cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the limiting law of the length of the longest common and increasing subsequences in random words with arbitrary distribution

Let (Xk)k≥1 and (Yk)k≥1 be two independent sequences of i.i.d. random variables, with values in a finite and totally ordered alphabet Am:={1,…,m}, m≥2, having respective probability mass function p1X,…,pmX and p1Y,…,pmY. Let LCIn be the length of the longest common and weakly increasing subsequences in X1,...,Xn and Y1,...,Yn. Once properly centered and normalized, LCIn is shown to have a limiting distribution which is expressed as a functional of two independent multidimensional Brownian motions.
Applications for Machine Learning in Semiconductor Manufacturing

This paper presents a machine learning system for comprehensive root cause analysis of low yielding wafers, enabling rapid reaction to correct problems and identify practical actions to reduce the probability and severity of repeated occurrences of the same root cause.
Metagenomic Applications for Infectious Disease Testing in Clinical Laboratories

Technological advances including broad adoption of nucleic acid amplification tests, proteomics, rapid identification technologies, and laboratory automation are quickly changing workflows in clinical microbiology laboratories. However, most existing technologies have limited scope and taxonomic resolution, and are often specific to a given pathogen or group of organisms. Clinical metagenomics testing allows for detection of a virtually unlimited number of micro-organisms providing a high degree of robustness to molecular target erosion (plaguing many PCR tests), simplifying addition of new or emerging pathogens to the scope of a test by simply updating classification databases, and allowing to combine diagnostic and surveillance activities through high-resolution pathogen profiling at the time of identification. Clinical metagenomics testing has demonstrated increased diagnostic yield for the detection of micro-organisms that are difficult to culture, slow growing, and genetically divergent. As workflows become more user friendly, faster, cheaper, a growing number of diagnostic laboratories are adopting clinical metagenomics tests. This chapter discusses advantages of metagenomics, implementation challenges, and approaches and solutions to increase and accelerate adoption.
Resistance of Food-Maintained Operant Responding to Mechanical Punishment in Rats: Further Evidence for Weak "Affective/Motivational Pain" in Rat Models of Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain.

Clinically relevant chronic pain is often associated with functional impairment and behavioral depression as an “affective/motivational” sign of pain; however preclinical animal models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain often produce weak evidence of impaired function. We hypothesized that hindpaw mechanical stimulation produced by a requirement to rear on a textured “NOX” plate would punish operant responding in rats treated with intraplantar complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA, a model of inflammatory pain) or the chemotherapeutic paclitaxel (PTX, a model of neuropathic pain) and produce sustained pain-related depression of operant behavior. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were trained under a progressive-ratio (PR) schedule of food-maintained operant responding, then treated with CFA (100 µL in left hindpaw), PTX (2.0 mg/kg IP on alternate days for four total injections; 6.6 mg/kg IV on alternate days for three total injections), or saline vehicle. PR break points and mechanical thresholds for paw withdrawal from von Frey filaments were then tracked for 28 days. Subsequently, rats were tested with the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone to assess latent sensitization and with the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"U69593","term_id":"4205069","term_text":"U69593"}}U69593 to assess KOR function. CFA produced significant mechanical hypersensitivity for 3 weeks but decreased PR breakpoints for only 1 day. Both IP and IV PTX produced mechanical hypersensitivity for at least three weeks; however, only IV PTX decreased PR breakpoints, and this decrease was not alleviated by morphine. After recovery, naltrexone reinstated mechanical hypersensitivity in CFA- but not PTX-treated rats, and it did not reinstate depression of breakpoints in any group. {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"U69593","term_id":"4205069","term_text":"U69593"}}U69593 dose-dependently decreased PR breakpoints in all groups with no difference between control vs. CFA/PTX groups. These results suggest that rearing on a textured NOX plate was not sufficient to punish operant responding in CFA- and PTX-treated rats despite the presence of sustained mechanical hypersensitivity. The rapid recovery of operant responding could not be attributed to latent sensitization, KOR downregulation, or behavioral tolerance. These results extend the range of conditions under which putative chronic pain manipulations produce weak evidence for depression of operant responding as a sign of the “affective/motivational” component of pain in rats.
Evaluation of several relevant fractionation processes as possible explanation for radioxenon isotopic activity ratios in samples taken near underground nuclear explosions in shafts and tunnels.

