cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behavioral sensitization to MK-801 (dizocilpine): neurochemical and electrophysiological correlates in the mesoaccumbens dopamine system.

MK-801, a non-competitive antagonist at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of central glutamate receptor, stimulates locomotor activity in rats. Administration of MK-801 (0.25mg/kg, i.p.) on four consecutive days results in progressive sensitization of its locomotor stimulatory effects. Because of the importance of dopamine (DA) systems in locomotor sensitization to other stimulants (e.g. amphetamine and cocaine), we examined the possible role of DA transmission in MK-801 sensitization. The D1 antagonist SCH 23390 was used for these experiments because of the well-established ability of D1 antagonists to block both D1- and D2-mediated unconditioned behaviors. Acute behavioral effects of MK-801 were reduced by SCH 23390 only at doses that decreased basal activity, while the expression of MK-801 sensitization was attenuated by SCH 23390 in some experiments but never completely prevented. Co-administration of SCH 23390 with MK-801 on pretreatment days did not prevent the development of sensitization. In vivo microdialysis experiments compared the effect of MK-801 on extracellular DA levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) on Days 1 and 4 of repeated administration. On Day 1, MK-801 produced a modest elevation of DA levels. On Day 4, only 6/17 rats in microdialysis experiments expressed sensitization; these rats, however, exhibited a more rapid rise in DA levels than Day 1 rats or non-sensitized Day 4 rats. Electrophysiological studies revealed that repeated MK-801 administration resulted in supersensitivity of D1 receptors on NAc neurons. Thus, behavioral studies support the importance of non-dopaminergic mechanisms in MK-801 sensitization, while neurochemical and electrophysiological studies suggest that MK-801 sensitization is accompanied by changes in DA transmission in the NAc similar to those observed in amphetamine- or cocaine-sensitized rats.
RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV) ENHANCES THE EXPRESSION OF ANTIGEN PRESENTING MOLECULES, ACCESSORY LIGANDS AND POLYMERIC IMMUNOGLOBULIN RECEPTOR BY UPPER AIRWAY EPITHELIUM. • 48

Mucosa of the nose and nasopharynx is the first site of contact with inhaled antigens and primary target of infection by RSV. Processing and presentation of viral antigenic peptides by respiratory epithelial cells of the upper airways may determine the nature of local and systemic immune responses to RSV, ultimately leading to protection or to enhanced disease. In this study, we have characterized the expression of Class II MHC antigens, the accessory ligands ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 and of polymeric Ig receptor (pIg-R) by primary cultures of human nose- and adenoid-derived epithelial cells. Confluent monolayers of epithelial cells were infected with RSV (strain A2) at a multiplicity of infection of 1 or were exposed to rIFN-γ (100 U/ml) for 48 hr and cell surface expression of these molecules was determined by cell-based ELISA method. Low levels of class II MHC were expressed on unstimulated epithelial cells. RSV infection of IFN-γ stimulation induced 2 and 4-fold increase respectively in class II MHC expression. ICAM-1 was highly expressed on untreated nasal epithelial cells and was only slightly increased by RSV infection (13%) or IFN-γ stimulation (36%). On the other hand, VCAM-1, undetectable on uninfected cells, was induced in about half of the cultures, by RSV infection or by treatment with TNF-α (100 U/ml), as confirmed also by the expression of specific mRNA. PIg-R was constitutively expressed on both nasal- and adenoid-derived epithelial cells and its expression was increased by RSV infection (13%) and IFN-γ stimulation (40%). In conclusion, these data show that infection or exposure to inflammatory cytokines of primary human upper respiratory epithelial cells induces/enhances the expression of class II MHC molecules, accessory ligands and pIg-R. These molecules may play an essential role in cell-mediated immune response and in the local secretory immunity to RSV.
Effects of viscoelastic properties of engine cover sealing system on noise and vibration attenuation

Automobile engine cam cover seals are made of elastomeric materials and used to seal the interfaces between cover and underlying structures. The design of engine cam cover seals has been traditionally focused on the sealability aspects. Recently, there has been additional demand that these seals be designed as vibration isolators to attenuate the radiated noise from the engine. To accomplish this goal, the frequency-dependent viscoelastic properties of the sealing components will have to be considered during the design process. This article examines the frequency-dependent viscoelastic properties of some commonly used elastomeric seals at various mounting configurations. An analytical spatial transmissibility method is used for evaluating the design of elastomeric sealing system for reducing vibration and radiated noise.
DNA methylation profile associated with rapid decline in kidney function: findings from the CRIC Study

