cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Compiler Framework for Fixed-Topology Non-Deterministic Finite Automata on SIMD Platforms

Automata processing is at the core of many pattern matching applications. Previous efforts have proposed designs to accelerate automata traversal on various parallel platforms. Many existing acceleration methods store the finite automata states and transitions in memory. As a result, for these designs memory size and bandwidth are the main limiting factors to performance and power efficiency. Many applications, however, require processing several fixed-topology automata that differ only in the symbols associated to the transitions. This property enables the design of alternative, memory-efficient solutions. In this work, we target fixed-topology non-deterministic finite automata (NFAs) and propose a memory-efficient design that embeds the automata topology in code and stores only the transition symbols in memory. Our solution is suitable to SIMD architectures. In particular, we propose a compiler framework that, given a set of NFAs with fixed topology and the hardware configuration of the target SIMD platform, deploys the NFAs and the input streams to be processed onto the target device so as to exploit the available parallelism, maximize hardware utilization and optimize the memory access patterns. Our compiler framework performs a combination of platform-agnostic and platform-specific design decisions and optimizations. We showcase our compiler framework on GPU, Intel Xeon Phi and Intel Xeon Skylake platforms.
Understanding of Emotions and Empathy: Predictors of Positive Parenting with Preschoolers in Economically Stressed Families

This study investigated predictors of sensitive and responsive parenting of 3- to 5-year old children within the context of a small urban Head Start system, serving mostly African American and Latino families (N = 86 dyads; 91% African American). Mothers and their children participated in a brief sadness induction (viewing a video clip validated for sadness induction in children), and mothers were subsequently asked to engage their child in discussion about the video. Mother-child discussions were videotaped and parenting behaviors and maternal affect were coded by trained raters. Controlling for maternal verbal ability, maternal facilitative emotional intelligence (understanding the adaptive functions of emotions) and aspects of maternal empathy (self-focused vs other focused emotional resonance) were examined as predictors of observed parenting with children during the interaction task. Higher levels of maternal facilitative emotional intelligence and lower levels of maternal empathic personal distress predicted sensitive and responsive parenting (maternal sensitivity; positive regard toward child), even after controlling for maternal verbal ability. Higher levels of maternal empathic personal distress predicted harsh and intrusive parenting (intrusive behaviors; expressions of anger and frustration). Results contribute to knowledge pertaining to predictors of parenting, particularly predictors of positive parenting. The results support the important and nuanced role of parental empathy in influencing parenting behaviors and point to facilitative emotional intelligence as an additional correlate of sensitive and responsive parenting. Measuring and investigating growth in parents’ facilitative emotional intelligence and empathic distress tolerance could help inform innovative new approaches to studying change processes in various parenting support programs.
Defining Essential Elements of Caregiver Support in Gynecologic Cancers Using the Modified Delphi Method

PURPOSE:Family caregivers are instrumental to patients with gynecologic cancer and can be deeply affected by the demands of caregiving. Our aims were as follows: (1) increase awareness of unmet nee...
Evidence for unmonitored coal ash spills in Sutton Lake, North Carolina: Implications for contamination of lake ecosystems.

Abstract Coal combustion residuals (CCRs, also known as “coal ash”) contain high concentrations of toxic and carcinogenic elements that can pose ecological and human health risks upon their release into the environment. About half of the CCRs that are generated annually in the U.S. are stored in coal ash impoundments and landfills, in most cases adjacent to coal plants and waterways. Leaking of coal ash ponds and CCR spills are major environmental concerns. One factor which may impact the safety of CCRs stored in impoundments and landfills is the storage area's predisposition to flooding. The southeastern U.S., in particular, has a large number of coal ash impoundments located in areas that are vulnerable to flooding. In order to test for the possible presence of CCR solids in lake sediments following Hurricane Florence, we analyzed the magnetic susceptibility, microscopic screening, trace element composition, and strontium isotope ratios of bottom sediments collected in 2015 and in 2018 from Sutton Lake in eastern North Carolina and compared them to a reference lake. The results suggest multiple, apparently previously unmonitored, CCR spills into Sutton Lake from adjacent CCR storage sites. The enrichment of metals in Sutton Lake sediments, particularly those with known ecological impact such as As, Se, Cu, Sb, Ni, Cd, V, and Tl, was similar to or even higher than those in stream sediments impacted by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in Kingston, Tennessee, and the Dan River, North Carolina coal ash spills, and exceeded ecological screening standards for sediments. High levels of contaminants were also found in leachates extracted from Sutton Lake sediments and co-occurring pore water, reflecting their mobilization to the ambient environment. These findings highlight the risks of large-scale unmonitored spills of coal ash solids from storage facilities following major storm events and contamination of nearby water resources throughout the southeastern U.S.
Mothering in the NICU: A qualitative exploration of maternal engagement.

