cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of normobaric hypoxia on upper body critical power and anaerobic working capacity

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effects of moderate normobaric hypoxia on the parameters of the work-time relationship in the upper body. Methods Twenty-one recreationally active men completed a graded exercise test in both normobaric hypoxia (H) and normoxia (N) to exhaustion on an arm ergometer to determine VO2peak and peak power output (PPO). Each participant completed four constant work-rate (CWR) arm-cranking tests at 90–120% PPO in both environmental conditions. Linear regression was used to estimate critical power (CP) and anaerobic working capacity (AWC) via work-time relationship during the CWR tests. Results H significantly reduced VO2peak (N: 2.34 ± 0.34 L vs. H: 2.27 ± 0.34 L, p = 0.041), PPO (N: 125.29 ± 17.98 W vs. H: 121.11 ± 17.98 W, p = 0.001), and CP (N: 90.22 ± 12.88 W vs. H: 85.26 ± 9.64 W, p = 0.042), but had no effect on AWC (N: 9.16 ± 2.81 kJ vs. H: 8.75 ± 3.23 kJ, p = 0.600). Discussion Moderate normobaric hypoxia appears to reduce CP in the upper body but has a variable effect on AWC.
Economic Design of Fraction Nonconforming Control Charts with Multiple State Changes

A number of models for the economic design of fraction nonconforming control charts have been presented. When multiple out-of-control states exist, a common assumption has been that at most a single assignable cause may affect the state of the production process during a specified or random interval. A model which does not constrain the number of shifts is presented and the effects of the “single shift” assumption are reviewed. Results indicate that the previous models' assumptions are valid for a significant range of model parameters. However, cases are presented for which some models are shown to be weakened by their limiting assumptions. In particular, the “single shift per process investigation” assumption is shown to exhibit a misleading relationship between the sampling interval and sample acceptance policy, such that an artificial degree of stability is conferred upon the production process when the expected interval between process investigations becomes large.
Perspectives on the State of the Art (and Science) of Selected Life-Span Services:

At the 2016 TASH Conference in St. Louis, a research colloquium was held that focused on the state of selected life-span services for people with severe disabilities. Topics addressed by leading ex...
Common Themes and Conclusions

This concluding chapter explores important themes that emerged from the case studies and provides insights about the context in which EBED is implemented around the world. Some themes are more obvious, such as that EBED efforts tend to require multidimensional and comprehensive approaches, but others are more nuanced, such as that timing of EBED projects is crucial and often difficult. We also observe that EBED efforts may be met by unintended consequences when the benefits and burdens from energy development are distributed in unexpected ways and that community participation is important, especially for place-based approaches.
Fourier Transform Algorithms for Spectral Analysis Derived with MACSYMA

The general problem of computing the power spectrum from N samples of a signal x(t) by Fourier Transform (FT) methods is considered. It is commonly, and erroneously, believed that fast (FFT) methods apply efficiently only when N is a power of 2. Instead, I describe several techniques, using MACSYMA, applicable for computing transforms, correlation functions and power spectra that are faster than radix-2 FFTs. I also mention the possibility of a quasi-analytic B-spline method for computing transforms. For these problems, I will illustrate certain systematic techniques to generate optimized FORTRAN code from MACSYMA.
Analyzing thermal effect of charging and discharging process in KTN crystal for optical beam deflector applications (Conference Presentation)

In this paper, we quantitatively simulate the thermal effect of charging and discharging process of high speed KTN beam deflector. The influence of thermal effect on beam quality is quantitatively analyzed. The method of reducing the thermal effect via a multi-layer design is also explored.
G504(P) Indications and outcome of early age aortopexy in children

Introduction The indications and optimal age for aortopexy remain a subject of debate. Aortopexy is performed in children with moderate to severe airways symptoms (recurrent stridor, need for intubation and ventilation) and tracheomalacia, caused by pulsatile tracheal compression from innominate artery. We report our results with early age aortopexy in patients with and without tracheo oesophageal fistula (TOF). Method Between 2011- 2016, 52 children underwent aortopexy in our centre. Median age at surgery was 9 months. This procedure was performed using a standard open surgical approach, with partial thymectomy and 2–3 sutures placed to lift innominate artery. Twelve patients had tracheopexy at the same time as the aortopexy. Mean follow-up period after surgery was 36 months. We retrospectively collected data on preoperative symptoms, pre and postop bronchoscopy and clinical outcomes. Results The clinical presentation was heterogenous. Patients with associated TOF (23%) had overall more severe symptoms, that occurred in 75% of these cases. The patients without TOF presented with severe symptoms only in 50% of cases. The degree of tracheal/bronchial compression, as assessed by bronchoscopy was: mild (0%–50%) in 6% of the cases, moderate (50%–70%) in 27% and severe (>70%) in 67% of cases. The severity of clinical presentation was significantly corelated with the degree of stenosis (p=0.003). Three cases had failure of aortopexy sutures 3 months post procedure and required repeat procedure. All of these patients had TOF. At last available follow-up: 59.6% patient had a significant improvement, 26.9% had improvement with persisting respiratory symptoms, 9.5% were static and 3.8% died from unrelated causes. Fifteen percent of patients presented at least one life threatening event at any point after surgery. An improvement of the degree of tracheal compression by more than 25% was found in 80% of the patients. Twenty-nine patients (55.7%) had sleep studies. 28.8% of the last sleep studies performed were normal, 13.4% showed mild OSA, 9.6% showed mixed disorder (OSA and Hypoventilation) and 3.8% had central events. Conclusion Aortopexy, as a curative treatment for tracheomalacia produced by tracheal compression, is effective and has low morbidity and mortality from a young age.
Reducing opioid usage: a pilot study comparing postoperative selective dorsal rhizotomy protocols.

