cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feeding unrest Disentangling the causal relationship between food price shocks and sociopolitical conflict in urban Africa

While both academics and politicians have long acknowledged the connection between food price shocks and so-called ‘food riots’, this article asks whether rising domestic consumer food prices are a contributing cause of sociopolitical unrest, more broadly defined, in urban areas of Africa. In order to unravel the complex and circular relationship between rising food prices and unrest, an instrumental approach with country fixed effects is used to isolate causality at the country-month unit of analysis for the period 1990 through 2012. Two instrumental variables, changes in international grain commodity prices and local rainfall scarcity, are evaluated and used individually and jointly as instruments for changes in domestic food prices. The main finding is that a sudden increase in domestic food prices in a given month significantly increases the probability of urban unrest, especially spontaneous events and riots, in that month. Undeniably, more fundamental economic and political grievances are also drive...
A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial of Laser In Situ Keratomileusis With Two Different Lasers

Purpose To compare optical quality, visual function, corneal shape, ocular wavefront aberrations, and patient-reported symptoms and satisfaction after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with two different excimer lasers. Design Prospective randomized clinical trial. Methods In an institutional practice setting, 60 eyes of 30 patients with low to moderate myopia were randomized to receive LASIK in one eye with the Technolas 217A; the other eye was treated with the VISX S3. Patients were followed for 6 months after surgery. The primary outcome measure was best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. Results At 6 months, the mean best-spectacle corrected high contrast visual acuity was similar between the two treatment groups: mean difference (95% confidence interval) was −0.01 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) (−0.03 to +0.01 logMAR). Uncorrected visual acuity differences were also not significant. The difference in residual spherical equivalent subjective refractive error between treatment groups was −0.15 diopter (−0.34 to +0.05 diopter). Spherical aberration increased in both groups after treatment, and the change in root mean square (RMS) ocular wavefront error was greater in the VISX group by +0.07 μm (+0.03 to +0.11 μm). After LASIK, corneal curvature was steeper in the midperipheral region among VISX-treated eyes by +1.39 diopters (+2.06 to +0.72 diopters). There were no patient-reported differences in satisfaction between eyes. Conclusions There were no significant differences in visual acuity or refractive outcomes attributed to either laser under any of the conditions measured. There was also no significant difference in patient-reported symptoms, satisfaction with treatment, or eye preference associated with either laser. Additional study is needed to establish the importance of differences in higher-order optical aberrations and corneal shape that we observed in these two treatment groups.
Smad3 Signaling Activates Bone Marrow-Derived Fibroblasts in Renal Fibrosis

Recent studies have demonstrated that bone marrow-derived fibroblasts contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. However, the signaling mechanisms underlying the activation of bone marrow-derived fibroblasts in the kidney are incompletely understood. As TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling has been shown to have an important role in the pathogenesis of kidney fibrosis, we investigated the role of Smad3 in the activation of bone marrow-derived fibroblasts in the kidney following obstructive injury using Smad3-knockout mice and Smad3-null monocytes. Compared with wild-type mice, Smad3-knockout mice accumulated significantly fewer bone marrow-derived fibroblasts in the kidney after obstructive injury. Furthermore, Smad3-knockout mice exhibited less myofibroblast activation and expressed less α-SMA in the obstructed kidney. Consistent with these findings, genetic deletion of Smad3 reduced total collagen deposition and suppressed the expression of extracellular matrix proteins. Moreover, wild-type mice engrafted with Smad3(-/-) bone marrow cells displayed fewer bone marrow-derived fibroblasts in the kidney with obstructive injury and showed less severe renal fibrosis compared with wild-type mice engrafted with Smad3(+/+) bone marrow cells. In cultured monocytes, TGF-β1 induced phosphorylation of Smad3 and Smad3 deficiency abolished TGF-β1-induced expression of α-SMA and extracellular matrix proteins. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Smad3 signaling has an essential role in the activation of bone marrow-derived fibroblasts in the kidney during the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis.
Recall of preshow cinema advertising: A message processing perspective

In a time when the growth of traditional advertising is declining, out-of-home (OOH) advertising has become a prominent component of advertising plans. Despite this prominence, OOH advertising is often plagued by inattentiveness and incidental exposure making it even more important to link theoretical frameworks on advertising effectiveness to actual marketplace data. To assess the effectiveness of this increasingly important media, we take one context, cinema advertising, and, using the message response involvement theory, we test several hypotheses surrounding consumer motivation, opportunity, and ability to process advertising. Our results were generally consistent with the message response involvement theory indicating that higher rates of recall for cinema advertising were found when motivation and opportunity to process advertising is high. Higher rates of recall were also found with other movie-going behaviors such as consuming concessions and with whom you attend the movie.
Children with diabetes: the impact of fear of needles.

