cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A CATEGORICAL INSTRUMENT FOR SCORING SECOND LANGUAGE WRITING SKILLS

This paper first reviews recent research on evaluating second language learners’writing skills. It then discusses research on a categorical instrument for evaluating compositions written by upper intermediate university ESL students. The form of the instrument used in this study included five equally weighted criteria for scoring: (1) Organization, (2) Logical Development of Ideas, (3) Grammar, (4) Mechanics, and (5) Style. An experiment was conducted under controlled conditions in which ten raters scored fifty randomly selected compositions. Regression analysis and generalizability theory were used for investigating the reliability of the instrument. In addition, information was obtained from the raters as to their reactions to the instrument. The results indicate that the scoring instrument is moderately reliable. More useful, perhaps, is the demonstration provided of the effects on reliability of changing the number of raters and/or criteria. The paper concludes with a discussion of the issues involved (both with this particular instrument and with analytic scoring systems in general) and of possible future research on the evaluation of nonnative speakers’writing.
Effects of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty balloon compliance on angiographic and clinical outcomes

The effect of balloon compliance on the safety and outcome of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is controversial. It has been proposed that PTCA balloons constructed from compliant polymers contribute to an increased risk of angiographic coronary dissection and potentially to adverse clinical results. To determine the effect of balloon material compliance on PTCA outcome, 1,076 PTCA procedures using balloons differing in compliance characteristics (polyethylene teraphthalate [noncompliant], polyethylene [intermediately compliant] or polyolefincopolymer [compliant]) were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline clinical, angiographic and procedural variables were similar among the 3 balloon material groups. In the noncompliant, intermediately compliant and compliant groups, the occurrence rates of intimal tears (10, 14 and 10%, respectively; p = NS for all comparisons) and coronary dissection (7, 9 and 8%, respectively; all p = NS) were also equivalent. The rates of acute occlusion, myocardial infarction, emergency bypass surgery and death were low and similar, and likewise unaffected by balloon material. The results provide evidence that the occurrence of adverse outcomes after PTCA is unrelated to balloon material compliance and support the clinical safety of balloons constructed of compliant or noncompliant polymers when used for appropriate coronary interventions.
Investigating quality in large-scale Open Source Software

Open Source Software (OSS) development and use has increased significantly over recent years. Therefore, there is a need to analyze and understand these projects. Software quality is an important characteristic effecting overall system lifecycle cost, performance and useful life. The existing models for software quality are based on empirical analysis of propriety source software (PSS), and need to be verified in OSS. Research on PSS has revealed that software quality declines, as it ages. Part of this decline is associated with the lifecycle maintenance activities that introduce change in the size and complexity of the system, while introducing software errors into modified system. Lifecycle maintenance activities in OSS systems are processed under a very different paradigm. We are interested in investigating the effects of maintenance activities on OSS project outcomes. Linux is one of the most popular and complex OSS project available. In our research, we investigate the characteristics of Linux source code. In this position paper we present some preliminary results of the effects of various types of maintenance activities on quality of Linux software.
KSRP is critical in governing hepatic lipid metabolism through controlling Per2 expression.

Hepatic lipid metabolism is controlled by integrated metabolic pathways. Excess accumulation of hepatic TG is a hallmark of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Here, we show that KH-type splicing regulatory protein (KSRP) ablation reduces hepatic TG levels and diet-induced hepatosteatosis. Expression of period 2 (Per2) is increased during the dark period, and circadian oscillations of several core clock genes are altered with a delayed phase in Ksrp−/− livers. Diurnal expression of some lipid metabolism genes is also disturbed with reduced expression of genes involved in de novo lipogenesis. Using primary hepatocytes, we demonstrate that KSRP promotes decay of Per2 mRNA through an RNA-protein interaction and show that increased Per2 expression is responsible for the phase delay in cycling of several clock genes in the absence of KSRP. Similar to Ksrp−/− livers, both expression of lipogenic genes and intracellular TG levels are also reduced in Ksrp−/− hepatocytes due to increased Per2 expression. Using heterologous mRNA reporters, we show that the AU-rich element-containing 3′ untranslated region of Per2 is responsible for KSRP-dependent mRNA decay. These findings implicate that KSRP is an important regulator of circadian expression of lipid metabolism genes in the liver likely through controlling Per2 mRNA stability.
The role of natural killer cells in human solid organ and tissue transplantation