Objective Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a surgical procedure used to treat spasticity in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Currently, there is a lack of work examining the efficacy of optimizing pain management protocols after single-level laminectomy for SDR. This pilot study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of SDR completed with a traditional pain management protocol versus one designed for opioid dosage reduction. Methods The Texas Comprehensive Spasticity Center prospective database was queried for all patients who underwent SDR between 2015 and 2018. Demographic, surgical, and postoperative data for all patients who underwent SDR were collected from medical records. The study was designed as a retrospective study between the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and dexmedetomidine infusion (INF) groups with 80% power to detect a 50% difference at a significance level of 0.05. Patients in the INF group received perioperative gabapentin, intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion, and scheduled acetaminophen and NSAIDs postoperatively. Results Medication administration records, pain scores, and therapy notes were collected for 30 patients. Patients who underwent SDR between June 2015 and the end of December 2017 received traditional pain management (PCA group, n = 14). Patients who underwent SDR between January 2018 and the end of December 2018 received modified pain management (INF group, n = 16). No patients were lost to follow-up. Differences in age, weight, height, preoperative Gross Motor Function Classification System scores, operative duration, hospital length of stay, and sex distribution were not statistically different between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). Analysis of analgesic medication doses demonstrated that the INF group required fewer doses and lower amounts of opioids overall, and also fewer NSAIDs than the PCA group. When converted to the morphine milligram equivalent, the patients in the INF group used fewer doses and lower amounts of opioids overall than the PCA group. These differences were either statistically significant (p 0.05). Pain scores were comparable between the groups (p > 0.05) despite patients in the INF group requiring fewer opioids. Conclusions Infusion with dexmedetomidine during SDR surgery combined with perioperative gabapentin and scheduled acetaminophen and NSAIDs postoperatively resulted in similar pain scores to traditional pain management with opioids. In addition, this pilot study demonstrated that patients who received the INF pain management protocol required reduced opioid dosages and were able to participate in therapy similarly to the control PCA group.
High Prevalence and Low Awareness of Albuminuria in the Community Setting in the KDSAP.

Introduction Albuminuria is a sign of kidney disease and associated with adverse outcomes. However, most individuals with albuminuria are unaware of it. The Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program (KDSAP) aims for early detection and raising awareness of albuminuria, targeting underserved populations in communities. This study will assess the prevalence and awareness of albuminuria and identify associated risk factors among KDSAP participants. Methods KDSAP participants ≥18 years old without a history of dialysis or kidney transplant were included. Albuminuria was identified by dipstick urinalysis. Individuals with albuminuria who answered yes to either of the following 2 questions were defined as being aware: (i) Have you ever had protein in the urine? (ii) Do you have kidney disease? Results Among 2304 participants, 461 (20.0%) had albuminuria: 16.3% with trace or 1+ (low degree) and 3.7% with 2+ or more (high degree). Correlating factors of albuminuria included young age, male sex, African American descent, self-reported diabetes, hypertension, family history of kidney disease, and smoking. Overall albuminuria awareness was 15.8%, but awareness inversely correlated to younger age groups: 7.0% for ages 18–39 years, 13.5% for ages 40–59 years, and 24.0% for ages ≥60 years (P Conclusions There was a high albuminuria prevalence among KDSAP participants, yet low awareness. KDSAP can potentially be a useful model for detecting albuminuria and raising awareness in communities.
Reduction of inflammation in chronic pancreatitis using a soy bread intervention: A feasibility study