Needle anxiety or phobia is a substantial concern for children who experience distress while giving or receiving an injection. (Journal article.)
Endogenous stages of Eimeria sigmodontis (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) in the cotton rat, Sigmodon hispidus

Abstract Endogenous stages of Eimeria sigmodontis were studied in experimentally infected cotton rats, Sigmodon hispidus . The parasites were located in mucosal epithelial cells of the cecum and colon. E. sigmodontis had a typical coccidian endogenous cycle that consisted of three asexual schizogonous stages and sexual stages composed of the macrogametes and microgametes. The first-, second-, and third-generation schizonts contained 10–17, 5–8 and 10–21 merozoites, respectively. Only one type of wall-forming body was present in the macrogamete. The microgametocyte had a monocentric type of development.
Government information as recorded in core serials of the geological sciences

Abstract Citation analysis was used to identify government documents and agencies cited by geologists in seven American geological serials published in 1985 representing both the broad scope and specialized subfields of the discipline. The purpose of the study was to analyze the use, age distribution, and accessibility of published government information by state, federal, and international agencies. In 1985, government document citations averaged 16 percent of all reference citations. Retrospective use of cited government information indicates that 80 percent of the citations are to literature produced in the last 20 to 25 years. References to early geological literature from the nineteenth century, particularly in paleontology, verifies that early state geological reports are also still important for basic research.
DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation

A survey is given of continuous-time Markov chain models for ionizing radiation damage to the genome of mammalian cells. In such models, immediate damage induced by the radiation is regarded as a batch-Poisson arrival process of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Enzymatic modification of the immediate damage is modeled as a Markov process similar to those described by the master equation of stochastic chemical kinetics. An illustrative example is the restitution/complete-exchange model. The model postulates that, after being induced by radiation, DSBs subsequently either undergo enzymatically mediated restitution (repair) or participate pairwise in chromosome exchanges. Some of the exchanges make irremediable lesions such as dicentric chromosome aberrations. One may have rapid irradiation followed by enzymatic DSB processing or have prolonged irradiation with both DSB arrival and enzymatic DSB processing continuing throughout the irradiation period. Methods for analyzing the Markov chains include using an approximate model for expected values, the discrete-time Markov chain embedded at transitions, partial differential equations for generating functions, normal perturbation theory, singular perturbation theory with scaling, numerical computations, and certain matrix methods that combine Perron-Frobenius theory with variational estimates. Applications to experimental results on expected values, variances, and statistical distributions of DNA lesions are briefly outlined. Continuous-time Markov chains are the most systematic of those radiation damage models that treat DSB-DSB interactions within the cell nucleus as homogeneous (e.g., ignore diffusion limitations). They contain virtually all other relevant homogeneous models and semiempirical summaries as special cases, limiting cases, or approximations. However, the Markov models do not seem to be well suited for studying spatial dependence of DSB interactions, which is known to be important in some situations.
Acetaldehyde: déjà vu du jour.

Objective: The possibility that acetaldehyde is responsible for some of the central nervous system effects of ethanol has been a popular hypothesis for many years. This review examines the evidence of a role for acetaldehyde in the actions of ethanol in the brain. Method: The literature review was confined primarily to effects of acetaldehyde in the central nervous system in the realization that a great deal of information is also available on the actions of acetaldehyde in the periphery. The emphasis is on more recent findings, with only occasional references to older work. Results: There are studies implicating acetaldehyde in nearly every central nervous system effect of ethanol that has been studied. With a few exceptions, the evidence for most of these effects is conflicting. For many years the dogma was that the brain did not metabolize ethanol. Any effects of acetaldehyde were therefore held to be due to acetaldehyde diffusing in from the blood. Recently, however, it has been established that ethan...
Composition of Ghanian fermented maize meal and the effect of soya fortification on sensory properties

There were no significant differences in the composition of four fermented maize doughs used by different ethnic groups in Ghana. The average maize dough contained 49.6% moisture, 37.5% starch and had a titratable acidity of 4.3 mg NaOH g−1 and pH of 3.76. Fermented maize dough (48% m.c.) was fortified with defatted soya flour at 50, 100, 150 and 200 g kg−1 on a replacement basis and used in two traditional food products. Triangle taste tests indicated a significant difference between the control and samples fortified with 10% or more soya flour. Based on a preference test, maize dough products with up to 10% added soya flour were acceptable to Ghanaians.
Exchange rate volatility and export growth in Nigeria

This article examines the impact of exchange rate volatility on Nigeria's exports to its most important trading-partner–the United States over the quarterly period January 1980 to April 2001. Using cointegration and vector error correction (VECM) framework, empirical tests indicate the presence of a unique cointegrating vector linking real exports, real foreign income, relative export prices and real exchange rate volatility in the long run. Furthermore, the results show that increases in the volatility of the real exchange rate raise uncertainty about profits to be made which exert significant negative effects on exports both in the short- and long-run. Our results also show that improvements in the terms of trade (represented by declines in the real exchange rate) and real foreign income exert positive effects on export activity. Most importantly, we found that the trade liberalization and economic reform policies implemented in the post-1986 structural adjustment period contributed to Nigeria's export ...
African American Women and Prenatal Care Perceptions of Patient–Provider Interaction

