cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The matrix iteration method for analysis of suspension cable based on segmental catenary theory

A matrix iteration method is proposed based on the analytic method of segmental catenary for the suspension cable.The method was developed from the Newton iteration method for the nonlinear equations according to the analysis of different common methods.The tangent stiffness matrix of the iteration method was presented and the characteristics of the stiffness matrix were discussed.Then the iterative calculation process of suspension cables form-finding for the specific engineering problem was listed.The method offers significant improvements on accuracy,efficiency and calculation amount of the solution,which can meet the needs of practical engineering.The results of the Newton iteration method are compared with the numerical results in other literatures and the contrast verifies the reliability of this method.The method is suitable for the analysis of suspension bridges,cargo ropeways and other various types of cable structures.
A CRITICAL REVIEW OF LABOR AND BIRTH CARE

A critical review of the literature regarding important aspects of labor and delivery was conducted by members of the Obstetrical Interest Group of the North American Primary Care Research Group using computerized searches, personal communication, and literature exchange between group members. Each written topic summary was carefully reviewed by a second group member, and a consensus was reached regarding conclusions and recommendations by the group. The topics include family involvement, comfort measures, fetal heart rate monitoring, labor augmentation, birth positions, and episiotomies. Each topic summary is preceded by conclusions and recommendations given in the order of least invasive to most invasive of the woman in labor. The strength of these conclusions and recommendations is based on the amount and type of supportive data in the literature and is indicated by one to three stars preceding that statement. One-star conclusions are not well supported in the literature but reflect a family practice style and were reached through consensus from the group. Three-star conclusions are supported by data from clinical trials.
Natural language relations: classification and application

In this dissertation, we study computational models for classification and application of natural language relations. Specifically, two types of relations are explored: inter-entity semantic relations (in the context of information extraction) and cross-document structural relations (semantic connections between sentences cross document boundary). We tackle the problem of natural language relation classification by a number of supervised, weakly-supervised, and transductive learning algorithms exploiting features at different linguistic levels. With supervised classification being the baseline, in many cases the proposed new algorithms were able to help reduce the need for labeled training data (by focusing human annotation effort) or boost classification performance (by mining information hidden in unlabeled data). It is also shown that transductive learners can be improved by using an induced similarity function. Both types of natural language relations have practical implications for other natural language processing applications. In this thesis, we show that a simple algorithm can use cross-document structural relations to enhance the output of an state-of-the-art extractive text summarizer.
A case study of tuning MapReduce for efficient Bioinformatics in the cloud

The combination of the Hadoop MapReduce programming model and cloud computing allows biological scientists to analyze next-generation sequencing (NGS) data in a timely and cost-effective manner. Cloud computing platforms remove the burden of IT facility procurement and management from end users and provide ease of access to Hadoop clusters. However, biological scientists are still expected to choose appropriate Hadoop parameters for running their jobs. More importantly, the available Hadoop tuning guidelines are either obsolete or too general to capture the particular characteristics of bioinformatics applications. In this study, we aim to minimize the cloud computing cost spent on bioinformatics data analysis by optimizing the extracted significant Hadoop parameters. When using MapReduce-based bioinformatics tools in the cloud, the default settings often lead to resource underutilization and wasteful expenses. We choose k-mer counting, a representative application used in a large number of NGS data analysis tools, as our study case. Experimental results show that, with the fine-tuned parameters, we achieve a total of 4× speedup compared with the original performance (using the default settings). This paper presents an exemplary case for tuning MapReduce-based bioinformatics applications in the cloud, and documents the key parameters that could lead to significant performance benefits.
GPRC6A: Jack of all metabolism (or master of none).

Abstract Background GPRC6A, a widely expressed G-protein coupled receptor, is proposed to be a master regulator of complex endocrine networks and metabolic processes. GPRC6A is activated by multiple ligands, including osteocalcin (Ocn), testosterone (T), basic amino acids, and various cations. Scope of Review We review the controversy surrounding GPRC6A functions. In mice, GPRC6A is proposed to integrate metabolic functions through the coordinated secretion of hormones, including insulin, GLP-1, T, and IL-6, and direct effects of this receptor to control glucose and fat metabolism in the liver, skeletal muscle, and fat. Loss-of-GPRC6A results in metabolic syndrome (MetS), and activation of GPRC6A stimulates proliferation of β-cells, increases peripheral insulin sensitivity, and protects against high fat diet (HFD) induced metabolic abnormalities in most mouse models. Bone, cardiovascular, immune, and skin functions of GPRC6A have also been identified in mice. Expression of GPRC6A is increased in prostate cancer (PCa) cells, and inhibition of GPRC6A attenuates PCa progression in mouse models. The function of GPRC6A in humans, however, is not clear. During evolution, a unique polymorphism of GPRC6A emerged mainly in humans of Asian and European decent that has been proposed to alter membrane trafficking and function. In contrast, the ancestral allele found in all other species is retained in 1%, 15%, and 40% of people of Asian, European and African descent, respectively, suggesting GPRC6A gene variants may contribute to the racial disparities in the risk of developing MetS and PCa. Major Conclusions If the regulatory functions of GPRC6A identified in mice translate to humans, and polymorphisms in GPRC6A are found to predict racial disparities in human diseases, GPRC6A may be a new gene target to predict, prevent, and treat MetS, PCa, and other disorders impacted by GPRC6A.
Vulnerability of wetland soil carbon stocks to climate warming in the perhumid coastal temperate rainforest

