cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Induced residuated maps

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a class of mappings from a lattice L, whose elements are residuated maps, into itself. The main results of this paper identify certain injective residuated mappings of L and order automorphisms of a sublattice of L with mappings from this class.
Theorem proving with abstraction

A class of mappings called abstractions are defined, and examples of abstractions are given. These functions map a set S of clauses onto a possibly simpler set T of clauses. Also, resolution proofs from S map onto possibly simpler resolution proofs from T. In order to search for a proof of a clause C from S, it suffices to search for a proof from T and attempt to invert the abstraction mapping to obtain a proof of C from S. Some theorem proving strategies based on this idea are presented. Most of these strategies are complete. A method of using more than one abstraction at the same time is also presented. This requires the use of 'multiclauses', which are multisets of literals, and associated 'm-abstraction mappings' on multiclauses. Certain abstractions are especially interesting, because they correspond to particular interpretations of the set S of clauses. The use of abstractions permits the advantages of set-of-support strategies to be realized in arbitrary complete non set-of-support resolution strategies.
Enzyme-Doped Thin Films and Optical Fiber Sensors for Glutamate

Biomolecules encapsulated in porous silicate glass using the sol-gel process form optically transparent materials capable of biorecognition. We are working to design biosensors from these materials for the detection of glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Previously we demonstrated the ability of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH)-doped sol-gel bulk materials to measure glutamate at varying concentrations. Here we show that GDH can be encapsulated in a thin film while retaining its enzymatic activity. The films are likely to be reaction limited rather than diffusion limited, as the reaction rate at saturating glutamate concentrations varies linearly with enzyme loading. At a given enzyme loading, the film reaction rate increases with increasing glutamate concentration, demonstrating its potential as a glutamate sensor material. In addition we have shown that the enzyme-doped sol-gel glass can be deposited onto the tip of an optical fiber. The fiber is active and responds to the presence of glutamate.
Variations in soleus H-reflexes as a function of plantarflexion torque in man.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the levels of voluntary isometric contraction on the Hoffman reflex in human soleus and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles. H-reflexes were recorded in sixteen healthy adults at each of 16 isometric plantarflexion (pf) torque levels ranging from 0–100% of their maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) and were elicited at two intensities of stimulation: (i) supramaximal for M-response and (ii) a submaximal stimulus that produced an H-reflex in soleus that was 50% of maximum H-reflex at rest. The H-reflex peak-to-peak amplitudes were linearly related to pf torque levels ranging from 0 to 50% MVC at both supramaximal and submaximal stimulus intensities. The slope of this relationship was higher for the submaximal stimulation. Beyond 60% of MVC, the soleus H-reflex amplitude showed no further increase with increasing pf torque for both stimulus intensities. Thus, beyond 50–60% of MVC the soleus H-reflex does not provide an accurate measure of soleus motor neuron pool excitability. Further experimental results showed that the H-reflex amplitude at a given torque level depended on whether torque was increasing or decreasing. When torque was increasing, the amplitude of the H-reflex was larger than when the same torque was maintained at a constant level. In contrast, if the torque was lower than when torque was increasing. Therefore, variations in H-reflex amplitudes at a given torque level may be more closely correlated to the direction of the ongoing contraction than to the actual muscle force being produced at the time the H-reflex is elicited.
Serial hemodynamic studies during the treatment of congestive heart failure with isolated low-dose oral prazosin therapy.

Prazosin was administered orally at a maximal dose of 2 mg every 6 hours to 4 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) who had not received either digitalis or diuretics for 72 hours before therapy. Three of the 4 patients had hypertensive and arteriosclerotic heart disease. Hemodynamic monitoring in dicated a significant reduction of preload and afterload with a concomitant rise in the cardiac index. We concluded that isolated low-dose oral prazosin has salutary effects on indices of hemodynamic function in selected patients.
Structure-Function Analysis of DipA, a Francisella tularensis Virulence Factor Required for Intracellular Replication.

Francisella tularensis is a highly infectious bacterium whose virulence relies on its ability to rapidly reach the macrophage cytosol and extensively replicate in this compartment. We previously identified a novel Francisella virulence factor, DipA (FTT0369c), which is required for intramacrophage proliferation and survival, and virulence in mice. DipA is a 353 amino acid protein with a Sec-dependent signal peptide, four Sel1-like repeats (SLR), and a C-terminal coiled-coil (CC) domain. Here, we determined through biochemical and localization studies that DipA is a membrane-associated protein exposed on the surface of the prototypical F. tularensis subsp. tularensis strain SchuS4 during macrophage infection. Deletion and substitution mutagenesis showed that the CC domain, but not the SLR motifs, of DipA is required for surface exposure on SchuS4. Complementation of the dipA mutant with either DipA CC or SLR domain mutants did not restore intracellular growth of Francisella, indicating that proper localization and the SLR domains are required for DipA function. Co-immunoprecipitation studies revealed interactions with the Francisella outer membrane protein FopA, suggesting that DipA is part of a membrane-associated complex. Altogether, our findings indicate that DipA is positioned at the host–pathogen interface to influence the intracellular fate of this pathogen.
Preparing to Care for an Aging Population: Medical Student Reflections on Their Clinical Mentors Within a New Geriatrics Curriculum

