cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylated Level of Retinoblastoma Protein on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Glomerular Mesangial Cell

Objective:To investigate the phosphorylated level of retinoblastoma protein(Rb) on proliferation and apoptosis of glomerular mesangial cells(GMCs).Methods:GMCs was divided into 5 groups to culture:control group,lipopolysaccharide(LPS) group,vitamin E(Vit E) group,dexamethasone(DXM) group,VitE+DXM group,LPS,LPS+VitE,LPS+DXM,LPS+VitE+DXM were added to the late 4 groups respectively.After 48 hours culture,the GMCs suspension was collected for detecting the positive rate of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),phosphorylated Rb and non-phosphorylated Rb(immunohistochemistry),and the rate of effective apoptosis(TUNEL method).Results:The percentage of PCNA positive cells in Vit E group,DXM group,VitE+DXM group are significantly lower than that of the LPS group(P0.05);The percentage of PCNA positive cells in VitE+DXM group are significantly lower than that of the DXM group(P0.05).The rate of effective apoptosis in Vit E group,DXM group,VitE+DXM group are significantly higher than that of the LPS group(P0.05);The rate of effective apoptosis in VitE+DXM group are significantly higher than that of the DXM group(P0.05).The percentage of phosphorylated Rb and non-phosphorylated Rb positive cells in Vit E group,DXM group,VitE+DXM group are significantly lower than that of the LPS group(P0.05);The percentage of phosphorylated Rb and non-phosphorylated Rb positive cells in VitE+DXM group are significantly lower than that of the DXM group(P0.05).The percentage of phosphorylated Rb and non-phosphorylated Rb positive cells showed positive correlation to the percentage of PCNA positive cells,while negatively correlated to the rate of effective apoptosis.Conclusion:The overexpression of phosphorylated Rb and non-phosphorylated Rb are all enhance the proliferation and inhibit the apoptosis of glomerular mesangial cells.
High T Gives β Cells a Boost

Androgen deficiency in men is associated with metabolic syndrome and diabetes, which has been attributed to actions of androgens upon insulin target tissues. In this issue of Cell Metabolism, Navarro et al. (2016) report a role for androgens and their receptor in the regulation of insulin secretion in β cells.
Prions: Beyond a Single Protein

Since the term protein was first coined in 1838 and protein was discovered to be the essential component of fibrin and albumin, all cellular proteins were presumed to play beneficial roles in plants and mammals. However, in 1967, Griffith proposed that proteins could be infectious pathogens and postulated their involvement in scrapie, a universally fatal transmissible spongiform encephalopathy in goats and sheep. Nevertheless, this novel hypothesis had not been evidenced until 1982, when Prusiner and coworkers purified infectious particles from scrapie-infected hamster brains and demonstrated that they consisted of a specific protein that he called a "prion." Unprecedentedly, the infectious prion pathogen is actually derived from its endogenous cellular form in the central nervous system. Unlike other infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, prions do not contain genetic materials such as DNA or RNA. The unique traits and genetic information of prions are believed to be encoded within the conformational structure and posttranslational modifications of the proteins. Remarkably, prion-like behavior has been recently observed in other cellular proteins-not only in pathogenic roles but also serving physiological functions. The significance of these fascinating developments in prion biology is far beyond the scope of a single cellular protein and its related disease.
Influence Factors of Stirring Speed of Self-Stirring Tubular Reactor Used in Bauxite Digestion Process

Aim at improvement leaching reaction and heat transfer efficiency, A novel self-stirring tubular reactor driven by pressure energy used in bauxite digestion process was presented originally by Northeastern University, which combined the advantages of autoclaves and conventional tubular digestion equipment. Quasi-logarithmic equation between the stirring speed and the various factors was established by dimensional analysis method. The results demonstrated that higher pressure promoted the appearance of more obvious turbulence and improved the mixing effect of media in the reactor. The quasi-logarithmic equation between the stirring speed and the various factors was: N = 356.7053ρ−0.4322μ−0.13546P0.56773H−0.86454
NMR Studies of the Interaction of Catechol and Ascorbic Acid with Poly(N-Vinylpyrrol-Idone) Polymer

The catecholamines are an important class of neurotransmitters secreted in the regions of the brain that control locomotion. Many neurological and phychiatric disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, psychosis and cocaine addiction are the result of alterations in the levels of these neurotransmitters and/or their receptors in the brain. Since the measurement of endogenous levels of these neurotransmitters would be extremely useful in clinical and scientific studies of these disorders, the development of chemical sensors specific for catecholamines in vivo has been the subject of extensive research (Adams, 1976).
Radiation-Induced Tumors

The relation between radiotherapy to the head and neck for tinea capitis childhood and the later development of tumors of the brain and nervous system have been investigated in 10,834 patients treated between 1948 and 1960 in Israel and the results evaluated at the Radiation Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD.
Security games on infrastructure networks

