cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrated Operational Control of Unattended Distributed Coastal Sensor Web Systems With Mobile Autonomous Robots

Unattended autonomous systems of the future will involve groups of static and mobile sensors functioning in coordination to achieve overall task objectives. Such systems can be viewed as wirelessly networked unmanned heterogeneous sensor networks. We discuss a distributed heterogeneous sensing system with static sensors and mobile robots with novel adaptive control optimization algorithms for dynamic adaptation, coordinated control and end to end resource management of all sensors in response to detected events to achieve overall system goals and objectives. While our system design is applicable to a host of domains, it has been applied to and tested offline on an existing, functional maritime sensor web system, the New York Harbor Observation and Prediction System (NYHOPS) comprised of a host of maritime ocean and land sensors. Our goal is to enable adaptive control technologies to make the NYHOPS sensor web react faster and more effectively to threats or changing conditions, and to further maritime homeland security for the New York Harbor. Our contribution allows static sensors to work seamlessly with unmanned vehicles that can be deployed autonomously in response to detected events, and dynamically adjust operational parameters of static and mobile assets in the sensor web. Results for large area coastal monitoring are presented. Offline results using actual modeled data from in situ sensory measurements from the NYHOPS sensor web demonstrate how the sensor parameters can be adapted to maximize observability of a freshwater plume while ensuring that individual system components operate within their physical limitations.
The Developing Technology of Computerized Information Systems: Discussion

I have only minor differences with Harsh's paper. However, I have a greater concern about what the paper fails to say. A discussion of computer technology seems to miss the major concern about our present information systems. I believe we have reached a point that our information delivery mechanisms are mechanically better than the data being delivered. As Harsh's figure 1 so aptly points out, information is a result of data and processing. At present, the processing mechanism is not the scarce resource in information output. The comment that "many of the county governments . . . now have their own dataprocessing equipment which gives them more detail and accurate data bases" is symptomatic of information system problems. The possession of a data-processing system does not insure "more . . . accurate data bases." I sensed that the discussion of advancements in computer software subtly moved from bibliographic searches (AGRICOLA, INFORM) to statistical packages (RICQS). The major theme of the paper is statistical data retrieval and the bibliographic digression is clearly an unnecessary diversion. The paper finally arrives at the critical information systems issues in the brief "The Information System" section. It is at this point that I wish to add to the paper. I believe we are all in agreement that there is an information problem in rural areas. At a recent conference on taking computers to the community, Chapman, Infanger, Robbins, and Debertin stated:
Partitioning and placement for buildable QCA circuits

Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) is a novel computing mechanism that can represent binary information based on spatial distribution of electron charge configuration in chemical molecules. It has the potential to allow for circuits and systems with functional densities that are better than end of the roadmap for CMOS, but also imposes new constraints on system designers. In this article, we present the first partitioning and placement algorithm for automatic QCA layout. The purpose of zone partitioning is to initially partition a given circuit such that a single clock potential modulates the inter-dot barriers in all of the QCA cells within each zone. We then place these zones as well as individual QCA cells in these zones during our placement step. We identify several objectives and constraints that will enhance the buildability of QCA circuits and use them in our optimization process. The results are intended to: (1) define what is computationally interesting and could actually be built within a set of predefined constraints, (2) project what designs will be possible as additional constructs become realizable, and (3) provide a vehicle that we can use to compare QCA systems to silicon-based systems.
Executive Functions and Neurocognitive Aging

Executive functions (EFs) play a fundamental, yet poorly understood, role in neurocognitive aging. The overarching goal of this chapter is to consider both sides of that statement. That is, we will review behavioral and neuroimaging evidence indicating the centrality of executive functioning to cognitive aging, and we will also delineate some of the major barriers or puzzles that challenge a coherent and thorough account of the role of EF in aging. Finally, we will consider how and to what extent declines in EFs affect typical day-to-day activities of older adults.
The heart of a whistle-blower: a corporate decision-making game for computer ethics classes

I describe a simple game for use in starting a class discussion about corporate decision-making and whistle-blowing. The game allows students to experience the power of managers to influence (for good or bad) the decisions of their underlings, and the counter-balancing powers held by workers.
Preliminary Study of Biosensor Optimization for the Detection of Protein C

Methods to develop an immuno-optical biosensor for the detection and monitoring of Protein C (PC) concentrations are described. A tapered quartz fiber is enclosed in a glass tube (capacity U300 μI) and monoclonal antibody against PC (anti-PC) is immobilized on the surface of this fiber. PC within a sample, when injected into the chamber, will bind to the anti-PC in a specific reaction. The system is then probed with a fluorophore tagged secondary antibody against PC, also binding to PC in a specific reaction. Excitation light is applied through the fiber, and the amount of fluorescence is correlated with the PC concentration in the sample. This study offers encouraging results for the detection of PC deficiency in real-time.
Abstract 52: Capsaicin Activates the Trpv1-camkii-ampk-sirt-1-dependent Mechanism to Trigger Brown Remodeling of White Adipocytes to Antagonize Diet-induced Obesity

