cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A network-based drug repositioning infrastructure for precision cancer medicine through targeting significantly mutated genes in the human cancer genomes.

Objective Development of computational approaches and tools to effectively integrate multidomain data is urgently needed for the development of newly targeted cancer therapeutics. Methods We proposed an integrative network-based infrastructure to identify new druggable targets and anticancer indications for existing drugs through targeting significantly mutated genes (SMGs) discovered in the human cancer genomes. The underlying assumption is that a drug would have a high potential for anticancer indication if its up-/down-regulated genes from the Connectivity Map tended to be SMGs or their neighbors in the human protein interaction network. Results We assembled and curated 693 SMGs in 29 cancer types and found 121 proteins currently targeted by known anticancer or noncancer (repurposed) drugs. We found that the approved or experimental cancer drugs could potentially target these SMGs in 33.3% of the mutated cancer samples, and this number increased to 68.0% by drug repositioning through surveying exome-sequencing data in approximately 5000 normal-tumor pairs from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Furthermore, we identified 284 potential new indications connecting 28 cancer types and 48 existing drugs (adjusted P < .05), with a 66.7% success rate validated by literature data. Several existing drugs (e.g., niclosamide, valproic acid, captopril, and resveratrol) were predicted to have potential indications for multiple cancer types. Finally, we used integrative analysis to showcase a potential mechanism-of-action for resveratrol in breast and lung cancer treatment whereby it targets several SMGs ( ARNTL , ASPM, CTTN, EIF4G1, FOXP1, and STIP1 ). Conclusions In summary, we demonstrated that our integrative network-based infrastructure is a promising strategy to identify potential druggable targets and uncover new indications for existing drugs to speed up molecularly targeted cancer therapeutics.
The old ways of doing medical business are passing.

Doctors must realize that the ?us and them? labels have to be discarded. No longer do physicians wield the ultimate power. We've lost our patients to insurance companies and part of our medical knowledge rests with nonphysicians. Likewise, physicians must accept the reality that all doctors aren't going to be in the same practice setting: some will work for hospitals, some for insurance companies, some for HMOs, some for themselves. But we're all members of a great profession that has proven its ability to give high-quality care to our patients, and now more than ever with more attention paid to costs.
Bit-Error-Rate Characterization of Silicon Four-Wave-Mixing Wavelength Converters at 10 and 40 Gb/s

We present the first bit-error-rate characterization of silicon four-wave-mixing wavelength converters. Power penalties below 0.5 dB are demonstrated over a 20-nm EDFA-limited wavelength range at 10 Gb/s, while 40-Gb/s measurements yield a 2.4-dB power penalty.
Conserving genetic diversity in ecological restoration: a case study with ponderosa pine in northern Arizona, USA

Our study used allozyme analyses to evaluate potential impacts of ecological restoration treatments on genetic diversity of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa var. scopulorum) populations within the Fort Valley Experimental Forest near Flagstaff, AZ. Allele frequencies varied among pre-settlement clumps, with trees more closely related to each other within clumps. This clumpy spatial stand structure typical of reference conditions thus represents “genetic neighborhoods” and suggests restoration of clumpy versus more evenly dispersed trees in naturally regenerating stands will protect evolutionary genetic patterns. Compared to pre-settlement populations, post-settlement trees had slightly greater heterozygosity, and allelic richness and allele frequencies varied between these two age groups. These genetic differences could have resulted from different selective conditions under which the two age groups became established. Genetic diversity of populations created using different selection criteria for residual post-settlement trees did not vary but simulated removal of 75% of post-settlement trees decreased allelic richness. Maintaining more clumps created from post-settlement populations with higher tree densities across the landscape would be more effective at conserving allelic richness. Overall results of this study indicate use of genetic structure and diversity can help guide restoration treatments to help ensure adaptive potential is conserved.
Perceptions of the Food and Drug Administration as a Tobacco Regulator.

Objectives The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now has regulatory authority over all tobacco products. Little is known about public awareness and perceptions of FDA in their new role as a tobacco regulator. This research utilizes focus groups to examine perceptions of FDA as a tobacco regulator so that FDA can better communicate with the public about this role. Methods We conducted 6 focus groups in 2014 among a diverse sample of smokers and non-smokers. Participants were asked if they had heard of FDA, what they knew about FDA, if they associated FDA with tobacco, and their thoughts about this FDA role. Results A total of 41 individuals participated. Although nearly all participants had heard of FDA, most were not aware of FDA's regulatory authority over tobacco products, did not associate the role of FDA with tobacco, and some drew comparisons between FDA's work in tobacco and their work regulating food and drugs. Conclusion Data suggest that although public awareness of FDA regulatory authority over tobacco is low, with proper public education, the public may find FDA to be a trustworthy source of tobacco regulation.
MPK-1/ERK regulatory network controls the number of sperm by regulating timing of sperm-oocyte switch in C. elegans germline

