cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonparametric inverse probability weighted estimators based on the highly adaptive lasso

Inverse probability weighted estimators are the oldest and potentially most commonly used class of procedures for the estimation of causal effects. By adjusting for selection biases via a weighting mechanism, these procedures estimate an effect of interest by constructing a pseudo-population in which selection biases are eliminated. Despite their ease of use, these estimators require the correct specification of a model for the weighting mechanism, are known to be inefficient, and suffer from the curse of dimensionality. We propose a class of nonparametric inverse probability weighted estimators in which the weighting mechanism is estimated via undersmoothing of the highly adaptive lasso, a nonparametric regression function proven to converge at $n^{-1/3}$-rate to the true weighting mechanism. We demonstrate that our estimators are asymptotically linear with variance converging to the nonparametric efficiency bound. Unlike doubly robust estimators, our procedures require neither derivation of the efficient influence function nor specification of the conditional outcome model. Our theoretical developments have broad implications for the construction of efficient inverse probability weighted estimators in large statistical models and a variety of problem settings. We assess the practical performance of our estimators in simulation studies and demonstrate use of our proposed methodology with data from a large-scale epidemiologic study.
Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy impact on the overall survival of completely resected ampullary and periampullary carcinoma: An updated meta-analysis.

4645Background: Ampullary and Periampullary carcinomas (APAC) are uncommon gastrointestinal cancers that are often amenable to surgical resection. The benefit of postoperative adjuvant chemoradioth...
Block-And-Lock: New Horizons for a Cure for HIV-1.

HIV-1/AIDS remains a global public health problem. The world health organization (WHO) reported at the end of 2019 that 38 million people were living with HIV-1 worldwide, of which only 67% were accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART). Despite great success in the clinical management of HIV-1 infection, ART does not eliminate the virus from the host genome. Instead, HIV-1 remains latent as a viral reservoir in any tissue containing resting memory CD4+ T cells. The elimination of these residual proviruses that can reseed full-blown infection upon treatment interruption remains the major barrier towards curing HIV-1. Novel approaches have recently been developed to excise or disrupt the virus from the host cells (e.g., gene editing with the CRISPR-Cas system) to permanently shut off transcription of the virus (block-and-lock and RNA interference strategies), or to reactivate the virus from cell reservoirs so that it can be eliminated by the immune system or cytopathic effects (shock-and-kill strategy). Here, we will review each of these approaches, with the major focus placed on the block-and-lock strategy.
Selective Isolation of Heavy metals Resistant Bacteria From Waste Water

The current study was conducted to isolate bacteria resistant to heavy metals lead, chromium and cadmium from waste water. The concentration of lead, chromium and cadmium was measured in the waste water samples collected from different sites in Baghdad city using a flame atomic spectrometry. The results showed a significant increase in metals concentration in some sites compared to the standard determinants, as well as a significant variation between the concentration of the three metals, and nil values were recorded in some sites.The primary isolation of lead, chromium and cadmium tolerant bacteria from five sites which recorded the highest concentration of these metals showed 25 bacterial isolates distributed between 9 bacterial isolates tolerating 300 mg/l lead, 9 isolates tolerant to 100 mg/l chromium and 7 isolates tolerant to 100 mg/l of cadmium. Well diffusion method was used to choose resistant bacterial isolates, and the results showed a difference in the resistance of bacterial isolates to metals, and the bacterial isolates Pb1, Pb4, Cr8, Cr9, Cd5 were chosen which recorded resistance to high concentrations of heavy metals and more than one metal at the same time. The maximum tolerance concentration of the bacterial isolates was determined using liquid medium, and the bacterial isolate Pb1 recorded a maximum tolerance concentration of 1300, 700, 350 mg/l for lead, chromium and cadmium respectively, while the isolate Pb4 recorded the maximum tolerance concentration of 2300 mg/l for lead, and 700 mg/l for chromium, 300 mg/l for cadmium. The isolate Cr8 showed a maximum tolerance concentration of 700, 650, and 450 mg/l for lead, chromium and cadmium respectively, while the bacterial isolate Cr9 showed a maximum tolerance concentration of 700 mg/l for both lead and chromium and 500 mg/l for cadmium, while the bacterial isolate Cd5 recorded the highest maximum cadmium tolerance 650 mg/l among bacterial isolates, with a maximum tolerance concentration 800 mg/l for lead and 550 mg/l for chromium. Primary identification showed that all five bacterial isolates were Gram negative bacteria.
Grappling with professional ethics in instructional technology by participating in an online service-learning course

