cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors are critical for mediating the effects of glutamate on intracellular calcium concentration and immediate early gene expression in cultured hippocampal neurons

The mechanisms by which activation of excitatory amino acid receptors is coupled to the regulation of gene transcription were studied using cultured hippocampal neurons from neonatal rats. Voltage recording, calcium imaging, specific RNA analysis and immunocytochemistry were carried out on sister cultures. This allowed analysis of the expression of functional glutamate receptor subtypes, examination of their role in controlling intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i), and determination of their relative contributions to the transcriptional regulation of six immediate early genes c-fos, fosB, c-jun, junB, zif/268 (also termed Egr-1; NGFI-A; Krox-24) and nur/77 (also termed NGFI-B). Expression of all six immediate early genes was induced in hippocampal neurons by glutamate treatment. Nuclear run-on assays demonstrated that this induction occurred at the transcriptional level. Activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate subtype of glutamate receptor was necessary and sufficient for the transcriptional response. Non-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, while present in cultured hippocampal neurons, contributed relatively little to the regulation of transcription. Calcium imaging showed that glutamate-induced changes in [Ca2+]i were almost entirely mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, rather than by L-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels. Previous studies have shown that stimulation with selective agonists of either N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, non-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, or L-type calcium channels can lead to an increase in [Ca2+]i and c-fos expression. Here we demonstrate that in our hippocampal culture system glutamate controls [Ca2+]i and induces immediate early gene transcription primarily by activating N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.
The debris impact response of the space shuttle wing

This paper serves as an investigation into the response of the NASA space shuttle wing in the event of a debris impact during launch. The explicit finite element method is used to model the leading edge of the shuttle wing and the event of impact with a piece of a material from the shuttle's external tank. The results will be utilised by the Impact Penetration Sensor System (IPSS) to help characterise the signal received by the system in the event of an actual impact. Numerical results are validated by experiments done at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI).
Modeling and Analyzing Large Swarms with Covert Leaders

In this paper, we analyze general models of large swarms with covert leaders. A covert leader is an individual who acts on additional information but is treated like all other individuals in the swarm. We concentrate our efforts on behavior driven by three-zone swarming, and present a new nonlinear model in which a leader will respond more strongly to additional information when the swarm is less dense. Conversely, leaders in denser regions behave more like followers. Linear stability analysis shows that the growth or decay of perturbations in an infinite, uniform swarm depends on the strength of attraction relative to repulsion and orientation. Understanding general systems like this has a wide range of applications in ecology, sociology and wireless robotics.
Altered sensitivity to drugs following repeated injections of a cholinesterase inhibitor to rats.

Abstract The chronic administration of O,O-diethyl S-2-(ethylthio)ethyl phosphorodithioate (Di-Syston) is accompanied by the development of tolerance to the cholinomimetic effects of this compound. Rats which had developed tolerance to Di-Syston were found to be less susceptible to the subacute lethal action of octamethyl pyrophosphoramide (OMPA) than control rats. The sensitivity of Di-Syston-tolerant rats to the subacute lethal action of parathion, however, was unchanged. Di-Syston tolerant rats were also found to be resistant to the acute lethal action of oxotremorine, but the sensitivity of these rats to the acute lethal action of d-tubocurarine, decamethonium, and OMPA was increased. The chronic administration of Di-Syston appears to produce some type of change in rats which reduces susceptibility to certain cholinomimetic drugs. The results with d-tubocurarine and decamethonium would suggest that, at the same time, the susceptibility to neuromuscular blocking drugs is increased.
Karyonidal inheritance of mating types in tetrahymena malaccensis

Mating type determination in Tetrahymena malaccensis is karyonidal, ie, the four new macronuclei developing in a single conjugating pair are independently determined as to which of the six known mating types they will express. Occasional selfing clones are similar to those in T thermophila, in that any one is capable of stabilizing at a restricted range of mating types. The genetic basis of mating type potentialities is incompletely resolved. T malaccensis may, like T thermophila and T canadensis, have a single multiallelic locus that controls the array of types. Quantitative considerations suggest, however, that other loci may be involved.
Top Quark Angular Distributions - Theory

The theoretical aspects of top quark angular distributions will be reviewed with special emphasis on spin correlations in top quark pair production.
Windows 2000 lab system upgrade: good idea, bad idea?

