cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
‘One Task Fits All’? The Roles of Task Complexity, Modality, and Working Memory Capacity in L2 Performance

The present study explores the independent and interactive effects of task complexity and task modality on linguistic dimensions of second language (L2) performance and investigates how these effects are modulated by individual differences in working memory capacity. Thirty-two intermediate learners of L2 Spanish completed less and more complex versions of the same type of argumentative task in the speaking and writing modalities. Perceived complexity questionnaires were administered as measures of cognitive load to both L2 learners and native speakers to independently validate task complexity manipulations. Task performance was analyzed in terms of general (complexity and accuracy) as well as task-relevant (conjunctions) linguistic measures. Quantitative analyses revealed that task modality played a larger role than task complexity in inducing improved linguistic performance during task-based work: Speaking tasks brought about more syntactically complex output while writing tasks favored more lexically complex and more accurate language. In addition, relationships of working memory capacity with various linguistic measures were attested, but only when the cognitive complexity of tasks was enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Technical Note: Using k-means clustering to determine the number and position of isocenters in MLC-based multiple target intracranial radiosurgery

Purpose To present the k-means clustering algorithm as a tool to address treatment planning considerations characteristic of stereotactic radiosurgery using a single isocenter for multiple targets. Methods For 30 patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery for multiple brain metastases, the geometric centroids and radii of each met were determined from the treatment planning system. In-house software used this as well as weighted and unweighted versions of the k-means clustering algorithm to group the targets to be treated with a single isocenter, and to position each isocenter. The algorithm results were evaluated using within-cluster sum of squares as well as a minimum target coverage metric that considered the effect of target size. Both versions of the algorithm were applied to an example patient to demonstrate the prospective determination of the appropriate number and location of isocenters. Results Both weighted and unweighted versions of the k-means algorithm were applied successfully to determine the number and position of isocenters. Comparing the two, both the within-cluster sum of squares metric and the minimum target coverage metric resulting from the unweighted version were less than those from the weighted version. The average magnitudes of the differences were small (−0.2 cm2 and 0.1% for the within cluster sum of squares and minimum target coverage, respectively) but statistically significant (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P < 0.01). Conclusions The differences between the versions of the k-means clustering algorithm represented an advantage of the unweighted version for the within-cluster sum of squares metric, and an advantage of the weighted version for the minimum target coverage metric. While additional treatment planning considerations have a large influence on the final treatment plan quality, both versions of the k-means algorithm provide automatic, consistent, quantitative, and objective solutions to the tasks associated with SRS treatment planning using a single isocenter for multiple targets.
Pharmacological characterization of novel synthetic opioids (NSO) found in the recreational drug marketplace.

Abstract Novel synthetic opioids (NSO) are increasingly encountered in illicit heroin and counterfeit pain pills. Many NSO are resurrected from older biomedical literature or patent applications, so limited information is available about their biological effects. Here we examined the pharmacology of three structurally-distinct NSO found in the recreational drug market: N-(1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl)-N-phenylbutyramide (butyrylfentanyl), 3,4-dichloro-N-[(1R,2R)-2-(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl]-N-methylbenzamide (U-47700) and 1-cyclohexyl-4-(1,2-diphenylethyl)piperazine (MT-45). Radioligand binding and GTPγS functional assays were carried out in cells transfected with murine mu- (MOR-1), delta- (DOR-1) or kappa-opioid receptors (KOR-1). Antinociceptive effects were determined using the radiant heat tail flick technique in mice, and opioid specificity was assessed with the mu-opioid antagonist naloxone. Butyrylfentanyl, U-47700 and MT-45 displayed nM affinities at MOR-1, but were less potent than morphine, and had much weaker effects at DOR-1 and KOR-1. All NSO exhibited agonist actions at MOR-1 in the GTPγS assay. Butyrylfentanyl and U-47700 were 31- and 12-fold more potent than morphine in the tail flick assay, whereas MT-45 was equipotent with morphine. Analgesic effects were reversed by naloxone and absent in genetically-engineered mice lacking MOR-1. Our findings confirm that butyrylfentanyl, U-47700 and MT-45 are selective MOR-1 agonists with in vitro affinities less than morphine. However, analgesic potencies vary more than 30-fold across the compounds, and in vitro binding affinity does not predict in vivo potency. Taken together, our findings highlight the risks to humans who may unknowingly be exposed to these and other NSO when taking adulterated heroin or counterfeit pain medications. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled ‘Designer Drugs and Legal Highs.’
Pseudo-Wellens syndrome after heavy marijuana use.

