cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In situ quantitative analysis of nano-scale lubricant migration at the slider–disk interface

A thin layer of lubricant is a critical element of the head/disk interface needed to improve its tribological durability and to prevent media corrosion. Local thinning of lubricant with its subsequent breakdown often leads to the immediate failure of the interface. This paper is devoted to the in situ quantitative analysis of nano-scale lubricant migration on the surface of a thin-film disk using the Optical Surface Analyzer (OSA). The calibration procedure, which enables quantitative measurements, is discussed and the technique's capabilities are demonstrated using specially prepared samples. Two cases of slider/disk interaction are analyzed: low-speed, when the slider is dragged over the disk surface, and high-speed, when the slider is flown over the same track for several days. Lubricant migration phenomena, such as depletion and pooling, are investigated quantitatively to analyze the origination of carbon wear and the mechanisms of interfacial failure. A model of high-speed slider/disk interaction involving the dynamic formation of a liquid bridge at the interface is proposed.
Factors related to oral hygiene in persons with scleroderma

: Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess potential risk factors for the development of poor oral hygiene and increased dental caries in individuals with scleroderma. Methods: Twenty-two subjects with scleroderma participated in this study. All subjects were examined with the Patient Hygiene Performance (PHP) Index, which assesses the extent of plaque and debris over a tooth surface. In addition, oral aperature, xerostomia and dominant upper extremity strength, motion, skin thickness, and dexterity were measured. Results: None of the subjects had good or excellent hygiene. Fifteen subjects had fair oral hygiene and seven subjects had poor oral hygiene as measured by the PHP Index. Significant differences were seen between these two groups for oral aperture, percentage of teeth with caries, skin thickness, dexterity and finger flexion. Dexterity and joint motion correlated significantly with the number of decayed surfaces and number of caries. Oral aperture correlated with the PHP Index and the number of dental caries. Conclusions: Subjects with poor oral hygiene required more time to complete manual dexterity task and had decreased hand strength and joint motion. Moreover, these same subjects had more contractures, scars, ulcers, and higher skin scores (more disease activity) than subjects in the fair hygiene group. In addition to frequent dental exam and routine cleaning, dental personnel may want to consider exercises to increase oral aperature and investigate toothbrush and dental floss selection used by persons with scleroderma.
Diffusions and stochastic games

A diffusion process for which the state probability density function is under the simultaneous control of two players, is manipulated by the players so as to achieve their conflicting objectives. Interesting phenomena arise when one or both players choose controls that make the state boundaries accessible. The game of kind and of degree is considered.
Activation of Gene Transcription by Heat Shock Protein 27 May Contribute to Its Neuronal Protection

Heat shock proteins are up-regulated as a physiological response to stressful stimuli and generally function as molecular chaperones for improperly folded protein substrates. The small heat shock protein HSP27 (or HSPB1) has multiple cytoplasmic roles. HSP27 also can translocate to the nucleus in response to stress, but the functional significance of this nuclear distribution has not been elucidated. We have previously implicated HSP27 as a genetic modifier of spinocerebellar ataxia 17 (SCA17), a neurological disease caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the TATA-binding protein (TBP). Altered expression of HSP27 is also found in cell models of other polyglutamine diseases, including Huntington disease as well as SCA3 and SCA7. Here, we show that Hsp27, unlike Hsp70, is not detected in mutant TBP aggregates in primary cerebellar granule neurons from transgenic SCA17 mice. Although HSP27 overexpression does not reduce the aggregation of cotransfected mutant TBP containing 105 glutamines, it potentiates activated transcription from both TATA-containing and TATA-lacking promoters. Neither HSP40 nor HSP70 elicits the same transcriptional effect. Moreover, HSP27 interacts with the transcription factor SP1, and coexpression of SP1 and nuclear localization signal-tagged HSP27 synergistically activates reporter constructs for the SP1-responsive neurotrophic receptor genes Ngfrp75 and TRKA. Overexpression of nuclear localization signal-tagged HSP27 also rescues mutant TBP-mediated down-regulation of TrkA in a PC12 cell model of SCA17. These results indicate that nuclear HSP27 can modulate SP1-dependent transcriptional activity to promote neuronal protection.
Alcohol and Marijuana Use in Middle School: Comparing Solitary and Social-Only Users