The theory of robust control models the controller-disturbance interaction as a game where disturbance is nonstrategic. The proviso of a deliberately malicious (strategic) attacker should be considered to increase the robustness of infrastructure systems. This has become especially important since many IT systems supporting critical functionalities are vulnerable to exploits by attackers. While the usefulness of game theory methods for modeling cyber-security is well established in the literature, new game theoretic models of cyber-physical security are needed for deriving useful insights on "optimal" attack plans and defender responses, both in terms of allocation of resources and operational strategies of these players. This whitepaper presents some progress and challenges in using game-theoretic models for security of infrastructure networks. Main insights from the following models are presented: (i) Network security game on flow networks under strategic edge disruptions; (ii) Interdiction problem on distribution networks under node disruptions; (iii) Inspection game to monitor commercial non-technical losses (e.g. energy diversion); and (iv) Interdependent security game of networked control systems under communication failures. These models can be used to analyze the attacker-defender interactions in a class of cyber-physical security scenarios.
P4.102 Father of the baby’s opinion influences attitudes about microbicides for bacterial vaginisis among u.s. pregnant women

Introduction Bacterial vaginosis (BV) during pregnancy is linked to preterm labour and infant morbidities. Microbicides are in development for BV management, which could benefit pregnant women. Methods Pregnant women in the US (n=760) completed an online survey of attitudes about hypothetical microbicide use for BV. Conjoint analysis measured attitudes across the following dimensions: reason for microbicide use (prevention, prevention when at high risk, or treatment), product formulation (ring or gel), father of the baby’s (FOB) attitudes (would want her to use the product, would not want her to use, or would not care), and ease of use (easy to insert or requires practice). Women rated 9 scenarios, each a unique combination of attributes (fractional factorial design) on a scale ranging from 0–100 in increments of 10. Five additional items addressed FOB involvement in use. Results Most women were 25–35 years old (69%), non-Hispanic White (65%), married/living with the FOB (90%), and had been pregnant before (71%). Of the 702 women with complete responses, 75 gave the same rating for all scenarios (51 rating all as 80–100), precluding them from the conjoint analysis. The highest rated scenario (M=72) was: for treatment, a gel, FOB wants her to use, easy to insert. The lowest rated (M=63) was: for prevention, a gel, FOB doesn’t want her to use, and takes practice. Conjoint analysis (n=627) showed that FOB’s attitudes was most important in influencing ratings (accounting for 49% of rating variability), followed by product formulation (22%; preference for gel), reasons for use (18%; preference for treatment), and ease of use (11%). Most women reported the FOB would assist in microbicide use by being supportive (83%), reminding them to use it (81%), and going to the store to get it (77%), and applying it (58%). Conclusions Pregnant women are accepting of microbicide use for BV; however, the opinion of the FOB will be critical for uptake. Once a microbicide is available, strategies to enhance uptake will need to foster the FOB’s involvement and support. Support: National Institutes of Health (R33AI098654)
Protesting the police: anti-police brutality claims as a predictor of police repression of protest

Police face a unique dilemma when policing protests that explicitly target them, such as the anti-police brutality protests that have swept the United States recently. Because extant research finds...
The Effect of Calibration on End Item Performance in Echelon Systems

A generalized model is developed to explain the accumulation of errors in a hierarchical system. The model differs considerably from the linear models usually assumed in that errors are propagated via a multiplicative/linear equation. The effect of a ch..
Commutative Noetherian Rings

The Hilbert basis theorem states that R[X] is Noetherian whenever R is. No one has given a constructive proof of this theorem for our present definition of Noetherian, but other definitions have led to proofs. Standard classical proofs of the Hilbert basis theorem are constructive, if by Noetherian we mean that every ideal is finitely generated, but only trivial rings are Noetherian in this sense from the constructive point of view. The first proof of a constructively interesting Hilbert basis theorem was given by Jon Tennenbaum; we will present some of his ideas in Section 4. In this section we prove the Hilbert basis theorem for coherent Noetherian rings; in the classical context these are just the Noetherian rings.
Acculturation and Breastfeeding Among Hispanic American Women: A Systematic Review.