Obesity is a leading cause of metabolic syndrome. The growing endemic of diet-induced obesity necessitates the development of novel strategies to counter obesity. Recent research suggests a regulatory role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in diet-induced obesity. Here, we evaluated the hypothesis that capsaicin (CAP), a TRPV1 agonist, inhibited high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity by inducing browning of white adipose tissue (WAT). Dietary CAP (0.01% of HFD) significantly prevented obesity in wild type (WT) but not in TRPV1-/- mice without modifying the food/water intake in these mice. CAP increased the expression of the brown fat-specific thermogenes, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) coactivator 1 alpha, uncoupling protein-1 and bone morphogenetic protein b8 in the subcutaneous and brown fat pads of WT mice in vivo. Furthermore, CAP increased the expression of sirtuin-1 (SiRT-1 deacetylase) and PR domain protein 16 (PRDM-16-gene responsible for the molecular switch of white to brown fat) in WAT. CAP-triggered deacetylation of PPARγ and PRDM-16 by activating SiRT-1 to facilitate the PPARγ-PRDM-16 interaction and initiate browning of WAT. This effect also corresponded with increased respiratory coefficient, heat production and locomotor activity in CAP-fed WT mice. Analysis of mechanism of action of CAP revealed that CAP activated TRPV1-dependent signaling cascade of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII)- 5’ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and increased the phoshorylation of CaMKII, AMPK and SiRT-1 as well as SiRT-1 activation. Pharmacological inhibition of CaMKII by KN-62 (5 μM; 1 hr. preincubation), inhibition of TRPV1 by capsazepine (10 μM; 1 hr. preincubation) or chelation of intracellular Ca2+ by BAPTA-AM (10 μM; 1 hr preinbubation) prevented the effects of CAP (1μM; 30 min. treatment) on SiRT-1 phosphorylation. Collectively, our data unambiguously suggest that CAP prevents HFD- induced obesity by stimulating browning of WAT through TRPV1 activation and uncover a novel role of TRPV1-stimulated intracellular Ca2+-dependent CaMKII-AMPK-SiRT-1 signaling cascade in the browning of WAT.
Synthesis of a C(1)-C(23) fragment for spirastrellolide E: development of a mechanistic rationale for spiroketalization.

Synthetic analysis of spirastrellolide E envisioned to entail a cross-metathesis union of the northern and southern hemispheres followed by a Sharpless epoxidation/methylation sequence to achieve the C(22,23) stereogenicity leads to the design of a C(1)–C(23) advanced southern hemisphere exploiting a gold-catalyzed directed spiroketalization as a key step. Stereochemical analysis of this strategic transformation provides insight on the impact of the directing group carbinol stereogenicity on the reaction efficiency and, in turn, permits the conversion of the minor isomer of the spiroketal precursor to the requisite congener for successful spiroketalization.
Virtual and Constructive Simulations with the GRBIL Modeling Tool

The Graph-Based Interface Language (GRBIL) tool combines aspects of virtual and constructive simulations. GRBIL can be used to set up a virtual simulation where people can interact with a simulation of an operator interface and environment. Human-in-the-loop activity can be recorded when a person performs a procedure with the simulated interface. This activity can then be automatically compiled into an operator model that can be used in constructive simulations where the operator model interacts with the simulated interface. The operator model can then make human performance predictions.
Sunnyside Teacher Education Program Case Study

Chapter 4 presents findings from the Sunnyside Teacher Education Program case study site. A description of the program and the efforts of administrative leaders to support the preparation experiences of teacher candidates are explored. Individual cases of teacher educators and their teacher candidates of color in the program are also included to examine the role culturally responsive pedagogy played in the teacher education classroom. The chapter ends with a case analysis of the teacher education program that makes connections between organizational features, structures, and programs practices, and faculty pedagogical practices and the learning experiences of teacher candidates of color.
Metacognition and Intelligence Theory

In complex memory tasks, states of awareness about memory processes (metamemory) are related to strategic behavior. Two studies are reported in which metamemory is measured independently of strategies and recall; “connections” among the factors show the predictive value of metamemory in tests of strategy transfer.
Thrombotic and Inflammatory Mediators in Cancer Patients Are Downregulated by Enoxaparin. Biochip and Protein Array Analysis