Abstract Purpose Middle school students with a history of solitary substance use are at elevated risk for substance problems by young adulthood. Understanding how these students differ from social-only users on substance use behaviors and consequences, normative beliefs, social influences, and attitudes can inform efforts to reduce solitary use and its related negative consequences. Methods Sixth- to seventh-grade students completed an in-school survey. We compared those with a history of solitary versus social-only alcohol use (n = 202 and n = 616, respectively) and marijuana use (n = 92 and n = 208, respectively) on a range of substance use–related characteristics. Results Any solitary use was reported by 25% of lifetime alcohol users and 31% of lifetime marijuana users. Those with a history of solitary use of either substance were more likely to hold positive expectancies about their use but also reported more negative consequences during the past year. Solitary users tended to have greater exposure to substance-using peers and more difficulty resisting offers to use. Compared with social-only drinkers, those with a history of solitary drinking perceived that more of their peers were alcohol users. Significant group differences were not found on negative outcome expectancies or attempts to cut down on substance use. Conclusions Solitary use is an important, yet, overlooked problem among middle school students who have just begun drinking or using marijuana. Results suggest that positive expectancies, peer influences, resistance self-efficacy, and normative beliefs may be important areas to target in reducing solitary use and the risk it poses for problematic use in young adulthood.
Verifiable Web services with hierarchical interfaces

We propose an hierarchical state machine (HSM) model for specifying behavioral interfaces of peers participating in a composite Web service. We integrate the HSM model to a design pattern which is supported by a modular verification technique that can 1) statically analyze the properties about global interactions of a composite Web service and 2) check the conformance of the Java implementations of the participant peers to their interfaces. We extend the synchronizability analysis to HSMs to efficiently identify composite Web services whose global interactions can be analyzed with respect to unbounded queues using finite state model checkers. We also discuss automated translation of behavioral interfaces specified as HSMs to BPEL specifications to be published and used by other services.
Voluntary Nerve Signals from Severed Mammalian Nerves: Long-Term Recordings

An electrode unit capable of detecting voluntarily elicited nerve signals for prolonged periods of time has been developed and tested. The electrode unit has been implanted around the distal ends of severed sciatic and peroneal nerves in rabbits. This electrode may prove suitable for implantation in human amputees for the purpose of recording neural control signals to activate prostheses with many degrees of freedom.
Ca2+ and Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate–Mediated Signaling Across the Myoendothelial Junction

Second messenger signaling between endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is poorly understood, but intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in the 2 cells are coordinated, possibly through gap junctions at the myoendothelial junction. To study heterocellular calcium signaling, we used a vascular cell coculture model composed of monolayers of ECs and VSMCs. Stimulation of either cell type leads to an increase in [Ca2+]i in the stimulated cell and a secondary increase in [Ca2+]i in the other cell type that was blocked by gap junction inhibitors. To determine which second messengers are involved, we initially depleted Ca2+ stores in the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ with thapsigargin in ECs or VSMCs, but this had no effect on heterocellular calcium signaling. Alternatively, we loaded ECs or VSMCs with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) to buffer changes in [Ca2+]i. BAPTA loading of ECs inhibited agonist-induced increases in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), in both ECs and VSMCs. In contrast, BAPTA loading of the VSMCs blunted the VSMC response but did not alter the secondary increase in EC [Ca2+]i. Xestospongin C (an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor inhibitor) had no effect on the secondary Ca2+ response, but when xestospongin C or thapsigargin was loaded into ECs and BAPTA into VSMCs, intercellular Ca2+ signaling was completely blocked. We conclude that 1,4,5-trisphosphate and Ca2+ originating in the VSMCs induces the secondary increase in EC [Ca2+]i but stimulation of the ECs generates a Ca2+ dependent response in the VSMCs.
Effects of a 1.94% sulfonic acid teat dip and a 1% iodophor teat dip on teat canal infections in lactating dairy cows.

Abstract Sixty-three cows were used in a natural exposure trial for 1 yr to determine the effects of a 1.94% linear dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid and a 1% iodophor teat dip on teat canal and intramammary infections. Overall, total teat canal infections increased 28.9% and total intramammary infections increased 30% in quarters dipped with the linear dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid compared with a 14.3% increase in teat canal infections and a 17.4% decrease in intramammary infections for the iodophor group. Higher frequencies were observed for teat canal and intramammary infections caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis in the linear dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid group. Stephylococcus hyicus was the predominant organism isolated from teat canal and intramammary infections in the iodophor group. No difference was observed between the two teat dips in the persistence of Staphylococcus aureus canal infections. A greater number of S. hyicus canal infections persisted in the iodophor group, whereas teat canal infections produced by S. epidermidis and Staphylococcus xylosus persisted longer in the sulfonic acid group. Results of this study indicated that use of a linear dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid teat dip for 1 yr was not associated with increased S. aureus teat canal infections and intramammary infections. However, linear dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid appeared to affect the distribution of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from teat canal infections and intramammary infections.
Tools for machine-learning-based empirical autotuning and specialization

The process of empirical autotuning results in the generation of many code variants which are tested, found to be suboptimal, and discarded. By retaining annotated performance profiles of each variant tested over the course of many autotuning runs of the same code across different hardware environments and different input datasets, we can apply machine learning algorithms to generate classifiers for runtime selection of code variants from a library, generate specialized variants, and potentially speed the process of autotuning by starting the search from a point predicted to be close to optimal. In this paper, we show how the TAU Performance System suite of tools can be applied to autotuning to enable reuse of performance data generated through autotuning.
Artificial intelligence approach to planning the robotic assembly of large tetrahedral truss structures

