cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cisplatin Therapy in 41 Dogs With Malignant Tumors

Forty-one dogs with a variety of histopathologically diagnosed, measurable tumors were treated with cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum, Platinol, Bristol Laboratories, Syracuse, NY 13221-4755) as a single agent at a dosage of 60 mg/m2 given intravenously at 3-week intervals. In an attempt to avoid renal toxicity of cisplatin, saline diuresis was induced and maintained for 4 hours before and 2 hours following cisplatin administration. The dogs received one to ten doses of cisplatin. To determine response to therapy and to monitor toxicity of the drug, the dogs were evaluated with physical examinations including tumor measurements, radiography, complete blood counts, platelet counts, urinalyses, serum urea nitrogen concentrations, and serum creatinine concentrations. An overall response rate of 19% was observed. Complete remission occurred in one of 11 dogs with squamous cell carcinomas and one of one dog with a mediastinal undifferentiated carcinoma. Partial remissions were documented in one of 11 dogs with squamous cell carcinomas, two of three dogs with metastatic osteosarcomas, one of three dogs with nasal adenocarcinomas, and one of one dog with a thyroid adenocarcinoma. Toxic side effects were primarily gastrointestinal in nature, with vomiting occurring 1-6 hours after cisplatin administration in 27 of 41 dogs. Severe anorexia occurred in three dogs, and hemorrhagic diarrhea was observed in one dog. One dog developed grand mal seizures and died 3 hours following therapy. Granulocytopenia was documented in six dogs, and thrombocytopenia was observed in four dogs. One dog showed an increase in serum urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations, but this patient had known pre-existing renal disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Perinodal astrocytic processes at nodes of ranvier in developing normal and glial cell deficient rat spinal cord

This study examined, during normal development and during the development of a glial cell deficient axon population, the nature of astrocyte involvement at the central nodes of Ranvier on spinal cord axons. One condition examined was the ventral funiculus of normal 7-day-old rats. At this age, the lumbar spinal cord underwent an active phase of gliogenesis, and axons were seen in various stages of myelination. Perinodal astrocytic processes were routinely observed at nodes of axons on which myelin sheaths exceeded 8 compact lamellae. Perinodal astrocytic processes were also seen in close proximity to axolemma at most developing nodes. This study also examined the lumbar spinal cords of rats which were X-irradiated on the third postnatal day. This procedure caused a profound reduction in the astrocyte and oligodendrocyte population in 13- and 18-day-old rats, while sparing the neuronal elements. Thus, axo-glial relationships observed in this tissue are unlikely to be random occurrences. Despite the reduction in glial cells, some oligodendrocyte-myelinated axons were observed in the irradiated spinal cords. Perinodal astrocytes were seen at all oligodendrocyte-derived nodes observed in the irradiated cord and appeared to have a specific relationship to the node of Ranvier. The presence of astrocytic processes at the normal, developing node and at the nodes in glial cell deficient spinal cords suggests that astrocytes may be necessary to the function of nodal axolemma. In irradiated spinal cords, where the glial cells are markedly reduced, apposition between astrocytic and oligodendrocytic membrane at the paranode and internode was also seen and was so common that it is highly unlikely to be due to random occurrences. These observations further suggest that in addition to the presumptive role at the nodes, astrocytes may play an inductive or supportive role in the development and maintenance of central myelin.
Planning Constant-Stress Accelerated Life Tests for Acceleration Model Selection

Accelerated life tests (ALTs) are widely used in industry to assist in product development. Acceleration models are often obtained from physical principles or past experience. But in some applications, particularly for investigating a new material or a new product, their acceleration models cannot be precisely specified. The uncertainty in model specification may cause serious problems in failure time prediction, and reduce the statistical efficiency of an optimal test plan. In this paper, the $D$ and $D_{s}$ optimal criteria are proposed for designing ALT plans that are good at selecting the best acceleration model among rival models. A generalized linear model (GLM) is developed for modeling ALT data with censoring. This approach simplifies the derivation of the information matrix of a test plan, and allows the experimenter to develop optimal ALT plans under the GLM framework. The proposed optimal design approach is compared with other conventional approaches through examples. The high design efficiency and design flexibility of the proposed approach are demonstrated in the paper.
Ion beam synthesis of C-based optically-active nanoclusters in silica

Abstract Carbon nanoclusters formed using ion implantation and thermal annealing are shown to photoluminescence in the visible range. Silica samples were implanted with a fluence of 2 × 10 17 atoms/cm 2 , 70 keV carbon ions and thermally annealed for 4 h at 1100 °C. Photoluminescence measurement made at select intervals during the anneal process show continued growth of the nanoclusters within the silica throughout the process. However, Rutherford backscattering showed a rapid loss of carbon during the initial 15 min of annealing indicating a competition between the growth of the second-phase nanoparticles and the formation of CO, a volatile form of carbon.
Inhabitation of types in the simply typed lambda calculus

Abstract In the 1960s, mathematicians from Eastern Europe showed that every admissible rule in the intuitionistic implicational calculus is derivable. We shall prove the corresponding proposition for the simply typed lambda calculus: The type μ1 → μ2 → · · · μm → v is inhabited iff for each substitution s of types for the variables in μ1, ...,μm, v the inhabitation of s(μ1),..., s(μm) implies the inhabitation of s(v).
5-fluorotryptophan resistant mutants affecting the A and L transport systems in the mouse L cell line A9.