Abstract Gas samples taken from two historic underground nuclear tests done in 1989 at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), formerly the Nevada Test Site (NTS), were examined to determine how xenon isotopes fractionate because of early-time cavity processes, transport through the rock, or dispersal through tunnels. Xenon isotopes are currently being used to distinguish civilian sources of xenon in the atmosphere from sources associated with underground nuclear explosions (UNEs). The two nuclear tests included (1) BARNWELL, a test conducted in a vertical shaft approximately 600 m below ground surface at Pahute Mesa, and (2) DISKO ELM, a horizontal line-of-sight test done in P-tunnel approximately 261 m below the surface of Aqueduct Mesa. Numerical flow and transport models developed for the two sites had mixed success when attempting to match the observed xenon isotope ratios. At the BARNWELL site, the simulated xenon isotope ratios were consistent with measurements from the chimney and ground surface, and appeared to have been affected primarily by fractionation during subsurface transport. At the DISKO ELM site, samples taken from two elevations in the chimney failed to show the degree of fractionation predicted by the models during transport, and did not show evidence for significant fractionation due to early-time condensation of refractory xenon-precursor radionuclides into the melt glass. Gas samples taken from the adjacent tunnels in the days following the test showed mixed evidence for early-time separation of xenon isotopes from their iodine precursors.
BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine after Oxford/AZ vaccine increased immune response vs. no second vaccine.

SOURCE CITATION: Borobia AM, Carcas AJ, Perez-Olmeda M, et al. Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of BNT162b2 booster in ChAdOx1-S-primed participants (CombiVacS): a multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 2 trial. Lancet. 2021;398:121-30. 34181880.
Daily Visualization of Statewide COVID-19 Healthcare Data

To manage a localized outbreak or global pandemic like COVID-19, Public Health agencies (PH) and health systems utilize a variety of information systems. Although existing PH information systems enable capture of data on laboratory- confirmed cases of COVID-19, the current pandemic has illuminated several deficits in the existing U.S. information infrastructure, including gaps in access to and visualization of near-real- time (daily) impacts to the healthcare system. To address these gaps, we leveraged our state-wide health information exchange- derived dataset that represents nearly all healthcare facilities in Indiana. The resultant dashboard has evolved to present data on hospitalization, emergency department utilization, and other metrics of interest to PH and a broader constituency across the state.
Synthesis and Incorporation of Unnatural Amino Acids To Probe and Optimize Protein Bioconjugations

The utilization of unnatural amino acids (UAAs) in bioconjugations is ideal due to their ability to confer a degree of bioorthogonality and specificity. In order to elucidate optimal conditions for the preparation of bioconjugates with UAAs, we synthesized 9 UAAs with variable methylene tethers (2-4) and either an azide, alkyne, or halide functional group. All 9 UAAs were then incorporated into green fluorescent protein (GFP) using a promiscuous aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase. The different bioconjugations were then analyzed for optimal tether length via reaction with either a fluorophore or a derivatized resin. Interestingly, the optimal tether length was found to be dependent on the type of reaction. Overall, these findings provide a better understanding of various parameters that can be optimized for the efficient preparation of bioconjugates.
Computer‐Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)

Design has a long history but computer-aided design (CAD) offers a new, modern connotation. With the exception of the physical processes, such as cutting, forging, and mixing used to a manufacture items, the commonly discussed topics in computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), such as material planning, process and procedure designs, numerical control, and scheduling, can also be considered CAD because design is involved. This article reviews the history of computer-aided design beginning with ENIAC, the first electronic computer, which was developed for the army during World War II, through the recent introduction of a computer that has a speed of 100–250 million floating-point operations per second (flops). In automating chemical processes and computations, companies must decide whether to use commercial software packages or to develop in-house CAD/CAM programs. Many of the underlying principles employed in the design of the prevailing commercial software packages are discussed. These principles can also guide the development of in-house programs. The topics covered include absorption to waste management, and range from drafting isometric pipeline systems and the interactive manipulation of block diagrams involved in chemical processes to the solid modeling of molecular structures. Keywords: Computer application; Computer-aided design (CAD); Software packages; Chemical processing; Computer graphics; Instruction; Chemical structure analysis; Pattern recognition; Interactive graphics; Molecular modeling; Process flow sheet; Process optimization; Process control; Modular approach
Elevation and Deflation in Self-Concept Level Among Juvenile Delinquents

ABSTRACT The debate regarding whether juvenile delinquents' self-concepts are high or low is explored in this study. Global measures of self-concept have been employed extensively in conjunction with attempts to understand the causal factors involved in delinquency. The present study uses the Self-Description Questionnaire-ll (SDQ-1I) to examine the multi-dimensionality of self-concept as defined by Marsh and Shavelson (1985). Should those providing treatment try to raise the global self-concept of the delinquent or should they target the specific dimension of the self-concept that is low? The analysis of data revealed that neither General Self (GS) nor Total Self-concept is low, but other dimensions of delinquents' self-concepts are. The results of this study generally support the advisability of using a more complex, multifaceted instrument to measure self-concept.
Influence of single particle orbital sets and configuration selection on multideterminant wavefunctions in quantum Monte Carlo

