cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Skip the Intersection: Quickly Counting Common Neighbors on Shared-Memory Systems

Counting common neighbors between all vertex pairs in a graph is a fundamental operation, with uses in similarity measures, link prediction, graph compression, community detection, and more. Current shared-memory approaches either rely on set intersections or are not readily parallelizable. We introduce a new efficient and parallelizable algorithm to count common neighbors: starting at a wedge endpoint, we iterate through all wedges in the graph, and increment the common neighbor count for each endpoint pair. This exactly counts the common neighbors between all pairs without using set intersections, and as such attains an asymptotic improvement in runtime. Furthermore, our algorithm is simple to implement and only slight modifications are required for existing implementations to use our results. We provide an OpenMP implementation and evaluate it on real-world and synthetic graphs, demonstrating no loss of scalability and an asymptotic improvement. We show intersections are neither necessary nor helpful for computing all pairs common neighbor counts.
Intersectoral cooperation to increase HPV vaccine coverage: an innovative collaboration between Managed Care Organizations and state-level stakeholders

In order to reduce disparities in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage, intersectoral approaches are needed to reach vulnerable populations, including Medicaid enrollees. This manuscript des...
AccuReD: High Accuracy Training of CNNs on ReRAM/GPU Heterogeneous 3-D Architecture

The growing popularity of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) along with their complexity has led to the search for efficient computational platforms suitable for them. Resistive random-access memory (ReRAM)-based architectures offer a promising alternative to commonly used GPU-based platforms for training CNNs. However, due to their low-precision storage capability, these architectures cannot support all types of CNN layers and suffer from accuracy loss of the learned model. In addition, ReRAM behavior varies with temperature. High temperature reduces noise margin and introduces additional noise. This makes training of CNNs challenging as outputs can be misinterpreted at higher operating temperatures leading to accuracy loss. In this work, we propose an M3D-enabled heterogeneous architecture: AccuReD, that combines ReRAM arrays with GPU cores, to address these challenges and achieve high accuracy CNN training. AccuReD supports all types of CNN layers and achieve near-GPU accuracy even with low-precision and nonideal behavior of ReRAMs. In addition, to reduce temperature, we present a performance–thermal-aware mapping policy that maps CNN layers to the computing elements of AccuReD. Experimental evaluation indicates that AccuReD does not lose accuracy while accelerating CNN training by $12\times $ on an average compared to conventional GPU-only platforms.
A Reply to the National Conference of Bar Examiners: More Talk, No Answers, so Keep on Shopping

In Let the Games Begin: Jurisdiction-Shopping for the Shopaholics (Good Luck With That) Mark Albanese defends the National Conference of Bar Examiners’ grading practices as essential to assuring reliability given the variability in grading between UBE jurisdictions. In addressing the claim that it is possible to achieve different outcomes on the same test by the same candidate if taken in different UBE jurisdictions, he describes how NCBE monitors jurisdiction variation to ensure grading consistency. Those of us concerned, however, with the possibility that the jurisdiction in which a candidate takes the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) may make the difference between passing and failing will not find Mark Albanese’s explanations satisfactory. Contradictory and confusing perhaps, but not responsive. Rather than answer the question of whether it is possible for the same person to be found “competent” to practice law in one UBE jurisdiction and “incompetent” in another when it is the same person with the same skill level writing the same exam, NCBE deflects and disguises — and despite a lot of words and numbers — avoids it completely. This reply identifies the significant flaws in Dr. Albanese’s defense of NCBE’s scoring practices. These practices include standardizing the written scores to the subset of MBE scores that come only from that jurisdiction and standardizing written scores to multiple choice scores. The way that the written raw scores are standardized is itself a problem for two reasons and will be addressed. In so doing, the underlying question becomes clear: why would NCBE and Dr. Albanese defend admittedly defective practices — practices that are antithetical to the bar exam’s objective of determining an individual’s minimum competency for the practice of law?
A Multi-layered Approach to Fake News Identification, Measurement and Mitigation

Technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) has changed the way the world communicates and shares information. Emergent technologies, with their elaborate infrastructures for uploading, commenting, liking, and sharing, have created an almost ideal environment for news manipulation and abuse. Fake news stories in the media have real impacts on society and politics. The ease and speed of obtaining content through media networks have made information consumers more susceptible to falling prey to fake news. Critics across the political spectrum claim that fake news and cyber-attacks are playing an increasingly significant role in determining the course of world events. Unfortunately, solutions to this issue remain unclear: existing algorithms are not good enough to filter out blatant lies with 100% accuracy. This paper aims to discuss the mechanisms used to spread fake news and the algorithms used for identifying and measuring it. Multiple cyber security-enabled fake news case studies are analyzed, along with the attack mechanisms that led to those incidents. A new algorithm is proposed for identifying fake news, along with identification strategies to thwart fake news attacks.
Stroke Prevention After Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Where Are We Now?

