cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tolerating message latency through the early release of blocked receives

Large message latencies often lead to poor performance of parallel applications. In this paper, we investigate a latency-tolerating technique that immediately releases all blocking receives, even when the message has not yet (completely) arrived, and enforces execution correctness through page protection. This approach eliminates false message data dependencies on incoming messages and allows the computation to proceed as early as possible. We implement and evaluate our early-release technique in the context of an MPI runtime library. The results show that the execution speed of MPI applications improves by up to 60% when early release is enabled. Our approach also enables faster and easier parallel programming as it frees programmers from adopting more complex nonblocking receives and from tuning message sizes to explicitly reduce false message data dependencies.
Spontaneous rupture of endometrial cysts of the ovary presenting as an acute abdominal emergency.

Abstract Review of 37 cases of spontaneous rupture of endometrial cysts indicates that the diagnosis is rarely made preoperatively because of the similarities between this condition and other more frequently encountered acute abdominal emergencies. These similarities as well as differences are discussed. Surgical therapy must be individualized but, in general, the procedure should be conservative in younger patients even though a second operation may be necessary within a few years. The place of a more extensive surgical procedure in older patients is discussed. The morbidity and hospital stay following surgical therapy can be expected to be minimal.
Fast color image processing using quantized color instruction set

The paper describes the Quantized Color Pack eXtension (QCPX) instruction set that can accelerate color-image processing applications. QCPX employs heterogeneous-subword-parallel instructions, which utilize the microprocessor's 16-bit wide datapaths to process a packed, quantized 16-bit color data type in YCbCr (Y: luminance, Cr and Cb: chrominance) format in parallel. Unlike typical multimedia instruction set extensions (e.g. MMX, SSE, ALTIVEC), QCPX obtains performance and code density improvements through implicit support for color pixel processing rather than depending solely upon generic subword parallelism. Five time-critical color image processing algorithms are coded with and without QCPX to fully measure its impact upon programming techniques. Simulation results indicate that the applications using QCPX achieve significant speedups in execution time over non-QCPX. In addition, QCPX results in higher system utilization (in excess of 94% in all cases) due to significant reduction of conditional instructions.
Optical Information Processing Systems

The May 1989 special issue of Optical Engineering is dedicated to a discussion of advanced optical infor mation processing techniques. The topics presented in this issue are intended to provide a discussion for present and future research developments in the field of optical information processing.
Effect of adrenoceptor-blocking agents on the renin response to isoproterenol in dogs

Abstract Isoproterenol, infused into the kidney of unilaterally nephrectomized dogs at doses of 0.26–0.01 μg/kg/min, was tested for its effect on plasma renin activity in the absence and presence of peripheral infusions of adrenoceptor-blocking agents. Neither phonoxybenzamine (4 mg/kg) nor phentolamine (4.4 and 8.8 μg/kg/min) caused a significant reduction in the renin response during isoproterenol infusion. Likewise D-propranolol, at doses of 2.2 and 22 μg/kg/min, also was ineffective in preventing significant increases in plasma renin activity during isoproterenol administration. However, both L- and D,L-propranolol forms of the drug possessing significant β-adrenoceptor activity, consistently prevented isoproterenol-induced changes in plasma renin levels at doses as low as 2.2 and 5.0 μg/kg/min. The data strongly support the theory that isoproterenol-induced renin releases is mediated by β-adrenoceptors. No evidence was obtained to suggest the involvement of α-adrenoceptors in the renin release which occurs during isoproterenol infusion.
Fibrin is a many splendored thing.

The many splendors of fibrin go far beyond its intrinsic role in hemostasis. Fibrin indirectly contributes to the healing of injured tissue through its ability to bind proenzymes, enzyme inhibitors, extracellular matrix molecules and cells (Clark, 2001). In this issue of the JournalGreer and Andreadis (2003) extend the multiplicity of fibrin functions during wound repair. They demonstrate that by its capacity to bind plasminogen, fibrin indirectly promotes epidermal cell migration. This concept is especially attractive since epidermal cells do not express a receptor for fibrin (Kubo et al, 2001), yet fibrin has been reported to facilitate epithelialization in vitro (Greer et al, 2002) and in vivo (Horch et al, 1998;Pellegrini et al, 1999). To better appreciate the multitude of molecules that can interact with the fibrin clot, a brief overview of the structure and function of fibrinogen and fibrin is warranted.
Automatic tiling of iterative stencil loops