During the last decade, considerable progress was made in the understanding of the natural killer (NK) cell mechanisms of action, especially in the processes of target cell recognition and lysis. These breakthroughs have aroused large interest in the role of NK cells in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases. In hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, NK cells have been shown to play a significant role in the graft-versus-leukemic effect leading to protocols of cell therapy using amplified NK cells after transplantation. In human solid organ transplantation (SOT), the role of NK cells was controversial due to conflicting clinical and animal model data. NK cells have been shown to exacerbate T-cell responses during rejection, but also to promote tolerance induction under immunosuppression. The role of NK cells is of special interest in SOT because in contrast to T cells, the effect of immunosuppressive drugs on NK cells is modest, at least in vivo. Recent publications demonstrated the importance of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor/human leukocyte antigen genotypes to predict the risk of rejection and to prevent cytomegalovirus infection/reactivation. NK cell subpopulations could have different alloreactivity or immunomodulatory potentials. Finally, an understanding of the role of NK cells in the field of embryonic stem cells and their progenitor transplantation is developing. Currently, NK cells are considered a key player in the alloimmune and anti-infectious responses after SOT and transplanted tissues.
Evaluation and Treatment of Patients With Severely Elevated Blood Pressure in Academic Emergency Departments: A Multicenter Study

Study objective Current guidelines advise that emergency department (ED) patients with severely elevated blood pressure be evaluated for acute target organ damage, have their medical regimen adjusted, and be instructed to follow up promptly for reassessment. We examine factors associated with performance of recommended treatment of patients with severely elevated blood pressure. Methods Observational study performed during 1 week at 4 urban, academic EDs. Severely elevated blood pressure was defined as systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 180 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 110 mm Hg on at least 1 measurement. ED staff were blinded to the study purpose. Demographics, presenting complaints, vital signs, tests ordered, medications administered, disposition, and discharge instructions were recorded, and associations were tested in bivariate analyses. Results Severely elevated blood pressure was noted in 423 patients. Serum chemistry was obtained in 73% of patients, ECG in 53% of patients, chest radiograph in 46% of patients, urinalysis in 43% of patients, and funduscopy documented in 36% of patients. All studies were performed in 6% of patients and were associated with complaints of dyspnea (odds ratio [OR] 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1 to 8.7) and chest pain (OR 3.0; 95% CI 1.2 to 7.6). Oral antihypertensives were administered to 36% of patients and were associated with blood pressure–related complaints (OR 2.0 [1.2 to 3.3]), patient-suspected severely elevated blood pressure (OR 5.6, 95% CI 2.0 to 15.3), and being uninsured (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2 to 3.3). Intravenous antihypertensives were given to 4% of patients, associated only with chest pain (OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.1 to 9.5). Modification of antihypertensive regimen was documented in 19% of discharged patients and associated with patient-suspected severely elevated blood pressure (OR 5.5; 95% CI 2.5 to 12.2) and being uninsured (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.9). Conclusion The majority of ED patients with severely elevated blood pressure do not receive the evaluation, medical regimen modification, and discharge instructions advised by current guidelines. Further study is necessary to determine whether these recommendations are appropriate in this setting.
Positive and negative transfer in the phonological systems of bilingual speakers

The present study examines the phonological skills of bilingual children, taking language use and proficiency into consideration, and compares their skills to monolingual peers. The main research question is whether bilingual children who have parent-reported language use and proficiency measures commensurate with those of their monolingual peers have phonological skills comparable to their monolingual peers. METHOD. Thirty typically developing Spanish- and English-speaking children participated in this study who were matched on age and language use and proficiency (10 monolingual English, mean age: 5;10; 10 monolingual Spanish, mean age: 5;10, and 10 bilingual, mean age: 6;0). The independent variable was language status (bilingual versus monolingual), and the dependent measures included phonological whole-word measures, segmental accuracy measures, and phonological patterns. RESULTS. Bilingual children did not differ from their monolingual peers on any of the Spanish measures, except on accuracy for sto...
Strength retention and life of fibre composite materials

Abstract Aromatic polyamide fibre/epoxy strands were tested for strength retention. No correlation was found between strength retention and the remaining life of fibre composites. Use of reliable stress/rupture life data over the traditional strength approach for engineering design is recommended.
Postprandial endothelial function, inflammation, and oxidative stress in obese children and adolescents

Most studies in adults suggest that acute glucose consumption induces a transient impairment in endothelial function. We hypothesized that obese youth would demonstrate reduced endothelial function and increased inflammation and oxidative stress following acute glucose ingestion and that transient elevations in plasma glucose would correlate with endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Thirty-four obese (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) children and adolescents (age 12.4 ± 2.6 years; BMI = 37.9 ± 6.7 kg/m2; 50% females) underwent measurement of endothelial function (reactive hyperemic index (RHI)), glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), circulating oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in a fasting state and at 1- and 2-h following glucose ingestion. Repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey post-tests and Pearson correlations were performed. Glucose and insulin levels significantly increased at 1- and 2-h (all P values < 0.001). Compared to baseline, there were no statistically significant differences in 1- and 2-h RHI, CRP, IL-6, and oxLDL. However, MPO significantly decreased at the 1- (P < 0.05) and 2-h (P < 0.001) time points. At the 1-h time point, glucose level was significantly inversely correlated with RHI (r = -0.40, P < 0.05) and at the 2-h time point, glucose level was positively correlated with MPO (r = 0.40, P < 0.05). An acute oral glucose load does not reduce endothelial function or increase levels of inflammation or oxidative stress in obese youth. However, associations of postprandial hyperglycemia with endothelial function and oxidative stress may have implications for individuals with impaired glucose tolerance or frank type 2 diabetes.
Large strain analysis of a soft polymer electromechanical sensor coupled to an arterial segment