Tryptophan transport has been examined in A9 and in mutants resistant to 5-fluorotryptophan (5-FT). Evidence indicates that in A9 cells two systems are present for tryptophan transport, which are analogous to the A and L systems found in Ehrlich ascites cells differing, however, in terms of amino acid specificity. Tryptophan uptake via the L system, a high affinity, low capacity system, is Na+ independent and occurs by a counter transport mechanism, while uptake via the A system, a low affinity, high capacity system, is Na+ dependent. Alanine, arginine, lysine, proline, asparagine, and aspartate (listed in order of decreasing inhibitory effect) inhibit tryptophan uptake via the A system from approximately 80-50% while having no inhibitory effect on the L system. In addition, glutamine which inhibits tryptophan uptake by 80% via the L system only inhibits to the extent of 20% via the A system. Previous kinetic studies of 5FT resistant clone FTr37 indicated system A was altered while the analysis of the effects of the mutation on system L was inconclusive. However, in these studies Na+ independent uptake was not altered in FTr 37 indicating system L was not affected. Amino acid competition studies confirmed this observation and suggested that a change in the specificity of system A had occurred in FTr 37. The amino acid competition studies in FTr 23, indicated that the specificities of both systems differed from A9. The possibility that this change may be due to a single mutational event is discussed.
A6-extensions of Q and the modp cohomology of GL3(Z)☆

Abstract We present six examples of 3-dimensional mod p Galois representations of projective type A 6 for which we were able to obtain computational evidence for the generalization of Serre's Conjecture proposed by Ash, Doud, Pollack, and Sinnott (Duke Math. J. 112 (2002) 521). Five of these examples arise from A 6 extensions of Q ; one of them arises from a 3 . A 6 extension of Q . We also propose a further refinement of the conjecture corresponding to the “peu vs. tres ramifiee” distinction of Serre.
Secreted luciferase for in vivo evaluation of systemic protein delivery in mice.

A naturally secreted Gaussia luciferase (Gluc) has been utilized as a reporter for bioluminescence imaging (BLI) evaluation. However, the potential application of Gluc for in vivo monitoring of systemic protein delivery, as well as its natural biodistribution, has not been studied. To examine Gluc secretion and uptake profile, we injected Gluc-encoding plasmids into mice by hydrodynamic tail-vein injection. Whole-body BLI showed that imaging quantification obtained at pawpad was directly correlated to blood Gluc activities. When gene expression was restricted to the liver by the use of a hepatic promoter, in vivo Gluc biodistribution analysis revealed the kidney/bladder, stomach/intestine, and lung as the major uptake organs. Three-dimensional BLI identified liver/stomach and lung as the main internal luminescent sources, demonstrating the feasibility of detecting major uptake organs in live animals by 3D BLI with high-background signals in circulation. Notably, Gluc levels in capillary-depleted brain samples from Gluc-injected mice were comparable to controls, suggesting that Gluc may not cross the blood–brain barrier. Gluc uptake kinetics and intracellular half-life were assessed in various types of cell lines, implicating the involvement of non-specific pinocytosis. These results suggest that Gluc-based system may provide a useful tool for in vivo evaluation of protein/agent biodistribution following systemic delivery.
Vibration study of clamped-free elliptical cylindrical shells

Thin shell isotropic clamped free elliptical cylindrical shells with various cross sectional eccentricities, measuring frequencies and mode shapes by vibration analysis
Electromagnetic Structure of Nucleons

The theoretical implications of various experiments relating to the electromagnetic structure of nucleons are examined in the light of current field theory. It is concluded either that the nucleon core is about three times as large as would be expected from intuitive considerations of meson theory, or that there is some inconsistency in the present field theory.
Plane simple shear of smooth inelastic circular disks: the anisotropy of the second moment in the dilute and dense limits

We consider a plane, steady, homogeneous flow of circular disks. The disks are identical, smooth, and inelastic. We adopt the assumption of molecular chaos and introduce an anisotropic Maxwellian velocity distribution function based on the full second moment of the velocity fluctuations. In the limits of dilute and dense flows, we determine approximate analytic solutions of the balance law for the second moment that result in stresses whose qualitative behaviour and magnitudes are in good agreement with numerical simulations.
Reduced-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute leukemias : 'what is the best recipe?'