Research suggests maternal engagement in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may positively impact maternal and infant health outcomes. However, the U.S. has lower rates of maternal engagement in the NICU compared to other developed countries. This qualitative study reflects a transdisciplinary research partnership between social work, nursing, and neonatology. Qualitative inquiry explores maternal experiences in the NICU from the perspectives of mothers of preterm infants hospitalized in 2 U.S. NICUs. Results support an ecological systems framework to understanding barriers and facilitators to maternal engagement in the NICU and the utilization of a trauma-informed health care approach in NICU settings.
ReCappable Seq: Comprehensive Determination of Transcription Start Sites derived from all RNA polymerases.

Determination of eukaryotic Transcription Start Sites (TSS) has been based on methods that require the cap structure at the 5-prime end of transcripts derived from Pol-II RNA polymerase. Consequently, these methods do not reveal TSS derived from the other RNA polymerases which also play critical roles in various cell functions. To address this limitation, we developed ReCappable-seq which comprehensively identifies TSS for both Pol-lI and non-Pol-II transcripts at single-nucleotide resolution. The method relies on specific enzymatic exchange of 5-prime m7G caps and 5-prime triphosphates with a selectable tag. When applied to human transcriptomes, ReCappable-seq identifies Pol-II TSS that are in agreement with orthogonal methods such as CAGE. Additionally, ReCappable-seq reveals a rich landscape of TSS associated with Pol-III transcripts which have not previously been amenable to study at genome-wide scale. Novel TSS from non-Pol-II transcription can be located in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. ReCappable-seq interrogates the regulatory landscape of coding and non-coding RNA concurrently and enables the classification of epigenetic profiles associated with Pol-lI and non-Pol-II TSS.
Observability Analysis and Bayesian Filtering for Self-Localization of a Tethered Multicopter in GPS-Denied Environments

A main challenge for multicopter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is to consistently obtain its accurate position. The integration of the Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) is a common strategy to compensate the accumulated drifting errors caused by the onboard Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). In environments where the GPS signal is degraded or unavailable (e.g., cluttered, hostile, urban, and underwater areas), other solutions must be pursued for the multicopter localization. In this paper, a novel approach is presented that estimates the relative position of a multicopter tethered to a ground mobile platform. The proposed approach uses the measurements collected by solely the commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) IMU onboard the multicopter. The observability analysis of the system is performed to demonstrate the validity of using a Bayesian filter that was developed to account for the uncertainty in the measurements. Simulation were conducted and the results showed that the developed Bayesian filter, with accurate localization estimates, outperforms a Low-Pass-Filtering approach that was developed by the authors before.
The role of parental genotype in predicting offspring years of education: evidence for genetic nurture.

Similarities between parent and offspring are widespread in psychology; however, shared genetic variants often confound causal inference for offspring outcomes. A polygenic score (PGS) derived from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) can be used to test for the presence of parental influence that controls for genetic variants shared across generations. We use a PGS for educational attainment (EA3; N ≈ 750 thousand) to predict offspring years of education in a sample of 2517 twins and both parents. We find that within families, the dizygotic twin with the higher PGS is more likely to attain higher education (unstandardized β = 0.32; p < 0.001). Additionally, however, we find an effect of parental genotype on offspring outcome that is independent of the offspring’s own genotype; this raises the variance explained in offspring years of education from 9.3 to 11.1% (∆R2 = 0.018, p < 0.001). Controlling for parental IQ or socioeconomic status substantially attenuated or eliminated this effect of parental genotype. These findings suggest a role of environmental factors affected by heritable characteristics of the parents in fostering offspring years of education.
Cultivating a Culture of Reflection Among Pharmacy Students Through Storytelling

Objective. To hold a storytelling event and assess its effect on Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students' perspectives on and attitudes toward reflection. Methods. Story Slam, a four-hour storytelling competition, was incorporated into the spring semester of the first professional year of a PharmD program. The event featured short first-person stories told by faculty members as well as students. Students were invited to participate in a pre- and post-intervention survey and focus group. An inductive qualitative analysis of the resulting data was conducted using textual and audio artifacts. Results. All 136 first professional year (P1) students participated in the 2019 Story Slam. Eleven students submitted qualitative pre- and post-intervention survey instruments and participated in a semi-structured recorded focus group. Thematic analysis revealed nine themes. Students' perspectives regarding the importance of self-reflection changed after participating in Story Slam, with students expressing a greater willingness to engage in self-reflection in the context of professional practice following the event. Students believed Story Slam created an environment conducive to reflection and engagement, resulting in strengthened relationships with peers and faculty members. Students expressed feeling a wide range of emotions as they shared their story and listened to the stories of others. Conclusion. Story Slam is an effective strategy for introducing P1 students to reflection, while also strengthening the school's reflective culture. Additionally, sharing stories may foster positive relationships and cultivate trust and respect between students and faculty members.
Chapter 3.15 – Composite laminate failure analysis using multicontinuum theory