Dielectric elastomer membranes are one of the most promising transducers for developing soft large strain sensors. In this article, we describe the sensor response for a potential biomedical application. It is widely accepted that diseased arteries at various stages have a unique constitutive response. This means that ideally the output of an in situ artery sensor would have distinct profiles corresponding to various stages of unhealthiness. An in situ sensor can potentially allow access to information about the mechanical state of the artery that is not currently available. Furthermore, the potential to combine the functions of providing structural support (stent) and monitoring the mechanical state (sensor) is appealing. Traditional sensors such as strain gages and piezoelectric sensors are stiff and fail at low strains (<1%), whereas some dielectric elastomers are viable at strains up to and even surpassing 100%. Investigating the electromechanical response of a deformable tube sensor sandwiched betwee...
PRESENCE OF REPEATING SUB‐SEQUENCES AND SYMMETRY PATTERNS IN PROTEINS

Comparison of amino acid sequences of ancestrally unrelated proteins as well as a particular protein with itself, using a sliding match performed by a computer (Greller & Erhan, previous paper), reveals the presence of certain repeating sequences. Furthermore, a symmetry pattern is observed if either the target or the key sequence is reversed, written from the carboxyl to amino terminus when a protein is matched against itself. The significance of these findings is discussed, particularly in reference to the possibility of these repeating sequences to represent primordial sub-sequences from which proteins might have been formed.
Treating myeloma: the future is already here!

In this issue of Blood, Jakubowiak and colleagues report outstanding results from a phase 1/2 study using carfilzomib—a next-generation proteasome inhibitor that selectively and irreversibly binds to the proteasome, targeting chymotrypsin-like activity—in combination with lenalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. The study shows excellent response rates, deep and durable responses, continued responses during treatment, and limited severe toxicities.1
Effect of prednisone on nephrotic peripheral blood mononuclear cell mediated increase in 35sulfate uptake in rat glomerular basement membrane.

We have previously described a significant increase in 35sulfate uptake in rat glomerular basement membrane (GBM) when glomeruli were cocultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with idiopathic minimal-lesion nephrotic syndrome (IMLNS) in relapse, but not with PBMC of IMLNS patients in remission. In the present study we examined the effect of prednisone therapy on the PBMC-mediated increase in 35sulfate GBM uptake. The GBM 35sulfate uptake after rat glomeruli were cocultured with PBMC from 11 IMLNS patients in relapse (geometric mean 437 cpm/mg dry glomerular weight) was significantly higher than the incorporation observed in glomeruli cultured alone (geometric mean 229 cpm/mg dry glomerular weight; p 35sulfate uptake were seen between glomeruli cultured alone and glomeruli cocultured with PBMC from IMLNS patients when PBMC were obtained from the 11 patients on treatment with prednisone (2 mg/kg/day) or the same patients in remission and off prednisone therapy. Prednisone therapy abolished the PBMC-mediated increased 35sulfate uptake by rat GBM. GBM sulfated compounds seem to play a role in glomerular permeability. The temporal relationship between inhibition of GBM sulfate incorporation by prednisone and resolution of the proteinuria support the hypothesis that PBMC from IMLNS patients in relapse could secrete a lymphokine which by altering the metabolism of the GBM sulfated compounds may subsequently increase glomerular permeability to plasma proteins.
Mean-variance analysis of portfolios of dependent investments: An extension☆

Abstract This paper extends portfolio-choice theory under risk aversion to the case of dependent investments. It establishes the circumstances in which optimal portfolios of dependent investments will be diversified or completely specialized, and reevaluates earlier statements in this connection arrived at without reference to risk preference. The model, which assumes two risky assets, focuses first on the normal case, in which one asset has both a higher mean and variance of expected returns and, second, on the perverse case, in which one of the two assets is both more profitable and less risky than the other. In the first case diversified portfolios are the rule irrespective of the degree of correlation between assets; completely specialized portfolios may only obtain as corner solutions generally resulting from low-risk aversion; complete specialization obtains when there is high-risk aversion only in the limiting normal case of equally profitable but unequally risky assets. In the second, or perverse case, a wider variety of diversified portfolios than previously thought is found to be optimal. Specifically, diversification may be optimal even if one security has an extremely higher yield and lower variance of returns than the other, provided asset correlation is sufficiently low or negative. There will be complete specialization in the more profitable and less risky asset only if the correlation coefficient between asset returns assumes positive values in an interval that will be narrower or wider depending on the assumed degree of risk aversion and other considerations.
Essential and inessential points of local nonconvexity