The precise regulation of germline sexual fate is crucial for animal fertility. In C. elegans, the production of either type of gamete, sperm or oocyte, becomes mutually exclusive beyond the larval stage. Hermaphrodites initially produce sperm and then switch to produce oocytes. This change of fate during germline development is tightly controlled by several regulators. In C. elegans hermaphrodites, FBF-1 and FBF-2 (>95% identical, members of the Pumilio RNA-binding protein family) proteins function redundantly to promote the sperm-oocyte switch. Here, we demonstrate that loss of LIP-1 (dual specificity phosphatase) in fbf-1(ok91) single mutants leads to excess sperm production due to a delayed sperm-oocyte switch. This phenotype was dramatically rescued by depletion of MPK-1 (an ERK homolog). In contrast, loss of LIP-1 in fbf-2(q738) single mutants leads to a premature sperm-oocyte switch and loss of sperm. Notably, fbf-1 fbf-2; lip-1 triple mutants produce excess sperm. These results suggest that the MPK-1/ERK regulatory network, including FBF-1, FBF-2, and LIP-1, controls the number of sperm by regulating the timing of the sperm-oocyte switch in C. elegans.
Ovarian hyperandrogenism and androgen-producing tumors

The ovary is an active source of androgen secretion. This is regulated largely by LH but by insulin and other factors as well. Functional states include PCO as well as stromal hyperthecosis, which often mimics a neoplasm. Ovarian neoplasms are often gonadotropin responsive. Both functional and nonfunctional tumors may give rise to elevated androgen levels. Clinical history and the accurate assessment of testosterone measurements aid in the correct diagnosis of an androgen-secreting tumor. Imaging techniques, particularly vaginal ultrasound, are extremely valuable in making the diagnosis. Selective venous catheterization, although useful, should not be the primary diagnostic technique.
Sample-to-Answer Droplet Magnetofluidic Platform for Point-of-Care Hepatitis C Viral Load Quantitation

Gold standard quantitative nucleic acid tests for diagnosis of viral diseases are currently limited to implementation in laboratories outside of the clinic. An instrument for conducting nucleic acid testing at the point-of-care (POC) that is easily operable by the clinician would reduce the required number of visits to the clinic and improve patient retention for proper treatment. Here we present a droplet magnetofluidic (DM) platform, which leverages functionalized magnetic particles to miniaturize and automate laboratory assays for use in the clinic at the POC. Our novel thermoformed disposable cartridge coupled to a portable multiaxial magnetofluidic instrument enables real-time PCR assays for quantitative and sensitive detection of nucleic acids from crude biosamples. Instead of laborious benchtop sample purification techniques followed by elution and spiking into PCR buffer, the user simply injects the biosample of interest into a cartridge with magnetic particles and loads the cartridge into the instrument. We demonstrate the utility of our platform with hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA viral load quantitation from blood serum in approximately 1 hour. Clinical serum samples (n = 18) were directly processed on cartridges with no false positives and a limit of detection of 45 IU per 10 µl sample injection.
Omission of chemotherapy for low-grade, luminal A N1 breast cancer: Patterns of care and clinical outcomes

Abstract Purpose Multiple ongoing randomized studies are assessing the impact of omission of chemotherapy (CT) in low-risk node-positive Luminal A breast. The goal of this investigation was to evaluate trends and practice patterns of adjuvant CT use in Luminal A pT1-3N1 breast cancer, along with determining the clinical benefit from adjuvant CT in this patient population. Methods The National Cancer Data Base was queried (2004–2014) for women with pT1-3N1 luminal A invasive ductal carcinoma receiving adjuvant hormonal therapy (HT). Multivariable logistic regression ascertained factors associated with adjuvant CT administration. Kaplan-Meier analysis evaluated overall survival (OS) between patients treated with CT/HT vs. HT alone, while sub-stratifying patients by age. Results Of 8548 total patients, 5182 (61%) received CT/HT, while 3366 (39%) received HT alone. A steady rise in omission of adjuvant CT was observed, from 14% (2004–2005) to 41% (2012–2014). A decision not to use CT was more likely in more recent time periods, in older patients, at academic centers, following lumpectomy, and with lower T classification (p 70 (p = 0.239). Conclusions Using CT for Luminal A N1 breast cancer is decreasing over time, primarily in older patients and at academic centers. Although CT is still associated with an OS advantage in all patients, subgroup analysis demonstrated no OS benefit in women >50 years of age. These results have implications on the ongoing randomized trials.
Conference calls, the business meetings of the 21st Century: a multi-layered approach to an emerging genre

El proposito de este estudio es describir un genero emergente –la llamada telefonica a tres o mas personas– que ha desplazado a las reuniones tradicionales en el mundo corporativo norteamericano. Estas llamadas constituyen un sub-genero hibrido en el que la comunicacion entre las partes no se realiza nunca cara a cara sino que esta mediatizada: a traves del telefono y asistida por ordenador. Los constrenimientos de estos medios tienen repercusiones esenciales sobre las caracteristicas definitorias del subgenero. Los fundamentos teoricos del analisis del corpus son interdisciplinares al haberse utilizado conceptos provenientes de los estudios (inter)culturales y del genero, asi como de Ingles para Fines Especificos, la pragmatica y el analisis del discurso. Asimismo, en el analisis se aplica el enfoque sugerido por Flowerdew (2005) al estudio del genero y se combina el analisis linguistico con el etnografico.
Disparities in estimates of IgG bound to normal platelets