Purpose of review Patients after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are at high risk of both ischemic stroke and recurrent ICH, and stroke prevention after ICH is important to improve the long-term outcomes in this patient population. The objective of this article is to review the current guidelines on stroke prevention measures after ICH as well as the new findings and controversies for future guidance. Recent findings Intensive blood pressure reduction might benefit ICH survivors significantly. Cholesterol levels and the risk of ICH have an inverse relationship, but statin therapy after ICH might be still beneficial. Anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation after ICH specifically with novel oral anticoagulants may be associated with better long-term outcomes. Left atrial appendage occlusion may be an alternative for stroke prevention in ICH survivors with atrial fibrillation for whom long-term anticoagulation therapy is contraindicated. While complete individualized risk assessment is imperative to prevent stroke after ICH, future research is required to address current controversies and knowledge gap in this topic.
Racial Perceptions, Racial Realities

When the corporate reform front Families for Excellent Schools moved into Massachusetts its leader promised a grassroots operation that would take its lead from parents. The images portrayed in FES’s literature, website, and advertisements were largely people of color. Yet despite claims made by the organization, it failed or didn’t try to mount a real community-based campaign. Grassroots activities like signature gathering, canvassing, phone calling, and mailing were all contracted out to political consultants. And in a campaign that spent over $25 million, very few of those dollars went to firms operated by people of color. What voters saw was a perception of a campaign driven by people of color. What was behind the scenes was a campaign run by white elites—a “bro” culture that ignored the voices of parents.
AUTOMATED STEERING CONTROL FOR VEHICLES

In this work, a new method to stabilize a vehicle, which is autonomously guided on the road by an optical sensor, is presented. Since the behaviour of a vehicle is nonlinear and contains mutual couplings in the dynamical variables, the design especially of algorithms for transverse control is based on the universal valid principle of feedback linearization. This method works independently from any operating point and, thus, a high degree of accuracy and free pole assignment for the overall system is provided. The design of the control system is based on absolute angular velocities. A strategy transforming these variables into a relative system by an adequate transformation is described. Thus, the control error of the angle describing the direction of movement is forced to disappear. As all essential nonlinearities are compensated, a linear behaviour with free pole assignment can be imposed on the overall system. Disturbances are handled by an integral term in the control algorithm. Thus, stability and convergence can be guaranteed even in the case of constant disturbances.
Evaluating Educational Materials

Educational materials come in all colors and sizes. An evaluator will frequently be called upon to assist a stakeholder, program developer, or director in selecting materials for a particular project. There usually will not be time to do a full-blown systematic comparative study. We must then rely on best professional judgments, usually using accepted absolute standards.
Breathing slower to live longer

Abstract Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in both the United States and worldwide. Stress likely plays a prominent role in the development of cardiovascular disease, especially coronary heart disease and hypertension. Yoga is an ancient Indian discipline with the goal of bringing balance and health to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of an individual. It is a holistic science which is likely one of the best methods for managing stress, reducing anger and hostility in response to daily life events, and preventing overall stress-induced illness. Pranayama is a component of yoga and is a form of breathing exercise, consisting of slow breathing (roughly 6 breaths per minute). It is one of the most practical and effective relaxation techniques. The purpose of this commentary is to further explore the cardiovascular and blood pressure lowering benefits of pranayama. It is plausible that a prescription of yoga, or pranayama in itself, in addition to pharmacotherapy may be even more effective in primary and secondary cardiovascular disease prevention and risk factor modulation than pharmacological intervention alone, given its mental health benefits and thus impact on non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as anxiety, depression, hostility, anger, and overall stress, its effects on blood pressure, and its minimal side effects.
Microfossil Phosphatization and Its Astrobiological Implications

Dr. Shuhai Xiao is currently full Professor of Geobiology at the Department of Geosciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He received his B.Sc. degree from Beijing University (Beijing, China, 1988) and Ph.D. from Harvard University (Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 1998). In the past 10 years, he has been working on the biological and environmental evolution in Earth’s early history.
ZNF198–FGFR1 transforming activity depends on a novel proline-rich ZNF198 oligomerization domain

An acquired chromosomal translocation, t(8;13)(p11;q11-12), observed in a distinctive type of stem cell leukemia/lymphoma syndrome, leads to the fusion of the 5′ portion of ZNF198 and the 3′ portion of FGFR1. ZNF198–FGFR1 fusion transcripts encode 4 to 10 zinc fingers, a proline-rich region, and the intracellular portion of the FGFR1 (fibroblast growth factor receptor 1) receptor tyrosine kinase. We demonstrate that the ZNF198 proline-rich region constitutes a novel self-association domain. When fused to the intracellular domain of FGFR1, the ZNF198 proline-rich region is sufficient to cause oligomerization, FGFR1 tyrosine kinase activation, and transformation of Ba/F3 cells to IL-3 independent growth.
Verification of All Circuits in a Floating-Point Unit Using Word-Level Model Checking