Reduced-intensity stem cell transplantation (RIST) has been shown to be a safe and useful alternative transplant method for patients including elderly and medically unfit patients. RIST conditioning regimens vary widely in the intensity of myeloablation, immunoablation, and antileukemia effects, and thus optimal regimen for each disease entity is yet to be determined. Most reports on RIST to date are small, single-institution experiences or retrospective studies with heterogeneous patient populations and primary diseases, complicating any direct comparison between studies. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), moderate-intensity regimens may be effective, achieving 30-70% 1-year disease-free survival in various series, but minimal-intensity regimens are associated with high relapse rates. In acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), not even moderate-intensity regimens are effective and most patients with advanced ALL relapse post transplant. Thus, the risk/benefit ratios of graft-versus-host disease/graft-versus-leukemia effect differ among diseases. Larger, prospective, multi-center clinical trials are needed to determine the best use of RIST in hematologic malignancies.
The Informal Game Theory in Hume's Account of Convention

Hume is rightly credited with giving a brilliant, and perhaps the best, account of justice as convention. Hume's importance as a forerunner of modern economics has also long been recognized. However, most of Hume's readers have not fully appreciated how closely Hume's analysis of convention foreshadows a particular branch of economic theory, namely, game theory. Starting with the work of Barry (1965), Runciman and Sen (1965) and Lewis (1969), there has been a flowering of literature on the informal game-theoretic insights to be found in classics of political philosophy such as Hobbes (1651), Locke (1690), Hume (1740) and Rousseau (1755). A number of authors in this tradition, including Lewis (1969), Gauthier (1979), Mackie (1980), and Postema (1995), have identified passages in Hume which they interpret as giving informal examples of specific games. Yet, unlike his predecessors, Hobbes and Locke, Hume does much more than present examples which have a game-theoretic structure. In his account of convention, Hume gives general conditions which characterize the resolution of social interaction problems, and in the examples he uses to illustrate this account, Hume outlines several different methods by which agents can arrive at such a resolution. Hume's general account of convention and his explanations of the origins of particular conventions together constitute a theory of strategic interaction, which is precisely what game theory aspires to be.
Ca2+ induced hypothermia in a hibernator (Citellus beechyi).

Results of perfusion of excess Ca++ and Na+ into the hypothalamus of the hibernating ground squirrel Citellus beechyi are presented. The significant finding is that perfused excess Ca++ causes a reduction in core temperature when ambient temperature is low (12 C). Ca++ also causes a rise in rectal temperature at high ambient temperature (33 C). Thus hypothalamic Ca++ perfusion apparently causes a nonspecific depression of thermoregulatory control.
Perception of Cheaters: The Role of Past and Present Academic Achievement

Participants (N = 151) rated a fictitious student who may have cheated on an exam. The student's description varied on prior academic performance (low achieving, average achieving, or high achieving) and exam grade (65 or 95). Participants' attitudes were most negative toward the low-achieving student who was also most likely to be perceived as cheating. However, participants recommended harsher punishments for students who scored a 95 regardless of prior academic achievement. Finally, a significant interaction indicated more negative attitudes and a harsher punishment for the “inconsistent student” (i.e., the student whose prior academic achievement did not match the current grade on the exam).
A Two-Dimensional Model for Steel Corrosion under a Disbonded Coating Due to Oxygen with or without Cathodic Protection—Part 1: Full Numerical Solution

Abstract Two coupled Laplace's equations were solved for a two-dimensional (2D) geometry to simulate active pipeline steel corrosion under a disbonded coating due to dissolved oxygen (O2), with or without cathodic protection (CP). A differential O2 concentration cell is the key that causes this corrosion. The profiles of dissolved O2 concentration, steel potential, and current flow in the disbondment and the effect of CP on the corrosion rate and potential were modeled.
TRANSVERSE POLARIZATION OF CONVERSION ELECTRONS FOLLOWING BETA DECAY

Measurements on polarization of electrons in beta decays observed in coincidence with the preceding beta particles are presented for I/sup 131/, Ce/ sup 141/, Ce/sup 144/, Tm/sup 170/, Au/sup 198/, Au/sup 199/, Hg/sup 203/, and Pa/ sup 233/. (J.R.D.)
Maximum a posteriori estimation of wave-front slopes using a Shack–Hartmann wave-front sensor

Current methods for estimating the wave-front slope at the pupil of a telescope by using a Shack–Hartmann wave-front sensor (SH–WFS) are based on a simple centroid calculation of the irradiance distributions (spots) recorded in each subaperture. The centroid calculation does not utilize knowledge concerning the correlation properties of the slopes over the subapertures or the amount of light collected by the SH–WFS. We present the derivation of a maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation of the irradiance centroids by incorporating statistical knowledge of the wave-front tilts. Information concerning the light level in each subaperture and the relative spot size is also employed by the estimator. The MAP centroid estimator is found to be unbiased, and the mean square error performance is upper bounded by that exhibited by the classical centroid technique. This error performance is demonstrated by using Kolmogorov wave-front slope statistics for various light levels.
Ontogenetic modification of the hypercapnic ventilatory response in the zebra finch