Multideterminant wavefunctions, while having a long history in quantum chemistry, are increasingly being used in highly accurate quantum Monte Carlo calculations. Since the accuracy of QMC is ultimately limited by the quality of the trial wavefunction, multi-Slater determinants wavefunctions offer an attractive alternative to Slater-Jastrow and more sophisticated wavefunction ansatz for several reasons. They can be efficiently calculated, straightforwardly optimized, and systematically improved by increasing the number of included determinants. In spite of their potential, however, the convergence properties of multi-Slater determinant wavefunctions with respect to orbital set choice and excited determinant selection are poorly understood, which hinders the application of these wavefunctions to large systems and solids. In this paper, by performing QMC calculations on the equilibrium and stretched carbon dimer, we find that convergence of the recovered correlation energy with respect to number of determinants can depend quite strongly on basis set and determinant selection methods, especially where there is strong correlation. We demonstrate that properly chosen orbital sets and determinant selection techniques from quantum chemistry methods can dramatically reduce the required number of determinants (and thus the computational cost) to reach a given accuracy, which we argue shows clear need for an automatic QMC-only method for selecting determinants and generating optimal orbital sets.
Social development [robots]

Most robots are designed to operate in environments that are either highly constrained (as is the case in an assembly line) or extremely hazardous (such as the surface of Mars). Machine learning has been an effective tool in both of these environments by augmenting the flexibility and reliability of robotic systems, but this is often a very difficult problem because the complexity of learning in the real world introduces very high dimensional state spaces and applies severe penalties for mistakes. Human children are raised in environments that are just as complex (or even more so) than those typically studied in robot learning scenarios. However, the presence of parents and other caregivers radically changes the type of learning that is possible. Consciously and unconsciously, adults tailor their action and the environment to the child. They draw attention to important aspects of a task, help in identifying the cause of errors and generally tailor the task to the child's capabilities. Our research group builds robots that learn in the same type of supportive environment that human children have and develop skills incrementally through their interactions. Our robots interact socially with human adults using the same natural conventions that a human child would use. Our work sits at the intersection of the fields of social robotics (Fong et al., 2003; Breazeal and Scawellan, 2002) and autonomous mental development (Weng et al., 2000). Together, these two fields offer the vision of a machine that can learn incrementally, directly from humans, in the same ways that humans learn from each other. In this article, we introduce some of the challenges, goals, and applications of this research
Tracking immune responses in vivo

We have developed new tools that allow detection of peptide–MHC II presentation to naive CD4+ T cells in vivo. These tools were used to track early events in the immune response to a subcutaneously injected antigen. Following such an injection, antigen is quickly carried via lymphatic vessels into the draining lymph nodes, and down through thin collagen-based conduits that run through the T-cell-rich area. Langerhans cells and dermal dendritic cells near the conduits acquired antigen, produced peptide–MHC II complexes, and were the first cells to stimulate naive antigen-specific CD4+ T cells. About 18 hours after antigen injection, dermal dendritic cells migrated from the injection site and arrived in the lymph nodes displaying a large number of peptide–MHC II complexes. Elimination of these cells truncated CD25 expression by antigen-specific CD4+ T cells and ablated the development of cell-mediated immunity. Injection of antigen with the adjuvant lipopolysaccharide allowed blood-derived myeloid and lymphoid dendritic cells to produce peptide–MHC II complexes. Antigen-specific, but not non-specific, B cells acquired antigen and produced peptide–MHC II complexes by 6 hours. These B cells migrated from random positions in the follicles to the border with the T-cell area, and interacted stably there with peptide–MHC II-specific CD4+ T cells by about 36 hours. These results demonstrate the antigen-specific CD4+ T cells interact with a variety of antigen-presenting cell types during the primary immune response.
Applications of MPSX/MIP370 with ECL in optimum configuration of text fixtures in electronic cards assembly and test

The author describes two applications of MPSX/MIP370 with ECL (mathematical programming system extended/mixed integer programming with the extended control language) in design configuration of fixtures commonly used for in-circuit testing of electronic boards. The applications described are used by IBM Austin's electronic card assembly and test line, which is responsible for the bulk of PS/2 boards produced for the US market. The test fixture configuration programs are part of a larger application system developed in Austin for fixture design and tester code generation for the hybrid SMT/PTH (surface mount and pin-thru-hole components) with links to the electronic design systems for product data acquisition. Test fixture configuration problems were identified in the course of this system's development. The resulting large-scale optimization problems were modeled as integer programming problems and solved efficiently through specialized adaptations via MPSX/MIP370. >
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric critical care

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers hope as a potential curative therapy for a number of life-threatening malignant and non-malignant disease processes. Recent data suggest that over 2500 children undergo HSCT each year as a potential cure for leukemia, lymphoma and other malignant diseases as well as for a host of other disease processes including immuno-deficiencies, metabolic disorders, bone marrow failure syndromes, hemoglobinopathies and rheumatologic conditions [1]. However, HSCT can be associated with a variety of complications and significant morbidity. Recent data suggest that approximately one third of pediatric HSCT recipients will require admission to the pediatric intensive care unit [2]. Thus, for HSCT to continue to expand in both terms of success and breadth of application, effective supportive care to treat these complications and minimize morbidity is essential. A sound understanding of the pathophysiology associated with the unique morbidities of the HSCT process as well as the unusual courses of common complications is needed. Clearly, HSCT patients have worse outcomes for most organ failures than the general pediatric population requiring critical care services including the non-transplant oncology patients [3–5].
Dichloro(3,3‐diphenyl‐2‐propenylidene)‐bis(tricyclohexylphosphine)ruthenium