Poor patient-provider interaction among racial/ethnic minorities is associated with disparities in health care. In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, we examine African American women's perspectives and experiences of patient-provider interaction (communication and perceived discrimination) during their initial prenatal visit and their influences on perceptions of care received and prenatal health behaviors. Pregnant African American women (n = 204) and their providers (n = 21) completed a pre- and postvisit questionnaire at the initial prenatal visit. Women were also interviewed face to face at the subsequent return visit. Women perceived high quality patient-provider communication (PPC) and perceived low discrimination in their interaction with providers. Multiple regression analyses showed that PPC had a positive effect on trust in provider (p < .001) and on prenatal care satisfaction (p < .001) but not on adherence to selected prenatal health behaviors. Findings suggest that quality PPC improves the prenatal care experience for African American women.
Role of twinning in the hardening response of zirconium during temperature reloads

We aim to elucidate the interaction between twinning and slip in clock-rolled zirconium plate, and the role that it plays in the hardening response. Compression samples were deformed at liquid nitrogen temperature along the through-thickness and the in-plane direction of the plate to create compressive or tensile twins, respectively. The same samples were reloaded at room temperature and large differences in stress–strain response were observed with respect to samples loaded at room temperature from the beginning. Mechanical tests were complemented with texture analysis by neutron diffraction and orientation imaging microscopy, and also by polycrystal modeling. We show that twins influence the reload behavior by either reorienting material for easy slip or by providing barriers to slip.
Integrated photonic crystal components

Summary form only given. This presentation will discuss active and passive integrated photonic crystal components. Experimental and numerical results on high power and high output coupling efficiency microcavity sources and their dynamic properties will be discussed. We have demonstrated peak output powers in excess of 100 µW from these microcavity sources. We will also discuss our recent progress on passive components compatible with these sources.
The structure of the time-dependent interstellar shocks and grain destruction in the interstellar medium

A new theoretical analysis of the structure of interstellar shocks and the grain dynamics of these shocks is presented. The basic hydrodynamic equations for J-shocks in interstellar gas are given in which shock-driving pressure is allowed to be weakly time-dependent and the grains are treated as a separate two-dimensional fluid. Specific equations for the grain dynamics in the cooling postshock gas are derived. An analytic theory for the propagation of a shock driven into an interstellar cloud by the blast wave of a supernova remnant which sweeps over the cloud is developed. An improved calculation of the grain charge in postshock gas is described, giving a simple analytic approximation for the results. The consequences of including these processes in the numerical code of Seab and Shull (1983) are addressed, including the effect of realistic magnetic fields in low-density gas.
MicroRNAs sound off

The message is loud and clear. MicroRNA-96, one in a cluster of three related neurosensory microRNAs, is crucial to the development and maintenance of inner ear hair cells and hearing in mice and humans. Two recent studies show that mutations in the critical seed region of the microRNA underlie the cause of hair cell degeneration and progressive hearing loss. Other recent reports reveal the general requirement of microRNAs for sensory epithelial development and maintenance in Dicer knockout mouse ear. The challenge begins to determine whether microRNAs will resonate as therapeutic agents or target molecules to preserve or restore hearing.
Shotgun annotation of histone modifications: a new approach for streamlined characterization of proteins by top down mass spectrometry.

Eukaryotic histones serve as prototypical examples of posttranslational complexity with diverse modifications (PTMs) on many different residues that comprise a “Histone Code”. To help crack this code more efficiently, we demonstrate a new strategy for protein characterization wherein complete PTM descriptions are obtained by database retrieval instead of manual interpretation of information-rich data from high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). A database of nearly 50 000 modified histone H4 sequences was created and queried with 91 fragment ions from electron capture dissociation of a histone form +112 Da (versus unmodified mass) selectively accumulated in a quadrupole Fourier transform hybrid mass spectrometer. The correct form atop the retrieval list indicated dimethylation at Lys20, acetylation at the N terminus, and acetylation at Lys16 (resolved from trimethylation, Δm = 0.036 Da). A statistical evaluation reveals the critical role of mass accuracy and that PTM “isomers” are retrieved as n...
Differences in multijoint radiographic osteoarthritis phenotypes among African Americans and Caucasians: the Johnston County Osteoarthritis project.