An assembly planner for tetrahedral truss structures is presented. To overcome the difficulties due to the large number of parts, the planner exploits the simplicity and uniformity of the shapes of the parts and the regularity of their interconnection. The planning automation is based on the computational formalism known as production system. The global data base consists of a hexagonal grid representation of the truss structure. This representation captures the regularity of tetrahedral truss structures and their multiple hierarchies. It maps into quadratic grids and can be implemented in a computer by using a two-dimensional array data structure. By maintaining the multiple hierarchies explicitly in the model, the choice of a particular hierarchy is only made when needed, thus allowing a more informed decision. Furthermore, testing the preconditions of the production rules is simple because the patterned way in which the struts are interconnected is incorporated into the topology of the hexagonal grid. A directed graph representation of assembly sequences allows the use of both graph search and backtracking control strategies.
Inflammatory bowel disease gene hunting by linkage analysis. Rationale, methodology, and present status of the field

Summary: Observed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) familial clustering and increased monozygotic twin concordance has led to the hypothesis that genetic loci containing IBD susceptibility genes can be identified by whole genome linkage mapping approaches. Methodology including collecting carefully phenotyped multiplex pedigrees, genotyping using highly informative microsatellite markers and linkage analysis by non-parametric allele sharing methods has been established. Eleven published genome wide screens (GWS) have studied more than 1,200 multiplex IBD pedigrees. Two-thirds of affected relative pairs were Crohn's disease (CD), 20% ulcerative colitis (UC) and the remaining were mixed. Seven loci (IBD1-7) on chromosomes 16q, 12, 6p, 14q, 5q, 19, and 1p have been identified with genome wide significant and independently replicated linkage. Risk alleles/haplotypes have been defined for the IBD1 (CARD15/NOD2), IBD3 (HLA) and IBD5 (5q cytokine cluster) loci. There has been evidence for a second chromosome 16 locus (IBD8) independent of NOD2 that overlaps IBD1 on the pericentromeric p-arm. Several other regions show great promise for containing additional IBD loci, particularly chromosome 3p with genome wide evidence in one study at 3p26 and more centromeric evidence in several other studies, and chromosomes 2q, 3q, 4q, 7, 11p, and Xp each with suggestive evidence of linkage in one and additional evidence in two or more studies. Single GWSs and fine mapping studies containing very large sets of pedigrees and in particular, more UC pedigrees, and the use of creative analytic and disease stratification schemes are required to identify, establish and refine weaker IBD loci.
Volatile selenium in higher plants the production of dimethyl selenide in cabbage leaves by enzymatic cleavage of Se-methyl selenomethionine selenonium salt

The volatile selenium compound produced by cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. Capitata) when cultured on media containing either selenite or selenate is dimethyl selenide, (CH3)2 Se. The dimethyl selenide arises from enzymatic cleavage of a Se-methyl selenomethionine selenonium compound. re]19730424
Cancellous bone volume and structure in the forearm: noninvasive assessment with MR microimaging and image processing.

PURPOSE: To develop and apply a method for the derivation of cancellous bone architectural parameters from in vivo magnetic resonance (MR) images of the distal radius and to evaluate these parameters as predictors of vertebral fracture status in osteopenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images (137 x 137 x 500-micron3 voxel size) were acquired with a three-dimensional partial flip-angle spin-echo pulse sequence in the distal radius of 36 women. Subjects were classified as healthy or with osteoporosis on the basis of vertebral deformity and bone mineral density (BMD). Images rated as of adequate quality in 20 subjects were processed with a method that is applicable in the limited spatial resolution regime. The method relies on histogram deconvolution to obviate binary segmentation. Cancellous bone structure was treated as a quasi-regular lattice and analyzed with spatial autocorrelation, yielding parameters that quantify intertrabecular spacing, contiguity, and a measure of longitudinal alignment called tubula...
Patterns of Inheritance of Mating Signals in Sailfin and Shortfin Mollies (Poeciliidae: Poecilia: Mollienesia)

Divergence in mating signals is a primary factor leading to reproductive isolation, and thus, speciation. However, the genetic changes underlying such divergence are poorly understood, especially in vertebrates. We used two species of poeciliid fishes, Poecilia velifera and P. mexicana, to explore the link between genes and mating behaviors that has resulted in pre-mating reproductive isolation between these species. Using backcross hybrids created from the F1 male offspring of reciprocal interspecific crosses between a sailfin molly (P. velifera) and a shortfin molly (P. mexicana), we examined the effects of Y-linkage and autosomal contributions on the expression of two male mating behaviors: courtship displays and gonopodial thrusts. The F1 hybrid males displayed a strong influence of sire on courtship display rates, with F1 males sired by the sailfin species showing courtship display rates that were up to three times higher than the rates of displays performed by F1 males sired by the shortfin species. These results suggest a Y-linked genetic effect on the expression of courtship display behavior. Comparisons between backcross hybrid males with sailfin Y-chromosomes or shortfin Y-chromosomes suggested that the interaction of autosomal genes also influences the inheritance of courtship display rates. Sailfin autosomal genes significantly increased the probability of performing courtship displays for hybrid males, and increased display rate for males from the sailfin Y-chromosome line. Autosomal genes had less of an impact on gonopodial thrusting behavior, however, thrust rates did significantly decrease with an increasing proportion of sailfin autosomes in males from the shortfin Y-chromosome line. These results suggest that the inheritance of species differences in mating signals between shortfin and sailfin mollies involves both genes found on the Y-chromosome and autosomal gene influences on their expression.
Hypertension Management in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Recommendations of the Joint National Committee VII