Estimates of the number of IgG molecules bound to normal platelets have ranged from several hundred to several tens of thousands. The lower estimates were generated from direct binding assays and stoichiometric assumptions. The higher values derive from competitive binding assays, in which platelet-associated IgG (PAIgG) is calculated from a standard curve using soluble IgG standards. Using a kinetic-ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) antiglobulin assay, we measured normal platelet IgG to be 21,200 +/- 9,400 molecules per platelet when a competitive assay and soluble IgG standards were used. Direct measurement of bound antiglobulin by kinetic-ELISA and stoichiometric assumptions yielded a measurement of 259 +/- 117 IgG molecules per platelet. Soluble IgG and PAIgG are not comparable in their ability to bind anti-IgG. Disparities in estimates of normal PAIgG are probably due to methodological differences. The estimate most likely to be correct is several hundred IgG or less per normal platelet.
Complications of tracheal surgery.

Abstract Complications of tracheal surgery are best managed by avoiding them. This entails proper patient selection through evaluation; careful coordination between anesthesia, otolaryngology, and thoracic surgery; meticulous attention to the technical details of operation; and postoperative care. There must be a firm understanding of airway management in the postoperative period ranging from edema, anastomotic granulations, fistula, separation, or recurrent stenosis. Successful management can be accomplished with preservation of the airway.
Anesthetic Management of Post-thoracotomy Complications

The immediate postoperative period following thoracic surgery is a dynamic time characterized by rapidly changing physiology. Anesthetic and surgically related complications may become evident and may require immediate intervention. Although most patients undergoing thoracic surgery are extubated immediately following surgery, preexisting lung disease may necessitate postoperative mechanical ventilation. Patients remaining intubated postoperatively should be assessed frequently for extubation and ventilator modes utilized that promote spontaneous ventilation and low airway pressures. Airway-related complications are not uncommon and may be due to anesthetic or surgical technique. The large caliber of double lumen endotracheal tubes may increase the risk of airway injury. Vocal cord palsies and airway bleeding may also occur. Intrathoracic complications range from relatively minor air leaks to life-threatening bronchopleural fistulas. Preoperative prophylaxis against deep venous thrombosis helps prevent pulmonary embolism. Other complications such as phrenic nerve injury may become evident immediately postoperatively or after a prolonged period of mechanical ventilation in the ICU. Atrial fibrillation is a very common complication following thoracic surgery. Its management depends on the patient’s hemodynamic status. New onset atrial fibrillation should prompt a thorough review of the patient’s overall wellbeing. Other cardiac complications are less common, including cardiac herniation and interatrial shunting.
Mm-Wave Beam Steering Antenna With Reduced Hardware Complexity Using Lens Antenna Subarrays

A millimeter (mm)-wave beam steering antenna consisting of ${\boldsymbol{L}}$ lens antenna subarrays (LASs) is introduced. Each LAS hosts an M - element feed antenna array at its focal plane. The desired feed antenna of each LAS is excited through a single-pole multiple-throw (SP M T) switching network. The pole of each SP M T is connected to a mm-wave phase shifter (PS). The SP M T and PS states can be utilized jointly to steer the radiation pattern. For a given aperture size, the LAS size (i.e., ${\boldsymbol{L}})$ can be adjusted to make a tradeoff between the total number of PSs $({\boldsymbol{L}})$ and switch throws $({\boldsymbol{M}})$ . This can reduce the PS-related hardware complexities. The concept is demonstrated through a 38 GHz antenna consisting of ${\boldsymbol{L }}= \text{4}\;{\text{ LAS}}$ . Each LAS is capable of hosting an ${\boldsymbol{M }}= 5$ element aperture-coupled patch antenna array. The antenna prototype uses a single-patch antenna per LAS with mechanical movement to demonstrate the concept without the SP5T networks. The antenna performs with 8.5% $| {{{\boldsymbol{S}}_{11}}} | bandwidth, 15.7 dBi gain, 5.2° H -plane half-power beamwidth, and 75° field of view.
Using Interactive Visualization and Programmed Instruction to Teach Formal Languages

The material taught in a Formal languages course is mathematical in nature and requires students to practice proofs and algorithms to understand the content. Traditional Formal Languages textbooks are heavy on prose rather than visuals, and homework consists of solving many paper exercises. Some instructors make use of Finite State Machine simulators like JFLAP. JFLAP allows students to build different models and apply algorithms on these models, which improves student interaction with the material. However, students still need to read a significant amount of text without direct and immediate feedback on their understanding. Inspired by the Programmed Instruction (PI) teaching method, we have begun developing a new Formal Languages eText-book capable of conveying these concepts more intuitively (through visualizations) and more interactively (through the use of PI methods). Under PI methods, students read a little, ideally a sentence or a paragraph, and then answer a question related to that information. Based on the question response, students can go further and complete other frames of information or retry to solve the same question. To evaluate the pedagogical effectiveness of our new eTextbook, we will conduct time and performance evaluations across two offerings of a Formal Languages course. We will compare the time spent by students using materials with text and exercises only, with text and visualizations, and with the PI frames to determine levels of students engagement. Students grades will be compared to assess learning gains.
How to obtain a detailed chemical composition for middle distillates via GC × GC-FID without the need of GC × GC-TOF/MS

