cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Engineering Worst-Case Inputs for Pairwise Merge Sort on GPUs

Currently, the fastest comparison-based sorting implementation on GPUs is implemented using a parallel pairwise merge sort algorithm (Thrust library). To achieve fast runtimes, the number of threads t to sort the input of N elements is fine-tuned experimentally for each generation of Nvidia GPUs in such a way that the number of elements E = N/t that each thread accesses in each merging round results in a small (empirically measured) number of shared memory contentions, known as bank conflicts, while balancing the number of global memory accesses and latency-hiding through thread oversubscription/occupancy.In this paper, we show that for every choice of E < w, such that E and w are co-prime, there exists an input permutation on which every warp of w threads of the Thrust merge sort is effectively reduced to using at most ⌈w/E⌉ threads due to sequentialization of shared memory accesses due to bank conflicts. Note that this matches the trivial worst-case bound on the loss of parallelism due to memory contentions for any warp accessing wE contiguous shared memory locations.Our proof is constructive, i.e., we are able to automatically construct such permutation for every value of E. We also show in practice that such constructed inputs result in up to ~50% slowdown, compared to the performance on random inputs, on modern GPU hardware.
An Analysis of Comprehension Strategies and Skills Covered within Grade 3–5 Reading Textbooks in the United States

This study examined the comprehension skills and strategies presented in current reading textbooks used within the United States as a means of describing a contributor to the ecological component of reading. The ways in which comprehension skills and strategies are distributed across genres as well as connected to the National Reading Panel recommendations were also examined. Reading textbooks for grades 3, 4, and 5 from the Journeys (Scope and sequence grades K-6. https://www.hmhco.com/programs/journeys/about , 2017), SRA Open Court (Scope and sequence grades 3-5. https://www.mheducation.com/prek-12/program/open-court-reading-20162016/MKTSP-THA14M0.html , 2016), Reading Street (Afflerbach et al. in Reading Street (Grade 3, vol 1). Pearson, Glenview, 2011a, Reading Street (Grade 3, vol 2). Pearson, Glenview, 2011b, Reading Street (Grade 4, vol 1). Pearson, Glenview, 2011c, Reading Street (Grade 4, vol 2). Pearson, Glenview, 2011d, Reading Street (Grade 5, vol 1). Pearson, Glenview, 2011e, Reading Street (Grade 5, vol 2). Pearson, Glenview, 2011f), Reach (Frey et al. in Reach (Grade 3). Hampton-Brown, Jefferson City, 2011a, Reach (Grade 4). Hampton-Brown, Jefferson City, 2011b, Reach (Grade 5). Hampton-Brown, Jefferson City, 2011c), and Wonders (Scope and sequence grades 3, 4, and 5. https://www.mheducation.com/prek-12/program/microsites/MKTSP-BGA07M0/wonders.html , 2020) series were analyzed for the comprehension skills and strategies covered in each lesson. Analysis revealed a lack of coverage of comprehension skills and strategies across most textbooks. Further, comprehension skill and strategy instruction by genre was very sporadic and strategies recommended by the NRP were often inadequately addressed by the textbooks examined. Findings of this study point to the need for educators to critically examine the textbooks used for reading instruction within their classrooms.
NMDA Receptor Antagonism for Neuroprotection in a Canine Model of Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest

Abstract Background Hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) is associated with neurologic morbidity, in part mediated by activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor causing excitotoxicity and neuronal apoptosis. Using a canine model, we hypothesized that the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist MK801 would provide neuroprotection and that MK801 conjugation to dendrimer nanoparticles would improve efficacy. Materials and methods Male hound dogs were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass, cooled to 18°C, and underwent 90 min of HCA. Dendrimer conjugates (d-MK801) were prepared by covalently linking dendrimer surface OH groups to MK801. Six experimental groups received either saline (control), medium- (0.15 mg/kg) or high-dose (1.56 mg/kg) MK801, or low- (0.05 mg/kg), medium-, or high-dose d-MK801. At 24, 48, and 72 h after HCA, animals were scored by a standardized neurobehavioral paradigm (higher scores indicate increasing deficits). Cerebrospinal fluid was obtained at baseline, eight, 24, 48, and 72 h after HCA. At 72 h, brains were examined for histopathologic injury in a blinded manner (higher scores indicate more injury). Results Neurobehavioral deficit scores were reduced by low-dose d-MK801 on postoperative day two (P Conclusions Treatment with MK-801 demonstrated significant improvement in neurobehavioral and histopathology scores after HCA, although not consistently across doses and conjugates.
Providing planetary health diet meals to low-income families in Baltimore City during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased food insecurity, especially among low-income Black and His­panic families in the United States. Food insecurity is associated with poorer health and higher mortality in adults and greater risk of impaired cognitive development and behavioral problems in children. Pro­viding food for low-income families is an important priority of the COVID-19 response. Food That Connects Us All is a program that provides healthy meals to low-income Black and Hispanic families in Baltimore City. The meals follow guidelines for the planetary health diet, a reference diet developed by the EAT-Lancet Commission to optimize health and be sustainable within planetary boundaries. The planetary health diet consists largely of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and unsaturated oils, with a low to moderate amount of seafood and poultry and with little or no red or processed meats, refined grains, starchy vegetables, and added sugar. In a food survey, participants showed a high level of satisfaction with the taste, appearance, and healthfulness of the meals. Food That Connects Us All is a direct approach to reducing health disparities and demonstrates the feasibility of providing an ideal reference diet to vulnerable low-income families at high risk for poor health outcomes during the pandemic.
Analysis and Optimal Synthesis of the RSCR Spatial Mechanism

