cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards distributed privacy for CSCW

Tools for computer supported collaborative work offer many advantages for their users. Some developments in this field have included agent-based approaches for CSCW. Many challenges face the development and application of distributed, agent-based solutions for CSCW. A concern often overlooked is the acceptability and social impact of these technologies. In particular, the management of the privacy of collaborators is a paramount issue that must be accommodated. Included and related to the privacy of user information and interactions are assurances of integrity, certification, validation, ownership, non-repudiation, and authentication of individuals and software systems operating on disparate computers and operating systems, communicating over heterogeneous networks. We outline our early work on an approach for accountable privacy that may be applied to distributed computer supported cooperative work (CSCW) environments. Particular challenges for the issue of privacy associated with the CSCW application scenario are discussed.
Human papillomavirus infection as a prognostic factor in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas treated in a prospective phase II clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of high-risk HPV-16 in patients with HNSCC, assess the impact of HPV status on treatment response and survival in this select cohort treated with combined modality therapy and to identify the differences in HIF-1α and VEGF expression in HPV-positive and -negative tumors. Patients and Methods: Patients had resectable, untreated stage III, IV HNSCC of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hyopharynx or larynx, and stage II cancer of the base of tongue, hypopharynx and larynx. HPV status was determined by conventional PCR in fresh frozen biopsy samples and by Taqman PCR assay on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens. HIF-1α and VEGF expression were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) based on HPV status. Results: HPV-16 was detected in 14 of 24 evaluable cases. There were no significant differences in response rates after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (86% vs. 90% ) in HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients, respectively. There was a trend toward better progression- free (HR=0.15, 95% CI=0.002-12.54; p=0.06) and overall survival (HR=0.14, 95% CI=0.001-14.12; p=0.10) for HPV- positive patients. In a subset of 13 fresh frozen samples, RT- PCR revealed a significant increase in VEGF mRNA levels in HPV-positive tumors (p<0.01). No difference was seen for HIF-1α expression. Conclusion: HPV presence portended a better prognosis in patients with oropharyngeal SCC treated with a multimodality treatment in a prospective clinical trial. The level of VEGF mRNA was up-regulated in HPV-16- positive tumors possibly through an HIF-1 independent manner. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a DNA tumor virus with oncogenic potential and is the primary causal agent of cervical cancer (1). Of the more than 130 subtypes identified to date,
Natural IgM Anti-leucocyte Autoantibodies (IgM-ALA) Regulate Inflammation Induced by Innate and Adaptive Immune Mechanisms

Little is known about the function of natural IgM autoantibodies, especially that of IgM anti-leukocyte autoantibodies (IgM-ALA). Natural IgM-ALA are present at birth and characteristically increase during inflammatory and infective conditions. Our prior clinical observations and those of other investigators showing fewer rejections in renal and cardiac allografts transplanted into recipients with high levels of IgM-ALA led us to investigate whether IgM-ALA regulate the inflammatory response. In this review, we show that IgM, in physiologic doses, inhibit pro-inflammatory cell function in-vitro. We also show in an IgM knockout murine model, with intact B cells and regulatory T cells, that there is more severe inflammation and loss of function in the absence of IgM after renal ischemia reperfusion injury and cardiac allograft rejection. Replenishing IgM in IgM knockout mice or increasing the levels of IgM-ALA in wild-type B6 mice significantly attenuated the inflammation in both of these inflammatory models that involve IFN-γ and IL-17. The protective effect on renal ischemia reperfusion injury Is mediated by IgM ALA as protection was lost when using IgM pre-adsorbed with leukocytes to remove IgM-ALA. We provide data to show that the anti-inflammatory effect of IgM is mediated, in part, by inhibiting TLR-4-induced NF-κB translocation into the nucleus and inhibiting differentiation of activated T cells into Th-1 and Th-17 cells. In additional studies, we also show that intra-peritoneal administration of IgM prevents NOD mice from developing autoimmune insulitis which also involves Th-1 and Th-17 cells. These observations highlight the importance of IgM-ALA in regulating excess inflammation mediated by both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms and where the inflammatory response involves Th-17 cells that are not effectively regulated by T regs, B regs, and IL-10. IgM-ALA may in part regulate inflammation by altering dendritic cell function, as dendritic cells pre-treated in-vitro with polyclonal IgM protected mice from renal IRI. The latter findings may have relevance for cell-based therapy.
Herstellung von Perfluoralkanen und Perfluorcycloalkanen

Perfluoralkane und Perfluorcycloalkane sind nicht nur als Kaltemittel geeignet, sondern konnen auch als elektrische Isoliermittel, Aerosol-Treibgase, Schmiermittel und Warmeubertragungsmedien verwendet werden. Ihre Synthese wird gegenuber den bisherigen Herstellungsverfahren wesentlich erleichtert, wenn man von niedrig fluorierten Kohlenwasserstoffen ausgeht, die selbst uber die ungesattigten Kohlenwasserstoffe oder uber die Ketone zuganglich sind. Bei der Elektrolyse der in Flussaure gelosten oder suspendierten Verbindungen erhalt man Ausbeuten bis zu 70%, bezogen auf das organische Ausgangsprodukt.
Discriminative stimulus effects of flumazenil in rhesus monkeys treated chronically with chlordiazepoxide.