In this qualitative study, we engaged in a narrative inquiry to examine what graduate students in an online service-learning course grappled with while learning about professional ethics in instructional technology. This study took place in a service-learning partnership between community partners, students, and the course instructor. Students in the course worked collaboratively to address a design problem identified by community partners. Our research question was: In an online graduate-level instructional technology service-learning course, what do participants grapple with when learning about professional ethics through shared experiences? Eighteen students volunteered to participate in this study from three iterations of the course. Data included student narratives shared in synchronous and asynchronous discussions as well as written reflections. Narrative data was analyzed with the constant comparative method (Charmaz in Constructing grounded theory, SAGE Publications, Thousand Oaks, 2014; Corbin & Strauss in Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory, SAGE Publications, Thousand Oaks, 2014) using NVivo 12, a qualitative research data analysis tool. The findings from this study indicated that, while engaging in authentic ethical problem-solving within the context of an online service-learning course, participants grappled with ethical challenges, leadership, reflecting on experiences, legal issues, and social responsibility.
Identifying Collaborative Innovation Networks: At the Inter-Departmental Level

Abstract Collaborative Innovation Networks (COINS) are typically defined using individuals as nodes. Departments in organizations or higher order units can, however, be considered as forming COINs of interest. WORDij 3.0 software enables locating COINS at various levels of analysis including organizational departments. This paper reports on an analysis of interdepartmental collaboration networks of a college based on co-occurrence of department names in news stories about the college. It demonstrates the face validity and utility of using WORDij 3.0 to identify COINS at levels of analysis higher than the individual.
Evolution of hydraulic conductivity in the floodplain of a meandering river due to hyporheic transport of fine materials

[1] The hydraulic conductivity of riverbeds and shallow aquifers controls hyporheic flow and surface water-groundwater exchange, which is critical to aquatic systems. We show that the hydraulic conductivity of shallow alluvial aquifers subject to sinuosity-driven hyporheic flow is dynamic because of transport of fine materials. We analyze changes in hydraulic conductivity over one year at a meander-scale experimental river-aquifer system using water table monitoring, repeat in-situ hydraulic tests, grain size analysis, and flow modeling with particle tracking. Areas with relatively high initial hydraulic conductivity became more permeable after one year, while areas with lower initial hydraulic conductivity became less permeable. Particle tracking suggests fine materials were flushed from the more permeable portions of the aquifer and deposited in the less permeable areas down-gradient. Since hydraulic conductivity evolution has feedback on flow, static or synoptic hydraulic conductivity measurements in river-hyporheic-riparian systems may need to be revisited. Temporally changing hydraulic conductivity has the capacity to impact rates of ecological and biogeochemical processes.
Statistics of Transverse Velocity Differences in Turbulence

Beginning with classic Kolmogorov papers, the ability to theoretically describe statistical properties of velocity differences became, justly or not, a measuring stick of our understanding of turbulence. Development of turbulence theory proceeded in two directions. First, the equations of motion, resulting from the relatively simple and physically appealing second-order closures were so successful that they evolved into a design tool widely used in engineering community [1]. Since all such models can be formulated in terms of perturbation expansions in powers of an 0(1) parameter [2], their success in description of the large-scale features of the flow somewhat resembles remarkable precision achieved by the small-parameter-lacking HartreeFoc approximations in prediction of the properties of atoms and molecules in quantum mechanics. Frequent complains of mathematicians and physicists about “total” lack of understanding of turbulence are typically related to our inability even to formulate a theoretical (dynamic) framework yielding the the experimentally observed small-scale structure of the flow [3]. Early attempts to attack the problem were based on various expansions in powers of the renormalized Reynolds number (RN) Re* = u rms L/v, where u rms and L stand for the rms velocity and integral scale of turbulence, respectively. The parameter v denotes the renormalized, “dressed”, viscosity. Since v ≈ u rms L, the coupling constant, which is a measure of the strength of nonlinear interaction, Re* ≈ O(1). Thus, the RN as a basis for the perturbative treatment, must be disqualified. In fact, the expansion in powers of Re* is equivalent to the one in powers of non-linearity.
Relational Ecology: A Theoretical Framework for Understanding the Human-Animal Bond

This qualitative study investigated the perceived impact of companion animals on the psychological well-being of lesbian women over age 65. Twelve women, ranging in age from 65-80, were interviewed with a semi-structured interview guide. Four thematic findings are highlighted: love and attachment, animals in transitional spaces, challenges and rewards of caregiving, and preparation for death. The author offers the term “relational ecology” to explain how animals contribute to well-being. This integrates the growth task model of human development, object relations theory, liminality, and deep ecology. This paper draws on the findings of an exploratory, qualitative study of older lesbian adults to introduce the term “relational ecology” as it pertains to the interaction between the well-being of humans and their companion animals. The term “relational ecology” bridges psychodynamically informed theory and an ecological perspective to explain how animals help shape humans’ identities and foster well-being. Human– animal relationships can be illuminated—albeit with proposed extensions—with a combination of constructs and theories, including the growth task model of development, object relations, liminality, and deep ecology. The Administration on Aging (1999) estimates that one in five Americans will be 65 or older by 2030, and an estimated 6% of those (four million) will identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (Bailey, 2000, as cited in Grossman, 2008). Research on lesbian elders is scarce. A report on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) health by the Institute of Medicine (2011)
Low-dose Hepatitis B Vaccine for Adolescents