This paper presents the formal verification of all sub-circuits in a floating-point arithmetic unit (FPU) from an Intel microprocessor using a word-level model checker. This work represents the first large-scale application of word-level model checking techniques. The FPU can perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, square root, division, remainder, and rounding operations; verifying such a broad range of functionality required coupling the model checker with a number of other techniques, such as property decomposition, property-specific model extraction, and latch removal. We will illustrate our verification techniques using the Weitek WTL3170/3171 Sparc floating point coprocessor as an example. The principal contribution of this paper is a practical verification methodology explaining what techniques to apply (and where to apply them) when verifying floating-point arithmetic circuits. We have applied our methods to the floating-point unit of a state-of-the-art Intel microprocessor, which is capable of extended precision (64-bit mantissa) computation. The success of this effort demonstrates that word-level model checking, with the help of other verification techniques, can verify arithmetic circuits of the size and complexity found in industry.
The biology of Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus, of Gander Lake, a large, deep, oligotrophic lake in Newfoundland, Canada

Resident Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus, are widespread throughout the island of Newfoundland. This study examines aspects of the biology and spatial and temporal distributions of the charr of Gander Lake, the third largest in Newfoundland (surface area = 11 320 ha, maximum depth = 288 m, mean depth = 105.4 m). The deepest part of the lake is approximately 258 m below sea level. The lake is well oxygenated from the surface to the bottom during all seasons. Sampling was conducted with Lundgren multiple-mesh experimental gillnets and baited hooks. There appears to be two morphs present, based on colour (dark and pale) and certain meristic characteristics. Dark charr were caught mainly in benthic nets (at depths from 1 to 100 m inclusive) with only a few pelagic captures. Pale charr were caught only in benthic nets at depths between 20 and 100 m inclusive. The maximum depth sampled was 196 m, but there was no catch. There was a tendency for dark charr to be found in deeper, cooler water as the upper water column and inshore areas warmed during summer. There was no apparent trend in size of charr with depth sampled. Dark and pale charr both fed on benthic macroinvertebrates; sticklebacks were consumed only by dark charr and the importance of this prey item increased with size of predator. Zooplankton and surface food were not utilised by Gander Lake charr. Results of the study are compared with findings reported for other water bodies in Newfoundland and Labrador, North America, and Europe, particularly Loch Ness which has similarities in morphometry and trophic status to Gander Lake.
Intestinal Trefoil Factor Induces Decay-Accelerating Factor Expression and Enhances the Protective Activities Against Complement Activation in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Mucosal damage induces a massive influx of serum complement components into the lumen. The epithelium produces a number of factors that can potentially ameliorate injury including intestinal trefoil factor (ITF), a small protease-resistant peptide produced and secreted onto the mucosal surface by goblet cells, and decay-accelerating factor (DAF), a protein produced by columnar epithelium which protects the host tissue from autologous complement injury. However, coordination of these intrinsic defensive products has not been delineated. DAF protein and mRNA expression were evaluated by immunoblotting and Northern blotting, respectively. NF-κB-DNA binding activity and DAF promoter activity were assessed by an electrophoretic gel mobility shift assay and a reporter gene luciferase assay, respectively. ITF induced a dose- and time-dependent increase in DAF protein and mRNA expression in human (HT-29 and T84) and rat (IEC-6) intestinal epithelial cells. In differentiated T84 cells grown on cell culture inserts, basolateral stimulation with ITF strongly enhanced DAF expression, but apical stimulation had no effects. The C3 deposition induced by complement activation was significantly blocked by the treatment with ITF. In HT-29 cells, ITF increased the stability of DAF mRNA. ITF also enhanced the promoter activity of the DAF gene via NF-κB motif and induced activation of NF-κB-DNA binding activity. ITF promotes protection of epithelial cells from complement activation via up-regulation of DAF expression, contributing to a robust mucosal defense.
Reflections on ‘development’: Grassroots approaches and alternative politics in the Third World

Abstract This article analyses a radical critique of the discourse of ‘development’ as a hegemonic form of representation of the Third World that has been advanced recently by a number of Third World scholars. Although originating in various geographical areas, the authors of this group nevertheless share certain assumptions and concerns. Prominent among these are the interest in local knowledge and culture as the basis for redefining representations; a critical stance with respect to established scientific knowledge; and the defence and promotion of localized, pluralistic grassroots movements. The call of these authors for the dismantling of ‘development’ is discussed in the context of broader questions posed by the emergence of 1980s' and 1990s' social movements generally.
Proteins Specified by Herpes Simplex Virus VIII. Characterization and Composition of Multiple Capsid Forms of Subtypes 1 and 2