Objective To define and contrast multiple joint radiographic osteoarthritis (rOA) phenotypes describing hand and whole-body rOA among African Americans and Caucasians.
Global asymptotic behavior of a two-dimensional difference equation modelling competition

We investigate the global asymptotic behavior of solutions of the system of difference equations xn+1 = xn/ a + cyn, yn+1 = yn/ b + dxn, n =0,1,..., where the parameters a and b are in (0, 1), c and d are arbitrary positive numbers and the initial conditions x0 and y0 are arbitrary nonnegative numbers. We show that the stable manifold of this system separates the positive quadrant into basins of attraction of two types of asymptotic behavior. In the case where a = b we find an explicit equation for the stable manifold.
Deuterium trapping in evaporated metal films—II. Relationship of the trapping to microstructure

Abstract Evaporated Fe films were studied using transmission electron microscopy to determine why they trap large amounts (∼1 at.%) of deuterium, which is several orders of magnitude more than expected based on bulk solubility. As-deposited films were found to contain high concentrations (∼3×1017/cm3) of microvoids which formed as a result of geometrical shadowing and limited surface diffusion during deposition. The reduction in the films' ability to absorb deuterium after annealing, and the deuterium capacity of the films indicated that the deuterium was trapped at voids. These results suggest that deuterium charging combined with FRES analysis is a useful method for measuring the void concentrations in thin metal films.
Ecdysteroids in nemerteans: presence and physiological role

Ecdysteroids were detected in the phylum Nemertea and their physiological role was studied. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) measurements showed ecdysteroid concentrations ranging from 1–47 pg/mg wet weight in several nemertean species from the orders Palaeonemertea, Heteronemertea, and Hoplonemertea. High-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of Paranemertes peregrina displayed peaks of RIA activity with retention times similar to those of authentic ecdysone and 20-hydroxyecdysone standards. Fluctuating ecdysteroid titers were observed in the various life stages of Carcinonemertes errans with the highest concentrations (47 pg/mg wet weight) found in gravid females. RIA of HPLC fractions of Carcinonemertes errans eggs indicated the presence of ecdysteroids (105 pg/mg wet weight). Alterations in the growth of juvenile, male, or female C. errans were not observed when the worms were exposed to 10−7, 10−6, or 10−5 M 20-hydroxyecdysone. However, the eggs of C. errans appeared to be stimulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone. Shorter hatching times were observed in the egg strings exposed to hormone (10−7 to 10−5 M) compared to sea water and cholesterol (10−11 and 10−9 M) controls. Possible physiological roles and the evolutionary significance of ecdysteroids in nemerteans are discussed.
Somatic cell hybrids between macrophages from Bcgr and Bcgs mice : characterization of MHC class II expression

In order to gain a better understanding of the regulation of MHC class II expression related to the Bcg gene, we have produced macrophage-macrophage somatic cell hybrids by fusing the RAW 309 macrophage cell line derived from BALB/c.Bcgs mice with peritoneal macrophages from Bcgr C3H/HeN mice. The differential screening of the hybrids was based on the differential sensitivity of Ia expression to suppression with cycloheximide. We found that most of the hybrids expressed Ia without further stimulation with rIFN-gamma. Cycloheximide suppressed the expression of Ia by some of the hybrids. Treatment of these cells with rIFN-gamma resulted in a cycloheximide resistant Ia expression of both parental haplotypes. The macrophage hybrids produced IL-1 beta, IL-1 alpha, and TNF-alpha when stimulated with LPS. There was no correlation between the levels of monokines produced and the persistence of Ia expression. The results of this investigation indicate that the product of the Bcg gene contributed by macrophages from C3H/HeN mice will affect the expression of the I-Ad glycoprotein that is normally transiently expressed by the RAW 309 cell line.
Prevention of Substance Use Problems: Models, Factors, and Processes

The use of substances for medical or nonmedical reasons occurs in most cultures. Regardless of the reason for use, however, most types of substance use (or drug-taking behaviors) have their associated problem states. The prevention of substance use problems is an important issue and need in every society. In this review we present and discuss various models and factors that purport to describe and predict patterns of drug use, and we discuss various strategies to prevent the occurrence of substance use problems.
Toxicity and persistence of PCB homologs and isomers in the avian system

This study reports the biotransformation and persistence of PCBs in the hen, her eggs, and chicks hatched from these eggs. Twelve White Leghorn hens and one rooster were given 50 µg/ml of the PCB mixture Aroclor 1254 in their drinking water (6.3 mg/kg body weight) for six weeks. The resultant concentration in the yolk of eggs laid during the following 20 weeks and in the tissues of surviving embryos and chicks was determined by thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography. Mortality of embryos and deformity of chicks were found to be correlated with PCB content of the eggs. Moreover, after storage of the PCB mixture in the hen's body, the toxic potency of the PCB mixture deposited in the eggs more than doubled. It was shown that 3,4,2′,3′,6′-pentachlorobiphenyl (peak 9) was cleared faster from the hen than 3,4,2′,4′,5′-pentachlorobiphenyl (peak 12) and 2,3,4,2′,4′,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (peak 14) and that 4,4′-chlorination is more important than degree of chlorination in determining persistence of chlorinated biphenyls in the hen, embryo, and chick.
Highly Efficient Green Fluorescent Protein-Based Kinase Substrates