In order to keep on the leading edge of technology and to take advantage of new administrative features, we at University of Wyoming decided to upgrade our Windows NT 4.0 lab system to a Windows 2000 based lab system. This paper will detail the planning that went into this project and the numerous issues that were faced. Some of the planning topics that we will discuss are: • Hardware requirements and the need to upgrade machines • Software testing and the need to find updated versions, or replace legacy programs • Political ramifications of such a campus-wide upgrade • Developing a workable time-line for the upgrade process In addition to detailing the planning process of the upgrade, we will also discuss some of the problems and issues encountered during the first stages of the upgrade process.
Load Transfer in Rammed Aggregate Piers

Predicting the load–settlement and load–transfer behaviors of rammed aggregate piers are important aspects of design. Use of advanced engineering models, however, can be complex involving uncertainty in selection of nonlinear constitutive model parameters for the aggregate and surrounding matrix soils and in selection of in situ stress fields. For purposes of simpler design calculations, this paper uses the closed-form approximate solution and the boundary-element method using both elastic (i.e., neglecting interface slip) and elastic–plastic soil–pier interface (i.e., considering interface slip) to predict load–settlement and load–transfer for rammed aggregate piers. Unlike previous studies that evaluate load–settlement and load–transfer for stiff, slender piles (e.g., concrete and steel piles) or fully penetrating granular piles, this paper focuses on floating rammed aggregate piers having slenderness ratios (L∕D) of 3–10 and pier–soil stiffness ratios ( Ep ∕ Es ) of 5–80. Predictions of load–settlement...
First report of bloat nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci) infecting garlic in Ohio.

Bloat nematode, Ditylenchus dipsaci (Kuhn) Filipjev (also known as stem and bulb nematode), is a key pest of garlic (Allium sativum) globally (1) as heavy infestations can lead to complete crop loss. Although not a major crop in Ohio, garlic is grown in diversified vegetable production systems. In July 2013, diseased garlic bulbs were received from a grower in Lorain County, OH, from a field with wide symptom distribution. Bulbs were discolored, exhibited splitting, and had basal plate damage including reduced roots. Nematodes were extracted for examination by placing bulb slices in water. Recovered nematodes had morphological characteristics of D. dipsaci, including a short stylet with prominent knobs, a distinct median esophageal bulb, a basal bulb slightly overlapping the intestine, a conical and pointed tail, and males with distinct bursa (1). To confirm the identity of the nematode, further morphological and molecular studies were performed. Nematode images were captured on a DM IRB inverted microscope (Leica Microsystems, Wetzlar, Germany) using a Retiga 2000 camera (Q Imaging, Surrey, Canada). Images were analyzed using Image J (NIH). For females (n = 16), means and ranges were: L = 1,080.1 (972.2 to 1,229.5) μm, a = 36.6 (33.5 to 41.9), b = 6.2 (5.3 to 6.8), c = 11.1 (9.1 to 12.8), and stylet 10.1 (8.9 to 11.2) μm. For males (n = 6), L = 1,589.2 (1,494 to 1,702.7) μm, a = 43.0 (40.7 to 46.0), b = 6.9 (6.4 to 7.3), c = 11.7 (9.2 to 13), with stylet 10.8 (10 to 12.2) μm and spicules 25.2 (23.8 to 26.8) μm. The measurements were highly similar to those of D. dipsaci (1). DNA was extracted from 50 to 100 nematodes using a PowerSoil DNA Isolation Kit (Mo-Bio Laboratories, Inc., Carlsbad, CA) as well as from individual females, and partial ITS sequences were amplified using primer set TW81/AB28 (3). The partial ITS sequences shared 99 to 100% sequence identity with GenBank accessions of D. dipsaci from garlic (DQ452956, JX123258). Expansion segments D2-D3 were sequenced following amplification of DNA from individual females using primer set D2A/D3B (4) and shared 99% sequence identity with D. dipsaci from garlic (FJ707362, JX123259). In this case, the grower noted bloat nematode symptoms following the introduction of new planting material into the field. Therefore, the availability of bloat nematode-free planting material or treated bulbs (2) is essential for preventing introduction of this pathogen. Once established, management options are limited as this nematode is difficult to eliminate. With this first report of D. dipsaci on garlic in Ohio, we have identified a new pest that can greatly reduce garlic yields in this state. References: (1) W. Nickle, ed. Ditylenchus. In: Manual of Agricultural Nematology, 1991. (2) P. Roberts et al. J. Nematol. 27:448, 1995. (3) S. Subbotin et al. Phytopathology 95:1308, 2005. (4) G. Tenente et al. Nematropica 34:1, 2004.
Use of Saturates/Aromatics/Resins/Asphaltenes (SARA) Fractionation To Determine Matrix Effects in Crude Oil Analysis by Electrospray Ionization Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry

We have previously demonstrated the ability of electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI FT-ICR MS) to resolve and identify the polar species found in all petroleum distillates. The ultrahigh resolving power and mass accuracy of FT-ICR MS allow for the identification of thousands of compounds in crude oils without prior chromatographic separation. Here, we compare positive-ion ESI FT-ICR mass spectra of a South American crude oil with spectra of its saturates/aromatics/resins/asphaltenes (SARA)-isolated asphaltenes, resins, and aromatics, to ascertain the effect of the other components on the relative mass spectral abundances of the polar aromatics. Saturates are unobservable by ESI. For the chosen oil, little to no signal was obtained for the asphaltenes and resins because of their mostly acidic nature. The mass distributions, heteroatom “class” distributions, “type” (rings plus double bonds) distributions, and carbon number distributions of the aromatic fra...
Regional influences on the physical properties of T cell membranes.