Abstract 713 Introduction: The pathogenesis of cancer is known to upregulate inflammatory and thrombotic processes which contribute to the increased mortality in these patients. We hypothesized that the baseline inflammatory and thrombotic mediators are upregulated in cancer and treatment with LMWHs such as enoxaparin may downregulate these mediators. Methods: To test this hypothesis plasma samples were retrospectively analyzed from an open label multi dose active comparator parallel design study in which all patients (n=110) were initially treated with enoxaparin (1-1.5 mg/kg sc) for 5 days. These patients were subdivided into two groups. Group A continued to receive enoxaparin whereas Group B received warfarin. Baseline blood samples, 5 days and 12 weeks post treatment samples were analyzed using bio chip arrays (Randox analyzer) and protein chip array using surface enhanced laser desorption ionization (SELDI) technique.Results: In the cerebral biochip array analysis, levels of CRP, TNFRI, D DIMER, NGAL and TM were elevated at baseline which reduced after treatment with enoxaparin at three months except for NSE and TNFRI. In the cytokine biochip array, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL8, IL10, VEGF, IFNG, TNFA, IL1A, IL1B, MCP1 and EGF showed marked upregulation at baseline with enoxaparin treatment resulting in a decrease of IL6 alone. In contrast the warfarin treated group, both the cerebral and cytokine biochip array showed only marginal decreases.The baseline plasma samples from the patients recruited with multiple cancers in the Oncenox study showed a greater prevalence of the 11.6kDa biomarker (76%) with average amplitude of 23.6. The samples collected after 3 Months of enoxaparin treatment revealed markedly reduced prevalence (38%) and average amplitude of 5.4, whereas the warfarin treated group showed a modest decline in the 11-6kD a biomarker with a 52% prevalence and an average amplitude of 18.2. Conclusions: These results confirm that inflammatory and thrombotic mediators are differentially downregulated by treatment with enoxaparin in comparison to warfarin. The biochip and protein arrays provide unique tools to profile the known mediators and identify newer biomarkers. which may be useful in differentiating target sites for the newer drugs in cancer management. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Gas Cluster Ion Beam Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry High-Resolution Imaging of Cardiolipin Speciation in the Brain: Identification of Molecular Losses after Traumatic Injury

Gas cluster ion beam-secondary ion mass spectrometry (GCIB-SIMS) has shown the full potential of mapping intact lipids in biological systems with better than 10 μm lateral resolution. This study investigated further the capability of GCIB-SIMS in imaging high-mass signals from intact cardiolipin (CL) and gangliosides in normal brain and the effect of a controlled cortical impact model (CCI) of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on their distribution. A combination of enzymatic and chemical treatments was employed to suppress the signals from the most abundant phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)) and enhance the signals from the low-abundance CLs and gangliosides to allow their GCIB-SIMS detection at 8 and 16 μm spatial resolution. Brain CLs have not been observed previously using other contemporary imaging mass spectrometry techniques at better than 50 μm spatial resolution. High-resolution images of naive and injured brain tissue facilitated the comparison of CL species ac...
Ozone technology in the post-harvest storage environment- a comparison of efficacy of high doses of ozone to insects treated under laboratory conditions and field conditions

Efficacy experiments were conducted to determine the ozone concentration (C) and treatment time (T) needed to effectively kill adult stages of red flour beetle (i>Tribolium castaneum) and maize weevil ( Sitophilus zeamais ). Under laboratory conditions, insects were exposed to concentrations of ozone ranging from 50 to 1800 ppm for 30 and 60 min. After treatment, insect mortality was scored, and if 100% mortality was not reached, more treatment-time was added in 30 min intervals at 1800 ppm. For both species, 100% mortality was reached after treatment at 1800 ppm for 120 min, which equates to a concentration*time (CT) product of 216,000 ppm.min. A similar CT product was attained under field conditions with a prototype auger designed to treat moving streams of grain with ozone during transfer. In field tests, 100% mortality was achieved for both insect species after a treatment of 47,000 ppm ozone for 6 min (CT = 282,000 ppm.min). The results indicate that CT values obtained in laboratory experiments correlated wll with those from field experiments. Based on these results, we now can calculate ozone concentration and auger length needed to treat grain in a fast-moving stream. Keywords : Ozone, Maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais , Red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum
Influencing health decision-making: A study of colour and message framing.

Objective: Previous research has provided evidence that colour associations and frame can influence behavioural intentions to engage in vaccination behaviours. In this study, the extension of these...
Nucleation effects of high molecular weight polymer additives on low molecular weight gels

Polymeric species have been introduced to low molecular weight gelators to tailor their nucleation and rheological behavior. This work combines polymers and molecular gels (MGs) in a different manner by using polymers as the major component in a solution. Additionally, using polymers above their entanglement molecular weight is a step towards building polymer–MG composite materials. Specifically, a cholesterol-pyridine (CP) molecular gel was introduced to poly(ethylene oxide-co-epichlorohydrin) (EO-EPI) and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), which have dissimilar chain conformations in anisole. Dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and temperature-dependent small- and wide-angle X-ray studies were utilized to investigate the influence of the solution properties of high molecular weight EO-EPI and PVAc on the CP network structure. The collapsed chain conformation and aggregation of EO-EPI led to isolated, branched CP fiber networks, resulting in unexpectedly high dissociation temperatures. In contrast, PVAc gels displayed transient fiber networks, as evidenced by fiber wrapping and bundling. Cooperative interactions between PVAc and CP resulted in gels with dissociation temperatures higher than those of pure CP gels. These structural characteristics significantly influenced the gel mechanics. The collapsed chain conformation of EO-EPI led to weaker, more viscous gels, and the freely extended PVAc chain conformation led to interconnected, elastic gels independent of the molecular gel concentration. Polymer chain conformation was utilized to control the nucleation of a cholesterol-pyridine molecular gel. Collapsed chain conformations influence gel structure and dissociation behavior by acting as physical barriers that lead to confinement effects and permanent networks. An extended polymer chain conformation allowed for polymer–molecular-gel interactions and increased dissociation temperatures due to its highly ordered structure, resulting in transient networks. Additionally, the high molecular weight polymer solution behavior guided solution mechanics, where collapsed chains lead to viscous solutions and gels and extended chains led to elastic gel networks.
Actively Engage Students with Diverse Background Using a More Personalized Approach