Reflective writing techniques such as journaling help provide insights into the process by which medical students are mentored and develop into practicing physicians. The authors sought to analyze medical students' journals regarding their mentored experiences within a new geriatrics curriculum at a U.S. medical school. Thirty preclinical and clinical medical student journalers participated in this project. The authors employed qualitative analytic techniques using an interdisciplinary team process. Three major themes emerged: (a) exposure to clinical mentors challenged medical students' preconceptions regarding older adults and geriatric medicine; (b) students learned new medical knowledge and techniques from observing their mentors; and (c) students provided positive and negative assessments of their mentors. Reflective journaling provides important insights into the process by which medical students draw upon mentored clinical experiences during their training. Such mentorship may be particularly relev...
Focal local indicators for social program evaluation

An important role for social indicators is in the evaluation of the impact of specific social programs. This requires (in the absence of randomized experiments) extended time-series of social indicators. Such series will usually only be available for administrative records (both public and private). It is in the national interest that these be made flexibly research-retrievable by local region, by frequent time interval, and in fine topical breakdown. The ability to report aggregate statistics retrieved for lists of persons adds still greater precision in program evaluation, and can be done with no loss of privacy and without any release of individual data. For this purpose, the use of uniform individual identification numbers add efficiency without increased risk to privacy.
Dentin Phosphoprotein (DPP) Activates Integrin-mediated Anchorage-dependent Signals in Undifferentiated Mesenchymal Cells

Dentin phosphoprotein (DPP), a major noncollagenous protein of the dentin matrix, is a highly acidic protein that binds Ca2+ avidly and is thus linked to matrix mineralization. Here, we demonstrate that the RGD domain in DPP can bind to integrins on the cell surface of undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells and pulp cells. This coupling generates intracellular signals that are channeled along cytoskeletal filaments and activate the non-receptor tyrosine kinase focal adhesion kinase, which plays a key role in signaling at sites of cellular adhesion. The putative focal adhesion kinase autophosphorylation site Tyr397 is phosphorylated during focal adhesion assembly induced by DPP on the substrate. We further demonstrate that these intracellular signals propagate through the cytoplasm and activate anchorage-dependent ERK signaling. Activated ERK translocates to the nucleus and phosphorylates the transcription factor ELK-1, which in turn coordinates the expression of downstream target genes such as DMP1 and dentin sialoprotein (DSP). These studies suggest a novel paradigm demonstrating that extracellular DPP can induce intracellular signaling that can be propagated to the nucleus and thus alter gene activities.
Nanostructure enhanced ionic transport in fullerene reinforced solid polymer electrolytes.

Solid polymer electrolytes, such as polyethylene oxide (PEO) based systems, have the potential to replace liquid electrolytes in secondary lithium batteries with flexible, safe, and mechanically robust designs. Previously reported PEO nanocomposite electrolytes routinely use metal oxide nanoparticles that are often 5–10 nm in diameter or larger. The mechanism of those oxide particle-based polymer nanocomposite electrolytes is under debate and the ion transport performance of these systems is still to be improved. Herein we report a 6-fold ion conductivity enhancement in PEO/lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI)-based solid electrolytes upon the addition of fullerene derivatives. The observed conductivity improvement correlates with nanometer-scale fullerene crystallite formation, reduced crystallinities of both the (PEO)6:LiTFSI phase and pure PEO, as well as a significantly larger PEO free volume. This improved performance is further interpreted by enhanced decoupling between ion transport and polymer segmental motion, as well as optimized permittivity and conductivity in bulk and grain boundaries. This study suggests that nanoparticle induced morphological changes, in a system with fullerene nanoparticles and no Lewis acidic sites, play critical roles in their ion conductivity enhancement. The marriage of fullerene derivatives and solid polymer electrolytes opens up significant opportunities in designing next-generation solid polymer electrolytes with improved performance.
Measuring functional outcomes after prematurity: Developmental impact of very low birth weight and extremely low birth weight status on childhood disability