Two classes of herpesvirus capsids, designated A and B, were isolated from the nuclei of human cells infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV). A and B capsids share in common four structural proteins, i.e., no. 5, 19, 23, and 24. B capsids contain 7.7 to 9.7 times more deoxyribonucleic acid than A capsids; moreover, they contain proteins no. 21 and 22a in addition. All of the proteins contained in the capsid except no. 22a are present in the enveloped nucleocapsids (virions) in approximately the same molar ratios. The capsid proteins of HSV-1 cannot be differentiated from their HSV-2 counterparts with respect to electrophoretic mobility. A third class of capsids, designated C capsids, was isolated from virions contained in the cytoplasm of infected cells by the same procedure used to obtain A and B capsids. The C capsids contain all of the proteins present in A capsids plus proteins 1 to 3 and 21. Images
The Moderating Effects of Cultural Context in Buyer-Seller Negotiation

E. T. Hall's (1976) conceptualization of high and low context cultures has surfaced in the literature as a driving force in determining buyers' and sellers' negotiation styles. We explore the effect low and high cultural contexts have on the relationship between international sales representatives' demographic characteristics and their cooperative negotiating styles. Exporters from the United States (low context) and the Philippines (high context) were sampled to study the effects of gender, educational level, and experience on the cooperative problem-solving approach to negotiation. Results indicated problem-solving levels between high and low context sample groups were significantly different but no gender differences were noted within the same cultural context. Our findings also suggested that cultural context moderates the relationship between the negotiator's experience and negotiation style. Negotiator experience had a greater positive effect on the cooperative style when negotiators were from the l...
Learning fuzzy logic control: an indirect control approach

A systematic methodology for the design of a learning fuzzy logic control system is presented. The basic design idea is an indirect control approach where selection of control parameters relies on the estimates of process parameters. The control law consists of three components: an online fuzzy identifier, a desired transition model, and a fuzzy controller. The fuzzy version of the signal Hebbian learning law is introduced for adaptively identifying the process relation of the unknown plant. The desired transition model is constructed so that the control designer's goal can be achieved. A computationally efficient way to construct the transition model is provided via a forward-in-time method based on the concept of truncated policy space. Clear trade-offs between control performance and computational complexity are obtained. >
Schedulability Analysis for Real-Time Task Set on Resource with Performance Degradation and Periodic Rejuvenation

Most schedulability analyses in the literature assume that the performance of computing resource does not change over time. However, due to ever increased complexity of computer systems, software aging issues become more difficult, if not impossible, to eradicate. Hence, the assumption that computing resource has a constant performance in its entire lifetime does not hold in real world long-standing systems. In this paper, we study real-time task schedulability under a resource model that the resource's performance degrades with a known degradation function and the resource is periodically rejuvenated. The resource model is referred to as P2-resource model for performance degradation and periodic rejuvenation. We address three real-task schedulability related questions under the P2-resource model, i.e., (1) resource supply bounds of the P2-resource, (2) task set utilization bounds under Earliest Deadline First (EDF) and Rate Monotonic (RM) scheduling policies, respectively, and (3) experimentally study the tightness of the bounds developed, and the impact of resource degradation rate, rejuvenation period, and rejuvenation cost on the bounds.
A description of tides near the Chesapeake Bay entrance using in situ data with an adjoint model

[1] Time series of surface elevation and current velocity in the vicinity of the Chesapeake Bay entrance are assimilated into a linear, barotropic model using an iterative adjoint method. Tide surface elevations, NOAA-NOS tidal data, moored acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP), and ocean surface current radar (OSCR) data are included in the assimilation. Data are analyzed for three tidal constituents (M2, S2, O1); tidal series are constructed from these constituents and then used in the model assimilations. Statistics of predicted currents compare favorably with those calculated from data not used in the assimilation. An error analysis of the data distribution is performed for the M2 tidal component, showing lower errors near assimilation data series but large errors, particularly for velocity, at some locations. Addition of a hypothetical current mooring dramatically reduces errors over most of the domain. We believe these results give the most demonstrably accurate description now available of tidal currents for this region of strong currents and heavy shipping.
Crash fatality risk and unibody versus body-on-frame structure in SUVs