Discriminative stimulus effects of the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil were studied in two rhesus monkeys receiving 3.2 mg/kg/12 h of chlordiazepoxide while discriminating between vehicle and 0.056 mg/kg of flumazenil. In a drug discrimination component responding was maintained under a FR 10 schedule of stimulus-shock termination; in a non-discrimination component responding was maintained under a FR 10 schedule of food presentation. Flumazenil and Ro 15-4513 occasioned >80% flumazenil-lever responding at doses larger than 0.032 and 0.056 mg/kg, respectively. Pentylenetetrazole, ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (βCCE), ketamine and spiradoline failed to substitute for flumazenil although >80% drug-lever responding was observed for two of the compounds in one monkey. Flumazenil, Ro 15-4513, pentylenetetrazole, βCCE but not ketamine or spiradoline decreased rates of responding in the food component at doses that had little effect on rates in the stimulus-shock termination component. When chlordiazepoxide injections were discontinued and saline was administered before the session, monkeys did not respond on the flumazenil lever; when flumazenil was administered under the same conditions, monkeys responded on the flumazenil lever despite not having received chlordiazepoxide for nine days. Drug stimulus control was established with flumazenil in monkeys receiving chlordiazepoxide and substitution studies suggest that this effect of flumazenil might result from antagonist actions at benzodiazepine receptors; however, lack of withdrawal-related effects after termination of chlordiazepoxide treatment precludes validation of this procedure for studying benzodiazepine dependence.
Merck's Open Letters and the Teaching of Ethos:

In fall 2004, Merck faced a significant threat to the company's public image because of the withdrawal of VIOXX, and Merck executives were forced to defend the company's actions, its motivation for those actions, and its reputation. Confronted with enormous rhetorical challenges, Merck tried to generate public goodwill toward the company by creating a personalized image of a corporate giant worthy of understanding, sympathy, and trust. Open letters released during the initial response to the VIOXX crisis rely on the intimacy of interpersonal communication and demonstrate to students of business communication arguments based on ethos. The syntax and diction of these documents are analyzed to demonstrate how they create a secondary narrative of Merck's good sense, good moral character, and goodwill. Finally, the study presents apparently contradictory narratives of this pharmaceutical giant's responsibility, narratives that summarize the arguments in the VIOXX litigation. Analysis of Merck's open letters un...
Characterization of monoclonal antibodies to epitopes of human transcobalamin II.

Abstract Cellular uptake of cobalamin (Cbl) is mediated by transcobalamin II (TCII), a Cbl binding protein in the plasma. The TCII-Cbl complex binds to a cell surface receptor and is internalized by endocytosis. We have generated monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to human TCII that can be distinguished into three functional types on the basis of interaction with three different regions of the protein. Type 1: Receptor blocking. This mAb binds holo-TCII and inhibits the cellular uptake of Cbl. Type 2: Cbl blocking. This mAb binds apo-TCII at or near the Cbl binding domain and inhibits the formation of holo-TCII. Type 3: Precipitating. This mAb binds both holo-TCII and apo-TCII but does not interfere with Cbl binding. Whereas type 1 and type 2 mAb, following incubation with TCII-[ 57 Co]Cbl or apo-TCII, respectively, inhibit the uptake of radio-labeled Cbl by K562 cells, type 3 mAb has no such activity with either form of TCII. These properties of type 1 and type 2 mAb that inhibit the cellular uptake of Cbl, may serve to induce rapid Cbl deficiency and provide a model to study the effect of selective Cbl depletion on cell division and differentiation as well as on the pathways dependent on the two Cbl cofactors, methyl-Cbl and 5′-deoxyadenosyl-Cbl.
Clinical significance of respiratory isolates for Mycobacterium abscessus complex from pediatric patients

Mycobacterium abscessus complex is the most virulent of rapidly growing mycobacteria causing invasive lung disease. To better delineate clinical pediatric experience and outcomes with M. abscessus complex, we retrospectively gathered 5-year data on M. abscessus complex infection and outcomes in a large, hospital-based pediatric pulmonary center. Patients were selected from the database of the microbiology department at Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach, CA. Patients had at least one positive pulmonary isolate for M. abscessus complex from February 2006 to May 2011. Treatment modality data were collected and successful therapy of disease was determined as clearance of M. abscessus complex infection after antibiotics proven by culture negative respiratory isolate within at least 12 months of therapy initiation. Two cystic fibrosis patients with M. abscessus complex were identified, one with failed therapy and the other with stable pulmonary status despite persistent isolation. One primary ciliary dyskinesia patient had successful clearance of M. abscessus complex, however is now growing M. avium intracellulare. A patient with no prior medical history was successfully treated with antimycobacterial therapy. Eleven patients with neuromuscular disorders had tracheal aspirates positive for M. abscessus complex. None were treated due to stable lung status and all but two had spontaneous clearance of the mycobacteria. The two remaining persist with sporadic isolation of M. abscessus complex without clinical significance. We concluded that patients with tracheostomy associated M. abscessus complex infections do not appear to require treatment and often have spontaneous resolution. Cystic fibrosis or primary ciliary dyskinesia patients may have clinical disease warranting treatment, but current antimycobacterial therapy has not proven to be completely successful. As M. abscessus complex gains prevalence, standardized guidelines for diagnosis and therapy are needed in the pediatric population. Multicenter cohort analysis is necessary to achieve such guidelines.
Model identification for hydrological forecasting under uncertainty

