cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Financial Crisis and the Costs of Neoliberalism

The financial crash that was in full force in the Fall of 2008 triggered the Great Recession. This chapter explores the deeper reasons behind the crisis. Three in particular are noted: the uncritical promotion of homeownership; the enthronement of finance capitalism in a time of global deregulation; and regulatory capture. The crisis was years in the making as the deregulation of the financial system introduced after the Great Depression led to a relentless financialization of the US economy that saw mortgages as just one financial product. And in a classic example of moral hazard, the costs of the risky behavior of financial institutions was paid by the federal government and the US taxpayer.
Housing Policy Recommendations for the Biden/Harris Administration

Housing policy has taken on a heightened profile in recent years, and especially in the wake of COVID-19. Rents have increased faster than renters’ incomes, while Black homeownership has declined. ...
The jurisprudence of universal subjectivity: COVID-19, vulnerability and housing

Drawing upon Martha Fineman’s vulnerability theory, the paper argues that the legal claims of homeless appellants before and during the COVID-19 pandemic illustrate our universal vulnerability whic...
Retrospective Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence Leveraging Free-Text Imaging Order Entry to Facilitate Federally Required Clinical Decision Support.

Abstract Objective The Protecting Access to Medicare Act mandates clinical decision support (CDS) at imaging order entry, necessitating the use of structured indications to map CDS scores. We evaluated the performance of a commercially available artificial intelligence (AI) tool leveraging free-text order entry to facilitate provider selection of the necessary structured indications. Methods Our institution implemented an AI tool offering predicted structured indications based upon the ordering provider’s entry of a free-text reason for examination. Providers remained able to order via the traditional direct search for structured indications. Alternatively, they could take the new free-text–AI approach allowing them to select from AI-predicted indications, perform additional direct searches, indicate no matching indication, or exit CDS workflow. We hypothesized the free-text–AI approach would be elected more often and the AI tool would be successful in facilitating selection of structured indications. We reviewed advanced imaging orders (n = 40,053) for the first 3 months (February to May 2020) since implementation. Results Providers were more likely (P Discussion Providers significantly more often elected the new free-text–AI approach to order entry for CDS, suggesting provider preference over the traditional approach. The AI tool commonly predicted indications acceptable to ordering providers.
Legionella pneumophila, a Pathogen of Amoebae and Macrophages

Most Legionella species, including Legionella pneumophila, are aquatic microbes; other species thrive in soil. There, the microbe naturally infects amoebae and protozoa, but, when given the opportunity, L. pneumophila can infect human alveolar macrophages and cause the severe pneumonia Legionnaires’ disease. In particular, the phagosomal transporter protein A (PhtA) enables intracellular bacteria to acquire threonine from macrophages and amoebae, whereas PhtJ behaves as a valine transporter, and PhtC and PhtD are critical for thymidine assimilation. In some manner, the secreted proteins promote growth of L. pneumophila in amoebae, macrophages derived from human peripheral blood, and the lungs of A/J mice, as judged by comparing the yield of type II secretion-competent L. pneumophila with corresponding mutants. The prevailing concept holds that, to replicate in macrophages, L. pneumophila intercepts vesicular traffic from the secretory pathway. For example, in the absence of RalF or SidM, L. pneumophila nevertheless replicates efficiently in amoebae and macrophages. Moreover, when compared with restrictive C57Bl/6 mouse macrophages, permissive A/J naip5 macrophages that are subjected to amino acid starvation exhibit markedly slower maturation of autophagosomes. In the absence of SdhA, L. pneumophila induces mitochondrial damage, caspase activation, and cell death of A/J mouse macrophages, and the intracellular mutant bacteria cannot replicate. Like SdhA, SidH contributes to L. pneumophila growth in mouse macrophages, but not human monocytic cells or D. discoideum. After ingestion by macrophages, L. pneumophila encounters multiple arms of the innate immune system.
De cómo leer el narcotráfico y otras advertencias

A proposito de la representacion del narcotrafico en la literatura latinoamericana contemporanea
Technology, Employment, and the Business Cycle: Do Technology Shocks Explain Aggregate Fluctuations? Comment

The neoclassical effects of permanent technology shocks on employment is re-investigated. Contrary to Jordi Gali's (1999) assertion published in this Review, I show that standard neoclassical theory is fully capable of explaining the stylized fact that positive permanent technology shocks reduce employment and that positive transitory nontechnology shocks increase labor productivity.
Ontology Quality Assurance with the Crowd

The Semantic Web has the potential to change the Web as we know it. However, the community faces a significant challenge in managing, aggregating, and curating the massive amount of data and knowledge. Human computation is only beginning to serve an essential role in the curation of these Web-based data. Ontologies, which facilitate data integration and search, serve as a central component of the Semantic Web, but they are large, complex, and typically require extensive expert curation. Furthermore, ontology-engineering tasks require more knowledge than is required in a typical crowdsourcing-task. We have developed ontology-engineering methods that leverage the crowd. In this work, we describe our general crowdsourcing workflow. We then highlight our work on applying this workflow to ontology verification and quality assurance. In a pilot study, this method approaches expert ability, finding the same errors that experts identified with 86% accuracy in a faster and more scalable fashion. The work provides a general framework with which to develop crowdsourcing methods for the Semantic Web. In addition, it highlights opportunities for future research in human computation and crowdsourcing.
Evaluation of Bromfenac, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen in Postoperative Oral Surgery Pain