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved a reduced dose (10 µg) of hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix-B, SmithKline Beecham) for adolescents. This decision was based on studies that reveal similar rates of seroprotection achieved with the 20-µg dose and the 10-µg dose of the vaccine 8 months after the full three-dose series has been given on a 0-, 1-, and 6-month schedule.1-4 Although one study in adults implies that there may be some flexibility in the dosing schedule for the three, 20-µg dose regimen,5 it is currently unknown whether the recommendation for a lower dose is appropriate for adolescents who do not comply with the 0-, 1-, and 6-month dosing schedule.
Explaining the Intensity of the Arab Spring

Politicians and pundits are quick to say that the ‘Arab Spring’ has been caused by everything from an ominous ‘youth bulge’ in the region’s population to the spread of social media like Facebook and Twitter. Other observers blame the recent unrest on high levels of unemployment or on the government corruption endemic to the region. While there is a certain logic or intuitive sense to any or all of these explanations, they have yet to be rigorously tested. Moreover, we do not know if these same factors explain intra-regional variation in levels of unrest, or if, instead, factors specific to each particular country have caused some regimes to succumb to the violence while others have emerged unscathed.This paper tests the conventional wisdom of the Arab Spring. We start by identifying a number of ‘likely suspects’ for the region’s unrest, oft-discussed potential factors such as economic hardship, income inequality, population pressure, government corruption, and the use of social media. We find that, while some of these factors (such as government corruption and inequality) sometimes correlate with higher levels of unrest, none of them does so consistently. Moreover, despite being touted as the “Twitter Revolution”, the intensity of Arab Spring does not seem to correlate with higher levels of internet connectivity or the use of social media. While things like inflation, unemployment, social media, and the relative youth of a population may contribute to a general propensity for instability in the region as a whole, they don’t reliably explain the level of unrest in any given country. These findings, such as they are, invite political observers and social scientists to search for other, case-specific causes of civil unrest and regime instability.
Visualization of Stimulation Dependent Localization of Single Endogenous mRNAs to Dendritic Spines

RNA localization and local protein synthesis plays an essential role in synaptic plasticity as well as learning and memory. However it has not been possible to image the dynamics of mRNAs under the influence of synaptic signaling in a live neuron. Here, we develop a fluorescence microscopy method to visualize endogenous mRNAs with single molecule sensitivity and at the same time to deliver synaptic stimulation at a single synapse. To visualize endogenous mRNA, we used a transgenic mouse in which 24xMS2 binding sites had been knocked into the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of the essential β-actin gene. We introduced fluorescent protein tagged MS2 coat proteins in the cultured primary hippocampal neuron to label the endogenous β-actin mRNA. We built a microscope that is able to stimulate a single dendritic spine with photo-uncaging of neural transmitters. With this system, we verified that repeated synaptic stimulation by photo-uncaging resulted in structure plasticity and long term potentiation of a single spine. We investigated the dynamics of β-actin mRNA under the influence of synaptic stimulation. We found that single β-actin mRNAs localized to the base of the stimulated spines. Subsequent neuropharmacology study revealed that this stimulation dependent mRNA localization phenotype depends on the synaptic signaling through NMDA receptor. This project is supported by the grant GM84364 from National Institute of Health to RHS.
Chaotic Response of a Slider Crank Mechanism

The experimental construct displays complicated dynamical responses, including chaos, while the idealized theoretical model only supports the existence of a period one response. However, it is shown that the addition of an extremely small external perturbation will cause the response to demonstrate what appears to be a robustly chaotic response
Diamond nanophotonics and quantum optics

Design, fabrication and characterization of nanophotonic and nanomechanic devices fabricated in single crystal diamond substrates will be discussed, as well as their applications in quantum information processing and optoelectronics.
Geological Aspects of High-Pressure Research: High-pressure experimentation is providing a new look at problems in geophysics and petrology.

The low-density minerals that make up the bulk of rocks in the earth9s crust, such as quartz and the feldspars, are transformed by high pressure into much denser phases. In some cases the products of these transitions are new phases that were first discovered in the laboratory; in other cases they are minerals such as kyanite, jadeite, and pyrope, which have long been known as constituents of metamorphic rocks. Determinations of the stability fields of these high-pressure minerals show that either metamorphism of sedimentary rocks takes place at much greater depth than has hitherto been supposed or pressures generated by orogenic forces may have significantly augmented the hydrostatic pressure. The second alternative seems unlikely, but lack of information on the strength of rocks during metamorphism makes the matter uncertain. Geophysical and petrological observations indicate that the dominant rock type in the upper mantle is garnet peridotite. However, there is reason to believe that the mantle is inhomogeneous and that a variety of rocks ranging in bulk composition from eclogite to peridotite are present. Hydrous phases, such as amphiboles, are possible constituents in the upper 100 kilometers. The hypothesis that the Mohorovicic discontinuity is a dynamic equilibrium between basalt and eclogite seems improbable. The transition zone between the upper and lower mantle can be explained as a series of reactions in which silicates with the silicon ion in fourfold coordination are transformed into phases in which silicon is in six-fold coordination. This interpretation is supported by synthesis of stishovite, a polymorph of SiO2 with rutile structure, and by syntheses of germanate pyroxenes with ilmenite structure. Data on the melting of silicates at pressures up to 50 kilobars show that the initial dT/dP slopes of silicate melting curves are much steeper than those of metals but that they show considerable curvature. The increase of melting temperature with pressure should be much more pronounced near the top of the mantle than at greater depth.
Worldwide dispersal of ash and gases from earth's largest known eruption: Toba, Sumatra, 75 ka