We have developed a general strategy for designing efficient protein substrates of protein kinases by attaching a phosphorylatable peptide sequence to the C-terminus of His6-tagged green fluorescent protein (GFP). We found that several C-terminal attachment sites in GFP allow for correct presentation of the phosphorylatable tail to a variety of protein kinases. Using this strategy, we have constructed highly efficient GFP-based substrates for Src, c-Abl, protein kinase A, and protein kinase C betaII protein kinases. The engineered GFP substrate for Src (GFP235IYGEFG) is 300 times more efficient than the protein most commonly used as a Src substrate-rabbit muscle enolase.
Does the EU help or hinder gay-rights movements in post-communist Europe? The case of Poland

Gay rights would seem an area of politics largely untouched by the changes wrought by Eastern Europe's democratic transitions and accession to the European Union (EU). Against the conventional wisdom, this article argues that the broader picture in the region is actually one of increasing rights and better-organised, more influential gay-rights movements and that these developments were catalysed by EU accession. It also argues, however, that the dominant theoretical perspective on accession's effect on domestic politics, Europeanisation theory, cannot account for this outcome. Using a close study of Poland, I suggest that social movement theory – with its emphasis on political opportunity structure, framing, and polarisation – provides a better account of how gay rights have developed as a political issue since the fall of communism.
Calculation of effective moduli of fibrous composites with micro-mechanical damage

Abstract A micro-mechanics model for continuous fibrous composites was developed in order to determine the effective moduli of composites based on the material properties of their constituents, i.e. fiber and matrix materials. The model can calculate elastic or nonelastic effective moduli of composites depending on their constituents' behavior. Furthermore, micro-mechanical damage can also be considered in the present model to determine effective moduli. Predicted effective moduli from the present model compared very well with experimental data available elsewhere for both undamaged and damaged composites.
Bacterial Penetration of Bladder Epithelium through Lipid Rafts

Type 1 fimbriated Escherichia coli represents the most common human uropathogen, owing much of its virulence to invasion of the uroepithelium, which is highly impermeable due to the preponderance of uroplakins and highly ordered lipid components. We sought to elucidate the molecular basis for E. coli invasion of the bladder epithelium by employing human 5637 bladder epithelial cells, and we found the following: (i) intracellular E. coli associated with caveolae and lipid raft components; (ii) RNAi reduction of caveolin-1 expression inhibited bacterial invasion; (iii) a signaling molecule required for E. coli invasion was located in lipid rafts and physically associated with caveolin-1; (iv) bacterial invasion was inhibited by lipid raft disrupting/usurping agents. In the mouse bladder, the E. coli type 1 fimbrial receptor, uroplakin Ia, was located in lipid rafts, and lipid raft disruptors inhibited E. coli invasion. Cumulatively, E. coli uroepithelial invasion occurs through lipid rafts, which, paradoxically, contribute to bladder impermeability.
Ejected Product Energy Distributions from Laser Ablated Solids

At laser threshold fluences near ion product formation, we have measured the ejected ion kinetic-energy distributions from the UV laser ablation of crystalline aluminum and silver targets. The mean kinetic energy is found to be hyperthermal.
Grounding geovisualization interface design: a study of interactive map use

Building the most effective tools to support user-centered geographic visualization faces a significant challenge: not enough is known about how people interact with maps. Map use research has often focused on higher order use goals or cognitive interpretations of static map representations. In order to address the problem of understanding foundational user-map interaction behavior, we are studying user interactions in complex geovisualizations, with an initial focus on analysis tasks. This paper describes an exploratory user study to examine general interaction issues with complex map visualizations. Our results highlight the need for map tools to improve interactivity and support basic analysis tasks to aid users in decision making.
A rule-based tool for reverse engineering from source code to graphical models

This paper presents a rule-based tool MG (Model Generator) for reverse engineering from source code to graphical models. For a given graphical model formalism, generation rules describe how to translate each primitive element (e.g., an if statement) of a programming language into a piece of a diagram in the graphical model and how to assemble the produced pieces of diagrams and generate diagrams from them. MG can produce software specification in different models by changing the generation rules. This feature enables maintainers to obtain the information they need by specifying rules for generating it. MG is also independent of programming languages. It is used to generate four models and links between them from COBOL source code, where each model represents a coherent aspect of the source code such as control flow and functional structure. >
CACI: Dynamic Current Analysis Towards Robust Recycled Chip Identification