Two hundred forty-one outpatients with postoperative pain after the surgical removal of impacted third molars were randomly assigned, on a double-blind basis, to receive a single oral dose of bromfenac 5, 10, or 25 mg, aspirin 650 mg, ibuprofen 400 mg, or placebo. Using a self-rating record, subjects rated their pain and its relief for 8 hours after medicating. Estimates of summed pain intensity difference, peak pain intensity difference, total relief, peak relief, and hours of 50% relief were derived from these subjective reports. All active treatments were significantly superior to placebo, and the slope of the dose-response curve for bromfenac was significant. Bromfenac 5 mg and aspirin 650 mg were equianalgesic; bromfenac 25 mg was slightly more efficacious than ibuprofen 400 mg. Bromfenac 25 mg and ibuprofen 400 mg were significantly superior to the other active treatments. Adverse effects were transient and consistent with the pharmacologic profiles of the medications evaluated.
PHOTOTACTIC RESPONSE OF CHLAMYDOMON AS TO FLASHES OF LIGHT-I. RESPONSE OF CELL POPULATIONS

—Chlamydomonas reinhardi responds phototactically to a single, very short flash of blue light (6-4 μs). Net oriented response of a cell population is monitored photometrically, using the “population system” of Feinleib and Curry (1967). A single high-intensity flash elicits a small, but definite net movement away from the stimulus source. Repetitive flashing at low frequency (between 8 and 60 flashes per min) and at the same intensity elicits a prolonged response in the same direction. Net phototactic response to single or repetitive flashes varies with stimulus intensity in the same way as does response to continuous light (Feinleib and Curry, 1971b); response is positive at low intensity and negative at high intensity. These data indicate that at least some cells become oriented in response to a short flash. The occurrence of such a response has implications for the mechanism of phototactic orientation. If almost all the cells responded, one would assume that Chlamydomonas perceives light direction instantaneously by detecting an absorption gradient within the cell. Unequivocal interpretation of the short-flash response requires examination of the behavior of individual cells.
A search for affine difference sets of even order

Abstract The Prime Power Conjecture asserts that the order of an affine difference set is an integral power of a prime number. K.T. Arasu and D. Jungnickel have shown that if the order of an affine difference set is even, then the order is either two or four or is divisible by eight. This paper extends this direction of research by studying cyclic affine difference sets whose orders are congruent to eight modulo sixteen. In particular, we give several numerical constraints that support the Prime Power Conjecture in this case. We conclude with a computer search for cyclic affine difference sets of order eight modulo sixteen that satisfy these new conditions.
Cancer risks of medical treatment

The critical assessment for carcinogenicity of drugs presently in use must be balanced by demonstrable therapeutic benefits. Of approximately 20,000 generically different drug products currently available in the United States, those established as human oncogens are the cytotoxic alkylating agents. immunosuppressive agents, estrogens, oral contraceptives, androgenic anabolic steroids, methoxypsoralen, and phenacetin-containing analgesics. DES. and possibly phenytoin, are the only known examples of human transplacental carcinogens. The epidemiologic evidence of carcinogenicity for other suspect drugs such as metronidazole (Flagy®). isoniazid, and reserpine is at present either lacking or is conflicting. Of potential significance is the interaction of drugs that are tertiary amines (e.g., aminopyrine, chlorpromazine, methadone, and oxytetracycline) with nitrite in the acid solution of the stomach to form dialkylnitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens in animals. This process of nitrosation may be inhibited by antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or glutathione. The risk-benefit evaluation of a drug should take into account the likely outcome of the disease if untreated, and whether or not safer alternative therapeutic agents are available. For example, the risks incurred by the use of chlornaphazine or chlorambucil in the treatment of polycythemia vera are considered as excessive as compared with the benefits offered by alternative therapeutic measures. When agents are prescribed that are potentially carcinogenic, but whose continued use by society is viewed as cost-effective, then these should be formulated and prescribed at the lowest dose and for the shortest period of time required to achieve the desired result. Careful premarketing laboratory and clinical screening and postmarketing epidemiologic surveillance are essential for ensuring safety and efficacy. The clinician has a vital role in detecting previously unsuspected iatrogenic hazards, and in educating the public about the indications, contraindications, and side effects of each therapeutic agent.
Mitochondrial metabolism in normal, myeloid, and erythroid hyperplastic rabbit bone marrow: Effect of chloramphenicol