Our purpose was to describe functional outcomes in essential activities in preschool, school-age, and adolescent children who were born very (<32 weeks gestation) and extremely (<28 weeks gestation) prematurely. Very low birth weight (VLBW; 1000-1499 g), or extremely low birth weight (ELBW;<1000 g) populations are the focus of our analysis. We describe models of disablement and enablement for specifying the complexity of childhood outcomes using a framework of pathophysiology, impairment, functional limitation and functional strengths, disability in social roles and social participation, societal limitations and environmental facilitators. Representative early childhood, preschool, school-age, and adolescent studies were examined in terms of describing children's functional strengths and challenges after VLBW and ELBW survival. In early childhood, disability was assessed by diagnosing neurosensory impairments and delays on developmental testing. Instruments for measuring functional status in essential activities of self-care, mobility, communication and learning are described. Rates of neurosensory disability in the first three years among recent ELBW survivors ranged from 9-26% for cerebral palsy, 1-15% for blindness, 0-9% for deafness, and 6-42% for evolving cognitive disability (MDI <70). Rates of preschool functional limitation were 5-27% motor, 5-30% self-care, and 5-22% communicative. Rates of school-age functional educational disabilities exceeded 50%. Rates of adolescent activity limitation were 13-32% and vocational limitations were 27-71%. By examining the functional strengths and challenges of children with major neurodevelopmental impairments after very or extremely preterm birth, we can examine causal pathways that lessen the risk of severe functional disability. Among children with mild to moderate disability, we can enhance functional outcomes, optimize community participation, and provide quality family supports. In order to assess the changing outcomes of this vulnerable population of survivors, combinations of clinical and survey based methodologies are required.
Baseline Properties of Slo1 K+ (BK) Channels Without the Gating Ring

High conductance Ca2+- and voltage-activated K+ (Slo1 or BK) channels have two functional domains: a “core” consisting of four voltage sensors controlling an ion-conducting pore, and a larger “tail” that forms an intracellular gating ring thought to confer Ca2+ and Mg2+ sensitivity. Whereas the modular structure is known, the properties of the individual modules and the transduction pathways among the modules are poorly understood because it has not been possible to study the core in isolation. To approach this problem, we developed novel constructs that allow functional cores of Slo1 channels to be expressed in the absence of the gating ring. One of these constructs replaced the 827 amino acid gating ring with a short synthetic peptide of 11 amino acids to enhance synthesis and surface expression. Functional expression of this construct in Xenopus oocytes produced currents from channels that: displayed voltage activation with a right-shifted G-V relation; lacked Ca2+ and Mg2+ sensitivity; exhibited a six-fold reduction in mean open interval and burst duration; had an apparent ∼30% reduction in single-channel conductance; and were blocked by extracellular iberiotoxin and TEA and displayed slowed kinetics when co-expressed with β1 subunits. The extent to which any altered channel properties when compared to WT channels reflect the absence of allosteric input from the gating ring, revealing the baseline properties of the core, or reflect input from the 11 amino acid replacement tail is under investigation. Supported in part by NS061871 to LS and AR032805 to KLM.
Predatory Behavior of Polistes dominulus Wasps in Response to Cardenolides and Glucosinolates in Pieris napi Caterpillars

To examine how plant allelochemicals in prey affect foraging choices made by generalist predator paper wasps, Polistes dominulus (Vespidae), we compared predation on Pieris napi (Pieridae) caterpillars reared on host plants with different allelochemicals. In naturalistic behavioral choice experiments, free-flying wasps chose between living pierids reared on cabbage (Brassica oleracea), which lacks deterrent allelochemicals, or alternate host plants with potentially deterrent allelochemicals. The alternative host plants were: wormwood mustard, (Erysimum cheiranthoides: Brassicaceae), which contains cardenolides; nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus: Tropaeolaceae) with high concentrations of chlorogenic acid; and black mustard (Brassica nigra: Brassicaceae) with high concentrations of the aliphatic glucosinolate, sinigrin. Although wasps captured equal numbers of caterpillars reared on cabbage and each alternate host plant, they spent significantly longer handling prey from the alternate host plants as they selectively removed the caterpillar's gut, which contained the plant material. This was true even if the caterpillar did not sequester toxins in its tissues, as revealed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of Erysimum-reared pierids. Because handling time is longer, predators that capture pierids containing non-sequestered allelochemicals experience an overall reduction in foraging rate that may translate into a fitness cost.
Microbiologic contamination of bovine semen.

Abstract Candida tropicalis was found in five infertile uteri with endometritis and in two dead fetuses in utero. C. tropicalis was also found in the commercial frozen semen used on this ranch. The source of contamination was traced to the green dye used by the semen processor to identify the semen. Routine culturing of commericial frozen semen revealed a variety of both quality and quantity of microbiologic contamination. This can be eliminated by hygenic collection of semen as was demonstrated at one bull stud. A check list of collection procedures is included.
`Stereo-chromatography': a New Method for Chemical Identification and Preparative Isolation

Stereo-chromatographic compressed paper pulp blocks for preparative chemical isolation and identification
Teaching child care workers: A behavioral approach