The eruption of the Youngest Toba Tuff (YTT) occurred 75 ± 2 ka in North Sumatra (2°45′N, 98°45′E). The eruption produced at least 2800 km3 of dense rock equivalent (DRE) rhyolite magma (7 × 1018 g). Much of the volume of magma was preserved as a non-welded outflow sheet covering 20,000–30,000 km2 and a thick, welded intracaldera tuff. At least 800 km3 (2 × 1018 g) of Toba ash was deposited in an extensive ash blanket over the Indian Ocean and Southern Asia. Detailed studies of the chemistry of minerals and glasses in pumices from the YTT enable estimation of the minimum masses of gaseous components released to earth's atmosphere during the eruption: H2O:. The high eruption rate, with the entire event lasting perhaps 9–14 days make stratospheric venting of a significant fraction of these gases and associated silicate ash and aerosol particles likely. The masses of ash and gases released is nearly two orders of magnitude higher than any known historic eruption.
Changing Agricultural Prices and Their Impact on Food Prices under Inflation

We know that mankind has lived with, suffered the consequences, or reaped the benefits of inflation since records have been kept. Despite the centuries of experience and hours of studs and debate we still are far from understanding how to deal with persistant inflation and, in many cases, cannot agree among ourselves as to when or where its influences are beneficial or burdensome.
Axial–shear–flexure interaction hysteretic model for RC columns under combined actions

Abstract This paper proposes a coupled axial–shear–flexure interacting (ASFI) hysteretic model that can capture the nonlinear interactive behavior of RC columns under combined action of shear, bending moment and variable axial load. The model utilizes a novel concept of normalization to parameterize the primary curves at different axial load levels in addition to the consideration of shear–flexure interaction. An axial load independent stress level index is developed and used with a two-step loading approach to enable the transition between different reloading and unloading branches corresponding to variable axial load levels during seismic shakings. The proposed model has been implemented and calibrated in a displacement-based finite element program. It is able to realistically simulate the pinching behavior, strength deterioration and stiffness softening under combined actions. The validation against the experimental results of columns subject to varying axial loads shows very good agreement. Particular factors affecting the ASFI behavior of RC columns, such as the arrival time and amplitude of vertical ground motions, are also evaluated. Finally, the seismic responses of a realistic prototype bridge are conducted to demonstrate the effects of vertical ground motion on the lateral displacement and force demands.
Grooming as a secondary behavior in the shrimp Macrobrachium rosenbergii (Crustacea, Decapoda, Caridea)

The giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, is a large shrimp extensively used in aquaculture whose grooming behaviors were analyzed in this study. Macrobrachium rosenbergii exhibits three unique male morphotypes that differ in their behavior, morphology and physiology: small-clawed males (SM), orange-clawed males (OC) and blue-clawed males (BC). The largest and most dominant males, BC males, are predicted to have significantly different grooming behaviors compared to females and the other two male morphotypes. These BC males may be too large and bulky to efficiently groom and may dedicate more time to mating and agonistic interactions than grooming behaviors. Observations were conducted to look at the prevalence of grooming behaviors in the absence and presence of conspecifics and to determine if any differences in grooming behavior exist among the sexes and male morphotypes. Significant differences in the grooming behaviors of all individuals (females and male morphotypes) were found. BC males tended to have the highest grooming time budget (percent of time spent grooming) while SM males had a relatively low grooming time budget. The grooming behaviors of the male morphotypes differed, indicating while these males play distinct, separate roles in the social hierarchy, they also have different grooming priorities. The conditions in which Macrobrachium rosenbergii are cultured may result in increased body fouling, which may vary, depending on the grooming efficiencies and priorities of these male morphotypes. Overall, grooming behaviors were found to be a secondary behavior which only occurred when primary behaviors such as mating, feeding or fighting were not present.
The Effect of Race/Ethnicity on Sentencing: Examining Sentence Type, Jail Length, and Prison Length

The purpose of this research was to examine the impact of race/ethnicity on criminal sentencing outcomes. The findings from prior studies tend to be mixed on this issue. Using 4 years of data from the State Court Processing Statistics (2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006) and propensity score matching, we examined the impact of race/ethnicity on sentencing outcomes among Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites. The findings suggest that racial/ethnic biases occur in the sentence type (community sanction, jail, or prison) and jail length decisions though not in the prison length decision. It is important to separate jail length and prison length when examining incarceration time. Combining the 2 distinct sentences may confound the true impact of factors on these outcomes.
Separation of α1-antitrypsin and orosomucoid by polyacryl-amide gel electrophoresis