Introduction Hispanic immigrants are more likely to breastfeed than are Hispanics born in the US, in part due to their acculturation. This paper aims to systematically review the existing literature on the association between acculturation and Hispanics’ breastfeeding behaviors. Methods The systematic search used major databases such as Medline and PubMed, and it followed the PRISMA checklist. The scientific quality of the studies was rated using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Results We identified 1943 potential citations, of which 18 studies met the eligibility criteria. Overall, while 13 studies suggested that high-acculturated Hispanics were less likely to breastfeed compared with low-acculturated, five studies did not find significant evidence of such an association. Moreover, 12 studies used a static measure or a linear scale, which is not optimal; only three studies utilized bi/multidimensional scales to assess acculturation. Intention to breastfeed was examined in six studies, but the results were inconsistent. Breastfeeding initiation was examined in 11 studies, and two out of eight studies that examined breastfeeding duration, specifically analyzed exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months. Discussion Our results agree with the general hypothesis that higher acculturation is inversely related to breastfeeding rates, independently of income. Researchers used different methodologies to study acculturation and breastfeeding practices, limiting our ability to reach more detailed conclusions. Owing to the lack of a standard methodology for measuring acculturation, future studies should utilize bi/multidimensional scales when studying breastfeeding, in particular, in relation to breastfeeding intention and exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months; preferably according to Hispanic subgroups.
Using Science to Restore California's Bay-Delta

October 2013 San Francisco Estuary & Watershed Science: Science & Policy for the Delta Using Science to Restore California’s Bay-Delta Judith A. Layzer Associate Professor of Environmental Policy, Department of Urban Studies and Planning Massachusets Institute of Techniology Cambridge, MA 02139 jlayzer@mit.edu The State of California and the U.S. Department of Interior have committed to relying on science as a guide to both restoring the Bay–Delta ecosystem and deciding how much water can be exported from that system. In theory, upholding this commitment should be straightforward. In practice, however, figuring out how science can and should guide policymaking is challenging when the problem at hand is complex and multifaceted, and features a cast of savvy, powerful stakeholders with sharply dif- ferent interests. One reason is that participants in such controversies have long used debates over science as proxies for debates over values. The conflict over the Bay– Delta is no different; recently, for example, representatives of large-scale water users dismissed the suggestion that too much water is being exported from the Bay–Delta system, although more than three-quarters of the scientists surveyed by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) believe that excessive water withdrawals pose a problem (Anonymous 2013). To make progress in this situation, state and federal policymakers should take a series of bold steps. First, they should articulate a single, clear, overarching goal of ecologi- cal restoration for the Bay–Delta. Next, they should establish an adaptive process for soliciting scientific advice and adjusting management to ensure it is consistent with that goal. And finally, they should emphasize the translation of scientific research into compelling political stories that highlight both the intrinsic value of ecological restoration and its necessity for achieving other highly valued goals. My argument is rooted in the recognition that improvements in the scientific under- standing of a problem do not necessarily lead to “better” or more rational policies to address that problem (Layzer 2012). In fact, more science can actually exacerbate policy conflicts, particularly when a policy dispute features players with sharply dif- ferent values (Graham et al. 1988). In part, this is because additional science can reveal new sources of uncertainty, which advocates can exploit. But, more important,
Should police have access to genetic genealogy databases? Capturing the Golden State Killer and other criminals using a controversial new forensic technique.

On April 24, 2018, a suspect in California’s notorious Golden State Killer cases was arrested after decades of eluding the police. Using a novel forensic approach, investigators identified the suspect by first identifying his relatives using a free, online genetic database populated by individuals researching their family trees. In the wake of the case, media outlets reported privacy concerns with police access to personal genetic data generated by or shared with genealogy services. Recent data from 1,587 survey respondents, however, provide preliminary reason to question whether such concerns have been overstated. Still, limitations on police access to genetic genealogy databases in particular may be desirable for reasons other than current public demand for them.
Analyzing and judging the manifest rationality of Gloria Steinem’s “Supremacy Crimes”

Mass gun violence continues in America as do debates about what should be done about it. This recurring issue prompted Gloria Steinem to publish an article in 1999 on what she called "Supre...
A framework for testing dynamic classification of vulnerable scenarios in ensemble water supply projections

Recent water resources planning studies have proposed climate adaptation strategies in which infrastructure and policy actions are triggered by observed thresholds or “signposts.” However, the success of such strategies depends on whether thresholds can be accurately linked to future vulnerabilities. This study presents a framework for testing the ability of adaptation thresholds to dynamically identify vulnerable scenarios within ensemble projections. Streamflow projections for 91 river sites predominantly in the western USA are used as a case study in which vulnerability is determined by the ensemble members with the lowest 10% of end-of-century mean annual flow. Illustrative planning thresholds are defined through time for each site based on the mean streamflow below which a specified fraction of scenarios is vulnerable. We perform a leave-one-out cross-validation to compute the frequency of incorrectly identifying or failing to identify a vulnerable scenario (false positives and false negatives, respectively). Results show that in general, this method of defining thresholds can identify vulnerable scenarios with low false positive rates (< 10%), but with false negative rates for many rivers remaining higher than random chance until roughly 2060. This finding highlights the tradeoff between frequently triggering unnecessary action and failing to identify potential vulnerabilities until later in the century, and suggests room for improvement in the threshold-setting technique that could be benchmarked with this approach. This testing framework could extend to thresholds defined with multivariate statistics, or to any application using thresholds and ensemble projections, such as long-term flood and drought risk, or sea level rise.
Does Hallux Valgus Correction Reduce the Width of the Forefoot