Abstract We investigated the effect of exposure to CO 2 during development on the adult ventilatory response to CO 2 of zebra finches. Developing zebra finches were exposed to chronic hypercapnic respiratory environments as embryos, as nestlings or during both developmental periods. Their responsiveness to CO 2 was then measured following a 125–135 day post-fledging deacclimation period. At a Fl CO 2 of 0.06, mean ventilation of adult finches in the three groups was 74.8, 61.3 and 65.8%, respectively, of that of finches reared under normocapnic conditions. These data indicate that adult acute ventilatory responsiveness to CO 2 in birds may be in part determined by CO 2 exposure during early development and may help explain the observation that fossorial and semifossorial species of birds and mammals, that naturally encounter high CO 2 conditions in their burrows, have a blunted hypercapnic ventilatory response.
Financial Development and Economic Growth

Abstract This paper examines the empirical relationship between long-run growth and financial development, proxied by the ratio between bank credit to the private sector and GDP. We find that this proxy is positively correlated with growth in a large cross-country sample, but its impact changes across countries, and is negative in a panel data for Latin America. We argue that the latter findings is the result of financial liberalization in a poor regulatory environment. Our findings also show that the main channel of transmission from financial development to growth is the efficiency, rather than the volume, of investment.
Comparison of Performance of Digital Modulation Techniques in the Presence of Adjacent Channel Interference

The performance of four digital modulation techniques are compared to one another when each is received in the presence of adjacent channel interference. The interfering waveforms that each modulation format sees are identical to the modulation format under consideration. The four types of modulation are QPSK, 8-PSK, 16QASK, and QPR. Upper bounds to the probability of error are derived and used to evaluate the relative merits of the different schemes.
A Pilot Study of Health Priorities of Somalis Living in Kansas City: Laying the Groundwork for CBPR

African immigrant and refugee communities remain medically underserved in the United States. Formative efforts are being directed to address the local needs of communities by researchers, community agencies, and local populations. However, there is a paucity of data and sparse documentation regarding these efforts. The objectives for this pilot study were to identify the health priorities of the Kansas City Somali community and to establish a working relationship between an academic medical university and the local Somali community. Our team used community-based participatory research principles and interviewed Somali community members (n = 11). Participants stated that chronic and mental health conditions were of primary concern. Medical system navigation and literacy struggles were identified as barriers. Participants offered possible solutions to some health issues, e.g., using community health workers and Qur’anic readers. Preliminary findings will help guide future research and inform strategies to improve the health and well-being of this community.
Introduction to Altmetrics for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Librarians

Quantifying scholarly output via citation metrics is the time-honored method to gauge academic success. Altmetrics, or alternative citation metrics, provide researchers and scholars with new ways to track influence across evolving modes of scholarly communication. This article will give librarians an overview of new trends in measuring scholarly influence, introduce them to altmetrics tools, and encourage them to engage with researchers in discussion of these new metrics.
A typology of disengagement strategies and an examination of the role intimacy, reactions to inequity and relational problems play in strategy selection

An inductive analysis employing cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling was conducted in Study I to develop, in conjunction with previous literature, a five‐factor typology of disengagement strategies: behavioral de‐escalation, de‐escalation, justification, positive tone and negative identity management. In Study II, perceived intimacy, anger and guilt over the allocation of resources in the relationship and three general factors of relational problems (target's behavior constrained the disengager, target had personal faults and target failed to compromise) were employed as independent variables influencing strategy selection. Intimacy, factors of problems and felt anger influenced the selection of strategies. Comparison of methods (rated usage of strategies vs. constructed strategies) uncovered discrepancies in the two methods for negative identity management and positive tone strategies. Recommendations concerning future research were noted.
Reproductive biology of a deep-sea brittle star Amphiura carchara (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea)

New information on the brooding reproduction of Amphiura carchara, and previous studies of several deep-sea congeners, contradict the prevailing notion that direct development is exceptional among deep-sea echinoderms. Over 500 specimens of A. carchara from 2,850 to 4,100-m depths off the coast of California, USA, were studied. The species was found to be gonochoric, although most brooding species of ophiuroids are hermaphroditic. Females each brooded up to 72 embryos at a time, with up to 10 in a single bursa. The embryos of individual adults were often at different stages of development, but those brooded in a single bursa tended to be at the same stage. Thus, the species has characteristics that breach the distinctions between sequential and simultaneous brooding exhibited by shallow-water ophiuroids. The embryos developed from yolky eggs that are large for an ophiuroid, with the mean largest oocytes 0.45 mm, and ranging to 1.28 mm in diameter. Almost all late-stage embryos were positioned with their mouth and arms pressed against the wall of the bursa, possibly to facilitate the uptake of nutrients from the parent. Thus, A. carchara may be matrotrophic. The largest embryos examined had a rudimentary disk skeleton, and arms with four joints and a terminal plate. Emerging juveniles probably differ in disk diameter. The species appears to brood year round, although differences in gonad size, the incidence of brooding, and the relative numbers of early developmental stages in summer and winter samples indicated that there are seasonal trends in reproduction.
Adaptive self-calibration of vision-based robot systems