A closed form solution of the analysis ofthe RSCR (Revolute-Spherical-CylindricalRevolute) spatial mechanism is presented in this paper. This work is based on the geometric characteristics of the mechanism involving the following three cases: the cone, the cylinder, and the one-sheet hyperboloid. These cases derive their names from the nature of the locus of the slider of the linkage as viewed from the output side. Each case is then treated separately to develop a closed form, geometry based analysis technique. These analysis modules are then used to optimally synthesize the mechanism for function, path and motion generation problems satisfying precision conditions within prescribed accuracy limits. The Selective Precision Synthesis tech­ nique is employed to formulate the nonlinear inequality constraints. These con­ straints along with an objective function and other constraints are solved using the Generalized Reduced Gradient method of optimization. In addition, mobility charts are used to aid the designer in making a judicious choice for the initial design point before invoking the optimization method. Numerical examples are presented to validate the theory. This new closed form method of analysis that is based on geometric characteristics is computationally less intensive than other available tech­ niques for spatial mechanism analysis and helps in the visualization of the physical mechanism; something that is not possible with most vector and matrix methods.
Becoming an Educator: Giving Feedback, Supervising Trainees, Formal Didactics

Education of trainees at the undergraduate and graduate medical education level is a key aspect of academic radiation oncology. An educator must understand the curricular milieu within which they are teaching. They must carefully consider how to best provide structured didactics and also how to teach in the clinic. There are multiple resources that are available to improve these skills. Lastly, medical education can be an area for academic productivity through scholarship of teaching.
Laser in situ Fenestration in Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Single-Center Analysis.

Background Laser in situ fenestration (LISF) is an expanding technique for arch vessel revascularization in thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). We present a single center's early and midterm outcomes using adjunctive LISF with TEVAR for treatment of various arch pathologies. Methods 24 patients underwent TEVAR with LISF (2017–2020). Patients were evaluated by an Aortic Team consisting of cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons and were deemed unfit for open surgical repair. Informed consent emphasized the procedure's off-label nature. Thoracic stent-grafts were sized by preoperative Computed Tomography Angiogram and intraoperative Intravascular Ultrasound, with oversizing determined by pathology. Extra-anatomic debranching was performed in staged or concurrent fashion based on urgency of repair and access site options for branch fenestration. A 2.3 mm Spectranetics laser was used, with access site determined at surgeon discretion. Covered balloon expandable stent-grafts were deployed with 0–10% oversizing. Results In 24 patients, a total of 30 fenestrations were created (LSA N = 19, LCCA N = 3, Innominate N = 7, RSA N = 1) with 1 (N = 18) or 2 (N = 6) fenestrations/patient. Indications included aneurysm (8), chronic dissection with aneurysmal degeneration (8), acute dissection (4), intramural hematoma (2), and pseudoaneurysm (2). 13 cases were elective, and 11 were emergent. Technical success was 100%. 12 patients underwent concurrent (N = 8) or staged (N = 4) extra-anatomic bypass. The major complication rate was 21%, including stroke (N = 3) and 30-day mortality (N = 2). The overall complication rate was 58%. Over a mean follow up of 261 days (15–864 days), 7 patients (32%) have required reinterventions. Conclusions LISF for branch revascularization in TEVAR is technically feasible for treating various aortic arch pathologies, demonstrating practicality in both elective and emergent settings. With a morbidity and mortality profile that is favorable compared to that of open repair, LISF with TEVAR is a promising potential option for patients with complex arch pathology and prohibitive open surgical risk.
Drivers of Readmission and Reoperation After Surgery for Vertebral Column Metastases.

Objective To determine those clinical, demographic, and operative factors that predict 30-day unplanned reoperation and readmission within a population of adults who underwent spinal metastasis surgery at a comprehensive cancer center. Methods Adults who underwent spinal metastasis surgery at a comprehensive cancer center were analyzed. Data included baseline laboratory values, cancer history, demographics, operative characteristics and medical comorbidities. Medical comorbidities were quantified using the modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Values associated with the outcomes of interest were then subjected to multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors of readmission and reoperation. Results A total of 345 cases were identified. Mean age was 59.4 ± 11.7 years, 56% were male, and the racial makeup was 64% white, 29% black, and 7.3% other. Forty-two patients (12.2%) had unplanned readmissions, most commonly for wound infection with dehiscence (14.2%), venous thromboembolism (14.2%), and bowel obstruction/complication (11.9%). Thirteen patients required reoperation (4%), most commonly for wound infection with dehiscence (39%) or local recurrence (23%). Multivariable analysis showed that the modified CCI (odds ratio [OR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.52; P = 0.03) was an independent predictor of 30-day readmission. Independent predictors of 30-day unplanned reoperation were: black (vs. white) race (OR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01–0.41; P Conclusions Increasing medical comorbidities is independently predictive of both 30-day unplanned readmission and reoperation after spinal metastasis surgery. Unplanned reoperation is also positively predicted by a longer index admission. Neither tumor pathology nor age predicted outcome, suggesting that poor wound-healing factors and increased surgical morbidity may best predict these adverse outcomes.
Introduction to Clinical Studies