This Research to Practice Work in Progress paper presents the design of personalized learning modules on adaptive learning platform in order to engage students of diverse background in both online and face-to-face classes. Although the theory of adaptive learning approach has been widely discussed recently, there is no effective tool or course materials available to use directly in the bottleneck course of Data Structures and Algorithms, in which the DFW rate is much higher and the passing rate is much lower, especially when students have diverse background and various programming skills. Considering the dissimilar needs from students, we have redesigned this course using adaptive learning platform called Smart Sparrow, and created the weekly adaptive learning modules embedded into Blackboard LMS. The modules could be easily applied or modified for other computer science courses as well. Additional tools like Open Educational Resources and ZyBooks, as well as group-based assignments and projects are also utilized to further assist the students. Our goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of developed modules and student performance in this redesigned course. Preliminary results and assessment findings are discussed at the end of this paper.
A Spatial Hedonic Analysis of the Effects of Wind Energy Facilities on Surrounding Property Values in the United States

LBNL-XXXXE E RNEST O RLANDO L AWRENCE B ERKELEY N ATIONAL L ABORATORY A Spatial Hedonic Analysis of the Effects of Wind Energy Facilities on Surrounding Property Values in the United States Ben Hoen, Jason P. Brown, Thomas Jackson, Ryan Wiser, Mark Thayer and Peter Cappers Environmental Energy Technologies Division August 2013 This work was supported by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (Wind and Water Power Technologies Office) of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH1123.
Absence of Aortic Valve Opening after Hemodynamic Ramp Optimization Study Does Not Impact LVAD Morbidity of Mortality

Purpose Aortic valve opening in patients supported by left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) preserves native valve geometry and structure and reduces rates of aortic insufficiency and need for aortic valve interventions. With LVAD speed optimization studies (Ramp studies) hemodynamic optimization can sometimes come at the expense of aortic valve opening. Here we explore the impact of aortic valve opening after optimization on morbidity and mortality. Methods LVAD Patients from a single institution underwent simultaneous echocardiographic (TTE) and hemodynamic LVAD ramp study. Patients were deemed optimized when their hemodynamic profile reached a target right atrial (RA) pressure 2.2L/min/m2. The impact of presence or absence of aortic valve opening on readmission-free survival, hemocompatibility related adverse events (HRAE)-free survival and overall survival at 3 years was determined. Results 113 LVAD patients were included in the analysis (62=HMII, 34=HVAD, 17 =HM3). Mean CI was 2.73L/min/m2, RAP 9.4mmHg and PCWP 13.7mmHg after optimization. 52 patients had absence of aortic valve opening at their set speed. There was no difference in overall survival (p = 0.89), HF admissions (p = 0.81) and HRAE (p = 0.85) at 3 years in those with and without aortic valve opening (Figure A-C). Conclusion Absence of aortic valve opening after LVAD speed optimization did not demonstrate more adverse events or LVAD-related morbidity and mortality compared to those who had aortic valve opening. Speed optimization should focus on hemodynamic optimization with less emphasis on aortic valve opening.
Formal and Informal Supports for Managing Work and Family

Many working adults manage joint work and family responsibilities and turn to supports offered at work and in the home to help manage these roles successfully. We review the current evidence on sup...
The Cancer Imaging Phenomics Toolkit (CaPTk): Technical Overview.

The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an overview of the technical specifications and architecture of the Cancer imaging Phenomics Toolkit (CaPTk www.cbica.upenn.edu/captk), a cross-platform, open-source, easy-to-use, and extensible software platform for analyzing 2D and 3D images, currently focusing on radiographic scans of brain, breast, and lung cancer. The primary aim of this platform is to enable swift and efficient translation of cutting-edge academic research into clinically useful tools relating to clinical quantification, analysis, predictive modeling, decision-making, and reporting workflow. CaPTk builds upon established open-source software toolkits, such as the Insight Toolkit (ITK) and OpenCV, to bring together advanced computational functionality. This functionality describes specialized, as well as general-purpose, image analysis algorithms developed during active multi-disciplinary collaborative research studies to address real clinical requirements. The target audience of CaPTk consists of both computational scientists and clinical experts. For the former it provides i) an efficient image viewer offering the ability of integrating new algorithms, and ii) a library of readily-available clinically-relevant algorithms, allowing batch-processing of multiple subjects. For the latter it facilitates the use of complex algorithms for clinically-relevant studies through a user-friendly interface, eliminating the prerequisite of a substantial computational background. CaPTk’s long-term goal is to provide widely-used technology to make use of advanced quantitative imaging analytics in cancer prediction, diagnosis and prognosis, leading toward a better understanding of the biological mechanisms of cancer development.
Latent neural source recovery via transcoding of simultaneous EEG-fMRI.