An adaptive self-learning process to dynamically and continuously learn the transformation between the camera space and the robot space is discussed. The process is referred to as the adaptive self-calibration of hand-eye systems in which a visual-feedback-based self-learning process is used for dynamically and continuously learning the hand-eye transformation through repetitive operation trials. The hand-eye system calibration is used in situ and in real time while the system is operating. Recursive real-time implementation using adaptive and square-root Kalman filtering techniques is described and recent related research is reviewed. An experimental stereo-vision-based hand-eye system is described. Both simulation and experimental results are presented. >
Contribution of obesity to pancreatic carcinogenesis.

c [ i t i h According to the most recent National Program of Caner Registries analysis, pancreatic cancer is the 10th most ommon malignancy in the United States, occurring in 2.3/100,000. This incidence increases to 15.1 in the black opulation [1]. Although it is estimated that 2% of all ancers are pancreatic in origin, it is the fourth leading cause f cancer-related death, accounting for 32,000 deaths/yr 2,3]. Familial pancreatic cancer is believed to account for 10% of all pancreatic cancer cases, and the genetics are ot well understood. Because of its relative rarity, the etilogic factors of exocrine pancreatic carcinogenesis have een difficult to ascertain. Also, because of the highly varible incidence rates throughout the world, it is believed that everal environmental factors play a role in pancreatic carinogenesis. Although 210,000 people die each year from ancreatic cancer, the mortality rates are similar to the ncidence rates, making the epidemiology of this cancer articularly difficult to study [4]. In an effort to better characterize the etiologic agents esponsible for pancreatic carcinogenesis, studies have ooked at numerous disease states and environmental facors, including chronic pancreatitis, nonsteroidal anti-inammatory drug use, and alcohol consumption. Although he prevalence rates have remained steady for the past 3 ecades, the 1 factor accepted as contributing to pancreatic arcinogenesis has been steadily decreasing in incidence in he U.S. population—tobacco consumption [4,5]. A possile explanation for the steady prevalence could be the conomitant increase in obesity in the United States. Obesity nd other etiologic factors, such as late-onset diabetes mel-
Communication Skills for the 21st Century

Civil engineering educators and practitioners are currently examining techniques for the improvement of civil engineering education as it moves into the 21st century. The future needs are focusing on improvement of the nontechnical inabilities and skills of civil engineering graduates who, in the future, will be involved in an increasingly complex and interactive society. Along with these additional skills, future civil engineers will need to access information to keep up with an ever changing pace due to today’s era of information explosion. Access to the vast interconnected knowledge base provided by the World Wide Web must now be viewed as a communication skill for future civil engineers. Communication of the kind that the Internet (through the World Wide Web sites) provides will be essential for maintaining a lifelong learning capability of students if they are to be competitive in tomorrow’s work arena. Tomorrow’s classroom instruction should focus in part on those computer skills that involve using the computer as a tool for information access and communication. Through this new technology, civil engineering educators must train students to be information gatherers since students will no longer be able to memorize and retain all of the expanding information they will need to be successful in their careers. Faculty must now adapt to change to prepare students to communicate effectively in oral, written, and on-line formats.
Beta 1 integrin binding plays a role in the constant traction force generation in response to varying stiffness for cells grown on mature cardiac extracellular matrix

We have previously reported a unique response of traction force generation for cells grown on mature cardiac ECM, where traction force was constant over a range of stiffnesses. In this study we sought to further investigate the role of the complex mixture of ECM on this response and assess the potential mechanism behind it. Using traction force microscopy, we measured cellular traction forces and stresses for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) grown on polyacrylamide gels at a range of stiffnesses (9, 25, or 48 kPa) containing either adult rat heart ECM, different singular ECM proteins including collagen I, fibronectin, and laminin, or ECM mimics comprised of varying amounts of collagen I, fibronectin, and laminin. We also measured the expression of integrins on these different substrates as well as probed for β1 integrin binding. There was no significant change in traction force generation for cells grown on the adult ECM, as previously reported, whereas cells grown on singular ECM protein substrates had increased traction force generation with an increase in substrate stiffness. Cells grown on ECM mimics containing collagen I, fibronectin and laminin were found to be reminiscent of the traction forces generated by cells grown on native ECM. Integrin expression generally increased with increasing stiffness except for the β1 integrin, potentially implicating it as playing a role in the response to adult cardiac ECM. We inhibited binding through the β1 integrin on cells grown on the adult ECM and found that the inhibition of β1 binding led to a return to the typical response of increasing traction force generation with increasing stiffness. Our data demonstrates that cells grown on the mature cardiac ECM are able to circumvent typical stiffness related cellular behaviors, likely through β1 integrin binding to the complex composition.
A simulation approach to evaluating design decisions in MapReduce setups