Protein synthesis, respiration, and oxidative phosphorylation were studied in mitochondria isolated from normal, myeloid, and erythroid hyperplastic bone marrow of rabbits. Mitochondria from normal and myeloid hyperplastic marrow showed a similar degree of 14C-leucine incorporation while a threefold higher activity was demonstrated in mitochondria from erythroid marrow. The incorporation was mitochondrial-concentration-dependent and in all cases was inhibited by low concentrations of chloramphenicol (CAP). The respiratory activity of mitochondria isolated from either myeloid or erythroid marrow was twice as high as the normal, but in all cases respiration and phosphorylation were unaffected by concentrations of CAP which totally inhibited protein synthesis.
Impact damage diagnostics for composite structures using built-in sensors and actuators

This paper presents a concept for a built-in diagnostic system for detecting impact damage in in-service composite structures. The proposed system consists of two major diagnostic processes: passive sensing diagnosis (PSD) and active sensing diagnosis (ASD). The PSD utilizes the sensor measurements to determine the impact force and predict the location of the impact. The ASD generates diagnostic signals from the actuators to estimate the size of the impact damage resulting from the impact. In PSD, a computer code, `IDIMPACT,' has been developed for identifying impact force and location using distributed sensor measurements for both metallic and composite plates. For active sensing diagnosis, current work is focused on developing diagnostic methods based on the propagating waves. A key development for this work is to construct appropriate diagnostic waves for effectively detecting impact damage.
Culturing Heliothis Species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) for Investigation of Photoperiod and Diapause Relationships

When the photoperiod requirements of adult and larval Heliothis spp. were investigated, principal photosensitivity was shown to reside in the larva. However, the diapause of the bollworm, H. zea (Boddie), could also be influenced by altering the photoperiod of the parents. Strains selected for their tendency for diapause or for nondiapause differed significantly in reaction to photoperiod, a demonstration of the importance of genotype in diapause response.
Promoting Freedom and Democracy: Fighting the War of Ideas Against Islamic Terrorism

For the first time since the end of the Cold War, the United States finds itself fighting a new war of ideas, a war against those who want to destroy America’s society and its core values, as well as societies of U.S. allies. The battle for hearts and minds is not a short-term campaign, but a protracted conflict that will take years, decades, and possibly generations to overcome. This is a battle in which it is necessary to understand target audiences and engage them, including women, youth, the business community, artists, academics, and the ethnic minorities of the Islamic world. The key to victory will be leadership, clear policy guidance, and perseverance from the American people and its political leadership. The main weapon of the United States in the battle of ideas should be the truth—truth about the societies, which breed terrorism, their rulers, and about terrorist leaders.
Peer Reflection: Collegial Coaching and Reference Effectiveness

Summary Greater attention needs to be paid to communication behaviors comprising the reference interview. As a prelude to the formal evaluation of reference services, the technique of peer coaching can be used to raise self- and collegial-awareness of behaviors specific to the reference interview, and can serve as a way of continually evaluating how well users are served. This article reflects on the application of peer coaching to the reference environment, suggests strategies for implementation, and relates peer coaching to the evaluation of reference effectiveness.
AFTER THE DELUGE: Publics and Publicity in Katrina's Wake

I want to start with a story from the period of chaos that followed Hurricane Katrina. I am going to present some data as an entry into a brief discussion of how different publics evaluated the disaster, and the implications for how we think about civil society in the United States.
Targeting the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor to treat severe pain

The alpha9alpha10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are recognized for their function in the hair cells of the inner ear; transcripts for a9 and/or a10 subunits have also been identified in a diverse range of other tissues , including immune cells. The functioning of alpha9alpha10 nAChRs in these latter tissues is unknown. However, a recent series of studies has provided evidence that blockade of the alpha9alpha10 nAChR can alleviate chronic pain resulting from overt peripheral nerve injury or inflammation and increase the functional recovery of damaged neurons. Systemic administration of alpha9alpha10 antagonists produces an acute analgesia; repeated daily administrations produces sustained and cumulative levels of analgesia across 7 days without the development of tolerance. Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, antagonism of the alpha9alpha10 nAChRs reduces the number of immune cells present at the site of injury.
Free Vascularized Fibular Grafting—25 Years' Experience: Tips, Techniques, and Pearls

Although my first attempt at free microvascular transfer of the fibula in 1979 could probably best be characterized as a traumatic event for both the patient and surgeon, over the ensuing 2-plus decades free fibula transfer evolved into my ‘‘best friend’’ for the management of especially challenging long bone defects and recalcitrant nonunions. This article is written from a rather parochial perspective of the author and in large part draws from personal opinions, experiences, and anecdotes. Also I should add that relatively few of the opinions and techniques described in this article are originaldthey are borrowed heavily from the experiences of my Mayo Clinic colleagues and pioneers in the field of free bone transfer, especially Alain Gilbert [1], James Urbaniak, Ian Taylor [2], and Fu-Chan Wei.
Detection and characterization of antinuclear antibody using fluorescence image processing

The production of autoantibodies in the human cells (stomach, liver) is detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay and each disease condition is indicated by its respective fluorescence pattern during fluorescence microscopy. There are many different patterns which have close resemblance and a major hindrance in the disease diagnosis is the distinction among fluorescence patterns that have close resemblances with minor differences. Disease conditions vary with intensity, type and localization of fluorescence in each specific region. An algorithm using MATLAB has been developed which will facilitate auto-detection of pattern with respect to its corresponding control pattern thus assuring comparison with correct match and minimizing the chances of disease misdiagnosis. Future application of this methodology is in karyotyping and detection of antibodies through fluorescence imaging employed in diagnosis of variety of diseases (including cancer).
Academic Self-concept in Black Adolescents: Do Race and Gender Stereotypes Matter?