Background Epigenetic mechanisms may be important in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods We studied the genome-wide DNA methylation pattern associated with rapid loss of kidney function using the Infinium HumanMethylation 450 K BeadChip in 40 Chronic Renal Insufficiency (CRIC) study participants (n = 3939) with the highest and lowest rates of decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate. Results The mean eGFR slope was 2.2 (1.4) and -5.1 (1.2) mL/min/1.73 m(2) in the stable kidney function group and the rapid progression group, respectively. CpG islands in NPHP4, IQSEC1 and TCF3 were hypermethylated to a larger extent in subjects with stable kidney function (P-values of 7.8E-05 to 9.5E-05). These genes are involved in pathways known to promote the epithelial to mesenchymal transition and renal fibrosis. Other CKD-related genes that were differentially methylated are NOS3, NFKBIL2, CLU, NFKBIB, TGFB3 and TGFBI, which are involved in oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways (P-values of 4.5E-03 to 0.046). Pathway analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis showed that gene networks related to cell signaling, carbohydrate metabolism and human behavior are epigenetically regulated in CKD. Conclusions Epigenetic modifications may be important in determining the rate of loss of kidney function in patients with established CKD.
SER-7, a Caenorhabditis elegans 5-HT7-like Receptor, Is Essential for the 5-HT Stimulation of Pharyngeal Pumping and Egg Laying

Serotonin (5-HT) stimulates both pharyngeal pumping and egg laying in Caenorhabditis elegans. Four distinct 5-HT receptors have been partially characterized, but little is known about their function in vivo. SER-7 exhibits most sequence identity to the mammalian 5-HT7 receptors and couples to a stimulation of adenyl cyclase when expressed in COS-7 cells. However, many 5-HT7-specific agonists have low affinity for SER-7. 5-HT fails to stimulate pharyngeal pumping and the firing of the MC motorneurons in animals containing the putative ser-7(tm1325) and ser-7(tm1728) null alleles. In addition, although pumping on bacteria is upregulated in ser-7(tm1325) animals, pumping is more irregular. A similar failure to maintain “fast pumping” on bacteria also was observed in ser-1(ok345) and tph-1(mg280) animals that contain putative null alleles of a 5-HT2-like receptor and tryptophan hydroxylase, respectively, suggesting that serotonergic signaling, although not essential for the upregulation of pumping on bacteria, “fine tunes” the process. 5-HT also fails to stimulate egg laying in ser-7(tm1325), ser-1(ok345), and ser-7(tm1325) ser-1(ok345) animals, but only the ser-7 ser-1 double mutants exhibit an Egl phenotype. All of the SER-7 mutant phenotypes are rescued by the expression of full-length ser-7∷gfp translational fusions. ser-7∷gfp is expressed in several pharyngeal neurons, including the MC, M2, M3, M4, and M5, and in vulval muscle. Interestingly, 5-HT inhibits egg laying and pharyngeal pumping in ser-7 null mutants and the 5-HT inhibition of egg laying, but not pumping, is abolished in ser-7(tm1325);ser-4(ok512) double mutants. Taken together, these results suggest that SER-7 is essential for the 5-HT stimulation of both egg laying and pharyngeal pumping, but that other signaling pathways can probably fulfill similar roles in vivo.
Probabilistic Trans-Algorithmic search for automated network management and configuration

Online configuration of large-scale systems such as networks require parameter optimization to be done within a limited amount of time. This time limit is even more pressing when configuration is needed as a recovery response to a failure in the system. To quickly configure such systems in an online manner, we propose a Probabilistic Trans-Algorithmic Search (PTAS) framework which leverages multiple optimization search algorithms in an iterative manner. Essentially, PTAS applies a search algorithm to find out how to best distribute available experiment budget among multiple optimization search algorithms. Specifically, PTAS allocates experiment budget to each available search algorithm and observes each algorithm's performance on the system-at-hand. PTAS then probabilistically reallocates the experiment budget for the next round proportional to an algorithm's performance. This “roulette wheel” approach probabilistically favors the more successful algorithm in the next round. Following each round, the PTAS framework “transfers” the best found result(s) among the individual algorithms, making our framework “trans-algorithmic”. PTAS thus aims to systematize how to “search for the best search”. We show the performance of PTAS on well-known benchmark objective functions including scenarios where the objective function changes in the middle of the optimization process. To illustrate applicability of our framework to automated network management, we apply PTAS on the problem of optimizing link weights of an intra-domain routing protocol on a topology obtained from Rocketfuel dataset.
Inspired by the audience: a topic suggestion system for blog writers and readers

Employee blogging has benefits both for individuals and the organization. In order to inspire the creation of blog posts, we developed a novel topic suggestion system that connects blog readers with blog writers through sharing topics of interest. We describe our system and the results from an employee survey that informed its design.
Management of clinical stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumors

Therapeutic options for clinical stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumor include active surveillance, adjuvant chemotherapy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND). Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) determines risk of recurrence, as those without LVI have 15% risk of relapse on surveillance while those with LVI have a 50% risk. This stratifies patients into high risk(LVI+) and low risk(LVI-) groups which direct treatment recommendations. Surveillance is preferred for those with low risk disease, and is an option for those with high risk disease, as at least half are over-treated with other options. Adjuvant chemotherapy is an option for all patients as it can eradicate micrometastatic disease and reduce recurrence by at least 90%. RPLND benefits patients with low volume retroperitoneal disease with a cure rate of RPLND alone at approximately 70%. All three treatment modalities have similar survival rates approaching 100% but differing potential morbidities, which, along with patient preferences and compliance, should guide treatment decisions.
Portable percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass: use in supported coronary angioplasty, aortic valvuloplasty, and cardiac arrest