A 22-year old man with no cardiac history presented to our emergency department after 5 days of dyspnea, cough, vomiting, and sharp intermittent epigastric pain. He used marijuana chronically and had inhaled it in unusually high amounts for several days before the onset of his symptoms. The
The unique biomineralization transcriptome and proteome of Lytechinus variegatus teeth

Background: Matrix-regulated biomineralization involves the specific nucleation and growth of mineral phases within or upon preformed structured organic matrices. We hypothesized that there might b...
An examination of the evolve-and-resequence method using Drosophila simulans

We develop a set of analytical and simulation tools for Evolve-and-Resequence (E&R) experiments and apply them to a new study of rapid evolution in Drosophila simulans . Likelihood based test statistics combined with permutation suggest parallel evolution of about 120 polymorphisms across the genome. Whole genome simulations calibrated from several Drosophila genetic datasets indicate this response could be generated by as few as 20 loci under strong directional selection, with a corresponding hitch-hiking effect. While this resolves the “excessive significance” paradox typical of E&R experiments, a rank-based correlation analysis of genomic windows that suggests that weaker selection might be acting at a much larger number of sites. Finally, the allele frequency spectrum at sites that experience strong selection in the novel laboratory environment suggests that loci responding to selection may be balanced polymorphisms in nature.
Theory of thermal conduction in thin ceramic films

The theory of heat conduction in ceramics by phonons, and at high temperatures also by infrared radiation, is reviewed. The phonon mean free path is limited by three-phonon interactions and by scattering of various imperfections. Point defects scatter high-frequency phonons; extended imperfections, such as inclusions, pores, and grain boundaries, affect mainly low-frequency phonons. Thermal radiation is also scattered by imperfections, but of a larger size, such as splat boundaries and large pores. Porosity also reduces the effective index of refraction. For films there are also external boundaries, cracks, and splat boundaries, depending on the method of deposition. Examples discussed are cubic zirconia, titanium oxide, and uranium oxide. Graphite and graphene sheets, with two-dimensional phonon gas, are discussed briefly.
Using Active Learning Projects to Teach Research Skills Throughout the Sociology Curriculum

A core element of the sociology curriculum is the methods course, intended to teach students the value of systematic observation and analysis of the social world. However, this one-shot approach to teaching methodological skills is ineffective and not well liked by students or faculty. A more effective approach is the integration of active learning assignments and projects that teach and reinforce these skills throughout the curriculum, from the introductory course to the substantive content courses. This paper describes my experiences with this approach, outlining various activities and research projects used to teach methodological skills. Also highlighted are the outcomes reported by students and the benefits for teaching sociology courses. A discussion of the possibilities for disseminating and using the research beyond the classroom and the strengths and weaknesses of integrating research across the curriculum, as well as several teaching tips are also included.
Catalogues and Data References

Index Catalogue of Visual Double Stars 1961.0 (abbreviated IDS), by H. M. Jeffers, W. H. van den Bos, and F. M. Greeby, Publ. Lick Obs., Vol. 21, Pts. I and II. This index is a complete list of doubles catalogued to 1960 (thus including many optical doubles), without quoting individual observations. Pairs discovered later are recorded in a card file at the U.S. Navy Observatory.
Divergent Hemogen genes of teleosts and mammals share conserved roles in erythropoiesis: analysis using transgenic and mutant zebrafish.

ABSTRACT Hemogen is a vertebrate transcription factor that performs important functions in erythropoiesis and testicular development and may contribute to neoplasia. Here we identify zebrafish Hemogen and show that it is considerably smaller (∼22 kDa) than its human ortholog (∼55 kDa), a striking difference that is explained by an underlying modular structure. We demonstrate that Hemogens are largely composed of 21-25 amino acid repeats, some of which may function as transactivation domains (TADs). Hemogen expression in embryonic and adult zebrafish is detected in hematopoietic, renal, neural and gonadal tissues. Using Tol2- and CRISPR/Cas9-generated transgenic zebrafish, we show that Hemogen expression is controlled by two Gata1-dependent regulatory sequences that act alone and together to control spatial and temporal expression during development. Partial depletion of Hemogen in embryos by morpholino knockdown reduces the number of erythrocytes in circulation. CRISPR/Cas9-generated zebrafish lines containing either a frameshift mutation or an in-frame deletion in a putative, C-terminal TAD display anemia and embryonic tail defects. This work expands our understanding of Hemogen and provides mutant zebrafish lines for future study of the mechanism of this important transcription factor.
Program-Level Factors Influencing Positive Graduate Outcomes of Physical Therapy Residency Programs.