Abstract The method presented in this research allows the development of detailed chemical composition of hydrocarbon mixtures (petroleum and non-petroleum based) in the range of C6 to C33 (69 to 475 °C) via comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) with a flame ionization detector (FID). This method displays the protocol of obtaining a detailed chemical analysis via the classification using only 24 standard compounds without the need for a GC × GC with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF/MS). The column configuration used was a reversed phase, composed of a series of a mid-polar or a polar as the primary column and a non-polar secondary column. Results were expressed as wt% for each main hydrocarbon class divided into each carbon number. Hydrocarbon classes of interest were n-paraffins, isoparaffins, mono-, di-, and tricycloparaffins, alkylbenzenes, cycloaromatics (naphthene-containing aromatic compounds), alkylnaphthalenes, biphenyls, three fused benzene rings aromatics (phenanthrenes and anthracenes), and pyrenes. This method was validated by the use of GC-FID, ASTM D1319 , D6591 , and standard compound mixture.
Towards Hardware-Assisted Security for IoT Systems

As computing devices become more commonplace in every day life, we have seen an increase of possible attacks on commercial devices and critical infrastructure. As a result, both academia and industry have proposed solutions to mitigate or outright eliminate the ever expanding set of viable targets. Initially, this resulted in an influx of software-based defenses against these emerging threats. Unfortunately, it was found that software solutions could be bypassed with more advanced attacks and often resulted in high performance overhead. As such, hardware-assisted security defenses have been developed to provide improved security while keeping performance overhead to manageable levels, especially for IoT devices. In this paper, we will provide a survey of prominent hardware-assisted security defenses. We will enumerate the attacks these defenses aim to protect, as well as their effectiveness. We will also discuss the implications in both performance and system design. A comparison between approaches that target the same set of issues, and possible directions for future research will be presented.
Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for Atrial Fibrillation Using Electronic Health Records.

Abstract Objectives This study sought to determine whether the risk of atrial fibrillation AF can be estimated accurately by using routinely ascertained features in the electronic health record (EHR) and whether AF risk is associated with stroke. Background Early diagnosis of AF and treatment with anticoagulation may prevent strokes. Methods Using a multi-institutional EHR, this study identified 412,085 individuals 45 to 95 years of age without prevalent AF between 2000 and 2014. A prediction model was derived and validated for 5-year AF risk by using split-sample validation and model performance was compared with other methods of AF risk assessment. Results Within 5 years, 14,334 individuals developed AF. In the derivation sample (7,216 AF events of 206,042 total), the optimal risk model included sex, age, race, smoking, height, weight, diastolic blood pressure, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart failure, coronary heart disease, valvular disease, prior stroke, peripheral arterial disease, chronic kidney disease, hypothyroidism, and quadratic terms for height, weight, and age. In the validation sample (7,118 AF events of 206,043 total) the AF risk model demonstrated good discrimination (C-statistic: 0.777; 95% confidence interval [CI:] 0.771 to 0.783) and calibration (0.99; 95% CI: 0.96 to 1.01). Model discrimination and calibration were superior to CHARGE-AF (Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology AF) (C-statistic: 0.753; 95% CI: 0.747 to 0.759; calibration slope: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.71 to 0.74), C2HEST (Coronary artery disease / chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Hypertension; Elderly [age ≥75 years]; Systolic heart failure; Thyroid disease [hyperthyroidism]) (C-statistic: 0.754; 95% CI: 0.747 to 0.762; calibration slope: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.45), and CHA2DS2-VASc (Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years, Diabetes mellitus, Prior stroke, transient ischemic attack [TIA], or thromboembolism, Vascular disease, Age 65–74 years, Sex category [female]) scores (C-statistic: 0.702; 95% CI: 0.693 to 0.710; calibration slope: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.38). AF risk discriminated incident stroke (n = 4,814; C-statistic: 0.684; 95% CI: 0.677 to 0.692) and stroke within 90 days of incident AF (n = 327; C-statistic: 0.789; 95% CI: 0.764 to 0.814). Conclusions A model developed from a real-world EHR database predicted AF accurately and stratified stroke risk. Incorporating AF prediction into EHRs may enable risk-guided screening for AF.
Goal setting: A concept analysis

The concept of goal setting has been researched and defined throughout different disciplines over the past nine decades. In addition, adjustments to the antecedents, characteristics, and consequences have been made. However, neither a clear concept of goal setting, nor an operational definition is currently available in the literature. The Walker and Avant Concept Analysis approach was the framework for this paper. Articles and book chapters from 2004 to 2018 were reviewed from Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Education Resources Information Center, and Psych Index. Findings suggest that goal setting is a complex process currently researched in different disciplines. Attributes, antecedents, and consequences of goal setting are discussed along with a suggested operational definition. Model and contrary cases are presented to illustrate the concept. Modifications to the antecedents, characteristics, and consequences of goal setting have emerged from the concept. A result of these changes is better understanding with the ability to produce a more accurate and concise definition. The suggested operational definition of goal setting: goal setting is the action of a person who has the confidence, commitment, motivation, and knowledge necessary to attain a goal that is specific, challenging, measurable, and relevant within a specified amount of time.
Combining the weighted and unweighted Euclidean indices: a graphical approach