Methods for the identification of models for hydrological forecasting have to consider the specific nature of these models and the uncertainties present in the modeling process. Current approaches fail to fully incorporate these two aspects. In this paper we review the nature of hydrological models and the consequences of this nature for the task of model identification. We then continue to discuss the history (“The need for more POWER‘’), the current state (“Learning from other fields”) and the future (“Towards a general framework”) of model identification. The discussion closes with a list of desirable features for an identification framework under uncertainty and open research questions in need of answers before such a framework can be implemented.
Polystyrene-Polylactide Bottlebrush Block Copolymer at the Air/Water Interface

Hydrophobic ultrahigh molecular weight bottlebrush block copolymer and linear block copolymer of polystyrene−polylactide (PS−PLA) were shown to be capable of forming Langmuir monolayers and exhibiting unique assembly behaviors at the air/water interface, which cannot be addressed by the classic theory of Langmuir monolayer of amphiphilic copolymers. New models were proposed to illustrate these intriguing surface behaviors. The self-assembled structure of Langmuir monolayer of bottlebrush block copolymer was determined by a combination of AFM measurement, thermal annealing, and enzymatic degradation experiment. To the best of our knowledge, this is among few studies on hydrophobic block copolymers at the air/water interface. As such, it not only complements the well-known models of self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers at the air/water interface but also expands the use of Langmuir−Blodgett (LB) technique to hydrophobic block copolymers.
An analysis of the regulation of tropical tropospheric water vapor

[1] We use a simple trajectory model to investigate the mechanisms that regulate mid- and upper-tropospheric humidity. Our model advects water passively and contains no microphysics other than the requirement that water vapor is immediately removed so as to prevent the relative humidity from ever exceeding 100%. We demonstrate that our model accurately reproduces H2O measurements made by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder onboard NASA's Aqua satellite. Our results show that, given the large-scale circulation of the troposphere, detailed microphysics need not be included in order to accurately simulate H2O. We have also identified three preferred regions where air parcels in the mid and upper troposphere experience their final dehydration. The first is in the equatorial upper troposphere and is associated with convective outflow at the top of the tropical Hadley circulation. Final dehydration of air that detrains at potential temperature θ above ∼340 K (∼10 km) predominantly occurs here. The other two regions are found at lower altitudes in the midlatitudes of both hemispheres and are associated with dehydration during isentropic excursions to midlatitudes. Final dehydration of air that detrains at θ below ∼340 K predominantly occurs here. Finally, we analyze the water budget of the dry eastern Pacific subtropics and find that dehydration in both the equatorial upper troposphere and the midlatitudes contribute to the dryness there.
Growth of large cooperative and proprietary firms in the US food sector

Growth of sales and assets of large cooperative and proprietary firms in five food industries from 1975 to 1980 were analyzed. Models of firm growth were estimated using data from 32 cooperatives and 35 proprietary corporations. The seven factors included in the model affect the growth of cooperatives and proprietary firms similarly but fail to account for the more rapid growth achieved by cooperatives during the period studied.
Contortrostatin, a snake venom disintegrin, induces αvβ3-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of CAS and FAK in tumor cells

Contortrostatin is a homodimeric disintegrin that inhibits platelet aggregation and cell adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins by blocking integrins. The effect of contortrostatin on integrin-mediated signaling in tumor cells was investigated by studying tyrosine phosphorylation events and activation of specific signaling molecules. We found that at concentrations as low as 1 nM, soluble contortrostatin activates integrin signals leading to increased tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK and CAS, and that these signals are abolished by inhibiting Src family kinases. Using transfected 293 cells expressing specific integrins, it was determined that contortrostatin-generated signals are mediated exclusively by the alphavbeta3 integrin. This observation was extended by showing that cells lacking alphavbeta3, but expressing alphavbeta5 and alpha5beta1, do not respond in this way to contortrostatin treatment. In cells expressing alphavbeta3, blocking contortrostatin binding with antibodies against alphavbeta3 completely abrogates contortrostatin signals. Monovalent disintegrins echistatin and flavoridin were incapable of affecting tyrosine phosphorylation alone, but when added simultaneously with contortrostatin, completely inhibited contortrostatin-initiated signals. We propose that the homodimeric nature of contortrostatin imparts the ability to crosslink alphavbeta3 integrins, causing Src activation and hyperphosphorylation of FAK and CAS. This activity may represent a novel mechanism by which tumor cell motility can be inhibited.
Two paths of defense: Specific versus compensatory reactions to self-threat