Abstract Differences in the composition of membrane lipids are well documented between cells from distinct tissues. These differences may be manifested by changes in the motional freedom or fluidity of lipid molecules within plasma membranes and may predispose to alterations in cellular function. Regional influences on immune function have been implied by the finding that thymic-derived cells from murine spleen and lymph nodes are differentially responsive to antigen priming. The possibility that microenvironment also shapes the physical properties of T lymphocyte membranes has not been explored and is the focus of this study. Using mice as the experimental model, differences were found in fluidity and in the resting level of intracellular free-ionized Ca2+ between splenic and lymph node T cells from immunologically normal mice and from autoimmune-prone MRL- 1pr / 1pr mice. The results indicate that T cells are more heterogeneous than previously recognized and suggest a potential role for microenvironment in determining immune responsiveness.
Pseudo-subordination: a mismatch between syntax and semantics

Culicover & Jackendoff (1997) argue that ‘left-subordinating’ and-constructions (e.g. You drink one more can of beer and I'm leaving) should be differently represented in the dimensions of syntax and semantics, being coordinate in the former, and subordinate in the latter. Here we expand on their point by showing that their case is not an isolated one, but that there are many other instances of coordination-subordination mismatches. We will show that these facts make sense within a theory of grammar such as Autolexical Grammar (Sadock 1991) in which the autonomy of different components of grammar is assumed. Given such a view it is possible to postulate primitive notions of coordination and subordination that apply equally well to various components of grammar and thus predict the possibility of coordination-subordination mismatches.
Orbital plasmablastic lymphoma with remission following chemotherapy

We report the case of a middle-aged HIV-positive man who presented with proptosis and retro-ocular pain. On CT and MR imaging, a retro-orbital enhancing mass was seen, and PET/CT revealed this lesion as well as a similarly characterized mass in the nasopharynx to be hypermetabolic. Biopsy and subsequent pathological characterization revealed this mass to be plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL), a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma associated with HIV-infection. PBL is a diffuse B-cell lymphoma with characteristic cell marker patterns. The most common site of this malignancy is within the oral cavity. This case constitutes an unusual orbital manifestation of plasmablastic lymphoma as well as an unusual case in its response to chemotherapy. This case illustrates the importance of functional imaging with PET/CT in the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of plasmablastic lymphoma.
Denervation-induced changes in soluble protein content during forelimb regeneration in the adult newt, Notophthalmus viridescens.

Denervation-induced alterations in the composition of the soluble protein population of various stages of forelimb regenerates in the adult newt were examined. Denervation alters the normal protein arrays in three ways: (1) proteins may be eliminated from an array, (2) proteins not normally present in an array may be induced to appear, and (3) proteins unique to denervated regenerates may appear in an array. The character of the denervation-induced alteration at five days post-amputation is basically different from that at later stages of regeneration. The stages during which the regenerate is becoming independent of the nerve for its morphogenetic activity are the ones in which the protein profiles are the most drastically altered. Morphogenetic independence of the nerve therefore does not require the synthesis of nerve-dependent proteins, and it is concluded that nerve independence is a property generated by the production of a critical number of blastema cells. Nerve-dependent proteins are required for the mitotic activity which leads to attainment of the critical mass, and the failure of denervated early regenerates to continue regeneration may be due solely to mitotic inhibition.
Phospholipase Cδ1 regulates cell proliferation and cell-cycle progression from G1- to S-phase by control of cyclin E–CDK2 activity

In the present study, we examined the role of PLC delta 1 (phospholipase C delta 1) in the regulation of cellular proliferation. We demonstrate that RNAi (RNA interference)-mediated knockdown of endogenous PLC delta 1, but not PLC beta 3 or PLC epsilon, induces a proliferation defect in Rat-1 and NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. The decreased proliferation was not due to an induction of apoptosis or senescence, but was associated with an approx. 60% inhibition of [(3)H]thymidine incorporation. Analysis of the cell cycle with BrdU (bromodeoxyuridine)/propidium iodide-labelled FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorting) demonstrated an accumulation of cells in G(0)/G(1)-phase and a corresponding decrease in cells in S-phase. Further examination of the cell cycle after synchronization by serum-starvation demonstrated normal movement through G(1)-phase but delayed entry into S-phase. Consistent with these findings, G(1) cyclin (D2 and D3) and CDK4 (cyclin-dependent kinase 4) levels and associated kinase activity were not affected. However, cyclin E-associated CDK2 activity, responsible for G(1)-to-S-phase progression, was inhibited. This decreased activity was accompanied by unchanged CDK2 protein levels and paradoxically elevated cyclin E and cyclin E-associated CDK2 levels, suggesting inhibition of the cyclin E-CDK2 complex. This inhibition was not due to altered stimulatory or inhibitory phosphorylation of CDK2. However, p27, a Cip/Kip family CKI (CDK inhibitor)-binding partner, was elevated and showed increased association with CDK2 in PLC delta 1-knockdown cells. The result of the present study demonstrate a novel and critical role for PLC delta 1 in cell-cycle progression from G(1)-to-S-phase through regulation of cyclin E-CDK2 activity and p27 levels.
Recent topics in front-end electronics—Systems considerations in high energy physics and other fields

