cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A high-quality carabid genome assembly provides insights into beetle genome evolution and cold adaptation.

The hyperdiverse order Coleoptera comprises a staggering ~25% of known species on Earth. Despite recent breakthroughs in next generation sequencing, there remains a limited representation of beetle diversity in assembled genomes. Most notably, the ground beetle family Carabidae, comprising more than 40,000 described species, has not been studied in a comparative genomics framework using whole genome data. Here we generate a high-quality genome assembly for Nebria riversi, to examine sources of novelty in the genome evolution of beetles, as well as genetic changes associated with specialization to high-elevation alpine habitats. In particular, this genome resource provides a foundation for expanding comparative molecular research into mechanisms of insect cold adaptation. Comparison to other beetles shows a strong signature of genome compaction, with N. riversi possessing a relatively small genome (~147 Mb) compared to other beetles, with associated reductions in repeat element content and intron length. Small genome size is not, however, associated with fewer protein-coding genes, and an analysis of gene family diversity shows significant expansions of genes associated with cellular membranes and membrane transport, as well as protein phosphorylation and muscle filament structure. Finally, our genomic analyses show that these high-elevation beetles have endosymbiotic Spiroplasma, with several metabolic pathways (e.g., propanoate biosynthesis) that might complement N. riversi, although its role as a beneficial symbiont or as a reproductive parasite remains equivocal.
Navigating CAR-T cells through the solid-tumour microenvironment

The adoptive transfer of T cells that are engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has shown remarkable success in treating B cell malignancies but only limited efficacy against other cancer types, especially solid tumours. Compared with haematological diseases, solid tumours present a unique set of challenges, including a lack of robustly expressed, tumour-exclusive antigen targets as well as highly immunosuppressive and metabolically challenging tumour microenvironments that limit treatment safety and efficacy. Here, we review protein- and cell-engineering strategies that seek to overcome these obstacles and produce next-generation T cells with enhanced tumour specificity and sustained effector function for the treatment of solid malignancies.
Organizational Economics in Agricultural Policy Analysis

The ongoing industrialization of US agriculture features striking changes in the organization of markets and firms, including a noticeable movement toward larger firms and greater product differentiation among both farms and processors, as well as shifts away from the use of spot markets to govern transactions between the two, and toward greater reliance on formal contracts and alliances. These organizational shifts raise important issues concerning the proper role of government in industrialized agriculture, especially with regard to the design of policy regarding environmental, food safety, competition, R&D, and farm support issues. Furthermore, they raise important issues for designing research and data programs to support policy analysis. Our paper discusses how organizational shifts affect the demand for contemporary agricultural policy analysis. In response to the industrialization process, public policy analysts have drawn heavily on the theory of organizational economics and recognized the importance of developing rich empirical databases on the wide variety of market transactions and organizational responses in agriculture. In particular, we highlight our primary vehicle for understanding organizational change in agriculture, the annual Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS), a comprehensive survey instrument applied to thousands of US farms. The paper describes relevant ARMS-based research and the challenges of updating the survey and our research programs to capture the relevant issues.
Scheduling of Urban Air Mobility Services with Limited Landing Capacity and Uncertain Travel Times

Urban air mobility, in which air transportation is used for relatively short trips within a city or region, is emerging as a possible component in future transportation networks. In this paper, we study the problem of how to schedule urban air mobility trips when travel times are uncertain. Unlike in ground transportation, urban air mobility scheduling has to take into account that there is limited landing capacity at each destination, and for safety reasons, it must be guaranteed that an air vehicle will be able to land before it can be allowed to take off. We first present a network model for an on-demand urban air mobility service with uncertain travel times and limited landing capacity at nodes. For the practically relevant special case of one final destination and many origins, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for a feasible schedule to exist for a given demand of flights. Next, we present a mixed integer program for obtaining an optimal schedule in this case. The paper concludes with a numerical study for a previously proposed urban air network in the city of Atlanta, Georgia.
Toward an interstitial global critical theory

By building on calls for a global critical theory, the article argues for a combination between the canon of critical theory, and the rich fields of post-, de-, and settler-colonial studies. It arg...
Juice and Wine Acidity

The acidity of a juice or wine, in particular the pH, plays an important role in many aspects of winemaking and wine stability (see also Chapters 3, 8, and 12). The ability of most bacteria to grow, the solubility of the tartrate salts, the effectiveness of sulfur dioxide, ascorbic acid, and enzyme additions, the solubility of proteins and effectiveness of bentonite, the polymerization of the color pigments, as well as oxidative and browning reactions are all influenced by the juice or wine pH. The titratable acidity is an important parameter in the sensory evaluation of finished wines. It and the pH are also important in aging reactions.
Single Cylinder Spark Ignition Engine Study of the Octane, Emissions, and Fuel Economy Characteristics of Methanol-Gasoline Blends