Iterative stencil loops are used in scientific programs to implement relaxation methods for numerical simulation and signal processing. Such loops iteratively modify the same array elements over different time steps, which presents opportunities for the compiler to improve the temporal data locality through loop tiling. This article presents a compiler framework for automatic tiling of iterative stencil loops, with the objective of improving the cache performance. The article first presents a technique which allows loop tiling to satisfy data dependences in spite of the difficulty created by imperfectly nested inner loops. It does so by skewing the inner loops over the time steps and by applying a uniform skew factor to all loops at the same nesting level. Based on a memory cost analysis, the article shows that the skew factor must be minimized at every loop level in order to minimize cache misses. A graph-theoretical algorithm, which takes polynomial time, is presented to determine the minimum skew factor. Furthermore, the memory-cost analysis derives the tile size which minimizes capacity misses. Given the tile size, an efficient and general array-padding scheme is applied to remove conflict misses. Experiments were conducted on 16 test programs and preliminary results showed an average speedup of 1.58 and a maximum speedup of 5.06 across those test programs.
GABA and hypothalamic feeding systems. I. Topographic analysis of the effects of microinjections of muscimol

Abstract Intrahypothalamic injections of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist, muscimol (50 ng/μl), in volumes from 0.1 to 0.5 μl were made and the effects on feeding observed. The results of a topographical analysis of the hypothalamus indicated that both the paraventricular (PVH) and ventromedial (VMH) hypothalamic nuclei may be separate, though not necessarily independent, foci of a medial, GABA-sensitive satiety system. Microinjections of muscimol into these areas resulted in a dose-dependent increase in food intake. The effects of muscimol were blocked by local pretreatments with the GABA antagonist, bicuculline methiodide and behaviorally specific (water intake, in the absence of food was not affected). Opposite effects (suppression of feeding) were observed after muscimol injections into the region lateral to the fornix, suggesting that the excitatory lateral hypothalamic feeding system also may have GABAergic components.
Exploiting the cancer and diabetes metabolic connection for therapeutic purposes

The uncontrolled cell proliferation that is characteristically associated with cancer is usually accompanied by alterations in the genome and cell metabolism. Indeed, the phenomenon of cancer cells metabolizing glucose using a less efficient anaerobic process even in the presence of normal oxygen levels, termed the Warburg effect, is currently considered to be one of the hallmarks of cancer. Diabetes, much like cancer, is defined by significant metabolic changes. Recent epidemiological studies have shown that diabetes patients treated with the anti-diabetic drug Metformin, have significantly lowered risk of cancer as compared to patients treated with other anti-diabetic drugs. We utilize a Boolean logic model of the pathways commonly mutated in cancer to not only investigate the efficacy of Metformin for cancer therapeutic purposes but also demonstrate how Metformin in concert with standard therapeutic drugs could provide better and less toxic clinical outcomes as compared to using chemotherapy alone.
Mind over matter: Cognitive – behavioral determinants of emotional distress in multiple sclerosis patients

Given the high incidence and unique symptomatology of depression in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, the current study examined the role of cognitive and behavioral variables in predicting psychosocial adjustment in this population, in order to suggest psychotherapeutic interventions tailored specifically to MS patients. Data from 329 MS patients indicated that problem solving coping, acceptance coping, and challenge appraisals were associated with positive psychological adjustment (i.e., high life satisfaction, low depression and anxiety), whereas variables measuring disease severity (i.e., illness duration, subjective health status, and self-reported disability) were not associated with adjustment. These findings suggest that MS patients' psychological outcomes are more related to controllable cognitive and behavioral factors than to the physical effects of the disease. Consequently, it is expected that interventions that target these specific coping strategies and cognitive appraisals will be effective in treating the emotional effects of MS.
Olanzapine and clozapine but not haloperidol reverse subchronic phencyclidine-induced functional hyperactivity of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in pyramidal cells of the rat medial prefrontal cortex.

In the present study, we have investigated and compared the ability of olanzapine, clozapine and haloperidol to modulate phencyclidine (PCP)-induced effect in pyramidal cells of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of rats using the techniques of intracellular recording and voltage-clamp. Subchronic treatment of rats with PCP (2 mg/kg, b.i.d., 7 days, 48-60 h withdrawal) produced: (1) a depolarized resting membrane potential, a decrease of slow after hyperpolarization (sAHP) and spike frequency adaptation, (2) a shift of the concentration response curve of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), but not (+/-)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA), to the left, (3) a decrease of the paired pulse facilitation (PPF) with an increase of excitatory postsynaptic current variance (EPSC variance), and (4) a reduction of the blockade of NMDA response by in vitro application of PCP. Repeated treatment with either olanzapine or clozapine, but not haloperidol, completely prevented the aforementioned subchronic PCP-induced effects. The present results indicate that the atypical antipsychotic drugs (APDs) clozapine and olanzapine share a common property in preventing subchronic PCP-induced functional hyperactivity of NMDA receptors.
Extracellular K+ and Astrocyte Signaling via Connexin and Pannexin Channels