Front-end electronics for future high-energy physics experiments are driven primarily by systems considerations. Minimizing material is a key aspect in both the ILC and sLHC upgrades. This requires minimizing power dissipation in the front-end electronics, as this can reduce material in the cabling and cooling systems. Various techniques to reduce power dissipation and material are discussed. Current systems, however, have developed successful technologies for large-scale highly segmented detectors that are being applied to other applications such as electron microscopy and high-rate X-ray imaging. In closing, the paper discusses multiplexing technologies for large-scale cryogenic bolometer arrays as could be applied to precision gamma spectroscopy. Current frequency-domain multiplexers are operating reliably, but the challenges associated with SQUID front-ends are discussed and a more robust alternative is presented.
Alternatives to Warfarin for Stroke Prevention in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Look Back at the State of the Field in 2012

Stroke is the most feared complication among patients with atrial fibrillation. Oral anticoagulation therapy with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) has been the gold standard for stroke prevention for the past 60 years. However, VKA therapy has many downsides, including risk for bleeding, a narrow therapeutic window, and the need for frequent monitoring, as well as numerous diet and lifestyle considerations that make its use cumbersome. Thus, development of new drugs that can preserve the benefits of VKAs while eliminating the negative aspects of VKA therapy has been enthusiastically sought. This article reviews the anticoagulant agents that are clinically available or under development as alternatives to VKAs for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
Specification of optical components using the power spectral density function

This paper describes the use of Fourier techniques to characterize the wavefront of optical components, specifically, the use of the power spectral density, (PSD), function. The PSDs of several precision optical components will be shown. Many of the optical components of interest to us have square, rectangular or irregularly shaped apertures with major dimensions up-to 800 mm. The wavefronts of components with non-circular apertures cannot be analyzed with Zernicke polynomials since these functions are an orthogonal set for circular apertures only. Furthermore, Zernicke analysis is limited to treating low frequency wavefront aberrations; mid-spatial scale and high frequency error are expressed only as ``residuals.`` A more complete and powerful representation of the optical wavefront can be obtained by Fourier analysis in 1 or 2 dimensions. The PSD is obtained from the amplitude of frequency components present in the Fourier spectrum. The PSD corresponds to the scattered intensity as a function of scattering angle in the wavefront and can be used to describe the intensity distribution at focus. The shape of a resultant wavefront or the focal spot of a complex multi-component laser system can be calculated and optimized using the PSDs of individual optical components which comprise it.
Nonsurgical management of ankylosing spondylitis

Object The aim of this study was to review the current evidence-based nonsurgical management strategies of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) for spine surgeons. Whereas surgical management is indicated in a highly selected group, nonsurgical management is itself a useful measure for nearly all patients with AS. Methods The authors conducted a literature review of PubMed using relevant search words. All the articles published in English in the last 15 years were reviewed and the level of evidence provided by them was noted. Results Nonpharmacological treatments in the form of physical therapy and patient education have Level Ib evidence in maintaining function in AS. There is Level Ib evidence supporting the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and coxibs for treatment in patients with symptoms. There is not enough evidence to support the use of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatoid arthritis drugs. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α inhibitors (infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab) are associ...
Diffusion of benzene vapor in blends of poly(vinyl acetate) and poly(methyl acrylate)

Sorption and diffusion of benzene in miscible blends of poly(vinyl-acetate), PVAc, and poly(methyl acrylate), PMA, have been studied. The polymer-polymer interaction parameter values calculated from equilibrium vapor sorption data were all negative, indicating favorable interaction between the two polymers. The sorption of benzene vapor into these blends was measured at a temperature above the Tg's of the pure polymers and found to obey Fickian kinetics. The mutual diffusion coefficients were estimated from the initial slopes of the sorption curves. The concentration dependent diffusion coefficients were fitted to the empirical relation D = Do exp(αC) which satisfactorily correlated the data. Values of the constant Do were found to vary continuously with blend composition, while the α values did not. These experimental data were analyzed employing Fujita's free volume theory. It was found that the data was consistent with this theory. If the fo values for the blends are assumed to be the weighted average of the component polymers, then the β parameter values for the blends also obey the additivity rule.
Three Constructive Interventions for Divorced, Divorcing, or Never-Married Parents.