Rising incidences of counterfeit chips in the supply chain have posed a serious threat to the semiconductor industry. Recycling of used chips constitutes a major form of counterfeiting attacks. If undetected, they can lead to serious consequences including system performance/reliability issues during field operation and potential revenue/reputation loss for a trusted manufacturer. Existing validation approaches based on path delay analysis suffer from reduced robustness and sensitivity under large process variations. On the other hand, existing design solutions based on aging sensors require additional design/verification efforts and cannot be applied to legacy chips. In this paper, we present a novel recycled chip identification approach, CACI, that exploits differential aging in self-similar modules (e.g., different parts of an adder) to isolate aged chips under large inter- and intra-die process variations. It compares dynamic current (IDDT) signatures between two adjacent similar circuit structures in a chip. We derive an isolation metric based on multiple current comparisons to provide high level of confidence. CACI does not rely on any embedded structures for authentication, thus it comes at virtually zero design overhead and can be applied to chips already in the market. Through extensive simulations, we show that for 15% inter- and 10% intra-die variations in threshold voltage for a 45nm CMOS process, over 97% of recycled chips can be reliably identified.
Molecular Mechanisms of the Cytotoxicity of ADP-Ribosylating Toxins

Bacterial pathogens utilize toxins to modify or kill host cells. The bacterial ADP-ribosyltransferases are a family of protein toxins that covalently transfer the ADP-ribose portion of NAD to host proteins. Each bacterial ADP-ribosyltransferase toxin modifies a specific host protein(s) that yields a unique pathology. These toxins possess the capacity to enter a host cell or to use a bacterial Type III apparatus for delivery into the host cell. Advances in our understanding of bacterial toxin action parallel the development of biophysical and structural biology as well as our understanding of the mammalian cell. Bacterial toxins have been utilized as vaccines, as tools to dissect host cell physiology, and more recently for the development of novel therapies to treat human disease.
Inverting the ratio of the complex parallel and perpendicular reflection coefficients of an absorbing substrate using a transparent thin-film coating

An absorbing substrate can be coated with a transparent thin film of refractive index N1 (within a certain range) and thickness d such that the ratio of complex reflection coefficients for the p and s polarizations of the film-covered substrate ρ = Rp/Rs is the inverse of that of the film-free substrate ρ¯=R¯p/R¯s at an angle of incidence ϕ. A method to determine the relationship among ϕ, N1, and d that inverts ρ (i.e., makes ρ = 1/ ρ¯) for a given substrate at a given wavelength is described and is applied to aluminum and silver substrates at 0.6328- and 10.6-μm wavelengths, respectively. Sensitivity of the inversion condition to incidence-angle and film-thickness errors is analyzed. ρ-inverting layers can be applied to one of the two metallic mirrors of a beam displacer or axicon to preserve the polarization state of incident monochromatic radiation.
Quantifying the Performance Gain of Direction Feedback in a MISO System

We consider finite-rate channel-direction feedback in a system with multiple transmit-antennas and single receive-antenna. We address how the symbol error rate performance improves as a function of the amount of feedback. We conclude that when the number of feedback directions is equal to or larger than the number of transmit antennas, transmit beamforming is optimal even with limited feedback. On the other hand, when the number of feedback directions is smaller than the number of transmit antennas, the antennas are divided into two groups, where antenna selection is used in the first group to choose the strongest channel and equal power allocation is used in the second group. At high SNR, the optimal power allocation between these two antenna groups is proportional to the number of antennas in each group. Based on high SNR analysis, we fully characterize the power gain of each feedback bit.
The Effects of Thermal Stratification on Clustering Properties of Canopy Turbulence

The intermittent structure of turbulence within the canopy sublayer (CSL) is sensitive to the presence of foliage and to the atmospheric stability regime. How much of this intermittency originates from amplitude variability or clustering properties remains a vexing research problem for CSL flows. Using a five-level set of measurements collected within a dense hardwood canopy, the clustering properties of CSL turbulence and their dependence on atmospheric stability are explored using the telegraphic approximation (TA). The binary structure of the TA removes any amplitude variability from turbulent excursions but retains their zero-crossing behaviour, and thereby isolating the role of clustering in intermittency. A relationship between the spectral exponents of the actual and the TA series is derived across a wide range of atmospheric stability regimes and for several flow variables. This relationship is shown to be consistent with a relationship derived for long-memory and monofractal processes such as fractional Brownian motion (fBm). Moreover, it is demonstrated that for the longitudinal and vertical velocity components, the vegetation does not appreciably alter fine-scale clustering but atmospheric stability does. Stable atmospheric stability conditions is characterized by more fine scale clustering when compared to other atmospheric stability regimes. For scalars, fine-scale clustering above the canopy is similar to its velocity counterpart but is significantly increased inside the canopy, especially under stable stratification. Using simplified scaling analysis, it is demonstrated that clustering is much more connected to space than to time within the CSL. When comparing intermittency for flow variables and their TA series, it is shown that for velocity, amplitude variations modulate intermittency for all stability regimes. However, amplitude variations play only a minor role in scalar intermittency. Within the crown region of the canopy, a ‘double regime’ emerges in the inter-pulse duration probability distributions not observed in classical turbulence studies away from boundaries. The double regime is characterized by a power-law distribution for shorter inter-pulse periods and a log-normal distribution for large inter-pulse periods. The co-existence of these two regimes is shown to be consistent with near-field/far-field scaling arguments. In the near-field, short inter-pulse periods are controlled by the source strength, while in the far-field long inter-pulse periods are less affected by the precise source strength details and more affected by the transport properties of the background turbulence.
ProClass Protein Family Database