HTN in patients who have diabetes should be managed aggressively; the goal BP of less than 130/80 mm Hg should be attained if clinicians seek to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality for these patients. Along with instituting medical therapy after HTN is detected, lifestyle modifications need to be managed aggressively, together with strict glycemic and lipid control. Early management and optimization of treatment of HTN can delay and possibly prevent progression of cardiovascular complications,such as CAD, CKD, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease. Studied approaches to treat HTN in diabetics have included ACEIs and ARBs. Either class of medication, generally in combination with a thiazide diuretic, should be considered as initial therapy. Calcium antagonists, BBs, and alpha-antagonists also have a role in this population of patients, usually as third- and fourth-line add-ons. The importance of using agents that block RAAS is becoming understood better. Typically, three or more antihypertensive medications plus lifestyle interventions are required to achieve a goal BP of less than 130/80 mm Hg. Managing patients who have diabetes and HTN is a dynamic, ever-changing challenge. Early and aggressive antihypertensive therapy pays off;it is hoped that the insights in this article enable clinicians to meet the challenge more successfully.
EVALUATION OF AN ION EXCLUSION/DIRECT CONDUCTIVITY METHOD FOR QUANTITATING ACETIC AND LACTIC ACIDS IN PHARMA-CEUTICAL LVP BASE FORMULATIONS

Organic acids (e.g., acetic, lactic and gluconic acid) are common components in Large Volume Parenteral (LVP) base solutions. The characterization of such solution products is necessary for production control and product release. A chromatographic method, which couples separation by anion exclusion with direct conductivity detection, has been developed for this purpose. The evaluation of this method, carried out in a manner consistent with United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guidelines, is summarized in this manuscript. The method meets the acceptance criteria for in-process and/or product release testing with respect to accuracy, linearity, range, precision, and specificity.
XBRL-Enabled, Spreadsheet, or PDF? Factors Influencing Exclusive User Choice of Reporting Technology

ABSTRACT: U.S. adoption of eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL)-enabled technology has been slow. Prior experimental evidence suggests that even when XBRL-enabled technology is available, almost 50 percent of participants do not use it. This study informs AIS researchers on the state of XBRL-enabled technology by using an exclusive choice experimental design to examine (1) which reporting technology nonprofessional investors will choose to complete a financial analysis task (XBRL-enabled, portable document file, or spreadsheet), and (2) why they choose the specific technology. Findings indicate that 66 percent of nonprofessional investors chose XBRL-enabled technology, while 34 percent chose spreadsheets. Participants who chose the former perceived that it reduces the time to complete the task (i.e., increases task efficiency), while participants who chose the latter indicated their choice was driven by prior technology experience. Study results have implications for the Securities and Exchange C...
Recovery of anticipatory activity to restricted feeding in rats with ventromedial hypothalamic lesions

Entrainment of circadian activity rhythms to a fixed daily mealtime was measured in intact and ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH) lesioned rats housed in tilt-cages. Intact rats showed a clear increase in activity for 2-3 hr prior to the 2 hr daytime feeding period. Anticipatory activity in lesioned rats was attenuated or absent during restricted feeding 5-9 weeks after surgery, but was evident in all rats, even those bearing apparently total VMH damage, during a second restricted feeding schedule 14-21 weeks after surgery. These results show recovery of function and argue against a necessary role for the VMH in food entrained rhythms.
Effect of melatonin on hemolymph glucose and lactate levels in the fiddler crab Uca pugilator

Melatonin was injected into intact and eyestalk-ablated fiddler crabs (Uca pugilator), and its effects on hemolymph glucose and lactate levels were studied. In intact crabs, glucose and lactate levels cycled simultaneously, with peaks occurring during early and late photophase. Melatonin caused a shift in the glucose and lactate cycles, with only one peak occurring closer to mid-photophase. In eyestalk-ablated animals, the glucose rhythmicity was lost; lactate cycled, but levels were significantly lower than in intact animals. Melatonin caused a delayed hyperglycemia in eyestalk-ablated animals, with concurrent but much lower increases in lactate. Overall, melatonin demonstrated delayed hyperglycemic effects that do not appear to be mediated solely via eyestalk factors such as crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH), though involvement of the eyestalks cannot be ruled out. An influence on extra-eyestalk CHH secretion is a potential mechanism of melatonin activity.
Measured markets: Limited edition publishing and the Grabhorn Press, 1920–1930