P ORTABLE CARDIOPULMONARY bypass (CPB) systems consisting of a battery source and charger, centrifugal pump, hollow-fiber oxygenator, pump tubing, and large-bore thin-walled femoral arterial and venous cannulae have been commercially available for the past few years. Modifications of the Seldinger technique to allow percutaneous placement facilitate the expeditious institution of CPB in virtually any hospital setting.‘” As a result of this new technology, “supported” percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and aortic valvuloplasty (AVP), which use the prophylactic institution of percutaneous CPB prior to the beginning of these procedures, were reported in 1990.3,4 Additionally, these portable systems have been used at various medical centers to help resuscitate patients suffering from cardiac arrest from a variety of causes.5-7 Two case histories representative of the use of such a system in both scenarios and including some anesthetic considerations for the use of such systems, specifically in supported angioplasties, are reported. In addition, the authors’ total experience with portable CPB is described.
Chemopreventive effect of squalene on colon cancer.

Epidemiologic and laboratory studies suggest a cancer protective effect and/or lack of a tumor promoting effect by dietary olive oil as compared with other types of non-marine oils. Squalene, a constituent of olive oil, and a key intermediate in cholesterol synthesis may be regarded as partially responsible for the beneficial effects of olive oil, which include decreased mortality rates among populations with high olive oil consumption. Thus, in this study we have assessed the chemopreventive efficacy of squalene on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF). In addition, we measured the effect of squalene on serum cholesterol levels in the rats. Male F34 rats (5 weeks old) were fed the control diet (modified AIN-76A) or experimental diets containing 1% squalene or 320 p.p.m. sulindac. Two weeks later, all animals except those in vehicle (normal saline)-treated groups were s.c. injected with AOM (15 mg/kg body wt, once weekly for 2 weeks). At 16 weeks of age, all rats were killed, colons were evaluated for ACF and serum was assayed for the cholesterol levels. As expected, dietary administration of sulindac suppressed ACF development and reduced crypt multiplicity, i.e. number of aberrant crypts/focus. Administration of dietary squalene inhibited total ACF induction and crypt multiplicity by approximately >46% (P < 0.001). Further, squalene at a level of 1% did not show any significant effect on serum cholesterol levels. Our finding that squalene significantly suppresses colonic ACF formation and crypt multiplicity strengthens the hypothesis that squalene possesses chemopreventive activity against colon carcinogenesis.
Nourish and Publish: An Academic Women's Self-Help Effort:

Affirmative action efforts have resulted in the recruitment of more women to junior faculty positions in schools of social work. However, the promotion and retention of women faculty members often depends on the women's ability to write for publication in addition to all the other heavy demands of their positions. This article reports on a self-help group to increase the scholarly output of its three women members. It describes the development of the group, its structure and process, its areas of conflict, and the factors that contributed to its success. Suggestions are made for adapting the effort to other settings.
Polyethylene glycol for hepatic encephalopathy: a new solution to purge an old problem?

the patient’s dose of lactulose until a minimum of 2 to 3 bowel movements have occurred. Second, patients treated with combined lactulose and rifaximin were excluded. Rifaximin is an effective, widely used addition to lactulose regimens, and it is possibly better tolerated than the high-volume PEG solution over 4 hours. Increasing the patient population with an additional rifaximin-lactulose arm would offer further insight into currently accepted therapies and the potential role of PEG. Finally, this study focused on the treatment of acute encephalopathy alone, whereas the major treatment challenge remains refractory symptoms. While this study shows good effect in the acute setting, the potential role of PEG electrolyte solution in long-term therapy is unclear. However, this opens the possible role of daily PEG and other bowel-purging therapies. This study offers a glimpse into advances in managing acute hepatic encephalopathy and challenges the notion of the role of complex gut biochemistry in the disease. The role of ammonia continues to be debated. A recent review 5 suggested that increased ammonia levels might be the root cause of hepatic encephalopathy. A number of agents interfere with ammoniagenesis, including sodium phenylbutyrate and sodium benzoate, and have been proposed as potential treatments for hepatic encephalopathy (Table). Compared with PEG, however, these agents remain expensive and less well studied.
Vibration of a large space beam under gravity effect

The structural characteristics of a large simply supported beam subjected to gravity are described. The nonlinear governing equations for both the static and the dynamic response are derived and solved analytically. The results show the feasibility of verifying the on-orbit dynamic characteristics of a large space beam by utilizing ground test data of such a structure. It is noted that the gravity effect interacts mostly with the first vibration mode. It was also found that the system of a large space beam subjected to its own weight is a hardening system. The differential equation for the asymmetric mode is a Duffing type equation. However, the governing equation for the symmetric mode has an additional quadratic term. It is this term that causes the maximum vibration amplitudes at different phases to be non-identical.
Vertebrobasilar Infarcts and Ischemia

This article discusses the clinical presentation of vertebrobasilar ischemia and infarcts. Pertinent dizziness intake questions are presented, as well as key components of the physical examination. The anatomy of the posterior cerebral circulation is discussed as are syndromes associated with cerebrovascular infarcts in the posterior circulation. A high incidence of recurrence of ischemic attacks or infarcts in vertebrobasilar insufficiency is noted. The authors note that recent developments in imaging and interventions may indicate need for referral or consultation with specialists in some cases.
Traumatic and spontaneous carotid and vertebral artery dissection in a level 1 trauma center.