Background Physical therapist clinical residency programs vary widely in administrative structure, instructional characteristics, and program design. The impact of program-level factors on resident outcomes such as graduation and board certification is unknown. Objective The objective of this study was to examine the influence of program-level factors on participant outcomes of physical therapist residency programs. Design This was a retrospective cohort study using data from accredited programs from 2010 to 2013. Methods Data were collected on program characteristics such as administrative structure, size, salary, tuition, full- or part-time options, didactic format, and clinical-site structure. The odds ratios were calculated to examine the impact of program characteristics on graduation, board certification, and passing the exam. A logistic regression analysis to determine the combined contribution of these characteristics on the 3 outcomes was performed. Results Data from 183 residency programs and 1589 residents were analyzed. Participants attending programs that were single site or multifacility, provided live didactic instruction, did not charge tuition, and paid residents ≥ 70% full-time equivalent salary were 9.8 times more likely to graduate, 5.1 times more likely to become board certified, and 3.2 times more likely to pass the specialty board examination. Limitations This study did not examine the impact of program location, resident attributes, or resident exposure to patient diagnostic volume and variety. Conclusions This study has identified some program-level factors that appear to influence the odds of graduating, becoming board-certified, and passing the specialty board examination. This information could inform existing and developing residency programs, as well as applicants, on program-level factors that might influence participant outcomes.
Effect of pyrazoles on mitochondrial bioenergetics in cardiovascular cells

Oxidative stress is the overproduction of reactive oxygen species by the mitochondria. This byproduct can lead to a variety of cardiovascular diseases as it causes apoptosis. Antioxidants are commonly used in medicine to relieve such symptoms. To study the effects of pyrazoles on the of oxidative stress in the myocardium, fibroblast cells from a C57 black wild type male mouse heart were cultured and oxidative stressed was induced. They were then treated with pyrazoles KT-01-15D, KT-01-17F, KT-01-19A. The oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate were then tested using the Agilent Seahorse XF24 analyzer. The pyrazoles were found to have a significant impact on the mitochondrial function of the cells. They successfully healed the cell of the reactive oxygen species that interrupted the processes of cellular respiration. Our findings suggest that pyrazoles KT-01-15D, KT-01-17F, KT-01-19A play an important role in the recovery of normal function of cardiomyocytes.
Designing air-stable cyclometalated Fe(II) complexes: stabilization via electrostatic effects

Designing efficient Fe(II) chromophores requires optimization of numerous, at times conflicting, properties. It has been suggested that replacement of polypyridine ligands with cyclometalated analogs will be effective at destabilizing the quintet state and therefore extending the lifetime of photoactive metal-to-ligand charge transfer states. However, cyclometalated Fe(II) complexes are not oxidatively stable due to the strong electron-donating nature of this ligand, which limits their applicability. Here we use density functional theory calculations to show how simple addition of nitro and carboxylic acid groups to these cyclometalated complexes can engender a less oxidizable Fe(II) center while maintaining, or even improving, the favorable ligand field strength.
Management of post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal defects: A critical assessment

BACKGROUND Post-myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular septal defects (PIVSD) are an uncommon but life-threatening complication of acute MI. Although surgical closure has been the standard of care, mortality, and recurrence of VSD remain high even after emergent surgery. Transcatheter VSD closure (TCC) devices have become an alternative or adjunct to surgical closure. METHODS Online database search was performed for studies that included adults with PIVSD who underwent medical treatment (MT) alone, surgical closure (SC) (early or late), and TCC (early, late, or for post-surgical residual VSD). RESULTS Twenty-six studies were included with a total of 737 patients who underwent either MT (N = 100), SC (early (n = 167), late (n = 100)), and TCC (early (n = 176), late (n = 115), or post-surgical residual VSD (n = 79)). The 30-day mortality among MT group was 92 ± 6.3%, among SC was 61 ± 22.5% (early 56 ± 23%, late 41 ± 30%), and for all TCC patients was 33 ± 24% (early 54 ± 32.7%, late 16 ± 26%), and TCC for post-surgical residual VSD 11 ± 34.9%. The mortality among overall SC, overall TCC and early TCC groups was significantly lower as compared with the MT (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). The overall mortality among all TCC, and late TCC groups was significantly lower when compared with the late SC (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION Closure of PIVSD decreases mortality as compared with MT alone and should be attempted as early as possible after diagnosis. Selection of TCC versus SC should be based on factors including complexity of the defect, availability of closure devices, expertise of the operator, and clinical condition of patient.
Multi-scale habitat selection model assessing potential gray wolf den habitat and dispersal corridors in Michigan, Usa