ProClass is a protein family database that organizes non-redundant sequence entries into families defined collectively by PROSITE patterns and PIR superfamilies. By combining global similarities and functional motifs into a single classification scheme, ProClass helps to reveal domain and family relationships and classify multi-domain proteins. The database currently consists of more than 120 000 sequence entries, approximately 60% of which is classified into about 3500 families. To maximize family information retrieval, the database provides links to various protein family/domain and structural class databases and contains multiple motif alignments of all PROSITE patterns as well as global alignments of PIR superfamilies. The motif sequences are retrieved from both PIR-International and SWISS-PROT databases, including a large number of new members detected by our GeneFIND family identification system. ProClass can be used to support full-scale genomic annotation, because of its high classification rate. The ProClass database is available for on-line search and record retrieval from our WWW server at http://diana.uthct.edu/proclass.html
Revision of Verbesina sect. Pseudomontanoa (Asteraceae)

Verbesina sect.Pseudomontanoa is revised. The last treatment of the group byRobinson & Greenman (1899) recognized 5 species; the present treatment recognizes 12 species, 3 of which (V. breedlovei, V. cronquistii andV. olsenii) are described as new. A key to species, phyletic diagram and distribution maps are provided.
Output feedback control of an uncertain system using an adaptive observer

A method of adaptive output feedback control design for an uncertain nonlinear system is presented. The control design augments a state observer based linear control law by an adaptive observer in a manner that adaptive estimation and control augmentation is achieved through a single neural network. In this process, we show how the unmatched uncertainty is tackled by an adaptive signal. The proposed synthesis can be applied to non-affine systems having parametric and dynamic uncertainties. The approach is also applicable to non-minimum phase systems if the non-minimum phase zero dynamics are considered in the linear control design. We illustrate the effectiveness of the approach using an inverted pendulum example.
Dose Escalation for Prostate Cancer Radiotherapy: Predictors of Long-Term Biochemical Tumor Control and Distant Metastases–Free Survival Outcomes

Background Higher radiation dose levels have been shown to be associated with improved tumor-control outcomes in localized prostate cancer (PCa) patients.
Cover Pole Design for Easy Transport, Assembly, and Field Use

Cover poles, also called Robel poles, are used to measure a variety of structural vegetation attributes commonly used in wildlife and livestock management. Although cover pole dimensions, measurement criteria, and interpretation of cover pole data vary depending on measurement objectives, the technical use of cover poles is fairly consistent. Practical use of cover poles requires that they are sturdy, lightweight, and easily transported. We describe a cover pole apparatus that can be easily constructed, transported, and assembled for use in remote locations. This self-supporting cover pole enables one person to take measurements, and can be modified for use in multiple habitats and soil types.
Desipramine attenuates loss of cardiac sympathetic neurotransmitters produced by congestive heart failure and NE infusion.

We reported recently that inhibition of neuronal reuptake of norepinephrine (NE) by desipramine prevented the reduction of sympathetic neurotransmitters in the failing right ventricle of right hear...
How Can Government Spending Stimulate Consumption

Recent empirical work finds that government spending shocks can cause aggregate consumption to increase. This paper builds on the framework of imperfect information in Lucas (1972) and Lorenzoni (2009) to show how government spending can stimulate consumption. Owners of firms targeted by an increase in government spending perceive an increase in their permanent income relative to their future tax liabilities, while owners of firms not targeted remain unaware of the implicit increase in future tax liabilities, causing aggregate consumption to increase. I show that a testable implication of this model—namely that the value of firms should increase in response to government spending shocks, implying all else equal an increase in aggregate stock returns—is consistent with empirical evidence.
Fine structure of cellular inclusions in measles virus infections.