This paper proposes a simple graphical mechanism for facilitating the comparison between an author’s citation count, as measured by the Euclidean Index (Perry and Perry in Am Econ Rev 106:2722–2741, 2016), and the visibility of the journals within which an author’s articles were published, as measured by the Weighted Euclidean Index (Haley in PLoS ONE, 2019a. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0212760). The goal is to help research review bodies easily grasp the distinction between these two forms of scholarly accomplishment and to also provide them a transparent way to articulate to scholars how the evaluation committee intends to balance these two modes of scholarly accomplishment. The robustness of the proposed composite index is also assessed.
An Interview with Dr. John Read

Roz Hirch (RH):Thank you so much for participating in this interview today. You are certainly a well-recognized researcher in language assessment with a distinguished career. I would like to get a ...
Clairvoyant Monitoring for Signal Temporal Logic

In this paper, we consider the problem of monitoring temporal patterns expressed in Signal Temporal Logic (STL) over time-series data in a clairvoyant fashion. Existing offline or online monitoring algorithms can only compute the satisfaction of a given STL formula on the time-series data that is available. We use off-the-shelf statistical time-series analysis techniques to fit available data to a model and use this model to forecast future signal values. We derive the joint probability distribution of predicted signal values and use this to compute the satisfaction probability of a given signal pattern over the prediction horizon. There are numerous potential applications of such prescient detection of temporal patterns. We demonstrate practicality of our approach on case studies in automated insulin delivery, unmanned aerial vehicles, and household power consumption data.
Utilizing Axiomatic Perturbations to Guide Neural Ranking Models

Axiomatic approaches aim to utilize reasonable retrieval constraints to guide the search for optimal retrieval models. Existing studies have shown the effectiveness of axiomatic approaches in improving the performance through either the derivation of new basic retrieval models or modifications of existing ones. Recently, neural network models have attracted more attention in the research community. Since these models are learned from training data, it would be interesting to study how to utilize the axiomatic approaches to guide the training process so that the learned models can satisfy retrieval constraints and achieve better retrieval performance.In this paper, we propose to utilize axiomatic perturbations to construct training data sets for neural ranking models. The perturbed data sets are constructed in a way to amplify the desirable properties that any reasonable retrieval models should satisfy. As a result, the models learned from the perturbed data sets are expected to satisfy more retrieval constraints and lead to better retrieval performance. Experiment results show that the models learned from the perturbed data sets indeed perform better than those learned from the original data sets.
Three-dimensional super-resolution imaging with self-interference digital holography

We describe the use of self-interference digital holography for 3D super resolution microscopy. To prove the principle, we image fluorescent beads achieving a localization precision of 5 nm laterally and 40 nm axially.
Simulation Environment for Visualizing Connected Ground and Air Traffic

Cameras are the most popular sensors deployed on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and many studies since 2000 have shown their ability to track vehicles and monitor traffic. At the same time, dedicat...
Advancing Restorative Justice in the Context of Racial Neoliberalism: Engaging Contradictions to Build Humanizing Spaces

Restorative justice (RJ) has gained attention as an alternative to exclusionary discipline practices and as a solution to the racial discipline gap. While recognizing the possibilities of RJ, this ...
Persistent Streptococcus pyogenes infection of the forearm following blunt trauma.

Necrotizing soft tissue infections are aggressive manifestations of Streptococcus pyogenes, often described after minor skin trauma. However, a subset of infections may present without cutaneous findings. We report a case of toxic shock syndrome and recalcitrant streptococcal infection of the forearm in a healthy teenager following blunt trauma.
Rebooting employees: upskilling for artificial intelligence in multinational corporations

Proponents of artificial intelligence (AI) have envisaged a scenario wherein intelligent machines would execute routine tasks performed by humans, thus, relieving them to engage in creative pursuit...
Strong Electronic Coupling of Graphene Nanoribbons onto Basal Plane of a Glassy Carbon Electrode

The grafting of molecular motifs to the conductive carbon represents a promising approach toward improved hybrid materials for electrocatalytic applications. Here, we investigate the electrochemica...
Genetic mechanism of human neutrophil antigen 2 deficiency and expression variations.