Eisenstadt and Leippe (1994) and Eisenstadt, Leippe, and Rivers (2002) proposed that people respond to threatening feedback by engaging in a self-comparison process in which they ultimately accept or reject the feedback based on its refutability. The aims of the current study were to test the processes involved in: (a) specific feedback acceptance and refutation; and (b) compensatory adjustments in the self-concept following feedback. Participants received threatening feedback of high or low importance while under high or low cognitive load and then rated the self-descriptiveness of the specific feedback trait, non-feedback traits, affect, state self-esteem, and listed thoughts about the feedback. As hypothesized, counterarguments mediated acceptance of the specific feedback. Affect and state self-esteem, however, mediated compensatory adjustments in the self-concept.
A new technique for high data-rate transmission using narrowband antennas

We present a new technique to realize a high-rate direct modulation by using the transient properties of high-Q antennas. We show that if the natural resonance of a narrowband resonant-type antenna is switched at a high rate, the radiating signal follows the variation of resonant frequency and provides a high-rate data-transmission regardless of the narrowband characteristics of the antenna. The bit-rate in this method is dictated by the switching speed rather than the impedance bandwidth.
Large bowel adenomas

The last 20 years have witnessed dramatic technological advances in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal polyps. These developments, in addition to an increased understanding of large bowel carcinogenesis, have shifted the risk/benefit balance toward a more aggressive approach to colorectal polyps. Mounting evidence for the adenoma-carcinoma sequence supports the position that all colorectal polyps should be removed, recovered, and evaluated. Moreover, in most cases polypectomy can be achieved endoscopically. To justify surgery today, adenomas must be too large to be removed endoscopically, located in the distal rectum, or malignant with submucosal invasion or questionable margins.
Technology as an Instrument to Improve Quality, Accountability, and Reflection in Academic Medicine

Objective This article describes two complementary technology systems used in academic medicine to 1) improve the quality of learning and teaching, and 2) describe the barriers and obstacles encountered in implementing these systems.
HCC: a hierarchical co-clustering algorithm

In this poster, we develop a novel method, called HCC, for hierarchical co-clustering. HCC brings together two interrelated but distinct themes from clustering: hierarchical clustering and co-clustering. The goal of the former theme is to organize clusters into a hierarchy that facilitates browsing and navigation, while the goal of the latter theme is to cluster different types of data simultaneously by making use of the relationship information. Our initial empirical results are promising and they demonstrate that simultaneously attempting both these goals in a single model leads to improvements over models that focus on a single goal.
Rate-based reliable multicast congestion control

This work address two important challenges in congestion control for reliable multicast: (1) Provably TCP-fairness and (2) Providing scalable feedback. We first present a simple, rate-based, flat-structured scheme, RMCC (Reliable Multicast Congestion Control), that does not rely on router assistance and is readily deployable at end hosts. It is enhanced from a generic scheme originally proposed by Whetten and Cohan. Detailed design of source and receiver mechanisms is described. Next we propose three scalable feedback schemes for RMCC over heterogeneous wired/wireless/mobile networks. Using sampling techniques, these feedback schemes adapt their feedback generation frequency according to network dynamics including congestion status, end host mobility, and packet losses. The RMCC algorithm and the three feedback methods are carefully evaluated through simulation experiments using various network configurations and traffic scenarios. We found that RMCC multicast flow co-exists well with TCP traffic and is TCP-fair. The three feedback schemes are effective in reducing acknowledgments, yet are able to promptly communicate significant network changes.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Association of blood transfusion and venous thromboembolism after colorectal cancer resection.

Abstract Introduction Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is a common event in the perioperative course of patients undergoing surgery. Transfused blood can disrupt the balance of coagulation factors and modulates the inflammatory cascade. Since inflammation and coagulation are tightly coupled, we postulated that RBC transfusion may be associated with the development of venous thromboembolic phenomena. We queried the American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database to examine the relationship between intraoperative blood transfusion and development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing colorectal resection for cancer. Materials and Methods We analyzed the data from 2005 to 2009 for patients undergoing colorectal resections for cancer based on the primary procedure CPT-4 code and operative ICD-9 diagnosis code. The primary outcome was 30-day deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE). Intraoperative transfusion of RBC's was categorized as: none, 1–2 units, 3–5 units and 6 units or more. DVT/PE occurrences were analyzed by multivariable forward stepwise regression (p for entry .10) to identify independent predictors of DVT. Results The database contained 21943 colorectal cancer resections. The DVT rate was 1.4% (306/21943) and the PE rate was 0.8% (180/21943). Patients were diagnosed with both only 40 times and the combined DVT or PE rate (VTE) was 2.0% (446/21943). After adjusting for age, gender, race, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) class, emergency procedure, operative duration and complexity of the procedure (based on Relative Value Units, RVU's), along with six clinical risk factors, intraoperative blood transfusion was a significant risk factor for the development of VTE and the risk increased with increasing number of units transfused. Preoperative hematocrit did not enter the multivariable model as an independent predictor of VTE, nor did open versus laparoscopic resection or wound class. Conclusion In this study of 21943 patients undergoing colorectal resection for cancer, blood transfusion is associated with increased risk of VTE. Malignancy and surgery are known prothrombotic stimuli, the subset of patients receiving intraoperative RBC transfusion are even more at risk for VTE, emphasizing the need for sensible use of transfusions and rigorous thromboprophylaxis regimens.
Serum lipids and apolipoproteins A‐I, A‐II and B in primary hypothyroidism before and during treatment