This paper describes the behavioral approach to teaching child care staff behavior modification principles and techniques. First, extant behavioral training literature is used to document the efficacy of five operant techniques: positive reinforcement, feedback, cuing, modeling, and behavior rehearsal. Next, a teaching and evaluation model for staff in field settings is outlined. This model is then supported by reviewing a staff training program in group homes for retarded persons. The paper concludes by discussing implications of behaviorally oriented training programs for practitioners and researchers working with child care staff.
Understanding Heavy Flavor Production at RHIC

Abstract Accurate assessments of the charm and bottom cross sections and kinematic distributions in hadron-hadron collisions are needed in order to understand the behavior of heavy flavors in more complex collisions. Neither the charm nor bottom cross sections were measured at S = 200 GeV before the startup of the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The RHIC detectors are capable of measuring the heavy flavor transverse momentum distributions to p T ∼ 0 , making estimates of the total heavy flavor cross section feasible at a collider. It is thus possible to obtain and compare the total heavy flavor cross sections at RHIC with those measured at other energies. The charm production data, in particular, can have a considerable spread in the measured cross sections, even at a single energy. In addition, the small charm mass can lead to large theoretical uncertainties. We assess the theoretical uncertainties on the heavy flavor (charm and bottom) hadroproduction cross section. We discuss the importance of the quark mass, the renormalization and factorization scales and the parton densities on the estimate of the uncertainty.
Effect of solvent and temperature on the lithium–iodine exchange of primary alkyl iodides: reaction of t-butyllithium with 1-iodooctane in heptane–ether mixtures

Abstract The reaction of 1-iodooctane, a representative primary alkyl iodide, with t -BuLi at 0 °C in solvent systems composed of heptane and four dialkyl ethers in various proportions has been investigated. Coupling and elimination are unavoidable side reactions that accompany lithium–iodine exchange when the reactions are conducted at 0 °C. The exchange reaction, which is slow in pure hydrocarbon solvent, is significantly facilitated by the presence of essentially catalytic quantities of an ether co-solvent. An optimal ether–heptane ratio for each of the ethers surveyed maximizes the extent of lithium–iodine exchange between 1-iodooctane and t -BuLi but in no case does the yield of octyllithium, assayed as octane, exceed ∼90% when reactions were conduced at 0 °C. At lower temperatures, in a solvent system composed of heptane–MTBE (19:1 by volume), side reactions are suppressed and the yield of octyllithium approaches quantitative.
Erythroid cell development in fetal mice. Stabilization of the hemoglobin synthetic capacity.

Abstract Previous experiments on the total hepatic erythroid cell population during embryogenesis have demonstrated a shift from an unstable hemoglobin synthetic apparatus to a stabilized mechanism, relatively insensitive to inhibition by actinomycin of RNA synthesis, which occurs between the twelfth and thirteenth gestational days. The present studies examine this phenomenon at the cellular level, by means of quantitative radioautography of cells of each of the maturational stages of erythropoiesis during the unstable and the stabilized phases of hemoglobin synthesis. On fetal day 12, the uptake of leucine and iron by erythroblasts of all stages during maturation is uniformly suppressed by actinomycin. By the fifteenth day of gestation both polychromatophilic and orthochromatic erythroblasts have become resistant, and basophilic erythroblasts partially resistant, to the inhibitory effects of this antibiotic. In all other respects examined, including light and electron microscopic morphology, mitotic activity, RNA and protein synthesis, and sensitivity to the inhibition of RNA synthesis by actinomycin, the homologous cells on days 12 and 15 appear entirely comparable. These observations indicate that stabilization of the capacity for hemoglobin synthesis affects all stages of the erythroid cell series actively synthesizing hemoglobin. The data are incompatible with the hypothesis that stabilization of hemoglobin synthesis reflects the accumulation of larger numbers of more mature erythroblasts during embryonic development. The rate of hemoglobin synthesis is a maximum in polychromatophilic erythroblasts and this rate does not depend upon stabilization of the synthetic apparatus. Proerythroblasts appear predominantly engaged in the production of none-heme proteins, which are synthesized by an unstable mechanism at both gestational days. Stabilization of the capacity for hemoglobin synthesis most likely involves a decreased requirement for rate-limiting species of RNA. Factors in the fetal environment may be implicated in the development of a stable hemoglobin-synthetic apparatus.
Swapping the Substrate Specificities of the Neuropeptidases Neurolysin and Thimet Oligopeptidase