The perhumid coastal temperate rainforest (PCTR) of southeast Alaska has some of the densest soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in the world (>300 Mg C ha−1) but the fate of this SOC with continued warming remains largely unknown. We quantified dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and carbon dioxide (CO2) yields from four different wetland types (rich fen, poor fen, forested wetland and cedar wetland) using controlled laboratory incubations of surface (10 cm) and subsurface (25 cm) soils incubated at 8 and 15 °C for 37 weeks. Furthermore, we used fluorescence characterization of DOC and laboratory bioassays to assess how climate-induced soil warming may impact the quality and bioavailability of DOC delivered to fluvial systems. Soil temperature was the strongest control on SOC turnover, with wetland type and soil depth less important in controlling CO2 flux and extractable DOC. The high temperature incubation increased average CO2 yield by ~40 and ~25% for DOC suggesting PCTR soils contain a sizeable pool of readily biodegradable SOC that can be mineralized to DOC and CO2 with future climate warming. Fluxes of CO2 were positively correlated to both extractable DOC and percent bioavailable DOC during the last few months of the incubation suggesting mineralization of SOC to DOC is a strong control of soil respiration rates. Whether the net result is increased export of either carbon form will depend on the balance between the land to water transport of DOC and the ability of soil microbial communities to mineralize DOC to CO2.
Urbanization Alters the Influence of Weather and an Index of Forest Productivity on Avian Community Richness and Guild Abundance in the Seattle Metropolitan Area

Fluctuations in weather and forest productivity influence the abundance and richness of bird populations, however in a rapidly urbanizing landscape the relative importance of each factor may vary. We assessed this possibility in the Seattle, WA, USA region by correlating ten years of bird richness and relative abundance of nine guilds indicative of their tolerance of human development, migration, diet and use of human food subsidies with an annual index of forest productivity (vegetation greenness derived from a 250m resolution Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) product from the MODIS satellite) and weather (variation in the Oceanic Nino Index, which estimates the strength of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation, a major driver of local temperature and precipitation). We found that variation in NDVI exerted a strong influence on the richness of the avian community and the abundance of guilds in landscapes undergoing active development, but was less influential in areas of established housing development or forested reserves. Relative to NDVI, weather was much less influential on the abundance of guilds at actively changing sites, and slightly more influential in forest reserves and established developments. Following the warm winter and during the dry summer associated with a strong El Nino, migrants and herbivores declined in changing landscapes, insectivores declined in established developments, and herbivores declined while synanthropic species increased in reserves. These changes may presage the effects of climate change in the Pacific Northwest, which are expected to be similar to El Nino conditions. To buffer these changes in native bird communities, planners, developers, regulators, and home owners should minimize the loss of vegetation during development and attempt to quickly achieve mature landscaping that preferably provides food and shelter for birds.
Integration of Behavioral and Operational Elements Through System Dynamics

In this chapter, we show how the tools and principles of system dynamics facilitate the integration of operations management and behavioral sciences. At its core, system dynamics develops process-based theories that explicitly examine the interactions between the physical and institutional structures of operational systems and the behavioral decision rules of the agents in those systems. We first describe the system dynamics perspective on decision-making in dynamic environments. We then present a set of guiding principles to formulate behavioral decision making and describe the methods used by system dynamists to gather data to formulate those decision rules. We used two detailed formulation examples from operational contexts to show how the formal representation of the decision-making process was used to gain operational insights through simulation and formal analytical techniques. The chapter concludes exploring potential areas of future research in behavioral operations leveraging the strengths of system dynamics.
Data on optical coherence tomography guidance for the management of angiographically intermediate left main bifurcation lesions

The data presented in this article are related to the research article entitled "Optical coherence tomography guidance for the management of angiographically intermediate left main bifurcation lesions: early clinical experience" [1]. In this article we reports details about our clinical experience with frequency domain-optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) guidance for the management of patients with left main (LM) bifurcation lesions of intermediate angiographic severity. LM patients were assessed by FD-OCT and, on the bases of the findings, managed by myocardial revascularization or conservative treatment (revascularization deferral). The observed outcomes support the feasibility of FD-OCT guidance for LM bifurcated lesions and call for further clinical evaluations in appropriately designed prospective studies.
Design and Performance of a 90,800 Kilogram Per Day Nitrogen Reliquefier for the Fermilab Energy Saver