Human neutrophil antigen 2 (HNA-2) deficiency is a common phenotype as 3–5% humans do not express HNA-2. HNA-2 is coded by CD177 gene that associates with human myeloproliferative disorders. HNA-2 deficient individuals are prone to produce HNA-2 alloantibodies that cause a number of disorders including transfusion-related acute lung injury and immune neutropenia. In addition, the percentages of HNA-2 positive neutrophils vary significantly among individuals and HNA-2 expression variations play a role in human diseases such as myelodysplastic syndrome, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and gastric cancer. The underlying genetic mechanism of HNA-2 deficiency and expression variations has remained a mystery. In this study, we identified a novel CD177 nonsense single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP 829A>T) that creates a stop codon within the CD177 coding region. We found that all 829TT homozygous individuals were HNA-2 deficient. In addition, the SNP 829A>T genotypes were significantly associated with the percentage of HNA-2 positive neutrophils. Transfection experiments confirmed that HNA-2 expression was absent on cells expressing the CD177 SNP 829T allele. Our data clearly demonstrate that the CD177 SNP 829A>T is the primary genetic determinant for HNA-2 deficiency and expression variations. The mechanistic delineation of HNA-2 genetics will enable the development of genetic tests for diagnosis and prognosis of HNA-2-related human diseases.
Beyond Iraq and Afghanistan: Religion and Politics in United States War‐Culture

: This article digs beneath the surface of American assumptions regarding war to explore the ethical interconnections between national identity, war, and religion. Striking differences emerge between the dynamics of religion and politics with regard to war and peace in presidential speeches regarding the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and the analysis of war from an earlier generation, encapsulated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s “Beyond Vietnam: A Call to Conscience,” from 1967. Study of this political discourse helps us better understand our own reality in the United States, and the moral consequences of our beliefs about war, sacrifice, the human character, and the identity of the nation.
Neutrophils Promote Mononuclear Cell Infiltration During Viral-Induced Encephalitis

Neutrophils are the first infiltrating cell population to appear within the CNS during infection with the neurotropic JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus (JHMV). To determine whether neutrophils play a role in limiting acute JHMV infection, mice were depleted of neutrophils. Infection of neutropenic animals resulted in increased levels of virus replication and mortality compared with control mice. Furthermore, neutropenia resulted in significantly reduced mononuclear leukocyte infiltration possibly due to reduced loss of blood brain barrier integrity during acute JHMV infection. These data suggest that infiltrating neutrophils are crucial for limiting virus replication during acute JHMV infection, contribute to the loss of blood brain barrier integrity and play a role in shaping adaptive immunity within the CNS.
Envisioning Power: Ideologies of Dominance and Crisis

Envisioning Power: Ideologies of Dominance and Crisis. Eric R. Wolf. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1999. 339 pp.
Automatic generation of efficient orderings of events for scheduling applications

In scheduling a set of tasks, it is often not known with certainty how long a given event will take. We call this duration uncertainty. Duration uncertainty is a primary obstacle to the successful completion of a schedule. If a duration of one task is longer than expected, the remaining tasks are delayed. The delay may result in the abandonment of the schedule itself, a phenomenon known as schedule breakage. One response to schedule breakage is on-line, dynamic rescheduling. A more recent alternative is called proactive rescheduling. This method uses statistical data about the durations of events in order to anticipate the locations in the schedule where breakage is likely prior to the execution of the schedule. It generates alternative schedules at such sensitive points, which can be then applied by the scheduler at execution time, without the delay incurred by dynamic rescheduling. This paper proposes a technique for making proactive error management more effective. The technique is based on applying a similarity-based method of clustering to the problem of identifying similar events in a set of events.
Elastic moduli of B12 and its compounds.

We have calculated the bulk modulus and all the elastic moduli that can be obtained from uniaxial strains of ${\mathrm{B}}_{12}$, ${\mathrm{B}}_{12}$${\mathrm{C}}_{3}$, ${\mathrm{B}}_{13}$${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{B}}_{12}$${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{B}}_{12}$${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$. All atoms are allowed to relax to their equilibrium positions under strain and the errors incurred by failure to do so are revealed.
Automated Peritoneal Dialysis Symposium: The Kinetic Spectrum of APD

A generalized kinetic model to quantify the efficiency of cycler (CPD) and tidal peritoneal dialysis (TPD) is used to examine the relative efficiency of these techniques over a wide range of tidal volumes, drain profile characteristics, and hourly dialysate flow rates. In the patient with good catheter function, there is little difference in efficiency between CPD and TPD. In patients with long drain times or nonlinear drain profiles, greatly improved efficiency may theoretically be achieved with small tidal volume TPD. A generalized solution of the continuous flow PD (CFPD) kinetic model is used to demonstrate and contrast the kinetics of automated PD (APD) and CFPD.
A SEX-LINKED GENE CONTROLLING THE ONSET OF SEXUAL MATURITY IN FEMALE AND MALE PLATYFISH (XIPHOPHORUS MACULATUS), FECUNDITY IN FEMALES AND ADULT SIZE IN MALES