MapReduce has emerged as a model of choice for supporting modern data-intensive applications. The model is easy-to-use and promising in reducing time-to-solution. It is also a key enabler for cloud computing, which provides transparent and flexible access to a large number of compute, storage and networking resources. Setting up and operating a large MapReduce cluster entails careful evaluation of various design choices and run-time parameters to achieve high efficiency. However, this design space has not been explored in detail. In this paper, we adopt a simulation approach to systematically understanding the performance of MapReduce setups. The resulting simulator, MRPerf, captures such aspects of these setups as node, rack and network configurations, disk parameters and performance, data layout and application I/O characteristics, among others, and uses this information to predict expected application performance. Specifically, we use MRPerf to explore the effect of several component inter-connect topologies, data locality, and software and hardware failures on overall application performance. MR-Perf allows us to quantify the effect of these factors, and thus can serve as a tool for optimizing existing MapReduce setups as well as designing new ones.
Trends in smoking-related diseases. Why smoking cessation is still the best medicine.

PREVIEWAlthough millions of Americans have kicked the habit, the effects of cigarette smoking likely will be around for a long time. What was once regarded as a glamorous habit is now recognized as a health threat and an economic burden. But what headway has been made in the reduction of related morbidity and mortality? The authors of this article review the current epidemiologic data on smoking-related diseases and make an indisputable case for smoking cessation.
Fault tolerant high performance Information Services for dynamic collections of Grid and Web services

E-Science Semantic Grids can often be thought of as a dynamic collection of semantic subgrids where each subgrid is a collection of a modest number of services that are assembled for specific tasks. We define a Gaggle as a modest number of managed and actively interacting Grid/Web Services, where services are put together for particular functionality. The information management requirements in Gaggles include both the management of large amounts of relatively static services and associated semantic information as well as the management of multiple dynamic regions (sessions or subgrids) where the semantic information is changing frequently. We design a hybrid, fault tolerant, and high performance Information Service supporting both the scalability of large amounts of relatively slowly varying data and a high performance rapidly updated Information Service for dynamic regions. We use the two Web Service standards: Universal Description, Discovery, and Integration (UDDI) and Web Services Context (WS-Context). We evaluate our approach by applying various tests to investigate the performance and sustainability of the centralized version of our implementation that is applied to sensor and collaboration grids. The experimental study on system responsiveness of the proposed approach shows promising results. This study indicates that communication among services can be achieved with efficient centralized metadata strategies, with metadata coming from more than two services. In contrast point-to-point methodologies provide service conversation with metadata only from the two services that exchange information. In addition, our performance indicates that efficient mediator services also allow us to perform collective operations such as queries on subsets of all available metadata in service conversation.
Trends in Wisconsin's Muskellunge Fishery

Abstract Wisconsin's populations of muskellunge Esox masquinongy provide an important recreational fishery. Our objectives were to (1) evaluate progress of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources muskellunge management plan, (2) examine subsequent changes in the fishery, and (3) evaluate Wisconsin's muskellunge waters classification system. With the goal of maintaining viable populations and a trophy fishery, the 1979 plan endorsed more restrictive harvest regulations, an increased supply of muskellunge fishing opportunities, and increased data collection. Since the 1980s, muskellunge fishing opportunities have increased 75% in terms of lake acres and 51% in terms of stream miles. Hatchery production and stocking efficacy have improved to the point where the department needs to reevaluate current stocking practices. With the establishment of a shorter season, a higher statewide minimum length limit, and an increased use of special regulations, harvest regulations have become progressively more restr...
Throughput performance analysis for closed-loop vehicle-based material handling systems

A computationally effective analysis of the throughput performance of a closed-loop multi-vehicle automated material handling system (AMHS) used in highly automated 300 mm wafer fabrication facilities (fabs) is presented. A probabilistic model is developed, based on a detailed description of AMHS operations, and the system is analyzed as an extended Markov chain. The model represents vehicle operations on the closed-loop considering the possibility of vehicle blocking. This analysis provides essential parameters such as the vehicle blocking probabilities and the throughput capacity of the AMHS. A numerical example is analyzed and simulated using AutoMod to demonstrate and validate the stochastic model.
O-GlcNAc modification of radial glial vimentin filaments in the developing chick brain