Abstract Following decades of absence, the gray wolf (Canis lupus) has recolonized much of the northern Great Lakes region from Canada and remnant populations in northern Minnesota. The wolf population in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula may now be reaching saturation, with evidence that some dispersing individuals have traversed the Straits of Mackinac during ice-over winter conditions indicating potential recolonization of northern Lower Michigan. While previous research suggests suitable habitat exists in northern Lower Michigan to support a small wolf population, habitat availability at other hierarchical levels, including den habitat and the ability of individuals to disperse successfully among suitable habitat patches, has not been assessed. We evaluated the den habitat availability and landscape connectivity using a multi-scale modeling approach that integrates hierarchical habitat selection theory as well as spatial structure to assess whether corridors exist for wolves to successfully recolonize and raise pups in northern Lower Michigan. We used expert opinion, scientific literature, and geographical information systems to develop models of landscape suitability, resistance, and least-cost path analysis to identify dispersal corridors throughout the Upper and northern Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. Based on our models, the Upper Peninsula was almost entirely amenable to wolves for both denning and dispersing, particularly in the western portion of the peninsula. Our estimates indicate that over 1900 km2 of high quality den habitat exists in northern Lower Michigan, but landscape permeability between these habitat patches appeared relatively low relative to Upper Michigan. We delineated several corridors of high quality habitat in the Upper Peninsula that may facilitate dispersal in to Lower Michigan. Dispersal corridors were of moderate quality in northern Lower Michigan, representing higher mortality risk but potentially capable of promoting recolonization of high-quality habitat areas. Conservation efforts within these identified corridors may further increase the potential for successful recolonization and establishment of viable long-term breeding populations of gray wolves in northern Lower Michigan.
Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement Restructures Reward Processing and Promotes Interoceptive Awareness in Overweight Cancer Survivors: Mechanistic Results From a Stage 1 Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: The primary aims of this Stage I pilot randomized controlled trial were to establish the feasibility of integrating exercise and nutrition counseling with Mindfulness-Oriented Recover...
MEMS Silicon Cutters for Rapid Sectioning of Diffusion-Limited Pancreatic Islets to Improve Viability

This paper reports on the first MEMS silicon cutters designed to rapidly section donor pancreatic islets below oxygen diffusion-limited dimensions to improve viability of grafts during the critical period of re-implantation and revascularization by the host. The monolithic silicon chips feature an array of spaced nano-sharp (r < 100 nm) blades that cleanly section islet tissue. This work represents the first time that sectioning of pancreatic islets has been proposed and validated as a means to overcome the well-known problems of hypoxia and core-necrosis that is encountered in current islet transplantation procedures.
Lactic Acidosis in the Setting of Severe Hypophosphatemia After High-Dose Insulin Infusion.

Abstract Cardiac anesthesiologists are commonly confronted with perioperative changes of serum lactate levels. Several mechanisms, including those iatrogenic, may play a role this finding. High dose insulin administration in the intraoperative setting can cause significant electrolyte disturbances such as hypophosphatemia, which may in turn result in severe lactic acidosis. We present two patients who required escalating insulin doses during cardiac surgery, and subsequently developed severe hypophosphatemia and lactic acidosis.
Development and application of an elastic net logistic regression model to investigate the impact of cardiac substructure dose on radiation-induced pericardial effusion in patients with NSCLC.

Background Typically, cardiac substructures are neither delineated nor analyzed during radiation treatment planning. Therefore, we developed a novel machine learning model to evaluate the impact of cardiac substructure dose for predicting radiation-induced pericardial effusion (PCE). Materials and methods One-hundred and forty-one stage III NSCLC patients, who received radiation therapy in a prospective clinical trial, were included in this analysis. The impact of dose-volume histogram (DVH) metrics (mean and max dose, V5Gy[%]-V70Gy[%]) for the whole heart, left and right atrium, and left and right ventricle, on pericardial effusion toxicity (≥grade 2, CTCAE v4.0 grading) were examined. Elastic net logistic regression, using repeat cross-validation (n = 100 iterations, 75%/25% training/test set data split), was conducted with cardiac-based DVH metrics as covariates. The following model types were constructed and analyzed: (i) standard model type, which only included whole-heart DVH metrics; and (ii) a model type trained with both whole-heart and substructure DVH metrics. Model performance was analyzed on the test set using area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, calibration slope and calibration intercept. A final fitted model, based on the optimal model type, was developed from the entire study population for future comparisons. Results Grade 2 PCE incidence was 49.6% (n = 70). Models using whole heart and substructure dose had the highest performance (median values: AUC = 0.820; calibration slope/intercept = 1.356/-0.235; accuracy = 0.743) and outperformed the standard whole-heart only model type (median values: AUC = 0.799; calibration slope/intercept = 2.456/-0.729; accuracy = 0.713). The final fitted elastic net model showed high performance in predicting PCE (median values: AUC = 0.879; calibration slope/intercept = 1.352/-0.174; accuracy = 0.801). Conclusions We developed and evaluated elastic net regression toxicity models of radiation-induced PCE. We found the model type that included cardiac substructure dose had superior predictive performance. A final toxicity model that included cardiac substructure dose metrics was developed and reported for comparison with external datasets.
Immunotherapeutic approaches in HNSCC