In the postwar prosperity of the 1920s there burgeoned a new interest in fine book-making, which typically featured handcraft production, luxurious materials, “worthy” texts, and—virtually by definition—limited editions. A small but socially prominent community of bibliophiles and wealthy collectors consituted an eager market for these elite books, distinguished by their visible repudiation of mass culture and “commercialism.” This article examines the publishing enterprise of the Grabhorn Press, one of the foremost producers of finely printed books in twentieth-century America. It analyzes the press's editiorial and design strategies, pricing and marketing policies, and general business practices in order to better understand the cultural paradoxes of producing such books both “for love” and for profit.
Quantitative methods for correlating dispersion and electrical conductivity in conductor–polymer nanostrand composites

The development of electrically conductive polymer composite systems continues to be an area of wide interest. In this work, a method is presented for quantifying the macro-scale dispersion characteristics of electrically conductive nickel nanostrands in polymer systems. A single polymer system is considered at multiple volume fractions of nanostrands, with variations in dispersion processing practices. Image analysis methods based on statistical homology parameters are developed to characterize samples of the dispersed nanostructure, including nearest neighbor distance, mean cluster size, area/perimeter ratios, and topological Betti number metrics. It is found that the Betti numbers are particularly well suited for monitoring nanostrands dispersed in polymer systems. Correlation of the dispersed structure to the electrical conductivity properties of the nanocomposite system is demonstrated. The method is well suited as a batch sampling technique for monitoring nanostructures during dispersion processes, and is also analogous for any dispersed system that involves highly structured materials.
The Effects of Dynamic Strategic Math on English Language Learners’ Word Problem Solving:

English language learners (ELLs) struggle with solving word problems for a number of reasons beyond math procedures or calculation challenges. As a result, ELLs may not only need math support but also reading and linguistic support. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a math comprehension strategy called Dynamic Strategic Math (DSM) on word problem solving for Latino ELLs. The strategy provides performance-contingent feedback based on the student’s reading and language comprehension level. A multiple baseline design was used to assess 6 second-grade Latino ELLs at risk for math failure/math disability. As compared with the baseline phase, DSM increased word problem solving for all the participants. All students’ level of performance was maintained during follow-up sessions. The results suggest the intervention facilitated math problem–solving performance.
Mating behaviour in Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas): effects of diet, photoperiod, juvenoids and precocene II

ABSTRACT. When adults of the large milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas) were starved or fed non-host seeds, their mating activity during the 30 days following emergence was reduced by c. 50%. Topical applications of a juvenoid to adults fed non-host seeds usually increased mating activity, sometimes to near the level of milkweed-fed controls. An optimal juvenoid dose applied to adults reared and fed on sunflower seeds increased mating activity by only 9% to 28% from that of controls reared and fed on milkweed. Rearing and maintenance of the sexes on separate diets before pairing indicated that both the juvenoid-restored and non-restored milkweed stimulatory effects on mating probably acted exclusively on the males. Topical application of the anti-allatotropic agent precocene II to milkweed-fed males reduced mating activity by 75%. Simultaneous juvenoid treatment prevented most, but not all, of the precocene II effect. Juvenoid treatment completely prevented the depressed mating activity under short days. Rearing and maintenance of the sexes under different photo-periods before pairing under short days showed that photoperiod acted solely on the males. It is postulated that JH and one or more photosensitive and diet-sensitive factors in males regulate mating activity, JH being stimulatory but nonessential. A partial dietary control over mating may optimize male activity according to the population density and female reproductive activity.
MOLECULAR GENETIC EVIDENCE SUGGESTS LONG ISLAND AS THE GEOGRAPHIC ORIGIN FOR THE PRESENT POPULATION OF BAY SCALLOPS IN BARNEGAT BAY, NEW JERSEY

We have used molecular genetic methods to examine the question of the geographic origins of the newly returned Argopecten irradians populations in Barnegat Bay (BB), New Jersey. Using PCR to amplify specific polymorphic microsatellite regions for bay scallop, we have genetically compared the 2004 and 2005 BB populations to those from Long Island (LI), New York, and North Carolina (NC). Our studies indicate that the 2004 and 2005 BB populations are genetically similar with some allelic frequency differences. Five of the eight loci studied are identical for marker size among BB, LI, and NC populations. The S336 locus demonstrates polymorphic sequences of 138 and 158 basepairs in the NC population that are not observed in LI or BB. The C1832 locus appears identical (122 basepairs) between LI and BB, but demonstrates polymorphisms (132 or 142 basepairs) in the NC population. Additionally, the NC group manifests two further alleles in the M26 locus (135 and 149 basepairs) not seen in BB or LI. These results, along with genetic distance and mean estimated gene flow calculations, support a physical transfer of the Long Island bay scallop larvae down the Atlantic coast to the transition regions around Barnegat Bay.
Minos: Control Data Attack Prevention Orthogonal to Memory Model