Simultaneous EEG-fMRI is a multi-modal neuroimaging technique that provides complementary spatial and temporal resolution for inferring a latent source space of neural activity. In this paper we address this inference problem within the framework of transcoding -- mapping from a specific encoding (modality) to a decoding (the latent source space) and then encoding the latent source space to the other modality. Specifically, we develop a symmetric method consisting of a cyclic convolutional transcoder that transcodes EEG to fMRI and vice versa. Without any prior knowledge of either the hemodynamic response function or lead field matrix, the method exploits the temporal and spatial relationships between the modalities and latent source spaces to learn these mappings. We show, for real EEG-fMRI data, how well the modalities can be transcoded from one to another as well as the source spaces that are recovered, all on unseen data. In addition to enabling a new way to symmetrically infer a latent source space, the method can also be seen as low-cost computational neuroimaging -- i.e. generating an 'expensive' fMRI BOLD image from 'low cost' EEG data.
Delayed recurrence of acute subdural hematoma in a patient with plasminogen activator inhibitor mutation

Background Plasminogen activator inhibitor type I (PAI-1) is important for balancing the fibrinolytic effect of plasmin, and deficiency can result in increased risk of bleeding. We report a case of a patient with PAI-1 deficiency who presented with delayed spontaneous recurrence of an acute subdural hematoma (aSDH) after evacuation. Case description A 29-year-old male presented with altered mental status (AMS) after a fall at a construction site with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS 4T). His coagulation profile was normal, and brain computed tomography (CT) showed a left-sided aSDH. He underwent emergent evacuation of the hematoma. On postoperative day 2, he was started on heparin for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis. His neurological examination improved and was discharged with no focal deficits. Three days later, he presented with sudden AMS (GCS 7T); CT head showed a large hematoma at the site of original surgery. The hematoma was evacuated emergently. On readmission, the family informed providers that the patient had a history of PAI-1 deficiency. Postoperatively, only mechanical VTE prophylaxis was used and the patient was started on oral TXA per hematology recommendation. The patient improved and was discharged with no focal deficit. On follow-up, he remained neurologically stable. Conclusion PAI-1 deficiency should be suspected in patients with delayed posttraumatic/surgical bleeding and a normal coagulation profile. If PAI-1 deficiency is evident or suspected, then a trial of antifibrinolytic agent should be used to treat and prevent recurrence of bleeding. Furthermore, chemical VTE prophylaxis should be avoided as it increases the risk for bleeding.
Uneasy presences: Revulsion and the necropolitics of attachment

This essay attends to questions of history and affective attachment through the Old English poem The Grave, unearthing and dismembering dichotomies of life and death, body and soul. It considers how the same attachments and revulsions that are exposed in The Grave offer a critique of medievalist attachments to the past – past histories, past affiliations, past friends and mentors – at the expense of the present. The possible affective links and historical creations allowed and encouraged by these memorials are capacious. The body is distorted by its constraint in the grave; the space is individual, measured, and repeated by the community by all (or at least most) bodies, and yet its existence remains uncomforted, misaligned from the living. By presenting both grave and corpse as simultaneously inhabiting past, present, and future, The Grave allows its audience to create and recognize affective ties to personal, cultural, and institutional pasts, presents, and futures.
Small pool PCR (SPPCR) reveals allelic distortion in normal tissues and in tumors of FCCX patients thought microsatellite stable.

539 Might attenuated MMR defects be present, making MSI unrecognizable, in tumor tissue of the high proportion (>40%) of families meeting all the criteria for HNPCC except MSI detection - so called Familial Colorectal Cancer Type X or FCCX (JAMA 293:1979, 2005)? Could these defects contribute to or interact with microchromosomal alterations such as copy number variation (CNV)? We address both questions here using PCR in multiple pools of DNA diluted to single genome equivalents (SPPCR) - a procedure shown to be so sensitive as to quantify low, but significant levels of MSI increasing with age in the PBLs of normal individuals (Mech Aging Dev 126:1051, 2005). Studied were the DNAs from paired PBL and tumor samples from 7 HNPCC MSI-H having null mutations in major MMR genes (MLH1 and MSH2) as well as from 10 FCCX patients. PBLs from age matched normal individuals were run simultaneously as controls for both sets. D2S123, D5S356, and D17S518 loci were amplified using hemi-nested PCR in >112 replicates of ~0.75 genome equivalents per locus/per tissue/per patient to determine allele and mutant frequencies (f), 95% confidence intervals (CI). Frequencies of allele 1 versus allele 2 at each locus were compared by Chi-square test, p-values less than 0.05 were considered significant and an indication of allelic distortion at that locus. Normal control PBL DNA had f = 0.012, CI +/- 0.012. MSI-H PBL and tumor showed f = 0.107, CI +/- 0.052 and f = 0.236, CI +/- 0.133, respectively. Syndrome X PBL and tumor had f = 0.016, CI +/- 0.011 and f = 0.090, CI +/- 0.029, respectively. Allele distribution in normal control PBL at D2S123, D5S356, and D17S518 had chi-square p-values of 0.51, 0.58, and 0.69, respectively, suggesting that there is no allele drop-out nor allelic distortion in normal blood. In comparison, the same loci in the FCCX tumors had p-values of 5e-03, 2e-07, and 2e-06, and blood had p-values of 0.13, 0.06, and 0.03, respectively. Neither HNPCC blood nor tumor showed significant distortion at the loci, with p-values ranging from 0.25 - 0.94. Conclusions. Significant MSI in FCCX tumors but not in their PBLs suggest: (1) FCCX might be due to mutations in MMR pathways that have less severe consequences than those seen in the MSI-H patients; (2) SPPCR analysis of tumors identifies patients carrying such mutations; (3) Such quantitative analysis of FCCX tumor reveals significant allelic distortion at D2, D5, and D17 loci. FCCX PBL DNA also has significant allelic distortion at 2 of the 3 loci, though not as high levels as seen in tumor. NC PBL and HNPCC PBL and tumor DNA do not show allelic distortion by SPPCR. FCCX allele distortion may be due to rearrangement or CNV of genomic architecture features such as alu repeats that flank the microsatellite loci on 17q12.CGH array chips may reveal microchromosomal CNV in these regions, supporting the SP observations. Such CNV may be either a mechanism for disease or diagnostic for FCCX.
Structure activity relationship of 3-nitro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-chromene derivatives as P2Y6 receptor antagonists