Divorce in the United States affects millions of children and families. Many of these children and families seek individual/family counseling or educational services offered by counselors and, therefore, counselors need to be well-equipped to work with nontraditional families. The purpose of this article is to share three counseling techniques for use with parents undergoing separation and/or divorce. These techniques are primarily constructive and educational. They include a reframing technique for mandated clients, a reframing technique to help parents recognize the difference between their coparenting wishes and goals, and an educational problem-solving strategy for parents who struggle with their children’s postseparation/divorce behaviors. Anecdotes and case examples are used to articulate how these techniques can be used in clinical practice.
Trayless cafeterias lead diners to take less salad and relatively more dessert.

Objective Many colleges are removing trays from their dining facilities in hope of reducing waste. How does not having a tray impact food choice? Design A field study was conducted in a university cafeteria (n 417) on two evenings with identical menus, one with tray service and one without. Setting A dining hall of a large north-eastern university, USA. Subjects Undergraduate students. Results Trayless dining decreased the percentage of diners (average age 19·1 years) who took salad by 65·2 % but did not decrease the percentage who took dessert, leading to a markedly higher ratio of dessert to salad. Conclusions Cafeterias going trayless should consider complementary policies to encourage balanced diets.
Ecosystem services in the face of invasion: the persistence of native and nonnative spiders in an agricultural landscape

The presence of intact natural ecosystems in agricultural landscapes can mitigate losses in the diversity of natural enemies and enhance ecosystem services. However, native natural enemies may fail to persist in agroecosystems if invaders dominate species interactions. In this study, native and nonnative spiders were sampled along transects that extended from oak woodland and riparian zones into surrounding California vineyards, to assess the role of natural habitat as a source for spider biodiversity in the vineyard landscape, and to compare the dominance of exotic Cheiracanthium spiders between habitats. Many spider species were more abundant in natural habitat than in vineyards, and numbers of spiders and spider species within vineyards were higher at the vineyard edge adjacent to oak woodland. These results suggest that natural habitat is a key source for spiders in vineyards. The positive effect of oak woodland on the vineyard spider community extended only to the vineyard edge, however. Proportions of Cheiracanthium spiders increased dramatically in the vineyard, while numbers of native wandering spiders (the native ecological homologues of Cheiracanthium spiders) decreased. Dispersal limitation and strong habitat preferences may have prevented native wandering spiders from establishing far from the vineyard edge. Exotic Cheiracanthium spiders, in contrast, may possess specific adaptations to vineyards or to a wide range of habitats. Results suggest that the ecosystem services provided by intact natural habitat may be limited in agricultural landscapes that are dominated by invasive species.
Address-event image sensor network

We describe a sensor network based on smart imager sensors able to extract events of interest from a scene. We present a framework towards the use of image sensors for realizing sensor networks that can interpret behaviors in physical space. An array of heterogeneous event-based CMOS imagers is employed at front-end, to convert light intensity, motion and other vision primitives into pulse-density modulated stream of address-events. The wireless nodes are Yale XYZ motes employing high data rate communication and large processing capabilities. Energy-aware communication is implemented at the sensor level by employing an event-based readout with pixel-level filtering capability. This paper provides an overview of the research challenges followed by a brief description of our current research efforts towards creating a functional experimental system for investigating these intelligent networks
Perceptions of the school psychological environment and early adolescents' psychological and behavioral functioning in school: The mediating role of goals and belonging.

In a sample of 296 8th-grade middle school students, the authors examined the role of personal achievement goals and feelings of school belonging in mediating the relation between perceptions of the school psychological environment and school-related beliefs, affect, and achievement. Sequential regression analyses indicated that perceiving a task goal structure in middle school was positively related to academic self-efficacy and that this relation was mediated through personal task goals. Perceiving an ability goal structure was related to academic self-consciousness and this relation was mediated through personal relative ability goals. Perceiving positive teacher-student relationships predicted positive school-related affect and this relation was mediated through feelings of school belonging. Feelings of academic efficacy and school belonging in turn were positively related to final-semester academic grades. Results are discussed in relation to current middle school reform efforts. During the early adolescent years, middle schools play an important role in facilitating or inhibiting successful adolescent development (Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development, 1989). Schools potentially can provide early adolescents with opportunities to develop their intellectual capacities, to experience a sense of competence and belonging, and to interact with supportive, nonparental adults. Unfortunately, just when adolescents are particularly in need of these opportunities, the middle-school learning environment often fails to provide them (Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development, 1989; Eccles & Midgley, 1989). For instance, at a time when adolescents are known to be sensitive about how they appear to others, middle schools emphasize relative ability and social comparison in learning situations (Midgley, Anderman, & Hicks, 1995); and at a time when adolescents are particularly in need of supportive relationships with adults outside the home, the quality of relationships with teachers is less than optimal (Midgley, Feldlaufer, & Eccles, 1989). Understanding how particular
Sex brings transposons and genomes into conflict.