A sex-linked gene, P, controls the onset of sexual maturity in the platyfish, Xiphophorus maculatus. The activity of this gene is correlated with the age and size at which the gonadotropic zone of the adenohypophysis differentiates and becomes physiologically active. Immature fish of all genotypes grow at the same rate; however, as adults, males with "early" genotypes are significantly smaller than males of "late" genotypes, since growth rate declines strongly under the influence of androgenic hormone. Five alleles, P(1)... P(5), have been identified from natural populations that under controlled conditions cause gonad maturation between eight and 73 weeks. P(1)P(1) males become mature at eight weeks and 21 mm, P(2)P(2) and P(3)P(3) males between eleven and 13.5 weeks and 25 to 29 mm, and P(4)P(4) males at 25 weeks and 37 mm. Since P(5) is X-linked, no males homozygous for P(5) could be produced. The difference between P(2) and P(3) is largely based upon their interaction with P(5). P(3)P(5) males mature at 17.5 weeks and 33.5 mm and P(2)P(5) males at 28 weeks and 38 mm. The rate of transformation of the unmodified anal fin into a gonopodium, which is under androgenic control, is directly related to the age at initiation of sexual maturity, ranging from 3.2 weeks in P(1)P(1) males to seven weeks in P(2)P( 5) males. These differences may reflect different levels of circulating gonadotropic and androgenic hormones.-In two genotypes of females, initiation of vitellogenesis was closely correlated with size and this critical size was independent of age (e.g., 21 mm for P(1)P(1 )). In a third genotype (P(1)P(5)) the minimum size for vitellogenesis decreased with increasing age, so that females would mature as early as eleven weeks, provided they had attained at least 29 mm, but at 25 weeks even females as small as 23 mm possessed ripe gonads. For P(5)P(5) females, which become mature between 34 and 73 weeks of age, there is no correlation between size and initiation of vitellogenesis. In all four genotypes of females examined, egg number is strongly correlated with size, but the regression of egg number on standard length is distinct for each genotype. Late maturation of P(5)P( 5) females is not offset by an increased number of eggs; for this genotype there is a strong negative correlation between age and number of eggs. Heterozygous fish always mature later than those homozygous for the "earlier" allele. The site of action of the P locus could be the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus or higher centers of the brain where peripheral information is transduced into an appropriate signal required for the activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. The P gene could also control the peripheral information. The platyfish may be a useful model to test theories concerning the evolution of life history strategies.
Interactive learning modules for electrical engineering education

Interactive learning modules (ILMs) are being developed for use in several undergraduate courses in Engineering at Rensselaer. These multimedia materials are created with the Director authoring environment and can be accessed via a standard Web browser. Instructors can use ILMs for in-class demonstrations, students can use them for structured exercises and learners can use them anytime, anywhere via the Internet. The ILMs allow the students to explore concepts in more detail and gain practical experience in design and application. This paper discusses the development, utilization and assessment of ILMs that are currently being used in our introductory engineering courses in circuits, electronics, instrumentation, and signals and systems, all of which are moving to Rensselaer's Studio mode of delivery. The initial experiences by both faculty and students have been very positive, indicating that a combination of using interactive learning modules in the Studio format of course delivery offers a new model for engineering education.
A remark on the non-degeneracy condition

The structure of the set of positive solutions of the semilinear elliptic boundary value problem \(\Delta u(x)+\lambda f(u(x))=0\ \ \ {\rm for}\ x\in D,\ \ \ u=0\ \ {\rm on}\ \partial D\) depends on a certain non-degeneracy condition, which was proved by K.J. Brown [1] and T. Ouyang and J. Shi [5]. We provide a short alternative proof of that condition.
Millimeter Observations of Vibrationally Excited CS toward IRC +10216: A New Circumstellar Maser?

New observations of vibrationally excited CS in its v = 1 state have been conducted toward the circumstellar shell of IRC +10216 using the NRAO 12 m telescope and the CSO. The J = 3 → 2, 6 → 5, and 7 → 6 transitions in the v = 1 level at 146, 292, and 340 GHz have been detected toward this object, and the J = 2 → 1 and 5 → 4 lines were also reobserved. After accounting for contamination from other species, these CS transitions all exhibit line profiles that are narrower (ΔV1/2 ~ 10 km s-1) than those displayed by most molecules in IRC +10216, indicating an origin in the inner stellar envelope. The J = 3 → 2 line is particularly narrow (ΔV1/2 ~ 1-2 km s-1), and consists of two separate velocity components at VLSR ~ -26 and -22 km s-1. These characteristics are suggestive of weak maser action in this transition. The narrow line widths observed in the other transitions indicate a source size 05, which implies a CS column density in the v = 1 state of ~ 2-6 × 1016 cm-2. The ground-state (v = 0) column density is therefore on the order of 0.8-2 × 1018 cm-2 for Tvib = 500 K. The fractional abundance of CS relative to H2 is consequently f ~ 3-7 × 10-5 at ~ 14 R*. Such a high abundance close to the stellar photosphere is strong evidence that CS is a "parent" molecule in IRC +10216, as suggested by infrared studies of the v = 0 → 1 vibrational transition and interferometric observations.
Control chart pattern recognition using a back propagation neural network

In this paper, control chart pattern recognition using artificial neural networks is presented. An important motivation of this research is the growing interest in intelligent manufacturing systems, specifically in the area of Statistical Process Control (SPC). On-line automated process analysis is an important area of research since it allows the interfacing of process control with Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) techniques. A back propagation artificial neural network is used to model X-bar quality control charts and identify process instability situations as specified by the Western Electric Statistical Quality Control handbook. Results indicate that the performance of the back propagation neural network is very accurate in identifying these control chart patterns. This work is significant in that the neural network output can serve as a link to process parameters in a closed-loop control system. In this way, adjustments to the process can be made on-line and quality problems averted.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A less dynamic memory allocation scheme for algol-like languages