Background: Hallux valgus has been associated with a widened forefoot. Most surgical procedures for the correction of hallux valgus have the potential to reduce forefoot width. Success after hallux valgus surgery is correlated with relief of toe pain in conventional shoes and improvement in the appearance of the foot. Therefore, reduction in forefoot width, referred to as metatarsal span (MS), likely correlates with both criteria and may be a reliable radiographic indicator of success after hallux valgus surgery. Methods: Preoperative and postoperative radiographs of 52 patients who underwent correction of hallux valgus with a distal Chevron osteotomy and Akin osteotomy were evaluated by 4 observers. The observers measured the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the intermetatarsal first and second angle (IMA), and the MS. Results: Preoperative HVA ranged from 14° to 48°, IMA ranged from 6° to 25°, and MS ranged from 74.2 to 110.6 mm. The average HVA improvement was 19.4°, IMA improvement was 6.7°, and MS reduction was 8.7 mm. No correlation was identified with regard to correction of the HVA or IMA to MS. Conclusion: Digital radiographic linear measurements were easily and reliably made. Therefore, linear measurements as described in this article can be used as a tool to evaluate if clinical outcomes correlate with reduction of MS. A distal Chevron with an Akin osteotomy has the potential to reduce forefoot width. Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Case series.
Lessons from the Sanjie: Merit Economies as Catalysts for Social Change

When considering questions of Buddhism, business and the economy, the production and transfer of karmic merit is an often-overlooked resource, perhaps due to the unexamined assumption that merit is...
A Critically Ill Patient With Central Nervous System Tuberculosis and Negative Initial Workup

Empiric anti-tuberculous therapy should not be delayed in patients with a strong clinical suspicion for TB. Because confirmatory TB testing may be difficult to obtain, early and empiric treatment, when there is concern for central nervous system TB, may result in improved outcomes for patients. GeneXpert is currently an area of active research, and the test returns diagnostic results within hours, which would make it the preferred test for investigating TB meningitis.
Are We Being Fooled by Fluoroscopy? Distortion May Affect Limb-Length Measurements in Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract Background Distortion is an intrinsic phenomenon associated with image-intensified fluoroscopy that is both poorly understood and infrequently appreciated by orthopedic surgeons. Little information exists regarding its potential influence on intraoperative parameters during orthopedic surgery, let alone during direct anterior (DA) total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study was to quantify the amount of potential error caused by fluoroscopic distortion during DA THA. Methods Intra-operative fluoroscopic pelvic images from 74 DA THAs were reviewed by two independent readers. All images were obtained using the same fluoroscopic C-arm unit with a radiopaque grid attached to the image intensifier. The vertical distortion from a straight central horizontal line at the peripheries of images were measured and summed to yield the combined vertical distortion similar to how a surgeon calculates a side to side comparison of limb lengths. Simple linear regression was used to evaluate associations between total distortion and patient demographics, operating theaters, and various operative parameters. Results The average combined distortion was 10.0mm (range 2.0-20.0mm). There was a significant difference in the average distortion observed in different theaters (P .05). Conclusion Fluoroscopic distortion is unpredictable and can cause a substantial amount of error when comparing limb lengths during DA THA. This is a critical finding as this amount of inaccuracy could lead to unintended implant positioning and limb-length discrepancies if unaccounted for.
Reflections on Teaching Abroad: How Berlin Remembers Trauma and What it Means for American Sense-Making of the Past

Following the 2016 U.S. presidential election, fliers appeared on our university’s campus that uncannily resembled Nazi propaganda posters of the early 1940s. Custodians cleaning the campus facilities found the majority of the fliers and removed them before the general student population saw them. Still, a handful were photographed by students and quickly made their rounds via social media inciting a heated debate about free speech versus hate speech, racism, and white supremacy. Shortly thereafter, several student groups organized a Not My President rally near a campus work of art by the Mexican-American sculptor Luis Jimenez entitled “Border Crossing.” Protesters chanted affirmations for minoritized students on campus, such as “you are welcome here,” and “not my president,” in an attempt to disassociate from mainstream political rhetoric and the newly elected President Trump’s campaign slogans that centered on deportation and building a border wall.
Acute Fulminant Cerebral Edema: A Case Series at a Large Pediatric Tertiary Center

Acute fulminant cerebral edema is a poorly understood but serious neurologic condition resulting in profound neurologic disability or mortality. Here we present a case series of four children that presented to our institution with new neurologic dysfunction and neuroimaging evidence of cerebral edema. Ages ranged from 2 to 7 years with the most common presenting features being altered mental status, vomiting, and/or seizure. Two patients had normal head computed tomography, but follow-up imaging performed within 15 hours demonstrated fulminant edema. One patient was positive for influenza, and one had neuropathology consistent with acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis. Two had no identified cause. Treatments included broad-spectrum antibiotics and acyclovir, hyperosmolar agents, intravenous steroids, and decompressive craniectomy. Only one patient survived. Acute encephalopathy complicated by fulminant cerebral edema is a rapidly evolving and often fatal neurologic condition. Early identification with neuroimaging and intervention may improve outcomes. Repeat neuroimaging should be considered if initial imaging is normal but there is persistent or progressive unexplained encephalopathy. Further studies are required to determine optimal diagnostic and management strategies.
Leading the Many, Considering the Few -- University Presidents' Perspectives on International Students during COVID-19.