Test program was carried out on a single cylinder, fuel research engine (CFR) to determine the octane, emissions, and fuel economy characteristics of methanol-gasoline blends. The first phase of the work was an evaluation of the octane characteristics of methanol blended with unleaded gasoline. The second phase of the test program was an evaluation of the emissions and fuel economy of a 10% by volume blend of methanol with two base fuels in the single cylinder engine. Genral conclusions were that a blend of 10% methanol and gasoline demonstrated no significant change in the emissions or energy efficiency over the gasoline fueled engine when operated at equivalent conditions. Under some operating conditions, the addition of methanol could increase the octane rating of the base fuel. /GMRL/
Experiences teaching writing in a computer science course for the first time

The concept of improving students' communication skills through writing in computer science courses has received renewed attention in the ACM/IEEE Computing Curriculum 2001 [1] as well in a recently featured column in the SIGCSE Bulletin [3]. While integrating writing into the computer science curriculum is not a new concept, it is a novel idea to many new faculty. This paper describes one instructor's first-time experiences in offering a computer science course with a strong writing component and encourages others to consider focusing more attention on writing instruction. Techniques used by the author to create clear assignments and simplify grading are described. An example of a paper assignment and grading rubric used in a second semester introductory programming course are provided. Examples of shorter writing assignments appropriate for the same course are also included.
Low utilization of prenatal and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis in Huntington disease – risk discounting in preventive genetics

Huntington disease (HD) is a late-onset, fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by a (CAG) triplet repeat expansion in the Huntingtin gene that enlarges during male meiosis. In 1996 in this journal, one of us (J. D. S.) presented a methodology to perform pre-implantation genetic diagnosis in families at-risk for HD without revealing the genetic status of the at-risk parent. Despite the introduction of accurate prenatal and pre-implantation genetic testing which can prevent transmission of the abnormal HD gene in the family permanently, utilization of these options is extremely low. In this article, we examine the decision-making process regarding genetic testing in families with HD and discuss the possible reasons for the low uptake among this group.
The Strategic Defense Initiative and Nuclear Proliferation from a Risk Analysis Perspective

The two essays by Starr and Whipple and by Rowen deal with nuclear proliferation. The Starr and Whipple chapter lays stress on the difficulties in quantification given the mindsets in viewing the risk of nuclear war. They note that when fears, emotions, and prejudices run high, a qualitative risk analysis is called for. The paradox of MAD (mutually assured destruction) is noted, the basic theme being that if all have enough second strike ability to wipe each other out, no one will move first. The destabilizing aspects of SDI (strategic defense initiative) are noted. But even without SDI, as the number of countries with nuclear arms and delivery systems increases, so does the instability of the system. The background of Starr is hard science, engineering, and management, while that of Rowen is in political economy, defense studies, and management. These backgrounds are reflected in the chapters.
DNA metabolism in liver and kidney tumors of different growth rates.

The incorporation of 14C-labeled thymidine into DNA was studied in liver and kidney tumors of different growth rates. Low incorporation was observed for the normal kidney cortex whereas greatly increased rates were found even in the very slowly growing 8997-K renal cortical tumor. The largest incorporation was observed in the most rapidly growing of the kidney tumors examined, the 9789-K. A similar trend was observed in the neoplastic liver, confirming our previous report. The ratio of thymidine to deoxyuridine incorporation into DNA was approximately 5 in control livers and was greater in regenerating liver and in the three hepatomas examined. Deoxyuridine incorporation into DNA was increased in the regenerating liver and the rapidly growing 3924-A and 3683 hepatomas but not in the slowly growing 7794-B hepatoma. The rate of dilution of 14C-labeled DNA in vivo was examined in control liver and three hepatomas. It was concluded that this procedure may serve as an alternative measure to thymidine incorporation in assessing the rate of DNA synthesis of these tumors.
PDE5 Inhibition with Sildenafil Blocks Induction of Carboxylesteras3 and Reduces Cell Necrosis and Autophagy in Acute Alcohol-Induced Injury in Heart

Objective: Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEE) are esterified products of alcohol that can cause severe damage to tissue organs and are mediators of ethanol-induced cytotoxic effects. The mechanism that underlie the onset, progression and severity of alcohol toxicity are poorly understood. Carboxylesterase3 (CES3) is an enzyme responsible for esterification of fatty acids and drugs. We hypothesized that CES3 may be involved in metabolizing alcohol and lead to cell injury. Methods and Results: Rat cardiac myoblast cells (H9C2) were treated with ethanol (100mM) or ethanol with sildenafil (1 µM) for 24hrs. Adult male 12-14 weeks old FVB mice were randomized to receive saline (0.2 ml; i.p, n =3) or Alcohol (1.5 g/ BID; i.p, n=3) or alcohol with sildenafil (0.7mg/kg/day; i.p, n=3) for 3 days.Treatment of H9C2 cells with 100mM ethanol significantly increased the necrosis of cells (41.1 % vs 3.5 % control), whereas sildenafil treatment lowered cell death (17.9 % vs 41.1 % alcohol). CES-3 protein level was increased 2...
Reconnection Choices: Selecting the Most Valuable vs. Most Preferred Dormant Ties