Abstract A simple vertical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis method to separate α1-antitrypsin and orosomucoid from other plasma proteins is described. This technique may be useful to screen populations with emphysema for α1-antitrypsin deficiency, to isolate orosomucoid, and to detect genetic variants of these two plasma proteins.
An operational rate control scheme for H.264 with two-stage encoding

An operational rate control (RC) scheme based on two-stage encoding is studied in this research, where frame-layer rate control with a constant bit rate to achieve constant video quality is examined. In the first encoding stage, the R-D optimized mode decision and its associated motion estimation (RDO) as well as DCT/Q, IQ/IDCT and entropy coding are performed for all macroblocks (MBs) for a target frame using an initial quantization parameter (QP), which is the QP of its previous frame. In the second encoding stage, the residual signal from the first stage is encoded using several QP values around the initial QP. Given the target bits and distortion for the current frame, the residual signal is finally encoded using the QP determined by comparing target bits and distortion with actual bits and distortion. To reduce the additional coding complexity of the two-stage encoding, upper and lower bounds around target bits and distortion are employed to reduce the number of encoding required in the second stage. Experimental results are given to show the superior performance of two proposed rate control algorithms, where one targets at the constant bit rate while the other at constant quality.
The Effect of Pulse Pressure on Arterial Wall Permeability and Stiffness

Artery pulse pressure has been increasingly studied as a factor that can predict overall health. In people younger than 50 the mean pressure tends to increase with age while the pulse pressure remains constant; however, in patients older than 50 the systolic pressure continues to increase while the diastolic pressure starts to decrease resulting in a widened pulse pressure [1]. Stiffening of the artery wall and changes in the ejection fraction from the heart both alter the pulse pressure. Decreases in pulse pressure can also be caused by disease, but mostly this change is caused by the use of steady flow left ventricular assist devices or cardio pulmonary bypass machines [2]. These changes in pulse pressure affect the flow of blood throughout the body and can have effects on the function of organs outside of the cardiovascular system. However the immediate effects of these changes in pulse pressure are not well understood. This study examines the changes in the mechanical properties of the artery wall, arterial permeability and protein levels that occur immediately after a change in pulse pressure.© 2011 ASME
Lack of Cross-Tolerance Between Morphine and Autoanalgesia

Abstract The acquisition of autoanalgesia (behaviorally-induced antinociception) was investigated in morphine-tolerant and non-tolerant rats. Tolerance to morphine did not affect analgesia acutely-elicited by a brief (15 sec) schedule of footshock. Similarly, analgesia elicited by classically conditioned fear was not attenuated by morphine tolerance. These data suggest that endorphins may not be the principle mediators of autoanalgesic phenomena.
The operator theory of the pseudo-inverse I. Bounded operators

Operator theory of pseudo-inverse generalized to encompass linear bounded operators on Hilbert spaces
Medical student attitudes toward patients in diverse care settings: the impact of a patient evaluation course

Background: First-year medical students typically have limited exposure to patients in diverse care settings, such as rehabilitation facilities and nursing homes. Purpose: It is unknown whether students bring predetermined attitudes toward these patients, or whether attitudes are influenced by early exposure. We studied this in a new course that provides opportunities for students to interact with patients of various ages and disabilities. Methods: We conducted surveys of 1st-year medical students at the University of Rochester in the year prior to the new course and during its initial year. We used factor analysis to derive underlying dimensions of students’ responses. We also investigated the impact that the course had on their perceptions. Results: In both years, we found that students conceptualize patient care along 2 affective dimensions (comfort and pleasure) and 2 attitudinal dimensions (bias and pessimism), rather than by type of disability. Conclusions: This 10-week course improved their affect ...
Web2MARC: sharing and using STEM digital content in school libraries

Digital content can benefit K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning, but it is not widely integrated. Many school librarians are not sure how to build upon their expertise to share and link digital learning resources in their roles as resource providers and instructional collaborators. This poster will present Web2MARC, a web-based application for integration of digital resources into school library collections. Further work on the state of school library STEM collections, survey analysis, and Web2MARC is slated to be complete in 2013.
Gravity-Related Transport Process in Off-Axis Sputtering Deposition

Abstract In the reactive off-axis sputtering deposition of ZnO films, three transport regimes from a ballistic motion to a diffusive drift of the ejected species were observed when the growth pressures were varied from 5 to 150 mTorr. The distribution of the film thickness at different substrate locations was measured. When the substrate surface was parallel to the gravity vector, a film thickness variation along the direction of gravity was detected in the region of diffusive transport deposition. This phenomenon depends strongly on the growth pressures while only slightly on the growth temperatures. Based on experimental results, a gravity-related motion of the sputtered species is proposed in film growth under relative low growth pressures.
Human breast cancer cells contain elevated levels and activity of the protein kinase, PKR.