Publisher Summary This chapter presents composite laminate failure analysis using multicontinuum theory. Damage in a composite material typically begins at the constituent level and may be limited to only one constituent in some situations. An accurate prediction of constituent damage at sampling points throughout a laminate provides a genesis for progressively analyzing the failure of a composite structure from start to finish. A majority of failure criteria developed for composite materials to date can be classified as macromechanical because the criteria attempt to predict failure using composite stress–strain data. A key element of macromechanics is the combining of constituent's properties into a homogeneous set of composite lamina properties. In contrast, micromechanical failure analyses retain the individual identities of each lamina and its constituents, thereby allowing interaction among them. All micromechanical models are predicated on a complete set of material constants for each constituent that are consistent with those of the composite they form. Multicontinuum Theory is a micro-mechanics based theory and associated numerical algorithm for extracting, virtually without a time penalty, the stress and strain fields for a composites' constituents during a routine finite element analysis. A constituent stress-based failure criterion is used to construct a nonlinear progressive failure algorithm for investigating the material failure strengths of composite laminates. The proposed failure analysis methodology is used to simulate the nonlinear laminate behavior and progressive damage of selected laminates under both uniaxial and biaxial load conditions up to their ultimate strength. This effort is part of a broader project to compare the predictive capability of current composite failure criteria.
Hybrid analytical and computational optimization methodology for structural shaping: Material-efficient mass timber beams

Abstract The building sector is responsible for a large portion of the global CO2e emissions. With structural materials accounting for a large part of it, the reduction of material used in buildings offers an important mitigation option to climate change. Standardized structural elements (eg. columns, beams, floors) have very low material efficiencies, as their shape does not consider the final use and load cases. New digital manufacturing technologies emerging in the field of construction and architecture, open new opportunities for the design of mass-customized structural elements, with the potential for more efficient use of materials in ubiquitous constructions. This paper offers a shaping methodology for the optimization of structural elements based on computational geometry and analytical mechanics. The paper implements the methodology for the shape optimization of mass timber beams. The methodology reveals that a large amount of structural material could be saved on standard structural timber elements. The accuracy of the solutions is benchmarked against analytical solutions and Finite Element Analysis (FEM). In order to implement the methodology for the optimization of timber beams, the analytical mechanics of shaped solid wooden beams are expanded from the existing literature and are presented in this paper. With the potential of being applied to a wider range of material systems, the methodology can significantly decrease the material consumption in a wide range of structural elements. Finally, the resulting optimized geometries demonstrate new objectives for the development of digital manufacturing techniques of mass-customized structures for the implementation in standard buildings.
CRISPR-mediated Transfection of Brugia malayi

The application of reverse genetics in the human filarial parasites has lagged due to the difficult biology of these organisms. Recently, we developed a co-culture system that permitted the infective larval stage of Brugia malayi to be transfected and efficiently develop to fecund adults. This was exploited to develop a piggyBac transposon-based toolkit that can be used to produce parasites with transgene sequences stably integrated into the parasite genome. However, the piggyBac system has generally been supplanted by Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) based technology, which allows precise editing of a genome. Here we report adapting the piggyBac mediated transfection system of B. malayi for CRISPR mediated knock-in insertion into the parasite genome. Suitable CRISPR insertion sites were identified in intergenic regions of the B. malayi genome. A dual reporter piggybac vector was modified, replacing the piggyBac inverted terminal repeat regions with sequences flanking the insertion site. B. malayi molting L3 were transfected with a synthetic guide RNA, the modified plasmid and the CAS9 nuclease. The transfected parasites were implanted into gerbils and allowed to develop into adults. Progeny microfilariae were recovered and screened for expression of a secreted luciferase reporter encoded in the plasmid. Approximately 3% of the microfilariae were found to secrete luciferase; all contained the transgenic sequences inserted at the expected location in the parasite genome. Using an adaptor mediated PCR assay, transgenic microfilariae were examined for the presence of off target insertions; no off-target insertions were found. These data demonstrate that CRISPR can be used to modify the genome of B. malayi, opening the way to precisely edit the genome of this important human filarial parasite.
Protocol for a Systematic Review Assessing Surgery versus Primary Endocrine Therapy in Operable Breast Cancer. Prep for Pandemic