Recent research has shown that reconnecting long-lost, dormant ties can yield tremendous value, often more than active ties. Yet two key research questions remain unanswered: which of a person's many dormant ties provide the most value, and which are advice seekers most inclined to choose as reconnection targets? In the current study, we asked executives to seek advice on an important work project from two dormant ties their first, most preferred choice plus one selected randomly from their next nine most preferred choices and to respond to surveys before and after their reconnections. This two-stage design allowed us to make causal inferences about the executives' advice-seeking preferences and the value of reconnecting certain types of dormant ties. Our results show that the most valuable reconnections are to people who provide novelty by not having spent much time together in the past and having higher status as well as engagement by being trustworthy and willing to help. Our executive participants, however, preferred neither novelty nor engagement. Rather, the prospect of reconnecting can make people feel anxious. To avoid this discomfort, executives preferred contacts with whom they had spent a lot of time together in the past, thereby actually reducing novelty. Thus, our findings identify critical biases in executives' reconnection preferences as well as insights into how to make more effective reconnections. Our discussion presents broader implications of these findings for advice seeking and social networks.
Porting an iterative parallel region growing algorithm from the MPP to the MasPar MP-1

An iterative parallel region growing (IPRG) algorithm, developed and implemented on the massively parallel processor (MPP) at NASA Goddard, is described. The experience of porting the IPRG algorithm from the MPP to the MasPar MP-1 is related. Porting was very easy and straightforward, especially when the Dorband virtualization software was used. The porting discussed, consisting of 1879 lines of MPL code, was accomplished in just two weeks by the author. The major difference between the two implementations is that the looping over virtual parallel arrays had to be done explicitly and had to be the outermost loop (for efficiency) in the MPP Pascal implementation, whereas the same looping was done implicitly in the MPL implementation and could be done in the innermost loop. In a performance test on a 256*256 pixel section of a seven-band Landsat thematic mapper image data set, the smaller MasPar MP-1 computer had roughly the same or better performance as the MPP. In the initial iterations, when the regions were still very small, the MPP was about 25% faster than the MasPar MP-1. By iteration 14, the MasPar MP-1 was 33% faster than the MPP, and for ensuing iterations indications are that the MasPar MP-1 speedup versus the MPP will be even larger. >
Effect of different dietary triglycerides on liver fatty acids and prostaglandin synthesis by mouse peritoneal cells.

The effect of dietary triglycerides varying in fatty acid composition on the tissue fatty acids and prostaglandin synthesis was studied in mice. The dietary fats were medium-chain triglycerides (rich in C8:0 and C10:0), structured lipids (rich in 12:0), high oleic sunflower oil (rich in 18:1), corn oil (rich in n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids), and menhaden oil (rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) fed at 5% by weight in refined diets. The medium chain fatty acids C8 to C12 from medium-chain triglycerides and structured lipids did not accumulate in liver phospholipids. However, long-chain fatty acids from the dietary fats were incorporated into liver lipids, with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids replacing arachidonic acid. The synthesis of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α and prostaglandin E2 by peritoneal cells in response to intraperitoneal injection of zymosan decreased as the arachidonic acid levels were decreased. When the same dietary fats were added to the refined, fat-free diets, at 7.5 wt% levels, tog...
G Protein-coupled Receptor (GPCR) Kinase 2 Regulates Agonist-independent Gq/11 Signaling from the Mouse Cytomegalovirus GPCR M33

The mouse cytomegalovirus M33 protein is highly homologous to mammalian G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) yet functions in an agonist-independent manner to activate a number of classical GPCR signal transduction pathways. M33 is functionally similar to the human cytomegalovirus-encoded US28 GPCR in its ability to induce inositol phosphate accumulation, activate NF-κB, and promote smooth muscle cell migration. This ability to promote cellular migration suggests a role for viral GPCRs like M33 in viral dissemination in vivo, and accordingly, M33 is required for efficient murine cytomegalovirus replication in the mouse. Although previous studies have identified several M33-induced signaling pathways, little is known regarding the membrane-proximal events involved in signaling and regulation of this receptor. In this study, we used recombinant retroviruses to express M33 in wild-type and Gαq/11–/– mouse embryonic fibroblasts and show that M33 couples directly to the Gq/11 signaling pathway to induce high levels of total inositol phosphates in an agonist-independent manner. Our data also show that GRK2 is a potent regulator of M33-induced Gq/11 signaling through its ability to phosphorylate M33 and sequester Gαq/11 proteins. Taken together, the results from this study provide the first genetic evidence of a viral GPCR coupling to a specific G protein signaling pathway as well as identify the first viral GPCR to be regulated specifically by both the catalytic activity of the GRK2 kinase domain and the Gαq/11 binding activity of the GRK2 RH domain.
Common issues in medical professionalism: room to grow.