LetS be a closed connected subset of a Hausdorff linear topological space,Q the points of local nonconvexity ofS, E the essential members ofQ, N the inessential. IfS∼Q is connected, then the following are true: Theorem 1.If Q ↛Ois countable, then S is planar. Theorem 2.If Q is finite and nonempty, then cardE≧cardN+1. Theorem 3.If SυR2 and N is infinite, then E is infinite.
Guessing Strategies in Perceptual Identification: A Reply to McKoon and Ratcliff

Abstract Light and Kennison (this issue) found that bias effects in the forced-choice perceptual identification of words occurred only in a subset of participants, those who claimed on a strategy questionnaire to be deliberately guessing words they had studied previously. McKoon and Ratcliff (this issue) raised a number of objections to the proposal that bias effects are due to guessing strategies, citing difficulties in our statistical treatment of data, our use of subjective reports to classify participants, and our approach to the general problem of separating implicit from explicit influences on performance. This article responds to these objections.
Bisulfite-catalyzed transamination of cytosine and cytidine.

Abstract Sodium bisulfite catalyzes the reaction of cytosine derivatives with amines to give N4-substituted cytosines. The reactions proceed in good yield, under mild conditions, with a number of aliphatic and aromatic amines. It is suggested that bisulfite may cause the cross-linking of nucleic acids and proteins by this mechanism.
Workflow Resource Requirement Modeling and Analysis

A workflow management system determines the flow of work according to pre-defined business process definitions. It manages the resources required to meet goals and provides monitoring facilities and control capabilities. Resources can become important decision factors when combined with control flow information. In many situations, business processes are constrained by scarce resources. The lack of resources can cause contention and the slowing down of the accomplishment of larger goals. This paper introduces a resource-constrained and decision-support workflow model and presents a requirement analysis approach.
Stereotactic fine-needle aspiration cytology of nonpalpable breast lesions: An analysis of 258 consecutive aspirates

background : The role of stereotactic fine-needle aspiration cytology (SFNAC) in the diagnosis of nonpalpable breast lesions is poorly defined. patients and methods : Data were prospectively collected from 225 consecutive patients with nonpalpable breast lesions who had aspiration cytology followed by immediate surgical excision. results : Between 1988 and 1993, 258 such procedures were performed. The results of 84 (33%) were interpreted as benign, 84 (33%) as atypical, 28 (11%) as suspicious for malignancy, and 49 (19%) as malignant. In all, 88 (34%) surgical specimens were malignant. SFNAC had an 80% sensitivity, a 96% specificity, a 91% positive predictive value, and an 89% negative predictive value. There were 18 false-negative and 7 false-positive aspirates. conclusions : SFNAC for diagnosing nonpalpable breast lesions is moderately sensitive and highly specific, and has a high positive and negative predictive value. In conjunction with mammography and clinical assessment, the procedure is useful for determining which patients with nonpalpable breast lesions may require surgical biopsy.
Immobilization of Single Biomolecules Using Covalent-Bond Linkages for Fluorescence Single-Molecule Experiments

The streptavidin-biotin bridge is commonly used in single-molecule studies to surface immobilize biomolecules onto microscope slides. However, the presence of tryptophanes impedes utilization of UV light and numerous fluorescent nucleotide analogs, such as 2-aminopurine. We are developing new approaches to immobilize DNA/RNA molecules without use of streptavidin and biotin. One approach consists of using the Huisgen cycloaddition reaction between an alkyne and an azide, which is an example of “click” chemistry reaction. In this “click” chemistry approach, 3′-azide modified oligos are immobilized to an alkyne-modified microscope slide surface through a triazole linkage. This cycloaddition reaction is very stable in many physiologically relevant buffers, and has been shown to occur without the need of a catalyst. In another approach, we take advantage of the efficient coupling between thiol groups to immobilize biomolecules by forming disulfide bridges. 3′-thiol modified oligos are surface immobilized on a thiol-modified microscope slide by forming disulfide bonds. We are currently improving the immobilization efficiency by optimizing the reaction parameters and conditions. We anticipate that these approaches will allow us to investigate local conformational changes in biomolecular systems at the single molecule level.
Clinical evaluation of insecticide-impregnated tags attached to chains and used as backrubbers for control of Haematobia irritans.

Abstract Fenvalerate and permethrin insecticide tags were tested for horn fly ( Haemotobia irritans ) control. Three fenvalerate-impregnated ear tags attached to a chain and used as a backrubber controlled horn flies on steers for 8 weeks, and six tags provided 118 weeks control. Ten tags impregnated with permethrin failed to control horn flies. The choice of insecticide in tags attached to chains and used as backrubbers for horn fly control may be important, as fenvalerate and permethrin (both pyrethroids) varied in effectiveness.
Long-range and short-range oxidative damage to DNA: photoinduced damage to guanines in ethidium-DNA assemblies.