Abstract Background In crashes between cars and SUVs, car occupants are more likely to be killed than if they crashed with another car. An increasing proportion of SUVs are built with unibody, rather than truck-like body-on-frame construction. Unibody SUVs are generally lighter, less stiff, and less likely to roll over than body-on-frame SUVs, but whether unibody structure affects risk of death in crashes is unknown. Objective To determine whether unibody SUVs differ from body-on-frame SUVs in the danger they pose to occupants of other vehicles and in the self-protection they offer to their own occupants. Methods Case–control study of crashes between one compact SUV and one other passenger vehicle in the US during 1995–2008, in which the SUV was model year 1996–2006. Cases were all decedents in fatal crashes, one control was selected from each non-fatal crash. Findings Occupants of passenger vehicles that crashed with compact unibody SUVs were at 18% lower risk of death compared to those that crashed with compact body-on-frame SUVs (adjusted odds ratio 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.73–0.94)). Occupants of compact unibody SUVs were also at lower risk of death compared to occupants of body-on-frame SUVs (0.86 (0.72–1.02)). Conclusions In two-vehicle collisions involving compact SUVs, unibody structure was associated with lower risk of death both in occupants of other vehicles in the crash, and in SUVs’ own occupants.
Symptomatic Cerebral Vasospasm Following Resection of a Medulloblastoma in a Child

Vasospasm may occur following intracranial tumor resection but is uncommon following resection of tumors in the posterior fossa. Case report. Here, we report an unusual pediatric case of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm following resection of a posterior fossa medulloblastoma in a 10-year-old child. CT angiogram and serial Transcranial Doppler (TCD) studies confirmed the presence of vasospasm and response to hemodynamic augmentation therapy, resulting in favorable outcome. This case illustrates an unusual complication of posterior fossa tumor resection, and the potential utility of TCD studies in the detection and management of vasospasm in pediatric neurocritical care.
Giant quasi-elastic responses in decomposed two-phase nanodispersions: Phase field modeling

Abstract Using the 3D and 2D computational prototyping of formation of precipitation hardened alloys with low symmetry (tetragonal) precipitates, we have demonstrated that coherent single-domain nano-precipitates of a low-symmetry phase can have low-hysteretic strain super responses to the applied fields and large blocking force. The modeling is based on the newly developed phase field theory of displacive transformations in strongly anharmonic decomposing alloys (Acta Mater 2011;59:4494). It is shown that the giant strain response is achieved by displacive field-induced anharmonic rotation of structural orientation of the domain state of the nanoprecipitates. The energy cost of such a rotation is described by structural anisotropy, a new concept proposed in that theory. The modeling is performed for the cases of low structural anisotropy. It is shown that in the limit case of vanishing structural anisotropy, special glass-like structural state with random orientation relations to the parent cubic phase is produced. The simulation results demonstrate special properties of precipitation hardened nanodispersions of the tetragonal phase and provide a guide for a development of this new class of super-responsive functional materials.
Aerial dispersal of the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) from field corn

Field data from 48 plots monitored during diverse weather conditions in two separate years were subjected to multiple regression analysis to determine which factors were related to spider-mite aerial dispersal. With the number of aerially dispersing mites as the dependent variable, partial regression coefficients (b) for mite population density and percent corn-leaf area infested with mites were positive, while those for percentNeozygites-infected mites and hours per week ≥90% r.h. were negative. When an aerial dispersal index (number of aerially dispersing mites/mites per plant) was used as the dependent variable, the partial regression coefficient for percent leaf area infested was positive, while coefficients for hours per week ≥90% r.h. and percentNeozygites-infected mites were negative. Mite aerial dispersal was greatest in predator-suppressed field plots under dry weather conditions. Mite aerial dispersal was substantially reduced in plots where moist weather conditions induced epizootics ofNeozygites floridana before corn plants became entirely infested with mites.
Growth of Aortic Explants and Arteriosclerosis

Measurements of the growth of aortic explants taken from rats after breeding show that arterial samples from rats with arteriosclerosis grow less than do samples taken from healthy rats. The retardation of growth due to arteriosclerosis is especially marked in samples taken from the abdominal aorta.
Assignment of the Mouse Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase Gene (Acp5) to Chromosome 9

Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase is a marker enzyme for osteoclasts, the multinucleated cell responsible for bone resorption. Interspecific somatic whole cell hybrids and karyotypically simple microcell hybrids were used to map the gene encoding tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (Acp5) to mouse Chromosome 9. Acp5 is therefore a member of a syntenic family of genes that map to human chromosome 19p13.1-p13.3 and mouse Chromosome 9.
Preparation of a cathepsin D sensitive near-infrared fluorescence probe for imaging