The Fermilab Nitrogen Reliquefier (NRL) has been designed to provide the liquid nitrogen requirements of the Energy Saver; Central Helium Liquefier, helium transfer line, the superconducting accelerator magnets and other components. The evaporated gas is collected in a system of pipes, liquefied, make-up liquid added, and recirculated. The design is physically compact and cost competitive with all alternate means of supplying liquid nitrogen refrigeration, including air/separation liquefaction. The T-S diagram, process conditions, and commissioning experience to date are described.
Energy-efficient and robust middleware prototyping for smart mobile computing

A large amount of data is produced by mobile devices today. The rising computational abilities and sophisticated operating systems (OS) on these devices have allowed us to create applications that are able to leverage this data to deliver better services. But today's mobile technology is heavily limited by low battery capacity and limited cooling capabilities, which has motivated a search for new ways to optimize for energy-efficiency. A challenge in conducting such optimizations for today's mobile devices is to be able to make changes in complex OS and application software architectures. Middleware has been becoming an increasingly popular solution for inserting energy-efficient solutions and optimizations in a robust manner, without altering the OS or application code. This is because of the flexibility and standardization that can be achieved through middleware. In this paper, we discuss some powerful and promising developments in prototyping middleware for energy-efficient and robust execution of a variety of applications on commodity mobile computing devices.
Psychopathology, Psychiatric Methods, and the Problem of Reification

A common conceptual problem among students of psychiatry in their clinical evaluations is the confusion of etiologic hypotheses with descriptive psychopathology. Inadequate assessment of psychopathology may result in errors in the choice of treatment. The substitution of reified etiological hypotheses for objective psychopathology data impairs learning of psychiatric fundamentals and makes communications unclear and perplexing. The origins of the problem may be traced to the misunderstanding of the nature and constraints of method-specific theories in psychiatry and to the misunderstanding of the clinical necessity of case identification through psychopathology assessment, a process based on a medical model. Understanding and differentiating the hypothetical and objective concepts of psychiatric theories and models help students organize their knowledge of psychiatry.
Pyloric sphincter characteristics using EndoFLIP® in gastroparesis.

Abstract Introduction and aims Pyloric sphincter abnormalities may be detected in gastroparesis. Botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) injection into the pylorus has been used to treat gastroparesis with varying results. The aim of the present article was to assess whether pyloric sphincter characteristics using the endoscopic functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP®) with impedance planimetry in patients with gastroparesis correlated with symptoms, gastric emptying, and therapeutic response to pyloric sphincter BoNT/A injection. Methods EndoFLIP® study was performed on patients undergoing gastroparesis treatment with BoNT/A. The gastroparesis cardinal symptom index (GCSI) was applied prior to treatment and at post-treatment weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12. Results Forty-four patients were enrolled (30 with idiopathic gastroparesis, 14 with diabetic gastroparesis). Smaller pyloric diameter, cross-sectional area (CSA), and distensibility correlated with worse vomiting and retching severity at baseline. Greater gastric retention tended to correlate with decreased CSA and pyloric distensibility. BoNT/A treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the GCSI score at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment, but not at post-treatment weeks 8 or 12. Nausea, early satiety, postprandial fullness, and upper abdominal pain improved up to 12 weeks, whereas loss of appetite, stomach fullness, and stomach visibly larger improved only up to 4 weeks. Retching and vomiting failed to improve. Greater pyloric compliance at baseline correlated with greater improvement in early satiety and nausea at 8 weeks and greater pyloric distensibility correlated with improvement in upper abdominal pain. Conclusions EndoFLIP® characteristics of the pylorus provided important pathophysiologic information in patients with gastroparesis, in relation to symptoms, gastric emptying, and predicting the response to treatment directed at the pylorus.
Image Moment-based Object Tracking and Shape Estimation for Complex Motions

In this paper, a novel image moment-based model for shape estimation and tracking of an object moving with a complex trajectory is presented. The camera is assumed to be stationary looking at a moving object. Point features inside the object are sampled as measurements. An ellipsoidal approximation of the shape is assumed as a primitive shape. The shape of an ellipse is estimated using a combination of image moments. A dynamic model of image moments derived in our prior work is used along with the point measurements sampled from the object. An UKF-Interacting Multiple Model (UKF - IMM) filter algorithm is developed to estimate the shape of the object (in terms of an ellipse) and track its position and velocity for objects while performing complex maneuvers. A novel likelihood function based on average log-likelihood is derived for the IMM filter. Simulation results of the proposed UKF-IMM algorithm for the novel image moment-based model are presented to estimate the shape of the object (ellipse approximation) moving in a complex trajectory with high maneuvering index.
Brane calculi