. Serum lipids and apolipoproteins (apo) A-I, A-II, and B were measured in twenty-four patients with severe primary hypothyroidism (Thyrotropin above 40 mU/l), before and during l-thyroxine treatment. Apo A-I, A-II, and B were assayed by immunonephelometry, using monospecific antisera. The serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), and of the major LDL apoprotein, apo B, were markedly increased in the untreated hypothyroid patients compared to the values during therapy (TC: mean±SD, 8·87±2·9 v. 5·48±1·6 mmol/l; LDLc: 6·66±2·6 v. 3·78±1·4 mmol/l; apo B: 1·66±0·48 v. 1·14±0·37 g/l; P<0·00001 for all variables). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) was slightly higher before than during therapy (1·58±0·7 v. 1·31±0·4 mmol/l; P<0·05), while the main HDL apoprotein, apo A-I, was significantly elevated (1·49±0·42 v. 1·13±0·27 g/l; P<0·0002). The increase of the second major HDL apoprotein, apo A-II, was less pronounced (0·33±0·1 v. 0·30±0·08 g/l; P<0·022). The apo A-I to apo A-II ratio, which reflects the relative concentrations of the HDL subfractions HDL2 and HDL3, was significantly higher before than during treatment (P<0·0006). Serum triglyceride levels were moderately elevated in the untreated hypothyroid patients (1·34±0·6 v. 0·95±0·4 mmol/l; P<0·002). The small decrease in body weight during therapy did not correlate with the changes of the various lipid and apoprotein parameters. These data indicate that severe hypothyroidism has a differential influence on the serum concentrations of the major HDL apoproteins, A-I and A-II, and suggest that hypothyroidism is associated with an increase of HDL2 relative to HDL3.
Toward a Meta-Level Framework for Agent-Supported Interoperation of Defense Simulations

Interoperation and dynamic composability of disparate simulations is a long-standing challenge within the defense modeling and simulation community. While both issues are extensively studied, a unified and coherent strategy that facilitates achieving seamless and transparent congruity among conceptual and realization spaces of simulations is still an elusive goal. In this paper, an agent-supported meta-level interoperation architecture is proposed to address these challenges. The strategy involves the introduction of an agent framework independent of the simulation infrastructure for explicit separation of interoperation protocols from the simulation environment. To this end, agent-based mediation, brokering, matchmaking, and facilitation services are suggested as critical components for interoperation and composability. The proposed approach is based on the following premises: 1) deployment of brokering protocols improves transparency and balances the workload in interoperation, 2) partial matchmaking me...
Stressors, Quality of the Child-Caregiver Relationship, and Children's Mental Health Problems After Parental Death: The Mediating Role of Self-System Beliefs.

Investigated whether three self-system beliefs, fear of abandonment, coping efficacy, and self-esteem, mediated the relations of stressors and caregiver-child relationship quality with concurrent and prospective internalizing and externalizing problems in a sample of children who had experienced parental death in the previous 2.5 years. The cross-sectional sample consisted of 340 children ages 7-16 and their surviving parent/current caregiver; the longitudinal analyses employed a subset of this sample that consisted of 100 children and their parents/caregivers who were assessed at three time points. A multirater, multimethod measure of caregiver-child relationship quality and a multirater measure of children's mental health problems were used. The cross-sectional model supported a mediational relation for fear of abandonment, coping efficacy, and self-esteem. The three-wave longitudinal model showed that fear of abandonment at Time 2 mediated the relation between stressors at Time 1 and internalizing and externalizing problems at Time 3. Implications of these findings for understanding the development of mental health problems in parentally bereaved children and designing interventions for this at-risk group are discussed.
Celiac disease and the gluten-free diet

Celiac disease (CD) is now recognized as one of the most common genetic diseases of humankind. Furthermore, and contrary to previous opinion that categorized CD as a primarily pediatric disorder, CD can occur at any age and can present with a wide range of clinical manifestations. Missed and delayed CD diagnoses are common for a number of reasons, one of which is a lack of CD awareness among primary healthcare clinicians. The purpose of this article is to increase clinicians’ knowledge and awareness of CD.
An evaluation of kinetic rate data for reactions of neutrals of atmospheric interest

Abstract A tabulation and analysis of bimolecular and termolecular rate constants for reactions involving atmospheric neutral species (H2, O2, N2, H2O, H, O, N, OH, HO2, O3, oxides of nitrogen, and hydrocarbons) is presented. The scant data available for reactions of vibrationally or electronically excited reactants is also included.
ON SENSITIVITY RANKING USING ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS

We present an application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in the sensitivity analysis of a multi-parameter decision support problem. In this problem, the Multi-Parametric Sensitivity Analys...
On selection of kernel parametes in relevance vector machines for hydrologic applications

Recent advances in statistical learning theory have yielded tools that are improving our capabilities for analyzing large and complex datasets. Among such tools, relevance vector machines (RVMs) are finding increasing applications in hydrology because of (1) their excellent generalization properties, and (2) the probabilistic interpretation associated with this technique that yields prediction uncertainty. RVMs combine the strengths of kernel-based methods and Bayesian theory to establish relationships between a set of input vectors and a desired output. However, a bias–variance analysis of RVM estimates revealed that a careful selection of kernel parameters is of paramount importance for achieving good performance from RVMs. In this study, several analytic methods are presented for selection of kernel parameters. These methods rely on structural properties of the data rather than expensive re-sampling approaches commonly used in RVM applications. An analytical expression for prediction risk in leave-one-out cross validation is derived. For brevity, the effectiveness of the proposed methods is assessed first by data generated from the benchmark sinc function, followed by an example involving estimation of hydraulic conductivity values over a field based on observations. It is shown that a straightforward maximization of likelihood function can lead to misleading results. The proposed methods are found to yield robust estimates of parameters for kernel functions.
Two exact excited states for the S = 1 AKLT chain

Abstract Some exact excited states for the S = 1 AKLT chain are presented. They are identified as bound states of elementary spin-1 magnons.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Complementary Multiple-Hydrogen Bonded (CMHB) Macromolecules via a Michael Addition

The synthesis and characterization of novel complementary multiple hydrogen-bonded poly(styrene) (CMHB-PS) oligomers possessing controlled molecular weights and narrow molecular distributions are described. Novel CMHB-PS oligomers comprising terminal heterocyclic base units were synthesized in a controlled fashion via derivatization of well-defined hydroxyl-terminated PS. The heterocyclic-terminated oligomers were synthesized via a Michael addition of the corresponding heterocyclic compounds such as adenine, thymine, and 2,6-purine with acrylated PS. The acrylated PS precursors were prepared in a quantitative fashion via reaction of hydroxyl-terminated PS with acryloyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine. Terminal heterocyclic bases were introduced via a Michael addition in the presence of potassium tert-butoxide (t-BuOK). Novel CMHB-PS aggregates were prepared via subsequent solution blending of PS with complementary heterocyclic base units. 1H NMR analysis confirmed that a 1:1 mixture of adenine-P...
An automated method for estimating reliability of grid systems using Bayesian networks

Grid computing has become relevant due to its applications to large-scale resource sharing, wide-area information transfer, and multi-institutional collaborating. In general, in grid computing a service requests the use of a set of resources, available in a grid, to complete certain tasks. Although analysis tools and techniques for these types of systems have been studied, grid reliability analysis is generally computation-intensive to obtain due to the complexity of the system. Moreover, conventional reliability models have some common assumptions that cannot be applied to the grid systems. Therefore, new analytical methods are needed for effective and accurate assessment of grid reliability. This study presents a new method for estimating grid service reliability, which does not require prior knowledge about the grid system structure unlike the previous studies. Moreover, the proposed method does not rely on any assumptions about the link and node failure rates. This approach is based on a data-mining algorithm, the K2, to discover the grid system structure from raw historical system data, that allows to find minimum resource spanning trees (MRST) within the grid then, uses Bayesian networks (BN) to model the MRST and estimate grid service reliability.
VideoGraph: a new tool for video mining and classification

This paper introduces Videograph, a new tool for video mining and visu alizing the structure of the plot of a video sequence. The main idea is to “stitch” together similar scenes which are apart in time. We give a fast algorithm to do stitching and we show case studies, where our approach (a) gives good features for classification (91% accuracy), and (b) results in Videographs which reveal the logical structure of the plot of the video clips.
Treponema denticola superoxide reductase: in vivo role, in vitro reactivities, and a novel [Fe(Cys)(4)] site.

In vitro and in vivo results are presented demonstrating that superoxide reductase (SOR) from the air-sensitive oral spirochete, Treponema denticola (Td), is a principal enzymatic scavenger of superoxide in this organism. This SOR contains the characteristic non-heme [Fe(His)4Cys] active sites. No other metal-binding domain has been annotated for Td SOR. However, we found that Td SOR also accommodates a [Fe(Cys)4] site whose spectroscopic and redox properties resemble those in so-called 2Fe-SORs. Spectroscopic comparisons of the wild type and engineered Cys → Ser variants indicate that three of the Cys ligands correspond to those in [Fe(Cys)4] sites of “canonical” 2Fe-SORs, whereas the fourth Cys ligand residue has no counterpart in canonical 2Fe-SORs or in any other known [Fe(Cys)4] protein. Structural modeling is consistent with iron ligation of the “noncanonical” Cys residue across subunit interfaces of the Td SOR homodimer. The Td SOR was isolated with only a small percentage of [Fe(Cys)4] sites. Howe...
Vertical structure of stratiform marine boundary layer clouds and its impact on cloud albedo