Abstract Introduction Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease, which progresses to fibrosis. Currently there are no interventions to delay or stop the progression to irreversible organ damage. In this study, we assessed the tolerability and feasibility of administering soy bread to reduce circulating inflammatory mediators. Methods Subjects with chronic pancreatitis diagnosed using the American Pancreatic Association diagnostic guidelines were enrolled. During the dose escalation (DE) phase, subjects received one week of soy bread based using a 3 + 3 dose-escalation design, which was then followed by a maximally tolerated dose (MTD) phase with four weeks of intervention. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were monitored. Plasma cytokine levels were measured using a Meso Scale Discovery multiplex assay kit. Isoflavonoid excretion in 24-h urine collection was used to measure soy bread compliance. Results Nine subjects completed the DE phase, and one subject completed the MTD phase without any DLTs at a maximum dosage of three slices (99 mg of isoflavones) per day. Reported compliance to soy bread intervention was 98%, and this was confirmed with urinary isoflavones and their metabolites detected in all subjects. There was a significant decline in the TNF-α level during the DE phase (2.667 vs 2.382 pg/mL, p = 0.039); other levels were similar. Conclusions In this feasibility study, there was excellent compliance with a short-term intervention using soy bread in chronic pancreatitis. Reduction was seen in at least one pro-inflammatory cytokine with short-term intervention. Larger cohorts and longer interventions with soy are warranted to assess the efficacy of reducing pro-inflammatory mediators of disease.
Oral surgery with nasotracheal intubation in a patient with ectodermal dysplasia

Ectodermal dysplasias are a rare group of heritable disorders involving the ectodermal derivatives with only a few published reports involving its anaesthetic management. We present the case of a 16-year-old boy with ectodermal dysplasia presented for elective oral surgery under general anaesthesia with a surgeon preference for nasotracheal intubation to provide adequate surgical exposure. The patient had successful nasal flexible bronchoscopic intubation despite challenging tracheal intubation conditions. We summarise previous case reports and discuss anaesthetic considerations in ectodermal dysplasia , including reduced mucus production in the respiratory tract, laryngeal incompetence, potential for difficult tracheal intubation and hyperthermia from reduced or absent sweat glands.
The next-to-top term in knot Floer homology

Let $K$ be a null-homologous knot in a generalized L-space $Z$ with $b_1(Z)\le1$. Let $F$ be a Seifert surface of $K$ with genus $g$. We show that if $\widehat{HFK}(Z,K,[F],g)$ is supported in a single $\mathbb Z/2\mathbb Z$--grading, then \[\mathrm{rank}\widehat{HFK}(Z,K,[F],g-1)\ge\mathrm{rank}\widehat{HFK}(Z,K,[F],g).\]
Methylglyoxal influences development of Caenorhabditis elegans via lin-41-dependent pathway.

Abstract Methylglyoxal is a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound. It can be obtained either endogenously through biological enzymatic/non-enzymatic pathways or exogenously via the uptake of certain foods and beverages, such as Manuka honey. Studies about its biological properties are quite controversial, though the majority reported a positive association between methylglyoxal and certain pathologies. In this report, we tested if methylglyoxal can alter the development of animals using Caenorhabditis elegans as the in vivo model. Treatment of methylglyoxal at 0.1 and 1 mmol/L for 2 days significantly inhibited the development of Caenorhabditis elegans, particularly targeting the transition from L3 stage. Pharyngeal pumping rate, the food intake marker was also significantly reduced by methylglyoxal at both 0.1 and 1 mmol/L. Additionally, treatment of 0.1 mmol/L methylglyoxal increased, while 1 mmol/L methylglyoxal decreased the nematodes’ average moving speed. The effect of methylglyoxal on development was in part due to the modulation of lin-41, which encodes a homolog of human TRIM71. The mutation of lin-41 could alleviate or abolish the effects of methylglyoxal on growth rate, body size, pumping rate and locomotive activity. In summary, these results suggested that methylglyoxal influenced the development of Caenorhabditis elegans, which is in part via the lin-41-dependent pathway.
Effect of type of enrichment and duration of incubation on salmonella recovery from meat-and-bone meal.

Twenty-five meat-and-bone meal samples were enriched with either selenite-cystine or tetrathionate and incubated for 1 and 2 days. Seven were previously found to be positive; of the other 18, 16 were positive for salmonella. The number of somatic serogroups per sample ranged from 1 to 11 with a mean of 3.8. Significantly more (P < 0.01) group C1 salmonellae were isolated using tetrathionate than selenite, whereas significantly more of groups G, 35, and Difco poly-valent D were isolated from selenite than tetrathionate. Seventy-six percent of the presumptive colonies from Brilliant Green agar showed a positive lysine decarboxylase reaction, and there were no differences between media or times of incubation. Ninety-four per cent of the lysine decarboxylase-positive cultures showed a positive somatic antiserum response; again there were no differences between times or enrichments although there were significantly more total positive serogroups at 2 days than at 1 day from tetrathionate but not from selenite. There were indications that certain serogroups preferred either one or the other enrichment. There were no differences in total positive samples with the two enrichments although neither alone was sufficient to identify all positives. Several lactose-positive salmonellae were recovered.
An application of Expert Network to clinical classification and MEDLINE indexing.