Astrocytes utilize two major pathways to achieve long distance intercellular communication. One pathway involves direct gap junction mediated signal transmission and the other consists of release of ATP through pannexin channels and excitation of purinergic receptors on nearby cells. Elevated extracellular potassium to levels occurring around hyperactive neurons affects both gap junction and pannexin1 channels. The action on Cx43 gap junctions is to increase intercellular coupling for a period that long outlasts the stimulus. This long term increase in coupling, termed “LINC”, is mediated through calcium and calmodulin dependent activation of calmodulin dependent kinase (CaMK). Pannexin1 can be activated by elevations in extracellular potassium through a mechanism that is quite different. In this case, potassium shifts activation potentials to more physiological range, thereby allowing channel opening at resting or slightly depolarized potentials. Enhanced activity of both these channel types by elevations in extracellular potassium of the magnitude occurring during periods of high neuronal activity likely has profound effects on intercellular signaling among astrocytes in the nervous system.
The effect of interpersonal familiarity on cooperation in a virtual environment

Immersive virtual environments (VEs) allow people to experience situations which because of danger, expense, time, or distance would not otherwise be available. Moreover, IVEs have been shown to be useful tools for learning and training. However, there are still many unanswered questions about how humans experience and interact with these environments and how this experience differs from the real world. In the experiment presented in this work, we are specifically interested in how effectively two people will collaborate within an environment given that they have never met or even seen each other prior to the experiment. We postulate that participants who never meet their partner in a collaborative environment will perform worse than those who are able to interact with their partner prior to the performance of a task. If this holds true, then it could have important implications for long distance collaboration.
Response statistics of non-linear systems to combined deterministic and random excitations

Abstract A second-order closure method is presented for determining the response of non-linear systems to random excitations. The excitation is taken to be the sum of a deterministic harmonic component and a random component. The latter may be white noise or harmonic with separable non-stationary random amplitude and phase. The method of multiple scales is used to determine the equations describing the modulation of the amplitude and phase. Neglecting the third-order central moments, we use these equations to determine the stationary mean and mean-square response. The effect of the system parameters on the response statistics is investigated. The presence of the nonlinearity causes multi-valued regions where more than one mean-square value of the response is possible. The local stability of the stationary mean and mean-square responses is analysed. Alternatively, assuming the random component of the response to be small compared with the mean response, we determine steady-state periodic responses to the deterministic part of the excitation. The effect of the random part of the excitation on the stable periodic responses is analysed as a perturbation and a closed-form expression for the mean-square response is obtained. Away from the transition zone separating stable and unstable periodic responses, the results of these two approaches are in good agreement. Comparisons of the results of these methods with that obtained by the method of equivalent linearization are presented.
Taking care of the team in a first-year design experience course

Design experience coursework for first-year engineering and computer science students is not new. These experiences are often team-based and typically focus extensively on the technical aspects of the project, while the behavioral and interpersonal aspects sometimes go unnoticed. Here, we report on a novel organization for an introduction to engineering design course that provides direct and proactive support for both the engineering components of the course as well as proactive support for first-year students and their teams. The course is structured to allow students to focus on engineering design and implementation of a robotics system while also taking time to engage in reflection activities geared towards assessment of team dynamic and impact on team productivity. Team facilitators observe the teams during work time over the course of the semester and use information gathered in structured team debriefs called retrospectives. While much work has been done, we continue to iterate on the design and implementation of this course.
Bandwidth provisioning in infrastructure-based wireless networks employing directional antennas

Motivated by the widespread proliferation of wireless networks employing directional antennas, we study the problem of provisioning bandwidth in such networks. Given a set of subscribers and one or more access points possessing directional antennas, we formalize the problem of orienting these antennas in two fundamental settings: (i) subscriber-centric, where the objective is to fairly allocate bandwidth among the subscribers and (ii) provider-centric, where the objective is to maximize the revenue generated by satisfying the bandwidth requirements of subscribers. For both the problems, we first design algorithms for a network with only one access point working under the assumption that the number of antennas does not exceed the number of non-interfering channels. Using the well-regarded lexicographic max-min fair allocation as the objective for a subscriber-centric network, we present an optimum dynamic programming algorithm. For a provider-centric network, the allocation problem turns out to be NP-hard. We present a greedy heuristic based algorithm that guarantees almost half of the optimum revenue. We later enhance both these algorithms to operate in more general networks with multiple access points and no restrictions on the relative numbers of antennas and channels. A simulation-based evaluation using OPNET demonstrates the efficacy of our approaches and provides us further in insights into these problems.
Two-dimensional cutting stock problem research: A review and a new rectangular layout algorithm