We examined the post-translational modification of intracellular proteins by β-O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) with regard to neurofilament phosphorylation in the developing chick optic tectum. A regulated developmental pattern of O-GlcNAcylation was discovered in the developing brain. Most notably, discernible staining occurs along radial glial filaments but not along neuronal filaments in vivo. Immunohistochemical analyses in sections of progressive stages of development suggest upregulation of O-GlcNAc in the ependyma, tectofugal neuron bodies, and radial glial processes, but not in axons. In contrast, double-label immunostaining of monolayer cultures made from dissociated embryonic day (E) 7 optic tecta revealed O-GlcNAcylation of most axons. Labeling of brain sections together with Western blot analyses showed O-GlcNAc modification of a few discrete proteins throughout development, and suggested vimentin as the protein in radial glia. Immunoprecipitation of vimentin from E9 whole brain lysates confirmed O-GlcNAcylation of vimentin in development. These results indicate a regulated pattern of O-GlcNAc modification of vimentin filaments, which in turn suggests a role for O-GlcNAc-modified intermediate filaments in radial glia, but not in neurons during brain development. The control mechanisms that regulate this pattern in vivo, however, are disrupted when cells are placed in vitro.
The preparation and characterization of methyl(perfluorovinyl)boranes

The methyl(perfluorovinyl)boranes (CH3)2BC2F3 and CH3B(C2F3)2 were prepared by reaction of (CH3)2Sn(C2F3)2 with (CH3)2BBr and CH3BBr2, respectively. The methyl(perfluorovinyl)boranes were found to be thermally stable at temperatures to 100°C, but decompose rapidly above 200°C. Spectroscopic data is presented which indicates that BC π-bonding may be more significant in the perfluorovinylboranes than in the analogous vinylboranes.
Altering the state of phosphorylation of rat liver keratin intermediate filaments by ethanol treatment in vivo changes their structure

Dephosphorylation of keratin intermediate filaments (IF) in livers from ethanol-fed rats relative to controls occurs concurrently with a reorganization of the distribution of IF in the cells. One possible molecular mechanism for this reorganization is a phosphorylation-induced conformational change in the keratin that propagates as a change in the polymerization of the keratin subunits. To test this hypothesis, the structure of liver keratin IF, from both control and alcohol-fed rats, was explored by circular dichroism (CD), tryptophan fluorescence quenching, and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Keratin IF were isolated from livers of control rats and from livers of rats that had ethanol included in their feed for 6-40 weeks. A significant decrease in the intensity of the CD spectrum of keratin IF from livers of ethanol-treated animals, relative to controls, was observed. These data suggested either that a change in conformation or an increase in conformational motility in the keratin IF from ethanol-treated animals occurred as a result of the ethanol-induced dephosphorylation. 13C NMR data were obtained to distinguish between these two possibilities. An increase in resonance intensity of some 13C NMR resonances was observed in the keratin IF from livers of ethanol-treated animals, relative to controls. The CD and NMR data were therefore consistent with an increase in conformational motility of the rod domain in these keratin IF. No significant change was observed in the quenching of tryptophan fluorescence by KI. The change in protein dynamics detected in these experiments could be the molecular basis for the alteration of keratin IF organization in alcoholic hepatitis.
Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Trisubstituted Thiazoles Targeting Plasmodium Falciparum Cysteine Proteases

The Plasmodium falciparum cysteine proteases, falcipains, have been established as novel targets for antimalarial drug design. Using the de novo design approach, several trisubstituted thiazole analogs were generated as potential inhibitors of these enzymes. A general and convenient synthetic approach for these novel trisubstituted thiazoles is reported here. Substituents at the 4th and 5th positions of the target thiazoles were introduced by a Hantzsch reaction, and the chain at the second position was extended through a Sandmeyer reaction, formylation, and Wittig olefination. In vitro enzyme inhibition studies have identified three inhibitors (14, 16, 23) of the falcipains with one (14) showing dual activity against both falcipain-2 and falcipain-3 and IC50 values of 6.6 and 29.4 μM, respectively.
Review of the long-term controlled trials of usefulness of therapy for systemic hypertension

A number of long-term clinical trials involving over 40,000 patients have been performed to study the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy in controlling high blood pressure and in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension. Only diuretics and beta blockers have been studied in long-term trials to determine their efficacy in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The Hypertension Detection and Follow-Up Program (HDFP), Medical Research Council (MRC) trial, European Working Party on Hypertension in the Elderly (EWPHE) trial, Australian Therapeutic Trial in Mild Hypertension, and the Veterans Administration Cooperative Study all showed a reduction in stroke rate. The EWPHE and HDFP trials were the only studies to show a statistically significant reduction in mortality from myocardial infarction. All of these were diuretic-based; in addition, the MRC trial also used a beta blocker as first-step therapy in 1 cohort. The International Primary Prospective Prevention Study in Hypertension and Heart Attack Primary Prevention in Hypertension (HAPPHY) trials compared beta-blocker and non-beta-blocker or diuretic-based therapies and found no significant difference between the treatment groups in the incidence of stroke or cardiac events. Neither study had a control group, so it was impossible to determine if there was any reduction in stroke or cardiac events. The Metoprolol Atherosclerosis Prevention in Hypertension trial, an extension of the HAPPHY trial, showed that smokers receiving the beta blocker metoprolol had a significantly lower cardiovascular mortality rate than those randomized to a diuretic drug. However, subgroup analysis of the HAPPHY data showed no differences in the effect of beta blockers and diuretics in smokers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Formation and removal of 8-MOP-DNA photoadducts in keratinocytes: effects of calcium concentration and retinoids.