This study aimed to compare traumatic and spontaneous carotid artery dissection (CAD) and vertebral artery dissection (VAD) with respect to age, pre-morbid risk factors, and site of dissection. Chart review was performed for 49 patients with CAD and VAD admitted to Westchester Medical Center, a level 1 trauma center, from 1999 to 2007. Presentation was categorized into traumatic (n = 28, 57%) or spontaneous dissection (n = 21, 43%). Pre-morbid risk factors were analyzed. Location of dissection was identified and categorized into four possible segments. Patients with spontaneous dissection were likely to be over the age of 50 years (p < 0.05), and had significantly higher proportions of coronary artery disease (33% compared to 7%, p < 0.05), hypertension (57% compared to 18%; p < 0.01), and hypercholesterolemia (29% compared to 0%; p < 0.01). Of the 49 patients, 42 had imaging studies available for segmental analysis. In both traumatic CAD and VAD, dissection at Segment III (corresponds with the first and second cervical vertebrae), was the most common site (37.5% and 50%, respectively, p < 0.05). In contrast, Segment I (origin of the vessel to the fifth cervical vertebrae) was the most common site for spontaneous CAD and VAD (55% and 77%, respectively, p < 0.05). This cross-sectional study suggests that etiology plays an important role in the location of dissection. Traumatic CAD and VAD occur most commonly in Segment III. Spontaneous CAD and VAD occur most commonly in Segment I and are associated with increasing age and premorbid cerebrovascular risk factors.
Electrically evoked emissions and acoustic trauma

By studying the nature of the cochlea's ability to produce an acoustic response to electrical current stimuli the authors analyze the mechanism of the active process present in mammalian hearing. A microelectrode is inserted into scala media and sinusoidal electrical current is passed through the organ of Corti. This produces an acoustic emission at the frequency of electrical stimulation. The authors investigated the effect of acoustic trauma on the magnitude and phase of the electrically evoked emissions. Gerbils were exposed to traumatizing tones of 110 dB SPL for 7 min at 4500, 1800, and 800 Hz. The experimental results show that for low electrical frequency, below the characteristic frequency of the electrode location, emissions increase in magnitude. For high electrical frequency, near the characteristic frequency of the electrode, emissions decrease in magnitude due to acoustic trauma. The effects are more pronounced when the locations including the electrode place are traumatized. >
Engaging college science students and changing academic achievement with technology: A quasi-experimental preliminary investigation

Can modern, computer-based technology engage college students and improve their academic achievement in college? Although numerous examples detail technology's classroom uses, few studies empirically examine whether technologically oriented pedagogical changes factually lead to positive outcomes among college students. In this pilot study, we used a quasi-experimental design to examine whether a technology enhanced research methods classroom led to increased student engagement and academic achievement among college students. Two features generally characterized the technology enhanced classroom experience: specific feedback generated from recordings of small group discussions and podcasts of class recordings. Technology enhanced classroom students demonstrated statistically significant increases in student engagement and improved academic achievement. These findings support previous efforts to use technology to enhance engagement and achievement among college students and they encourage future efforts.
Vacancy-induced transmission in three-dimensional photonic crystal slabs

The transmission spectra of finite-thickness slabs of three-dimensional (3D) diamond-lattice photonic crystals of air spheres in a dielectric background in which various concentrations of randomly located vacancies are present are studied. We find that resonant modes associated with isolated defects couple to form an extended defect band, leading to a significant increase in transmission for frequencies inside the 3D photonic bandgap. Outside the 3D gap, vacancies induce scattering from evanescent to propagating modes, leading to an increase in transmission near the pseudo-gap edges within the gap. The local defect density of states for several concentrations of vacancies is computed; thus, it is shown that the total number of defect states and the range of supported frequencies increase due to increasing vacancy density.
Titanium Nitride as a Refractory Plasmonic Material for High Temperature Applications

The use of titanium nitride as a plasmonic material for high temperature applications such as solar/thermophotovoltaics is studied numerically and experimentally. Performance of titanium nitride is compared with widely used materials in each field.
The action of finite-state tree automorphisms on Bernoulli measures

We describe how a finite-state automorphism of a regular rooted tree changes the Bernoulli measure on the boundary of the tree. It turns out that a finite-state automorphism of polynomial growth, as defined by S. Sidki, preserves a measure class of a Bernoulli measure, and we write down the explicit formula for its Radon-Nikodym derivative. On the other hand, the image of the Bernoulli measure under the action of a strongly connected finite-state automorphism is singular to the measure itself.
Perceptual metrics and visualization tools for evaluation of page uniformity