In the previous article, we dealt with the hierarchy of clinical trials. Now we are going to describe the different types of studies (study designs). In the first place, it is necessary to distinguish between observational studies and experimental studies. If an investigator designs a research protocol and carries out the treatment, the study is referred to as an experimental study; but if the investigator only observes a phenomenon (treatment, course of illness, etc.) the study is referred to as an observational study. The next step is to assess whether the study includes comparison with a control group. Experimental studies are divided into controlled trials and non-controlled trials. Observational studies are divided into analytical studies, which include a comparison group, and descriptive studies with no comparison group. Descriptive studies do not include statistical analysis but only a simple description of a phenomenon (a treatment, a disease, a technique, etc.) In this case, we call it a case report - or a case-series, if it includes more than one patient. The distinction between the different types of analytical studies depends on the relationship between exposure and outcome.
Induction of aryl hydrocarbon (benzo(a)pyrene) hydroxylase in liver cell culture by temporary inhibition of protein synthesis.

The microsomal enzyme complex, aryl hydrocarbon (benzo[a]pyrene) hydroxylase, is inducible by benz[a]anthracene in cells cloned from Buffalo rat liver. The enzyme complex can also be induced to high activity, without adding a polycyclic hydrocarbon inducer, by temporarily inhibiting protein synthesis with cycloheximide or puromycin. This increase in enzyme activity is a function of both the degree and the duration of protein synthesis inhibition. It requires RNA synthesis during the period of inhibition of protein synthesis but not subsequent to the removal of the block; and it is prolonged in the presence of actinomycin D, when administered after the release of the block in protein synthesis. Combined exposure to benz[a]anthracene and cycloheximide is followed by an increase in enzyme activity which is greater than the sum of the increases which follow exposure to each compound alone. Qualitatively similar results were observed in four other mammalian cell culture systems. The results suggest two events in the regulation of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase induction: the inducer, benz[a]anthracene, acts primarily at the level of transcription, and a labile protein(s) regulates the translation of induction-specific RNA.
Using the Web to Teach Power Analysis

Abstract Traditionally community organizers have used newspaper accounts of community or legislative coalition building and government records on campaign donations and business start-ups to examine the inter-relationships among interest groups, corporations, and political decision-makers. However, the prevalence of much of this data on the Internet makes some of these traditional methods obsolete. In this paper, the author describes how much of this research can be conducted on the World Wide Web.
Compound‐Nucleus Effects on Inner‐Shell Ionization

If, in ion‐atom collisions, only those events are experimentally selected in which the projectile nucleus strikes the target nucleus to form a compound‐nuclear (CN) system, K‐shell ionization may be affected during CN (i.e. united‐atom, UA) formation and after CN formation. In the first case, if the K‐shell is ionized on the way into the collision, a UA x‐ray may be emitted during the CN lifetime. In the second case, if the CN formation is resonant, the target K‐ionization probability can fluctuate as the resonance is traversed. This paper discusses mainly the second case and shows that the theory of inner‐shell ionization accompanied by CN formation, first developed by Blair, agrees with experiment over a wide range of experimentally chosen parameters. Once this has been assured, these concepts may be extended to studies of other nuclear delay time effects, e.g. in deep‐inelastic or superheavy nuclear reactions, as discussed by Muller and by Greenberg at this conference.
Characterization of acid‐sensing ion channel expression in oligodendrocyte‐lineage cells

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are widely expressed in neurons, where they serve in pain and mechanical sensation, and contribute to learning and memory. Six ASIC subunit proteins form homo- or heteromeric channel complexes with distinct physiological properties. Of such complexes, only monomeric ASIC1a channels are Ca2+ permeable. Prior pharmacologic and genetic studies have shown that ASIC1a channel inactivation markedly diminishes CNS susceptibility to ischemic damage. Here, we characterize ASIC expression in oligodendrocyte lineage cells (OLC) by molecular, electrophysiological, calcium imaging, and immunofluorescence techniques. ASIC1a, ASIC2a, and ASIC4 mRNAs were expressed in cultured rat OLC, with steady-state levels of each of these mRNAs several-fold higher in oligodendroglial progenitors than in mature oligodendroglia. ASIC transcripts were also detected in brain white matter, and ASIC1a protein expression was detected in white matter oligodendroglia. Inactivating, proton-gated, amiloride-sensitive OLC currents were detected by whole-cell voltage clamp. These currents showed profound tachyphylaxis with slow recovery, and were predominantly blocked by psalmotoxin, indicating that homomeric ASIC1a comprised a large fraction of functional ASIC in the cultured OLC. ASIC activation substantially depolarized OLC plasma membrane in current clamp studies, and elicited transient elevations in intracellular Ca2+ in imaging studies. Thus, OLC ASIC1a channels provide a means by which an acid shift in CNS extracellular pH, by diminishing plasma membrane potential and increasing Ca2+ permeability, can activate OLC signaling pathways, and may contribute to OLC vulnerability to CNS ischemia.
SHEAR-BOND ANALYSIS OF STEEL-DECK-REINFORCED SLABS