[151491-95-1] C51H78Cl2P2Ru (MW 925.09) InChI = 1S/2C18H33P.C15H12.2ClH.Ru/c2*1-4-10-16(11-5-1)19(17-12-6-2-7-13-17)18-14-8-3-9-15-18;1-2-15(13-9-5-3-6-10-13)14-11-7-4-8-12-14;;;/h2*16-18H,1-15H2;1-12H;2*1H;/q;;;;;+2/p-2 InChIKey = WXMAVLJYRWDLHW-UHFFFAOYSA-L (catalyst used for ring-closing and ring-opening metathesis reactions; catalyst for ene-yne metathesis) Alternate Name: Grubbs' catalyst. Solubility: soluble in CHCl3, CH2Cl2, 1,2-dichloroethane, THF, toluene, benzene. Metathesis reactions are often performed in CH2Cl2. Form Supplied in: red-orange solid; not currently commercially available. Analysis of Reagent Purity: 1H NMR (500 MHz, CD2Cl2) trans-isomer: δ = 19.09 (d, 1 H, Ru = CH, 3JH,H = 11.1 Hz, 3JP,H = 0 Hz), 8.70 (d, 1 H, CH = CPh2, 3JH,H = 11.1 Hz); cis-isomer δ = 18.90 (ddd, 1 H, Ru = CH, 3JH,H = 10.1 Hz, 3JP,H = 7.2 and 2.6 Hz), 8.28 (d, 1 H, CH = CPh2, 3JH,H = 10.1 Hz). Preparative Methods: the title compound can be prepared in 90% yield from dichloro(3,3-diphenyl-2-propenylidene)bis(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium by phosphine exchange with tricyclohexylphosphine.2 Dichloro(3,3-diphenyl-2-propenylidene)bis(tricyclohexylphosphine)ruthenium is prepared by the reaction of 3,3-diphenylcyclopropene with dichlorotris(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium.3 A recent review article1a suggests that the title compound can also be prepared by reaction of in situ generated chlorohydrido(η2-dihydrogen)bis(tricyclohexylphosphine)ruthenium with 3-chloro-3,3-diphenylpropyne following a previously reported procedure for related compounds.4 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: reasonable air stability is a feature of the Grubbs' ruthenium alkylidene metathesis catalysts. The title compound can be weighed out without need for an inert atmosphere. Long-term storage under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen or argon is recommended.
Insulin-Sensitive Protein Kinases (Atypical Protein Kinase C and Protein Kinase B/Akt): Actions and Defects in Obesity and Type II Diabetes:

Glucose transport into muscle is the initial process in glucose clearance and is uniformly defective in insulin-resistant conditions of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and Type II diabetes mellitus. Insulin regulates glucose transport by activating insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1)-dependent phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) which, via increases in PI-3, 4, 5-triphosphate (PIP3), activates atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) and protein kinase B (PKB/Akt). Here, we review (i) the evidence that both aPKC and PKB are required for insulin-stimulated glucose transport, (ii) abnormalities in muscle aPKC/PKB activation seen in obesity and diabetes, and (iii) mechanisms for impaired aPKC activation in insulin-resistant conditions. In most cases, defective muscle aPKC/PKB activation reflects both impaired activation of IRS-1/PI3K, the upstream activator of aPKC and PKB in muscle and, in the case of aPKC, poor responsiveness to PIP3, the lipid product of PI3K. Interestingly, insulin-sensitizing agents (e.g., thiaz...
Digital poison? Three studies examining the influence of violent video games on youth

In two experimental studies, playing violent games did not increase youth aggression.Youth who played violent games were also no less empathic toward others.Youth with prior mental health symptoms were no more influenced by violent games.Correlationally, violent games and books did not predict aggression or civic behavior.Parental restrictions on gaming were not associated with positive outcomes. The role of violent video games in the development of aggression and mental health issues in youth continues to be controversial in the scholarly community and general public. Compared to college students, few studies have directly examined the potential impact of violent video games on youth and current evidence is mixed. The current article attempts to address this with three studies examining violent game play in youth aged 12-18. In Study 1, youth were randomized to play closely matched action games with either violent or non-violent content. Youth were given the opportunity to act aggressively using an ice water task. Study 2 was a conceptual replication of Study 1, with slower narrative games rather than action games. Study 3 examined the issue in a correlational study of youth, contrasting exposure to violent video games in youth's personal lives to their exposure to violence in controversial books while controlling for other variables including family, peer and personality variables. None of the studies provided evidence for concerns linking video game violence to aggressive behaviors or reduced empathy in youth.
Developmental origins of variation in human hand preference