[1] One year of passive microwave as well as near infrared remote sensing observations of cloud liquid water path (LWP) are used to study stratiform marine boundary layer clouds on a large scale. Good agreement between the two different remote sensing estimates of LWP was found for values below 150 g/m2, if the clouds were assumed to be stratified vertically. For higher values of LWP the near infrared observations show a lower LWP than the passive microwave observations. Theoretical calculations of cloud albedo suggest a potentially significant underestimation of cloud albedo if, for a given LWP, clouds are assumed to be vertically homogeneous. The results presented in this study bear significance especially for climate studies. Of particular relevance is the conclusion that also at the large scale marine boundary layer clouds need to be regarded as being vertically adiabatically or sub-adiabatically stratified.
Soft-error Monte Carlo modeling program, SEMM

The application of a computer program, SEMM (Soft-Error Monte Carlo Modeling), is described. SEMM calculates the soft-error rate (SER) of semiconductor chips due to ionizing radiation. Used primarily to determine whether chip designs meet SER specifications, the program requires detailed layout and process information and circuit Q{sub crit} values.
A chance to learn: On matching probabilities to optimize utilities

All choices under uncertainty can be modeled as attempts to maximize expected utility. Yet many studies show that human choices do not maximize expected economic utility. Here we investigate one such behavior, known as ''probability matching'', and demonstrate that it maximizes an ecologic utility that goes beyond economic utility. To start we present data from a psychological experiment on a game of chance discovery called ''Iowa Gambling''. We then derive a mathematical model of game-playing behavior that optimizes ecologic utility, which includes informatic utility in learning and ergonomic utility in effort - as well as economic utility in earning. The model offers a good fit to the data, which supports our claim that human choices are made to optimize a combination of utilities that go beyond just economic utility. To close, we explore applications of probability matching to real-world situations of chance discovery such as web surfing and war fighting.
Implementation of scene simulation technologies in the AEDC space chambers

A continual effort to develop the latest scene simulation technologies into actual space simulation test chambers is necessary to ensure that the U.S. has the proper ground test capabilities to test space defense systems. This involves the integration of high-fidelity, complex, and dynamic scene projection systems, including multiple-band source subsystems and the spectral tailoring methods used to simulate the desired target temperatures. Comprehensive analysis and measurement of the properties of the optical components involved are also required. This paper discusses implementation of these techniques in the space sensor test facilities of the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC).
Influence of chemical composition on partial discharge characteristics in hexadecane

Partial discharge (PD) characteristics of hexadecane were studied in a needle-plane electrode geometry under AC field with tungsten needles of 10 and 20 μm tip radii. Initial experiments focused on establishing a relationship between chemical impurities in the dielectric fluid and the PD characteristics through addition of chemicals with known electrochemical properties such as Ν,Ν-dimethylaniline (DMA), a low ionization potential compound, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCE), which is highly electronegative. The presence of DMA increases ionization and eases the formation of avalanches relative to pure hexadecane. The addition of TCE at low concentration initially suppresses the overall PD pulse rate for negative discharges and with increasing concentration, the negative streamers tend to become faster and more filamentary; hence, their charge magnitudes become comparable with those of positive streamers.
Ground‐based observational signature of a downward current channel in an active auroral arc

[1] Ground-based images of an active auroral arc over Kaktovik, Alaska on 6 March 2005 show the evolution of an event near magnetic midnight during the expansion phase of an auroral substorm. The auroral arc developed a distinct dark stripe embedded in a region of active aurora near the poleward edge of the activity. The dark stripe was observed to form and slowly widen from 15 km to 55 km (at an assumed altitude of 100 km), over a time period of 50 seconds. A linear fit to the data gives a widening rate of 750 m/s. We compare the ground-based signatures of this event to in situ downward-current-region signatures of events observed by FAST and Cluster, and show that such an auroral feature is consistent with the predictions and observations of a downward-current region.
EphB2 gets a GRIP on the dendritic arbor.

The postsynaptic protein GRIP1 is now shown to work with the receptor tyrosine kinase EphB2 to bind a kinesin microtubule motor protein. This causes dendritic transport of EphB2, triggering a pathway critical for establishment and maintenance of dendritic arbors.
Gene Regulation: The Cohesin Ring Connects Developmental Highways

How does cohesin regulate gene expression and development independently of its roles in sister chromatid cohesion and chromosome segregation? Recent studies show that cohesin, through multiple mechanisms, directly controls transcription of genes that regulate morphogenesis, differentiation, cell proliferation and pluripotency.
Enhanced pattern fidelity experiment for subquarter-micron design rule mask making

This paper discuss the resist profile, Resolution and the pattern fidelity of sub-micron feature in each PBS,ZEP-7000, CAR (chemical amplify resist) process that is reviewed the SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) analysis. And it is to compare the lithographic performance of Raster scan e-beam writer (10 Kv) and Vector scan E-beam writer (50 Kv), variable shape Beam with different Electron beam resist as PBS, the most Popular Resist in many users, ZEP-7000 and CAR (Chemical amplify resist) which shows different process characteristic in Dose sensitivity, process latitude, stability.
Impacts of age of onset of substance use disorders on risk of adult incarceration among disadvantaged urban youth: a propensity score matching approach.