Abstract Immunotherapy is a rapidly advancing field that has improved survival outcomes for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Large phase 3 trials have demonstrated the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies in patients with recurrent/metastatic disease, and current investigations will help elucidate the role of these agents in patients with previously untreated, locally advanced disease. Additional immunotherapeutic strategies including antibodies targeting other coinhibitory/costimulatory checkpoints, vaccines, oncolytic viruses, toll-like receptor agonists, adoptive cell therapy, and others are also under active study. As more data emerge regarding the management of immune-related adverse events and potential biomarkers of response, immunotherapeutic approaches will become an increasingly safe and successful therapeutic modality for head and neck cancer.
Phyjama: Physiological Sensing via Fiber-Enhanced Pyjamas

A key challenge that has emerged in recent years is the ability to remotely monitor patients, particularly elderly individuals while they are at home. This is particularly important given demographic shifts; the WHO estimates that the global share of the population aged 65 years or over increased from 6 percent in 1990 to 9 percent in 2019, and is projected to increase to 16 percent in the next two decades [1]. While the increase in life expectancy is a tremendous achievement, it also presents a growing need to go beyond episodic measurement collected in clinical settings to continuous monitoring at home. Indeed, this issue has become particularly acute in recent times in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to ensure timely treatment delivery while at the same time protecting elderly from exposure to the virus and alleviating burden on support staff.
Controversy and Costs: Investigating the Consensus on American Voter ID Laws

Voter identification laws (VID) potentially affect who votes and who wins elections, making debates about them highly contentious among national elites and state legislatures. Yet the debate is far more muted among members of the public, with over three quarters of Americans supporting a photo identification requirement to vote, including majorities of both Democrats and Republicans. Research points to several factors that affect opinion on VID; however, these studies have not led to a theoretical framework for understanding the broad consensus of public support. We propose that the public generally views policies requiring ID to vote as commonsensical, uncontroversial, and essentially costless insofar as most people (likely) possess the necessary ID. These perceptions, we argue, undergird the sizable public consensus on VID. If true, then when presented with dissonant information cueing controversy and increasing the costs of compliance with the law, we should expect support to substantially decline. We test these hypotheses using observational and experimental data. We find that citizens are significantly less supportive of an ID requirement upon learning of lower public support, and become dramatically less supportive when obtaining such identification involves some degree of cost. This latter result also holds among Republicans—a group that has long-been exceptionally supportive of VID. We conclude that the strong public consensus on voter ID is, in large part, a result of its costlessness to most citizens combined with limited familiarity with the policy, its controversial nature, and the costs potentially incurred by other citizens to comply with the law.
Hepatic Mediators of Lipid Metabolism and Ketogenesis: Focus on Fatty Liver and Diabetes.

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disorder that it is caused by the absence of insulin secretion due to the inability of the pancreas to produce it (type 1 diabetes; T1DM), or due to defects of insulin signaling in the peripheral tissues, resulting in insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes; T2DM). Commonly, the occurrence of insulin resistance in T2DM patients reflects the high prevalence of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) manifestation in these individuals. In fact, approximately 60% T2DM patients are also diagnosed to have NAFLD, and this condition is strongly linked with insulin resistance and obesity. NAFLD is the hepatic manifestation of obesity and metabolic syndrome and includes a spectrum of pathological conditions, which range from simple steatosis (NAFL), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD manifestation is followed by a series of hepatic lipid deregulations and the main abnormalities are increased triglyceride levels, increased hepatic production of VLDL and a reduction of VLDL catabolism. During the progression of NAFLD, the production of ketone bodies progressively reduces while hepatic glucose synthesis and output increases. In fact, most of the fat that enters the liver can be disposed through ketogenesis, preventing the development of NAFLD and hyperglycemia. Objective This review will focus on the pathophysiological aspect of hepatic lipid metabolism deregulation, ketogenesis and its relevance in progression of NAFLD and T2DM. Conclusion A better understanding of the molecular mediators involved in lipid synthesis and ketogenesis can lead to new treatments for metabolic disorders in the liver, such as NAFLD.
COPII Sec23 proteins form isoform-specific ER exit sites with differential effects on polarized growth

Abstract COPII, a coat of proteins that form vesicles on the ER, mediates vesicle traffic from the ER to the Golgi. In contrast to metazoans that have few genes encoding each COPII component, plants have expanded these gene families leading to the hypothesis that plant COPII has functionally diversified. Here, we analyzed the gene families encoding for the Sec23/24 heterodimer in the moss Physcomitrium (Physcomitrella) patens. In P. patens, Sec23 and Sec24 gene families are each comprised of seven genes. Silencing the Sec23/24 genes revealed isoform specific contributions to polarized growth, with the closely related Sec23D/E and Sec24C/D essential for protonemal development. Focusing on the Sec23 gene family, we discovered that loss of Sec23D alters ER morphology, increases ER stress, inhibits trafficking to the Golgi and to the plasma membrane in tip growing protonemata. In contrast, the remaining five Sec23 genes are dispensable for tip growth. While Sec23A/B/C/F/G do not quantitatively affect ER to Golgi trafficking in protonemata, they do contribute to secretion to the plasma membrane. Of the three highly expressed Sec23 isoforms in protonemata, Sec23G forms ER exit sites that are larger than Sec23B and Sec23D and do not overlap with Sec23D. Furthermore, ER exit sites labeled by Sec23B or Sec23G form in the absence of Sec23D. These data suggest that Sec23D/E form unique ER exit sites contributing to secretion that is essential for tip growing protonemata.
Selecting Close-to-Functional Path Delay Faults for Test Generation