Thimet oligopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.15) and neurolysin (EC 3.4.24.16) are closely related zinc-dependent metallopeptidases that metabolize small bioactive peptides. They cleave many substrates at the same sites, but they recognize different positions on others, including neurotensin, a 13-residue peptide involved in modulation of dopaminergic circuits, pain perception, and thermoregulation. On the basis of crystal structures and previous mapping studies, four sites (Glu-469/Arg-470, Met-490/Arg-491, His-495/Asn-496, and Arg-498/Thr-499; thimet oligopeptidase residues listed first) in their substrate-binding channels appear positioned to account for differences in specificity. Thimet oligopeptidase mutated so that neurolysin residues are at all four positions cleaves neurotensin at the neurolysin site, and the reverse mutations in neurolysin switch hydrolysis to the thimet oligopeptidase site. Using a series of constructs mutated at just three of the sites, it was determined that mutations at only two (Glu-469/Arg-470 and Arg-498/Thr-499) are required to swap specificity, a result that was confirmed by testing the two-mutant constructs. If only either one of the two sites is mutated in thimet oligopeptidase, then the enzyme cleaves almost equally at the two hydrolysis positions. Crystal structures of both two-mutant constructs show that the mutations do not perturb local structure, but side chain conformations at the Arg-498/Thr-499 position differ from those of the mimicked enzyme. A model for differential recognition of neurotensin based on differences in surface charge distribution in the substrate binding sites is proposed. The model is supported by the finding that reducing the positive charge on the peptide results in cleavage at both hydrolysis sites.
Understanding the influence of Coulomb and dispersion interactions on the wetting behavior of ionic liquids

We study the role of dispersion and electrostatic interactions in the wetting behavior of ionic liquids on non-ionic solid substrates. We consider a simple model of an ionic liquid consisting of spherical ions that interact via Lennard-Jones and Coulomb potentials. Bulk and interfacial properties are computed for five fluids distinguished by the strength of the electrostatic interaction relative to the dispersion interaction. We employ Monte Carlo simulations and an interface-potential-based approach to calculate the liquid-vapor and substrate-fluid interfacial properties. Surface tensions for each fluid are evaluated over a range of temperatures that spans from a reduced temperature of approximately 0.6 to the critical point. Contact angles are calculated at select temperatures over a range of substrate-fluid interaction strengths that spans from the near-drying regime to the wetting regime. We observe that an increase in the relative strength of Coulombic interactions between ions leads to increasing deviation from Guggenheim's corresponding states theory. We show how this deviation is related to lower values of liquid-vapor excess entropies observed for strongly ionic fluids. Our results show that the qualitative nature of wetting behavior is significantly influenced by the competition between dispersion and electrostatic interactions. We discuss the influence of electrostatic interactions on the nature of wetting and drying transitions and corresponding states like behavior observed for contact angles. For all of the fluids studied, we observe a relatively narrow range of substrate-fluid interaction strengths wherein the contact angle is nearly independent of temperature. The influence of the ionic nature of the fluid on the temperature dependence of contact angle is also discussed.
The BINSYN Program Package

The BINSYN program package, recently expanded to calculate synthetic spectra of cataclysmic variables, is being further extended to include synthetic photometry of ordinary binary stars in addition to binary stars with optically thick accretion disks. The package includes a capability for differentials correction optimization of eclipsing binary systems using synthetic photometry.
Novice home visitors teaching/learning needs.

Abstract The objective of this study was to identify the perceptions of novice home visitors of their initial home visits to families in the community. Thirty-four senior-level public health nursing students completed a 16-item questionnaire on previsit expectations and postvisit evaluations. Content analysis revealed that most students were anxious about making their first visit and felt insecure in the home visitor role. In general, they perceived the visit as successful if therapeutic rapport was established with a family. Social learning theory was used to explain students' teaching/learning needs related to the sequential nature of mastering the home visitor role. The results suggest that novice home visitors would benefit from structured preparation strategies derived from social learning theory.
Kim Receives 2012 James R. Holton Junior Scientist Award: Response

It is my great honor to be selected as a recipient of the James R. Holton Junior Scientist Award by AGU. I appreciate AGU and the award committee for the award. I first saw Professor Holton's name on his famous textbook when I was an undergraduate student. I remember his book made me think that atmospheric science was fun. I personally regard the prestigious award given to me as an encouraging message from the society, and I also feel that I have to pay back to the society in any way I can.
Genetic variants in the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 gene predict the risk of severe neutropenia of irinotecan.