Abstract Purpose: Much of the respect and trust that society grants to physicians is based on the expectation of upholding professional values. We performed this study to assess responses to common challenges to medical professionalism and to ascertain physician satisfaction with training in professionalism. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire containing six challenges to professionalism (acceptance of gifts, conflict of interest, confidentiality, physician impairment, sexual harassment, and honesty) with multiple-choice responses was mailed to 528 medical students and 779 house officers at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and to 900 randomly selected Colorado physicians. Information about previous exposure to the issue depicted in the scenarios and satisfaction with, and site of, previous education in medical professionalism was obtained. An independent panel selected the best or acceptable answers to the challenges. Results: In all, 961 evaluable responses were received. More than 40% of physicians reported experience with four of the six challenges. The frequency of the best or acceptable answers to the six scenarios ranged from 12% to 86%. Best or acceptable responses were more common in physicians than in house officers, and in house officers than in medical students ( P Conclusions: While everyday challenges to professionalism are commonly encountered by trainees and practicing physicians, many practitioners are dissatisfied with their training in this area and were unable to provide an acceptable answer to these challenges.
George C. Pimentel (1922–1989): A Retrospective Personal and Pictorial Tribute a Decade after His Death

Ever since receiving the 1993 ACS Pimentel Award in Chemical Education (Figure 1), I have been interested in the life and achievements of the Fresno-born, larger-than-life figure after whom the award was named. The year 1999 provides an especially appropriate occasion to recall Pimentel’s personal and professional career, for it is the tenth anniversary not only of his death but also of National Chemistry Week, the expanded form of National Chemistry Day, the popular American Chemical Society outreach program that he originated.
Peer interaction as a method of therapeutic intervention with children

Abstract This paper reviews the use of child-child interaction as a method of therapeutic intervention in the social and behavioral difficulties of children. Children's peers have generally been employed in intervendons for two kinds of reasons: (1) practical (using children rather than adults as agents of behavior change can be less costly and may free adults for tasks for which they are more uniquely qualified) and (2) theoretical (interaction with peers may be the best, or only, way to achieve certain ends). Studies involving the therapeutic utilization of peer interaction can be divided into two broad groups on the basis of whether or not the behavior of the non-target children participating in the intervention is “programmed” by an adult. Programmed interventions include the use of peers as social reinforcers and as social initiators; unprogrammed interventions include group integration, peer-pairing, and social skills training-plus-interaction. Research results show that manipulation of the social environment to change the behavior and responsiveness of a child's peers can be an effective method of bringing about desired behavior change in a target child. However, simply increasing the child's contacts with peers by providing opportunities for unprogrammed interactions appears to be generally ineffective as an intervention technique, unless accompanied by efforts at improving the target child's social skills.
What is the likelihood of requiring contralateral inguinal hernia repair after unilateral repair

Abstract Background Factors that predispose patients to the development of inguinal hernias will persist after repair. This study aimed to determine the incidence of future contralateral hernia repair. Methods We performed a retrospective review of a non-Medicare claims database (1999–2009) to identify patients billed for 2 asynchronous initial inguinal hernia repairs. Results In this database, 7,050 patients were followed up for a mean of 3.6 years, 272 patients required a contralateral hernia repair. The mean time between hernia repairs was 2.9 years and the same surgeon repaired both hernias in 67.6%. Fifteen patients had incarcerated contralateral hernias (5.5%). Patients who required contralateral repairs were older (62.2 vs 59.6 y; P = .014) and had prostate disease (odds ratio, 1.45; P = .0001). The risk of needing a contralateral inguinal hernia repair at 5 and 10 years of follow-up evaluation was 2.5% and 3.8%, respectively. Conclusions Despite a reported 8% to 22% incidence of clinically unsuspected contralateral inguinal hernia, the likelihood of undergoing contralateral repair within 10 years is low at 3.8%.
A comparison of the effects of benzpyrene administration on some hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxidases of rats and mice