Cells which are infected with measles virus have been known for some time to contain inclusion material that is distinguishable from normal cellular components by application of traditional staining methods and observation in the light microscope. The fine structure of the inclusion material contained in HeLa cells infected with Edmonston strain of measles virus has been examined in the electron microscope. Two steps have been found necessary in this study: (1) the recognition by phase-contrast microscopy of the living cell of bodies that are defined as inclusion material when the cells are classically stained; and (2) the recognition in the electron microscope of inclusion-body material that had previously been identified in the living cell. The fine structure of the nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusion material in osmium-treated cells was found to consist mainly of randomly arrayed filaments of low electron density. Dense, highly ordered arrays of filaments were found near the center of the nuclear inclusions, sometimes as a two-dimensional, nearly orthogonal arrangement. If the size of the measles virus is taken to be around 100 mµ in diameter, the strands seen in the inclusions cannot be fully formed virus.
Identifying All Connected Subsets in a Two-Way Classification Without Interaction

Abstract Animal breeding applications often require determining connectedness of data for statistical or computational reasons. A method is presented for identifying all connected subsets in a two-way classification without interactions. An example of a sire evaluation model with fixed herd-year-seasons and genetic groups and random sires nested within genetic groups is used to describe the algorithm. The method involves four steps for each herd-year-season. The result is a vector, and elements with the same number correspond to connected genetic groups. The algorithm is simple computationally and does not require matrix storage; thus, it can be used when the number of classes of each main effect is large. Applications include identifying estimable contrasts involving fixed effects and obtaining a set of linearly independent equations from the normal equations.
Chiropractic management of low back pain in a patient with a transfemoral amputation.

Objective The purpose of this case report is to describe the chiropractic management of a patient with a unilateral transfemoral amputation and low back pain (LBP).
The Social Network Generation And Implications For Human Resource Managers

Tens of millions use social networks on a regular basis. Social networks encourage the sharing of information, photos, videos, accomplishments, and experiences via the internet. Their wide-spread and increasing usage especially among young people has been well-documented. Individuals who have started such networks have become wealthy as sites have gone public. Businesses are increasingly becoming involved in the networks as they realize the large following that the networks have generated and the fact that such networks can be sources of useful information on which to base decisions. Social networks and individual members who utilize such networks are becoming increasingly aware that there are advantages and disadvantages to such usage. Network users need to be aware that postings on these networks are being scrutinized in ways those posting the information had not imagined when they signed on. Firms increasingly are investigating applicant users through the networks. Indeed, human resource managers have more tools and investigation avenues at their disposal now than ever before.
G-SHOT

Of massively parallel algorithms for high density and large scale 3D object local descriptors.The exact parallel descriptor with no loss in descriptiveness with a speedup factor of up to 40.70.The approximate parallel descriptor with speedup of up to 54 with minor descriptiveness loss.Analysis of descriptiveness of both algorithms through recall-precision curves at two noise levels.Integration of parallel algorithms into open source point cloud library (PCL). Signature of histogram of orientations (SHOT) as a novel 3D object local descriptor can achieves a good balance between descriptiveness and robustness in surface matching. However, its computation workload is much higher than the other 3D local descriptors. This paper investigates the development of suitable massively parallel algorithms on the graphics processing unit (GPU) for computation of high density and large scale 3D object local descriptors through two alternative parallel algorithms; one exact, and one approximate. Both algorithms exhibit outstanding speedup performance. The exact parallel descriptor comes at no cost to the descriptiveness, with a speedup factor of up to 40.70, with respect to the serial SHOT on the central processing unit (CPU). The approximate version achieves a corresponding speedup factor of up to 54 with minor degradation in descriptiveness. The proposed algorithms are integrated into point cloud library (PCL), a open source project for image and point cloud.
Effect of enkephalins on cardiac output and regional blood flow in conscious dogs

To investigate the effects of enkephalins on cardiac output and regional blood flow, we administered D-Ala-D-Leu-enkephalin (DADLE) intracisternally (ic) to 14 chronically instrumented unanesthetized dogs. Measurements were made at base line, 20, 45, and 75 min after DADLE (25 or 125 micrograms/kg) and 15 min after naloxone (5 micrograms/kg ic). After 125 micrograms/kg DADLE, all animals developed hypoventilation, bradycardia, and decreased O2 consumption without hypotension. Cardiac output decreased (-34%), but brain blood flow increased (+110%). Blood flow decreased to the diaphragm (-38%), heart (-21%), skeletal muscle (-40%), skin (-67%), pancreas (-79%), and gastrointestinal tract (-26%). After 25 micrograms/kg DADLE, there were no consistent changes in cardiac output or regional blood flow. Four additional animals (without DADLE) were exposed to altered inspired gases to reproduce the blood gas changes after DADLE. These animals developed hyperventilation without bradycardia and increased brain (+114%) and diaphragm (+649%) blood flow. We conclude that centrally administered enkephalins produce 1) a parallel decrease in ventilation, heart rate, O2 consumption, and cardiac output and 2) a major blood flow redistribution, primarily dictated by the effects of opioids on ventilation, heart rate, and metabolism.
Hinge and Valence Effects on Antibody Binding Properties

Since the characterization of bond formation between large molecules must be phenomenological, a quantitative description of the reaction must be in terms of thermodynamic parameters; in particular, free energies and equilibrium constants. In addition, however, because an antigen is large compared to an antibody combining site and its structural features highly heterogeneous, a complete description of the interaction will require specification of a set of free energies.