Purpose Severe toxicity is commonly observed in cancer patients receiving irinotecan. UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) catalyzes the glucuronidation of the active metabolite SN-38. This study prospectively evaluated the association between the prevalence of severe toxicity and UGT1A1 genetic variation. Patients and Methods Sixty-six cancer patients with advanced disease refractory to other treatments received irinotecan 350 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. Toxicity and pharmacokinetic data were measured during cycle 1. UGT1A1 variants (−3279G>T, −3156G>A, promoter TA indel, 211G>A, 686C>A) were genotyped. Results The prevalence of grade 4 neutropenia was 9.5%. Grade 4 neutropenia was much more common in patients with the TA indel 7/7 genotype (3 of 6 patients; 50%) compared with 6/7 (3 of 24 patients; 12.5%) and 6/6 (0 of 29 patients; 0%) (P = .001). The TA indel genotype was significantly associated with the absolute neutrophil count nadir (7/7 < 6/7 < 6/6, P = .02). The relative risk of grade 4 neutropenia ...
Early Transfer to a Rehabilitation Hospital For Infants With Chronic Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Shortly after being weaned off the respirator, 43 infants with severe chronic bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were transferred from an intensive-care nursery at a teaching hospital to an affiliated children's rehabilitation hospital in a program that included special staff instruction. Morbidity, measured by rate of transfer back to the acute-care hospital, was lower than in a comparison group of 15 infants treated for severe BPD during the previous two years. Average length of stay was significantly shortened and an average of $60,000 per patient was saved. Using a rehabilitation hospital as a step-down unit shifts the emphasis from acute needs to chronic and developmental needs and from intensive monitoring and nursing care to care given at home by parents with nursing assistance.
Genetics factors contributing to type 2 diabetes across ethnicities.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is among the many common diseases with a strong genetic component, but until recently, the variants causing this disease remained largely undiscovered. With the ability to interrogate most of the variation in the genome, the number of genetic variants has grown from 2 to 19 genes, many with multiple variants. An additional three genes are associated primarily with fasting glucose rather than T2DM. Despite the plethora of new markers, the individual effect is uniformly small, and the cumulative effect explains little of the genetic risk for T2DM. Furthermore, the success is largely restricted to European populations. Despite success in mapping genes in Asian populations, success in United States minorities, particularly African Americans, has been limited. The genetic findings highlight the role of the β cell in diabetes pathogenesis, but much remains to be discovered before genetic prediction and individualized medicine can become a reality for this disease.
Change in diffusing capacity after radiation as an objective measure for grading radiation pneumonitis in patients treated for non-small-cell lung cancer.

Purpose Scoring of radiation pneumonitis (RP), a dose-limiting toxicity after thoracic radiochemotherapy, is subjective and thus inconsistent among studies. Here we investigated whether the extent of change in diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) after radiation therapy (RT) for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) could be used as an objective means of quantifying RP. Patients and Methods We analyzed potential correlations between DLCO and RP in 140 patients who received definitive RT (≥60 Gy) with or without chemotherapy for primary NSCLC. All underwent DLCO analysis before and after RT. Post-RT DLCO values within 1 week of the RP diagnosis (Grade 0, 1, 2, or 3) were selected and compared with that individual’s preradiation values. Percent reductions in DLCO and RP grade were compared by point biserial correlation in the entire patient group and in subgroups stratified according to various clinical factors. Results Patients experiencing Grade 0, 1, 2, or 3 RP had median percentage changes in DLCO after RT of 10.7%, 13%, 22.1%, or 35.2%. Percent reduction in DLCO correlated with RP Grade ≤1 vs. ≥2 ( p = 0.0004). This association held for the following subgroups: age ≥65 years, advanced stage, smokers, use of chemotherapy, volume of normal lung receiving at least 20 Gy ≥30%, and baseline DLCO or forced expiratory volume in 1 second ≥60%. Conclusions By correlating percent change in DLCO from pretreatment values at the time of diagnosis of RP with RP grade, we were able to identify categories of RP based on the change in DLCO. These criteria provide a basis for an objective scoring system for RP based on change in DLCO.
Characterization of the Discriminative Stimulus Effects of the Neuroactive Steroid Pregnanolone in DBA/2J and C57BL/6J Inbred Mice

Neurosteroids represent a class of endogenous compounds that exert rapid, nongenomic effects through neurotransmitter receptor systems such as GABA A . Two neurosteroids, allopregnanolone (3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one) and pregnanolone (3α-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one), possess anxiolytic and sedative properties and show substitution for ethanol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates in drug discrimination assays. This study aimed to examine the effects of strain and sex on the discriminative stimulus effects of pregnanolone. Twelve male and female DBA/2J mice and 12 male and female C57BL/6J mice were trained to discriminate 10 mg/kg pregnanolone from saline. The male C57BL/6J mice had to be removed from the study due to increased seizures apparently associated with the chronic intermittent pregnanolone administration used in drug discrimination. GABA A -positive modulators, neuroactive steroids, N -methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 3 agonists were tested for pregnanolone substitution. In DBA/2J and C57BL/6J mice, a benzodiazepine, barbiturate, and GABAergic neuroactive steroids all substituted for the stimulus effects of pregnanolone. NMDA antagonists, 5-HT 3 agonists, and zolpidem failed to substitute for pregnanolone9s discriminative stimulus in either sex or strain. Pentobarbital and midazolam were more potent in producing pregnanolone-like discriminative stimulus effects in DBA/2J mice. Differences in sensitivities to neurosteroids between the two strains were not evident. These results provide a comprehensive look at pregnanolone9s discriminative stimulus effects in two commonly used strains of mice. The present data suggest that many of the previously documented neurosteroid-induced behavioral differences between the DBA/2J and C57BL/6J are acute effects and are not apparent in a drug discrimination procedure.
Wayne Fenton and Recovery