PKR is a double-stranded (ds) RNA activated protein kinase whose expression is induced by interferon. Activated PKR phosphorylates its cellular substrate, eIF2, an essential initiation factor of translation. Prior evidence from a murine model system suggested that PKR may act as a tumor suppressor, but the evidence from human tumors is equivocal. To study PKR function in human breast cancer, PKR activity was measured in mammary carcinoma cell lines and nontransformed mammary epithelial cell lines. If PKR functioned as a tumor suppressor in this system, its activity would be higher in nontransformed cells than in carcinoma cells. On the contrary, PKR autophosphorylation and the phosphorylation of its substrate, the α-subunit of eIF2, is 7–40-fold higher in lysates prepared from breast carcinoma cell lines than in those from nontransformed epithelial cell lines. Correspondingly, a larger proportion of eIF2α is present in a phosphorylated state in carcinoma cell lines than in nontransformed cell lines. Protein synthesis is not inhibited by the high eIF2α phosphorylation in carcinoma cells, probably because they contain higher levels of eIF2B, the initiation factor that is inhibited by eIF2α phosphorylation. The dramatically lower PKR activity in nontransformed cell lines is partially due to lower PKR protein levels (2–4-fold) as well as to the presence of a PKR inhibitor. The nontransformed cells contain P58, a known cellular inhibitor of PKR that physically interacts with PKR and may be responsible for the low PKR activity in these cells. Taken together, these observations call into question the role of PKR as a tumor suppressor and suggest a positive regulatory role of PKR in growth control of breast cancer cells.
Pricing-based routing in cognitive radio networks

In this paper, we propose a pricing-based routing algorithm in a distributed cognitive radio network. The routing of packets is viewed as a market-based phenomenon where bandwidth is traded between transmitters and receivers. We propose a pricing model using which a seller determines the selling price. We also find the interference that a seller is exposed to since it determines the achievable bit-rate for the bandwidth being sold. As for the buyer, we calculate the bandwidth required from different sellers considering the respective signal to noise ratio. The seller with the minimum price is selected as the next hop relay. Thus, the total price to be paid by a source node is the sum of the prices paid at each hop in the route. Through simulation experiments, we validate the proposed scheme and show the prices for various routes1.
Extending the BEAGLE library to a multi-FPGA platform

Maximum Likelihood (ML)-based phylogenetic inference using Felsenstein’s pruning algorithm is a standard method for estimating the evolutionary relationships amongst a set of species based on DNA sequence data, and is used in popular applications such as RAxML, PHYLIP, GARLI, BEAST, and MrBayes. The Phylogenetic Likelihood Function (PLF) and its associated scaling and normalization steps comprise the computational kernel for these tools. These computations are data intensive but contain fine grain parallelism that can be exploited by coprocessor architectures such as FPGAs and GPUs. A general purpose API called BEAGLE has recently been developed that includes optimized implementations of Felsenstein’s pruning algorithm for various data parallel architectures. In this paper, we extend the BEAGLE API to a multiple Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based platform called the Convey HC-1. The core calculation of our implementation, which includes both the phylogenetic likelihood function (PLF) and the tree likelihood calculation, has an arithmetic intensity of 130 floating-point operations per 64 bytes of I/O, or 2.03 ops/byte. Its performance can thus be calculated as a function of the host platform’s peak memory bandwidth and the implementation’s memory efficiency, as 2.03 × peak bandwidth × memory efficiency. Our FPGA-based platform has a peak bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s and our implementation achieves a memory efficiency of approximately 50%, which gives an average throughput of 78 Gflops. This represents a ~40X speedup when compared with BEAGLE’s CPU implementation on a dual Xeon 5520 and 3X speedup versus BEAGLE’s GPU implementation on a Tesla T10 GPU for very large data sizes. The power consumption is 92 W, yielding a power efficiency of 1.7 Gflops per Watt. The use of data parallel architectures to achieve high performance for likelihood-based phylogenetic inference requires high memory bandwidth and a design methodology that emphasizes high memory efficiency. To achieve this objective, we integrated 32 pipelined processing elements (PEs) across four FPGAs. For the design of each PE, we developed a specialized synthesis tool to generate a floating-point pipeline with resource and throughput constraints to match the target platform. We have found that using low-latency floating-point operators can significantly reduce FPGA area and still meet timing requirement on the target platform. We found that this design methodology can achieve performance that exceeds that of a GPU-based coprocessor.
Cystic fibrosis: The ‘bicarbonate before chloride’ hypothesis

Abstract The specific effects of some mutations that cause cystic fibrosis suggest that reduced HCO 3 − transport is the key to understanding cystic fibrosis pathology. But there is a puzzling discrepancy between measures of CFTR-mediated chloride conductance in expression systems and the sweat chloride values of patients.
Two unusual Trichomycetes in an aquatic midge larva