We introduce Minos, a microarchitecture that implements Biba's low-water-mark integrity policy on individual words of data. Minos stops attacks that corrupt control data to hijack program control flow but is orthogonal to the memory model. Control data is any data which is loaded into the program counter on control flow transfer, or any data used to calculate such data. The key is that Minos tracks the integrity of all data, but protects control flow by checking this integrity when a program uses the data for control transfer. Existing policies, in contrast, need to differentiate between control and non-control data a priori, a task made impossible by coercions between pointers and other data types such as integers in the C language. Our implementation of Minos for Red Hat Linux 6.2 on a Pentium-based emulator is a stable, usable Linux system on the network on which we are currently running a web server. Our emulated Minos systems running Linux and Windows have stopped several actual attacks. We present a microarchitectural implementation of Minos that achieves negligible impact on cycle time with a small investment in die area, and minor changes to the Linux kernel to handle the tag bits and perform virtual memory swapping.
Comparison of warfarin pharmacogenetic dosing algorithms in a racially diverse large cohort.

Aims: Multiple warfarin pharmacogenetic dosing algorithms have been reported to date. However, there is only limited information available on the performance of the algorithms that can be used with the results of a US FDA-cleared warfarin pharmacogenetic test. We compared the performance of warfarin pharmacogenetic dosing algorithms in a large racially diverse cohort. Materials & methods: Warfarin pharmacogenetic dosing algorithms were identified using the PubMed database. Patient information from the International Warfarin Pharmacogenetics Consortium database was used to predict therapeutic warfarin doses according to each algorithm. By using bootstrapping analysis, the performance of algorithms was tested by comparing the mean absolute error and mean percentage of patients whose predicted dose fell within 20% of actual dose (percentage within 20%) in the entire cohort, and by race and therapeutic dose range. Results: A total of 13 algorithms and 1940 patients were included in the study. Overall, all the...
Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee treated with autologous chondrocyte implantation, autologous bone-grafting, and osteotomy: a report of two cases with follow-up of seven and nine years.

Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee is a disease whose primary etiology remains unknown. First described by Ahlback et al.1 in 1968, it is now categorized as either primary (spontaneous) or secondary osteonecrosis2. Primary osteonecrosis usually presents in people over the age of fifty years, with sudden onset of pain, most frequently in the medial femoral condyle. Secondary osteonecrosis is associated with certain risk factors, such as corticosteroid therapy and alcohol use, and is usually encountered in younger people. In patients with advanced disease or for whom nonoperative treatment has failed, surgery is recommended, typically partial or total joint replacement3-5. Reports of non-arthroplasty procedures are limited. Debridement, curettage, microfracture surgery, osteochondral allograft, bone-grafting, and isolated high tibial osteotomy (HTO) have been proposed6-12, but none have demonstrated proven clinical outcomes in long-term follow-up studies. The recent widespread introduction of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) into clinical practice has renewed interest in biologic treatment options for osteonecrosis of the knee. Recently, Adachi et al.13 showed excellent short-term results with the use of ACI in conjunction with interconnected porous hydroxyapatite (IP-CHA) bone substitute for the treatment of steroid-induced osteonecrosis. In our patients, the abnormal subchondral bone was addressed with an autologous bone graft because of its superior osteogenic, osteoconductive, and osteoinductive properties. We describe two cases of spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee that were treated with ACI, autologous bone-grafting, and osteotomy and followed for seven and nine years. The patients were informed that data concerning their cases would be submitted for publication, and they provided consent. Case 1. A fifty-year-old man with a history of seizures treated with Keppra (levetiracetam), Depakote (valproic acid), and Lamictal (lamotrigine) experienced spontaneous onset of sharp pain in the medial aspect of the knee in June 2000. …
The Intronerator: exploring introns and alternative splicing in Caenorhabditis elegans

The Intronerator (http://www.cse.ucsc.edu/ approximately kent/intronerator/ ) is a set of web-based tools for exploring RNA splicing and gene structure in Caenorhabditis elegans. It includes a display of cDNA alignments with the genomic sequence, a catalog of alternatively spliced genes and a database of introns. The cDNA alignments include >100 000 ESTs and almost 1000 full-length cDNAs. ESTs from embryos and mixed stage animals as well as full-length cDNAs can be compared in the alignment display with each other and with predicted genes. The alt-splicing catalog includes 844 open reading frames for which there is evidence of alternative splicing of pre-mRNA. The intron database includes 28 478 introns, and can be searched for patterns near the splice junctions.
Pathogenicity of Pythium Species Associated with Pythium Root Dysfunction of Creeping Bentgrass and Their Impact on Root Growth and Survival