We examined the relation between race- and gender-group competence ratings and academic self-concept in 252 Black seventh- and eighth-graders. On average, youth reported traditional race stereotypes, whereas gender stereotypes were traditional about verbal abilities and were nontraditional regarding math/science abilities. Among boys, in-group gender and in-group race-based competence ratings (i.e. ratings of boys and Blacks) were related to math/science and verbal self-concepts. However, only gender-based ratings (i.e. ratings of girls' abilities for reading/writing) were related to girls' self-concepts. These findings suggest that the influence of race stereotypes on Black adolescents' academic self-concepts is different for girls than boys. Whereas self-relevant gender groups were associated with both Black girls' and boys' academic self-concept, race-based competence ratings were only relevant for the academic self-views of Black boys.
Framework for Limit State Design of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Walls and Slopes

Introduced is a unified limit state design framework for geosynthetic-reinforced slopes and walls. It is demonstrated that limit state design is an essential step in design even though the usual perception is that the performance of such structures is “better than expected.” A brief critical overview of commonly available analysis methods is presented. The typical design methodology which is an extension of conventional limit equilibrium (LE) analysis is discussed. It is shown that with the addition of the safety map tool, an optimized design can be achieved with relative ease. However, while the safety map can be used in design, the basic solution is still incomplete. Subsequently, the LE approach is generalized to include the complete solution, i.e., the required tensile force distribution along each layer considering reinforcement layout and anchorage properties. The modified approach produces a solution needed for stability including the required connection strength. It is based on free body equilibrium ensuring that at each point within the reinforced mass, the factor of safety is the same. That is, unlike the safety map which shows the corresponding safety factor at each location, the presented framework adjusts the required strength of the reinforcement so that the safety factor is the same constant everywhere. Limited parametric studies demonstrate the performance of the new framework as well as that of the safety map approach. These studies show the impact of facing blocks, seismicity, backslope, quality of backfill, length of reinforcement, and effects of secondary short reinforcement. The results are compared with relevant experimental data. The agreement is reasonably good. Finally, a general link between the framework and actual design is briefly discussed.
Development of the Shape Bias During the Second Year

ABSTRACT. The shape bias is an attentional preference children show for the shape of an object over other aspects of the object in a word-learning context. This bias, which aids in establishing a word-object pairing, was investigated in 12-, 18-, and 24-month-old children (n = 90) across noun, adjective, and no-label conditions. The present research presents evidence of development across this time span; there was a transition from a label reducing the chance of shape extensions to indiscriminate shape extensions to a label increasing the chance of shape extensions. This research supports the notion that children are focusing their extensions more toward shape during the course of development thereby developing a more mature and more specialized shape bias.
Apparatus for precise regulation and chilling of water temperatures in laboratory studies

Abstract Laboratory simulation of water temperature regimes that occur in subarctic rivers through winter necessitates the ability to maintain near-freezing conditions. A heat-exchanging apparatus is described that provided a convenient means of simulating the range of temperatures (0.5–12°C) that incubating eggs of salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) typically experience in south-central Alaskan watersheds. The system was reliable, easily maintained precise temperatures at our coldest test levels, and was used over several years with few mechanical complications.
Pressure Induced Conductivity for High Power Switching

Summary form only given. Investigations of shock induced conductivity of non-crystalline insulators and crystalline semiconductors were performed. Although we measured the insulator-to-metallic state transition time and conductivity, the focus of this investigation was on the recovery phase of the induced conductivity (i.e. metallic-to-insulator state transition). The recovery time and shock conditions were measured with high speed electrical diagnostics. The goal of this research is to determine the feasibility of using shock induced conductivity as a means of producing a high power opening switch. To minimize switch losses, the insulator-to-metallic transition time and conductance is also important, but has been more widely studied. Initial impact studies have shown that certain insulator can be conductive for 100 microseconds and recover under modest voltage less than one microsecond using a ten gram explosive charge. Various shock intensities are used in the study. The shock is produced primarily with conventional commercial explosives. In addition, the impact of sample thickness and compression duration on the induced the conductivity were also studied. The correlation between modest voltage and high voltage recovery time and shut-off current were studied
Excitation BolsTORs motor neurons in ALS mice.