A large number of paths necessitates the selection of path delay faults for test generation. The selected path delay faults should be detectable, and associated with the longest paths of the circuit. This paper introduces a new consideration that is important for the selection of path delay faults, namely, the extent to which a path delay fault can be activated during functional operation. This is important since certain paths that cannot be activated during functional operation may not be optimized for speed. To address this issue, the paper describes a path selection procedure that uses functional broadside tests to identify functional path delay faults. The procedure selects target path delay faults that are associated with the longest paths, and are as similar as possible to functional path delay faults. Experimental results for benchmark circuits demonstrate the levels of similarity.
Investigation of fluorescein stain-based tear film breakup time test reliability in dogs in a clinical setting.

OBJECTIVE To determine intra- and interobserver reliability of a fluorescein stain-based tear film breakup time (TFBUT) test as performed in a clinical environment with and without administration of a topical anesthetic. ANIMALS 21 privately owned dogs. PROCEDURES A randomized study design was used. Two independent observers that commonly perform the TFBUT test in clinical practice read the same description of TFBUT. Observers performed TFBUT testing for each dog before and after topical administration of 0.5% proparacaine solution in 4 testing periods with a 1-hour interval between periods. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis was used to assess inter- and intraobserver test reliability. Linear mixed models were used to assess the main effects of testing period, observer, eye, and presence of ophthalmic disorders and their interactions on TFBUT. RESULTS Mean TFBUT measurements performed by observer 1 and observer 2 were 5.9 seconds and 8.6 seconds, respectively, when adjusted for other effects in the model. Intraobserver ICC was poor for one observer and moderate for the other. Interobserver ICC was poor without use of topical anesthetic and slightly lower when anesthetic was used. Observer and testing period were each significantly associated with TFBUT; the measurements decreased and were more variable after multiple applications of fluorescein stain and proparacaine. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested tear film stability is negatively affected by topical administration of 0.5% proparacaine solution and repeated applications of fluorescein stain. The TFBUT test as performed in this study had poor to moderate reliability.
Thoracic aorta to femoral artery bypass

Arterial bypass from the descending thoracic aorta to the femoral artery provides successful perfusion to the lower extremity when a transabdominal approach to the abdominal aorta is undesirable. The first reported operation was performed in 1956 by Stevenson et al.1. Several years later, in 1961, Blaisdell et al. used this type of bypass around an infected abdominal aortic prosthesis2. Since then, fewer than 160 cases have been reported in the world literature3–5. In patients with good surgical risk this procedure provides an alternative inflow source for femoral artery reconstruction with a long-term patency rate superior to the traditional axillofemoral bypass.
Dominican-Americans and the politics of empowerment

Aparicio examines the ways first- and second-generation Dominican-Americans in the dynamic northern Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Heights have shaped a new Dominican presence in local New York City politics. Through community organizing, they have formed coalitions with people of different national and ethnic backgrounds and other people of color, tackled local concerns, and created new routes for empowerment. The character of Dominican-American politics has changed since the first large wave of Dominican immigrants arrived in New York in the 1960s. Aparicio shows how second-generation activists, raised and educated in public institutions in the city, have expanded their network to include fellow Dominicans - both in the United States and abroad - as well as other ethnic and racial minorities, such as Puerto Ricans and African-Americans, who share common goals. Offering the perspectives of local organizers and members of Dominican-American organizations, Aparicio documents their thoughts on such issues as education, police brutality, civic participation, and politics. She also explores the ways in which they experience, reflect upon, and organize around issues of race and racialization processes, and how their experiences influence their political agendas and actions. This new story of immigration and empowerment highlights the complexity of any group's political development, making it useful for students of U.S. Latino and youth culture, as well as scholars of urban studies and politics, race, immigration, and transnationalism.
Cement Mortar Lining of Large Diameter Water Pipelines

The writer describes the advance of the state of the art of cement mortar lining pipelines in-place, which is done by relating the history of cement mortar lining. Also description of the process is given as it is related to the material and equipment. The advantages of lining pipelines with cement mortar in-place are enumerated, and the trend toward the lining of large diameter pipelines is examined. Numerous applications of in-place cement mortar lining during the past have been described and referenced.
Intercalated Graphite Fibers