We come to the recovery concept from 2 different directions. F.F. is a consumer professional who has both a scientific appreciation for schizophrenia as an illness and personal experience of battling both the illness and stigma from mental health professionals and the community. He came to the recovery concept as a function of his personal struggles and growth. A.S.B. is a behavior therapist who has long believed that social learning principles and procedures could help people with serious mental illness learn skills and strategies that would help them achieve their personal goals. While his approach and clinical values have always been consistent with recovery-oriented care, it was only recently that he had become attuned to the recovery model per se. While neither of us ever spoke with Wayne directly about recovery, our sense is that he did not need to come to it, in the sense that either of us did. He was a natural born humanist for whom the concept and practice fit like a silk glove. He could effortlessly reach outside himself and the constraints and prejudices promoted by his training to listen to clients in their terms and let them lead him rather than vice versa. That is a special talent and gift that is especially noteworthy given the traditional psychiatric training he received.
Computer-Based Mathematics and Physics for Gifted Students:

Computer-based education makes it possible for gifted and talented middle school and early high school students to complete advanced courses in mathematics and physics several years before they would nocinally do so Since the fall of 1990, three such groups of students at the Education Program for Gifted Youth at Stanford University have taken courses at the advanced placement level and have done exceedingly well. This report details those results.
A Mouse Diversity Panel Approach Reveals the Potential for Clinical Kidney Injury Due to DB289 Not Predicted by Classical Rodent Models

DB289 is the first oral drug shown in clinical trials to have efficacy in treating African trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness). Mild liver toxicity was noted but was not treatment limiting. However, development of DB289 was terminated when several treated subjects developed severe kidney injury, a liability not predicted from preclinical testing. We tested the hypothesis that the kidney safety liability of DB289 would be detected in a mouse diversity panel (MDP) comprised of 34 genetically diverse inbred mouse strains. MDP mice received 10 days of oral treatment with DB289 or vehicle and classical renal biomarkers blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (sCr), as well as urine biomarkers of kidney injury were measured. While BUN and sCr remained within reference ranges, marked elevations were observed for kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) in the urine of sensitive mouse strains. KIM-1 elevations were not always coincident with elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), suggesting that renal injury was not linked to hepatic injury. Genome-wide association analyses of KIM-1 elevations indicated that genes participating in cholesterol and lipid biosynthesis and transport, oxidative stress, and cytokine release may play a role in DB289 renal injury. Taken together, the data resulting from this study highlight the utility of using an MDP to predict clinically relevant toxicities, to identify relevant toxicity biomarkers that may translate into the clinic, and to identify potential mechanisms underlying toxicities. In addition, the sensitive mouse strains identified in this study may be useful in screening next-in-class compounds for renal injury.
Low-to-Moderate Alcohol Consumption May Be Safe When Taking Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis or Psoriasis

It is unclear if consumption of small to moderate amounts of alcohol is safe while taking methotrexate. We set out to determine whether there is an association between liver enzyme abnormalities and alcohol consumption in subjects taking methotrexate. The study sample was identified from the database of the South Central Veteran Affairs Healthcare Network, consisting of 10 hospitals in Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Louisiana. From a cohort of 2443 eligible Veterans with rheumatoid arthritis and/or psoriasis taking methotrexate from 10/1/2007 to 9/30/2009, 120 cases with abnormal liver-enzyme elevation were randomly selected to compare with 120 controls. Data were collected from mailed survey forms that inquired about alcohol consumption habits, physicians’ advice on alcohol, and methotrexate compliance. There was no significant difference in the number of non-drinkers and low-to-moderate alcohol drinkers between cases and controls (p = 0.217). Few persons identified themselves as heavy drinkers. Our data suggest that it is likely safe for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis to consume low-to-moderate amounts of alcohol while taking methotrexate. However, alternative methods to improve capturing alcohol consumption in heavy drinkers are needed for more comprehensive results.
NUCLEOTIDE ANALOGS FACILITATE BASE CONVERSION WITH 3' MISMATCH PRIMERS

We compared the efficiency of PCR amplification using primers containing either a nucleotide analog or a mismatch at the 3' base. To determine the distribution of bases inserted opposite eight different analogs, 3' analog primers were used to amplify four different templates. The products from the reactions with the highest amplification efficiency were sequenced. Analogs allowing efficient amplification followed by insertion of a new base at that position are herein termed 'convertides'. The three convertides with the highest amplification efficiency were used to convert sequences containing C, T, G and A bases into products containing the respective three remaining bases. Nine templates were used to generate conversion products, as well as non-conversion control products with no base change. We compared the ability of natural bases to convert specific sites with and without a preconversion step using nucleotide analog primers. Conversion products were identified by a ligation detection reaction using primers specific for the converted sequence. We found that conversions resulting in transitions were easier to accomplish than transversions and that sequence context influences conversion. Specifically, primer slippage appears to be an important mechanism for producing artifacts via polymerase extension of a 3' base or analog transiently base paired to neighboring bases of the template. Nucleotide analogs could often reduce conversion artifacts and increase the yield of the expected product. While new analogs are needed to reliably achieve transversions, the current set have proven effective for creating transition conversions.
Wafer-Scale Laser Lithography: I. Pyrolytic Deposition of Metal Microstructures