A brief review of steel-deck-reinforced floor systems and resulting failure modes is presented, followed by the development and evaluation of design equations for one-way shear-bond capacity. A linear regression of pertinent strength parameters was utilized to fit potential design equations to experimental data. Results of three of several possible equations are given; these are based on parameter grouping from 353 specimens of various types tested at Iowa State University and 151 proprietary tests conducted by steel-deck manufacturers. Example regression plots pertaining to slab elements for six different steel deck configurations were developed. Effects of shoring and gage thickness are considered. The preferred design equation was obtained from a relationship for shear design in the 1971 ACI Building Code.
The Journey to Seneca Falls: Mary Wollstonecraft, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and the Legal Emancipation of Women

The star that guides us all, President Barack Obama declared in his Second Inaugural, is our commitment to human dignity and justice. This commitment has led us through Seneca Falls and Selma and Stonewall towards the equality that we enjoy today. This Article concerns the pre-history to the Seneca Falls Convention of Women's Rights, alluded to by President Obama. It is a journey that began during the infancy of the common law in medieval England. It leads through the construction, by generations of English lawyers and religious figures, of a strong and imposing monolith of patriarchal rule. By marriage women lost their independent legal personality and were, for purposes of law, incorporated into their husband in accord with the legal doctrine known as coverture. The husband represented the family in civic affairs, was exclusively empowered to make all legally effective decisions for the family, and generally governed his wife and household.This Article is a history of the early phases of the challenge brought against this mode of organizing domestic life. Mary Wollstonecraft, a self-made woman of the eighteenth century, objected to male domination in her books, essays, and works of fiction. She coined the expression rights of women and made a powerful case for the equality of the sexes. In America, her cause was taken up by several generations of campaigners. This Article focuses on three leading nineteenth-century figures — Sarah Grimke, Lucretia Mott, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. The Article closes with the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention and its call for women's suffrage and the abolition of the restrictions of coverture.
The Critical Role of Information Resource Management in Enabling the 24-Hour Knowledge Factory

The 24-hour Knowledge Factory is introduced as a global work environment where work is passed between individuals in other time zones on a daily basis. The evolution of this model is described, from foundations in manufacturing to current implementations in software development. The effective management of information resources is critical to the success of this environment. A pilot study, conducted at IBM, utilized a set of advanced tools for gathering social and technical data from repositories as diverse as source control systems and team meeting minutes. This pilot study provides good insights into how the 24-hour Knowledge Factory concept will operate in a commercial setting. The paper concludes with a set of recommendations for leveraging information resources to achieve the ideal 24-hour Knowledge Factory.
Consumer-Run Drop-In Centers: Current State and Future Directions

Consumer-run drop-in centers are a popular form of mental health self-help that typically requires external funding. The drop-in center can serve as a foundation for many other organizational pursuits. In addition to organizing recreational activities, drop-in centers can host self-help groups, bring in speakers from the community, offer classes to members, organize public awareness campaigns about mental illness, volunteer in the community, and work with policy makers to improve the public mental health system. This chapter will review research on several different facets of these organizations including their activities, organizational structure, evidence base, funding support, and community relations. Strategies to enhance the organizational effectiveness and peer support of consumer run drop-in centers are outlined with attention to enhancing empowerment and recovery. The chapter concludes by considering future directions for research and practice.
The resonance theory of kinetic shape perception: constraints on perceiving spatial structure

Human competence and performance in perceiving three-dimensional structure and motion in kinetic displays are analyzed in terms of the resonance theory of kinetic shape perception. The theory is based on three parameters defined with respect to rotation ellipses: amplitude trajectory separation, and phase angle. A tutorial review of a number of visual phenomena, which should be considered when presenting spatial information kinetically, is presented within the framework of the resonance theory. >
A Check - List of Colombian and presumed Colombian Cactaceae

This check-list has strictly practical purposes. It was written to present in a convenient form a selection of published species, which all students of Colombian Cactaceae cannot afford to disregard while identifying old entities or publishing new ones.
Bayesian methods for a three-state model for rodent carcinogenicity studies