A variety of proteases are overexpressed or activated during pathogenesis and represent important targets for therapeutic drugs. We have previously shown that optical imaging probes sensitive in the near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) spectrum can be used for in vivo imaging of enzyme activity. In the current study, we show that these probes can be designed with specificity for specific enzymes, for example, cathepsin D which is known to be overexpressed in many tumors. A NIR cyanine fluorochrome served as the optical reporter and was attached to the amino terminal of an 11 amino acid peptide sequence with specificity for cathepsin D. The peptides were subsequently attached to a synthetic graft copolymer for efficient tumoral delivery. The close spatial proximity of the multiple fluorochromes resulted in quenching of fluorescence in the bound state. A 350-fold signal amplification was observed post cleavage during in vitro testing. Cell culture experiments using a rodent tumor cell line stably transfected with human cathepsin D confirmed enzyme specific activation within cells. This sequence but not a scrambled control sequence showed enzyme specificity in vitro. We conclude that activatable NIRF optical probes can be synthesized to potentially probe for specific enzymes in living organisms.
Knowledge in cancer beliefs: obstacles to care?

Significant progress has been made in the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to cancer over the last several decades. Through screening procedures for diseases such as breast, cervical, and colon cancer, malignancies may be detected early where the changes for surgical cure are great. Even in patients who present with advanced disease, chemotherapy affords prolongation of survival and in some cancers, like testicular cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a chance for cure. Despite these advances, we have recognized that impoverished Americans have a 10-15% poorer survival rate than the more affluent society (1). In part, the inferior outcome may be causally related to later diagnoses, but other factors such as risk-promoting lifestyles and behaviors are also contributory. Additional barriers to optimal treatment may be inadequate knowledge and inaccurate beliefs about cancer, particularly in a socially economically depressed population (2). While cancer patients often seek information about their illness, some groups of patients such as lower income, poorly educated, and elderly individuals are either intimidated by the health care system or have difficulty with the process of obtaininginformation or implementing physician recommendations. Consequently, knowledge deficits and improper beliefs may lead to inadequate or inappropriate use of the health care delivery system. To examine this issue, we evaluated knowledge and careseeking behavior in a group of cancer patients derived from a socially and economically depressed population followed at a metropolitan hospital.
Role of the Gag Matrix Domain in Targeting Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Assembly

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) particle formation and the subsequent initiation of protease-mediated maturation occur predominantly on the plasma membrane. However, the mechanism by which HIV-1 assembly is targeted specifically to the plasma membrane versus intracellular membranes is largely unknown. Previously, we observed that mutations between residues 84 and 88 of the matrix (MA) domain of HIV-1 Gag cause a retargeting of virus particle formation to an intracellular site. In this study, we demonstrate that the mutant virus assembly occurs in the Golgi or in post-Golgi vesicles. These particles undergo core condensation in a protease-dependent manner, indicating that virus maturation can occur not only on the plasma membrane but also in the Golgi or post-Golgi vesicles. The intracellular assembly of mutant particles is dependent on Gag myristylation but is not influenced by p6Gag or envelope glycoprotein expression. Previous characterization of viral revertants suggested a functional relationship between the highly basic domain of MA (amino acids 17 to 31) and residues 84 to 88. We now demonstrate that mutations in the highly basic domain also retarget virus particle formation to the Golgi or post-Golgi vesicles. Although the basic domain has been implicated in Gag membrane binding, no correlation was observed between the impact of mutations on membrane binding and Gag targeting, indicating that these two functions of MA are genetically separable. Plasma membrane targeting of Gag proteins with mutations in either the basic domain or between residues 84 and 88 was rescued by coexpression with wild-type Gag; however, the two groups of MA mutants could not rescue each other. We propose that the highly basic domain of MA contains a major determinant of HIV-1 Gag plasma membrane targeting and that mutations between residues 84 and 88 disrupt plasma membrane targeting through an effect on the basic domain.
Monotonicity properties of Dirichlet integrals with applications to the multinomial distribution and the analysis of variance

SUMMARY Bounds for the tails of Dirichlet integrals are established by showing that each integral as a function of the limits is a Schur function. In particular, it is shown how these bounds apply to the simultaneous analysis of variance test and to the multinomial distribution.
[11C]acetate and [11C]methionine: Improved syntheses and quality control

Abstract Two 11 C-labeled radiopharmaceuticals which are routinely used in clinical PET procedures are [ 11 C]acetate and [ 11 C]methionine. In implementing published procedures for their synthesis, modifications of the procedures and chemistry were made to create a more rapid and reproducible production process for routine clinical application. We report simplified methods which allow a single apparatus to be used for all 11 C syntheses which use methyl iodide, Grignard reagents, or acetone as labeled synthetic precursors. A reliable TLC quality control method for [ 11 C]acetate is also reported.
The Biology of Tumor Invasion, Angiogenesis and Lymph Node Metastasis