Abstract There were marked differences in the responses of the hepatic microsomal enzymes of rats and mice after treatment of these animals with benzpyrene. Benzpyrene treatment caused qualitative as well as quantitative changes in the hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxidases of rats. Qualitative changes included: a decrease in the ratio of the peaks at 430 and 455 mμ in the pH-dependent ethyl isocyanide difference spectrum; an increase in the pH optimum of aniline p -hydroxylation; and changes in the apparent Michaelis-Menten kinetics of aniline, (+)-benzphetamine and benzpyrene metabolism. In addition, there were marked alterations in the substrate concentration-dependent “kinetics” of the difference spectra produced by the interaction of aniline and (+)-benzphetamine with rat liver microsomal P-450. Treatment of rats with benzpyrene increased both the apparent V max and apparent K m of aniline p -hydroxylation, and the degree of change was dependent upon substrate concentration and pH of the incubation systems. Benzpyrene treatment also increased the apparent ΔA max of the aniline-induced microsomal difference spectrum, although the apparent spectral dissociation constant ( K s ) was decreased. Both the rate of (+)-benzphetamine metabolism and the magnitude of the (+)-benzphetamine-induced microsomal difference spectrum were decreased after benzpyrene treatment. Treatment of rats with benzpyrene also increased the apparent V max and decreased the apparent K m of benzpyrene hydroxylation several-fold. In identical experiments performed concomitantly with mice, benzpyrene treatment produced no measurable effect on any of these characteristics of the mouse hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxidases, except for a decrease in the magnitude of the (+)-benzphetamine-induced microsomal difference spectrum. Although the administration of benzpyrene produced no stimulatory effects on the drug-metabolizing enzymes of the mouse, treatment with 3-methylcholanthrene did enhance the benzpyrene hydroxylase activity of mouse liver microsomes. Studies showed that the apparent V max of this reaction was increased more than 2-fold.
Mathematical modeling of solid-liquid phase-transfer catalysis

Use of phase-transfer catalysis (PTC) has been quite common in organic synthesis in the last two decades. However, there are very few publications on the modeling of PTC systems, particularly solid-liquid systems. The present research suggests a systematic procedure for modeling these reactions, which includes reaction both in the liquid and solid phases. The equations describing these models provide a rational basis for the scale-up of PTC reactions.
Progressive equilibration algorithms: the case of linear transaction costs

In this paper we consider the solution of large-scale market equilibrium problems with linear transaction costs which can be formulated as strictly convex quadratic programming problems, subject to supply and demand constraints. In particular, we introduce two new classes of progressive equilibration algorithms, which retain the simplicity of the original cyclic ones in that at each step either the supply or demand market equilibrium subproblem can be solved explicitly in closed form. However, rather than equilibrating the markets in cyclic manner, the next market to be equilibrated is selected in a more strategic fashion. We then provide qualitative results for the entire family of progressive equilibration algorithms, i.e., the rate of convergence and computational complexity. We discuss implementation issues and give computational results for large-scale examples in order to illustrate and give insights into the theoretical analysis. Furthermore, we show that one of the new classes of algorithms, the ‘good-enough’ one, is computationally the most efficient. Theoretical results are important in that the relative efficiency of different algorithms need no longer be language, machine, or programmer dependent. Instead, the theory can guide both practitioners and researchers in ensuring that their implementation of these algorithms is, indeed, good. Since an equivalent quadratic programming problem arises in a certain class of constrained matrix problems, our results can be applied there, as well. Finally, since more general asymmetric multicommodity market equilibrium problems can be solved as series of the type of problems considered here, the result$ are also applicable to such equilibrium problems.
Normal Age‐Related Changes in the Heart: Relevance to Echocardiography in the Elderly

Age-appropriate normal reference standards are important for the accurate diagnosis of cardiac disease in the elderly. However, it can be difficult to definitively prove that frequently observed changes are due to primary, biologic aging. A gender differential is frequently observed in normative studies of cardiovascular aging. There are mild age-related increases in left ventricular mass and wall thickness, and a slight decrease in left ventricular internal diastolic and systolic dimensions, particularly in women. The left atrium and aortic root show significant age-related dilation in both genders. The valve leaflets thicken, and there is an age-related increase in physiologic valvular regurgitation. Increased epicardial fat widens the echolucent pericardial stripe, both anterior and posterior, particularly in women. The atrial septum thickens and becomes stiffer. Patent foramen ovale is less prevalent with advancing age but, when present, tends to be larger. There are important alterations in left ventricular diastolic filling, with decreased early and increased atrial filling velocity and mildly prolonged early deceleration and isovolumic relaxation time. These changes in diastolic function are relatively uniform and independent of other age-related changes. There are no significant aging changes in resting left ventricular systolic function. These normal age-related changes decrease cardiovascular reserve and lower the threshold for expression of cardiovascular disease among older persons. An important finding is that echocardiographic image quality is more frequently poor in older patients. Age, gender, and body size should be taken into account when interpreting echocardiographic findings.
Growth and microstructure of Si/CaF2/Si(111) heterostructures