The objective of a chronic rodent bioassay is to assess the impact of a chemical compound on the development of tumors. However, most tumor types are not observable prior to necropsy, making direct estimation of the tumor incidence rate problematic. In such cases, estimation can proceed only if the study incorporates multiple interim sacrifices or we make use of simplified parametric or nonparametric models. In addition, it is widely accepted that other factors, such as weight, can be related to both dose level and tumor onset, confounding the association of interest. However, there is not typically enough information in the current study to assess such effects. The addition of historical data can help alleviate this problem. In this article, we propose a novel Bayesian semiparametric model for the analysis of data from rodent carcinogenicity studies. We develop informative prior distributions for covariate effects through the use of historical control data and outline a Gibbs sampling scheme. We implement the model by analyzing data from a National Toxicology Program chronic rodent bioassay.
The Peace Corps and the Struggle for African American Equality

To me it is sadly depressing that so few young black Americans are ready to meet the African on his own soil; that too many would rather borrow or buy a supposedly lost identity than invest two years or more in working with Africans toward their own self-made goals. To me, working with an African as a fellow human being, not as a fellow black, has been one of my most treasured Peace Corps experiences.
Energy Efficient Adaptive Modulation in Wireless Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks

In this paper, we consider the lifetime maximization problem in a wireless cognitive radio sensor network, where the joint design of cognitive radio and multi-carrier modulation is proposed to achieve high power efficiency. Sensor nodes first sense the entire spectrum and locate the available subcarriers based on a pilot tone detection scheme. After each node locates the available subcarrier set, information is transmitted over the favorite channel that has the largest channel gain. Under this setting, an adaptive modulation strategy is proposed to maximize the network lifetime by selecting the optimal constellation size. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach. In addition, the impact of conflicting transmissions upon the network lifetime is also investigated.
Age-specific CUGBP1-eIF2 Complex Increases Translation of CCAAT/Enhancer-binding Protein β in Old Liver

The RNA-binding protein CUGBP1 regulates translation of proteins in a variety of biological processes. In this study, we show that aging liver increases CUGBP1 translational activities by induction of a high molecular weight protein-protein complex of CUGBP1. The complex contains CUGBP1, subunits α, β, and γ of the initiation translation factor eIF2, and four proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum, eR90, CRT, eR60, and Grp78. The induction of the CUGBP1-eIF2 complex in old livers is associated with the elevation of protein levels of CUGBP1 and with the hyper-phosphorylation of CUGBP1 by a cyclin D3-cdk4 kinase, activity of which is increased with age. We have examined the role of the elevation of CUGBP1 and the role of cyclin D3-cdk4-mediated phosphorylation of CUGBP1 in the formation of the CUGBP1-eIF2 complex by using CUGBP1 transgenic mice and young animals expressing high levels of cyclin D3 after injection with cyclin D3 plasmid. These studies showed that both the increased levels of CUGBP1 and cdk4-mediated hyper-phosphorylation of CUGBP1 are involved in the age-associated induction of the CUGBP1-eIF2 complex. The CUGBP1-eIF2 complex is bound to C/EBPβ mRNA in the liver of old animals, and this binding correlates with the increased amounts of liver-enriched activator protein and liver-enriched inhibitory protein. Consistent with these observations, the purified CUGBP1-eIF2 complex binds to the 5′ region of C/EBPβ mRNA and significantly increases translation of the three isoforms of C/EBPβ in a cell-free translation system, in cultured cells, and in the liver. Thus, these studies demonstrated that age-mediated induction of the CUGBP1-eIF2 complex changes translation of C/EBPβ in old livers.
Trait anxiety and glucose metabolism in people without diabetes: vulnerabilities among black women

Aims—We examined whether the relationship between anxiety and indicators of glucose metabolism in people without diabetes varies by race and gender. Methods—Participants were 914 adults (777 white, 137 black) without diabetes in the MIDUS II study. Glucose metabolism was characterized by fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and HbA1c. Hierarchical linear regressions stratified by race and gender examined whether anxiety was associated with glucose metabolism. Results—After adjustment for potential confounders, positive relationships between anxiety and fasting glucose (p=.04), insulin (p=.01), and HOMA-IR (p=.02) but not HbA1c, were observed in black women only. Conclusions—Our findings extend prior evidence about the links between psychosocial vulnerabilities and impaired glucose metabolism in black women, by documenting significant associations between anxiety and clinical indicators of glycemic control among black women without diabetes. Thus, anxiety might constitute an intervention target in black women, a subgroup disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes, its complications, and premature mortality.
Range of interaction between DNA-bending proteins is controlled by the second-longest correlation length for bending fluctuations.