It is now well established that the development of cervical metastases, in particular those with extranodal extension of tumor, negatively impacts both regional control and survival of patients with laryngeal carcinoma. This chapter will begin with an introduction of the important molecular events associated with the transition of the squamous epithelium of the upper aerodigestive tract to metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. We will then review the critical cellular events identified as the tumor progresses from an in situ to invasive and finally a metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Finally we will review data from our own and other laboratories which are studying the process of new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) induced by tumor-derived growth factors. As we develop a better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, new therapies effective at preventing the development of secondary tumors can be realized ultimately increasing the patient's survival.
Numerical results indicate a half-filling SU(4) Kondo state in carbon nanotubes

Numerical calculations simulate transport experiments in carbon nanotube quantum dots (P. Jarillo-Herrero et al., Nature 434, 484 (2005)), where a strongly enhanced Kondo temperature T_K ~ 8K was associated with the SU(4) symmetry of the Hamiltonian at quarter-filling for an orbitally double-degenerate single-occupied electronic shell. Our results clearly suggest that the Kondo conductance measured for an adjacent shell with T_K ~ 16K, interpreted as a singlet-triplet Kondo effect, can be associated instead to an SU(4) Kondo effect at half-filling. Besides presenting spin-charge Kondo screening similar to the quarter-filling SU(4), the half-filling SU(4) has been recently associated to very rich physical behavior, including a non-Fermi-liquid state (M. R. Galpin et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 186406 (2005)).
Basic Mechanics of DNA Methylation and the Unique Landscape of the DNA Methylome in Metal-Induced Carcinogenesis

DNA methylation plays an intricate role in the regulation of gene expression and events that compromise the integrity of the methylome may potentially contribute to disease development. DNA methylation is a reversible and regulatory modification that elicits a cascade of events leading to chromatin condensation and gene silencing. In general, normal cells are characterized by gene-specific hypomethylation and global hypermethylation, while cancer cells portray a reverse profile to this norm. The unique methylome displayed in cancer cells is induced after exposure to carcinogenic metals such as nickel, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium (VI). These metals alter the DNA methylation profile by provoking both hyper- and hypo-methylation events. The metal-stimulated deviations to the methylome are possible mechanisms for metal-induced carcinogenesis and may provide potential biomarkers for cancer detection. Development of therapies based on the cancer methylome requires further research including human studies that supply results with larger impact and higher human relevance.
Photocoagulation to Prevent Retinal Detachment in Acute Retinal Necrosis

Retinal detachment (RD) occurs in more than 50% of eyes with acute retinal necrosis (ARN) and is the leading cause of visual loss in this syndrome. In order to decrease the incidence of RD in ARN, the authors treated 12 eyes of 10 patients with prophylactic laser photocoagulation. Retinal detachment occurred in two eyes (17%). Over the same time period, seven eyes with ARN did not receive prophylactic laser treatment, most often because of dense vitreous debris, with a 67% rate of RD. Prophylactic photocoagulation treatment should be considered in the management of patients with ARN.
Phase-field model of spiral dendritic growth.

Domains of condensed-phase monolayers of chiral molecules exhibit a variety of interesting nonequilibrium structures when formed via pressurization. To model these domain patterns, we add a complex field describing the tilt degree of freedom to an (anisotropic) complex-phase-field solidification model. The resulting formalism allows for the inclusion of (in general, non-reflection symmetric) interactions between the tilt, the solid-liquid interface, and the bond orientation. Simulations demonstrate the ability of the model to exhibit spiral dendritic growth.
Potential importance of error catastrophe to the development of antiviral strategies for hantaviruses

Hantaviruses represent an important and growing source of disease emergence in both established and developing countries. The New World hantaviruses have been touted as potential biological weapons because of their lethality to humans and high infectivity as an aerosol. It is also important to acknowledge the threat that hantaviruses can represent to US troops that operate in a foreign territory endemic for hantavirus infection, as was demonstrated in the Korean War. Effective vaccines, immunotherapeutics and antivirals for the prophylaxis or treatment of hantaviral infections are not available. Recent evidence that hantaviruses are prone to error catastrophe opens the door to the development of new therapeutic strategies. Possible future directions for applying lethal mutagenesis as a strategy for the development of novel and more effective antiviral therapies for treatment of hantavirus infections are discussed.
Fatigue Crack Growth Fundamentals in Shape Memory Alloys

In this study, based on a regression of the crack tip displacements, the stress intensity range in fatigue is quantitatively determined for the shape memory alloy Ni2FeGa. The results are compared to the calculated stress intensity ranges with a micro-mechanical analysis accounting for the transformation-induced tractions. The effective stress intensity ranges obtained with both methods are in close agreement. Also, the fatigue crack closure levels were measured as 30 % of the maximum load using virtual extensometers along the crack flanks. This result is also in close agreement with the regression and micro-mechanical modeling findings. The current work pointed to the importance of elastic moduli changes and the residual transformation strains playing a role in the fatigue crack growth behavior. Additional simulations are conducted for two other important shape memory alloys, NiTi and CuZnAl, where the reductions in stress intensity range were found to be lower than Ni2FeGa.
Direct observation by 1H NMR of 4,5-benzoxepin-2,3-oxide and its surprisingly rapid ring-opening rearrangement to 1H-2-benzopyran-1-carboxaldehyde☆