In challenging times, successful leadership becomes even more important, yet also harder to achieve. COVID-19 has confronted the world with a crisis of never-before-seen proportions, impacting all aspects of modern life. University leaders around the world had to react quickly in order to lead their institutions during these times of uncertainty. One part of the student population was and is particularly vulnerable with campuses shutting down and global travel coming to a rather abrupt halt: international students. This comparative case study will illuminate how university presidents from five different countries are informed in their perceptions of the international students on their campuses during the COVID-19 crisis. Ultimately, important policy implications informing how higher education leaders can navigate global crises while simultaneously best serving their international student populations will be informed.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities and Barriers to Diabetic Retinopathy Screening in Youths.

Importance Diabetic retinopathy is a major complication of diabetes for which regular screening improves visual health outcomes, yet adherence to screening is suboptimal. Objective To assess disparities in diabetic eye examination completion rates and evaluate barriers in those not previously screened. Design, Setting, and Participants In this cohort study at a single academic center (Johns Hopkins Hospital pediatric diabetes center in Baltimore, Maryland) from December 2018 to November 2019, youths with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who met criteria for diabetic retinopathy screening and were enrolled in a prospective observational trial implementing point-of-care diabetic retinopathy screening were asked about prior diabetic retinopathy screening. Main Outcomes and Measures Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between those who did and did not have a previous diabetic eye examination and stratified according to race/ethnicity, using t tests and χ2 tests. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between race/ethnicity, screening, and other social determinants of health. A questionnaire assessing barriers to screening adherence was administered. Results Of 149 participants (76 male patients [51.0%]; mean [SD] age, 14.5 [2.3] years), 51 (34.2%) had not had a prior diabetic eye examination. These individuals were more likely than those who had prior diabetic eye examinations to be non-White youths (38 [75%] vs 31 [32%]; P < .001) and have type 2 diabetes (38 [75%] vs 10 [10%]; P < .001), Medicaid or public insurance (43 [84%] vs 31 [32%]; P < .001), lower household income (annual income ≤$25 000, 21 [41%] vs 9 [9%]; P < .001), and parents with education levels of high school or less (29 [67%] vs 22 [35%]; P < .001). The main barriers reported included not recalling being recommended to obtain a diabetic eye examination (19 [56%]), difficulty finding time for an additional appointment (10 [29%]), and transportation issues (7 [20%]). Minority youths were less likely to have a previous diabetic eye examination (non-White, 34 [46%] vs White, 64 [85%]; P < .001) and more likely to have diabetic retinopathy (11 [15%] v 2 [3%]; P = .008). Minority youths were less likely to get diabetic eye examinations even after adjusting for insurance, household income, and parental education level (odds ratio, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.10-0.79]; P = .02). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, non-White youths were less likely to undergo diabetic eye examinations yet more likely to have diabetic retinopathy compared with White youths. Addressing barriers to diabetic retinopathy screening may improve access to diabetic eye examination and facilitate early detection.
Robots in space exploration

A brief outline of NASA's current robotics program is presented. Efforts are being concentrated on a roving surface vehicle for Mars exploration. This vehicle will integrate manipulative, locomotive, and visual functions and will feature an electromechanical manipulator, stereo TV cameras, a laser rangefinder, a minicomputer, and a remote off-line computer. The program hinges on the iterative development of complex scenarios describing the robot's mission and the interrelationships among its various subsystems.
A simple proof of tha validity of the reduced prs algorithm

Given two univariate polynomials with integer coefficients, it has beenrediscovered [2] that the reduced polynomial remainder sequence (prs) algorithm can be used mainly to compute over the integers the members of anormal prs, keeping under control the coefficient growth and avoiding greatest common divisor (ged) computations of the coefficients. The validity proof of this algorithm as presented in the current literature [2] is very involved and has obscured simple divisibility properties. In this note, we present Sylvester's theorem of 1853 [4] which makes these simple divisibility properties clear for normal prs's. The proof presented here is a modification of Sylvester's original proof.
Incorporation of synthetic fatty acid analogs into phospholipids of Escherichia coli.