Introduction: In COVID-19 pandemic epicenters cancer care was severely impacted. All elective and semielective procedures, as well as select urgent cases, were postponed in order to preserve resources and protect patients and staff from SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Structured decision making for breast cancer treatment resulted in deferment of surgery with initiation of endocrine therapy. Moreover, the waitlist for elective breast cancer procedures after mitigation is a challenge for prioritization. Objective and significance: We aim to summarize the current body of evidence, comparatively evaluate oncological outcomes of surgery versus primary endocrine therapy (PET), and determine whether PET is a viable long-term alternative to surgery in the context of crisis management strategy for early, operable hormone receptor positive (HRP) breast cancer. PET could potentially be an acceptable bridging or maintenance therapy in select patients during pandemic crisis or for those choosing to forgo surgery in the treatment of breast cancer. Methods and analysis: The database search includes PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE (via Ovid). This systematic review includes women 18 years or older undergoing one of two interventions for HRP breast cancer: surgery (with or without endocrine therapy post-surgery) or solely PET. Studies comparing one of the two interventions of interest to a non-relevant intervention and studies reporting only descriptive data will not be included in the quantitative synthesis of data. After selection of eligible studies based on title and abstract, these studies will be further screened through full text articles by two independent reviewers, with a third as an arbitrator. Eligible studies will be critically appraised at the study level for methodological quality. Cochrane methodology will be utilized for meta-analysis. Ethics and dissemination: This study does not require an institutional review board approval given its summary design nature. Findings of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Neurobiology of SARS-CoV-2 interactions with the peripheral nervous system: implications for COVID-19 and pain

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that infects cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, aided by proteases that prime the spike protein of the virus to enhance cellular entry. Neuropilin 1 and 2 (NRP1 and NRP2) act as additional viral entry factors. SARS-CoV-2 infection causes COVID-19 disease. There is now strong evidence for neurological impacts of COVID-19, with pain as an important symptom, both in the acute phase of the disease and at later stages that are colloquially referred to as "long COVID." In this narrative review, we discuss how COVID-19 may interact with the peripheral nervous system to cause pain in the early and late stages of the disease. We begin with a review of the state of the science on how viruses cause pain through direct and indirect interactions with nociceptors. We then cover what we currently know about how the unique cytokine profiles of moderate and severe COVID-19 may drive plasticity in nociceptors to promote pain and worsen existing pain states. Finally, we review evidence for direct infection of nociceptors by SARS-CoV-2 and the implications of this potential neurotropism. The state of the science points to multiple potential mechanisms through which COVID-19 could induce changes in nociceptor excitability that would be expected to promote pain, induce neuropathies, and worsen existing pain states.
Transition from Field Emission to Glow Discharge Plasma in Polycrystalline Diamond Films

In recent years, several reports appeared that discussed transition from field emission to glow discharge plasma regime in CNT/graphene1 and Si2 vacuum diodes. When such transition takes place, the current vs. voltage relation switches from Fowler-Nordheim to dc gas breakdown/ discharge dependence. The transition is also accompanied with visible light generation.
Focus on Two Fitness Exercises

(1964). Focus on Two Fitness Exercises. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 35, No. 5, pp. 22-23.
Rapid Environmental Acoustic Survey and Modeling System

A two-component acoustic system was developed and deployed during a major Fall 1991 at-sea exercise. The first component is a near-real-time airborne environmental acoustic data acquisition system. This component acquires and processes data, and performs semi-automated quality control and message generation. These messages are transmitted to the second component, an acoustic modeling and validation system. This system is capable of acquiring disparate types of incoming data and messages, performing acoustic performance modeling, and optimizing exercise scenarios based on in situ measurements from several sources, including the airborne system.
Conversion and the Death of the Soviet Military — Industrial Complex

As the most demanding sector in the Soviet economy, as one of the most privileged elements of Soviet Society, and as the very foundation of Soviet military power, the military-industrial complex shaped much of the Soviet System’s evolution over the last seven decades. The effort to convert military enterprises to civilian production, therefore, has meant more than mere industrial reform. Because the military-industrial complex has played such an important role in the country’s evolution, its demise offers a rare perspective on the economic, political and military decay of the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, the transformation of the country since August 1991 has shaken this crucial foundation of the Soviet Union’s international stature beyond reasonable chance of repair.
Alex’s Year Begins

Yes, my response to Owen’s question, “what’s to become of your work @ Fairfield? what now?” was going to be longwinded, but ultimately it would have began and ended with “I don’t know.” Yet I could not stop thinking that I had to return to Fairfield to continue processing Owen’s departure from teaching. His departure, and the similarities it held with my own, rattled in my head for weeks, months, over the summer.
Chapter 8 Isolation of Nuclei and Chromatin from Phycomyces blakesleeanus

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the methods for isolation of nuclei and chromatin from Phycomyces blakesleeanus. Phycomyces blakesleeanus is studied as a model sensory system. The giant unicellular sporangiophore is the most remarkable organelle in the Phycomyces . It exhibits considerable regenerative powers. The methodology used in laboratory to grow mycelia and sporangiophores and to isolate intact nuclei from the sporangiophores includes (1) growth of Phycomyces blakesleeanus , (2) isolation of nuclei from sporangiophores, and (3) isolation of chromatin. Control of the development of the sporangiophore at the level of gene expression may be relatively simple. Chromatin isolated from various stages of synchronized sporangiophores contains nonhistone chromosomal proteins that exhibit considerable differences, both quantitative and qualitative, during sporangiophore development. Extracted chromatin contains large quantity of histones including H1, H2B, H2A, and H4.
Dietary Intake Methodology I. USDA Surveys and Supporting Research