We introduce a family of process calculi with dynamic nested membranes. In contrast to related calculi, including some developed for biological applications, active entities here are tightly coupled to membranes, and can perform interactions on both sides of a membrane. That is, computation happens on the membrane, not inside of it.
Relationships among adverse childhood experiences, posttraumatic stress disorder symptom clusters, and health in women veterans.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase risk for negative health outcomes. The goal of this study was to examine the relationships among cumulative ACEs, ACEs type, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, PTSD symptom clusters, and physical health symptoms in a sample of women veterans (N = 76). Bivariate correlations were used to determine which ACE domains were associated with PTSD and physical health symptoms. Follow-up linear regressions indicated cumulative ACEs were significantly associated with total PTSD symptoms. Cumulative ACEs were also significantly associated with the avoidance and hyperarousal symptom clusters, but not the re-experiencing symptom cluster. Total PTSD symptoms were significantly related to physical health symptoms. Of the three symptom clusters, only hyperarousal was significantly associated with physical health symptoms. Cross-sectional mediation analyses indicated the total and direct effects of ACEs on physical health were not significant. However, the indirect effect through PTSD was significant (b = 0.46, [95% CI: 0.02, 0.91]), as well as through the avoidance (b = 0.47, [95% CI: 0.06, 0.90]), and hyperarousal symptom clusters (b = 0.56, [95% CI: 0.11, 1.04]). This study highlights the potential impact of ACEs on PTSD symptoms and physical health and suggests that hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD, may play a potential role in the development of physical health problems.
Prevalence of insomnia disorder and sleep apnea in a sample of veterans at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Study Objectives:The objectives of this study were to examine the proportion of study participants screening positive for insomnia disorder and/or sleep apnea in veterans engaged in routine health ...
Eddy Forces on Rigid Cylinders

In theoretical investigation, potential theory is used to approximate forces caused by parallel neighboring cylinders and their eddies on vertical circular cylinder in waves; circulation about cylinder is shown to be order of magnitude smaller than circulation of eddies shed by cylinder.
Identification of ICER’s ubiquitination sites to distinguish its Novel Ubiquitin Ligase (LB186)

Inducible cAMP Early Repressor (ICER) is a dominant negative transcriptional repressor that expresses tumor suppressor activity. In cancer cells, ICER is abnormally expressed and becomes modified b...
Computation of solar perturbations with poisson series

A method is described to compute solar perturbations of a natural or artificial satellite, with the aid of computerized series expansions. The method has been implemented on the Univac — 1108 computer. A worked example is described in detail in the present article.
OWN: Optical and Wireless Network-on-Chip for Kilo-core Architectures

As technology scaling is already enabling the integration of tens of hundreds of cores on a single chip, kilo-core chip multiprocessors (CMPs) are expected to be available within a decade. However, metallic-based on-chip interconnects may not scale to support kilo-core architectures due to increased hop count, high power dissipation, and increased latency. Emerging technologies such as silicon-photonics and wireless interconnects are under serious consideration as they show promising results for power-efficient, low-latency, and scalable on-chip interconnects. However, photonic technology suffers from scalability issues due to high component cost and complex arbitration while wireless technology lacks sufficient bandwidth for on-chip communication. In this paper, we propose an architecture called Optical-Wireless Network-on-Chip (OWN) that leverages the advantages of wireless and photonic technologies while circumventing the disadvantages of these two emerging technologies. Kilo-core OWN is designed such that one-hop photonic interconnect is used up to 64 cores (called a cluster). For communication beyond a cluster, one-hop wireless interconnect is proposed to enhance scalability. Both wireless and photonic bandwidths are efficiently shared using time division multiplexing (TDM). Moreover, packets routed across technologies are guaranteed to be deadlock-free. Our area results indicate that OWN requires 34% more area than hybrid-wireless architectures and 35.5% less area than photonic architectures. The energy/bit for OWN is 30.36% less than wireless and 13.99% more than photonic architecture. OWN demonstrates higher saturation throughput when compared to wired, wireless, and photonic technologies for synthetic network traffic.
Effect of Streptococcus pyogenes on tissue cells.

Abstract Human tissue cell lines from each of the three primary germinal sources, ectoderm (conjunctiva and carcinoma of the buccal mucosa), entoderm (intestine and liver), and mesoderm (heart and monocytes) were inoculated with group A Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and group D streptococci and were then observed. In addition, the effect of these bacteria on mouse fibroblasts was studied. All of the cell lines appeared to be equally susceptible to damage, but damage to the cells by S. pyogenes occurred only when living, actively multiplying bacteria were in contact with the tissue cells. Streptococcal products in the form of “used” growth medium had no observable effect on the cells. Cytopathogenic effects were first noticed about the time one would expect the bacteria to have reached the end of the log phase of growth. No damage to the tissue cells was noted when group A streptococci were separated from the cells by membrane filter diffusion chambers or dialyzing membranes, but a membrane did not protect cells from deleterious effects of staphylococci or group D streptococci. Group A streptococci survived in the tissue culture medium, but multiplication did not occur unless living tissue cells were present.
Affective and Cognitive Components of Attitudes in High‐Stakes Decisions: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Hormone Replacement Therapy Use