Abstract Escherichia coli K1060-B5 (fadE fabB thi) incorporates into phospholipids several new synthetic fatty acid analogs including those containing phenyl, phenoxy, and azidophenoxy groups at the ω position.
On the unique games conjecture

Summary form only given. The discovery of the PCP theorem in 1992 led to an avalanche of hardness of approximation results, i.e. results showing that for certain NP hard optimization problems, computing even approximate solutions is hard. However, for many fundamental problems, obtaining satisfactory hardness results seems out of reach of current techniques. The unique games conjecture (UGC) was proposed in 2002 as an approach towards settling some of these open problems. A 2-Prover-1-Round game is called unique if for every answer of either prover, there is exactly one answer of the other prover if the verifier is to accept. The UGC states that for every constant /spl epsiv/ > 0, it is NP hard to distinguish whether the optimal strategy of provers in a unique 2P1R game has acceptance probability at least 1 - /spl epsiv/ or at most /spl epsiv/. The answer size k = k(/spl epsiv/) could be an arbitrary function of /spl epsiv/. The UGC has been shown to imply optimal hardness results for vertex cover and MAX-CUT problems, and superconstant hardness results for sparsest cut and Min-2SAT-Deletion problems. A variation of the conjecture has been shown to imply hardness of coloring 3-colorable graphs with constantly many colors. Apart from these applications to hardness results, the UGC has led to important (unconditional) results in Fourier analysis, the theory of metric embeddings, and integrality gap results for semidefinite programming relaxations. The tutorial aims to give an overview of the UGC, its applications, and attempts to prove or disprove it.
On the construction of evaluation functions for large domains

We present the SNAC method of encoding Knowledge In a polynomial function. The most common use for such a function r. to evaluate competing alternatives in a problem solving situation. The SNAC method was discovered during research on a program that plays backgammon. It has resulted in highly consistent, skilled performance, and has made adding new knowledge very easy. This has resulted in large performance increments in the backgammon program. We show how to create sensitive evaluation functions and how to avoid stability problems in non-linear functions. We also demonstrate two effects, not previously found in the literature: the suicide construction, and the blemish effect.
Depth-concentration profile of hydrogen in niobium

Hydrogen concentration profiles near the surface of hydrogen-charged Nb samples have been measured by utilizing the $^{1}\mathrm{H}(^{15}\mathrm{N}, \ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\gamma})^{12}\mathrm{C}$ reaction. The Nb foils were charged under various ambient conditions to concentrations corresponding to the single-phase ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ region in the phase diagram. Each sample exhibited a strong H surface peak followed by a sharp dip and a gradual increase in H concentration to a plateau. The rate at which the hydrogen concentration increases towards the bulk as well as the height of the plateau is related to the method of sample preparation, the higher the oxygen content, the lower the hydrogen concentration near the surface. These observations suggest that the H concentration near the surface of ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$-Nb-55 at.% H is lower than that in the bulk because of the presence of oxides and dissolved oxygen. They also indicate that samples charged with hydrogen after heating to over \ensuremath{\sim}250\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C in a pressure of g1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ Torr will develop an oxygen-enriched and hydrogen-depleted zone near the surface.
Short-term effects of fluoxetine and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine on electroencephalographic sleep in the rat.

Abstract Fluoxetine and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) were studied for their short-term effects on electroencephalographic sleep in male rats. Following single injection, each drug produced a sizeable, dose-related suppression of rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep that persisted for 4–5 h (fluoxetine, 0.625–5 mg/kg; TFMPP, 0.10–1.25 mg/kg). TFMPP also consistently increased non-REM (NREM) sleep during the second hour after drug injection, though this effect was not dose-related (it was seen at all doses tested). Fluoxetine produced small effects on NREM sleep that varied non-systematically with dose and time after drug injection. TFMPP, but not fluoxetine, also increased at all doses the number of delta waves per minute of NREM sleep in the second hour. A structural analog of TFMPP that is inactive at serotonin (5-HT) receptors [4-( m -trifluoromethylphenyl)piperadine; LY97117] was also tested, and found to be devoid of effects on NREM and REM sleep. Both fluoxetine (a 5-HT reuptake blocker) and TFMPP (a 5-HT agonist) enhance transmission across 5-HT synapses, though by different mechanisms. Because they have the common effect of suppressing REM sleep, and in a dose-related manner, the data support the notion that 5-HT neurons in the brain, when active, can suppress REM sleep.
I'm scared to look but I'm dying to know: information seeking and sharing on Pro-Ana weblogs

As individuals' access to the Internet has grown, so has the diversity of lifestyles and interests represented on the web. On the Internet, members of any subculture can communicate and share information anonymously and directly on a variety of platforms. Although researchers from many disciplinary backgrounds have devoted considerable attention to the nature of information practices in online communities, there has been little investigation into the information practices of adherents to lifestyles that could be considered perilous or harmful. The members of such a group, referred to as Pro-Anorexia, or Pro-Ana, characterize themselves as believing that Anorexia is not a disease, but a lifestyle choice. This paper presents findings from a textual analysis of posts and comments on three Pro-Anorexia (Pro-Ana) weblogs. Using a Grounded Theory approach, we found that both bloggers and commenters share a diverse array of types of information in a variety of formats. Because much of the information sought and shared on Pro-Ana blogs would be considered dangerous in another venue, Pro-Ana blogs present an interesting forum for considering how the context in which information is solicited, encountered, or presented actively shapes both the information itself and the information practices of community members.
Electrolytic formation of insulating oxide films on zirconium—I. Current efficiency and formation field at constant current