Abstract An effective and efficient learning method, Expert Network (ExpNet), is introduced in this paper. ExpNet predicts the related categories of an arbitrary text based on a search of its nearest neighbors in a set of training texts, and a reasoning from the expert-assigned categories of these neighbors. Evaluations in patient-record text classification and MEDLINE document indexing show a performance of ExpNet in recall and precision comparable to the Linear Least Squares Fit (LLSF) mapping method, and significantly better than other methods tested. We also observed that ExpNet is much more efficient than LLSF in computation. The total training and testing time on the patient-record text collection (6134 texts) was 4 minutes for ExpNet versus 96 minutes for LLSF; on the MEDLINE document collection (2344 documents), the total time was 15 minutes for ExpNet versus 4.6 hours for LLSF. It is evident in this study that human knowledge of text categorization can be statistically learned without expensive computation, and that ExpNet is such a solution.
The circulation in man in certain postures before and after extensive sympathectomy for essential hypertension: II. Effect of certain mechanical agents and paredrinol on blood pressure and pulse rate

Abstract In a previous paper1 we reported some of the physiologic effects on the circulation of extensive splanchnic sympathectomy and postural change in cases of essential hypertension. The studies to be reported in this paper were made on the same ten patients (Cases 1 to 10). In general, the same air-conditioned room and basic procedure, including the same dates of study, were employed in both instances. This part of the investigation was concerned with modifications of blood pressure and pulse rate by (1) a tight abdominal binder, (2) bilaterally inflated cuffs around the thighs, (3) an abdominal binder plus cuffs around the thighs, (4) exercise of the legs, and (5) the administration of paredrinol sulfate. The blood-pressure-raising effects of some of these agents were compared to similar effects of the cold-pressor test. Controlled observations preceded each of the investigations. Each study was done before and after extensive sympathectomy, and, in most instances, while the patients were in the horizontal and in the 60-degree head-up postures.
The Cell Mitotic Cycle

In no case is the process well understood whereby the growing cell “decides” to replicate its genome, segregate its chromosomes into two nuclei, and wall them off from each other by cell fission. Such a fundamental biological process presumably has some universal aspects. Its appeal as an object of investigation is further enchanced by the seductive belief that the mechanism of replication is constrained to some kind of simplicity these facts: 1. The end state is close to the initial state (namely, a freshly divided cell); and 2. The whole process repeats at fixed intervals of time, at least in certain kinds of cells in optimal growth conditions.
Validation of agent based reconfiguration scheme using modeling and simulation approach

A popular distributed intelligence/control approach for research is the agent based application. Agent based solutions are being applied to diverse problems including reconfiguration of power systems. Although developing an efficient approach is important, also important is the validation of that approach and its realtime or near realtime performance. This paper discusses the importance of modeling and simulation towards verification of an agent based reconfiguration scheme for power systems. Results of two different modeling and simulation approaches are presented. In the first approach Virtual Test Bed software was used for validation of multi agent based reconfiguration algorithm. In the second case the same agents' performance was analyzed with processor-in-the-loop experiments with a real time digital simulator.
New Frontiers in NASA Data Management

We discuss NASA’s data management practices, showing how they are rooted in policies established early during the space science era. We describe current trends and future directions in NASA data management. Data preservation has always been a high priority. New information technologies have enabled faster and more convenient data access, including access to NASA’s holdings by students, educators, and the general public. Multiwavelength data analyses are now common, and it will soon become possible to mine information from a “virtual observatory” comprised of terabyte-size digital sky surveys that span the entire electromagnetic spectrum. We give examples of some of the current and next-generation tools that will make this possible.
Hierarchy visualization: from research to practice

Hierarchy visualization has been a hot topic in the Information Visualization community for the last 15 years. A number of hierarchy visualization techniques have been invented, with each having advantages for some applications, but limitations or disadvantages for other applications. No technique has succeeded for a wide variety of applications.We continue to struggle with basic problems of high cognitive overhead (e.g., loss of context), poor fit to the data (e.g., problems of scale), and poor fit to the users task at hand (e.g., handling multiple points of focus). At the same time, information access improvements have made available to us much richer sources of information, including multiple hierarchies. In this talk, I will review what we know about hierarchy visualization, then describe our approach to visualization of multiple hierarchies with two techniques (Polyarchy Visualization and Schema Mapping), and conclude with lessons learned for basic hierarchy visualization and suggestions for future work.
Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension: Direct, Indirect, and Reciprocal Influences.