Consumers are increasingly encouraged to take charge of high-stakes decisions such as those regarding medical treatments. However, the important inputs into overall evaluations of risky and important behaviors, such as undergoing medical therapy, are not well understood. The purpose of this research is to study the interplay of cognitive and affective factors in determining consumer attitudes and intentions toward high-stakes decision behaviors. This is done in the context of consumer choices regarding medical treatments, and specifically, the decision to use (or not to use) hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Overall, both affective and cognitive responses are found to be independent significant predictors of attitude toward HRT use. Moreover, the results support an extended version of the theory of planned behavior model that is useful in predicting consumer's intentions to engage in high-stakes decision behaviors, such as using HRT. These findings have implications for the design of decision support systems and behavioral change interventions.
Nutritional Management of Chronic Renal Failure

THE SPECTRUM of clinical disturbances that characterize renal failure results primarily from an imbalance between excretory capacity and the intake of nutrients. For many ingested substances, intake becomes excessive in the patient with renal failure, leading to accumulation with resulting clinical disturbances and also to compensatory responses that often have their own deleterious side effects. For other ingested substances, intake may become inadequate because of renal wastage, increased requirements, or overzealous dietary restriction. Thus, the goal of nutritional management in renal failure is to adjust the intake of nutrients to meet the profoundly altered needs and capacities of the patient. If this goal could be achieved, many of the clinical disturbances seen in renal failure could be relieved. Nonexcretory functions of the kidney are also impaired in renal failure. Among these are the hormonal functions of the kidney, such as its role in hormonal excretion and degradation, blood pressure regulation, erythropoiesis, and vitamin D activation. Impaired substrate-fuel functions of the kidney also contribute to the uremic state, such as alterations in amino acid metabolism and gluconeogenesis. Correction of these abnormalities is more difficult, and often not possible by nutritional management. Nevertheless, these abnormalities significantly modify the strategy of nutritional therapy in such patients. In the patient on chronic dialysis, a different spectrum of problems may emerge. Many, but by no means all of them are nutritional. They are not generally the result of imbalance between intake and excretory capacity, since they may persist even when excretory capacity is increased by more frequent dialysis. They may arise from the failure of non excretory functions of the kidney, from the accumulation of trace substances derived from the dialysis water, or from the removal by dialysis of important constituents of body fluids. For discussions of the relationship between nutritional management and the particular techniques and schedule of dialysis, the reader is referred elsewhere. 1-6 Conservative nutritional management in the predialysis stage may in some cases slow progression of renal insufficiency (as measured by the rate of decline of glomerular filtration rate). The aspects of management that are most important in this respect and the results that can be achieved in different types of renal disease are as yet ill defined. However, the obvious merit of slowing or halting the progression of renal failure, especially when compared with the difficulties and expense of dialysis and/or transplantation, makes this an area of high priority for investigation.
BETA--GAMMA CORRELATIONS AND MATRIX ELEMENTS FOR SOME FIRST-FORBIDDEN NONUNIQUE BETA TRANSITIONS.

Results of $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ directional-correlation measurements in the nonunique first-forbidden $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of the ground states of several odd-odd nuclei (${\mathrm{Sb}}^{124}$, ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{152}$, ${\mathrm{Re}}^{186}$, ${\mathrm{Tm}}^{170}$, ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{84}$) to the first ${2}^{+}$ levels in the even-even daughter nuclei are presented. These measurements were made as a function of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-ray energy using a small shaped-field magnetic spectrometer. The results, in combination with all other available experimental data on each $\ensuremath{\beta}$ transition, have been analyzed to obtain the nuclear matrix element parameters. The analysis is based on the theoretical expressions given by Morita and Morita using exact electron radial wave functions which include finite nuclear size corrections. In addition, we have analyzed all available experimental data for the nonunique first-forbidden $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of ${\mathrm{Re}}^{188}$ and ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{86}$. A unique set of parameters was found for ${\mathrm{Re}}^{186}$, ${\mathrm{Re}}^{188}$, and ${\mathrm{Tm}}^{170}$ although the set for ${\mathrm{Tm}}^{170}$ suffers from a lack of adequate experimental information. For ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{86}$, the matrix element sets depend on whether the shape of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ spectrum is statistical or not. For ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{84}$, five distinct sets of parameters were found which fit all available data equally well. For both ${\mathrm{Sb}}^{124}$ and ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{152}$, two sets of parameters were found that fit the data equally well; however, it is shown that a measurement of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-circularly-polarized $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ correlation as a function of energy can eliminate one set in each case. Appropriate discussions based on nuclear models are given.
Presenilin Controls CBP Levels in the Adult Drosophila Central Nervous System