Abstract The microstructure of the MBE-grown Si/CaF 2 /Si (111) heterostructures is studied by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Two distinct interface structure models have been identified from comparison with image simulations. In the first model interfacial Ca atoms bond to T sites. In the second model Ca bonds to T 4 sites. No one proposed model alone can describe the microstructure. Imaging conditions have been identified by analysis of simulated images which enable unambiguous discrimination between alternative models. No differences have been found between the microstructures of the top and bottom interfaces. It has been shown by simulations that intermixing effects at the interface can be detected. However, such effects have not been observed experimentally. Stacking faults and twins have been observed in the top Si layer. Sensitivity of the microstructure to 200 kV electron irradiation is quantified to determine the electron dose budget for unobtrusive HRTEM observation.
Coping and Survival Skills: The Role School Personnel Play Regarding Support for Bullied Sexual Minority‐Oriented Youth

BACKGROUND: Research has shown that bullying has serious health consequences, and sexual minority-oriented youth are disproportionately affected. Sexual minority-oriented youth include lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ) individuals. This study examined the bullying experiences of sexual minority-oriented youth in a predominantly rural area of a Midwestern state. The purpose of this study was to have bullied youth describe their experiences and to present their perspectives. METHODS: Using critical qualitative inquiry, 16 in-depth interviews were conducted in-person or online with youth, ages 15-20, who self-identified as having been bullied based on their perceived minority sexual orientation status. RESULTS: The role of supportive school personnel was found to be meaningful, and supportive school personnel were mentioned as assisting with the coping and survival among this group of bullied sexual minority youth. CONCLUSIONS: Supportive school personnel are crucial to the coping and survival of these youth. All school personnel need to be aware of the anti-bullying policies in their school corporations. They may then work to strengthen and enforce their policies for the protection of bullied youth. Language: en
Multiple imputation for missing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging data: Results from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Background Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive technique used to accurately and reproducibly measure biological parameters such as left ventricular mass. However, some subjects either refuse or are unable to complete testing, and the impact of excluding these missing data from predictive models is unknown. Methods Multiple imputation was applied to cardiac MRI data that were previously analyzed using a complete case approach. The model variables – 10 traditional cardiovascular risk factors and five sociodemographic variables – were used as a basis for imputation. Men and women were imputed separately. The primary focus was assessing the change in the cardiovascular predictors of left ventricular geometry and systolic function. Results Although 27% of participants were missing cardiac MRI data, multiple imputation returned results similar to those of a complete case analysis. These results were robust to the point of including additional variables in the imputation analysis above and beyond the model variables. The degree of variance explained by the models increased marginally but the statistical inference was altered for only two predictors out of 53 cardiovascular risk factors using multiple imputation. Discussion The results suggest that the cardiac MRI data in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) do not substantively change when missing data are handled using multiple imputation. Future analyses of cardiac MRI data may consider the complete case approach to be adequate despite the high rate of missing data in this population.
Cue properties of oral and transdermal nicotine in the rat.

In a standard two-lever drug discrimination paradigm, rats were trained to discriminate nicotine 0.5 mg/kg PO from saline. Injections occurred 15 min before the session. Subjects reached the training criterion in a mean of 38 sessions. Nicotine PO, SC, and IP generated similar dose-effect curves (ED50=0.073 mg/kg PO, 0.076 mg/kg SC, 0.090 mg/kg IP); the dose-effect curve for transdermal (TD) administration fell approximately 1 log unit to the right (ED50=1.34 mg/kg). The percentage of rats choosing the nicotine-appropriate lever peaked at 15 min and gradually decreased to 50% or less by 180 min for nicotine PO and TD, a time-decay function similar to that previously shown for SC administration. The nicotinic cholinergic agonist cytisine (0.5–8.0 mg/kg) PO and TD produced up to 56% nicotine-appropriate responding, while the muscarinic cholinergic agonist arecoline (1.0–4.0 mg/kg) PO and TD produced only saline-appropriate responding. The nicotine cue did not generalize to the cholinergic antagonist mecamylamine (0.125–0.5 mg/kg) PO or TD; mecamylamine 0.5 mg/kg PO but not TD completely blocked the PO and TD nicotine cues. These results show that an approximately equal cue occurs with PO, IP, and SC administration, and that the TD cue is considerably weaker. The significance of the procedure as an animal analog of human transdermal nicotine intake is discussed.
A decision support methodology for stochastic multi-criteria linear programming using spreadsheets

In recent years, tools for solving optimization problems have become widely available through the integration of optimization software (or solvers) with all major spreadsheet packages. These solvers are highly effective on traditional linear programming (LP) problems with known, deterministic parameters. However, thoughtful analysts may rightly question the quality and robustness of optimal solutions to problems where point estimates are substituted for model parameters that are stochastic in nature. Additionally, while many LP problems implicitly involve multiple objectives, current spreadsheet solvers provide no convenient facility for dealing with more than one objective. This paper introduces a decision support methodology for identifying robust solutions to LP problems involving stochastic parameters and multiple criteria using spreadsheets.
11C-labeled octanal and benzaldehyde†

The synthesis of octanal and benzaldehyde, labeled with 11C in the carbonyl position, is reported. Octanal was prepared via an insertion reaction of 11CO into the boroncarbon bond of B-heptyl-9-BBN, followed by oxidative hydrolysis. Benzaldehyde was synthesized by the reaction of phenyl magnesium bromide with 11CO2, and subsequent reduction of the labeled benzoic acid to benzylalcohol which was then oxidized to the final product by CrO2Cl2. Both aldehydes were purified via GLPC, leading to radiochemical purities of > 99.5% in each case. The radiochemical yield for octanal and benzaldehyde was 30 ± 5% and 15 ± 5%, respectively. The overall synthesis time was 50 ± 10 min for each compound.
Characteristics of users of intrauterine devices and other reversible contraceptive methods in the United States.