At first glance, the story of how vocabulary and reading comprehension are related would seem to be straightforward: If you don’t know the meanings of the words you are attempting to read, you can’t comprehend the passage. But if you take the time to look a little more carefully, the story gets more complicated and more interesting. A more complete story of how vocabulary and reading comprehension are related necessarily involves consideration of direct, indirect, and reciprocal influences, and also of the possibility that they are related by virtue of being correlated with a third variable (Wagner, Muse, & Tannenbaum, 2007a). Our article is organized into six sections. In the first section, we provide an overview of reading comprehension problems and describe the results of a recent large-scale study of relations between deficits in vocabulary and decoding and impaired reading comprehension. In the second section through fourth sections, we discuss direct, indirect, and reciprocal influences of vocabulary on reading comprehension respectively. In the fifth section, we discuss relations between vocabulary and reading comprehension that could arise by virtue of their joint correlation with a third variable. In the sixth and final section, we discuss potentially fruitful directions for future research.
On Steinitz's theorem concerning convex 3-polytopes and on some properties of planar graphs

Abstract : Two relatively simple proofs for the famous theorem of Steinitz on the characterization of graphs of 3-polytopes are presented, together with some new results on the structure of 3-connected graphs. (Author)
Global Lithium Availability: A Constraint for Electric Vehicles

Summary There is disagreement on whether the supply of lithium is adequate to support a future global fleet of electric vehicles. We report a comprehensive analysis of the global lithium resources and compare it to an assessment of global lithium demand from 2010 to 2100 that assumes rapid and widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Recent estimates of global lithium resources have reached very different conclusions. We compiled data on 103 deposits containing lithium, with an emphasis on the 32 deposits that have a lithium resource of more than 100,000 tonnes each. For each deposit, data were compiled on its location, geologic type, dimensions, and content of lithium as well as current status of production where appropriate. Lithium demand was estimated under the assumption of two different growth scenarios for electric vehicles and other current battery and nonbattery applications. The global lithium resource is estimated to be about 39 Mt (million tonnes), whereas the highest demand scenario does not exceed 20 Mt for the period 2010 to 2100. We conclude that even with a rapid and widespread adoption of electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries, lithium resources are sufficient to support demand until at least the end of this century.
Immune suppression induced by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans: effects on immunoglobulin production by human B cells.

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans produces an immunosuppressive factor (ISF) which has been shown to suppress mitogen- and antigen-induced DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis in human T lymphocytes. In this study, we examined purified A. actinomycetemcomitans ISF for its ability to alter immunoglobulin production by human B cells. The ISF caused a dose-dependent inhibition of pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-induced immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM production. Preexposure to ISF was not required to achieve maximal inhibition of immunoglobulin synthesis, as previously observed for its effect on T-cell activation. Nevertheless, the ISF appeared to act by irreversibly affecting the early stages of cell activation. While PWM-induced immunoglobulin production is under the influence of T-regulatory circuits, it appears that the ISF interacts directly with B cells. First, ISF failed to alter either the synthesis of interleukin-2 (IL-2) or the expression of IL-2 receptors on T cells. Second, experiments in which individual purified populations of cells were exposed to ISF, washed, and placed back into tissue culture indicated that when all cells (i.e., T cells, B cells, and monocytes) were exposed to ISF, significant suppression was observed. However, when only one cell population was treated with ISF, suppression of both IgG and IgM synthesis was observed only when the B-cell-enriched population was exposed to ISF. These results in conjunction with our earlier findings suggest that the ISF functions via the activation of a regulatory subpopulation of B lymphocytes, which in turn either directly or indirectly (via suppressor T cells) downregulate both B- and T-cell responsiveness. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that patients who harbor A. actinomycetemcomitans could suffer from local or systemic immune suppression. This suppression may enhance the pathogenicity of A. actinomycetemcomitans itself or that of some other opportunistic organism.
Rose Window Graphs

This paper introduces a family of tetravalent graphs called ";rose window graphs";, denoted R_n(a, r), and investigates their symmetry properties. Four families of these graphs are shown to be edge-transitive and it is conjectured that every R_n(a, r) which is edged-transitive belongs to one of these families. Proofs and conjectures about the size of a dart-stabilizer and about regular maps containing these graphs are also offered.
Testing of trigger detectors for alerting radionuclide monitoring stations as part of a comprehensive test ban treaty

Abstract With the signing of a comprehensive test ban treaty in 1996, the ability to detect the presence of anthropogenic radionuclides in the atmosphere for verification purposes is increasingly important. A trigger detector is a concept designed to aid in this purpose by giving timely notice of suspicious concentrations of radionuclides in the atmosphere adjacent to a radionuclide monitoring station (RMS) [1] (DeGeer, Nuclear Detection Group, Division of Nuclear Weapons Physics, National Defence Research Establishment, S-17290 Stockholm, Sweden, De Geer, Paper presented at the ARPA sponsored meeting on CTBT Monitoring Technologies, San Diego, 26–29 September 1994). In this research, the evaluation and performance analysis of two different trigger detectors was studied. Point source experiments were performed to characterize the detector response. Limits of detection for each detector were determined using a simulated atmosphere (∼100 gal of water) contaminated with a gamma-ray emitting radioisotope. Three different analytical models of radioactive clouds were developed to predict detectability: (1) uniformly contaminated hemisphere; (2) uniformly contaminated slabs; and (3) a series of infinitely long line sources (representing rectangular segments of a uniformly contaminated atmosphere). The simulation of a contaminated atmosphere yielded a detectable concentration, for 1.0 MeV photons, of approximately 0.5 Bq/m3 by the NaI detector. The study indicates that the NaI crystal is the detector of choice for a RMS triggering system.
Fuzzy Random Variables