Description et diagnose latine de 2 especes nouvelles: Smittium dimorphum sp. nov. et Stachylina pedifer sp. nov.
Binding of Clostridium difficile Cytotoxin and Vancomycin by Anion-Exchange Resins

Cholestyramine and colestipol were tested for binding of Clostridium difficile cytotoxin with use of batch absorption and column chromatography. The toxin was bound by both resins and could not be eluted from cholestyramine with either an ionic of a pH gradient. Vancomycin bound to cholestyramine more strongly than to colestipol. Cholestyramine and vancomycin were also tested for therapeutic efficacy in the hamster model of clindamycin-induced cecitis. Both compounds delayed death and reduced levels of cytotoxin in stool; these effects were greatest for vancomycin. Use of the two compounds in combination reduced concentrations of biologically active vancomycin in stool, but the levels still exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentration for C. difficile. These data suggest that the therapeutic benefit of cholestyramine in some patients with antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis is due to its binding of the C. difficile cytotoxin. Since anion-exchange resins also bind vancomycin, caution is necessary if resins are used concurrently with vancomycin for therapy.
A Cancellation Algorithm for Elementary Logic

The purpose of the present essay is to set forth a convenient algorithm for the lower functional calculus with identity. The method is open-ended when applied to formulae of certain types and so, as was to be expected, it cannot in general be relied upon to show something not to be a logical truth when in fact it is not one. But when the method is applied to a formula expressing a logical truth, the method will eventually show it to be such, and it will not show something to be a logical truth unless it really is. The proof of these facts will not be given here, but it should be clear that the method is closely related to known systems with respect to which results of this sort have been established. These are the systems of natural deduction, either conceived syntactically2 or semantically3. Methods of this type have been adapted for use with electronic computers4. However, the cancellation algorithm presented here is primarily designed for use with computers4 made of pencil and paper, and its convenience is to be judged in those terms. It is a mechanical procedure which is designed to provide maximum opportunity for shortcuts based on simple insight; it stands to conventional methods rather as Quine’s truth-value analysis stands to the full truth-table method.
Dispositional and contextual determinants of organizational citizenship behavior

This study of 402 professional and administrative employees of a VA hospital addressed the question of whether certain dispositional factors (Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Equity Sensitivity) could account for the relationship between contextual work attitudes and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Findings indicate this not to be the case. Fairness/satisfaction had independent effects on OCB. Additionally, Conscientiousness predicted some forms of OCB. Neither Agreeableness nor Equity Sensitivity affected OCB. Implications are noted for further inquiry into OCB.
Effect of maternal food restriction on fetal rat lung lipid differentiation program.

Although “fetal programming” has been extensively studied in many organs, there is only limited information on pulmonary effects in the offspring following intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). We aimed to determine the effects of nutrient restriction on the lung structure and lung lipid differentiation programs in offspring using an animal mode of maternal food restriction (MFR). We utilized a rodent model of 50% MFR from day 10 of gestation to term and then using lung morphology, Western blotting, Real Time- RT-PCR and oil red O staining, lung structure and development of the offspring were examined at postnatal days (p) 1, p21, and 9 months (9M). At postnatal day 1, MFR pups weighed significantly less compared to control pups, but at p21 and 9M, they weighed significantly more. However, lung weight, expressed as a percentage of body weight between the two groups was not different at all time-points examined. The MFR group had significantly decreased alveolar number and significantly increased septal thickness at p1 and 9M, indicating significantly altered lung structure in the MFR offspring. Furthermore, although at p1, compared to the control group, lung lipid accumulation was significantly decreased in the MFR group, at 9M, it was significantly increased. There were significant temporal changes in the Parathyroid Hormone-related Protein/Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma signaling pathway and surfactant synthesis. We conclude that MFR alters fetal lung lipid differentiation programming and lung morphometry by affecting specific epithelial-mesenchymal signaling pathways, offering the possibility for specific interventions to overcome these effects.
Extraction and retention of technetium-99m Q12, technetium-99m sestamibi, and thallium-201 in isolated rat heart during coronary acidemia