Nationwide food consumption and dietary surveys have been conducted about every 10 yr by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) since the mid-1930s to fulfill responsibilities for monitoring dietary patterns among the nation's population. Survey findings have implications for policies and programs related to food production and marketing, food safety, food assistance, and nutrition education. Until 1965, these surveys measured household food consumption only, but subsequent surveys were expanded to include food intakes by individuals in the sample households. Since 1985, small-scale continuing surveys of food intakes by individuals have been conducted during the years between the large decennial surveys. The 1-d recall was used in the first dietary intake survey. Then, to capture day-to-day variation in diets, 3 d of intake data, 1-d recall and 2-d records, were collected in 1977-1978, 1987-1988, and 1989. Prior to the 1977-1978 dietary intake survey, USDA embarked upon an intensive program of extramural research that was designed to improve methodologies for surveying individuals' dietary intakes. Since 1975, many major investigations have been completed and results have been incorporated in current survey procedures. Studies included testing of varied recall and diary methods, approaches for validating survey data, debriefings of survey respondents and interviewers, intersurvey comparisons, and testing of panel approaches with in-person, telephone, and mail contacts.
Baseball: An Illustration of How Professional Sports are Structured, Internally Governed, and Legally Regulated in the USA

Baseball, America's National Pastime, provides an apt illustration of the North American model of sports and how U.S. professional sports leagues are internally governed and externally regulated by public laws. This article describes how U.S. law has influenced the development of U.S. professional team sports and identifies some current legal issues affecting professional sports. It also briefly compares and contrasts the structure and operation of U.S. professional sports leagues with those in Europe and the Republic of Korea.
Abstract 843: Methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP)-deficient T-cell ALL xenografts are sensitive to pralatrexate and 6-thioguanine alone and in combination

In T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the genes CDKN2A (p16 and p14) and MTAP are homozygously co-deleted, with a frequency of ∼35 %. MTAP cleaves the natural substrate, 5′-deoxy-5′-methylthioadenosine, to adenine and 5-methylthioribose-1-phosphate, which are converted to adenine nucleotides and methionine. Cells lacking MTAP are unable to salvage adenine through this pathway and rely on the de novo pathway for purine synthesis. This variation between normal MTAP+ cells and tumor MTAP-/- cells led to several studies showing that MTAP -/- cells are more sensitive to inhibitors of de novo purine synthesis. Pralatrexate (PDX) is a second generation antifolate that targets dihydrofolate reductase and via conversion to polyglutamylates, inhibits de novo purine synthesis. 6-Thioguanine (6TG), an antimetabolite analog of guanine, also target de novo purine synthesis. MTAP-deficient ALL cells should be more sensitive to these agents, remarkably so in combination. We tested single agent PDX and 6TG as well as a combination treatment in MTAP+ (Molt4) and MTAP-/- (CEM) ALL xenografts. CEM xenografts were more sensitive to PDX treatment than MOLT4 xenografts. CEM xenografts were also much more sensitive to 6TG, while Molt4 xenografts were resistant to 6TG. Early results of the combination of PDX and 6TG in vivo show promise as an effective therapy of MTAP-/- T-cell ALL. Citation Format: Philip M. Tedeschi, Yamini K. Kathari, Iqra Farooqi, Joseph R. Bertino. Methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP)-deficient T-cell ALL xenografts are sensitive to pralatrexate and 6-thioguanine alone and in combination. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 843. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-843
Dopamine release is severely compromised in the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease

Recently, alterations in dopamine signaling have been implicated in Huntington's disease. In this work, dopamine release and uptake was measured in striatal slices from the R6/2 transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry at carbon-fiber microelectrodes. Dopamine release in brain slices from 6-week-old R6/2 mice is substantially reduced (53% of wild type), while dopamine uptake is unaffected. In agreement with this, R6/2 mice injected with the dopamine uptake inhibitor cocaine exhibited a blunted motor activity response (54% of wild type). At 10 weeks of age, an even more dramatic motor activity decrease in response to cocaine injection (21% of wild type) was observed. Moreover, the pre-drug activity of 10-week-old R6/2 mice was significantly reduced (by 37%) compared with 6-week-old R6/2 mice. Striatal dopamine release decreased with age, indicating that progressive alterations in dopaminergic pathways may affect motor activity. The inhibition constants of cocaine and methamphetamine (METH) determined in brain slices differed little between genotype or age group, suggesting that the decreased responses to cocaine and METH arise from compromised dopamine release rather than differences in uptake or drug action. Collectively, these data demonstrate (i) a reduction in the ability of dopamine terminals to release dopamine and (ii) the importance of this attenuation of release on the motor symptoms of Huntington's disease.
Sleep following alcohol intoxication in healthy, young adults: effects of sex and family history of alcoholism.