Abstract With chemically polished electrode surfaces ionic current efficiencies and formation fields were measured for the anodic oxidation of iodide-process zirconium at constant current over a temperature range of 6·5 to 65°C and over a thousand-fold range of current densities. Ionic current efficiencies ranged from 0·40 to 1·0, and were found to approach unity (for oxide films formed at voltages above 40 V) at the lowest temperatures and highest current densities. A colour-thickness comparison gauge was prepared and used in film thickness measurements. Gauge calibration was made directly in the region of 80 V by weight increase measurements, and indirectly at other voltages by capacitance measurements. Film thickness estimates were then made by using a technique which combined colour comparisons with capacitance measurements.
Toward a (Dys)functional Anthropology of Drinking: Ambivalence and the American Indian Experience with Alcohol

This article explores the complex and contradictory experiences of urban American Indian drinkers. While previous anthropological accounts have emphasized the functions served by American Indian drinking, the testimony of drinkers also documents their awareness of the destructive effects of heavy drinking, particularly the way in which it often interferes with their ability to meet social obligations. Nevertheless, people often continue to use alcohol, and this means that many are profoundly ambivalent about their drinking; they see it simultaneously as something that is embedded in certain important relationships, but also something that is destructive of much that they value. Drawing on interviews with 35 self-defined problem drinkers, this article details the ambiguous nature of the American Indian experience with alcohol, highlighting the need for a clinically sophisticated anthropology of alcohol.
The case for diet: a safe and efficacious strategy for secondary stroke prevention.

Diet is strongly associated with risk for first stroke. In particular, observational and experimental research suggests that a Mediterranean-type diet may reduce risk for first ischemic stroke with an effect size comparable to statin therapy. These data for first ischemic stroke suggest that diet may also be associated with risk for recurrent stroke and that diet modification might represent an effective intervention for secondary prevention. However, research on dietary pattern after stroke is limited and direct experimental evidence for a therapeutic effect in secondary prevention does not exist. The uncertain state of science in this area is reflected in recent guidelines on secondary stroke prevention from the American Heart Association, in which the Mediterranean-type diet is listed with only a class IIa recommendation (level of evidence C). To change guidelines and practice, research is needed, starting with efforts to better define current nutritional practices of stroke patients. Food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) and mobile applications for real-time recording of intake are available for this purpose. Dietary strategies for secondary stroke prevention are low risk, high potential, and warrant further evaluation.
Review Article: High-Temperature Adult-Plant Resistance, Key for Sustainable Control of Stripe Rust

High-temperature adult-plant (HTAP) resistance expresses when plants grow old and the weather becomes warm. This non-race specific and durable type of resistance has been used successfully in control of wheat stripe rust in the US since early 1960s. This article describes practical procedures for identification and characterization of HTAP resistance and reviews recent studies on discovery of genes conferring HTAP resistance. Recent studies providing insights to the molecular basis for the durability of HTAP resistance will be presented. Strategies for improving levels of HTAP resistance and improving control of stripe rust through combining HTAP resistance with effective all-stage resistance will be discussed.
Charles Peirce's place in philosophy

Abstract Peirce's publications on the method of scientific investigation (as distinct from his work in formal logic and mathematics) are his most important and valuable contributions to philosophy. His views on this subject are superior in clarity and cogency to his voluminous writings on metaphysics and cosmology. He subscribed to a fallibilistic conception of knowledge that is poles apart from a wholesale skepticism; his formulations of the conditions for meaningful discourse and of the pragmatic maxim, though not free from difficulties, have been fruitful sources of much subsequent philosophical and scientific analyses; and his classification of and discussions of types of argument or reasoning employed in scientific inquiry continue to be valuable and insightful clarifications of this important subject. In contrast to his account of scientific method, Peirce's evolutionary theory of ultimate reality, though marked by originality and ingenious speculation, has little merit as a contribution to genuine knowledge.
Distribution of human papillomavirus types in genital lesions from two temporally distinct populations determined by in situ hybridization