The novel geometry of graphite fibers facilitates the study of various intercalation phenomena and is of particular importance for practical applications of GICs. Also in their pristine form, graphite fibers offer unique advantages over other forms of graphite for the study of novel phenomena and for a variety of practical applications. The synthesis, structure and properties of intercalated graphite fibers have much in common with intercalated bulk graphite host materials, such as kish graphite and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG),1 which are extensively discussed in this volume. We therefore briefly review here the structure and properties of intercalated graphite fibers and the differences between GICs prepared from fiber and bulk graphite host materials.
Efficient Extensible Synchronization in Sather

Sather, a parallel object-oriented programming language developed at ICSI, offers advanced thread synchronization constructs separating locking mechanism and policies. While a lock management system provides a general locking mechanism, synchronization objects define and implement different extensible policies. Commonly used synchronization objects such as mutual exclusion and reader/writer locks are provided by the standard Sather library. Synchronization objects with more complex semantics can be defined by the user. The conjunctive and disjunctive acquisition of collections of locks and the deadlock detection are distinct features of Sather supported by the locking mechanism. This paper introduces the Sather synchronization constructs and presents the design and implementation of a lock management runtime system. We argue that a clean, object-oriented design allows us to support sophisticated synchronization policies while preserving efficiency on distributed computing platforms. The system is fully implemented and runs on several platforms including a network of symmetric multiprocessors connected by a fast, user-level, low latency communications network.
Research and relevance: Role of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences

(1999). Research and relevance: Role of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. Justice Quarterly: Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 1-17.
Feasibility of a bilateral 4000–6000 Hz notch as a phenotype for genetic association analysis

Objective: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a worldwide health problem and a growing concern among young people. Although some people appear to be more susceptible to NIHL, genetic association studies lack a specific phenotype. We tested the feasibility of a bilateral 4000–6000 Hz audiometric notch as a phenotype for identifying genetic contributions to hearing loss in young adults. Design: A case-control-control study was conducted to examine selected SNPs in 52 genes previously associated with hearing loss and/or expressed in the cochlea. A notch was defined as a minimum of a 15-dB drop at 4000–6000 Hz from the previous best threshold with a 5-dB ‘recovery’ at 8000 Hz. Study sample: Participants were 252 individuals of European descent taken from a population of 640 young adults who are students of classical music. Participants were grouped as No-notch (NN), Unilateral Notch (UN), or Bilateral Notch (BN). Results: The strongest evidence of a genetic association with the 4000–6000 Hz notch was a nonsynonymous SNP variant in the ESRR– gene (rs61742642:C> T, P386S). Carriers of the minor allele accounted for 26% of all bilateral losses. Conclusion: This study indicates that the 4000–6000 Hz bilateral notch is a feasible phenotype for identifying genetic susceptibility to hearing loss.
Does Rantzer’s Convex Direction Theorem Sound the Death Knell for New Vertex Results in Robust Control?

The legacy of Kharitonov’s Four-Polynomial Theorem are vertex results in robust control. At the heart of each of these is an associated vertex result for a convex combination of stable polynomials. Recently, Rantzer gave a so-called Convex Direction Theorem which seemingly sounded the death knell for finding new polynomial vertex results; hence, the search for new vertex results in robust control seemed at an end. The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, to introduce and review the literature on vertex results for convex combinations of polynomials. Second, to introduce the notion of convex directions and state Rantzer’s Convex Direction Theorem. Third, to pose and solve a parametric H ∞ problem in which the associated polynomial vertex problem fails to fit into the convex direction framework. This may help to dispell the conception that research in polynomial vertex results is dead and help spur new thinking.
Compatibility of filgrastim with selected drugs during simulated Y-site administration

The compatibility of filgrastim with selected drugs during simulated Y-site injection was studied. Five-milliliter samples of filgrastim 30 micrograms/mL in 5% dextrose injection were combined with 5-mL samples of solutions of each of 97 other drugs in 5% dextrose injection at clinically used concentrations at 22 degrees C. Immediately after and one and four hours after the samples were combined, visual examinations were performed in fluorescent light with the unaided eye and with a high-intensity monodirectional light (Tyndall beam) to enhance the visualization of small particles and low-level turbidity. The turbidity of each drug combination was measured as well. Combinations yielding inconclusive results were subjected to particle sizing and counting. Most of the drugs tested were compatible with filgrastim 30 micrograms/mL during the observation period. However, 22 drugs showed various incompatibilities with filgrastim, including filament formation, particulate formation and precipitation, and color change. Filgrastim 30 micrograms/mL in 5% dextrose injection was compatible with 75 drugs for up to four hours at 22 degrees C; 22 drugs were not compatible with filgrastim.
An educational digital library for human-centered computing