Background: This study evaluated sex and family history of alcoholism as moderators of subjective ratings of sleepiness/sleep quality and polysomnography (PSG) following alcohol intoxication in healthy, young adults. Methods: Ninety-three healthy adults [mean age 24.4 ± 2.7 years, 59 women, 29 subjects with a positive family history of alcoholism (FH+)] were recruited. After screening PSG, participants consumed alcohol (sex/weight adjusted dosing) to intoxication [peak breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) of 0.11 ± 0.01 g% for men and women] or matching placebo between 20:30 and 22:00 hours. Sleep was monitored using PSG between 23:00 and 07:00 hours. Participants completed the Stanford Sleepiness Scale and Karolinska Sleepiness Scale at bedtime and on awakening and a validated post-sleep questionnaire. Results: Following alcohol, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, nighttime awakenings, and wake after sleep onset were more disrupted in women than men, with no differences by family history status. Alcohol reduced sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, and rapid eye movement sleep while increasing wakefulness and slow wave sleep across the entire night compared with placebo. Alcohol also generally increased sleep consolidation in the first half of the night, but decreased it during the second half. Sleepiness ratings were higher following alcohol, particularly in women at bedtime. Morning sleep quality ratings were lower following alcohol than placebo. Conclusions: Alcohol intoxication increases subjective sleepiness and disrupts sleep objectively more in healthy women than in men, with no differences evident by family history of alcoholism status. Evaluating moderators of alcohol effects on sleep may provide insight into the role of sleep in problem drinking.
High heat flux and high density cooling: Its all relative

This presentation gives a brief perspective on the cooling challenges that manufacturers and their customers facing at the chip level, box level, rack level and data center level. In particular, the goal of the discussion is to demonstrate that high density packaging is not a problem that is unique to chip level cooling but rather the whole value chain (from chip level to data center level). In each of these cases, some opportunities are discussed and some examples are given of what manufacturers are doing to manage these local density issues. By no means is this discussion to be a comprehensive but rather to stimulate discussion in the forum.
Women and cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease is responsible for half of all deaths among women aged 50 and older in Canada and the United States. Nevertheless, women have less heart disease than men. Perhaps this is the main reason why the study of heart disease in women is a relatively recent phenomenon. In the last few
Food intake and the menstrual cycle in rhesus monkeys.

Abstract Fourteen adult female rhesus monkeys were observed for 1 complete menstrual cycle, five of them for 2 cycles. Changes in LH, FSH, estrogens and progesterone were monitored daily. Mean hormonal concentrations followed patterns previously demonstrated in primates, with a typical late follicular phase estrogen peak preceeding the ovulatory LH and FSH surges. Maximal sexual skin color intensity paralleled the midcycle increase in estrogens. The results indicate that food intake fluctuated with changes in hormonal secretion. A significant decrease in the amount of food consumed correlated well with the midcycle estrogen and gonadotropin surges. The amount of food consumed during the luteal phase was greater than that of the early follicular phase.
A constant term identity featuring the ubiquitous (and mysterious) Andrews-Mills-Robbins-Rumsey numbers 1, 2, 7, 42, 429, …

Abstract Andrews's recent proof of the Mills-Robbins-Rumsey conjectured formula for the number of totally symmetric self-complementary plane partitions is used to derive a new multi-variate constant term identity, reminiscent of, but not implied by, Macdonald's BCn-Dyson identity. The method of proof consists in translating to the language of constant terms an expression of Doran for the desired number in terms of sums of minors of a certain matrix. The question of a direct proof of the identity, which would furnish an alternative proof of the Mills-Robbins-Rumsey conjecture, is raised, and a prize is offered for its solution.
Evaluation of 26Mg stable isotope as an in vivo tracer of magnesium transport for SIMS ion microscopy imaging studies

Isotopic detection with high sensitivity, one of the most important features of ion microscopy, allows the in vivo application of stable isotopes as tracers for unravelling smaller tissue structures implicated with transport capabilities. The evaluation of the mass interferences associated with a particular mass of secondary ion signals is a necessity for tracer studies with stable isotopes. We have tested the feasibility of 26Mg stable isotope as a tracer of magnesium transport in the killifish. The fish were given a single intraperitoneal injection of 3 mumol 26MgCl2.6H2O (99.5% 26Mg enrichment), and the renal distribution of 26Mg was examined in frozen freeze-dried cryosections with ion microscopy. High-mass resolution analyses were performed to evaluate the purity of positive secondary ion signals of the nominal masses 24, 25 and 26 in order to assess the purity of 24Mg, 25Mg and 26Mg signals, respectively, in kidneys of control and 26Mg-injected fish. In kidneys of control fish, the purities of 24Mg, 25Mg and 26Mg signals were approximately 97%, 82% and 90%, respectively. In fish that were injected with 26Mg stable isotope, an enhancement of 26Mg+ secondary ion signals was observed with signal purity reaching 95%. These observations indicate that 26Mg can be used successfully as a tracer of magnesium transport in animal models. To uncover the distribution of tracer 26Mg from the naturally abundant background of this isotope, a pixel-by-pixel digital subtraction is applied to the raw ion microscopy mass 26 image.
Antigenic complementarity between HIV and other AIDS-associated infections results in idiotype-antiidiotype antibody complexes that cross react with lymphocyte proteins.