Uniformity is one of the issues of most critical concern for laser electrophotographic (EP) printers. Typically, full coverage constant-tint test pages are printed to assess uniformity. Exemplary nonuniformity defects include mottle, grain, pinholes, and “finger prints". It is a real challenge to make an overall Print Quality (PQ) assessment due to the large coverage of a letter-size, constant-tint printed test page and the variety of possible nonuniformity defects. In this paper, we propose a novel method that uses a block-based technique to analyze the page both visually and metrically. We use a grid of 150 pixels × 150 pixels ( ¼ inch × ¼ inch at 600-dpi resolution) square blocks throughout the scanned page. For each block, we examine two aspects: behavior of its pixels within the block (metrics of graininess) and behavior of the blocks within the printed page (metrics of nonuniformity). Both Δ E (CIE 1976) and the L * lightness channel are employed. For an input scanned page, we create eight visual outputs, each displaying a different aspect of nonuniformity. To apply machine learning, we train scanned pages of different 100% solid colors separately with the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. We use two metrics as features for the SVM: average dispersion of page lightness and standard deviation in dispersion of page lightness. Our results show that we can predict, with 83% to 90% accuracy, the assignment by a print quality expert of one of two grades of uniformity in the print.
What should be the interval between bone density screenings

Doctors should not order unnecessary and expensive tests and should not recommend frequent repeated testing that does not benefit the patient.
327 COMPARATIVE SELF-REPORTED QUALITY-OF-LIFE AMONG OBESE HISPANICS AND NON-HISPANIC WHITES

Introduction Obesity is a growing problem in the U.S., particularly among ethnic minorities. It is a multi-factorial process involving genetic, environmental, metabolic, and behavioral factors. Effects of obesity on quality-of-life also contribute to the propagation of this disorder. We investigated the perception of obesity9s impact on quality-of-life in Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Whites. Methods 91 subjects, 41 Hispanics and 50 NHW, with a Body-Mass Index (BMI) of ≥30 were studied using the Obesity and Weight-Loss Quality-of-Life (OWLQOL) survey. Gender, age, and diabetes status were also obtained. The lower the score, the more weight negatively impacts perceived quality of life. Results While women scored lower than men, no sex specific ethnic differences were seen. Diabetic status did not affect scores. Hispanics 45 years and younger had significantly lower scores compared to Hispanics older than 45 years (p=0.024). A complete sample, age-related score increase was not significant until age 55. (Table) Conclusions Young Hispanics felt that weight negatively impacted their life more than young non Hispanic Whites with comparable BMIs. There appears to be an age related or generational perception change resulting in older Hispanics being less affected by obesity than non Hispanic Whites. Thus, behavioral interventions may have less of an impact on non Hispanic Whites and older Hispanics. However, specific behavioral intervention studies are needed to investigate this further.
A smartphone-based laser distance sensor for outdoor environments

Laser distance sensors such as LIDAR are useful for many outdoor robotic vehicles, but their high cost and complexity precludes their use in low-cost applications, while other low-cost depth sensing technologies are not suitable for outdoor use. We present a low-cost, smartphone-based planar laser distance sensor design for outdoor use with 6 cm accuracy at 5 meters, 30 Hz scan rate, and 0.1 degree resolution over the field of view. The cost of the hardware additions to the off-the-shelf smartphone used in our prototype is under $50.
Treatment of aqueous phase of bio-oil by granular activated carbon and evaluation of biogas production

Abstract Hydrothermal liquefaction of wet biomass such as algae is a promising thermochemical process for the production of bio-oil. Bio-oil aqueous phase generated during liquefaction process is rich in complex organics and can be utilized for biogas production following its pre-treatment with granular activated carbon. In our study, use of 30% activated carbon resulted in higher chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction (53 ± 0.3%) from aqueous phase. Higher CH4 production (84 ± 12 mL/g COD) was also observed in 30% carbon-treated aqueous phase fed cultures, whereas only 32 ± 6 mL CH4/g COD was observed in control (non-carbon treated) cultures. The results from this study indicate that almost 67 ± 0.3% initial COD of aqueous phase can be reduced using a combination of both carbon treatment and biogas production. This study shows that aqueous phase can be utilized for CH4 production.
CHAPTER 243 – Yeast Small G Protein Function: Molecular Basis of Cell Polarity in Yeast