Given that transposons are so abundant in mammalian genomes, it is natural to assume that through their maintenance the host gains some net benefit. This need not be true; sexual reproduction allows a transposon to go to fixation if the reduction in fitness of the host is anything less than two-fold. Obligate outcrossing sexual reproduction therefore favors the evolution of aggressive transposons, which in turn select for the evolution of host mechanisms that suppress transposon activity. Hosts that have asexual or self-fertilizing generations will select for transposons that are more benign and self-limiting than those of obligate sexuals, and obligate asexuals and uniparental organelle genomes will be free of active transposons if these impose any fitness penalty. We are interested in host mechanisms that suppress transposons in sexuals and have found that mammals (all of which are obligate sexuals) control their large populations of potentially active retroposons by methylating the five position of cytosine residues within promoter elements. This causes strong transcriptional repression and assembly of the affected sequences into the condensed state. Methylation also causes permanent inactivation in the germline by driving C→T transition mutations at methylated sites. It is now known that methylation remains in place for the large majority of the life of germ cells and is essential for control of the very large transposon burden. There is pressure on transposons to evolve mechanisms that overcome host suppression, and over evolutionary time, the balance swings back and forth between parasite and host. The ability of the mammalian genome to absorb and accumulate additional transposons has caused the amount of reverse transcriptase coding sequence in the human genome to far exceed the sum total of all cellular coding sequence. While transposons could, in principle, contribute functions useful to the host, the fact that asexual species and uniparental organelle genomes lack transposons is strong evidence that transposons have a net deleterious effect even in genomes that might be thought to require an additional source of plasticity. The abundance of transposons in many genomes cannot be taken as evidence of a mutualistic relationship, and the conflict between transposons and genomes may have actually retarded rather than accelerated evolution. It is suggested that the relationship between sex and transposons is as follows: (i) Obligate sexuals will tend to harbor aggressive transposons limited largely by host suppressive mechanisms, which in mammals involve methylation of transposon promoters. (ii) The aggressiveness of transposons in facultative sexuals and self-fertilizing sexuals will be in part self-limited and will be proportional to the relative frequency of asexual and outcrossing sexual generations. (iii) Obligate asexuals and organelles transmitted in a uniparental manner will have no active transposons if these have a net negative effect on host fitness.
An update calculus for expressing type-safe program updates

The dominant share of software development costs is spent on software maintenance, particularly the process of updating programs in response to changing requirements. Currently, such program changes tend to be performed using text editors, an unreliable method that often causes many errors. In addition to syntax and type errors, logical errors can be easily introduced since text editors cannot guarantee that changes are performed consistently over the whole program. All these errors can cause a correct and perfectly running program to become instantly unusable. It is not surprising that this situation exists because the ''text-editor method'' reveals a low-level view of programs that fails to reflect the structure of programs. We address this problem by pursuing a programming-language-based approach to program updates. To this end we discuss in this paper the design and requirements of an update language for expressing update programs. We identify as the essential part of any update language a scope update that performs coordinated update of the definition and all uses of a symbol. As the underlying basis for update languages, we define an update calculus for updating lambda calculus programs. We develop a type system for the update calculus that infers the possible type changes that can be caused by an update program. We demonstrate that type-safe update programs that fulfill certain structural constraints preserve the type correctness of lambda terms. The update calculus can serve as a basis for higher-level update languages, such as for Haskell or Java.
Optimization of the decision tree

An approach is presented to the optimization of decision trees. A decision tree is considered optimal if it correctly classifies the known data set and has the minimal number of nodes. It is shown that it is important to decide the right order of attributes to test, for this can reduce the number of checking nodes in a decision tree. >
The In Rem Forfeiture of Copyright-Infringing Domain Names

In the summer of 2010, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division of the Department of Homeland Security began "Operation In Our Sites," an enforcement sweep targeted towards websites allegedly dealing in counterfeit goods and copyright-infringing files. The operation targeted the websites by proceeding in rem against their respective domain names. For websites targeted for copyright infringement, ICE Agents used recently-expanded copyright forfeiture remedies passed under the 2008 PRO-IP Act, providing no adversarial hearing prior to the websites being removed, and only a probable cause standard of proof.This Paper examines three specific harms resulting from Operation In Our Sites, and three ways in which the enforcement sweep could be changed to better balance the interests of intellectual property enforcement and free expression. By removing content from the Internet before being fully adjudicated as infringing, the civil forfeiture remedy works a prior restraint of speech. To avoid this, this Paper urges Congress and the courts to institute the same procedural First Amendment protections in place in the area of obscenity to copyright infringement. Secondly, the alleged infringement here appears to be conducted by third parties posting material on the websites. By keeping website owners out of the dispute process, this remedy disrupts the cooperative spirit sought to be instilled by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act's inclusion of statutory safe-harbors for online service providers. To reinstate this cooperative spirit, agents should be required to attempt in personam contact against the website owners before proceeding against the websites in rem. Finally, by targeting website domain names instead of actual content servers, Operation In Our Sites has not effectively disrupted the activities of the targeted websites. In fact, many websites have grown in popularity since this enforcement sweep began. Due to the dubious efficacy of targeting domain names, this remedy should be reserved for situations where there exists some other extrinsic reason to believe that the enforcement tactic will work.
AO2P: ad hoc on-demand position-based private routing protocol