When a DNA molecule is stretched, the zero-force correlation length for its bending fluctuations---the persistence length $A$---bifurcates into two different correlation lengths---the shorter ``longitudinal'' correlation length ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}(f)$ and the longer ``transverse'' correlation length ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}(f)$. In the high-force limit, ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}(f)={\ensuremath{\xi}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}(f)/2=\sqrt{{k}_{B}TA/f}/2$. When DNA-bending proteins bind to the DNA molecule, there is an effective interaction between the protein-generated bends mediated by DNA elasticity and bending fluctuations. Surprisingly, the range of this interaction is not the longest correlation length associated with transverse fluctuations of the tangent vector along the polymer, but instead is the second longest longitudinal correlation length ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}(f,\ensuremath{\mu})$. The effect arises from the protein-bend contribution to the Hamiltonian having an axial rotational symmetry which eliminates its coupling to the transverse fluctuations.
A null mutation in the human peripherin/RDS gene in a family with autosomal dominant retinitis punctata albescens

The murine rds (retinal degeneration slow) allele is a semidominant null allele that causes photoreceptor degeneration. The wild-type sequence at the rds locus encodes a photoreceptor disc membrane protein named peripherin/RDS. Mutations in the homologous human peripherin/RDS gene can cause autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa, but these are missense mutations or deletions of single codons. No obvious null alleles have been reported in humans, so that the human phenotype corresponding to rds is as yet unknown. Here we report a 2-basepair deletion in codon 25 of the human gene in a family with autosomal dominant retinitis punctata albescens, suggesting that this disease, rather than retinitis pigmentosa, is the comparable human phenotype.
Mast cell desensitization to IgE fails to induce a parallel adenosine receptor desensitization.

Desensitization induced by challenge of mast cells with antigen is specific for IgE-dependent signals. During the secretory process mast cells release adenosine, which can induce a desensitization of adenosine receptors. To determine whether adenosine receptors may de desensitized from a previous antigen challenge, mast cells were sensitized with anti-DNP IgE antibody, challenged with DNP-BSA antigen, returned to culture overnight, resensitized, and rechallenged. Previously challenged cells exhibited increased spontaneous β-hexosaminidase release, but adenosine retained its ability to augment β-hexosaminidase release. Adenosine enhanced A23187-stimulated release of β-hexosaminidase in control and previously challenged cells. Leukotriene C4 generation followed a similar pattern. Mastoparan, a direct G protein activator and mast cells secretogogue, produced a doubling of β-hexosaminidase release in previously challenged cells. Results using other G protein activators were equivocal. Degranulation alone is insufficient to induce adenosine receptor hyposensitization. Whether the hyperresponsiveness to mastoparan is a consequence of uncoupling of IgE receptors from G proteins remains uncertain.
Interaction Profiles of Amino Acid Side-Chain Analog Pairs within Membrane Environments

The energetics of amino acid insertion into membranes has been studied extensively but relatively little is known about the association energetics of amino acids within biological membranes. Here, interactions between pairs of four amino acid analog (Asn, Ser, Phe, and Val) in the membrane environment are described from umbrella sampling molecular dynamics simulations. Association interaction free energy profiles as a function of bilayer insertion depth are presented and the physical characteristics of contact pairs are described. The results provide detailed insight into amino acid interactions within membrane environments with implications in the understanding of how membrane-bound peptides and proteins interact and for the association of transmembrane helices. Furthermore, the quantitative energy profiles presented here serve as a benchmark for the parameterization of more simplified models such as coarse-grained models or implicit models of membrane bilayers.
Effects of Differential Infantile Handling upon Weight Gain and Mortality in the Rat and Mouse

Animals were handled during ages 1 to 10, 11 to 20, or 1 to 20 days, or were nonhandled controls. Animals handled for 20 days weighed the most in adulthood, while the controls weighed the least. Animals handled on days 1 to 10 survived food and water deprivation the longest of any group. Mice handled for 20 days died earlier than controls, while the reverse was true for the rat.
Retrofitting suburban morphology

A key marker in assessing retrofitting success is the degree to which the redevelopment approach transforms the underlying urban patterns of lots, blocks, and streets from suburban to urban configu...
First report of Onion yellow dwarf virus, Leek yellow stripe virus, and Garlic common latent virus in garlic in Oregon.

A general mosaic and yellowing of leaves of three cultivars of garlic (Allium sativum L., Late, Early, and Germinador) were observed in two seed-production fields in Morrow County, OR in June 2005. Approximately 50% of plants within the 50-ha fields were symptomatic. With recent findings of Onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV), Leek yellow stripe virus (LYSV), and Garlic common latent virus (GCLV) in Washington (2), 45 composite samples of 10 leaves each from symptomatic (mosaic and yellowing) and nonsymptomatic plants were analyzed with a GCLV-specific antiserum (Agdia Inc., Elkhart, IN). All samples of 'Germinador' were infected regardless of symptoms, whereas 6.7% of all 'Late' and 'Early' samples were positive. GCLV infection was verified by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using primers specific to the coat protein gene of GCLV followed by cloning and sequencing of the cloned amplicon. To determine the presence of a potyvirus, all composite samples were also tested with a general potyvirus antiserum (Agdia) and all samples from symptomatic plants were found to be positive. Representative positive samples from each cultivar were then tested by RT-PCR using degenerate, potyvirus group specific primers (3), and an amplicon of the expected size was obtained. To confirm which potyvirus was present, amplicons were cloned and sequenced, and sequence comparisons indicated that the representative samples were infected with OYDV. All symptomatic samples from the three cultivars were positive for OYDV when tested by RT-PCR using primers specific to its coat protein gene (1). Additionally, 53.3 and 6.7% of 'Early' and 'Late' samples, respectively, were also positive when tested with LYSV-specific primers (4). LYSV infection was further verified through cloning and sequencing of the cloned amplicon. Because this garlic is grown for seed, studies are being initiated to determine if current season spread occurs and yields are reduced. To our knowledge, this is the first report of OYDV, LYSV, and GCLV in garlic in Oregon. References: (1) P. Lunello et al. J. Virol. Methods 118:15, 2004. (2) H. R. Pappu et al. Plant Dis. 89:205, 2005. (3) S. S. Pappu et al. J. Virol. Methods 41:9, 1993. (4) T. Tsuneyoshi et al. Phytopathology. 86:253, 1996.
Call Me Tom: The Life of Thomas F. Eagleton. By James N. Giglio. (Columbia, MO: University of Missouri Press, 2011. Pp. xii, 310. $34.95.)