Abstract In this paper we define the concepts of fuzzy random variable and the expectation of a fuzzy random variable. The new definition of expectation generalizes the integral of a set-valued function. We derive some properties of these new concepts. By considering a suitable generalization of the Hausdorff metric, we derive the Lebesgue-dominated convergence type theorem.
An α-Helical Peptidomimetic Inhibitor of the HIV-1 Rev−RRE Interaction

The interaction between the HIV-1 Rev protein and the Rev-Responsive Element (RRE) RNA is an attractive target for anti-viral therapy. We have designed α-helical peptidomimetics of Rev-like peptides using side chain−side chain macrolactam formation between positions i and i+4. One peptidomimetic having an appropriate location, orientation, and length of the macrolactam exhibited both significant helical character and specific RRE binding. This molecule displays 2-fold greater RNA specificity than the wild-type Rev peptide and more than 20-fold greater specificity than an uncyclized control peptide. Thus, specific, high affinity recognition of the RRE is feasible utilizing a small, relatively rigid peptidomimetic scaffold.
Mistress Stagg's Petitioners: February 1642

(1997). Mistress Stagg's Petitioners: February 1642. The Historian: Vol. 60, No. 2, pp. 241-256.
Histone acetyltransferase complexes: one size doesn't fit all

Over the past 10 years, the study of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) has advanced significantly, and a number of HATs have been isolated from various organisms. It emerged that HATs are highly diverse and generally contain multiple subunits. The functions of the catalytic subunit depend largely on the context of the other subunits in the complex. We are just beginning to understand the specialized roles of HAT complexes in chromosome decondensation, DNA-damage repair and the modification of non-histone substrates, as well as their role in the broader epigenetic landscape, including the role of protein domains within HAT complexes and the dynamic interplay between HAT complexes and existing histone modifications.
Why did the Egyptian Middle Class March to Tahrir Square

Building on the extensive literature on relations between the state and social classes, this article examines the reasons leading important sectors of the middle class to revolt against Egypt's Mubarak regime. The role of the middle class in the Egyptian uprising is both crucial and somewhat paradoxical. It is crucial because it was the middle class that overwhelmingly mobilized against Mubarak, with workers and peasants remaining, at least initially, on the sidelines. It is also paradoxical because the Mubarak regime had courted the middle class for a long time and the latter did benefit from its privileged relations with the regime. However, the neo-liberal reforms undertaken more recently undermined many of the material and political achievements of the middle class, favouring instead a new class of tycoon capitalists linked to the regime. This created extensive dissatisfaction within the middle class, which seized on the opportunity provided by the circumstances of the Arab Spring to demand political ...
PREPARING TOMORROW'S BEHAVIOR‐ANALYTIC RESEARCHERS: A REVIEW OF RESEARCH METHODS IN APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS BY JON BAILEY AND MARY BURCH

Although there are many books about behavioral research methods, there are very few guidebooks. This review describes a book by Jon S. Bailey and Mary R. Burch that has been written specifically as a guide for the new researcher. Replete with helpful tips on navigating the research process, the book is organized into 10 sequential research steps that guide the reader through each phase of conceptualizing, conducting, and analyzing an applied study. Although not as detailed as other texts with regard to the specifics of methodology, this book is reader-friendly and accessible to both undergraduates and graduate students who are beginning the process of becoming applied behavior-analytic researchers.
Introduction: program quality in substance dependency treatment.

The purpose of this volume of articles is to present the current “state of the art” in conceptualization and research concerning program quality in substance dependency treatment, which includes the following topics: How should treatment program outcomes be defined? How can research-based quality treatment be disseminated to the field? What is the role of innovative accreditation models in promoting treatment quality? How can the conceptualization and measurement of the treatment process be improved? What more can we learn about elements of program/treatment quality from the research base? These issues are explored theoretically and empirically in 20 original articles.
Ultrafast photoconductors based on plasmonic gratings

We present an ultrafast photoconductor that offers significantly higher quantum efficiencies compared to conventional photoconductors. The ultrafast response is achieved by excitation of surface plasmon waves, localizing a major portion of the incident light near photoconductor contact electrodes.
Prediction of the lens lifetime by monitoring lens degradation on laser-based microlithography tools