Symptoms resembling Pythium root dysfunction have been observed on golf course putting greens established with creeping bentgrass across the southeastern United States since 2002. Root isolations from 14 golf courses yielded 59 isolates of Pythium volutum and 16 isolates of Pythium torulosum. Pathogenicity of five isolates of P. volutum, two isolates of P. torulosum, and a combination of the two species was determined by inoculating mature 'A-1' creeping bentgrass plants. Inoculated plants were incubated for 4 weeks at 24/16°C (day/night) to permit root infection, then temperatures were increased to 32/26°C to induce foliar symptoms. No isolates impacted root depth, root mass, or foliar disease severity after 4 weeks at 24/16°C. After increasing the temperature to 32/26°C, isolates of P. volutum induced foliar disease severity ranging from 60 to 84%, whereas isolates of P. torulosum induced only 14 to 35% disease. Isolates of P. volutum consistently reduced root mass and root depth after 4 weeks at 32/26°C, but P. torulosum exhibited no effect. These results demonstrate that P. volutum is a pathogen of mature creeping bentgrass plants. Infections that occur during cool weather reduce the growth and survival of creeping bentgrass roots during hot weather and give rise to foliar symptoms.
Mice with early retinal degeneration show differences in neuropeptide expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus.

Background: In mammals, the brain clock responsible for generating circadian rhythms is located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Light entrainment of the clock occurs through intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) whose axons project to the SCN via the retinohypothalamic tract. Although ipRGCs are sufficient for photoentrainment, rod and cone photoreceptors also contribute. Adult CBA/J mice, which exhibit loss of rod and cone photoreceptors during early postnatal development, have greater numbers of ipRGCs compared to CBA/N control mice. A greater number of photosensitive cells might argue for enhanced light responses, however, these mice exhibit attenuated phase shifting behaviors. To reconcile these findings, we looked for potential differences in SCN neurons of CBA/J mice that might underly the altered circadian behaviors. We hypothesized that CBA/J mice have differences in the expression of neuropeptides in the SCN, where ipRGCs synapse. The neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and vasopressin (VP) are expressed by many SCN neurons and play an important role in the generation of circadian rhythms and photic entrainment. Methods: Using immunohistochemistry, we looked for differences in the expression of VIP and VP in the SCN of CBA/J mice, and using a light-induced FOS assay, we also examined the degree of retinal innervation of the SCN by ipRGCs. Results: Our data demonstrate greater numbers of VIP-and VP-positive cells in the SCN of CBA/J mice and a greater degree of light-induced FOS expression. Conclusions: These results implicate changes in neuropeptide expression in the SCN which may underlie the altered circadian responses to light in these animals.
The newly synthesized pool of dopamine determines the severity of methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity.

The neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) has long been implicated as a participant in the neurotoxicity caused by methamphetamine (METH), yet, its mechanism of action in this regard is not fully understood. Treatment of mice with the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) inhibitor α-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT) lowers striatal cytoplasmic DA content by 55% and completely protects against METH-induced damage to DA nerve terminals. Reserpine, by disrupting vesicle amine storage, depletes striatal DA by more than 95% and accentuates METH-induced neurotoxicity. L-DOPA reverses the protective effect of AMPT against METH and enhances neurotoxicity in animals with intact TH. Inhibition of MAO-A by clorgyline increases pre-synaptic DA content and enhances METH striatal neurotoxicity. In all conditions of altered pre-synaptic DA homeostasis, increases or decreases in METH neurotoxicity paralleled changes in striatal microglial activation. Mice treated with AMPT, L-DOPA, or clorgyline + METH developed hyperthermia to the same extent as animals treated with METH alone, whereas mice treated with reserpine + METH were hypothermic, suggesting that the effects of alterations in cytoplasmic DA on METH neurotoxicity were not strictly mediated by changes in core body temperature. Taken together, the present data reinforce the notion that METH-induced release of DA from the newly synthesized pool of transmitter into the extracellular space plays an essential role in drug-induced striatal neurotoxicity and microglial activation. Subtle alterations in intracellular DA content can lead to significant enhancement of METH neurotoxicity. Our results also suggest that reactants derived from METH-induced oxidation of released DA may serve as neuronal signals that lead to microglial activation early in the neurotoxic process associated with METH.
Quality factor enhancement in micromechanical resonators at cryogenic temperatures

Quality factors as high as 362,768 have been measured for 61-MHz polysilicon wine-glass disk micromechanical resonators operated at cryogenic temperatures down to 5K. The measured results not only represent a ~2.5× increase in Q over the room temperature value, equivalent to a nearly 10-dB improvement in phase noise; but also provide some limited insight into the intrinsic material damping and other loss mechanisms that dominate over certain temperature ranges. In particular, a measured Q versus temperature curve verifies a peaking point for phonon-phonon interaction losses at a temperature around 150K. In addition, measurement versus theory for resonators with different support designs suggests that anchor losses probably still dominate the Q's of the resonators over the entire measured temperature range, implying that improved anchor isolating designs are needed if the true intrinsic material Q's of polysilicon are to be measured at cryogenic temperatures.
Combinatorial Enzyme Design Probes Allostery and Cooperativity in the Trypsin Fold.