Thomas F. Eagleton is best—perhaps only—remembered as George S. McGovern's ill‐starred running mate during the presidential election of 1972. Eagleton was the only person ever to resign from a nati...
Bioavailability of Soil-Borne Chemicals: Abiotic Assessment Tools

ABSTRACT The abiotic tools that are available, or under development, for evaluating the oral and dermal bioavailability of contaminants from soils are described in this article. These tools generally rely on one of two approaches: (1) characterizing the form of the contaminant and the chemical binding of the contaminant to the soil matrix, and (2) chemical extractions intended to evaluate the fraction of the chemical that would be liberated in biological fluids (gastrointestinal fluid or sweat). For the purpose of human health risk assessment, abiotic methods to estimate the bioavailability of inorganic contaminants in soil are considered generally to be “screening” level tools at this time. Development work for physiologically based extraction tests (PBETs) is ongoing for many inorganic contaminants, and these methods hold great promise for eventual use in making quantitative bioavailability adjustments in risk assessment. The availability of abiotic tools to evaluate the bioavailability of organic conta...
Food of Gars in Texas

Abstract The study was initiated to help answer the question raised by sportsmen and conservationists of whether or not gars are detrimental to fishing in Texas. Some of the literature on the food of gar is reviewed. Tables show where and when the Texas specimens were taken, and what food those from each locality contained. Of 21 large alligator gars, Lepisosteus spatula, 18 were empty. Three contained clues to having eaten an eel, as well as Aplodinotus grunniens and Ictiobus bubalus. Examinations of 28 spotted gars, Lepisosteus productus, showed crayfish, Dorosoma cepedianum, sunfish and minnows not over 40 millimeters long, and Palaemonetes exilipes to be present in that order of importance. Only 7 were empty. Longnose gars, Lepisosteus osseus, numbered 297, of which 115 were empty. Food was Moxostoma congestum, Mugil sp., Dorosoma cepedianum, sunfish, catfish, and crayfish. None of the black basses was found in stomachs of any one of the three species of gars.
The Normal Approach and Stick-Slip Phenomena at the Interface of Two Rough Bodies

A solution for the dry rolling/sliding contact of rough bodies under an applied normal load has been obtained. Both the deflection of the asperities and the bulk material are considered. The conservation of volume approach was used to model elastic-plastic deformation of the asperities. The bulk material was allowed to deform elastically. The stick-slip phenomen of the rolling contact has also been investigated, including asperity deformation and wear as a function of time. The contact width between the two rough cylinders is shown to be approximately 20 percent larger than the width predicted for smooth surfaces by the Hertz equations for the same loading conditions. Similarly, the maximum surface pressure on the bulk material decreases approximately 25 percent when rough surfaces are considered
Surface soil water content spatial organization within irrigated and non-irrigated agricultural fields

Abstract Understanding soil water content, θ, variability is important for monitoring and modeling of land surface processes as well as land and water management practices. With regards to in situ θ probes, it is sometimes assumed that a single local measurement can represent the larger domain, mostly for practical reasons. But there is a substantial amount of variability in θ at the field scale. As part of the Bushland Evapotranspiration and Agricultural Remote Sensing Experiment 2008 (BEAREX08), a high-density sensor network and intensive observational periods were developed to fully describe the θ conditions at the surface on the field scale, in support of the hydro-meteorological measurements being collected. A total of 20 θ stations were distributed over an irrigated and a non-irrigated field (∼10 ha each) and high-density (∼every 5 cm) transects were measured for a high-detailed record. The network was able to provide large scale estimates of θ with an accuracy (root mean square error, RMSE) of 0.035 m3/m3. The network was temporally stable with the exception being immediately during and after irrigation events. Irrigation caused significant increases in coefficients of variation due to the length of time (8–12 h) necessary to irrigate the entire field. The spatial distribution of surface θ was significantly affected by the row structure of the cotton plants, which was North–South in the field where transect measurements were made with a row spacing of 76 cm. At scales
The consequences of war

While most analytical attention is devoted to explaining why wars and militarized disputes occur, there is also some need to focus on what effects or consequences wars and disputes generate. The tw...
Measurement of the fine structure of the n = 4 state of hydrogen