Objective To evaluate the determinants of intrauterine device (IUD) use and reasons for choosing IUDs over other reversible contraceptive methods. Design Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression were used to assess multiple factors associated with IUD use and the use of other reversible methods in the United States. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) Women at risk of pregnancy from the 2006 to 2008 National Survey of Family Growth and a 2004 Guttmacher Institute survey. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics, family background, and health insurance coverage. Result(s) IUD use was positively associated with women's parity and the highest education level of respondent's mother; it was less common among women who had ≥4 sexual partners in the last 12 months and those who were widowed, divorced, or separated. IUD users reported pregnancy prevention, provider recommendation, and no interruption of sex as the most important reasons for choosing the method and reported a high level of satisfaction. Conclusion(s) IUD users differed substantially from users of other reversible contraceptives. IUD use was especially uncommon among nulliparae. Most current IUD users were satisfied with their choice.
The Association between Soil and Xylem Water Potential, Leaf Resistance, and Abscisic Acid Content in Droughted Seedlings of Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

During progressive stages of drought and subsequent recovery through rewatering, foliage of 2-year-old seedlings of Douglas-fir was sampled for water potential, stomatal resistance, and abscisic acid content (ABA). Simultaneous measurements of soil matric potential were also made. There was a rapid rise in stomatal resistance in the range of 1500–2000 ng ABA g−1 dry weight of foliage corresponding with a plant water potential of –10 to –12 bars. Soil matric potential seemed more closely associated with ABA increase than did plant water potential. After rewatering, seedlings returned to normal ABA levels within 6 days.
Speaking a new economic language in central Appalachia

Located as I am in the messy and complex politics of eastern Kentucky, TBTE offers some guidance for how to meet some current challenges. Since the early 1900s, the regional economy of eastern Kent...
Alcohol-Involved Sexual Risk Behavior Among Heavy Drinkers Living With HIV/AIDS: Negative Affect, Self-Efficacy, and Sexual Craving

Evidence of the effects of negative affect (NA) and sexual craving on unprotected sexual activity remains scant. We hypothesized that NA and sexual craving modify the same day association between low self-efficacy to use condoms and unprotected anal or vaginal sex, and the same-day association between alcohol use during the 3 hours prior to sexual activity and unprotected sex. We used an electronic daily diary, drawing on a sample of 125 men and women recruited from an agency serving economically disadvantaged persons living with HIV/AIDS. Casual or steady partner type designation and perceived partner HIV serostatus were also examined. Findings support the hypothesized moderating effects of high NA and sexual craving on the association between low self-efficacy and unprotected sex, and the association between alcohol use and unprotected sex. Implications are discussed.
Synthesizing robust data structures-an introduction

A formal approach is presented for the analysis and synthesis of robust data structures. The entire data structure is viewed as a collection of data elements related via some attributes. The relationships are specified by a set of axioms in first-order logic. Faults in attributes invalidate some of the axioms. The invalidated axioms are used to detect and correct the faulty attributes. The authors show how detection and correction can be localized to small portions of the data structure, thereby allowing concurrent repair in several disjoint portions. This property makes local correction attractive for B-trees and other structures used in databases. They then show how the ideas developed for attaining structural integrity can be applied to achieve data integrity as well. >
The photolysis of neopentane and isobutane with 7.6, 8.4, and 10.0 eV photons