Technetium-99m Q12 and 99mTc-sestamibi are cationic lipophilic myocardial perfusion imaging tracers. Because myocardium in areas of ischemia becomes acidotic, experiments were designed to differentiate the effects of myocardial perfusate pH on radiotracer extraction and retention independent of substrate availability. We hypothesized that 99mTc-Q12 and 99mTc-sestamibi single-pass uptake and retention would be unaffected by a modest reduction in coronary perfusate pH. Isolated rat hearts were perfused at constant flow with Krebs-Henseleit buffer enriched with bovine red blood cells (20%). The indicator dilution method was used to measure the maximum extraction (E max) and net extraction (E net) of thallium-201 and 99mTc-Q12 (n = 8) or 201Tl and 99mTc sestamibi (n = 7) during baseline perfusion (pH = 7.4), during acidemic (pH = 6.7) perfusion, and during a restitution period with normal perfusate (pH = 7.4). 201Tl E max (0.71±0.03) was greater than either 99mTc-Q12 or 99mTc-sestamibi E max (0.27±0.02 and 0.26±0.01 respectively, P<0.0001). Acidemia significantly reduced 201Tl E max (0.65±0.03, P<0.02) but not 99mTc-Q12 or 99mTc-sestamibi E max (0.25±0.02 and 0.24±0.02 respectively). During control perfusion E net of 201Tl was greater than that of 99mTc-Q12 at 3 and 5 min and greater than that of 99mTc-sestamibi at 3 min. 99mTc-Q12 E net was less than 99mTc-sestamibi E net at 3, 5, and 10 min. Acidemia decreased 201Tl and 99mTc-sestamibi E net at 3, 5, and 10 min but had no effect on 99mTc-Q12 E net. It is concluded that E max of 99mTc-Q12 is less than that of 201Tl but is not different from that of 99mTc-sestamibi. E net of 99mTc-Q12 is less than that of 99mTc-sestamibi.
A modification of imazalil residue analysis in treated grapefruit.

Abstract Residues of imazalil, 1‐[2‐(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐2‐(2‐propenyloxy)ethyl]‐1H‐imidazole, a fungicide that prevents decay of citrus, were determined in treated grapefruit. The method consists of a simplified heptance‐isoamyl extraction solvent, acid‐base clean‐up, and direct gas Chromatographic analysis with electron‐capture detection.
Centromere-Linked Microsatellite Markers for Linkage Groups 3, 4, 6, 7, 13, and 20 of Zebrafish ( Danio rerio )

A large number of interesting mutations affecting development and organogenesis have been identified through genetic screens in zebrafish. Mapping of these mutations to a chromosomal region can be rapidly accomplished using half-tetrad analysis. However, knowledge of centromere-linked markers on every chromosome is essential to this mapping method. Centromeres on all 25 linkage groups have been mapped on the RAPD zebrafish genetic map. However, species specificity and the lack of codominance make RAPD markers less practical for mapping than microsatellite-based markers. On the microsatellite-based genetic map, centromere-linked markers have been identified for 19 linkage groups. No direct evidence has been published linking microsatellite markers to the centromeres of linkage groups 3, 4, 6, 7, 13, and 20. Therefore, we compared the microsatellite-based genetic map with the RAPD map to identify markers most likely linked to the centromeres of these 6 linkage groups. These candidate markers were tested for potential centromere linkage using four panels of half-tetrad embryos derived by early-pressure treatment of eggs from four different female zebrafish. We have identified microsatellite markers for linkage groups 3, 4, 6, 7, 13, and 20 to within 1.7 cM of their centromeres. These markers will greatly facilitate the rapid mapping of mutations in zebrafish by half-tetrad analysis.
Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus with Cartilaginous Differentiation

We report the unusual presence of a benign focus of cartilage in an excised portion of giant congenital melanocytic nevus.
N-terminal amino acid sequence of the histidine-rich protein from Plasmodium lophurae

Abstract We have determined the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the first 25 amino acids of the histidine-rich protein (HisRP) isolated from granules of the avian malaria parasite Plasmodium lophurae . The protein was purified from cytoplasmic granules and shown to be 65.2 mol % histidine, close to the previously described value of 73 mol % histidine (Kilejian (1974) J. Biol. Chem. 249, 4650–4655). Ten of the first 25 residues were histidine, five of which formed the sequence His-His-His-His-His (positions 14–18). Also notable was the presence of eight acidic residues within the N-terminal 25 residues. HisRP contained no detectable carbohydrate. When the HisRP was biosynthetically labeled in cultured infected erythrocytes, incorporation of [ 3 H]His greatly exceeded [ 3 H]Ile. Labeled HisRP was not solubilized with 1% w/v Triton X-100 but could be solubilized with ⩾ 1% w/v sodium dodecyl sulfate. On sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis the [ 3 H]His labeled protein migrated as a doublet ( M r 53 000 and 50 000). Only one of these bands ( M r 53 000) comigrated with the Coomassie Blue stained protein isolated by the acid-extraction procedure from purified granules. The amino acid composition of HisRP and presence of five contiguous histidine residues in the sequence studied here suggests that other sequences of several contiguous histidine residues must exist in this molecule.
Relevance of Campus Climate for Alcohol and Other Drug Use among LGBTQ Community College Students: A Statewide Qualitative Assessment

Literature suggests that individuals who identify as LGBTQ may engage in more alcohol and other drug (AOD) use/abuse than others. Little data is available about these populations on college campuses where AOD use may be seen as part of the general campus climate and culture. This article will describe a qualitative needs assessment conducted on 10 community college campuses in Arizona to determine campus climate for LGBTQ students and perceptions of AOD use rates and correlates. Findings indicate wide variations in campus climate as well as policies, programming, and resources available for LGBTQ students. This needs assessment is part of a five-year project that includes strategic planning based on the needs assessments and beginning implementation of these plans. This article presents the initial findings of this project and recommendations to the field.