Short-range and long-range photoreactions between ethidium and DNA have been characterized. While no DNA reaction is observed upon excitation into the visible absorption band of ethidium, higher-energy irradiation (313−340 nm) leads both to direct strand cleavage at the 5‘-G of 5‘-GG-3‘ doublets and to piperidine-sensitive lesions at guanine. This reactivity is not consistent with oxidation of guanine by either electron transfer or singlet oxygen as shown by comparison with reactions of a rhodium intercalator and methylene blue, respectively. By covalently tethering ethidium to one end of a DNA duplex, we demonstrate the presence of two distinct reactions, one short-range and the other long-range. The short-range reaction involves a covalent modification of guanine by ethidium, based upon HPLC analysis of the nucleoside products and studies with ethidium derivatives. The long-range reaction is entirely consistent with oxidation of guanine by DNA-mediated electron transfer. The yield of this electron-transfer reaction is not attenuated with distance; equal yields of guanine damage are observed at a proximal (17 A Et−GG separation) and distal (44 A Et−GG separation) site. These results are quite similar to those previously observed with a covalently tethered rhodium photooxidant and underscore the unique ability of the DNA base stack to facilitate long-range electron transfer so as to effect oxidative damage from a distance.
Integrated single grating compressor for variable pulse-front tilt in simultaneously spatially and temporally focused systems

A multipass chirped pulse amplification system outfitted with a single-grating, simultaneous spatial and temporal focusing (SSTF) compressor platform is provided. Such an system provides the ability to vary the beam aspect ratio of an SSTF beam, and thus the degree of pulse-front tilt at a focus, while maintaining a net zero-dispersion system. The optical system may include a first optical element or set of optical elements that receives and then varies a pulse-front tilt of a light beam, and a second optical element or set of optical elements that focuses the light beam having the varied pulse-front tilt that is output by the first optical element or set of optical elements. The first optical element or set of optical elements includes an optical grating, two dihedrals, and a retroflector roof mirror.
Surface morphology alignment of block copolymers induced by injection molding

Abstract Block copolymers are of increasing interest because of their nanometer-scale morphologies, which can be utilized in a range of applications, including nanolithography. Orientation of the domains can be controlled by part design and processing conditions in injection molding. In this work the surface morphology and alignment of block copolymers by mechanical flow fields from injection molding was investigated using a styrene–ethylene/butylene–styrene triblock copolymer (SEBS) and compared with the morphology induced by spin coating. Compared with the isotropic morphology found by spin coating and annealing, the surface domains were oriented in the flow direction. Increasing mold temperature and injection velocity enhanced the degree of orientation, whereas melt temperature had little effect. Smaller characteristic lengths were produced with higher mold temperatures and injection velocities.
The Effect of Structure on Nitroxide EPR Spectral Linewidth

Nitroxides with narrow linewidths are essential for low-frequency EPR spectroscopy and in vivo EPR imaging. In developing a framework for designing narrow-line nitroxides, we sought to understand the unexpectedly narrow line width of 4-oxo-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxyl (5). Computational modeling revealed that the carbonyl double bond in the 4-position allows conformational diversity that results in the observed narrowing of the EPR spectral line. In view of this finding, we synthesized two new nitroxides bearing an exocyclic double bond: 4-methoxycarbonylmethylidene-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxyl (7) and 4-acetoxymethoxycarbonylmethylidene-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxyl (9). These nitroxides, like nitroxide 5, exhibited narrow linewidths—consistent with the results of modeling. Nitroxide 8 (4-carboxymethylidene-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxyl), as a prototype, allows for a variety of structural diversity, such as nitroxide 9,that can, for instance, target tissue compartments f...
Lightweight rovers for Mars science exploration and sample return

We report on the development of new mobile robots for Mars exploration missions. These 'lightweight survivable rover (LSR)' systems are of potential interest to both space and terrestrial applications, and are distinguished from more conventional designs by their use of new composite materials, collapsible running gear, integrated thermal-structural chassis, and other mechanical features enabling improved mobility and environmental robustness at reduced mass, volume, and power. Our first demonstrated such rover architecture, LSR-1, introduces running gear based on 2D composite struts and 3D machined composite joints, a novel collapsible hybrid composite-aluminum wheel design, a unit-body structural- thermal chassis with improved internal temperature isolation and stabilization, and a spot-pushbroom laser/CCD sensor enabling accurate, fast hazard detection and terrain mapping. LSR-1 is an approximately .7 $MIL 1.0 meter(Lambda) 2(W X L) footprint six-wheel (20 cm dia.) rocker-bogie geometry vehicle of approximately 30 cm ground clearance, weighing only 7 kilograms with an onboard .3 kilogram multi-spectral imager and spectroscopic photometer. By comparison, NASA/JPL's recently flown Mars Pathfinder rover Sojourner is an 11+ kilogram flight experiment (carrying a 1 kg APXS instrument) having approximately .45 X .6 meter(Lambda) 2(WXL) footprint and 15 cm ground clearance, and about half the warm electronics enclosure (WEE) volume with twice the diurnal temperature swing (-40 to +40 degrees Celsius) of LSR- 1 in nominal Mars environments. We are also developing a new, smaller 5 kilogram class LSR-type vehicle for Mars sample return -- the travel to, localization of, pick-up, and transport back to an Earth return ascent vehicle of a sample cache collected by earlier science missions. This sample retrieval rover R&D prototype has a completely collapsible mobility system enabling rover stowage to approximately 25% operational volume, as well an actively articulated axle, allowing changeable pose of the wheel strut geometry for improved transverse and manipulation characteristics.
Hydroxyurea and interleukin-6 synergistically reactivate HIV-1 replication in a latently infected promonocytic cell line via SP1/SP3 transcription factors.