The conventional storage allocation scheme for block structured languages requires the allocation of stack space and the building of a display with each procedure call. This paper describes a technique for analyzing the call graph of a program in a block structured language that makes it possible to eliminate these operations from many call sequences, even in the presence of recursion.
The second-order elastic constants of AgBr from 77 to 300 K

Abstract The three independent second-order elastic constants of AgBr have been measured from room temperature down to liquid nitrogen temperature A single crystal with a (110) axis was used for the measurements The measured longitudinal elastic constant C ' 11 = ( C 11 + C 12 + 2 C 44 )/2 increases by 16% over this temperature range The elastic shear constant C 44 ) increases by almost 11%, while the elastic shear constant C ' = ( C 11 − C 12 )/2 increases by 50% over this range The measured bulk modulus B = ( C 11 ) + 2 C 12 )/3 increases by almost 15% as the lattice becomes stiffer The initial temperature derivatives of the elastic constants are similar to those previously measured The changes in the elastic constants are basically linear down to approximately 150 K, where the temperature derivatives begin to decrease in magnitude These results are similar to those previously obtained for AgCl
Incremental prognostic value of exercise single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) thallium 201 imaging in patients with ST-T abnormalities on their resting electrocardiograms.

Background The incremental prognostic value of thallium 201 imaging in patients with nonspecific ST-T abnormalities on the resting electrocardiogram (ECG) may be different from those with a normal resting ECG. Methods Nine hundred thirty-nine consecutive patients with nonspecific ST-T abnormalities on their resting ECG who had undergone exercise 201 Tl imaging were followed for a median duration of 7.0 y (94% complete). The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used in a stepwise fashion to generate (1) a clinical (Cl) model, (2) a clinical and exercise (Cl + Ex) model, (3) and a clinical, exercise, and thallium (Cl + Ex + Tl) model, for the prediction of cardiac death. Results Age, sex, and diabetes composed the Cl model ( χ 2 = 63, P χ 2 = 71, P P P = .03) added modestly to the Cl + Ex + Tl model ( χ 2 = 96, P P Conclusions 201 Tl imaging has incremental prognostic value in patients with nonspecific abnormalities on their resting ECG. However, patients classified as low risk or high risk by exercise testing using the Cl + Ex model do not require 201 Tl imaging. Intermediate-risk patients should be further risk-stratified by 201 Tl imaging.
Synthesis and X-ray Structure of a Diamagnetic Oxo-Bridged Trifluoromethyl−Chromium(V) Complex: Structural and Computational Comparisons between CF3 and CH3 Ligands in Two Different Oxidation States of Chromium

A diamagnetic oxo-bridged chromium(V) complex, [Cp*Cr(O)(CF3)]2O, has been synthesized through exposure of a hexane solution of Cp*Cr(CO)3(CF3) to air in the presence of light and characterized by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. DFT calculations have been employed to probe its structure and properties and to provide a comparison between CF3 and CH3 ligands in Cr(V) and Cr(II) analogues.
Inhibition of calcium influx and calcium current by gamma-aminobutyric acid in single synaptic terminals.

Abstract Inhibition of Ca influx and Ca current by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was studied in single synaptic terminals of isolated retinal bipolar neurons. Measurements of intracellular Ca concentration [( Ca]i) using the fluorescent Ca indicator fura-2 showed that GABA potently inhibited Ca influx into the terminal elicited by high extracellular K concentration ([K]o). This inhibition was attributed to GABA type A (GABAA) receptor-activated chloride ion conductance that prevented bipolar neurons from depolarizing sufficiently to activate the Ca current, even in response to increased [K]o. Patch-clamp recordings of the Ca current revealed a second effect of GABA: GTP-dependent inhibition of the Ca current. This inhibition was not mediated by GABAA receptors, but baclofen, which binds to the GABA type B (GABAB) receptor and is known to inhibit the Ca current in other systems, was not able to mimic the action of GABA. This suggests the involvement of a different type of GABAB-like receptor in the inhibition of Ca current by GABA. GABA did not cause an overall suppression of the Ca current; rather, the voltage-dependence of Ca-channel activation was shifted to more depolarized potentials. Thus, maximal inhibition of the Ca current by GABA occurred in the physiological range of potential.
STUDY OF THE INTERMEDIATE STATE IN SUPERCONDUCTORS USING CERIUM PHOSPHATE GLASS

The Faraday effect in glasses containing cerium metaphosphate is used to resolve the intermediate state in various superconducting metals. Photographs of approximately 0.25mm thick glass at the sunface of the metal with a transverse magnetic field are given for the following conditions and metals: (1) the magnetic field is less than H/sub c/, the critical field (tantalum), and (2) the magnetic field is more than H/sub c/ and is then decreased to a value considerably below H/sub c/ (tin). Patterns of normal and superconducting domains appear on the photographs. Possibilities of the application of similar glasses to the study of superconductors are pointed out. e.g., in motion pictures to record kinetic details like wall motions and annealing behavior of frozen-in flux. (D.L.C.)