It is unclear why motor neurons selectively degenerate in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Saxena et al. (2013) demonstrate that excitation of motor neurons can prevent their demise in a mouse model of inherited ALS by a mechanism involving the mTOR pathway.
Serum levels of soluble CD8, neopterin, beta 2-microglobulin and p24 antigen as indicators of disease progression in children with AIDS on zidovudine therapy.

Objective To test the hypothesis that serum levels of soluble markers in children change after initiation of zidovudine therapy and that the extent and pattern of these longitudinal changes correlates with clinical outcome. Patients and methods We measured serum levels of soluble CD8, neopterin, beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M), and p24 antigen, and CD4 cell counts, before the initiation of zidovudine therapy and at 12, 24 and 48 weeks of treatment in 24 HIV-1-infected children (Centers for Disease Control classification P2) and 15 controls. Results Soluble CD8 levels were elevated before therapy in 70% of the infected children; subsequent decreases were associated with lower risk of disease progression. The mean serum neopterin level before treatment was elevated in infected children; decreases in neopterin levels marginally reflected improved or stable clinical status. Serum beta 2M levels and CD4+ cell counts were not associated with clinical outcome. Only 10 out of the 24 patients had detectable levels of serum p24 antigen before treatment; again, the amount of decline after initiation of therapy did not predict clinical outcome. Conclusion Decreasing levels of soluble CD8 and neopterin in HIV-1-infected children receiving zidovudine therapy might reflect a good response to treatment and a slowing of disease progression.
On the Itô equation

Abstract The Ito equation is shown to be a singular case of a physical system representable in terms of general stochastic processes.
Pseudo-atomic models of swollen CCMV from cryo-electron microscopy data.

Abstract The capsid of cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) can reversibly switch between two forms that are contingent on the charge of acidic residues that are clustered at the quasi-threefold axes of the T =3 icosahedral particle. The quaternary structure conformations are dependent on divalent metal ions and pH and were previously analyzed by crystallography in the native, compact form, and by cryo-electron microscopy in the compact and swollen forms ( Speir et al., 1995 ). In this report we use the atomic models of the three structurally unique viral subunits determined by crystallography for a detailed interpretation of the 28-A-resolution electron density of the swollen form and the production of a pseudo-atomic model of this particle. The model of the quaternary structure conforms with high fidelity to conventional geometric constraints, quasi-equivalence, intersubunit association energies, and the electron density. It was derived by conserving the pentamers and hexamers of subunits whose associated electron densities are strikingly similar in the two forms of the particles. Treating these as rigid units in the modeling implies that the particle flexibility is accommodated primarily by changes in dimer interactions, an observation that is consistent with the flexible C-terminal polypeptide extensions that stabilize this contact in the crystal structure. Because the hexamers and pentamers were incrementally translated and rotated in a screw motion, with energy minimization at each of 28 steps, a path for the expansion is also implied.
PHARMACOLOGY OF LOCAL ANAESTHETIC AGENTS

The most important clinical properties of local anaesthetic agents are potency, onset, duration of action and relative blockade of sensory and motor fibres. These qualities are related primarily to the physicochemical properties of the various compounds. In general, lipid solubility determines the relative intrinsic potency of the various agents, while protein binding influences the duration of anaesthesia and pKa is correlated with the onset of action. In general, the local anaesthetics for infiltration, peripheral nerve blockade, and extradural anaesthesia can be classified into three groups: agents of low potency and short duration, for example procaine and chloroprocaine; agents of moderate potency and duration, for example lignocaine, mepivacaine and prilocaine; and agents of high potency and long duration, for example amethocaine, bupivacaine and etidocaine. These local anaesthetics also vary in terms of onset: chloroprocaine, lignocaine, mepivacaine, prilocaine and etidocaine have a rapid onset, while procaine, amethocaine and bupivacaine are characterized by a longer latency period.
The C-terminal domain of T4 RNA ligase 1 confers specificity for tRNA repair

T4 RNA ligase 1 (Rnl1) is a tRNA repair enzyme that thwarts a tRNA-damaging host response to virus infection. The 374-aa Rnl1 protein consists of an N-terminal nucleotidyltransferase domain fused to a unique C-terminal domain composed of 10 α helices. We exploited an in vitro tRNA splicing system to demonstrate that Rnl1 has an inherent specificity for sealing tRNA with a break in the anticodon loop. The tRNA specificity is imparted by the C domain, any deletion of which caused the broken tRNA to be sealed as poorly as the linear intron in vitro and also abolished Rnl1 tRNA splicing activity in vivo. Deletion analysis demarcated Rnl1-(1–254) as a minimal catalytic domain of Rnl1, capable of all chemical steps of the nonspecific RNA ligation reaction. Alanine scanning of the N domain identified Ser103, Leu104, Lys117, and Ser118 as important for pRNA ligation in vitro and tRNA repair in vivo.
IFN-γ enhances secretion of IgG2a from IgG2a-committed LPS-stimulated murine B cells: Implications for the role of IFN-γ in class switching