The bulk stability of the lens material in Deep-UV lithography (Fused Silica and Calcium Fluoride), as well as the susceptibility of the lens anti-reflection coating to a thin layer of chemical contamination during laser irradiation over long period of time, are the keys for advanced lithography systems lifetime. Lens degradation impacts laser-based exposure systems’ performance and therefore affects the product quality. There is a need for careful monitoring and prediction of lens lifetimes. This paper describes a method to calculate the degradation rate of optics and the lifetime prediction of these systems, along with some possible mechanisms for imaging degradation and factors that accelerate the degradation process. Currently, 'Pulse count' methods are used for such calculation; here we describe a new 'Energy based' method equal to 'Cumulative energy' through the projection lens. The paper compares the two methods using actual cases and shows the benefits of using the proposed method. We also suggest some new ways to deal with the problem. In addition, we report the learning from a project which entails developing a software application for automatic continuous tracking of degradation rates as well as the lens lifetime prediction across all Intel's laser based lithography tools.
Shifting Standards and the Evaluation of Competence: Complexity in Gender‐Based Judgment and Decision Making

Gender stereotypes regarding task competence may lead perceivers to set different standards for diagnosing competence in women versus men. Specifically, stereotypes may prompt lower minimum standards (or initial screening criteria) but higher confirmatory standards for women than men (Biernat & Kobrynowicz, 1997). In two studies simulating hiring decisions, predictions were that women would be (1) more likely than men to make a short list for a job but (2) less likely than men to be hired for the same job. Results were generally consistent with predictions only among female participants (Studies 1 and 2), among those exposed to a female experimenter (Study 1), and among those held accountable for their decisions (Study 2). The role of motivational factors in the setting of standards is discussed.
The roles of phellem (skin) tensile-related fractures and phellogen shear-related fractures in susceptibility to tuber-skinning injury and skin-set development

The susceptibility of potato tubers to excoriation (idiom = skinning injury) during harvest is a widespread problem that results in costly disease, defects, and shrinkage. Little is known about the physiology associated with susceptibility of immature periderm and the development of full and final resistance to skinning injury (skin-set) upon periderm maturation. The objective of this research was to determine the roles of phellem (skin) tensile and phellogen shear-related fractures in skinning injury and in the development of resistance to tuber-skinning injury upon skin-set. The resistance to skinning injury was measured on potato tubers with immature and mature periderm using genetically diverse cultivars during two growing seasons. Separate force measurements (mNm) were obtained to determine the relative strength associated with the “total resistance to skining” and the “phellogen shear component” (total resistance to skinning = phellem tensile component plus phellogen shear component). The relative strength of the “phellem tensile component” was calculated by subtracting the force measurement for the phellogen shear component from the total resistance to skinning. The results indicate that the phellem tensile component plays a minor role in the total resistance to skinning in immature and mature periderm. The relative strength of the phellem tensile component appeared to be nearly constant for all time points for each cultivar and did not measurably increase as the periderm approached maturation; this indicates that the phellem/skin tensile component does not contribute to skin-set development. However, the force required for fracture of the phellogen shear component did increase upon periderm maturation. These results indicate that the increased strength of the phellogen shear component was the determinant for the development of full resistance to skinning injury, i.e., skin-set. This research uncovers and defines the role of this second component, the phellem tensile component, for incorporation into the recently conceived paradigm for tuber excoriation and skin-set. These findings are consistent with and complement recent microscopical research which showed that the phellogen layer of immature periderm was the single tangential plane of fracture upon skinning and that this layer of cells was no longer prone to fracture upon development of full resistance to tuberskinning injury. The results were similar for all cultivars tested and provide a definite direction for future research on the biochemical changes and processes associated with phellogen cell wall strengthening, which comprises the phellogen shear strength component.
The Next Generation of Computational Science and Engineering

Here, the Editor-in-Chief discusses ways to broaden the scope, participation, and reach of the CiSE community while also giving continuous, focused attention to the communities of practice who are so crucial in developing scientific and engineering software.
Toxicity and efficacy studies on a series of lipid-soluble dineodecanoato(trans-R,R- and trans-S,S-1,2-diaminocyclohexane) platinum (II) complexes entrapped in liposomes.

A number of highly lipophilic dineodecanoato(trans-R,R- and trans-S,S-1,2-diaminocyclohexane) platinum (II) complexes were entrapped in multilamellar vesicles composed of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine and dimyristoyl phosphatidyl-glycerol at a molar ratio of 7:3. The entrapment efficiency and stability of liposomal platinum (L-Pt) preparations was greater than 90%. The subacute mouse LD50 of L-Pt preparations tested ranged from 60 to 104 mg/kg. All L-Pt preparations tested had no significant nephrotoxicity at the LD50 dose except for L-Pt 5, which caused renal dysfunctions (as evidenced by elevated blood urea nitrogen levels) at the LD50 dose. L-Pt preparations had shown good in vivo antitumor activity against i.p. L1210 leukemia when an optimal dose was administered i.p. to mice on days 1, 5 and 9 (% T/C 230-300; cisplatin 220). L-Pt preparations were also markedly active, by the i.p. route, against L1210 leukemia resistant to cisplatin (% T/C 237-355; cisplatin 112). All L-Pt preparations exhibited significant antitumor activity against B16 melanoma when administered i.p. on day 1 (% T/C 144-155; cisplatin 161). L-Pt 1, 3 and 5 were all tested by the i.v. route on days 4, 8 and 12 against M5076 reticulosarcoma, but none of these preparations showed any significant antitumor activity against this tumor system (% T/C 120-127; cisplatin 173). Current studies aimed at optimizing the liposomal formulation of these compounds should result in the selection of a single isomeric L-Pt formulation for clinical development.
Tumor induction in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice following inhalation exposure to ethylbenzene