Privacy is needed in ad hoc networks. An ad hoc on-demand position-based private routing algorithm, called AO2P, is proposed for communication anonymity. Only the position of the destination is exposed in the network for route discovery. To discover routes with the limited routing information, a receiver contention scheme is designed for determining the next hop. Pseudo identifiers are used for data packet delivery after a route is established. Real identities (IDs) for the source nodes, the destination nodes, and the forwarding nodes in the end-to-end connections are kept private. Anonymity for a destination relies on the difficulty of matching a geographic position to a real node ID. This can be enforced by the use of secure position service systems. Node mobility enhances destination anonymity by making the match of a node ID with a position momentary. To further improve destination privacy, R-AO2P is proposed. In this protocol, the position of a reference point, instead of the position of the destination, is used for route discovery. Analytical models are developed for evaluating the delay in route discovery and the probability of route discovery failure. A simulator based on ns-2 is developed for evaluating network throughput. Analysis and simulation results show that, while AO2P preserves communication privacy in ad hoc networks, its routing performance is comparable with other position-based routing algorithms.
A Cross-Sectional Comparison of the Effects of Phonotactic Probability and Neighborhood Density on Word Learning by Preschool Children.

Abstract Two experiments examined the effects of phonotactic probability and neighborhood density on word learning by 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old children. Nonwords orthogonally varying in probability and density were taught with learning and retention measured via picture naming. Experiment 1 used a within story probability/across story density exposure context. Experiment 2 used an across story probability/within story density exposure context. Results showed that probability and density interacted to create optimal learning conditions. Specifically, rare/sparse sound sequences appeared to facilitate triggering of word learning. In contrast, the optimal convergence for lexical configuration and engagement was dependent on exposure context. In particular, common sound sequences and dense neighborhoods were optimal when density was manipulated across stories, whereas rare sound sequences and sparse neighborhoods were optimal when density was manipulated within a story. Taken together, children’s phonological and lexical representations were hypothesized to be interdependent on one another resulting in a convergence of form characteristics for optimal word learning.
Minimal formulation of joint motion for biomechanisms

Biomechanical systems share many properties with mechanically engineered systems, and researchers have successfully employed mechanical engineering simulation software to investigate the mechanical behavior of diverse biological mechanisms, ranging from biomolecules to human joints. Unlike their man-made counterparts, however, biomechanisms rarely exhibit the simple, uncoupled, pure-axial motion that is engineered into mechanical joints such as sliders, pins, and ball-and-socket joints. Current mechanical modeling software based on internal-coordinate multibody dynamics can formulate engineered joints directly in minimal coordinates, but requires additional coordinates restricted by constraints to model more complex motions. This approach can be inefficient, inaccurate, and difficult for biomechanists to customize. Since complex motion is the rule rather than the exception in biomechanisms, the benefits of minimal coordinate modeling are not fully realized in biomedical research. Here we introduce a practical implementation for empirically-defined internal-coordinate joints, which we call “mobilizers.” A mobilizer encapsulates the observations, measurement frame, and modeling requirements into a hinge specification of the permissible-motion manifold for a minimal set of internal coordinates. Mobilizers support nonlinear mappings that are mathematically equivalent to constraint manifolds but have the advantages of fewer coordinates, no constraints, and exact representation of the biomechanical motion-space—the benefits long enjoyed for internal-coordinate models of mechanical joints. Hinge matrices within the mobilizer are easily specified by user-supplied functions, and provide a direct means of mapping permissible motion derived from empirical data. We present computational results showing substantial performance and accuracy gains for mobilizers versus equivalent joints implemented with constraints. Examples of mobilizers for joints from human biomechanics and molecular dynamics are given. All methods and examples were implemented in Simbody™—an open source multibody-dynamics solver available at https://Simtk.org.
Biological knee reconstruction: a systematic review of combined meniscal allograft transplantation and cartilage repair or restoration.