Converting one enzyme into another is challenging due to the uneven distribution of important amino acids for function in both protein sequence and structure. We report a strategy for protein engineering allowing an organized mixing and matching of genetic material that leverages lower throughput with increased quality of screens. Our approach successfully tested the contribution of each surface exposed loop in the trypsin fold alone and the cooperativity of their combinations towards building the substrate selectivity and Na + -dependent allosteric activation of the protease domain of human coagulation factor Xa into a bacterial trypsin. As the created proteases lack additional protein domains and protein co-factor activation mechanism requisite for the complexity of blood coagulation, they are stepping-stones towards further understanding and engineering of artificial clotting factors.
Screening Obese Students for Acanthosis Nigricans and Other Diabetes Risk Factors in the Urban School-Based Health Center

Objective. To determine the prevalence of acanthosis nigricans (AN) and other diabetes risk factors in urban school health clinics. Methods. During the period 2006-2009 nurse practitioners (NPs) screened students who had a BMI ≥ 95th percentile and 1 additional diabetes risk factor. Blood glucose (BG) was measured by finger stick. NPs were trained on how to ascertain the presence of AN on the neck area. Results. NPs screened 854 students (mean age 11.4 years, 60.5% female, and 73.3% black). AN and elevated BG were found among 26% and 6.4% of students, respectively. Females and minorities were respectively 50% and 4 times more likely to have AN. Youth with AN were twice as likely to have elevated glucose. Conclusion. AN can be easily identified by trained health care professionals even in busy school-based clinic settings. Checking for AN and appropriate education and counseling should become a routine part of electronic documentation in overweight youth.
Detecting pest control services across spatial and temporal scales

a b s t r a c t Natural habitat may deliver ecosystem services to agriculture through the provision of natural enemies of agricultural pests. Natural or non-crop habitat has strongly positive effects on natural enemies in cropland, but the resulting impact on pests is not as well established. This study measured weekly natural enemy (syrphid fly larvae) and pest (cabbage aphid) abundances in Central California broccoli fields for three years. Abundance of syrphid fly larvae increased strongly with the proportion of natural habitat surrounding the farm. As the density of syrphid fly larvae increased, weekly aphid population growth rates slowed, such that aphid densities just prior to harvest were lowest in farms with natural habitat. These landscape-mediated impacts of syrphids on aphids were not evident when data were aggregated into annual averages, a common metric in research on pest control services. We suggest that higher temporal resolution of data for natural enemy and pest abundance can reveal top–down control that is otherwise masked by seasonal and interannual variation in environmental factors.
Mind attributions about moral actors: Intentionality is greater given coherent cues

Attributions about intentionality and the capacity for agency were explored from coherence perspectives. Coherence perspectives suggest that social perceivers use information about an actor's motives, traits, and the outcomes of action to create meaningful explanations of action. According to the typecasting theory, intentionality and agency attributions should be related and predicted by one's role in a moral dyad. Across four studies, with different operational definitions of moral dyads and agency, we found evidence in favour of coherence perspectives. Social perceivers relied on mental states, character, and behavioural cues to make intentionality judgments. Further, intentionality attributions about behaviours were unrelated to inferences about agency. The discussion centres on the importance of coherent explanation in moral judgment.
A Schering Bridge Circuit for A Varactor Based Sensor Application

The purpose of this research was to produce a concept for a wireless capacitive sensor application using a ferroelectric thin film based varactor. The varactor is based on the nonlinear tunability of Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 (BST). A Schering bridge circuit is utilized for this study, for optimizing the output response.
Method of Superimposition for Suction Force on Trash Rack

As recommended, culvert entrances in urban areas should be protected with a rack or a grate because urban flood flows are quick, concentrated, and fast. Safety around storm-water facilities is an increasing concern for the public. Many forensic cases indicate that a trash rack at the entrance can prevent a human body from being washed into the culvert pipe, but on the other hand, a trash rack increases the flow velocity and results in a pinning force on the human body landed on the rack. While having a trash rack at a culvert entrance has the potential to result in a pinning force and to accumulate trash/debris, the public safety benefit of a trash rack in preventing a person from being drawn into an underground conduit outweigh the risks of the potential pinning force and/or trash/debris blockage. The conventional approach can only provide the total external force acting on a culvert-rack system, including the reaction forces from the wing walls and the rack with or without blockage. This study presents a new method of superimposition that can solve the external forces one by one progressively. Results from the case study indicate that the hydrostatic force due to the high headwater in front of the culvert entrance is mostly balanced by the reaction force from the wing walls. The pinning force on the submerged trash rack is mainly the response to the change in the flow momentum force. In comparison, the pinning force is much smaller than the total external force. A pinning force is a normal force on the rack surface. The effort to escape from being pinned on the trash rack is to overcome the friction along the rack surface.