Abstract The two-dimensional cutting stock problem addresses the allocation of a required bill of materials onto stock sheets in a manner that minimizes the trim losses. This paper surveys the progress made on the study of the problem from the original contributions by Gilmore and Gomory in the mid-1960s to the present. Conclusions are for these algorithms to find greater application in industry, one must consider the allocation of both regular and irregular shapes. Moreover, the objective of minimizing the trim losses is not an adequate performance measure when the cutting department is placed in the perspective of the entire manufacturing system. The costs of inventory and production have to be included in the objective to be minimized in order to ensure maximum production efficiency. In addition, an algorithm based on the first fit decreasing heuristic1 is presented to achieve layouts of rectangular bills of material on rectangular stock sheets, and its performance is examined. A number of nesting algorithms are currently in use in industry, but virtually all of these systems are considered to be highly proprietary and specific. The cutting stock problem has been variously adapted to applications in numerous industries. From its original form described later, it has been modified for use in paper, lumber, cloth, metal, leather stamping and other industries. In each case, the problem has been reformulated to suit the needs of the specific industry.
Eine vereinfachte Synthese von N‐Hydroxy‐thioharnstoffen

Die Umsetzung von Cyclohexyl- und aromatischen Hydroxylaminen mit Schwefelkohlenstoff fuhrt zu N-Hydroxy-thioharnstoffen (2). A Simplified Synthesis of N-Hydroxythioureas Reaction of cyclohexyl- and aromatic hydroxylamines with carbon disulfide furnishes N-hydroxythioureas (2).
Short-term chronoamperometric screening of chlorpromazine-package interactions.

Abstract □ A new electroanalytical method has been developed to measure and predict solute sorption interactions with solid surfaces. By maximizing surface-to-volume ratios, this method significantly reduces the study time of drug-package interactions and allows prediction of possible long-term effects. Chronoamperometry experiments were run in 40 μ L drops of solution containing drug placed on a solid substrate disk of about 7 mm diameter in a sample cell designed to accommodate a miniaturized three-electrode setup. Logarithmic current signatures obtained by computing A(ln i )/∆(ln t ) were used to define the experimental conditions necessary to avoid the kinetic complications of chlorpromazine oxidation in the interpretation of the results of the chronoamperometric analysis. Results of sorption studies of chlorpromazine to glass, polypropylene, high density polyethylene, poly(ethylene terephthalate), ethylene vinyl acetate, and poly(vinyl chloride) are presented. The small volume sorption experiments demonstrated that chlorpromazine interacts most quickly with PVC and HDPE and least with glass and polypropylene. Long term stability tests confirmed these predictions, thereby indicating that the small volume method makes drug-package interaction studies feasible in early development. The generation and analysis of A(ln i )/A(ln t ) signature curves extends the usefulness of the electroanalytical method to other systems by accurately identifying the appropriate time domains for steady state or Cottrell behavior.
Controlling interlayer diffusion to achieve sustained, multiagent delivery from layer-by-layer thin films

We present the fabrication of conformal, hydrolytically degradable thin films capable of administering sustained, multiagent release profiles. Films are constructed one molecular layer at a time by using the layer-by-layer, directed-deposition technique; the subsequent hydrolytic surface erosion of these systems results in the release of incorporated materials in a sequence that reflects their relative positions in the film. The position of each species is determined by its ability to diffuse throughout the film architecture, and, as such, the major focus of this work is to define strategies that physically block interlayer diffusion during assembly to create multicomponent, stratified films. By using a series of radiolabeled polyelectrolytes as experimental probes, we show that covalently crosslinked barriers can effectively block interlayer diffusion, leading to compartmentalized structures, although even very large numbers of ionically crosslinked (degradable or nondegradable) barrier layers cannot block interlayer diffusion. By using these principles, we designed degradable films capable of extended release as well as both parallel and serial multiagent release. The ability to fabricate multicomponent thin films with nanoscale resolution may lead to a host of new materials and applications.
Surfactant effects in the emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate

Continuous vinyl acetate emulsion polymerization was carried out by using a mixed surfactant system of “Aerosol” OT (AOT) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). It is well known that the AOT reduces surface tension considerably and has stronger monomer solubilization power than SDS. In this work, particular attention is given to observe the effects of the mixed surfactant on the molecular weights and polydispersities. In comparison with experiments using only SDS, the particle size appears similar, in the range of 190–280 nm. The conversion increased substantially to the 70% range from the 50% level observed with only SDS. All experiments were conducted at 60°C with a mean residence time of 30 min. The total surfactant concentration was maintained at 0.03 mol/L water for all experiments. It was found that once some AOT was included in the surfactant, the behavior was very similar to that observed with only AOT. The number average molecular weights were found to decrease substantially while the polydispersity increases dramatically to about 12. It is believed that AOT may act as a significant chain transfer agent in the polymerization.
Tax‐Reporting Implications of Asymmetric Treatment: Direct Subsidies vs. Tax Deductions

The Treasury Department has criticized use of the federal income tax system to deliver indirect subsidies to taxpayers in the form of tax deductions, and recommended that all such deductions be eliminated. It recognized, however, that it would be necessary to replace some tax deductions with direct subsidies. Using an experiment, we examined whether the form of the subsidy (tax deduction or direct subsidy) affects tax reporting. Despite the economic equivalence of the two forms of subsidy, we found that taxpayers who are disadvantaged by not receiving a direct subsidy reported more income than taxpayers disadvantaged by not receiving a tax deduction.
Direct-Coupled-Resonator Filters