Publisher Summary Cell polarity is critical for the function of the many cell types involved in vectored processes such as nutrient transport, neuronal signaling, and motility. Development of a polarized cell, regardless of cell type, follows a common plan. Polarity is reinforced with the secretory transport and deposition of molecules needed for growth at the site chosen for polarized growth. This chapter presents the role of GTPases involved in polarity development in the context of yeast budding. The budding yeast S. cerevisiae is an outstanding experimental organism in which to decipher the molecular mechanisms of polarity development by small GTPases. GTPases make numerous molecular interactions with effectors and regulators, and can be involved in multiple distinct signaling pathways in response to the internal and external cues. Yeast cells undergo oriented cell division by selecting a specific site for polarized growth (the bud site) on their cell cortex depending on their cell type. A GTPase module consisting of the Rho-like GTPase Cdc42, its GEF Cdc24, and its GAP Bem3, Rga1, or Rga2, is essential for the establishment of cell polarity prior to budding. Interaction of the Rsr1 GTPase module with Cdc24 and Cdc42 leads to the polarization of active Cdc42 at the proper bud site in response to the cell-type-specific landmark. Substantial progress has been made in deciphering the molecular basis of cell polarity in yeast but questions remain, regarding which, many research studies are being carried on.
The Value of Research

(1973). The Value of Research. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 44, Including Leisure Today, pp. 31-32.
Prenatal Exposure to Unconventional Oil and Gas Operation Chemical Mixtures Altered Mammary Gland Development in Adult Female Mice

Unconventional oil and gas (UOG) operations, which combine hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and directional drilling, involve the use of hundreds of chemicals, including many with endocrine-disrupting properties. Two previous studies examined mice exposed during early development to a 23-chemical mixture of UOG compounds (UOG-MIX) commonly used or produced in the process. Both male and female offspring exposed prenatally to one or more doses of UOG-MIX displayed alterations to endocrine organ function and serum hormone concentrations. We hypothesized that prenatal UOG-MIX exposure would similarly disrupt development of the mouse mammary gland. Female C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to ~3, ~30, ~ 300, or ~3000 μg/kg/d UOG-MIX from gestational day 11 to birth. Although no effects were observed on the mammary glands of these females before puberty, in early adulthood, females exposed to 300 or 3000 μg/kg/d UOG-MIX developed more dense mammary epithelial ducts; females exposed to 3 μg/kg/d UOG-MIX had an altered ratio of apoptosis to proliferation in the mammary epithelium. Furthermore, adult females from all UOG-MIX-treated groups developed intraductal hyperplasia that resembled terminal end buds (i.e., highly proliferative structures typically seen at puberty). These results suggest that the mammary gland is sensitive to mixtures of chemicals used in UOG production at exposure levels that are environmentally relevant. The effect of these findings on the long-term health of the mammary gland, including its lactational capacity and its risk of cancer, should be evaluated in future studies.
Stress-Strain Behavior of EPS Geofoam with Multiple Grades by Using FlexiForce Sensors

Design and construction of geotechnical projects with EPS geofoam can involve consideration of interactions between structures, surrounding soils and geofoam blocks. Within large volume installations of geofoam blocks there can be unintended variability in block densities. Such conditions can lead to non-uniformities in stress distribution and development of uneven deformations. This study examines the effects of mixed use of geofoam density grades on stress-strain behavior in laboratory test settings. Interface loads at both geofoam to rigid plate and geofoam to geofoam mating surfaces were observed with FlexiForce sensors. Both uniform low and high density configurations were tested. Effects of mixing densities were also examined for both one and two layer block configurations.
Mathematical model for cooling process and its self-learning applied in hot rolling mill

Control precision of coiling temperature is one of the key factors affecting the profile shape and surface quality during the cooling process of hot rolled steel strip. For this reason, the core of temperature control precision is to establish an effective cooling mathematical model with self-learning function. Starting from this point, a cooling mathematical model with nonlinear structural characteristics is established in this paper for the cooling process of hot rolled steel strip. By the analysis of self-learning ability, key parameters of the mathematical model could be constantly corrected so as to improve temperature control precision and adaptive capability of the model. The site actual application results proved the stable performance and high control precision of the proposed mathematical model, which would lay a solid foundation to improve the steel product qualities.
Word formation is syntactic: Raising in nominalizations

According to Chomsky (1970), raising to subject and raising to object may not take place inside nominalizations. This claim has largely been accepted as fact ever since. For instance, Newmeyer (2009) repeats the claim as crucial evidence for the Lexicalist Hypothesis, the view that word formation takes place in a component of the grammar separate from the phrasal syntax. This paper shows with attested examples and survey data that the claim is false: raising to subject and raising to object are both grammatical inside nominalizations. This argues for a purely syntactic model of word formation, and against Lexicalist accounts. Additionally, the paper shows that one argument against syntactic accounts of nominalization, that from coordination, does not go through, clearing the way for the most parsimonious type of theory: one with only one combinatorial component, not two distinct ones for phrases versus words.
Crystal Structure of the Double Homeodomain of DUX4 in Complex with DNA.