Purpose Combined meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) and cartilage repair or restoration is a recognized treatment for patients with painful, meniscus-deficient knees and full-thickness cartilage damage. The purpose of this systematic review was to compare outcomes after combined MAT and cartilage repair/restoration with the outcomes of isolated MAT or cartilage repair/restoration. Methods Multiple databases were searched with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria for clinical outcome studies after combined MAT and cartilage repair or restoration. Results Six studies were identified for inclusion. In total 110 patients underwent combined MAT/cartilage repair or restoration (medial compartment in 66 and lateral compartment in 44). Patients underwent MAT and either autologous chondrocyte implantation (n = 73), osteochondral allograft (n = 20), osteochondral autograft transfer (n = 17), or microfracture (n = 3). Thirty-six patients underwent additional concurrent surgeries (high tibial or distal femoral osteotomy, cruciate or collateral ligament reconstruction, and hardware removal). All clinical outcomes were improved at final follow-up (mean, 36 months). In 4 of 6 studies, overall outcomes of combined surgery were equivalent to those of either procedure performed in isolation. In 2 studies outcomes of combined surgery were not as good as those of either procedure performed in isolation. Failure occurred in 12% of patients who underwent combined MAT and cartilage restoration, and they required revision surgery. Most failures (85%) of combined surgery were due to failure of the MAT (as opposed to the cartilage technique). One-half of all patients required at least 1 surgery after the index procedure before final follow-up. Conclusions Clinical outcomes after combined MAT and cartilage repair/restoration are similar to those after either procedure in isolation. Despite low rates of complications and failures, there is a high rate of subsequent surgery after combined MAT and cartilage repair or restoration. Level of Evidence Level IV, systematic review of Level IV studies.
Preliminary study of light-cured hydrogel for endodontic drug delivery vehicle

Aim: Direct pulp capping is the treatment of an exposed vital pulp with a dental material to facilitate the formation of reparative dentin and maintenance of vital pulp. A bioengineered drug delivery vehicle has the potential to increase the success rate of pulp capping. The aim of this study was to develop an injectable and light-curing drug delivery vehicle for endodontic treatment including direct pulp capping. Methods: Polyethylene glycol-maleate-citrate (PEGMC) hydrogel was synthesized as a drug delivery vehicle that is composed of PEGMC (45% w/v), acrylic acid (AA) (5% w/v), 2,2 0 -azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) (0.1% w/v), and deionized water. The association between prehydrogel-solution volume and visible light-curing was examined. The cytotoxicity of the hydrogel was tested using L929 cells in a cell culture system. Ca 2+ release from the hydrogel was determined using calcium hydroxide as the incorporated medicine. Results: The results showed that the light-curing time for hydrogel is comparable to composite resin. The hydrogel had cell toxicity similar to adhesive systems. Moreover, controlled Ca 2+ release was obtained from the calcium hydroxide incorporated hydrogel. Conclusions: The data suggest that hydrogel should be explored further as a promising drug delivery vehicle for vital pulp therapy and regenerative endodontics.
A parallel numerical solver using hierarchically tiled arrays

Solving linear systems is an important problem for scientific computing. Exploiting parallelism is essential for solving complex systems, and this traditionally involves writing parallel algorithms on top of a library such as MPI. The SPIKE family of algorithms is one well-known example of a parallel solver for linear systems. The Hierarchically Tiled Array data type extends traditional data-parallel array operations with explicit tiling and allows programmers to directly manipulate tiles. The tiles of the HTA data type map naturally to the block nature of many numeric computations, including the SPIKE family of algorithms. The higher level of abstraction of the HTA enables the same program to be portable across different platforms. Current implementations target both shared-memory and distributed-memory models. In this paper we present a proof-of-concept for portable linear solvers. We implement two algorithms from the SPIKE family using the HTA library. We show that our implementations of SPIKE exploit the abstractions provided by the HTA to produce a compact, clean code that can run on both shared-memory and distributed-memory models without modification. We discuss how we map the algorithms to HTA programs as well as examine their performance. We compare the performance of our HTA codes to comparable codes written in MPI as well as current state-of-the-art linear algebra routines.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 2H-benzo[b][1,4] oxazine derivatives as hypoxia targeted compounds for cancer therapeutics.

A small library of 2H-benzo[b][1,4] oxazine derivative was synthesized and their biological activity was tested on HepG2 cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. From preliminary screening, we found compound 10 and 11 specifically inhibit hypoxic cancer cell growth IC50 87 ± 1.8 μM and IC50 10 ± 3.7 μM while sparing ‘normoxic’ cells IC50 >600 M and >1 mM (not applicable), respectively. We tested the effect of 10 on MTT, clonogenic and hypoxia induced genes. The MTT correlates with clonogenic assays and most importantly compound 10 down regulates hypoxia induces genes (HIF-1α, P21 and VEGF) appropriately. We are in the process to explore the molecular mechanism of action of oxazine derivative compounds on hypoxia tumor cells.
The Efficiency of Nursing Home Chains and the Implications of Nonprofit Status: A Comment

Executive Summary. Anderson, Lewis and Webb (1999) find that nursing facilities are relatively cost inefficient, profit-seeking homes are less inefficient than nonprofit facilities and chain facili...