Abstract IFN-γ is a pleiotropic lymphokine that influences the isotypes of immunoglobulin secreted by B cells. IFN-γ inhibits the secretion of IgG3, IgG2b, IgG1, and IgE, and enhances the secretion of IgG2a. We have examined the mechanism of IFN-γ-mediated enhancement of IgG2a secretion in sorted populations of B cells and find that IFN-γ reproducibly stimulates a twofold increase in the precursor frequency of IgG2a-secreting cells in the sIgG2a+ population. Additionally, we find that IFN-γ does not induce an increase in the clone size of IgG2a-secreting cells. IFN-γ stimulates a twofold increase in the precursor frequency of IgG2a-secreting cells from sIgG− and unsorted B cells which can be attributed to an increase in IgG2a secretion from IgG2a-committed cells in these populations. Hence, under the culture conditions utilized in these studies, IFN-γ enhances IgG2a secretion from IgG2a-committed cells and does not induce a class switch.
Performance analysis of the 802.11aa intra-access category prioritization under saturated condition

This paper presents the first comprehensive model of the 802.1laa intra-access category prioritization under saturated condition. We propose a 3D Markov chain to model the system and analyze several important QoS metrics, including throughput, delay, and frame drop ratio. The accuracy of our model is verified by extensive simulations. The results show that the 802.1laa can provide a finer grained prioritization between individual audio and video streams in throughput and delay. However, advanced physical layer techniques are necessary in providing QoS support in a large-scale WiFi network.
Modeling transcriptional networks regulating secondary growth and wood formation in forest trees

The complex interactions among the genes that underlie a biological process can be modeled and presented as a transcriptional network, in which genes (nodes) and their interactions (edges) are shown in a graphical form similar to a wiring diagram. A large number of genes have been identified that are expressed during the radial woody growth of tree stems (secondary growth), but a comprehensive understanding of how these genes interact to influence woody growth is currently lacking. Modeling transcriptional networks has recently been made tractable by next-generation sequencing-based technologies that can comprehensively catalog gene expression and transcription factor-binding genome-wide, but has not yet been extensively applied to undomesticated tree species or woody growth. Here we discuss basic features of transcriptional networks, approaches for modeling biological networks, and examples of biological network models developed for forest trees to date. We discuss how transcriptional network research is being developed in the model forest tree genus, Populus, and how this research area can be further developed and applied. Transcriptional network models for forest tree secondary growth and wood formation could ultimately provide new predictive models to accelerate hypothesis-driven research and develop new breeding applications.
Numerical simulation of the temperature dependence of photoluminescence in strained-Si1−xGex/Si heterostructures

In previous work it has been shown that the decay in photoluminescence from Si/strained-Si1−xGex/Si quantum wells at temperatures over 100 K is controlled by surface recombination and that the photoluminescence intensity can be increased by over an order of magnitude by surface passivation. These results had been explained only by a simple phenomenological model, which could not explain why at high pump power density the observed luminescence was constant from 77 to 250 K. This paper uses a two-carrier heterojunction device simulator to determine the carrier profiles during optical pumping. The profiles are used to understand quantitatively luminescence as a function of temperature and pump power density without making the over-simplifying assumptions required for analytical modeling. Surface recombination velocities over 103 cm/s drastically affect the results, and Auger recombination plays an important role at high pump power density.
An Experiment in Automatic Hierarchical Document Classification.

Abstract A method of automatic document classification was developed as part of a larger research project in materials selection. Documents classed as QA by the Library of Congress classification system were clustered at six thresholds by keyword using the single link technique. The automatically generated clusters were then compared to the Library of Congress subclasses to which the documents had been assigned by human classifiers. Finally, a partial classified hierarchy was formed from the individual document clusters within a single threshold. Implications of the utility of grouping documents for on-line searching are discussed.
Conjugate Gradient Parametric Detection of Multichannel Signals

The parametric adaptive matched filter (PAMF) detector for space-time adaptive processing (STAP) detection is reexamined in this paper. Originally, the PAMF detector was introduced by using a multichannel autoregressive (AR) parametric model for the disturbance signal in STAP detection. While the parametric approach brings in benefits such as reduced training and computational requirements as compared with fully adaptive STAP detectors, the PAMF detector as a reduced-dimensional solution remains unclear. This paper employs the conjugate-gradient (CG) algorithm to solve the linear prediction problem arising in the PAMF detector. It is shown that CG yields not only a new computationally efficient implementation of the PAMF detector, a new and efficient AR model order selection method that can naturally be integrated with CG iterations, but it also offers new perspectives of PAMF as a reduced-rank subspace detector. We first consider the integration of the CG algorithm with the matched filter (MF) and parametric matched filter (PMF) when the covariance matrix of the disturbance signal is known. It is then extended to the adaptive case where the covariance matrix is estimated from training data. Important issues such as computational complexity and convergence rate are discussed. Performance of the proposed CG-PAMF detector is examined by using the KASSPER and other computer generated data.
A note on the point-countable base question

We show that a subspace X of a linearly ordered space has a point-countable base iff X satisfies open (G), i.e., one can assign to each x ϵ X a countable collection B(x) of open sets such that if {xn}n<ω converges to x ϵ X, then ∪n<ω B(xn) contains a base at x. We also show that countably compact Hausdorff spaces satisfying open (G) are metrizable.
Rationale for combining acamprosate and naltrexone for treating alcohol dependence.