Abstract The photolysis of neopentane has been studied using photons of energies 7.6, 8.4, and 10.0 eV, at pressures in the range 1 – 760 Torr and in the liquid phase. Quantum yields of all molecular and radical products smaller than C 5 have been determined in the gas phase experiments, and have been estimated in the liquid phase. In contrast to results obtained with other alkanes studied to date, hydrogen elimination is found to be an unimportant process in the photolysis of neopentane. The two predominant primary processes are elimination of methane (neo-C 5 H 12 → CH 4 + iso-C 4 H 8 ) and direct CC bond cleavage (neo-C 5 H 12 → CH 3 + t-C 4 H 9 ). A fraction of the t-C 4 H 9 radicals dissociate further unless collisionally stabilized, either by loss of a H atom or by loss of a methyl radical (presumably preceded by an initial rearrangement to the isobutyl structure). With an increase in photon energy, the importance of direct bond cleavage increases at the expense of the methane elimination process. In the liquid phase, secondary decomposition processes are quenched, and the estimated quantum yields of primary processes are similar, at all energies, to those found in the 7.6 eV gas phase photolysis at high pressures. Quantum yields of molecular and radical products formed in the 7.6 and 8.4 eV photolysis of isobutane are also reported and are discussed briefly, with particular emphasis on the effect of energy on the mechanisms of the molecular elimination processes: (iso-C 4 H 10 → CH 4 + C 3 H 6 ) and (iso-C 4 H 10 → iso-C 4 H 8 + H 2 ). For both of these primary processes, the lower energy pathway, in which the olefin is formed directly, predominates at 7.6 eV, but diminishes in importance relative to the higher energy channel (presumably involving carbene formation) when the photon energy is increased.
Synthesis of novel spirocyclic cocaine analogs using the Suzuki coupling

Novel spirocyclic cocaine analogs were synthesized by employing the Suzuki coupling of ortho-substituted arylboronic acids and an enol triflate derived from cocaine.
Effects of stress waves on cells

Laser induced stress waves are being used in a variety of medical applications, including drug delivery and targeted tissue disruption. Stress waves can also be an undesirable side effect in laser procedures such as ophthalmology and angioplasty. Thus, a study of the effects of stress waves on a cellular level is useful. Thermoelastic stress waves were produced using a Q-switched frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (@.=532nm) with a pulse duration of 4 ns. The laser radiation was delivered to an absorbing media. A thermoelastic stress wave was produced in the absorbing media and propagated into plated cells. The energy per pulse delivered to a sample and the spot size were varied. Stress waves were quantified. We assayed for cell viability and damage using two methods. The laser parameters within which cells maintain viability were investigated and thresholds for cell damage were defined. A comparison of cell damage thresholds for different cell lines was made.
Diffusion from an injected volume of a substance in brain tissue with arbitrary volume fraction and tortuosity

When a substance is pressure-injected from a micropipette into the extracellular space of the brain it may either form a cavity or it may infiltrate the extracellular space. In either case subsequent diffusion is governed by the volume fraction and tortuosity of the brain tissue as well as the diffusion coefficient of the substance itself. Appropriate equations, solutions and approximations to these problems are discussed. The results are relevant to the interpretation of studies on neuropharmacology and in situ electrochemistry.
Co-ordinate conditions from variational principles

Co-ordinate conditions arising from the requirement of yielding a metric tensor which is best approximation to a Minkowski metric tensor are obtained and are applied to several spaces. Another set of co-ordinate conditions are derived by considering the co-ordinates to be comoving co-ordinates of a fictitious fluid and finding those co-ordinate systems having minimum total intrinsic rotation. It is found that none of the commonly-used co-ordinate conditions fall into either of the two categories considered. A variational principle is stated which leads to the harmonic co-ordinate conditions, but the associated integral seems to have no fundamental physical or geometrical significance.
Fluctuation energies in quantum cosmology

Quantum fluctuations or other moments of a state contribute to energy expectation values and can imply interesting physical effects. In quantum cosmology, they turn out to be important for a discussion of density bounds and instabilities of initial-value problems in the presence of signature change in loop-quantized models. This paper provides an effective description of these issues, accompanied by a comparison with existing numerical results and an extension to squeezed states. The comparison confirms that canonical effective methods are well suited for computations of properties of physical states. As a side product, an example is found for a simple state in which quantum fluctuations can cancel holonomy modifications of loop quantum cosmology.
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON OF THE DIRAC VIDEO CODEC WITH H.264/MPEG-4 PART 10 AVC

Dirac video codec developed by BBC deviates from other standards as wavelet transform instead of INTDCTs is adopted. Pros and cons of wavelet transform are listed. Besides encoder details of Dirac, its performance comparison with H.264/AVC using several test sequences based on mse/PSNR, bit rates and SSIM is provided.
Using Cocrystals To Systematically Modulate Aqueous Solubility and Melting Behavior of an Anticancer Drug

Five cocrystals of an anticancer compound have been assembled using a well-defined hydrogen-bond-based supramolecular approach that produced the necessary structural consistency in the resulting solids. These cocrystals contain aliphatic even-numbered dicarboxylic acids of increasing chain length, and as a result, the physical properties of the cocrystals can be related to the molecular structure of the acid. The melting points of the five cocrystals show an excellent correlation with the melting points of the individual acids, and it has also been shown that aqueous solubility can be increased by a factor of 2.5 relative to that of the individual drug. Consequently, cocrystals can offer a range of solid forms from which can be chosen an active ingredient where a particular physical property can be dialed in, provided that the cocrystals show considerable structural consistency and that systematic changes are made to the participating cocrystallizing agents.