The existence of viral latency limits the success of highly active antiretroviral therapy. With the therapeutic intention of reactivating latent virus to induce a cure, in this study we assessed the impact of cell synchronizers on HIV gene activation in latently infected U1 cells and investigated the molecular mechanisms responsible for such effect. Latently infected U1 cells were treated with 10 drugs including hydroxyurea (HU) and HIV-1 replication monitored using a p24 antigen capture assay. We found that HU was able to induce HIV-1 replication by 5-fold. HU has been used in the clinical treatment of HIV-1-infected patients in combination with didanosine; therefore, we investigated the impact of HU on HIV-1 activation in the presence of the proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). IL-6 or TNF-α alone induced HIV replication by 18- and ∼500-fold, respectively. Of interest, in the presence of HU, IL-6-mediated HIV-1 activation was enhanced by >90-fold, whereas TNF-α-mediated activation was inhibited by >30%. A reporter gene assay showed that HU and IL-6 synergized to activate HIV promoter activity via the Sp1 binding site. Electrophoretic mobility shift and supershift assays revealed increased binding of the Sp1 and Sp3 transcription factors to this region. Western blot analysis showed that HU and IL-6 co-stimulation resulted in increased levels of Sp1 and Sp3 proteins. In contrast, treatment with HU plus TNF-α down-regulated the expression of NF-κB. These findings suggest that Sp1/Sp3 is involved in controlling the HU/IL-6-induced reactivation of HIV-1 in latently infected cells.
Preventing distortion of removable partial denture frameworks during deflasking process.

The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the author and are not to be construed as of??cial or as reflecting the views of the United States Army, or the Department of Defense. aLieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, DC. 10/4/38202 Dent-Kote (Dentsply International, York, Pa.) around clasps and minor connections that are subject to distortion when the waxed partial denture is ready to flask. The elastomer should not completely encircle the clasps and minor connectors, because this might complicate removal of the elastomer. Contraindicated materials are: polysulfide impression materials (because of the stain and odor imparted to acrylic resin), polyethers, and monophasic addition silicone impression materials, which have relatively high rigidity.
Case 45: Cystic Angiomatosis

A 38-year-old woman, in otherwise excellent health, had a 4-year history of left lateral chest wall pain. Physical examination demonstrated a nontender rib cage with normal respiratory movement. Radiographs of the left ribs were obtained (Fig 1). A triple-phase whole-body bone scan demonstrated focal increased uptake within the left sixth rib and right renal enlargement, with no other abnormalities. One year later, the patient had increased left-sided rib pain after an embrace from her husband. A follow-up rib series demonstrated no apparent change. Computed tomography (CT) of the left ribs was performed (Fig 2). A repeat bone scan demonstrated interval decrease in the focal uptake within the left sixth rib and an enlarged distorted right kidney. A radiographic bone survey was performed (Figs 3, 4). Similar findings were also seen in the contralateral humerus, thoracolumbar spine, and pelvis. Subsequent contrast material– enhanced CT of the abdomen was performed (Fig 5). Results of all laboratory tests, including those of serum and urine electrophoresis, did not disclose any abnormalities. CT-guided percutaneous biopsy of a pelvic bone lesion was performed (Fig 6).
Predicting College Success with High School Grades and Test Scores: Limitations for Minority Students

Using a sample of 522 students at a Lutheran university in the Southwestern United States, researchers examined differences in the predictive strength of high school grades and standardized test scores for student involvement, academic achievement, retention, and satisfaction. Findings indicate that high school grades are stronger predictors of success than standardized test scores for both racial and religious minority students. The authors also discuss implications for affirmative action practice and the use of standardized test scores in comprehensive review admissions decisions.
Internationalization and Performance: Traditional Measures and Their Decomposition