Objective: This article provides an evidence-based review of acamprosate and naltrexone, used alone and in combination. Both medications are gaining increasing availability worldwide by prescription for the treatment of alcohol dependence. There is scientific and clinical interest in examining these drugs in combination, given their high tolerability, moderate effect sizes, different pharmacological profiles and potentially different effects on drinking outcomes. Methods: This article includes a review of the key similarities and differences between acamprosate and naltrexone in the treatment of alcohol dependence; the published double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of acamprosate and naltrexone across a uniform range of outcome criteria to elucidate the differences and similarities in the behavioral effects of these drugs; the two published pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug interaction studies of acamprosate and naltrexone; and the single-site clinical trial of acamprosate and naltrexone used al...
Telechelic Aminooxy Polystyrene Synthesized by ATRP and ATR Coupling

Aminooxy α- and α,ω-end-functionalized polystyrene were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and atom transfer radical (ATR) coupling. A 1-bromoethylphenyl initiator possessing an N-hydroxyphthalimide group was used for copper-mediated ATRP of styrene. The polymerization kinetics indicated good control with high initiator efficiency, and the resulting polymers had polydispersity indices (PDIs) as low as 1.12. N-Hydroxyphthalimide−polystyrene was then dimerized using Cu(0)-mediated ATR coupling, and GPC results indicated high coupling efficiency. Hydrazine deprotection of both the α and α,ω-end-functionalized polystyrene to the aminooxy groups was confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. End-group reactivity was verified by reaction with 4-bromobenzaldehyde to form the oxime linkages.
Biophysical and formulation studies of the Schistosoma mansoni TSP-2 extracellular domain recombinant protein, a lead vaccine candidate antigen for intestinal schistosomiasis.

A candidate vaccine to prevent human schistosomiasis is under development. The vaccine is comprised of a recombinant 9 kDa antigen protein corresponding to the large extracellular domain of a tetraspanin surface antigen protein of Schistosoma mansoni, Sm-TSP-2. Here, we describe the biophysical profile of the purified, recombinant Sm-TSP-2 produced in the yeast PichiaPink™, which in preclinical studies in mice was shown to be an effective vaccine against intestinal schistosomiasis. Biophysical techniques including circular dichroism, intrinsic and extrinsic fluorescence and light scattering were employed to generate an empirical phase diagram, a color based map of the physical stability of the vaccine antigen over a wide range of temperatures and pH. From these studies a pH range of 6.0–8.0 was determined to be optimal for maintaining the stability and conformation of the protein at temperatures up to 25 °C. Sorbitol, sucrose and trehalose were selected as excipients that prevented physical degradation du...
On local regularization for an inverse problem of option pricing

We explore the theoretical and numerical application of local regularization methods to an ill-posed inverse problem arising from financial option pricing. In addition, we provide an algorithm and show results through numerical examples.
From fibroblast cells to cardiomyocytes: direct lineage reprogramming

Recent advances in stem cell biology have established the feasibility of reprogramming human and murine fibroblast cells into induced pluripotent stem cells. Three master regulators have been demonstrated to be sufficient in the management of cell status of 'pluripotent' versus 'differentiated'. The same strategy has been used to directly convert one somatic cell type into another cell type, such as the converting of exocrine pancreas cells into cells closely resembling beta cells and the reprogramming of fibroblast cells into functional neuron cells. Srivastava's group reported the first direct reprogramming of mouse fibroblast cells into mesoderm lineage cells (cardiomyocytes) with the enforced expression of three cardiac transcriptional factors: Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5. The induced cardiomyocytes exhibit a global gene expression profile and basic electrophysiological characteristics similar to those of postnatal cardiomyocytes. This study made significant advances in cardiovascular and stem cell fields and has important implications in understanding heart developmental biology as well as in potential therapies of human cardiovascular diseases.
Pediatric Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patients Do Not Meet Traditional Cardiac Resynchronization Criteria.