A new analysis is given of direct-coupled-resonator filters that results in excellent response at much greater bandwidths than has previously been possible. The method relies on the fact that the coupling elements can be made into perfect impedance inverters, or "quarter-wave" transformers, by the addition of negative elements in lumped-constant circuits, or of short negative lengths of line in waveguide and transmission-line circuits. Specific design formulas are given for filters constructed of lumped-constant elements, waveguide, and strip or other TEM transmission line, and for pass band response functions of the maximally flat and Tchebycheff types. The formulas include a simple frequency transformation that corrects for the frequency sensitivity of the coupling reactances, and thereby greatly improves the design accuracy for both lumpedconstant and microwave types when the bandwidth is more than a few per cent. Exact response curves computed from typical filter designs are compared to the prototype-function response curves, and it is shown that the design formulas give good results with bandwidths of at least 20 per cent in guide wavelength in the case of waveguide filters, or 20 per cent in frequency for TEM-mode transmission-line and lumped-constant filters.
Increased Survivin Expression Confers Chemoresistance to Tumor-Associated Endothelial Cells

Growing evidence suggests that survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis gene family, is responsible for drug resistance in cancer cells, yet little is known about its role in the endothelial cells of the tumor vasculature. We have previously reported that tumor-associated endothelial cells derived from gliomas (TuBECs) are resistant to anticancer chemotherapy whereas normal brain endothelial cells (BECs) are sensitive. The focus of this study is to investigate the mechanism behind this chemoresistance. Here we show that survivin is constitutively overexpressed in the glioma vasculature but not in the blood vessels of normal brain. To determine whether survivin contributes to TuBEC chemoresistance, we used a lentiviral siRNA system or the drug roscovitine to down-regulate survivin expression. Reduced levels of survivin sensitized TuBECs to the chemotherapeutic agents VP-16, paclitaxel, thapsigargin, and temozolomide. This cell death was mediated through caspases 7 and 4. Conversely, forced expression of survivin in BECs was protective against drug cytotoxicity. These data suggest that overexpression of survivin in endothelial cells serves as a protective mechanism that defends the vasculature from drug cytotoxicity. Our studies demonstrate that targeting survivin may be an effective approach to chemosensitization and anti-vascular therapy for brain tumors.
Human Macrophage Migration Inhibition Factor: Evidence for Subunit Structure

Macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) derived from human lymphoid cell lines was found to lose biologic activity on dialysis. Although activity was not recovered in the dialyzate, mixing experiments demonstrated that the components in the retentate and dialyzate could reassociate to restore activity. The fragment of larger molecular weight (less than 10,000) could inhibit the activity of intact MIF, whereas the smaller molecular weight fragment (5,000 to 10,000) could not. These findings suggest that human MIF is composed of at least two noncovalently linked subunits. In analogy to the situation for certain bacterial toxins, one of these may represent an attachment piece for a target cell membrane receptor.
Respiratory and circulatory studies of patients with mitral stenosis.

Sixteen patients with severe mitral stenosis have been studied by means of cardiac catheterization, ventilatory and respiratory tests. A decrease in the oxygen diffusing capacity and an increase in venous admixture were observed in a majority of the cases. The degree of pulmonary arterial and arteriolar abnormality observed in lung biopsies failed to correlate with the pulmonary arteriolar resistances calculated from the hemodynamic data. It is suggested that reversible vasoconstriction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the pulmonary hypertension associated with mitral stenosis.
A pathologic-arteriographic correlation of renal arterial disease

Abstract A study of the microscopic features of occlusive renal arterial lesions in 97 patients has shown the advantage of classifying these diseases according to their primary locations in the arterial wall and the types of tissue they comprise. Two lesions were primarily intimal, atherosclerosis and intimal fibroplasia, and three were predominantly medial, medial fibroplasia, fibromuscular hyperplasia, and subadventitial fibroplasia. This classification permitted a close correlation with renal arteriographic features. Atherosclerotic lesions were either circumferential or eccentric plaques, sometimes complicated by thrombosis or dissecting aneurysm. They occurred predominantly in men. Arteriograms showed stenosis of the orifice, with poststenotic dilatation; the presence of thrombosis or dissecting aneurysm was usually indicated by complete obliteration. Intimal fibroplasia was characterized by fibrous intimal hyperplasia associated, at times, with disruption of the internal elastic membrane. Arteriographic features depended on the condition of this membrane; when it was disrupted, an aneurysm formed, producing an irregularly dilated artery. Medial fibroplasia with aneurysms produced the “string-of-beads” arteriogram previously attributed to fibromuscular hyperplasia. The “beads” were aneurysms that developed because segments of the arterial wall were absent, permitting focal dilatations. These thin segments alternated with areas in which the media had been largely replaced by collagen. Muscular hyperplasia was not present. Fibromuscular hyperplasia was an uncommon lesion resulting from increased amounts of fibrous and muscular tissue; it was sometimes accompanied by disruption of the internal elastic membrane. Arteriograms showed either symmetrical stenosis or, when the internal elastic membrane was disrupted, an irregularly dilated artery. We could find no arteriographic features that would differentiate this lesion from intimal fibroplasia. Subadventitial fibroplasia was characterized by dense collagenous thickening of the outer media irregularly replacing the muscular layer; it affected long segments of the renal artery. The arteriographic appearance was that of a severely stenosing lesion with regions of intense stenosis alternating with regions of lesser narrowing. This lesion has also been called “fibromuscular hyperplasia” because the variably severe stenosis produces an irregular arterial outline that suggests “beading.” This study shows subadventitial fibroplasia to be distinct from fibromuscular hyperplasia, as well as from medial fibroplasia, which produces the “string-of-beads” arteriogram.
Enhancing Student Preparedness for Class through Course Preparation Assignments: Preliminary Evidence from the Classroom.