The first unambiguous observation of an oxepin-2,3-oxide is reported. Between 5 and 10 °C it rearranges rapidly to its isomer 1H-2-benzopyran-1-carboxaldehyde. In contrast, 2,3-oxides of monocyclic oxepins rearrange to stable, ring-opened dialdehydes or diketones.
Inverse avalanches on Abelian sandpiles.

A simple and computationally efficient way of finding inverse avalanches for Abelian sandpiles, called the inverse particle addition operator, is presented. In addition, the method is shown to be optimal in the sense that it requires the minimum amount of computation among methods of the same kind. The method is also conceptually succinct because avalanche and inverse avalanche are placed in the same footing.
Parabrachial nucleus: neuronal evoked responses to gastric vagal and greater splanchnic nerve stimulation.

Abstract Unitary responses were recorded extracellularly in the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) in anesthetized cats during electrical stimulation of the 1) gastric branches of the ventral and dorsal vagal trunks which serve the proximal stomach, and 2) left greater splanchnic nerve. The gastric vagally evoked parabrachial responses consisted of phasic single and multiple spike orthodromic discharges, which were bilaterally distributed, with a mean latency of 349 ms (S.D. ± 38.5). The parabrachial-evoked splanchnic unitary responses had a much shorter latency with a bimodal distribution (mean latencies, 53 and 128 ms, respectively). Convergence of gastric vagal input from the proximal stomach and the left greater splanchnic nerve upon single neurons in the PBN was electrophysiologically demonstrated in 132 units. Eighty-seven percent of the gastric vagally evoked parabrachial unitary responses were inhibited by simultaneous electrical stimulation of the splanchnic nerve. The condition-test paradigm was used to evaluate the time course of the splanchnic inhibition of the gastric vagally evoked parabrachial response. Reciprocal connections between neuronal populations in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) which received gastric vagal input and the PBN were also identified electrophysiologically by direct microstimulation of the former structure. The density and characteristics of the gastric vagal and greater splanchnic input to the PBN suggested that this nucleus receives and processes a substantial amount of visceral afferent input. The PBN may serve as an important site for integrating visceral information governing the proximal stomach and ingestive processes.
Big books and big cities

Abstract Each ‘Bookwatch’ attempts to tackle a theme related to cities or at least to select a group of relevant books which can be discussed with some degree of cohesion. This is not easy since, of course, books do not arrive (and are not published) in a coherent manner. Sometimes the attempt has to be jettisoned in favour of ‘This quarter's arrivals’. However, in this issue it has been possible to bring together a series of books most of which are ‘related’ in the sense that they discuss specific cities or particular groups of cities. Most of the cities are big ones — and most of the books are commensurately big, though the last one to be discussed is an exception.
Optimal Starting Height for Pole-Vaulting

We have constructed a model for computing the expected height a pole-vaulter will clear when he starts his vaulting at a predetermined height, provided that the bar is raised in constant steps. The model uses conditional joint probabilities that the pole-vaulter will clear certain heights in one of the three possible trial vaults at each height, provided that he has already vaulted a certain number of times. These probabilities decrease as the number of vaults increases. The optimal starting height for pole-vaulting is determined by searching for the starting height that will maximize the expected height cleared. An approach is outlined for deriving the required probabilities from easily obtainable data. The model and its assumptions are validated with a numerical example, and a comparison is shown between pre-and post-optimal results.
On the product XY for the elliptically symmetric Kotz type distribution

The distribution of the product XY is derived when (X, Y) has the elliptically symmetric Kotz type distribution.
Non-causal Fliess operators and their shuffle algebra

Fliess operators as a class of non-linear operators have been well studied in several respects. They have a well developed realization theory and convenient representations in terms of directed infinite products of exponential Lie series. Their interconnection as subsystems has been studied, as has their relationship to rational systems. They find applications in such diverse areas as discretization methods for controls systems, optimal control, neural network analysis, and the numerical solution of stochastic differential equations. One issue concerning Fliess operators, however, that has received little attention is their possible generalization to the non-causal case. Examples of such operators appear implicitly in the literature addressing Hilbert adjoints of causal non-linear operators and system inversion for the purpose of output tracking. But a general, systematic treatment of the subject has not appeared. In this paper, a non-causal extension of a Fliess operator is developed with the primary focus being on local convergence, continuity, the associated shuffle algebra, and computing adjoint operators.