similar asymmetry in threshold and strength of LFI versus HFI may be a general adaptation to enhance direction selectivity while maintaining sweep-rate selective responses to downward sweeps.
The Reaches of Words

Abstract This paper compares and contrasts two ways of going on from Wittgenstein and, to a lesser extent, Austin. The first is Charles Travis’. The second is Stanley Cavell’s. Focusing on our concept of propositional knowledge (‘knowing that such and such’), I argue that Travis’ tendency to think of language and its concepts as essentially in the business of enabling us to represent (describe, think of) things as being one way or another and his consequent neglect of the question of what, in the Austinian sense, is being done with the words have led him to give an inaccurate account of the context sensitivity of ‘knowing that’. By contrast, Cavell’s treatment of the concept – while fully hospitable to Travis’ ‘occasion sensitivity’ – is attentive to the limitations of the representationalist conception, and takes the question of what is being done with the words, as it relates to the question of the intelligibility of the speaker, as primary. This fundamental difference between Travis and Cavell, I final...
Uncovering Trajectories of Informal Learning in Large Online Communities of Creators

We analyzed informal learning in Scratch Online -- an online community with over 4.3 million users and 6.7 million user-generated content. Users develop projects, which are graphical interfaces involving manipulation of programming blocks. We investigated two fundamental questions: how can we model informal learning, and what patterns of informal learning emerge. We proceeded in two phases. First, we modeled learning as a trajectory of cumulative programming block usage by long-term users who created at least 50 projects. Second, we applied K-means++ clustering to uncover patterns of learning and corresponding subpopulations. We found four groups of users manifesting four different patterns of learning, ranging from the smallest to the largest improvement. At one end of the spectrum, users learned more and in a faster manner. At the opposite end, users did not show much learning, even after creating dozens of projects. The modeling and clustering of trajectory patterns that enabled us to quantitatively analyze informal learning may be applicable to other similar communities. The results can also support administrators of online communities in implementing customized interventions for specific subpopulations.
Parent perceptions of mealtime behaviors in children fed enterally.

Background: Parent reports of mealtime behavioral problems were examined within a sample of medically complicated young children with documented feeding difficulties. Mealtime behavior problems of children who were fed orally were compared with children who received their total nutrition enterally. Methods: A chart review of 140 pediatric patients presenting to an outpatient Interdisciplinary Feeding Team (IFT) clinic was conducted. The sample consisted of 81 males and 59 females ranging from 1.5 months to 12.6 years of age (mean age, 36.5 months). Information included for analyses was obtained from the IFT intake form, final IFT report, and the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS). Results: Parents of children in both groups found child mealtime behaviors equally problematic according to mean intensity ratings and frequency of problems regarding both parent behavior and child behaviors. Conclusions: Regardless of feeding status (enteral versus oral feeding) of the child, parents of chil...
Integrated direct-coupled gyrator

An integrated gyrator is described. The device uses 1 diode, 12 resistors and 9 transistors, two of which are lateral p-n-p. Experimental results on gyration resistance, input impedance and resonant-circuit Q factor show excellent agreement with theory.
505 THE EFFECT OF VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR ON LEUKOCYTE ADHESION IN ISCHEMIA REPERFUSION INJURY.

Introduction Research has shown that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) significantly reduces leukocyte adherence in ischemic skeletal muscle. Previous studies have shown that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA is significantly up-regulated in ischemic skeletal muscle treated with HBO. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effect of anti-VEGF on in vivo neutrophil-endothelial adherence in skeletal muscle IR injury. Materials and Methods 24 male Wistar rats (130 g ± 40 g) were randomly assigned to four groups: (1) nonischemic control, (2) ischemia reperfusion (IR), (3) IR + HBO, (4) IR + HBO + anti-VEGF. The right anterior gracilis muscle flap was raised using standard microsurgical technique. All groups that contained IR were subjected to 4 hours of global ischemia followed by 2hours of reperfusion. HBO treatment consisted of 100% O2 at 2.5 ATA for 90 minutes. Anti-VEGF (167 μg/kg) was infused into the contralateral femoral vein beginning at 90 minutes of ischemia for 60 minutes. Intravital videomicroscopy was used to view adherent leukocytes and quantified at baseline, 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes post-reperfusion (reported as change from baseline, mean ± SEM). ANOVA and post hoc multiple range tests were used for group mean comparisons and a p of ≤ .05 was accepted as significant. Results IR caused a significant increase in the neutrophil-endothelial adherence, which was significantly reduced by HBO treatment (sham 0 ± 0.5, IR 12.8 ± 1.4 and IR + HBO -3 ± 2.5 at 120 min reperfusion, p Conclusion Increased leukocyte adherence upon infusion of anti-VEGF in an IR + HBO-treated rat suggests that VEGF does play a significant role in the protective mechanism induced by HBO in ischemic skeletal muscle tissue.
Hypertension in children

The measurement of blood pressure is now firmly established as an important component of the routine pediatric physical examination. Nevertheless, blood pressure in children has been given serious attention only since the mid-1960s. The first report of the Task Force on Blood Pressure Control in Children was published in 1977.1 The long-term natural history of blood pressure in children is not well understood. Norms for blood pressure and definitions of hypertension were revised and strengthened by the second task force report, published in 1987,2 and a recent revision contains modified recommendations and norms.3 Factors Influencing Blood Pressure in Childhood Blood . . .
Two New Forms of Hesperia (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae)

Although it has been against my idea of useful taxonomic procedure to name subspecific categories, in this genus a few subspecific names seem necessary to call attention to the relations existing in the extremely variable western species. What the subspecific divisions should be called is a matter of opinion. They are generally characteristic of geographic areas in my series, but they crop out far from these centers in small numbers. Until more can be known of the reason for this apparently sporadic occurrence, the noncommittal word form seems best to designate them.
Ultrastructure of Quiescent and Germinated Basidiospores and Oidia of Coprinus Lagopus

Basidiospore and oidium germination in Coprinus lagopus was studied with phase contrast and electron microscopy. Basidiospores and oidia differ in morphology, size and pigmentation, but follow simi...
The evolving role of free flaps and pedicled flaps in head and neck reconstruction.

Purpose of reviewThis article reviews literature pertaining to the evolution in head and neck reconstruction techniques over the past two decades, specifically the changing patterns of usage of locoregional flaps and microvascular free tissue transfer.Recent findingsMost literature demonstrates a co
Urinary Excretion Pattern of Injected H3-Testosterone.

SummaryA tracer dose of tritiated testosterone was injected into 6 normal male and 4 normal female subjects and the excretion pattern studied. Ninety per cent or more of the radioactivity appeared in the first 24 hours. Minute but detectable amounts of free testosterone, androsterone and etiochol-anolone were found. Testosterone glucuronide averaged 75 μg and 4 μg respectively in this group of male and female subjects, about 1% of the injected dose, and 0.1% of the dose was present as a pH 1 hydrolyzable fraction. Most of the radioactivity recovered was found in the C19O2 glucuronide and sulfate fractions. Comparison of specific activities suggested that a third of the androsterone and etiocholanolone (totaling about 2.5 mg) was derived from testosterone.
Readmission rates and cost following colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND:Hospital readmission is emerging as a quality indicator by the state, federal, and private payors with the goal of denying payment for select readmissions.OBJECTIVE:We designed a study to measure the rate, cost, and risk factors for hospital readmission after colorectal surgery.STUDY DESI