Student preparation for class is an integral part of the college learning experience. In order to incentivize student preparation outside class, professors have employed such techniques as reflection papers, quizzes, and group discussion, to name but a few. This article explores the benefits of using a technique known as “course preparation assignments” (CPAs; Yamane 2006). We argue that this instructional tool provides opportunities for significant guided learning beyond the classroom through low-stakes writing assignments that emphasize critical thinking and analysis of assigned primary or secondary source materials. We theorize the three causal mechanisms for CPA success are (1) forced engagement with the material, (2) guidance to engage with difficult texts, and (3) practice using higher order cognitive skills. Based upon multiple student surveys, we find strong evidence that CPAs foster active learning in discussion-based courses by increasing the time students spend preparing for class and by provid...
Review and summary of some project gnome results

A summary of some results of the Gnome underground nuclear explosion in bedded salt is presented. The report deals primarily with the environment produced by the explosion, touches also on isotope production feasibility, feasibility of power production, seismic measurements, shock studies, and neutron experimentation, and discusses the venting which accompanied the explosion.
Feeding Dentally Challenged Horses

Dentally challenged horses that are suffering from weight loss, excessive quidding, chronic choke, or that have severe malocclusions can benefit from special rations. However, a thorough dental and blood chemistry work-up should be done before rations are changed. Depending on the age and health status of the horse, hay cubes (soaked or dry), “complete” pelleted or extruded feeds, beet pulp, and/or chopped hays can be used as the basal rations. High fat (7-10%) concentrates are recommended for weight loss not due to hepatic failure. High starch/sugar feeds should be avoided in horses with pituitary dysfunction and/or chronic laminitis but are recommended for hepatic failure. If incisors are severely misaligned or missing, do not rely on pasture grasses as a source of nutrition.
Rapid Estrogen Signaling Negatively Regulates PTEN Activity Through Phosphorylation in Endometrial Cancer Cells

Hyperestrogenicity is a risk factor for endometrial cancer. 17β-estradiol (E2) is known to stimulate both genomic and nongenomic estrogen receptor-α (ERα) actions in a number of reproductive tissues. However, the contributions of transcription-independent ERα signaling on normal and malignant endometrium are not fully understood. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a tumor suppressor that decreases cellular mitosis primarily through negative regulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT signaling axis. PTEN levels are elevated during the E2 dominated, mitotically active, proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle, indicating possible hormonal regulation of PTEN in the uterus. In order to determine if rapid E2 signaling regulates PTEN, we used ERα-positive, PTEN-positive, endometrial cells. We show that cytosolic E2/ERα signaling leads to increased phosphorylation of PTEN at key regulatory residues. Importantly, E2 stimulation decreased PTEN lipid phosphatase activity and caused consequent increases in phospho-AKT. We further demonstrate that cytosolic ERα forms a complex with PTEN in an E2-dependent manner, and that ERα constitutively complexes with protein kinase2-α (CK2α), a kinase previously shown to phosphorylate the C-terminal tail of PTEN. These results provide mechanistic support for an E2-dependent, ERα cytosolic signaling complex that negatively regulates PTEN activity through carboxy terminus phosphorylation. Using an animal model, we show that sustained E2 signaling results in increased phospho-PTEN (S380, T382, and T383), total PTEN, and phospho-AKT (S473). Taken together, we provide a novel mechanism in which transcription-independent E2/ERα signaling may promote a pro-tumorigenic environment in the endometrium.
Life and death of microglia.