Background Dominant mutations in both human Presenilin (Psn) genes have been correlated with the formation of amyloid plaques and development of familial early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, a definitive mechanism whereby plaque formation causes the pathology of familial and sporadic forms of AD has remained elusive. Recent discoveries of several substrates for Psn protease activity have sparked alternative hypotheses for the pathophysiology underlying AD. CBP (CREB-binding protein) is a haplo-insufficient transcriptional co-activator with histone acetly-transferase (HAT) activity that has been proposed to be a downstream target of Psn signaling. Individuals with altered CBP have cognitive deficits that have been linked to several neurological disorders. Methodology/Principal Findings Using a transgenic RNA-interference strategy to selectively silence CBP, Psn, and Notch in adult Drosophila, we provide evidence for the first time that Psn is required for normal CBP levels and for maintaining specific global acetylations at lysine 8 of histone 4 (H4K8ac) in the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, flies conditionally compromised for the adult-expression of CBP display an altered geotaxis behavior that may reflect a neurological defect. Conclusions/Significance Our data support a model in which Psn regulates CBP levels in the adult fly brain in a manner that is independent of Notch signaling. Although we do not understand the molecular mechanism underlying the association between Psn and CBP, our results underscore the need to learn more about the basic relationship between Psn-regulated substrates and essential functions of the nervous system.
Fluorescence structure in the region of the tidal mixing front on the southern flank of Georges Bank

Abstract Transects of fluorescence measurements were made across the region of the tidal-mixing front on the southern flank of Georges Bank in 1992, 1993 and 1994. The fluorescence distribution exhibited three characteristic patterns: (i) a subsurface maximum associated with the pycnocline in stratified water columns; (ii) a spatially incoherent variability with a characteristic spectral slope, believed to be related to the local vertical mixing processes; and (iii) a higher level of fluorescence within the front on some transects. This latter pattern was observed when the tidal current amplitude had recently increased with the local fortnightly/monthly variability.
Temperature- and energy-constrained scheduling in multitasking systems: a model checking approach

The ongoing scaling of semiconductor technology is causing severe increase of on-chip power density and temperature in microprocessors. This has raised urgent requirement for both power and thermal management during each level of system design. In this paper, we propose a formal technique based on model checking using extended timed automata to solve the processor frequency assignment problem in a temperature- and energy- constrained multitasking system. The state space explosion problem is alleviated by transforming and solving a Pseudo-Boolean satisfiability problem. Our approach is capable of finding efficient solutions under various constraints and applicable to other problem variants as well. Our method is independent of any system and task characteristics. Experimental results demonstrate the usefulness of our approach.
Staying in the Game: the Reaction of Nonprofit Organizations To Federal Cutbacks

_N v 'ONPROFIT organizations comprise America's "Third Sector" (Cornuelle 1965; Etzioni 1972; Levitt 1973; Nielsen 1979; Orlans 1980), that is, "that vast array of institutions and associations whose common characteristics are that they are private, do not operate for profit, and are devoted to serving the general welfare not simply the welfare of their members or supporters" (Nielsen 1979: 1). The interaction of the Third Sector with the other two sectors government and the economy exemplifies the "flexibility, adaptability, and complexity of American pluralism" (Nielsen 1979: 6). As a consequence of block grant programs created in the early 1970s, such as the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) grant and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), "a collection of private and semi-public groups and agencies [nonprofits] moved into a full partnership with the national, state, and local governments in administering federal policy" (Kettl 1981: 366). By 1980, private nonprofit organizations received a larger share of their total revenues from the federal government than from all private giving: $40.4 billion vs. $25.5 billion (Salamon and Abramson 1982: xvii). The need to better understand the dynamics of the linkages between the public and private sectors was recognized by Salamon in his recent research on governmental-nonprofit interactions (1981, 1982). He noted that "in almost every policy sphere, Federal operations now involve a complex collage of widely assorted tools [including subcontracts] mobilizing a diverse collection of different types of actors to perform a host of different roles in frequently confusing combinations" (Salamon 1981: 259). This has resulted in a program structure characterized by authority parceled in chunks among a number of different actors (public and private) which "complicates the task of coordination and taxes the integrative institutions of governments" (Salamon 1981: 262). Yet, as Salamon laments, there has been "a virtual absence of systematic comparative work analyzing different tools or examining the changing forms of action as a whole" (1981: 263).
Alterations of Events Related to Ovarian Function in Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Type I Knockout Mice