Though right-handedness is a prominant characteristic within all human societies, a substantial and stable proportion of individuals are left-handed. Any comprehensive approach to the origin of variation in handedness must account for substantial evidence that left-handedness is associated with reduced fitness, neurodevelopmental disorders, and reduced neuroanatomical asymmetry. In this paper we investigate the hypothesis that developmental instability in early fetal development underlies variation in handedness. In two studies we note an increased incidence of minor physical anomalies (MPAs) and fluctuating asymmetries in both left-handers and extreme right-handers. Moreover, extreme right-handers were more apt to have left-handed parents than moderate right-handers. These data suggest that deviation from moderate right-handedness reflect imprecise expression of a near-universal design due to developmental instability. Preliminary attempts to elucidate the mechanisms underlying developmental instability suggest that both polygenic homozygosity and particular HLA alleles may be important factors. These observations are discussed with respect to current genetic theories of handedness and human evolution.
The end of the NPT regime

In the context of rising regional instability and conflict, along with increased incidents of global terrorism, in a dynamic, uncertain security environment, emerging nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction threats—both state proliferation and terrorism—are seen as growing dangers giving rise to increasing global insecurity. The international nuclear nonproliferation regime, the centerpiece of which is the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), is essential to current and future non-proliferation efforts and needs to be maintained and strengthened, not replaced. The normative and legal weight of the regime is important for counterterrorism as well as non-proliferation, but it will not likely directly affect the behaviour of so-called ‘rogue states’ and terrorists. Preventing them from achieving their objectives if they attempt to wield nuclear and radiological weapons may deter and dissuade them, as may a credible prospect of punishment. The interaction of non-proliferation and deterrence, so clear during the Cold War history of the NPT, remain crucial parts of an increasingly complex picture.
Evaluation of Two Sources of Calcium Sulfate for a Local Drug Delivery System: A Pilot Study

Background Local drug delivery has substantial potential to prevent infections compared with systemic delivery. Although calcium sulfate (CaSO4) has been studied for local drug delivery and two types are commercially available, it is unknown whether they differentially release antibiotics.
Astrocytic orthogonal arrays of intramembranous particle assemblies are modulated by brain endothelial cells in vitro.

Solo astroglial cultures have randomly distributed, intramembranous, orthogonal arrays of particles (assemblies) which are only revealed by freeze-fracture electron microscopy. Co-culturing astrocytes with brain endothelial cells brought about localized, tightly packed assembly aggregates and greatly increased the overall assembly density. Cytosol homogenates of freeze-thawed brain endothelial cells caused a transient increase in astroglial assembly numbers. These results, taken together with the fact that astrocytesin vivo have the highest concentration at perivascular sites, suggest that brain endothelial cells influence the distribution and concentration of astrogial assemblies bothin vivo andin vitro through cellular interactions. Meningeal cells and fibroblasts also augmented the astroglial assembly densities in co-culture, while neuronal cells (cerebellar granule cells and PC12 cells primed with nerve growth factor) and other control cell types did not affect assembly number in co-culture with astrocytes. Moreover, brain endothelial cells did not induce any formation of assemblies in the membranes of two transformed astroglial cell lines.
Oil composition ofCucurbita

The entire range of fatty acid composition is found for seeds of self-pollinated fruit from 22 individual plants representing 17 named species ofCucurbita. It appears that some varieties merit interest as a source of drying oil and edible oils. Xerophytes that are genetically related have similar types of unsaturation and molecular-weight distribution.
Analysis of Pesticide Degradation Products by Tandem High-Performance Immunoaffinity Chromatography and Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography

The analysis of pesticide degradation in environmental samples is often difficult to perform due to the different polarities and lower concentrations of the degradation products versus the parent compound. This work examines the use of tandem high-performance immunoaffinity chromatography (HPIAC) and reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) for measuring degradation products of the herbicide atrazine in water at levels in the low nanogram per liter, or parts-per-trillion, range. An HPIAC column containing anti-triazine antibodies was first used to extract the degradation products of interest from samples, followed by the on-line separation of the retained components on a C18 RPLC analytical column. The final system had a total analysis time of 35 min for a 13 mL sample injection and gave good correlation versus GC/MS. The limits of detection for hydroxyatrazine, deethylatrazine, and deisopropylatrazine were 20−30 ng/L for 13 mL samples and 6−10 ng/L for 45 mL samples. The use of this method was demonst...
Chronic skeletal unloading of the rat femur: Mechanisms and functional consequences of vascular remodeling