Mechanisms for laser-driven pyrolytic deposition of micron-scale metal structures on crystalline silicon have been studied. Models have been developed to predict temporal and spatial properties of laser-induced pyrolytic deposition processes. An argon ion laser-based apparatus has been used to deposit metal by pyrolytic decomposition of metal alkyl and carbonyl compounds, in order to evaluate the models. These results of these studies are discussed, along with their implications for the high-speed creation of micron-scale metal structures in ULSI systems.
Mitigation of acid rain—policy alternatives. The question of “acid rain” is fast becoming a political football as well as an environmental phenomenon. Here are the facts

The paper addresses what may well prove to be one of the most sensitive environmental issues of the 1980's: mitigation of acid-rain impacts. The emphasis is not on the need for such measures nor the benefits that might be gained, but rather on the relative effects of a number of different policy options that could be invoked. The relative advantages and disadvantages of alternative strategies for the reduction of sulfur-dioxide emissions from coal-fired electric generating stations are described. 3 references, 5 figures, 3 tables.
Germination of Rhizopus oligosporus Sporangiospores.

The morphology of Rhizopus oligosporus (NRRL 2710) sporangiospores and their physiological requirements for germination were studied. Germination proceeded in two separable phases: phase I (swelling) and phase II (germ tube protrusion). The optimal conditions for germination were 42°C and pH 4.0. Sporangiospores contained insufficient endogenous carbon for swelling or germination to occur in distilled water. Initial swelling during phase I occurred only in the presence of a suitable carbohydrate. Subsequent production of germ tubes during phase II required exogenous sources of both carbon and nitrogen. Spores germinated most rapidly in mixtures of amino acids; l-proline and l-alanine were the most effective. These amino acids, at concentrations as low as 10−6 M, supported germination when combined with glucose and McIlvaine (citric acid-phosphate) buffer. d-Glucose, d-xylose, and d-mannose were the most effective carbohydrates tested for promotion of germination.
The dependence of Raman gain on pump laser bandwidth

The dependence of Raman gain upon laser bandwidth is analyzed in terms of a set of coupled mode equations. The analysis predicts that the Raman gain is independent of pump laser bandwidth within limitations set by dispersion in the Raman medium. These results are verified for rotational and vibrational transitions in H 2 using a variable bandwidth Nd:YAG laser.
Towards optimal parallel radix sorting

The authors propose a radix sorting algorithm for n m-bit numbers (where m= Omega (log n) and polynomially upper bounded in n) that runs in O(t(n)log m) time, on any PRAM with mp(n)/logn logm O(logn)-bit processors; p(n) and t(n) are the number of processors and time needed for any deterministic algorithm to sort n logn-bit numbers stably (integer sorting) on the same type of PRAM as used by the radix sorting algorithm. The proposed algorithm has the same factor of inefficiency (if any) as that of the integer sorting algorithm used by it. >
Agent based intrusion detection and response system for wireless LANs

Wireless LAN technology, despite the numerous advantages it has over competing technologies, has not seen widespread deployment. A primary reason for markets not adopting this technology is its failure to provide adequate security. Data that is sent over wireless links can be compromised with utmost ease. In this project, we propose a distributed agent based intrusion detection and response system for wireless LANs that can detect unauthorized wireless elements like access points, wireless clients that are in promiscuous mode etc. The system reacts to intrusions by either notifying the concerned personnel, in case of rogue access points and promiscuous nodes, or by blocking unauthorized users from accessing the network resources.
A modified active set algorithm for transportation discrete network design bi-level problem

Transportation discrete network design problem (DNDP) is about how to modify an existing network of roads and highways in order to improve its total system travel time, and the candidate road building or expansion plan can only be added as a whole. DNDP can be formulated into a bi-level problem with binary variables. An active set algorithm has been proposed to solve the bi-level discrete network design problem, while it made an assumption that the capacity increase and construction cost of each road are based on the number of lanes. This paper considers a more general case when the capacity increase and construction cost are specified for each candidate plan. This paper also uses numerical methods instead of solvers to solve each step, so it provides a more direct understanding and control of the algorithm and running procedure. By analyzing the differences and getting corresponding solving methods, a modified active set algorithm is proposed in the paper. In the implementation of the algorithm and the validation, we use binary numeral system and ternary numeral system to avoid too many layers of loop and save storage space. Numerical experiments show the correctness and efficiency of the proposed modified active set algorithm.