C57BL6 mice with targeted disruption of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) type 1 receptor (TNFRI) exhibited early vaginal opening when compared with wild-type mice (Day 24 +/- 0.6, n = 10, vs. 28 +/- 0.2, n = 11, P < 0.001). Equine CG- and hCG-treated TNFRI null mice ovulated more ova than did controls at two distinct times during the prepubertal period (Day 21: 13.4 +/- 1.7 vs. 7.3 +/- 1.4, P < 0.05; Day 25: 20.7 +/- 2.7 vs. 13.0 +/- 1.3, P < 0.05). Enhanced responsiveness to gonadotropins was not observed in adult mice. At 6 mo of age only 40% of TNFRI null mice exhibited estrous cycles. Those TNFRI null mice with estrous cycles spent significantly more time in diestrus and less time in estrus than controls. TNFRI null mice delivered significantly fewer litters (P < 0.001) than did C57BL6 and TNFRII null mice (TNFRI null 2.59 +/- 0.39; C57BL6 4.91 +/- 0.57; TNFRII null 5.40 +/- 0.60 litters/mo/10 pairs over a 12-mo period). Ovarian dispersates prepared on Day 25 of age from control and TNFRI knockout mice were cultured with and without 10 ng TNF/ml. TNF inhibited LH-stimulated progesterone and estradiol secretion by control dispersates but had no effect on cAMP. In contrast, TNF did not affect LH-stimulated accumulation of progesterone, estradiol, or cAMP by ovarian dispersates from TNFRI knockout mice. The results indicate that lack of TNFRI enhances ovarian responsiveness to gonadotropins during the prepubertal period and may be related to early vaginal opening. The lack of TNFRI is associated with early senescence and poor fertility. These studies demonstrate that the mechanism of TNF-mediated inhibition of steroidogenesis is most likely via TNFRI.
Optimal primer selection for clonality assessment by polymerase chain reaction analysis: I. Low grade B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders of nonfollicular center cell type

Recent polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based studies focused on the detection of immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IgH) rearrangements have suggested that clonal populations may be amplified more easily from certain categories of B-cell neoplasia than others and that primer makeup can be a critical factor in successful amplification. However, these particular reports contained relatively few low grade B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders of nonfollicular center cell type (LG-BLPD) and used only a limited panel of available primer sets for PCR amplification of monoclonal B-cell populations. To address this issue more extensively we evaluated 156 samples of LG-BLPD by the PCR to determine optimal primer selection in this setting. All cases were classified according to standard morphological and immunophenotypic criteria, with monoclonality documented by Ig light chain restriction analysis. The LG-BLPD included 33 cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), 57 cases of small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), 10 cases of atypical CLL, 32 cases of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), 17 plasma cell neoplasms (PCNs), and seven cases of hairy cell leukemia (HCL). All primer sets included a 3' IgH joining region consensus primer, whereas the 5' IgH variable region (VH) primer was different in each set. The first-line panel included the following: Set 1, VH-framework III consensus primer, and Set 2, seven separate VH-framework I family-specific primers. A reserve panel of alternate VH consensus primers directed at framework II or III regions was used only when Set 1 showed no evidence of B-cell monoclonality.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Sea level as a stabilizing factor for marine-ice-sheet grounding lines

Climate change could potentially destabilize marine ice sheets, which would affect projections of future sea-level rise1, 2, 3, 4. Specifically, an instability mechanism5, 6, 7, 8 has been predicted for marine ice sheets such as the West Antarctic ice sheet that rest on reversed bed slopes, whereby ice-sheet thinning or rising sea level leads to irreversible retreat of the grounding line. However, existing analyses of this instability mechanism have not accounted for deformational and gravitational effects that lead to a sea-level fall at the margin of a rapidly shrinking ice sheet9, 10, 11. Here we present a suite of predictions of gravitationally self-consistent sea-level change following grounding-line migration. Our predictions vary the initial ice-sheet size and also consider the contribution to sea-level change from various subregions of the simulated ice sheet. Using these results, we revisit a canonical analysis of marine-ice-sheet stability5 and demonstrate that gravity and deformation-induced sea-level changes local to the grounding line contribute a stabilizing influence on ice sheets grounded on reversed bed slopes. We conclude that accurate treatments of sea-level change should be incorporated into analyses of past and future marine-ice-sheet dynamics.
Clinical course, prognostic factors, and outcome prediction for HIV patients in the ICU. The PIP (Pulmonary complications, ICU support, and prognostic factors in hospitalized patients with HIV) study.

Study objective To describe the clinical course and prognostic factors in patients with HIV admitted to the ICU. Design Prospective, observational. Setting A university-affiliated medical center. Methods We included 169 consecutive ICU admissions, from April 1995 through March 1999, of 141 adults with HIV. Data collected included APACHE (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation) II score, CD4 + lymphocyte count, serum albumin level, in-hospital mortality, and the development of organ failure, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and ARDS. Results The ICU admission rate of hospitalized patients with HIV infection was 12%. The most common reason for ICU admission was respiratory failure, occurring in 65 patient admissions. Mechanical ventilation was required in 91 admissions (54%), ARDS developed in 37 admissions (22%), Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia was diagnosed in 24 admissions (14%), and SIRS developed in 126 admissions (75%). One or more organ failures developed in 131 admissions (78%). The actual and predicted mortality rates were 29.6% and 45.2%, respectively, with a standardized mortality ratio of 0.65. The most frequent immediate cause of death was bacterial infection. The CD4 + lymphocyte count (median, 27.5 cells/μL vs 59 cells/μL; p = 0.0310) and serum albumin level (median 2.2 g/dL vs 2.6 g/dL; p = 0.0355) of nonsurvivors were lower and the APACHE II score (median, 30 vs 21; p Conclusions The outcome of HIV-infected patients admitted to the ICU has improved over the years. The CD4 count does not correlate with in-hospital mortality. Higher APACHE II scores and a transfer from another hospital ward are associated with a poor outcome.
A “PRECISION MEDICINE” STRATEGY FOR RECURRENT GLIOBLASTOMA