Chronic skeletal unloading diminishes hindlimb bone blood flow. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine 1) whether 7 and 14days of skeletal unloading alter femoral bone and marrow blood flow and vascular resistance during reloading, and 2) whether putative changes in bone perfusion are associated with a gross structural remodeling of the principal nutrient artery (PNA) of the femur. Six-month old male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to 7-d or 14-d hindlimb unloading (HU) or weight-bearing control groups. Bone perfusion was measured following 10min of standing (reloading) following the unloading treatment. Histomorphometry was used to determine PNA media wall thickness and maximal diameter. Bone blood flow, arterial pressure and PNA structural characteristics were used to calculate arterial shear stress and circumferential wall stress. During reloading, femoral perfusion was lower in the distal metaphyseal region of 7-d HU rats, and in the proximal and distal metaphyses, diaphysis and diaphyseal marrow of 14-d HU animals relative to that in control rats. Vascular resistance was also higher in all regions of the femur in 14-d HU rats during reloading relative to control animals. Intraluminal diameter of PNAs from 14-d HU rats (138±5μm) was smaller than that of control PNAs (162±6μm), and medial wall thickness was thinner in PNAs from 14-d HU (14.3±0.6μm) versus that of control (18.0±0.8μm) rats. Decreases in both shear stress and circumferential stress occurred in the PNA with HU that later returned to control levels with the reductions in PNA maximal diameter and wall thickness, respectively. The results demonstrate that chronic skeletal unloading attenuates the ability to increase blood flow and nutrient delivery to bone and marrow with immediate acute reloading due, in part, to a remodeling of the bone resistance vasculature.
Grandparenting and age identity

Abstract This study examines multiple dimensions of age identity, including how old people feel, how old people want to be, how old people hope to live to, and how old is old. We pay particular attention to the influence of the grandparent role and the timing of the transition to grandparenthood. We use data from a Midwestern sample of 666 elderly Americans included in the Iowa Youth and Families Project (IYFP). The analysis suggests that older people who enjoy being grandparents feel younger, believe that people become old at older ages, and hope to live longer than those who do not enjoy grandparenting. In addition, those who became grandparents at younger ages feel older than those who enter this role “on time.” While becoming a grandparent at a young age may in a sense accelerate aging, positive interaction with grandchildren can lead to a younger age identity.
Electrophysiologic assessment of a median nerve injury in the palm

In median nerve lesions of the hand, electrophysiologic evaluation of the second lumbrical muscle can help to differentiate between lesions of the common digital nerves and the proper digital nerves, as illustrated by this case report. Median nerve conduction studies to the second lumbrical muscle can be performed by placing an active recording electrode just radial to the midpoint of the third metacarpal and stimulating the median nerve at the wrist or elbow.
On the connection between spin and statistics

Abstract It is proven that the axioms of field theory are not compatible with a different assignment of (anti-)commutation relations to a field and its Hermitian conjugate. As a corollary it is shown that, if one wants to require that a field ψ(x) either commutes or anticommutes with itself at space-like distances, one is forced to choose commutation relations if ψ transforms according to a single-valued irreducible representation of the Lorentz group; anticommutation relations if ψ transforms according to a double-valued representation.
Ester Bond-containing Tea Polyphenols Potently Inhibit Proteasome Activity in Vitro and in Vivo

It has been discovered that proteasome inhibitors are able to induce tumor growth arrest or cell death and that tea consumption is correlated with cancer prevention. Here, we show that ester bond-containing tea polyphenols, such as (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), potently and specifically inhibit the chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasome in vitro (IC(50) = 86-194 nm) and in vivo (1-10 microm) at the concentrations found in the serum of green tea drinkers. Atomic orbital energy analyses and high performance liquid chromatography suggest that the carbon of the polyphenol ester bond is essential for targeting, thereby inhibiting the proteasome in cancer cells. This inhibition of the proteasome by EGCG in several tumor and transformed cell lines results in the accumulation of two natural proteasome substrates, p27(Kip1) and IkappaB-alpha, an inhibitor of transcription factor NF-kappaB, followed by growth arrest in the G(1) phase of the cell cycle. Furthermore, compared with their simian virus-transformed counterpart, the parental normal human fibroblasts were much more resistant to EGCG-induced p27(Kip1) protein accumulation and G(1) arrest. Our study suggests that the proteasome is a cancer-related molecular target of tea polyphenols and that inhibition of the proteasome activity by ester bond-containing polyphenols may contribute to the cancer-preventative effect of tea.
Bernstein Type Inequalities for Rational Functions with Prescribed Poles

The paper surveys polynomial inequalities and their generalisations to rational functions with prescribed poles. We also mention results concerning generalisations of Bernstein’s polynomial inequalities through the use of Functional Analysis. Finally, a Bernstein type inequality associated with wavelet decomposition is mentioned.
Internalization of the Thin Ideal, Weight and Body Image Concerns

Weight and shape concerns in college women are epidemic. Understanding the role of the thin ideal in the development of such concerns is critical for designing prevention programs. This study examines the association between the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ; Heinberg, Thompson, & Stormer, 1995), a measure of internalization and awareness of the thin ideal, and eating and body image concerns in college women. 70 undergraduates completed questionnaires on eating symptomatology, body image, and demographics. In general, internalization, but not awareness, of the thin ideal was associated with eating and weight concerns. In a two-way analysis of body mass and dichotomized SATAQ internalization scores, body mass moderated the effects of internalization, with over-weight women high in internalization having the most body image concerns. Prospectively, SATAQ-internalization scores predicted increasing drive for thinness over the school year in a subsample of women. Future research should explore the moderating effects of weight on outcomes related to internalization of the thin ideal.
Spraybooth air control strategy

Summary By developing new technologies and applying key existing technologies Ford has implemented a synergistic system of technologies into automotive paint booths to improve the stability of the painting environment. The systems implemented were designed to improve and stabilize the airflow in the paint booth (Fig. 12). These improvements have been successfully linked to improvements and/or reductions in material and energy costs, first run, and quality. These systems also have a positive impact on the environment.
Mechanisms of multistep carcinogenesis: keys to developing in vitro approaches for assessing the carcinogenicity of chemicals.