Summary Double homeobox (DUX) transcription factors are unique to eutherian mammals. DUX4 regulates expression of repetitive elements during early embryogenesis, but misexpression of DUX4 causes facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and translocations overexpressing the DUX4 double homeodomain cause B cell leukemia. Here, we report the crystal structure of the tandem homeodomains of DUX4 bound to DNA. The homeodomains bind DNA in a head-to-head fashion, with the linker making anchoring DNA minor-groove interactions and unique protein contacts. Remarkably, despite being tandem duplicates, the DUX4 homeodomains recognize different core sequences. This results from an arginine-to-glutamate mutation, unique to primates, causing alternative positioning of a key arginine side chain in the recognition helix. Mutational studies demonstrate that this primate-specific change is responsible for the divergence in sequence recognition that likely drove coevolution of embryonically regulated repeats in primates. Our work provides a framework for understanding the endogenous function of DUX4 and its role in FSHD and cancer.
BORDERLINE DYSPLASIA: ARE THESE HIPS ONLY MILDLY UNCOVERED?:

Background:Controversy surrounds classification and treatment of hips with a lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) between 18° and 25°. It remains undetermined as to whether open or arthroscopic procedu...
Pointed p3-Dimensional Hopf Algebras in Positive Characteristic

We focus on the classification of pointed p3-dimensional Hopf algebras H over any algebraically closed field of prime characteristic p > 0. In particular, we consider certain cases when the group o...
Sequence Stratigraphic and Paleoecologic Analysis of AN Albian Coral-Rudist Patch Reef, Arizona, USA

Fossilized reefs can preserve critical information about changes in marine environments over a relatively short period of time. The interpretation of these changes is often hindered by the complexity of reef growth with respect to architecture, biotic zonation, and time. High-resolution mapping and data collection incorporating both sequence stratigraphical and paleoecological principles are needed to document the architectural complexity of reef development. To demonstrate this, we present a case study in which both principles are integrated to build a new stratigraphic framework for an Albian-aged rudist-coral patch reef outcrop (Paul Spur, Bisbee, AZ, USA). The dataset reveals that the outcrop preserves five stages of development: (1) initial shoal deposition; (2) pioneer reef growth; (3) reef diversification; (4) reef hiatus; and (5) rudist shoal development. These stages represent periods of deposition and reef growth within high-frequency transgressive-regressive sequences. Interpretations of sedimentological and paleoecological data are then used to demonstrate the variable influence of different environmental controls on reef growth. Prevailing wind and current direction act as higher order controls on overall reef architecture by influencing windward-leeward asymmetry. Fluctuations in relative water depth as well as sedimentation rate, source, and type is an important influence on reef community and growth habit. Though corals and rudists cohabited during much of the reef's history, corals dominated when water depth was greater and external sediment influx lesser, whereas rudists dominated in shallow water depths and during periods of high external sediment influx. This work demonstrates that detailed evaluation of stratigraphy and paleoecology, as well as careful consideration of timelines and heterogeneity, is essential for building an accurate stratigraphic framework that allows a more thorough understanding of processes driving reef growth.
Module-OT: A Hardware Security Module for Operational Technology

Increased penetration levels of renewable energy and other types of distributed energy resources (DERs) on the modern electric grid-combined with technological advancements for electric system monitoring and control-introduce new cyberattack vectors and increase the cyberattack surface of energy systems. According to the IEEE Std. 1547–2018, DERs must use Modbus, Distributed Network Protocol 3 (DNP3), or Smart Energy Profile 2.0 (SEP2) as their communication protocol. Previous research identified several vulnerabilities and security breaches in each one of these communication protocols; despite this, existing standards for DERs do not recommend cybersecurity measures. In order to reduce vulnerabilities in power distribution systems, this paper presents a novel open-source hardware security module that improves both information and operational security to better protect data and communications on the distribution grid. The security hardware is called “module for operational technology,” or simply Module-OT, and it has been validated and tested in an emulated distribution system application. Module-OT is integrated within a communication system in the transport layer of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. It improves system security through encryption, authentication, authorization, certificate management, and user access control. The main advancement of Module-OT is the addition of hardware cryptographic acceleration that improves the overall communication performance in terms of end-to-end latency.
6 – Dopamine Receptors

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the characterization of dopamine receptor subtypes, and characteristics of radioligand-binding to dopamine receptors, and its application for neurology and psychiatry. Recently, the function of dopamine in the brain has been elevated from that of a precursor for the neurotransmitter norepinephrine to a neurotransmitter in its own right. The association of disturbances of dopaminergic neurotransmission with neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, and psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, has emphasized the crucial role of this neurotransmitter in normal brain function. Therapeutically dopaminergic agonists have a firmly established role in the treatment of Parkinson's disease while dopaminergic antagonists have a longer history in the treatment of schizophrenia, Huntington's disease, and more recently Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome. The radioligand-binding technique allows direct examination of the interactions of agonists and antagonists with putative dopamine receptors. Such studies have complemented investigations of the dopaminergic regulation of adenylate cyclase activity and hormone release in various tissues.
Drug Selection for Treating Hypertension in Dialysis Patients: More to Consider than BP-Lowering Potency

Aggressively treating BP, to much lower levels than were previously considered acceptable, leads to large reductions in cardiovascular events and death in the elderly general population ([1][1]). The evidence supporting BP lowering is so strong that the US Food and Drug Administration considers BP a
Professional Development for PreK-12 Teachers in Health Science Content Using a “Train and Equip” Approach: 28 Years’ Experience