BACKGROUND: Despite years of intense clinical research and clinical trials, there are essentially no effective therapies proven to increase survival at the time of tumor progression in Glioblastoma. Multiple strategies, primarily focused on targeted single agent approaches, have failed for a number of reasons. Newer approaches and strategies are needed. METHODS: The Ivy Foundation Early Phase Clinical Trials Consortium took the strategy that an agnostic approach, using tumor tissue obtained prior to any treatment decisions and interrogated using an extensive molecular profiling paradigm could be the basis for an informed treatment decision based upon individual patient genotypes. The goal of the Consortium was to develop a protocol designed to define individualized patient treatments, using a specialized molecular tumor board, within a reasonable time from the date of surgery. RESULTS: After extensive discussion about methods, endpoints, and specific types of genomic testing, focusing on a whole genome approach, a feasibility trial was designed, ultimately allowing for treatment using up to 4 drugs from the entire USA FDA approved Pharmacopia. Tumor tissue obtained from the "core" of the lesion and multiple image guided biopsies of regions surrounding the core are profiled, reported to the tumor board with specific drug recommendations, and a final report given to the treating physician. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical trial design and strategy will be discussed, including the primary and secondary aims, and the regulatory process involved to allow the trial to open. Early results will be presented. SECONDARY CATEGORY: n/a.
HPMA copolymer bound adriamycin overcomes MDR1 gene encoded resistance in a human ovarian carcinoma cell line.

N-(2-Hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer–adriamycin (ADR) conjugate containing lysosomally degradable oligopeptide (GFLG) side chains terminated in ADR was synthesized. The effect of free and HPMA copolymer-bound ADR on the viability of A2780 sensitive and A2780/AD multidrug resistant human ovarian carcinoma cells was studied in vitro. As expected, the IC50 dose for the HPMA copolymer–ADR conjugate was higher than for free ADR reflecting the difference in the mechanism of cell entry. The resistant A2780/AD cells demonstrated about 40-times higher resistance to free ADR than the sensitive A2780 cells. On the contrary, there was only a small difference in cytotoxicity of the HPMA copolymer–ADR conjugate toward sensitive A2780 or MDR resistant A2780/AD cells. The IC50 value for A2780/AD was only about 20% higher than the value for sensitive A2780 cells. These data seem to indicate that the HPMA copolymer–ADR conjugate may, at least partially, avoid the ATP driven P-glycoprotein (Pgp) efflux pump. The analysis of the expression of the MDR1 gene which encodes the Pgp, has shown that free ADR in high doses stimulated MDR1 gene expression in sensitive A2780 cells. At the same time both free and HPMA copolymer–ADR conjugate partially inhibited the expression of the MDR1 and β2m genes in multidrug resistant A2780/AD cells.
Using routinely collected data to augment the management of health and productivity loss.

Objectives: To test models of productivity loss developed from data collected using a health risk appraisal (HRA) designed to examine health in the broader context of work, mental well-being, and the demands of organizational and family life. Methods: Secondary analyses of a data extract provided by the HRA 's developer. These analyses focused on 17,821 respondents whose version of the HRA included the Work Limitation Questionnaire. Structural equation techniques were used to estimate a series of models featuring 38 measures and a four-step hypothesized sequence. Results: The tests confirmed the presence of two distinct but interrelated components driven by health issues-Presenteeism (impaired performance at work) and Absenteeism (time away from work)¯posited to describe productivity loss. The tests also documented the predictive power of eight categories of measures in accounting for the phenomenon. Preeminent among these predictors was a heterogeneous set of measures encompassing current and future aspects of Health. But measures from seven other categories¯Work-Life Balance, Personal Life Impact, Stress, Financial Concerns, and Job, Employee, and Company Characteristics-also made significant contributions. Combined, their unique contribution was five times that of Health alone. Conclusions: This case study illustrates how data routinely captured via an instrument that is an example of a class of self-reports surveys increasingly being used to address a variety of workforce issues can be tapped to describe and predict productivity loss. The results confirm the key role that Health plays in determining the phenomenon. They also affirm the advisability of incorporating into interventions undertaken to reduce productivity loss an orientation that is paralleled by the recent emergence of the use of quality of life measures in provider settings. This orientation is predicated on the need to take into better account other contextual factors that exert considerable influences through as well as above and beyond Health.