Abstract Various 6-alkynyl analogues of a known 3-nitro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-chromene antagonist 3 of the Gq-coupled P2Y6 receptor (P2Y6R) were synthesized using a Sonogashira reaction to replace a 6-iodo group. The analogues were tested in a functional assay consisting of inhibition of calcium mobilization in P2Y6R-expressing astrocytoma cells elicited by native P2Y6R agonist UDP. 6-Ethynyl and 6-cyano groups were installed, and the alkynes were extended through both alkyl and aryl spacers. The most potent antagonists, with IC50 of ~1 µM, were found to be trialkylsilyl-ethynyl 7 and 8 (3–5 fold greater affinity than reference 3), t-butyl prop-2-yn-1-ylcarbamate 14 and p-carboxyphenyl-ethynyl 16 derivatives, and 3 and 8 displayed surmountable antagonism of UDP-induced production of inositol phosphates. Other chain-extended terminal carboxylate derivatives were less potent than the corresponding methyl ester derivatives. Thus, the 6 position in this chromene series is suitable for derivatization with flexibility of substitution, even with sterically extended chains, without losing P2Y6R affinity. However, a 3-carboxylic acid or 3-ester substitution did not serve as a nitro bioisostere, as the affinity was eliminated. These compounds provide additional ligand tools for the underexplored P2Y6R, which is a target for inflammatory, neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases.
Some Applications of Commutative Algebra to String Theory

String theory was first introduced as a model for strong nuclear interactions, then reinterpreted as a model for quantum gravity, and then all fundamental physics.
DANGEROUS DELUSIONAL MISIDENTIFICATION AND HOMICIDE

A case involving a delusional misidentification syndrome associated with homicide is presented. The anglophonic literature concerning delusional misidentification and homicide is reviewed. Delusional misidentification may be a risk factor for potential violence toward others, including homicide of a delusionally misidentified person.
Stochastic Frontier Analysis of Hospital Mortality

This study will employ stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to estimate “best practice” frontiers for hospital risk-adjusted mortality and provide evidence of the extent to which variation in risk-adjusted mortality rates reflect “inefficiency” (deviation from best practice) versus random noise/omitted variables. Specifically, the study will provide evidence of the magnitude and scope of implied deviations from best practice, hospital characteristics that are associated with such deviations, and, for years with available data, the relationship between such deviations and process measures of hospital quality. It also will provide evidence of variation in hospital risk-adjusted mortality rankings over time and compare SFA-based rankings of hospital performance to other ranking approaches. A large literature uses SFA to estimate production and cost efficiency, including numerous studies of hospital cost efficiency. SFA also has been used to analyze cross-country differences in healthcare spending efficiency, and it has recently been used to analyze differences in infant mortality across countries and within the United Kingdom. Our approach will build on this research and pay particular attention to allowing for volume-driven heteroskedasticity in risk-adjusted mortality. Data from the 100 percent MedPar files are sued to calculate 30-day risk-adjusted mortality rates for three conditions, AMI, congestive heart failure, and pneumonia, for each acute care hospital, condition, and year during 2001-2006. The risk-adjusted mortality rates are calculated using logit analysis, conditioning on 30 co morbidities. Data on process measures of hospital quality are obtained for available years from Hospital Compare, and data on hospital characteristics are from the Medicare Provider of Service File and the American Hospital Association. The general approach is to model hospital risk-adjusted mortality for each of the three conditions as a function of (1) hospital characteristics that could influence mortality apart from deviations from best practice, (2) a heteroskedastic, symmetrically distributed random error term that reflects unobserved influences unrelated to best practice, and (3) a draw from a strictly nonnegative distribution that reflects possible deviation from best practice (including the half-normal, exponential, or truncated normal distributions). While much of the analysis will assume a continuous distribution for the random error, we will explore the feasibility of estimating models that explicitly consider count data. The results of the study should be of broad interest to researchers and policymakers concerned with hospital quality, outcomes versus process measures of quality, and sources of variation in risk-adjusted mortality across hospitals and over time.
Coupled kermack-mckendrick models for randomly scanning and bandwidth-saturating internet worms