8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP)-DNA photoadducts were quantified in freshly isolated human and murine keratinocytes and cultured keratinocyte cell lines after in vitro treatment with 8-MOP (1–200 ng/ml) and ultraviolet A (UVA; 0.2–24.0 J/cm2). Greater doses of 8-MOP and UVA led to proportionately greater numbers of photoadducts, with a dose reciprocity relationship between the amounts of 8- MOP and UVA. No significant difference in photoadduct formation was observed between basal and differentiated cells. However, the transformed keratinocyte cell lines showed fewer photoadducts than did normal keratinocytes, which appeared to be correlated with the finding that the adduct formation was inhibited in normal keratinocytes cultured with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, because this agent leads to epidermal hyperproliferation. In viable keratinocytes that were treated with a sublethal dose of 8-MOP and UVA (15 ng/ml and 1 J/cm2, respectively), 54% of photoadducts formed were removed over a 20-h period. Adduct removal depended on the calcium concentration in the media; cells cultured in standard high calcium levels showed a higher removal rate than those cultured in low-calcium media. The addition of retinoids (etretinate, acitretin, and 13-cis retinoic acid) to the culture induced 55 to 80% of suppression of the adduct removal. The calcium ionophore A23187 partially restored the suppression of photoadduct removal induced by retinoids. The present studies suggest that calcium performs an important role in the photoadduct removal and raise the possibility that the synergism of systemic retinoids and psoralen plus UVA photochemotherapy relates to the former's inhibition of repair of 8-MOP photoadducts in DNA.
Further challenges in measuring communication skills: accounting for actor effects in standardised patient assessments

CONTEXT Subjective rating scales for communication skills may yield more personally meaningful responses than more standardised rating schemes. It is unclear, however, whether such evaluations may be overly biased by respondents' rating styles, which may lead to unreliable measurement of examinees' communication skills. METHODS Our study involved 212 students from the classes of 2005 and 2006 at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. All students were rated by actors depicting standardised patients (SPs) on the same seven cases using the 19-item Rochester Communication Rating Scale (RCRS). Different students were assigned to different actors playing the same SP. We assessed the extent to which actors' personal rating styles influenced the scores they assigned to students. Main outcome measures were: between-actor variability in responses; the degree to which actors' response styles contribute to overall scores, and improvements in reliability achieved by standardising actors' ratings. RESULTS There were statistically significant differences between actors in their mean assigned scores. Scores aggregated over 18 separate SP cases have an expected generalisability coefficient of 0.79. If raw RCRS scores are used, a total of 27 replications of the RCRS are required to achieve a Cronbach's alpha of 0.8; standardisation reduces this number to 18. CONCLUSIONS Although actors are variable in their use of a standardised subjective scale of communication, such differences contribute to an acceptably small proportion of the total variance if scores are combined across a large number of cases. Reliability can be markedly improved by standardising scores across raters.
TIM3 expression by leukemic and non-leukemic myeloblasts

Background: T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (TIM3) has recently been described as an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) stem cell antigen expressed on leukemic myeloblasts, but not on normal hematopoietic stem cells. TIM3 is also expressed by monocytes, natural killer cells, and several T cell subsets; however, normal myeloblasts have not been well-characterized or compared to AML. A specific flow cytometric marker capable of separating leukemic myeloblasts from non-neoplastic myeloblasts would be diagnostically useful, especially in the post-chemotherapy setting. Methods: TIM3 myeloblast expression was assessed in 69 bone marrow and/or peripheral blood specimens, including 27 AML and 42 non-neoplastic cases (20 with a recent history of chemotherapy). TIM3 median fluorescence intensity (MFI) was evaluated within myeloblast, monocyte, T cell, and natural killer cell populations. Results: The median percentage of myeloblasts positive for TIM3 was lower in non-neoplastic specimens without a history of recent chemotherapy (50.3%) as compared to AML (71.4%), but not significantly different as compared to non-leukemic myeloblasts in the post-chemotherapy setting (72.4%). Mean myeloblast TIM3 MFI was higher in AML myeloblasts and non-leukemic myeloblasts in the post-chemotherapy setting as compared to non-neoplastic myeloblasts in cases lacking a history of chemotherapy. Mean monocyte, natural killer cell, and T-cell TIM3 MFI remained relatively constant in varied clinical settings. Conclusions: We confirm that leukemic myeloblasts overexpress TIM3 as compared to non-neoplastic controls; however, high levels of expression may also be seen among non-leukemic myeloblasts in the post-chemotherapy setting. This overlap limits the diagnostic utility of TIM3 as a specific marker of neoplasia. © 2013 International Clinical Cytometry Society