Digital libraries have great potential to improve the educational experience. As a result, there are a wide variety of such repositories, especially those that focus specifically on education. But relatively few focus on topics as specific as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) or Human-Centered Computing (HCC). In addition, support for browsing behavior, with a few exceptions, is both weak and not suitable for user needs. This paper presents our work to create a repository of educational materials for a relatively narrowly-targeted field (HCC/HCI), including our requirements gathering methods and results. Finally, we discuss the HCC Education Digital Library (HCC EDL) as a platform for investigating broader digital library research questions, such as exploring alternative designs for content browsing mechanisms.
Tem Study of Diamond Films Grown from Fullerene Precursors

Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) techniques are applied to study the microstructure of diamond films grown from fullerene precursors. Electron diffraction and electron energy loss spectra (EELS) collected from the diamond films correspond to that of bulk diamond. Microdiffraction, high resolution images and EELS help determine that the first diamond grains that nucleate from fullerene precursors generally form on a thin amorphous carbon interlayer and seldom directly on the silicon substrate. Grain size measurements reveal nanocrystalline diamond grains. Cross section TEM images show that the nanocrystalline diamond grains are equiaxed and not columnar nor dendritic. The microstructure of small equiaxed grains throughout the film thickness is believed responsible for the very smooth surfaces of diamond films grown from fullerene precursors.
Location-based device grouping for function restriction

Adjusting device functions flexibly based on surrounding environment will greatly benefit security measures without losing much convinence.This paper presents a security system focusing on deduce device functions according to the contextual features. Contextual features are gathered from device group which is formed by location. This presented system localize devices to fuzzy sets based on wireless signals.A rule system is presented to deduce functions based on given contextual features. Contextual feature changes are reflected in real time by deducing or re-enabling device functions. This technique can be used in securing classified areas in a flexible manner.
Inhibition and binding studies of coenzyme A and bovine phenol sulfotransferase.

Phenol sulfotransferases (PSTs, EC 2.8.2.1) catalyze sulfonyl group transfer from 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) to the hydroxyl oxygen of aromatic acceptor substrates. The structural overlap between PAPS and coenzyme A (CoA) suggested a possible role of this common acyl carrier in modulating PST activity. To test this hypothesis, purified recombinant bovine PST was examined by kinetic and affinity chromatographic approaches. After demonstrating PST enzyme inhibition by CoA, systematic variation of CoA and PAPS concentrations indicated simple competitive inhibition with K(i) = 1. 3 microM. PST bound to CoA-agarose, attached via the pantetheinyl thiol group, was eluted with PAP but not by 2-naphthol. This observation was consistent with the pattern of inhibition. Additional members of the sulfotransferase superfamily, as well as acylated CoAs, should be further investigated.
Kinetics from Implicit Solvent Simulations of Biomolecules as a Function of Viscosity.

Kinetic properties of alanine dipeptide, the B1 domain of streptococcal protein G, and ubiquitin are compared between explicit solvent and implicit solvent simulations with the generalized Born molecular volume (GBMV) method. The results indicate that kinetics from explicit solvent simulations and experiments can be matched closely when the implicit solvent simulations are combined with Langevin dynamics and a friction coefficient near 10 ps-1. Smaller and larger friction coefficients accelerate and slow down conformational sampling. It is found that local conformational exploration without the crossing of significant barriers can be accelerated by a factor of 4−5; however, the acceleration of barrier crossings is limited to about a factor of 2. The use of a Nose−Hoover thermostat instead of Langevin dynamics greatly enhances local conformational sampling but slows down the crossing of barriers by at least an order of magnitude because of the lack of solute−solvent stochastic collisions.
Positron annihilation and electron correlations in metals

The annihilation rate of positrons in metals can be related to the correlated electron wave function at the positron site. It is argued that the effective interaction at short distance for a positron in an electron gas should be dominated by terms involving one and two electrons. The positron-electron wave function is thus calculated using an effective interaction which includes the strong screening effects from one highly correlated screening electron. The electron wave functions are approximately antisymmetrized using the analogy of a recoiless impurity. The positron annihilation rates calculated using this wave function are in good agreement with the observed rates over the whole range of electron densities found in alkali metals.
Transition metal-organoindium chemistry. Reaction of trialkylindium compounds with (cyclopentadienyl)(tricarbonyl)metal radicals☆

Photolysis of [(CpMo(CO)3]2 with InR3 (R = ethyl, t-butyl, neopentyl) or ZnR2 (R = ethyl) efficiently forms CpMo(CO)3InR2 or [(CpMo(CO)3]2Zn as major products. The reaction is believed to proceed by bimolecular radical substitution and demonstrates substantial strenght for the MoIn bond. As a consequence of this bond strenght, [CpMo(CO)3]2 reacts photochemically and reversibly with indium metal to form [CpMo(CO)3]3In.