The importance of microglial cells in the maintenance of a well-functioning central nervous system (CNS) cannot be overstated. As descendants of the myelomonocytic lineage they are industrious housekeepers and watchful sentries that safeguard a homeostatic environment through a number of mechanisms designed to provide protection of fastidious neurons at all times. Microglia become particularly active after homeostasis has been perturbed by physical injury or other insults and they enter into a state of activation which is determined largely by the nature and severity of the lesion. Microglial activation is the main cellular event in acute neuroinflammation and essential for wound healing in the CNS. Recent studies from this laboratory have been focused on microglia in the aging brain and identified structural abnormalities, termed microglial dystrophy, that are consistent with cell senescence and progress to a form of accidental cell death that is marked by cytoplasmic degeneration and has been termed cytorrhexis. Cytorrhexis of microglia is infrequent in the normally aged human brain and non-detectable in aged rodents, but its occurrence increases dramatically during neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in humans and motoneuron disease in transgenic rats. The identification of degenerating microglia has given rise to a novel theory of AD pathogenesis, the microglial dysfunction hypothesis, which views the loss of microglial neuroprotection as a central event in neurodegenerative disease development.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ACTIVATED CARBONS FROM SCRAP TIRES, ALMOND SHELLS, AND ILLINOIS COAL

Abstract Scrap tires, almond shells, and high sulfur coal are examples of materials that are currently an environmental liability, but which have potential as raw materials for the production of value-added solid products. In this study, activated carbons were prepared by first pyrolyzing these materials, and then partially gasifying the pyrolysis chars with steam. The pyrolysis chars were characterized by solid-state l3C nuclear magnetic resonance. Nitrogen adsorption experiments were performed on the chars before and after steam activation. Activation increased the surface areas of chars from all three raw materials. Surface areas greater than 400m2/g were obtained when burnoff was above 40%. A 670 m2/g carbon was prepared from Illinois No. 5 coal at 52% burnoff. The results of this study indicate that the conversion of these environmentally problematic materials to activated carbon is a viable strategy for resource recovery and improving pyrolysis economics.
An XML based system of systems discrete event simulation communications framework

Simulations play an important role in complex systems development. In a System of Systems (SoS) consisting of heterogeneous independent systems (as is the case with cooperative robotics, for example), effective communication among the systems is essential. This paper extends the application of Extensible Markup Language (XML) as a method of wrapping data without imposing other restrictions on the systems in an SoS. The effort to model and implement XML communication among members of an SoS is based on Discrete Event Specification (DEVS) and uses DEVSJAVA software as the simulator. An XML based SoS simulation framework is presented by a robust threat detection scenario involving multiple heterogeneous systems working cooperatively to accomplish the goal. This framework will also support agent-in-the-loop simulations using real time DEVS modeling in future work.
Electrophoretic transfer of protein‐pigment complexes from non‐denaturing gels to electron microscopy grids

SUMMARY Different fractions of a mixture of protein–pigment complexes have been separated from one another by non-denaturing gel electrophoresis. These complexes were prepared for observation by inserting electron microscope grids directly into the focused bands of the pigment–protein complexes and resuming electrophoresis for a brief time, so that the complexes were deposited onto the grids. It was found that complexes deposited from each band exhibited distinctly different appearances. It was also found that the exact conditions of electrophoretic deposition onto the grids affected the appearance of the complexes. The protein–pigment complexes were characterized additionally by spectroscopy and denaturing gel electrophoresis.
Renal elimination of perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs).

Sex-, species-, and chain length-dependent renal elimination is the hallmark of mammalian elimination of perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs) and has been extensively studied for almost 30 years. In this ...
Drell-Yan model at measured QT: Asymptotic smallness of one-loop corrections☆

We discuss the Drell-Yan model for dimuon production with measured dimuon transverse momentum. We calculate the leading effect on the dimuon QT distribution arising from the first corrections to the q∗+q∗-→γ∗+X Green function in axial gauge quantum chromodynamics. These corrections are found to be negligible in the appropriate high-energy limit. We also present a useful theorem for transforming between transverse momentum and position in the high-energy limit.
Women's Emotions One Week After Receiving or Being Denied an Abortion in the United States

Context The notion that abortion causes poor mental health has gained traction, even though it is not supported by research. Few studies have comprehensively investigated women's postabortion emotions. Methods Baseline data from a longitudinal study of women seeking abortion at 30 U.S. facilities between 2008 and 2010 were used to examine emotions among 843 women who received an abortion just prior to the facility's gestational age limit, were denied an abortion because they presented just beyond the gestational limit or obtained a first-trimester abortion. Multivariable analyses were used to compare women's emotions about their pregnancy and about their receipt or denial of abortion after one week, and to identify variables associated with experiencing primarily negative emotions postabortion. Results Compared with women who obtained a near-limit abortion, those denied the abortion felt more regret and anger (scoring, on average, 0.4–0.5 points higher on a 0–4 scale), and less relief and happiness (scoring 1.4 and 0.3 points lower, respectively). Among women who had obtained the abortion, the greater the extent to which they had planned the pregnancy or had difficulty deciding to seek abortion, the more likely they were to feel primarily negative emotions (odds ratios, 1.2 and 2.5, respectively). Most (95%) women who had obtained the abortion felt it was the right decision, as did 89% of those who expressed regret. Conclusions Difficulty with the abortion decision and the degree to which the pregnancy had been planned were most important for women's postabortion emotional state. Experiencing negative emotions postabortion is different from believing that abortion was not the right decision.
1H NMR studies in the regime of the field-induced spin-density wave phases of (TMTSF)2PF6