Previous empirical results on the relationship between internationalization and firm performance have been mixed. Both monotonic and curvilinear relationships have been reported. Most recent studies have focused on different types of curvilinear relationships, such as inverted Ushaped, standard U‐shaped, and multiple waves. This paper utilizes a more current sample of firms than prior studies have used and decomposes traditional financial performance measures, applying two different measures of degree of internationalization, country scope and foreign sales as a percent of total sales (FSTS), to measure the effects on financial performance of different degrees of internationalization. Several financial performance measures, including traditional indexes (ROE and ROA) and a decomposition of traditional ones (Profit Margin, Total Asset Turnover), are examined.
Closed circular DNAs with tandem repeats of a sequence from polyoma virus

The R, restriction endonuclease from bacteria containing the RTF-1 plasmid cleaves polyoma virus DNA at a single site. Virus stocks which have been passaged through cells several times at moderate or high multiplicities contain closed circular DNAs which are not cleaved by the R, endonuclease. One such population of DNAs, is not infectious, and when sheared and denatured, reassociates at a rate approximately four times faster than polyoma DNA. The predominant DNA in the population is 10% smaller than polyoma DNA and contains a fraction of the polyoma genome tandemly repeated three to four times. There is no significant contamination of the covalently closed circular DNAs by repetitive host sequences. A model explaining how such trandemly repeated molecules could arise by abortive rounds of polyoma DNA replication is discussed.
Distal symmetrical polyneuropathy: definition for clinical research.

The objective of this report was to develop a case definition of “distal symmetrical polyneuropathy” to standardize and facilitate clinical research and epidemiological studies. A formalized consensus process was employed to reach agreement after a systematic review and classification of evidence from the literature. The literature indicates that symptoms alone have relatively poor diagnostic accuracy in predicting the presence of polyneuropathy; signs are better predictors of polyneuropathy than symptoms; and single abnormalities on examination are less sensitive than multiple abnormalities in predicting the presence of polyneuropathy. The combination of neuropathic symptoms, signs, and electrodiagnostic findings provides the most accurate diagnosis of distal symmetrical polyneuropathy. A set of case definitions was rank ordered by likelihood of disease. The highest likelihood of polyneuropathy (useful for clinical trials) occurs with a combination of multiple symptoms, multiple signs, and abnormal electrodiagnostic studies. A modest likelihood of polyneuropathy (useful for field or epidemiological studies) occurs with a combination of multiple symptoms and multiple signs when the results of electrodiagnostic studies are not available. A lower likelihood of polyneuropathy occurs when electrodiagnostic studies and signs are discordant. For research purposes, the best approach for defining distal symmetrical polyneuropathy is a set of case definitions rank ordered by estimated likelihood of disease. The inclusion of this formalized case definition in clinical and epidemiological research studies will ensure greater consistency of case selection. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Influence of the task complexity on the predictive performance of the nonlinear and linear disaggregate models of consumer behavior

Abstract While there is a wide range of attribute choice models that have originated in different academic disciplines and applied decision areas, the development and application of disaggregate models is receiving much attention in the decision area. Two disaggregate models of choice behavior considered in this article are the hierarchical model, based on the threshold concept, and the multinomial logit model, based on the utility principle. The present study empirically examines the effects of the determinant of the task complexity on the predictive performance of the disaggregate models, which have different behavioral assumptions and structures. Results of the study indicate a theoretically appealing interpretation and lead to managerially useful policy-oriented decisions.
Quantifying the Attractiveness of High-Occupancy Toll Lanes with Traffic Sensor Data under Various Traffic Conditions:

Different states have used different tolling strategies for their high-occupancy-toll (HOT) lane facilities, and the performance of an HOT lane system has tied directly to the tolling strategy. However, comparing tolling strategies has been a difficult problem because of the lack of field data as well as missing pieces of information critical to the analysis of HOT lane operations. For example, how single-occupancy vehicles (SOVs) choose the type of lane to use under the effect of tolling and the flow friction between HOT and general purpose lanes remains unclear. This research attempts to analyze the heterogeneity among the SOV users of HOT lanes and to quantify the attractiveness of HOT lanes for SOV drivers. The study uses field data collected by point traffic sensors and transponder toll tags on Washington State Route 167 (SR-167). SOVs are categorized as infrequent users and frequent users, according to the frequency with which their transponder identification tags appear in the database. Their value...
Selected nucleon form factors and a composite scalar diquark

A covariant, composite scalar diquark, Fadde'ev amplitude model for the nucleon is used to calculate pseudoscalar, isoscalar- and isovector-vector, axial-vector and scalar nucleon form factors. The last yields the nucleon $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ term and on-shell $\ensuremath{\sigma}$-nucleon coupling. The calculated form factors are soft, and the couplings are generally in good agreement with experiment and other determinations. Elements in the dressed-quark-axial-vector vertex that are not constrained by the Ward-Takahashi identity contribute $\ensuremath{\sim}20%$ to the magnitude of ${g}_{A}.$ The calculation of the nucleon $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ term elucidates the only unambiguous means of extrapolating meson-nucleon couplings off the meson mass shell.
Effects of Premilking Teat Preparation on Spores of Anaerobes, Bacteria, and Iodine Residues in Milk