We present a simple, deterministic mathematical model for the spread of randomly scanning and bandwidth-saturating Internet worms. Such worms include Slammer and Witty, both of which spread extremely rapidly. Our model, consisting of coupled Kermack-McKendrick equations, captures both the measured scanning activity of the worm and the network limitation of its spread, i.e., the effective scan-rate per worm/infective. We fit our model to available data for the Slammer worm and demonstrate its ability to accurately represent Slammer's total scan-rate to the core.
Very-low-energy diets alter the counterregulatory response to falling plasma glucose concentrations.

A consequence of short-term very-low-energy diets (VLEDs) in lean subjects is reactive hypoglycemia. We therefore tested the responses of overweight women on prolonged (14 d) VLEDs. Subjects lost 4.8±0.2 kg (x±SEM, n=13, P<0.001). Group A (n=6) was challenged with an oral-glucose-tolerance test (OGTT) and group B (n=7) with an oral-sucrose-tolerance test (OSTT) on days 1 and 14. In group A, mean nadir plasma glucose after the OGTT was lower on day 14, 3.75±0.16 vs 4.7±0.19 mmol/L (P<0.01), because of an accelerated rate of glucose decline (RGD, 26.7±3.3 vs 17.2±3.9 μmol.l -1 .min -1 , P<0.05) late in the OGTT. Plasma insulin was also lower (P<0.03) and the VLED suppressed two growth hormone (GH) peaks on day 14 (P<0.05 for each). In group B on day 14, a greater RGD was also observed late in the OSTT, 16.9±4.1 vs 6.5±2.0 μmol.L.min -1 (P<0.03). GH peaks were also significantly suppressed. We conclude that a VLED results in altered glucose regulation late after carbohydrate loading, characterized by an accelerated decline in plasma glucose and GH suppression. Patients on a VLED may be at risk for abnormally low plasma glucose concentrations when ingesting high carbohydrate loads
When Will Housing Recover

An interesting perspective on recent trends in the U.S. housing market is gained by noting how housing prices correspond to per capita income, a traditional measure of affordability. The ratio of housing prices to per capita income is high but close to historical norms in many regional markets. However, notable exceptions do exist. In California, housing prices recently reached levels relative to per capita income far above historical norms. A significant pricing correction has begun in that market. Similarly, housing prices are correcting sharply in Arizona, Florida, and Nevada. Investors need to be mindful of the potential for housing market–related losses and the potential for contagion among asset classes. See comments and response on this article.
2D 1H and 31P NMR Spectra and Distorted A-DNA-Like Duplex Structure of a Phosphorodithioate Oligonucleotide

Abstract Assignment of the 1H and 31P NMR spectra of a phosphorodithioate modified oligonucleotide decamer duplex, d(CGCTTpS− 2AAGCG)2 (10-mer-S; a site of dithioate substitution is designated with the symbols pS− 2), was achieved by two-dimensional homonuclear TOCSY, NOES Y and 1H-31P Pure Absorption phase Constant time (PAC) heteronuclear correlation spectroscopy. In contrast to the parent palindromic decamer sequence (1) which has been shown to exist entirely in the duplex B-DNA conformation under comparable conditions (100 mM KCI), the dithiophosphate analogue forms a hairpin loop. However, the duplex form of the dithioate oligonucleotide can be stabilized at lower temperatures, higher salt and strand concentration. The solution structure of the decamer duplex was calculated by an iterative hybrid relaxation matrix method (MORASS) combined with 2D NOESY-distance restrained molecular dynamics. These backbone modified compounds, potentially attractive antisense oligonucleotide agents, are often assumed ...
Factors affecting the association of fatty acids with mineral particles in sea water

Abstract Certain factors influencing the incorporation, transport and release of fatty acids by clay minerals, calcite and marine sediments have been investigated. Salinity was found to be an important factor. The adsorption of heptadecanoic acid by bentonite clay at 4%. was nearly triple that at 0%.. However, from 4%. to 35%., only a minor adsorption increase occurred. This behavior is believed to be related to flocculation of the clay at the lower salinity range. The pH over the range of 6.0–8.5 has a small influence on fatty acid-clay association, depressing it somewhat as the basicity increases. When the temperature of the fatty acid solution was increased from 0°C to 50°C, a decrease in adsorption on to clay was found. This effect may be due to increased water solubility of the acid at higher temperatures, since solubility is very important in controlling the degree of fatty acid-mineral interaction. Furthermore, apparent solubilization of fatty acids by indigenous dissolved organic matter in sea water reduces adsorption on to clay minerals. Based upon the heat of adsorption of −14.6 kcal/mole, fatty acids are physically bound to clay minerals by weak van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds. Bentonite and kaolinite were found to be the most adsorptive minerals investigated, followed in order by illite, montmorillonite and calcite. Sediments from Narragansett Bay were found to lie between illite and montmorillonite in adsorptive capacity after indigenous sediment organic matter had been removed. Sediment organic matter reduced fatty acid uptake by a factor of 1.6.
Food habits of the weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, in North Carolina waters