The process of neoplastic development is a complex combination of genetic and non-genetic changes within a tissue. It is, therefore, not surprising that a number of mechanisms exist by which chemicals influence this process. In designing short-term tests to detect potential carcinogens, the major emphasis to date has been on genetic assays. This is justified on both theoretical and practical grounds. Substantial evidence exists to support the hypothesis that genetic damage increases the probability of tumour development. Mutational assays for gene mutations, clastogenicity and aneuploidy induction are therefore extremely important tests for carcinogens. Unfortunately, few assays exist for detecting chemicals that induce gene amplification, and thus, if these are carcinogens that specifically induce this type of genetic change, they may go undetected. Because of a variety of possible differences between a chemical's activity in vivo and in vitro, it is to be expected that chemicals that are mutagenic in vitro may not have a significant carcinogenic effect in vivo. However, the potential harm of these chemicals to man does exist and may be expressed under different conditions (e.g. species- or organ-specific carcinogenic effects) or as non-carcinogenic hazards.
Operating systems review: year in review

This issue marks the one-year anniversary of the new publication policy for Operating Systems Review. I hope you have enjoyed the new format and would welcome any comments or suggestions.
Stable rationality of certain invariant fields

Abstract Let F be a field. For a finite group G , let F ( G ) be the purely transcendental extension of F with transcendency basis {x g : g∈G} . Let F ( G ) G denote the fixed field of F ( G ) under the action of G . Let w be a primitive ( p −1)st root of 1, and let I be the ideal ( p , w − a ) in Z [ w ] where a is a primitive ( p −1)st root of 1mod p . We show that if G be the semi-direct product of a cyclic group of order p by a cyclic group of order prime to p , if I is principal, and if F contains a primitive | G |th root of 1, then F ( G ) G is stably rational over F . It is not known whether the set of primes p for which I is principal is finite or infinite. We also show that if p is an odd prime and G is a non-abelian group of order p 3 , then F ( G ) G is stably rational over F provided that F contains a primitive | G |th root of 1.
Utilizing quantitative users' reactions to represent affective meanings of an image

Emotional meaning is critical for users to retrieve relevant images. However, because emotional meanings are subject to the individual viewer's interpretation, they are considered difficult to implement when designing image retrieval systems. With the intent of making an image's emotional messages more readily accessible, this study aims to test a new approach designed to enhance the accessibility of emotional meanings during the image search process. This approach utilizes image searchers' emotional reactions, which are quantitatively measured. Broadly used quantitative measurements for emotional reactions, Semantic Differential (SD) and Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM), were selected as tools for gathering users' reactions. Emotional representations obtained from these two tools were compared with three image perception tasks: searching, describing, and sorting. A survey questionnaire with a set of 12 images was administered to 58 participants, which were tagged with basic emotions. Results demonstrated that the SAM represents basic emotions on 2-dimensional plots (pleasure and arousal dimensions), and this representation consistently corresponded to the three image perception tasks. This study provided experimental evidence that quantitative users' reactions can be a useful complementary element of current image retrieval-indexing systems. Integrating users' reactions obtained from the SAM into image browsing systems would reduce the efforts of human indexers as well as improve the effectiveness of image retrieval systems. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The 2003-2004 Sterling Bunnell Traveling Fellow's report to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand

My 2003–2004 Sterling Bunnell Traveling Fellowship had 2 themes: (1) to learn about the care of the rheumatoid hand around the world, and (2) to serve the poor in developing nations. This travel report discusses the hand centers I visited and the surgeons who served as my hosts.
Violations of Branch Independence in Judgments of the Value of Gambles

Branch independence is weaker than Savage's “sure thing” principle. It requires that judgments of gambles with a common outcome produced by the same probability-event must not reverse order when that common outcome is changed. Subjects judged 168 gambles from viewpoints of both buyer (highest buying price) and seller (lowest selling price). Judgments violated branch independence in both viewpoints. Violations also changed systematically between viewpoints, consistent with the theory that viewpoint affects configural weighting but not the utility function. Violations of branch independence were opposite those predicted by the model of cumulative prospect theory. The middle of three equally likely outcomes received the most weight in the seller's viewpoint. In the buyer's, lower outcomes received greater weights. In both viewpoints, the ratio of weights of the middle outcome to the highest outcome exceeded the ratio of weights of the lowest outcome to the middle outcome.
Effects of nano- and micro-fillers and processing parameters on injection-molded microcellular composites