Abstract A time-resolved spectroscopy technique has been used to measure the fine structure of the n = 4 state of hydrogen. The excited hydrogen atoms were formed by the use of an electron beam to dissociate molecular hydrogen. The resonance transitions were observed by keeping the radio frequency field fixed and sweeping the magnetic field. Measurements on deuterium were used to study the effects of pressure and motional electric fields. The 2 S 1 2 → 2 P 1 2 Lamb shift transition L , the 2 P 3 2 → 2 S 1 2 fine structure interval ΔE − L, and the ambient electric field in the measurement volume were determined by using measurements on three separate transitions made at fixed magnetic field. The measurements gave and
Patterns of motor cortex effects on ankle flexor and extensor motoneurons in the “pyramidal” cat preparation

Abstract Descending volleys were initiated by single-pulse stimulation of the motor cortex (pericruciate region) in the “pyramidal” cat preparation. The effects of these cortical volleys were determined on the ventral root recorded monosynaptic reflex discharge evoked by stimulation of the several ankle flexor and extensor muscle nerves as well as on the segmental monosynaptic reflex initiated by dorsal root stimulation. The temporal pattern of cortical influence on the dorsal root evoked monosynaptic reflex discharge was similar to the results of Lloyd's 1941 study. However, study of monosynaptic reflexes evoked for specific muscle nerves demonstrated that motor cortex volleys produced predominantly facilitation of ankle flexor monosynaptic reflexes and inhibition of ankle extensor monosynaptic reflexes. These results support the conclusion that ankle flexion is the principal movement represented on cat motor cortex. Ankle extensor muscles are also represented but the effect is predominantly inhibition rather than facilitation as originally proposed by Sherrington.
Simultaneous detection of mRNA and protein stem cell markers in live cells

Biological studies and medical application of stem cells often require the isolation of stem cells from a mixed cell population, including the detection of cancer stem cells in tumor tissue, and isolation of induced pluripotent stem cells after eliciting the expression of specific genes in adult cells. Here we report the detection of Oct-4 mRNA and SSEA-1 protein in live carcinoma stem cells using respectively molecular beacon and dye-labeled antibody, aiming to establish a new method for stem cells detection and isolation. Quantification of Oct-4 mRNA and protein in P19 mouse carcinoma stem cells using respectively RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry confirmed that their levels drastically decreased after differentiation. To visualize Oct-4 mRNA in live stem cells, molecular beacons were designed, synthesized and validated, and the detection specificity was confirmed using control studies. We found that the fluorescence signal from Oct-4-targeting molecular beacons provides a clear discrimination between undifferentiated and retinoic acid-induced differentiated cells. Using deconvolution fluorescence microscopy, Oct-4 mRNAs were found to reside on one side of the cytosol. We demonstrated that, using a combination of Oct-4 mRNA-targeting molecular beacon with SSEA-1 antibody in flow cytometric analysis, undifferentiated stem cells can be clearly distinguished from differentiated cells. We revealed that Oct-4 targeting molecular beacons do not seem to affect stem cell biology. Molecular beacons have the potential to provide a powerful tool for highly specific detection and isolation of stem cells, including cancer stem cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells without disturbing cell physiology. It is advantageous to perform simultaneous detection of intracellular (mRNA) and cell-surface (protein) stem cell markers in flow cytometric analysis, which may lead to high detection sensitivity and efficiency.
THE EQUILIBRIUM SHAPE OF A MISFITTING PRECIPITATE

Abstract We examine the equilibrium morphologies of precipitates with either a tetragonal or purely dilatational misfit in an elastically anisotropic medium with cubic symmetry under conditions of plane strain. We find that particles with a dilatational misfit are nearly spherical at small sizes, take on four-fold symmetric shapes at intermediate sizes and then undergo a supercritical symmetry-breaking bifurcation to two-fold symmetric shapes aligned along the elastically soft directions of the crystal. A tetragonal misfit breaks this four-fold to two-fold supercritical bifurcation when the direction of the tetragonality is coincident with one of the elastically soft directions of the crystal. Such a tetragonal misfit can lead to two-fold equilibrium particle shapes which are local energy minima, or metastable, and in some cases have large negative interfacial curvatures. When the tetragonality is not in an elastically soft direction, the supercritical bifurcation is not broken and the particles can take on unusual diamond-like or S-shaped morphologies.
Thermal Conductivity Prediction of Periodic Nanocomposites Using Phonon Boltzmann Equation

In this paper, we study theoretically the phonon thermal conductivity of nanocomposites with nanowires embedded in a host semiconductor material using the phonon Boltzmann equation. Special attention is paid for using periodic boundary conditions. The simulation shows that the temperature profiles in nanocomposites are very different from those in regular composites, due to ballistic phonon transport at nanoscale. Such temperature profiles cannot be captured by exiting models in literature. We predict the thermal conductivity dependence on the size of the nanowires, the volume fraction, and the bulk properties of the constituent materials. Comparison is also made with the thermal conductivity of superlattices. Results of this study can be used to direct the development of high efficiency thermoelectric materials.Copyright © 2004 by ASME