Abstract Background Age of onset of substance use disorders in adolescence and early adulthood could be associated with higher rates of adult criminal incarceration in the U.S., but evidence of these associations is scarce. Methods Propensity score matching was used to estimate the association between adolescent-onset substance use disorders and the rate of incarceration, as well as incarceration costs and self-reported criminal arrests and convictions, of young men predominantly from African American, lower income, urban households. Age of onset was differentiated by whether onset of the first disorder occurred by age 16. Results Onset of a substance use disorder by age 16, but not later onset, was associated with a fourfold greater risk of adult incarceration for substance related offenses as compared to no disorder (0.35 vs. 0.09, P = 0.044). Onset by age 16 and later onset were both positively associated with incarceration costs and risk of arrest and conviction, though associations with crime outcomes were more consistent with respect to onset by age 16. Results were robust to propensity score adjustment for observable predictors of substance use in adolescence and involvement in crime as an adult. Conclusion Among young men in this high risk minority sample, having a substance use disorder by age 16 was associated with higher risk of incarceration for substance related offenses in early adulthood and with more extensive criminal justice system involvement as compared to having no disorder or having a disorder beginning at a later age.
Why is a congress

Question: Why do 3,500 mathematicians come from h u n d r e d s and in some cases thousands of miles away to spend nine days c rowded into a littered, noisy, and d a n g e r o u s n e i g h b o r h o o d e x p l a i n i n g c o m p l e x i t y theory to one another in b roken English? Answer: Because mathematical communica t ion is their most impor tan t professional activity, and because it's a lot of fun. The Berkeley Congress was my four th (the others were Cambridge, Edinburgh, and Vancouver) , and I cannot say whe the r it was better or worse than the o t h e r s t h e y ' r e all about the same, and if you like what they try to do, you probably like them all. (Incidentally, I deplore the name "ICM 86" and I refuse to use it. It sounds like a piece of compute r software, and it threatens to be one term in a very dull sequence of names to come. We have all heard of the Paris Cong r e s s , t h e o n e w h e r e H i l b e r t p r e s e n t e d his 23 problems; I think most of us would choose it in preference to " ICM 00".) What congresses try to offer is mathematics first and foremost; a chance to meet old friends, make new ones, and worship a few heroes (both old and new); an oppor tuni ty to transact profes-
Detection of Two Naturally Occurring Structural Isomers of Partially Hydrolyzed Fumonisin B1 in Corn by On-Line Capillary Liquid Chromatography−Fast Atom Bombardment Mass Spectrometry

Fifteen corn kernel and corn screening samples were analyzed for the presence of fumonisin toxins. Samples were extracted with acetonitrile/water (1:1) and cleaned up with C 18 solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. Analysis of fumonisins was carried out by on-line capillary liquid chromatography-fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (capillary LC/FAB/MS). Two isomers of partially hydrolyzed fumonisin B 1 (PHFB 1 ) were detected in five samples, and N-acetyl fumonisin B 2 (FA 2 ) was detected in one sample. Hydrolyzed fumonisin B 1 (HFB 1 ) was also detected in one sample, but further confirmation is needed.
Selectivity of end-Cretaceous marine bivalve extinctions

Analyses of the end-Cretaceous or Cretaceous-Tertiary mass extinction show no selectivity of marine bivalve genera by life position (burrowing versus exposed), body size, bathymetric position on the continental shelf, or relative breadth of bathymetric range. Deposit-feeders as a group have significantly lower extinction intensities than suspension-feeders, but this pattern is due entirely to low extinction in two groups (Nuculoida and Lucinoidea), which suggests that survivorship was not simply linked to feeding mode. Geographically widespread genera have significantly lower extinction intensities than narrowly distributed genera. These results corroborate earlier work suggesting that some biotic factors that enhance survivorship during times of lesser extinction intensities are ineffectual during mass extinctions.
Boundary element methods for two-fluid free surface flows

Abstract Flows in which a low density (gaseous) phase contributes to the motion of a free surface have been studied numerically using boundary element methods. A stable, time-accurate integration scheme for the coupled, nonlinear free surface boundary conditions is described for the case where both phases are incompressible and inviscid. The effect of increasing the gas liquid density ratio on the stability of the methodology is briefly discussed. The technique is illustrated through a series of examples involving: an infinite-length (periodic) liquid jet in a ‘wind-induced’ flow regime; a two-dimensional liquid column subjected to acoustic excitation; and a finite-length liquid jet injected into a quiescent gas.
Risk Management Planning: Conducting a Sport Risk Assessment to Enhance Program Safety

This system described in this article can be used objectively to reduce the probability and severity of injuries in a variety of sport and physical activity settings.