We report 1 H proton spin-lattice relaxation measurements T l -1 on pressurized (TMTSF) 2 PF 6 in high magnetic fields. Maxima in T l -1 identify the phase transition to the field-induced spin-density wave (FISDW) state. Fluctuation effects are evident at temperatures above the transition, and vanish continuously in strength as the field is lowered to the critical field B c for the onset of the FISDW cascade.
Circular coding with interleaving phase

A general two-dimensional coding method is presented that allows recovery of data based on only a cropped portion of the code, and without knowledge of the carrier image. A description of both an encoding and recovery system is provided. Our solution involves repeating a payload with a fixed number of bits, assigning one bit to every symbol in the image - whether that symbol is data carrying or non-data carrying - with the goal of guaranteeing recovery of all the bits in the payload. Because the technique is applied to images, for aesthetic reasons we do not use fiducials, and do not employ any end-of-payload symbols. The beginning of the payload is determined by a phase code that is interleaved between groups of payload rows. The recovery system finds the phase row by evaluating candidate rows, and ranks confidence based on the sample variance. The target application is data-bearing clustered-dot halftones, so special consideration is given to the resulting checkerboard subsampling. This particular application is examined via exhaustive simulations to quantify the likelihood of unrecoverable bits and bit redundancy as a function of offset, crop window size, and phase code spacing.
Activation of the lck tyrosine-protein kinase by the binding of the tip protein of herpesvirus saimiri in the absence of regulatory tyrosine phosphorylation.

The Tip protein of herpesvirus saimiri 484 binds to the Lck tyrosine-protein kinase at two sites and activates it dramatically. Lck has been shown previously to be activated by either phosphorylation of Tyr394 or dephosphorylation of Tyr505. We examined here whether a change in the phosphorylation of either site was required for the activation of Lck by Tip. Remarkably, mutation of both regulatory sites of tyrosine phosphorylation did not prevent activation of Lck by Tip eitherin vivo or in a cell free in vitro system. Tip therefore appears to be able to activate Lck through an induced conformational change that does not necessarily involve altered phosphorylation of the kinase. Tip may represent the prototype of a novel type of regulator of tyrosine-protein kinases.
Violence and Sexuality Three Types of Defendants

This article is an empirical profile of defendants charged with acts of violence alone, such as assault; violence and sexuality, such as rape; and purely sexual, such as exposure. The three groups are compared along four types of variables: background, medical and mental health history, psychiatric, and some derived from the circumstance of the criminal event.
Multi-step processes in high-energy elastic and inelastic nuclear scattering☆

Abstract Multi-step processes in elastic and inelastic nuclear scattering at intermediate and high energies are investigated using a formulation whereby a finite number of channels are explicitly treated while all the other channels are approximately accounted for through a “second-order potential matrix”. Within the framework of the eikonal approximation the problem reduces to a finite system of first-order coupled integro-differential equations with non-local potentials which depend on the two-body density matrix of the target nucleus. The relationship of the above formulation to the DWIA, the close-coupling method, and the Glauber multiple scattering model is examined. This approach is applied to the elastic and inelastic (2 + , 4.43 MeV) scattering of 1 GeV nucleons by 12 C. The corrections to the DWIA are sizeable, and the inelastic scattering appears to be very sensitive to the multi-step contributions and the nuclear structure.
Black Students and International Education: An Assessment

Black students participate in international education or study abroad experiences far less than other college students. The reasons, as stated in previous literature, include choice of major, attrition rates, lower levels of social economic affluence, and the lack of encouragement and support. These conclusions were tested with a sample of Black high school graduates enrolled in a residential, summer college-preparatory program. Results contradicted previous findings and led to the creation of a model to increase Black students’ participation in international education through a service learning pedagogy using short, intensive study abroad experiences.
Green tea extract inhibits proliferation of uterine leiomyoma cells in vitro and in nude mice.

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on rat leiomyoma (ELT3) cells in vitro and in a nude mice model. Study Design ELT3 cells were treated with various concentrations of EGCG. Cell proliferation, proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4) protein levels were evaluated. ELT3 cells were inoculated subcutaneously in female athymic nude mice. Animals were fed 1.25 mg EGCG (in drinking water)/mouse/day. Tumors were collected and evaluated at 4 and 8 weeks after the treatment. Results Inhibitory effect of EGCG (200 μmol/L) on ELT3 cells was observed after 24 hours of treatment ( P P P P Conclusion EGCG effectively inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in rat ELT3 uterine leiomyoma cells in vitro and in vivo.