Carcinogenesis studies of ethylbenzene were conducted because of its extensive use as a solvent and because it is structurally similar to the known carcinogen benzene. Groups of 50 male and 50 female Fischer rats and B6C3F1 mice were exposed to ethylbenzene by inhalation at 0, 75, 250, and 750 ppm 6 h per day, 5 days per week, for 2 years. The dose levels were selected based on the results of 13-week studies. In the 750 ppm group of male and female rats, body weights were slightly lower and incidences of renal hyperplasia and tubular neoplasms were significantly increased compared with controls. Incidence of testicular tumors was also significantly increased in male rats. Survival and body weights of the exposed groups of male and female mice and controls were comparable. Incidences of alveolar epithelium metaplasia, alveolar/bronchiolar adenoma, and hepatocyte hypertrophy and necrosis were significantly increased in the 750 ppm male mice and incidences of liver eosinophilic foci and hepatocellular neoplasms were significantly increased in the 750 ppm female mice compared with controls. Ethylbenzene is carcinogenic inducing neoplasms in kidneys and testes in Fischer rats and in lungs in male and liver in female B6C3F1 mice.
Operational experience with CDF silicon microvertex detectors

Abstract Silicon microstrip detectors have been used very successfully to study long-lived particles produced in p p collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron. Two such detectors were constructed and operated at the CDF experiment during the last two collider runs. The design, performance and operation of the detectors are described.
Nanocrystalline SnO gas sensors in view of surface reactions and modifications

The gas-sensing mechanism of an n-type semiconductor (tin dioxide) gas sensor is reviewed in this paper. It is demonstrated that very high sensitivity can be obtained only when the crystallite size is less than -10 nm. Various mechanisms involving the surface and the bulk modifications of the semiconductor oxide gas sensors are discussed to improve the gas sensitivity. Current challenges and problems in nanocrystalline oxide gas sensors are also presented.
Conducting Academic Research with an Industry Focus: Production and Operations Management in the High Tech Industry

: collaborative research; new product development; clockspeed; inter-functional collaboration;manufacturing operations; changeover ﬂexibility; capacity planning; quality management; setup timereduction; service operations; after sales support; service design; supply chain operations; capacityreservation contract; supplier selection; high tech industry; personal computer industry; aerospaceindustry; semiconductor industry; electronics industry; telecommunications industry; managementconsulting; technology vendor; trade association
Use of prophylactic antibiotics in temporomandibular joint surgery.

Abstract Retrospective and prospective studies were conducted on the incidence of infection in a population of 230 patients undergoing temporoman-dibular joint surgery. In the retrospective study, 136 patients were treated with cephalosporin antibiotics before, during, and after surgery. In the prospective study, 94 patients were treated without antibiotic coverage. The number of infections in the two groups was not significantly different.
In vitro survival and differentiation of neurons derived from epidermal growth factor‐responsive postnatal hippocampal stem cells: Inducing effects of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor

Neural stem cells proliferate in vitro and form neurospheres in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF), and are capable of differentiating into both neurons and glia when exposed to a substrate. We hypothesize that specific neurotrophic factors induce differentiation of stem cells from different central nervous system (CNS) regions into particular fates. We investigated differentiation of stem cells from the postnatal mouse hippocampus in culture using the following trophic factors (20 ng/mL): brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Without trophic factors, 32% of stem cells differentiated into neurons by 4 days in vitro (DIV), decreasing to 10% by 14 DIV. Addition of BDNF (starting at either day 0 or day 3) significantly increased neuron survival (31-43% by 14 DIV) and differentiation. Morphologically, many well-differentiated neurons resembled hippocampal pyramidal neurons. 5'-Bromodeoxyuridine labeling demonstrated that the pyramidal-like neurons originated from stem cells which had proliferated in EGF-containing cultures. However, similar application of NT-3 and GDNF did not exert such a differentiating effect. Addition of BDNF to stem cells from the postnatal cerebellum, midbrain, and striatum did not induce these neuronal phenotypes, though similar application to cortical stem cells yielded pyramidal-like neurons. Thus, BDNF supports survival of hippocampal stem cell-derived neurons and also can induce differentiation of these cells into pyramidal-like neurons. The presence of pyramidal neurons in BDNF-treated hippocampal and cortical stem cell cultures, but not in striatal, cerebellar, and midbrain stem cell cultures, suggests that stem cells from different CNS regions differentiate into region-specific phenotypic neurons when stimulated with an appropriate neurotrophic factor.