Abstract HIV proteins mimic HLA proteins, and the proteins of cofactor infections (cytomegalovirus, hepatitis viruses, mycobacteria, mycoplasmas) mimic CD4 proteins, making some HIV antigens molecularly complementary to cofactor antigens. Antibodies to HIV and its cofactors should therefore act like idiotype–antiidiotype pairs. Over 2000 combinations of antibodies were tested for such complementarity using modified forms of Ouchterlony immunodiffusion and ELISA. HIV antibodies do precipitate some antibodies against cofactor infections including CMV, HBV, mycobacteria and mycoplasmas. These antibodies also mimic antibodies against HLA and CD4 proteins. Thus, some combinations of HIV with cofactor infections may induce lymphocytotoxic antibodies (LCTA), a risk that must be addressed in vaccine development.
Understanding microRNAs in neurodegeneration.

Multiple roles for microRNA-mediated regulation of mRNA translation in the nervous system have emerged in recent years. Dawson and colleagues discuss the mechanisms by which microRNAs might influence neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis and outline key questions for future research.
Slowing PCR ramp speed reduces chimera formation from environmental samples.

Abstract Chimeric sequences falsely increase the apparent diversity within samples. To examine chimera formation in PCR products from environmental DNA, clone libraries were prepared using different ramp speeds to reach the designated temperatures for each step of the PCR program. Slowing the thermocycler ramp speed to 1 °C s− 1 reduced chimera formation.
Selection and Use of Age Resistors in Rubber Compounds

Abstract THE early development of the rubber industry was handicapped by two serious defects in rubber articles. They were not stable to temperature changes, and they deteriorated rapidly with age. Although the process of vulcanization corrected the first difficulty, rapid deterioration with age was common until the discovery of certain organic accelerators, such as p-aminodimethylaniline, the aldehydeamines, and mercaptobenzothiazole. Prior to these discoveries a number of materials had been patented for the purpose of improving the age-resisting properties of rubber, but many of them were of little merit and most of the others possessed some accelerating value, a fact which was not appreciated at the time. Typical of the more useful early patents for age-resisting materials are American patents by Murphy in 1870 (15), Moore in 1901 (14), and Martin in 1922 (12), and the German and English patents of the Ostwalds in 1908 and 1910 (19, 20). Murphy patented phenol, cresol, and cresylic acid, either added t...
Evaluation of modulus-constrained matched illumination waveforms for target identification

In prior work, we have applied matched illumination strategies to target identification by a closed-loop radar system. In the closed-loop system, multiple waveforms are transmitted in succession, but each is customized based on the returns from prior transmissions. In this prior work, however, the matched waveforms were not constrained to be constant modulus. This current paper evaluates the performance of closed-loop radar with constant-modulus matched illumination. We also compare the performance of non-constant-modulus illumination under a peak power constraint. Finally, we use simple target models and assume unknown orientation, rather than the deterministic or Gaussian target models used in earlier work.
Synthesis of a C56H40 Hydrocarbon Bearing a 54-Carbon Framework of C60†

A C56H40 hydrocarbon possessing a 54-carbon framework represented on the surface of C60 was synthesized by solution-phase chemistry. The structure of this hydrocarbon has a 30-carbon core, which can be regarded as a partially hydrogenated [5,5]circulene, a C30H12 semibuckminsterfullerene, with only one of the carbon−carbon bonds remaining unconnected. The central 30-carbon core is fused with two indeno groups and bears two phenyl and two methyl substituents.
Queuing for Gaps in High Flow Traffic Streams

In this paper the authors study the queues that build up in a minor stream of traffic waiting to cross or merge with a major stream. The criterion for joining or crossing is that a gap between vehicles in the major stream be greater than or equal to some constant value. Several authors have studied the case where bulk service is provided for the minor stream queue with the appearance of each gap, in this paper the authors emphasize the higher flow rate situations where one car in the minor stream queue is released in a first-come first-serve fashion with the appearance of a gap. It is assumed that the minor stream is Poisson-fed while the intervehicle headways in the major stream are arbitrary but identically and independently distributed random variables.
Is there a role for DHEA supplementation in women with diminished ovarian reserve