Abstract We examined 341 paraffin-embedded cervical tissues for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA by in situ hybridization. The genital lesions examined represented tissue biopsies from two temporally distinct populations (1964 to 1965 and 1988 to 1989). Biotinylated probes to 14 different HPV types were used in our analysis: HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 52, and 56. The number of HPV DNA-positive specimens and the distributions of HPV types were similar for these two populations. Human papillomavirus DNA sequences were detected in approximately 50% of the tissues from each time period. Of the low-grade lesions (condyloma/cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1 [CIN 1]) 52% (1964 to 1965) and 35% (1988 to 1989) were positive for HPV DNA by in situ hybridization. Among the high-grade lesions (CIN 2/CIN 3), 41% (1964 to 1965) and 67% (1988 to 1989) had detectable HPV sequences. Approximately 15% of the tissues with minimal histopathologic changes also contained HPV DNA. Human papilloma-virus types 16 and/or 18 were the most common viral types in lesions from both time periods, followed by types 31/33/35; 6/11, 51/52; and 42/43/44, 45/46. Types 16 and/or 18 were strongly associated with high-grade lesions. Five percent of the HPV-positive lesions demonstrated evidence of multiple infections. Our results indicate that HPV DNA sequences can be detected readily by in situ hybridization in archival materials, even those prepared more than 25 years ago. In addition, analysis of HPV type distributions demonstrates that recently isolated HPV types (42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 52, and 56) were equally represented in tissues from both time periods.
Process training derived from a computer simulation theory.

Kotovsky and Simon (1973) identified four basic subprocesses in their computer simulation of adult and adolescent performance on Thurstone letter series completion problems. In Experiment I, children from Grades 1 to 6 were pretested on those problems, and then experimental subjects were trained on two of the four processes as an attempt to experimentally support a correspondence between the computer subroutines and human cognitive processes. A posttest administered in the experimental and control conditions revealed a significantly greater improvement for experimental subjects, although both groups made significant gains. The children’s distributions of errors were consistent with Kotovsky and Simon’s predictions. In Experiment II, children from Grades 3 and 5 took four series completion tests without intervening training. The additional practice was sufficient for Grade 5 subjects to make improvements similar in magnitude to those produced by training. Grade 3 subjects, however, made no gains. These results are related to Tulving and Pearlstone’s (1966) distinction between the availability and the accessibility of memory traces.
73-Year-Old Man With Dyspnea on Exertion

dicine, te ester, o t in Care A 73-year-old man presented to the cardiology clinic in early fall for evaluation of shortness of breath that had worsened over the previous year. He had numerous comorbidities, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, medically complicated obesity, stage 3 chronic kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and a 10-year history of nonischemic cardiomyopathy after biventricular pacemaker placement for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). He was receiving maximal medical therapy for his heart failure. He had considerable improvement in his exercise tolerance with CRT, but over the preceding year he had noticed a marked decline in exercise capacity. He could now walk only 30 to 40 feet before becoming dyspneic, whereas a year before he had been able to walk twice this distance. His symptoms had worsened over the past few months, which he attributed to the summer heat. He did not have dyspnea at rest, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, or exertional chest pain/pressure. He had gained about 9 kg over the past 2 years but had no increase in lower extremity edema. He was compliant with continuous positive airway pressure treatment and tolerated it well. He was a former smoker with an 11-pack-year history but had quit smoking more than 30 years ago. He had been seen by his local cardiologist 6 months before the current presentation, and his echocardiogram revealed no changes from previous testsddiffuse, mild reduction in systolic function with ejection fraction of 43%, grade 1/4 left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and no regional wall motion or valvular abnormalities. No other imaging studies were obtained at that time, and a review of systems was otherwise unremarkable.
Flexible spending accounts and the use-it-or-lose-it provision

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) are a widely used arrangement that allow employees to pay for qualified out-of-pocket health expenses with pre-tax dollars. The original structure of FSAs included a significant forfeiture risk if households had unused funds in their accounts at the end of the year. In 2005, the US Treasury made an administrative ruling that offered a grace period for spending FSA funds after the end of the calendar year, thereby substantially reducing forfeiture risk. We use a unique panel data set to evaluate the effects of this rule change.We find that the change increased FSA participation rates by about 4 percentage points (17% increase from a 23.9% baseline). We also find that FSA election amounts increased by just over 3%, though this result is more fragile.
Patient safety instruction in US health professions education.

Objective. To describe patient safety instruction in health professional curricula, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and dentistry. Methods. A systematic review of the literature from 1966 through 2010 was conducted using 6 databases and based on 3 search criteria: safety management, patient safety, and curriculum. Results. One hundred fifty-four articles were identified and 23 met inclusion criteria. A variety of educational methods have been used in health profession curricula to promote patient safety including lectures, workshops, objective structured clinical examinations, standardized patients, simulation exercises, root cause analysis, quality assurance projects, and other interactive learning methods. The development of patient safety curricula has been primarily discipline-specific, with little interdisciplinary research found. Conclusions. Safe, patient-centered care is directly influenced by the quality of education that healthcare professions students receive. From this literature review, research is needed to guide curricular change, specifically focusing on instructional methods and interdisciplinary collaborations.