The dominant food items in 817 stomachs of weakfish collected in North Carolina waters from 1967 to 1970 were penaeid and mysid shrimps, anchovies, and clupeid fishes. Dominance of various food items shifted depending upon the technique used to describe food habits: percent occurrence, percent number, or percent volume. Age 0 weakfish fed primarily on shrimp and anchovy. In Age I fish, shrimp and anchovy continued to dominate the food though other fishes appeared in the diet. Importance of shrimp in the diet decreased from Age II on. Older weakfish fed upon the clupeid species that were dominant in a given area.
The complexity of animal model generation for complex diseases.

Daniel M. Albert, MD, MS; Aneesh Neekhra, MD; Shoujian Wang, MD, PhD; Soesiawati R. Darjatmoko, BS; Christine M. Sorenson, PhD; Richard R. Dubielzig, DVM; Nader Sheibani, PhDObjectives To study the progressive changes of intense cyclic light–induced retinal degeneration and to determine whether it results in choroidal neovascularization (CNV).Methods Albino rats were exposed to 12 hours of 3000-lux cyclic light for 1, 3, or 6 months. Fundus examination, fundus photography, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, and optical coherence tomography were performed prior to euthanization. Light-exposed animals were euthanized after 1, 3, or 6 months for histopathological evaluation. Retinas were examined for the presence of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal– and nitrotyrosine-modified proteins by immunofluorescence staining.Results Long-term intense cyclic light exposure resulted in retinal degeneration with loss of the outer segments of photoreceptors and approximately two-thirds of the outer nuclear layer as well as development of subretinal pigment epithelium neovascularization after 1 month. Almost the entire outer nuclear layer was absent with the presence of CNV, which penetrated the Bruch membrane and extended into the outer retina after 3 months. Absence of the outer nuclear layer, multiple foci of CNV, retinal pigment epithelial fibrous metaplasia, and connective tissue bands containing blood vessels extending into the retina were observed after 6 months. All intense light–exposed animals showed an increased presence of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal and nitrotyrosine staining. Optical coherence tomographic and angiographic studies confirmed retinal thinning and leakiness of the newly formed blood vessels.Conclusions Our results suggest that albino rats develop progressive stages of retinal degeneration and CNV after long-term intense cyclic light exposure, allowing the detailed study of the pathogenesis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration.Clinical Relevance The ability to study the progressive pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration and CNV will provide detailed knowledge about the disease and aid in the development of target-specific therapy.
Hydrogen-broadened half-widths and hydrogen-induced line shifts of relevant to the Jovian atmospheric spectra

Abstract H2-broadened half-widths and H2-induced line shifts were measured in the fundamental (1–0) and the first overtone (2–0) bands of 12 C 16 O at several temperatures between 83 and 302 K using a Fourier-transform spectrometer and a multi-spectral-line-fitting technique. The parameters were also measured at 298 K in the second overtone (3–0) band. While the line widths are practically the same in the three bands, there is a significant variation of the collision-induced line shifts with the vibrational quantum number of the upper energy level.
Convergence of EM image reconstruction algorithms with Gibbs smoothing

P.J. Green has defined an OSL (one-step late) algorithm that retains the E-step of the EM algorithm (for image reconstruction in emission tomography) but provides an approximate solution to the M-step. Further modifications of the OSL algorithm guarantee convergence to the unique maximum of the log posterior function. Convergence is proved under a specific set of sufficient conditions. Several of these conditions concern the potential function of the Gibb's prior, and a number of candidate potential functions are identified. Generalization of the OSL algorithm to transmission tomography is also considered. >
Early Warning System for Temporary Crime Hot Spots

We investigate the potential for preventing crimes at temporary hot spots in addition to chronic hot spots. Using data on serious violent crimes from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we investigate an early warning system (EWS) for starting/stopping police deployments at temporary hot spots in coordination with constant prevention work at chronic hot spots. We estimate chronic hot spots using kernel density smoothing. We use simple rules for detecting flare-ups of temporary hot spots, predicting their persistence, deploying police, and stopping deployments. We also consider a combination program including the hottest chronic hot spots, with EWS applied to remaining areas. Using 2000–2010 data, we run computational experiments varying the size of chronic hot spots and varying rule thresholds to tune the EWS. Tradeoff curves with percentage of crimes exposed to prevention versus percentage area of the city with crime prevention workload provide tools for coordinating chronic and temporary hot spot programs. The combination program is the most efficient, equitable, and responsive program. After first allocating police prevention resources to the hottest chronic hot spots, the marginal benefits of adding more chronic hot spot area is not as high as adding temporary hot spots. Chronic hot spots are limited to large commercial and adjoining residential areas. Temporary hot spots are widely scattered throughout Pittsburgh. Temporary hot spots exist outside of chronic hot spots and are targets for prevention as supplements to chronic hot spots. A combination program targeting both chronic and temporary hot spots is recommended.