From 1991-2019 at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), 202 different faculty individuals, from each of the five UAMS colleges, volunteered to offer 120 different workshops in health science content to 22,731 PreK-12 teachers and some school nurses in the Partners in Health Science (PIHS) program. Participants consumed 83,488 hrs. of professional development. Workshops were held at UAMS or in 39 communities in the state. Workshops provided each participant with a “take home” Resource Kit (RK) containing topic-appropriate materials, supplies and/or items of equipment, used in the workshop, intended to foster replication of workshop experiences in the teacher’s home classroom. Short-term, i.e. same day evaluations indicated a high degree of satisfaction with the workshops. Long-term (6 months or longer after a workshop) evaluations covering a 10-year time span (1991-2001) discovered that a large number of the participants who attended more than one PIHS workshop performed new experiments/demonstrations for their students – a strong sustainability factor because it could last for a participant’s entire teaching career. Pre vs. posttest data recorded a gain in knowledge from 1737 participants in several workshops ranging from 14.8% correct to 29.8%. Extramural funding was consistent, but varied over the duration of the program.
NMR 1H-1H Dipole Relaxation in Fluids: Relaxation of Individual 1H-1H Pairs versus Relaxation of Molecular Modes.

The intramolecular ¹H NMR dipole–dipole relaxation of molecular fluids has traditionally been interpreted within the Bloembergen–Purcell–Pound (BPP) theory of NMR intramolecular relaxation. The BPP theory draws upon Debye’s theory for describing the rotational diffusion of the ¹H–¹H pair and predicts a monoexponential decay of the ¹H–¹H dipole–dipole autocorrelation function between distinct spin pairs. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we show that for both n-heptane and water this is not the case. In particular, the autocorrelation function of individual ¹H–¹H intramolecular pairs itself evinces a rich stretched-exponential behavior, implying a distribution in rotational correlation times. However, for the high-symmetry molecule neopentane, the individual ¹H–¹H intramolecular pairs do conform to the BPP description, suggesting an important role of molecular symmetry in aiding agreement with the BPP model. The intermolecular autocorrelation functions for n-heptane, water, and neopentane also do not admit a monoexponential behavior of individual ¹H–¹H intermolecular pairs at distinct initial separations. We suggest expanding the autocorrelation function in terms of modes, provisionally termed molecular modes, that do have an exponential relaxation behavior. With care, the resulting Fredholm integral equation of the first kind can be inverted to recover the probability distribution of the molecular modes. The advantages and limitations of this approach are noted.
Avanzar demasiado rápido: la elaboración de una hipótesis ad hoc

A scientific dispute may turn crucially upon whether or not a given hypothesis is ad hoc. So, it is extremely important to determine what makes a hypothesis ad hoc. Yet, previous accounts have failed, either because they have run afoul of the Quine-Duhem problem, or because of other major defects.I develop a novel account of ad hocness. I propose that a hypothesis is ad hoc when disconfirming evidence leads scientists to accept that hypothesis into their theory even though the core of the theory, in combination with auxiliaries and the evidence, does not entail the hypothesis.
MIGRANT YOUTH PUSH BACK. VIRTUAL FRIENDSHIPS AND EVERYDAY RESISTANCE IN THE DIGITAL SPHERE

ABSTRACT Resistance has proven to be a hard concept to define. Debates about resistance in the sociological and sociolinguistic literature cover many aspects: from the degree to which resistance can be seen as related to established social groups (see Rampton 1996), to the level of agentivity and intention that is required for an action to be regarded as resistant, to the type of social behavior that qualifies. Thus, while some see resistance as based on actions, others see it as based on cultural appropriation (Hall & Jefferson 1976). In their comprehensive review of literature on the topic, Hollander & Einwohner (2004) conclude that resistance can be seen as consisting of action and opposition. In this paper, I analyze resistance from the point of view of opposition to ideas, social situations, institutional actions and processes that result or may result in discrimination or stereotyping of specific social groups, as negotiated in the digital sphere by migrant and non-migrant youth belonging to a school-based community. Indeed, it has been argued (Chiluwa 2012, Chibuwe & Ureke 2016) that digital environments constitute ideal arenas for the development of resistance thanks to their wide reach and their ability to mobilize people around common themes. However, much of the research in this area has targeted organized resistance fueled by political or ethnic groups. In this paper I argue that resistance is an emerging process that does not necessarily stem within political contexts or from open choice, but can develop within interactional exchanges focused on everyday life events. Thus, what I am interested in here is in how spontaneous acts and discourses of resistance emerge in the everyday exchanges of a diverse community that was not born around a particular social or political agenda. For this paper, I will examine exchanges that happen on the Facebook page of one of the members of the community. I will show how resistance takes many forms: from irony and jokes to the raising of serious topics, to the dissemination of information and through different discourse genres: from storytelling to the posting of pictures.
Managing Plant Microbiomes for Sustainable Biofuel Production

The development of environmentally sustainable, economical, and reliable sources of energy is one of the great challenges of the 21st century. Large-scale cultivation of cellulosic feedstock crops ...