Adult CRT Criteria for Pediatric Dilated Cardiomyopathy Introduction Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective device-based intervention for adults with heart failure (HF) with specific indications, based on large, multicenter randomized clinical trials. The criteria for CRT in adult HF include significant symptoms, ventricular systolic dysfunction, prolonged QRS duration, and left bundle branch block (LBBB) pattern on electrocardiogram (ECG). Despite having less data, CRT is also being widely utilized in children with HF. The shortage of evidence-based CRT criteria in pediatrics prompted us to review a cohort of children with dilated cardiomyopathy and evaluate their potential eligibility for CRT using the traditional adult criteria. Methods Single-center data of all pediatric patients with dilated cardiomyopathy were extracted from the heart failure registry and retrospectively reviewed. Patients who had at least 2 separate visits that included HF scoring, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram were included. Patients who were ventricular paced were excluded. Results Data for 52 patients meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed. The mean ejection fraction was 25% on the first clinical evaluation and 27% on the second visit. No patient and 2 patients met the adult criteria for prolonged QRS on the first and second encounters, respectively. No patients had an LBBB pattern on ECG. Conclusions None of the pediatric HF patients in our study met the published Class I criteria for CRT device therapy in adults. These findings suggest that extrapolation of adult HF data to pediatrics is not sufficient for CRT criteria. Specific guidelines for device implantation in children must be based on scientific investigation including pediatric clinical trials.
Covering complete r-graphs with spanning complete r-partite r-graphs

An r-cut of the complete r-uniform hypergraph Krn is obtained by partitioning its vertex set into r parts and taking all edges that meet every part in exactly one vertex. In other words it is the edge set of a spanning complete r-partite subhypergraph of Krn. An r-cut cover is a collection of r-cuts such that each edge of Krn is in at least one of the cuts. While in the graph case r = 2 any 2-cut cover on average covers each edge at least 2-o(1) times, when r is odd we exhibit an r-cut cover in which each edge is covered exactly once. When r is even no such decomposition can exist, but we can bound the average number of times an edge is cut in an r-cut cover between $1+\frac1{r+1}$ and $1+\frac{1+o(1)}{\log r}$ . The upper bound construction can be reformulated in terms of a natural polyhedral problem or as a probability problem, and we solve the latter asymptotically.
RNA-Mediated Trans-Activation of Transcription from a Viral RNA

The red clover necrotic mosaic virus genome is composed of two single-stranded RNA components, RNA-1 and RNA-2. The viral capsid protein is translated from a subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) that is transcribed from genomic RNA-1. Here, a 34-nucleotide sequence in RNA-2 is shown to be required for transcription of sgRNA. Mutations that prevent base-pairing between the RNA-1 subgenomic promoter and the 34-nucleotide trans-activator prevent expression of a reporter gene. A model is proposed in which direct binding of RNA-2 to RNA-1 trans-activates sgRNA synthesis. This RNA-mediated regulation of transcription is unusual among RNA viruses, which typically rely on protein regulators.
Biodegradable and pH sensitive hydrogels: synthesis by a polymer-polymer reaction

pH sensitive hydrogels containing azoaromatic crosslinks were synthesized by a polymer-polymer reaction. To minimize cyclization, a three step synthesis was employed. First, a polymeric precursor (P-ONp) containing side-chains terminated in reactive p-nitrophenyl ester groups was synthesized by free radical precipitation copolymerization of N,N-dimethylacrylamide, acrylic acid, N-tert-butylacrylamide, and N-methacryloylglycylglycine p-nitrophenyl ester. In the second step, the p-nitrophenyl ester groups of P-ONp were converted to NH 2 groups (P-NH 2 ) by a polymer-analogous reaction with an excess of a diamine, namely N,N'-(ω-aminocaproyl)-4,4'-diaminoazobenzene. The hydrogel was then prepared in the third step by a polymer-polymer reaction of P-ONp with P-NH 2 . The linear copolymers were characterized by the content of functional groups and molecular weights. The hydrogels were characterized by equilibrium degree of swelling, modulus of elasticity in compression at pH 7.4, the network structure, and in vitro degradability. The swelling, mechanical properties, and rate of degradation depended on the crosslinking density. Although we were able to restrict cyclization, other side reactions such as unreacted pendent groups and hydrolysis need to be controlled. These hydrogels have potential for colon-specific drug delivery.
Virus-templated iridium oxide–gold hybrid nanowires for electrochromic application

A highly porous electrode comprised of biologically templated iridium oxide-gold (IrO(2)-Au) hybrid nanowires is introduced for electrochromic applications. A filamentous M13 virus is genetically engineered to display IrO(2)-binding peptides on the viral surface and used as a template for the self-assembly of IrO(2) nanoclusters into a nanowire. The open porous morphology of the prepared nanowire film facilitates ion transport. Subsequently, the redox kinetics of the IrO(2) nanowires seems to be limited by the electric resistance of the nanowire film. To increase the electron mobility in the nanowires, gold nanoparticles are chemically linked to the virus prior to the IrO(2) mineralization, forming a gold nanostring structure along the long axis of the virus. The resulting IrO(2)-Au hybrid nanowires exhibit a switching time of 35 ms for coloration and 25 ms for bleaching with a transmission change of about 30.5% at 425 nm. These values represent almost an order of magnitude faster switching responses than those of an IrO(2) nanowire film having the similar optical contrast. This work shows that genetically engineered viruses can serve as versatile templates to co-assemble multiple functional molecules, enabling control of the electrochemical properties of nanomaterials.