Purpose Poor ovarian reserve and poor ovarian response presents a challenge to IVF centers. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation is increasingly being used by many IVF centers around the world in poor responders despite the lack of convincing data. We therefore examined the rationale for the use of DHEA in poor responders, address the relevant studies, present new data, and address its potential mechanisms of action.
Best of the Sámi Film Festival 2008

ABSTRACT In June of 2008, the American-Scandinavian Foundation and the National Museum of the American Indian presented a screening of selections originally shown at the 12th annual Sami Film Festival held in Norway. This marked the first time that a version of the festival, which features works by and about the indigenous peoples of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, was presented in New York. Three of the films shown—Last Yoik in Saami Forests?, Herdswoman, and Calmmis Calbmai (From an Eye to an Eye)—examined how Sami communities draw on shared traditions as a productive resource for reimagining Sami identity in a contemporary context. [Keywords: Sami, Scandinavia, indigenous media, ethnographic film]
Ecological prepaint treatment of aluminium alloys

AbstractThe preparation of aluminium alloys before painting is fundamental to achieving good coating adhesion and superior corrosion resistance. A number of well defined surface treatment techniques have been acknowledged as accepted practice throughout the global industry. Chemical based treatment methods have included the use of proprietary alkaline cleaners, acidic phosphates and hexavalent chromium based chromate solutions. Many of these have become objectionable due to the increased regulation of hazardous materials, growing restrictions on waste discharge and the need to remain competitive through process cost reduction. New technologies are now entering the market as ecological alternatives to these traditional chemical treatments. These include the adoption of bioremediated cleaners, the application of organic dry in place coatings and the use of chromium free passivate films. Despite the current global economic difficulties, it is imperative that industry continues to develop its 'green' credenti...
Metabolic accommodation to running on a body weight-supported treadmill.

Body weight-supported treadmill training using positive air pressure has become increasingly popular, but little is known about the metabolic adaptations to these treadmills. This study aimed to evaluate the existence and length of a metabolic accommodation period to running on a lower body positive pressure (LBPP) treadmill. A total of eight recreational runners (5 males and 3 females) ran 15 min trials (5 min at 50, 70, and 90 % body weight) on the AlterG Anti-gravity® P200 treadmill. No verbal instruction was given on how to run on the device. Their trial pace corresponded to 70–80 % of their velocity measured at $$\dot{V}$$ O2max on a standard treadmill. Trials were continued until no significant metabolic change was observed. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze changes in $$\dot{V}$$ O2 across trials and levels of unloading. Participants completed 7 trials. Comparing trial 1 to the average of trials 5, 6, and 7, $$\dot{V}$$ O2 decreased from 29.6 ± 3.8 to 23.6 ± 4.4 ml/kg/min at 50 % body weight (~20 % reduction), from 33.7 ± 4.5 to 29.2 ± 5.1 ml/kg/min at 70 % body weight (~13 % reduction), and from 41.0 ± 7.7 to 36.6 ± 5.6 ml/kg/min at 90 % body weight (~11 % reduction). No significant reduction occurred after trial 4 at any level of support. An accommodation effect of running on a treadmill with LBPP was observed and reached after 60 min of running (4 trials of 15 min). The accommodation effect was the largest at the greatest level of body weight support. These data suggest the importance of an accommodation period for reliable measures of metabolic cost to be made.
Potato starch factory waste effluents. II. Development of a process for recovery of amino acids, protein and potassium.

Problems associated with the secondary waste effluents from potato starch factories and the basic studies leading to a proposed ion-exchange process for the treatment of such wastes to decrease the biochemical oxygen demand (b.o.d.) by removal of protein and amino acids are discussed. The variables studied and the data needed for design of a process are reported. Five products are obtained: (i) a basic amino-acid mixture containing approximately 30% arginine, 8% lysine and 6% histidine; (ii) an acidic and neutral amino compound mixture containing approximately 30% asparagine; (iii) potato protein; (iv) a fertiliser product having an n.p.k. of 12-0-22; and (v) a liquid fertiliser containing 8% ammonium sulphate. By the removal of these constituents the b.o.d. is decreased approximately 60%.
The NASA STE Project

The NASA Upper Atmosphere Research Program has funded a multi-year, multi-mission project, the Stratosphere-Troposphere Exchange (STE) Project, whose goal is to improve our understanding of the processes by which trace constituents are exchanged between the stratosphere and troposphere. The project is managed by the Atmospheric Experiments Branch, NASA Ames Research Center. Project scientist is E.F. Danielsen, and project manager is P.B. Russell, both of Ames Research Center. Scientific guidance is provided by an executive committee chaired by J.R. Holton, University of Washington. Project plans call for five major missions using the NASA U-2 and ER-2 high altitude aircraft in the extratropics, the subtropics, and the equatorial region in the years 1984–1987.