Premilking teat preparations using individual paper or cotton towels for either 6 or 20 s to reduce bacteria and iodine residues from teat surfaces were determined through Latin square designs applied to 50 cows. A cotton towel used for 20 s was most effective in cleaning teats, probably because of the physical structure of the towel, physical action on teat surface, and scrubbing of the teat ends. Premilking teat preparation of 6 s was inadequate to clean teats and to avoid iodine residues in milk. Teat end erosions increased iodine residue in milk. Two days after a treatment period, iodine content in milk from iodophor-dipped groups was similar to that of the undipped control group. Against our expectation, teat dipping with a .25% iodophor teat dip caused higher iodine residue in milk than a .50% iodophor teat dip. Differences in formulations and inert ingredients of iodophor teat dips indicate a need for further studies.
Intra‐seasonal variability of polar mesospheric clouds due to inter‐hemispheric coupling

] Polar mesospheric cloud (PMC) observations haverevealed that interannual variability near the polar summermesopause can be forced by planetary wave activity in thewinter stratosphere. We use data from the Aeronomy of Icein the Mesosphere (AIM) satellite to investigate couplingbetween the Arctic winter stratosphere and PMC variabilityin the Antarctic summer of 2007–2008. We find a highcorrelation between zonal mean PMC frequency and Arcticwinter zonal mean winds from the Goddard EarthObserving System, as well as Microwave Limb Sounderzonal mean temperatures. The time lag between changes inthe winter stratosphere and the connected response in PMCsvaries from 2 to 8 days. We suggest that the differences inlag times are related to the evolution of cloud altitudesthroughout the season. The results here are the first to showevidence for intra-seasonal PMC variability forced by inter-hemispheric coupling.
The role of ovarian hormones in sexual reward states of the female rat.

Abstract To what extent does the reward value of sexual stimulation in females depend on ovarian hormones? The effects of estradiol benzoate (EB) and progesterone (P) were examined on the acquisition and expression of sexual reward induced by paced copulation and clitoral stimulation (CLS) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. In experiment 1 we examined the expression of a pacing‐induced conditioned place preference (CPP). Ovariectomized, hormone-primed rats were given experience with paced copulation associated with one side of a CPP apparatus. Changing hormonal status prior to the final CPP test did not alter pacing-induced CPP. However, subsequent partial extinction of CPP was observed only in rats primed with EB + P, a treatment previously shown to induce sexual desire and receptivity. In Experiment 2, significant CLS-induced CPP developed in ovariectomized rats regardless of hormone priming. Our results show that the expression of the sexual reward state induced by paced copulation, and CLS in particular, is independent of hormone priming. We propose that ovarian hormones sensitize sensory and motor pathways necessary for sexual behavior and stimulation to induce reward.
When precedent proves questionable: a structural analysis of overturning precedent on the US Supreme Court

When looking to overturn precedent, US Supreme Court Justices are faced with a challenge, how to maintaining the guise that they have not crafted new law. The principle of stare decisis dictates that when adjudicating cases, precedent should influence and direct future rulings. For countless reasons, the justices do deviate from precedent, intermittently expunging established precedent by overturning cases, and substituting the old with a new view of the law. How then do majority opinions simultaneously maintain the facade of judicial interpretation while asserting new law? Through the analysis of overturning cases three factors: 1 dismissal 2 invocation of precedent 3 appeal to societal norms – emerge in order to successfully supplant old law, while maintaining institutional legitimacy.
C02 Enrichment Delays a Rapid, Drought-Induced Decrease in Rubisco Small Subunit Transcript Abundance

Summary Rice ( Oryza sativa L. cv. IR-72) was grown in sunlit chambers at 350 and 700 gmol CO 2 mol -1 under conditions of continuous flooding (control) or drought which was imposed at panicle initiation, to evaluate the effects of C0 2 enrichment and soil water deficit on photosynthesis and Rubisco gene expression. Leaf and canopy photosynthetic rates were enhanced by high [CO 2 ] but reduced by drought. High [CO 2 ] and severe drought both reduced rbcS transcript abundance, along with the activity, activation and protein content of Rubisco, but the K m (CO 2 ) was not affected. The transition from moderate to severe drought caused a rapid decline, within 24 h, in the rbcS transcript abundance. High [CO 2 ], however, delayed the adverse effects of severe drought on rbcS transcript abundance and activities of Rubisco, and permitted photosynthesis to continue for an extra day during the drought-stress cycle.
The Impact of Assertive Community Treatment on Utilization of Primary Care and Other Outpatient Health Services The North Carolina Experience

BACKGROUND:A number of states have implemented Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams statewide. The extent to which team-based care in ACT programs substitutes or complements primary care and o...