The effects of submicron core-shell rubber (CSR) particles, nanoclay fillers, and molding parameters on the mechanical properties and cell structure of injection-molded microcellular polyamide-6 (PA6) composites were studied. The experimental results of PA6 nanocomposites with 5.0 and 7.5 wt% nanoclay loadings and of CSR-modified PA6 composites with 0.5 and 3.1 wt% CSR loadings were compared to their neat resin counterparts. This study found that nanoclay was more efficient in promoting a smaller cell size, larger cell density, and higher tensile strength for microcellular injection molding parts. A higher nanoclay loading led to more brittle behavior for microcellular parts. It was found that a proper amount of CSR particles could be added to the microcellular injection-molded PA6 to reduce the cell size, increase the cell density, and enhance the toughness of the molded part. However, CSR particles were less effective cell nucleation agents as compared to nanoclay for producing desirable cell structures, and a higher CSR loading was found to have diminishing effects on the process and on the properties of the parts. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 45:773–788, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers
Role of binding site loops in controlling nitric oxide release: structure and kinetics of mutant forms of nitrophorin 4

Nitrophorins are ferric heme proteins that transport nitric oxide (NO) from blood-sucking insects to victims. NO binding is tighter at lower pH values, as found in the insect salivary gland, and weaker at the pH of the victim's tissue, facilitating NO release and subsequent vasodilation. Previous structural analyses of nitrophorin 4 (NP4) from Rhodnius prolixus revealed a substantial NO-induced conformational change involving the A-B and G-H loops, which rearrange to desolvate the distal pocket and pack nonpolar residues against the heme-ligated NO. Previous kinetic analyses revealed a slow, biphasic, and pH-dependent NO release, which was proposed to be associated with loop movements. In this study, we created NP4 mutants D30A and D30N (A-B loop), D129A/L130A (G-H loop), and T121V (distal pocket). Eight crystal structures were determined, including complexes with NO, NH 3 , and imidazole, to resolutions as high as 1.0 A. The NO-induced conformational change is largely abolished in the loop mutants, but retained in T121V. Kinetic analyses using stopped-flow spectroscopy revealed the pH dependence for NO release is eliminated for D129A/L130A, considerably reduced for D30A and D30N, but retained for T121V. NO association rates were increased 2-5-fold for T121V, but were unchanged in the loop mutants. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the pH dependency for NO release is linked to loop dynamics and that solvent reorganization is apparently rate-limiting for formation of the initial iron-nitrosyl bond. Interestingly, the multiphasic kinetic behavior of rNPs was not affected by mutations, and its cause remains unclear.
Some neglected obligations

In this technological age when the engineering profession is so important, it is well to remember the “Statement of Principles of Professional Conduct.” It is the duty of engineers to interest themselves in the public welfare, apply their special knowledge for the benefit of mankind, uphold the honor and dignity of their profession, and avoid association with any enterprise of questionable character.
The efficacy of urethrolysis without re-suspension for iatrogenic urethral obstruction.

AbstractPurpose: Urethral obstruction following surgical correction of stress urinary incontinence is not uncommon and urethrolysis is typically used to relieve symptoms. Whether one should resuspend the bladder neck concurrent with urethrolysis is controversial. We evaluate the efficacy of urethrolysis without re-suspension for the treatment of iatrogenic urethral obstruction.Materials and Methods: From April 1994 to January 1998, 31 women 29 to 78 years old (mean age 60) underwent transvaginal urethrolysis without concomitant re-suspension. The incident procedure was transvaginal urethropexy in 15 patients (48%), retropubic urethropexy in 5 (16%) and pubovaginal sling in 11 (36%). The most common presenting complaints were urinary retention, feeling of incomplete emptying or straining to void in 22 patients (71%) and irritative voiding symptoms in 17 (55%). Mean time from index procedure to urethrolysis was 14 months (range 2 to 36) and mean followup was 7 (range 1 to 27).Results: After urethrolysis 26 ...
An analysis of interfilament shear in flagella.

Abstract In this paper a rigorous derivation is made of the shear stiffness of a flagellum model consisting of an arbitrary number of filaments and an arbitrary arrangement of cross-bridges. Next, the bending equation for such a model is derived, incorporating active shearing (i.e. the sliding filament model) and extensible filaments. It is shown that previously derived bending equations are consistent with the present theory. Lastly, the relationship between the shear stiffness derived here and the structural behavior of the bridges is examined, notably the non-linear elasticity postulated by Brokaw.
Perception Is the Thing: Presenting Variant Worldviews in the International Business Communication Classroom

Two assumptions underlie the teaching of international business communication. First, perceptual variations exist within a country, and they sharpen even more across countries and cultures. International business communication students need to be aware of such differences on substantive issues. Second, critical pedagogy maintains that making students think and revisit their worldviews through an encounter with discomforting or decentering ideas is a valuable teaching and learn ing tool. Exposing students in my class to controversial propositions caused them to demonstrate a gamut of reactions from agreement and disagreement to anger, pity, disbelief, and a sense of discovery.